The Diamond of London - by Andrea Penrose (Paperback)

About the Book

When her formidable intelligence, outspoken opinions and headstrong determination gain her the favor of the beau monde's leading taste-maker Beau Brummell, Lady Hester Stanhope learns to bend the rules of the ton to her own advantage until England is plunged into war, changing her world forever.

Book Synopsis

"What a life Lady Hester had!...Simply sparkles!" --Kate Quinn, New York Times Bestselling Author of The Diamond Eye

Fans of Shana Abé, Theresa Ann Fowler, and Fiona Davis will be captivated by the unforgettable spirit at the heart of the USA Today bestselling author's dazzling new historical novel based on the real life of Lady Hester Stanhope, a British aristocrat born into an illustrious family of swashbuckling war heroes and brilliant political leaders. Lady Hester was a Regency-era adventuress who lived on her own terms and defied all conventional strictures of what a woman could and couldn't do during the Regency era.

"Andrea Penrose's impeccable research and attention to detail brings this unique and fascinating historical figure to sparkling life." --Christine Wells, author of The Royal Windsor Secret

"A truly dazzling read!" --Eliza Knight, USA Today and international bestselling author of Starring Adele Astaire

Even with her privileged life, Lady Hester Stanhope knows that claiming the adventurous life she truly wants will not be easy, thanks to her eccentric father's stifling grip. With the help of her renowned statesman uncle William Pitt the Younger, she takes on the glittering, treacherous heights of London Society. Her formidable intelligence, outspoken opinions, and headstrong determination gain the favor of the beau monde's leading taste-maker Beau Brummell--and she quickly learns to bend the rules of the ton to her own advantage. And as her uncle's hostess, she astutely uses her skills to preside over--and give advice to--the most influential figures of her day, rising to a position unequaled in society . . .

But when it comes to holy matrimony, Hester will settle for no less than a passionate match of equals--a search marked by challenges and heartbreak. Her affair with a charismatic naval officer tempts her with forbidden pleasures--even as it threatens her reputation. Her love for a sophisticated, brilliant diplomat offers the marriage of her dreams . . . and unsuspected betrayal. And as England is plunged into war, Hester's world changes forever, causing her to find courage and strength amid loss, chart a completely unexpected future--and make a glorious legacy forever hers . . .

Review Quotes

Praise for The Diamond of London

"Real-life Regency adventuress Lady Hester Stanhope may very well have been the prototype for every historical heroine who despises rules, rides astride, falls in love as she pleases, and courts adventure in ballrooms and battlefields alike--and Andrea Penrose brings her to glittering life in this well-penned historical debut. Hester bucks convention at every turn, rejecting marriage to become her Prime Minister uncle's political hostess and take her place on the world stage, but war and heartbreak will force her to ask what future she really wants. The Diamond of London simply sparkles!" --Kate Quinn, New York Times Bestselling author of The Diamond Eye on The Diamond of London

"A fascinating and well-researched novel, delving into the intriguing and adventurous life of Lady Hester Stanhope. The Diamond of London brings the captivating, and sometimes scandalous, characters of the Regency era roaring to life--a truly dazzling read!" --Eliza Knight, USA Today and international bestselling author of Starring Adele Astaire on The Diamond of London

"Andrea Penrose's impeccable research and attention to detail brings this unique and fascinating historical figure to sparkling life." --Christine Wells, author of The Royal Windsor Secret

About the Author

Andrea Penrose is the acclaimed author of Regency-era historical fiction, including the USA Today bestselling Wrexford & Sloane mystery series, as well as Regency romances written under the names Cara Elliott and Andrea Pickens. Published internationally in ten languages, she is a three-time RITA Award-finalist and the recipient of numerous writing awards, including two Daphne Du Maurier Awards for Historical Mystery and two Gold Leaf Awards. A graduate of Yale University with a B.A. in Art and an M.F.A. in Graphic Design, Andrea fell in love with Regency England after reading Pride and Prejudice, and has maintained a fascination with the era's swirling silks and radical new ideas throughout her writing career. She lives in Connecticut and blogs with a community of historical fiction authors at WordWenches.com. She also can be found at AndreaPenrose.com