My Dear Miss Dupre (2021)

About the Book

Book: My Dear Miss Dupre

Series: American Royalty, #1

Author: Grace Hitchcock

Release Date: March 2, 2021

Genre: Historical Romance, Christian Historical Romance

Willow Dupré never thought she would have to marry, but with her father’s unexpected retirement from running the prosperous Dupré sugar refinery, plans changed. The shareholders are unwilling to allow a female to take over the company without a man at her side, so her parents devise a plan–find Willow a spokesman king in order for her to become queen of the empire.

Willow is presented with thirty potential suitors from the families of New York society’s elite group called the Four Hundred. She has six months to court the group and is expected to eliminate men each month to narrow her beaus until she chooses one to marry, ending the competition with a wedding. Willow reluctantly agrees, knowing she must do what is best for the business. She doesn’t expect to find anything other than a proxy . . . until she meets Cullen Dempsey, and she must discover for herself if his motives are pure.

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My Thoughts

I absolutely enjoyed My Dear Miss Dupre by Grace Hitchcock, and now cannot wait for book 2 in this series. I had so much fun getting lost in this fabulous storyline. I wasn’t sure how I would feel about a 19th century-version of The Bachelorette because I’m not a fan of the modern television series, but I feel Hitchcock knocked this plot-line out of the park! I was engaged the entire time and felt like the pages flew by. I found the main conflicts — Willow’s immediate need for a husband and her father’s failing health — to be compelling and quite realistic for her time period. The characters are well-written, unique, and relatable over all. Cullen Dempsey is the BEST hero: he’s thoughtful, he pays attention, he’s cognizant of his failings and desires to better himself, and he’s got a heart the size of Texas. I love how he is willing to sacrifice himself for the sake of what is right. And, I love how strong, capable, and manly he is. Cullen is the full package and the perfect hero to Willow’s heroine. As far as secondary characters go, Willow’s best friend, Flora, is my favorite. I actually wish she had a larger role in this story, but I’m hoping she will get more time in future installments of this series. My favorite aspect of Flora’s character is how supportive she is to Willow, but also how she keeps Willow grounded — she says the things Willow needs to hear and she refuses to sugarcoat things. Flora is a testament to true and honest friendship.

In addition to the fabulous storyline and wonderful characters, I appreciate the timely themes discussed in My Dear Miss Dupre. The topic that resonated the most with me is that of following my will versus God’s will. Cullen is the character who struggles with this issue the most and I appreciate how he deals with this. Cullen is sure he is on the right track — he has prayed about his situation, he’s made the “right” choice, but then things go wrong. Then he questions: “I thought I was obeying You … was it only me again? Trying to force my will?” What excellent self-reflection, and so relatable as I do this myself. I think I’m doing the right thing and I feel I’m on God’s right path. I pray all the time about all the things happening in my life. Things seem to be going well, and then, “BAM!,” I’m walloped up the side of the head and left wondering if it’s cause I’m forcing my will over God’s or if it’s just Life throwing a wrench into my existence. Regardless, I like that Cullen kept praying especially when things looked really dark. It’s a great illustration of the type of relationship we should all strive to have with God.

My Dear Miss Dupre is a truly wonderful Historical Romance that I wholeheartedly recommend. If you have not yet read this excellent story, you’ll want to as soon as possible as it’s a real gem.

I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, Bethany House Publishers, via NetGalley in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.