The Runaway Bride: A Lyme Park Scandal (Stately Scandals, Book 1)

A Lyme Park Scandal

By: Felicity York

Narrated by: Laura Brydon

Only the boldest of ladies risks her heart and her reputation . . .

THE FIRST BOOK IN THE STATELY SCANDALS SERIES

1826. At first sight, Ellen Turner does not seem the type to elope with a stranger. So when the young heriess vanishes from her boarding school in the arms of the rugged scoundrel Edward Wakefield, and the pair are sighted in a carriage racing from Gretna Green to the Port of Dover, her virtue becomes the subject of hot public debate.

In the ensuing court case, Ellen keeps a cool head. Until she discovers who is judging the trial – her mortifyingly handsome and charming neighbour, Thomas Legh of Lyme Park.

Ellen faces a choice. To pursue the husband of her dreams would mean risking everything. But when a lady’s reputation already lies in tatters, what has she to lose?

Inspired by the incredible true story of romance, subterfuge and intrigue, The Runaway Bride will whisk you away on the escapade that was Lyme Park’s greatest scandal.

* * *

The Stately Scandals series is a brand new selection of incredible true stories, never before told in fiction, by Felicity York. Each novel follows one of the most rebellious women to have lived in the stately homes of 19th-century northern England. The next novel in the series, The Quiet Wife: A Speke Hall Scandal, will be published in June 2024spring 2025.

©2023 HarperCollinsPublishers Ltd

Critic reviews

READERS LOVE THE RUNAWAY BRIDE

‘This is honestly the best book I have read in a long time’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘The romance was beautiful’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Romps along at a cracking pace’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘All the more thrilling for being based on a true story’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I recommend this book to anyone who loves romance’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Can’t wait for the next book in the series!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘The author brought such care and excitement to the characters’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Not just a romance but also a glimpse of the social history of the time’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘It mixes my two loves, romance and courtroom drama’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Fascinating story, delightful style’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Something completely different’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Kept me on the edge of my seat’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

What an incredible story!

I was very impressed with the writing of this "based on true events" story. It kept me guessing what would happen next. I thoroughly enjoyed the book.