From Ashes to Duchess: A Historical Regency Romance Novel

by Bridget Barton

After the death of her father, Lady Elizabeth Harlow faces a new her stepmother has found a contract promising her to an unscrupulous man. Determined to escape, she flees in the night and takes a position as a companion in the household of Duke of Clairmont. She hopes her heart will remain safe in this new life, yet the Duke stirs feelings she cannot ignore…

Marcus Radcliffe, Duke of Clairmont, never imagined he would inherit a dukedom. Thrust into responsibility after the sudden deaths of his father and brother, he struggles to keep the estate, and his heart, intact. When he meets Miss Lisette, her clever mind and fearless curiosity draw him in, and he quickly realizes she is the only person who truly understands him… and the only one he cannot ignore.

Marcus cannot οverlook Elizabeth’s charm, and every stolen glance draws them closer. With a relentless former fiancée determined to win him back and Elizabeth’s scheming stepmother hunting her down, danger and secrets threaten to destroy them. Can Marcus and Elizabeth find a way to be together before their enemies force them apart forever?

"From Ashes to Duchess" is a historical romance novel of approximately 60,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

Disguised Identity, Masquerade/Cinderella, Class Differences

380 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 2, 2025

About the author

Bridget Barton was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas.

She has studied English Literature in college and after a brief passage in journalism as a newspaper writer, she stirred her career to what she always loved: becoming an author!

She has always been intrigued by rascals, vagabonds, dukes and rogues, so having the chance to write stories about them is a wish come true for her!

Bridget is married to her own prince charming and is the proud mother of two daughters (and three adorable kittens) and soon to be a grandma!

She is a hopeless romantic who devours romance literature and of course enjoys writing love stories of her own.

When she is not writing, Bridget is relaxing by cooking for her lovely husband, exercising and listening to soft music.

Bridget loves to connect with her readers!

With love and respect,
Bridget Barton

Reviews

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not long after her father, the Earl of Hargrove died, twenty-one year old Elizabeth Harlow was informed by her stepmother that she was to marry Alistair Darwin, her stepmother’s nephew. After overhearing that her stepmother Beatrice had helped Alistair steal all of her father’s funds, Elizabeth snuck out of the house and met her friend Cynthia in London. Cynthia had arranged a position as a companion to the Dowager Duchess of Clairmont for Elizabeth, where she would use the name Lisette Penknife. One her way to her new job she had a chance encounter with a handsome man with bright blue eyes, and although it was quick, she couldn’t stop thinking about him. Imagine her surprise when she discovered that he was Marcus, the Duke of Clairmont, her new employer. Marcus is still reeling over the deaths of his father and older brother, and trying to acclimate to his ducal duties. He finds himself attracted to Lisette and they become friends. Meanwhile, his former fiance has invited herself back into his life and is trying to get him to marry her. Added to that discomfort is a discovery Marcus made regarding his deceased brother and the knowledge that he has fallen in love with Lisette, a commoner. There is a lot going on in this tale. There are multiple romances, the underyling threat of discovery, numerous levels of deceit, theft, kidnapping, murder and considerable emotional turmoil. Each main character has a count-on-able friend and an untrustworthy opponent. The interactions between Lisette and Marcus are sweet, sometimes vulnerable, but almost always endearing. The Dowage Duchess can be a tough old bird who rules the roost, a vulnerable old lady who garners sympathy, or a fountain of wisdom and support. There were heartbreaking as well as infuriating moments, and I found it very difficult to put this book down. Oh, and I loved the extended epilogue!

[Bridget Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐ Author’s Note ⭐

Writing From Ashes to Duchess was such a special journey for me. I wanted to capture the tension between duty and desire, the danger of secrets, and the healing power of love. Elizabeth’s courage in escaping her past and Marcus’s struggle with unexpected responsibility both resonated deeply with me as I wrote them.

If you enjoy historical romances with hidden identities, stolen glances, and a love that triumphs against all odds, I hope this story sweeps you away. Thank you so much to every reader who takes this journey with Elizabeth and Marcus - your support means the world. 💕

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can be read as a standalone.
Earl's daughter in hiding
Duke falls first
Ex determined to get him back
Family betrayal
Scandal leads to redemption