A Lady of Merit by Kiylee Davis: Book Review (ARC)

Details

• Genre: Historical fiction
• Series: Rosecrest Estate (Book #2)
• Length: 317 pages (EPUB)
• Publication Date: August 11, 2026

Tropes

• Forced proximity
• Marriage of convenience
• Retelling

My Rating

Book Description

“Margaret Astley’s goal in life has always been to be invisible, but when her older sister runs away, all of London starts to gossip. It’s Margaret’s job to help bring her family’s name back into good standing. But she doesn’t have much time. Her parent’s finances cannot handle another season in London.

Lord John Merritt, Earl of Faversham, was once a happy boy, but has not been the same since his father’s passing. He needs to find a wife, not just to produce a heir, but because he needs someone to bring back his smile.

They both deserve a chance at love, but will blackmailers, overbearing widows, runaway sisters, and unidentified bow street runners get in their way?”

— from Goodreads

My Review

Margaret Astley wasn’t even supposed to be out in Society yet, let alone catch the eye of an earl.

While there is some inspiration from Cinderella, I liked that this story wasn’t a beat for beat retelling. It kept the plot from becoming too predictable.

Margaret continually struggled with self-doubt, which wasn’t surprising given the cutting remarks she’s had to endure and the environment she grew up in.

But with the support of her new husband and in-laws, she slowly became more sure of herself (both as John’s wife and as the Countess of Faversham).

Margaret’s joy and kindness caught John’s attention from the very beginning.  A single unguarded moment of laughter. Not her looks or any of the skills society deemed important.

Their own fears and insecurities sometimes prevented them from properly communicating with each other, but they found their way in the end.

I loved all the little ways John tried to show Margaret he cared, from exhilarating horseback rides to new sheet music.

I received a gifted ARC from the author via BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Favorite Moments

🌹 “My John”
🌹 the portrait hall
🌹 morning ride
🌹 new sheet music
🌹 Epilogue

Favorite Quotes

“But why had he wanted to court her? What had made him see her as his potential bride? ‘I think,’ John looked into the green eyes of his best friend, ‘it was her laugh…’“

Kiylee Davis

“Not a social nicety from Lord Merritt to Miss Astley, but a simple gesture from John to Margaret, to let her know that he was thinking of her.“

Kiylee Davis

“His father’s death and the responsibilities that followed had surrounded him in darkness. But with a tug at his heart, Margaret was pulling him back into the light.“

Kiylee Davis

“Yes, my lord,’ Margaret responded….
‘We are married now, Margaret. You can call me John.’
‘Yes, my…John.’
‘Oooh, yes, “My John” is quite an improvement. Please call me that whenever you please.’ He smirked, keeping his tone playful, but his heart had flipped at the phrase…“

Kiylee Davis

“For some reason, he had imagined the whole event to be more significant, but in truth, a wedding only lasts half an hour. It is marriage that lasts a lifetime.“

Kiylee Davis

“John found himself even more drawn to her today than he was then. Because she looked like…Maggie. And he could not think of anything more beautiful.“

Kiylee Davis

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