📖 Blog Tour ~ The Accidental Debutante by Jane Dunn

Boldwood Books
14 June 2025

Thanks to the publisher and Rachel’s Random Resources
For the invitation to the blog tour

A daring young lady and dashing lord

At Prebbles Flying Circus, the daring Eliza Gray captivates audiences with her breathtaking feats on horseback. Yet beyond the applause, she harbours a longing to find the family she lost as a child and discover who she truly is.

Fate, however, takes an unexpected turn when Eliza is unceremoniously knocked down by a curricle driven recklessly by Raven, Earl Purfoy. Dazed but intrigued, she cannot help but notice Purfoy’s commanding presence.

For his part, the dashing lord, is mortified at his carelessness and resolves to assist the spirited yet intriguing young woman. He deposits her in the care of his dearest friends, Corinna and Alick Wolfe, who encourage Miss Gray in her search for her family and sponsor her entry into London society. The glittering balls and scurrilous gossip of the ton are a far cry from the circus ring and Eliza finds herself the subject of intense speculation and unwelcome advances.

As a most accidental debutante, Eliza has to navigate the complexities of high society and her new friendships. Her quest for family and belonging becomes perilously entwined with Zadoc Flynn, an American heir in search of an English bride, and the unfathomable Lord Purfoy.

Can Eliza uncover the truth of her past and the family she longs for? And will it be Mr Flynn or Lord Purfoy, or indeed her new female friends, who help her find her place in the world?

In a tale of courage, passion, and self-discovery, this lost orphan must decide where she truly belongs..

📖My Review..

If I could inhabit Regency England I would do so in the world this clever author brings to life so beautifully. From the moment Eliza Gray steps into the path of Raven, Earl Purfoy and disappears under the spinning wheels of his curricle I was beguiled by the story of a spirited young woman in search of her family and of an imperious young man who isn’t prepared for the effect that Eliza’s beauty and charming personality will have on his heart.

Whilst those who have read The Unsuitable Heiress will recognise many of the characters who play such an important role in the story, it can also be read as a standalone for it is Eliza and Raven who take centre stage in a deliciously sweet Regency romance. The world of sumptuous ballrooms, with gloriously appealing characters comes alive, from the eccentric American millionaire in search of a suitable wife, to the ale and onion smell of Prebbles Flying circus and the supreme equine competence of Clorinda, the Winged Venus.  I raced through the story reluctant to leave Eliza alone for a second and eager to learn more about her search for a long lost family.

Strongly redolent of a bygone age when young ladies weren’t expected to ride astride or dismount their horse by somersaulting from its saddle, Eliza Gray is a breath of fresh air in a world which constrained its women in tightly laced corsets and Parisian lace and gave them not an ounce of freedom to be themselves. I loved every word and said a reluctant goodbye to this wonderful young woman, wishing her much happiness in a future she so well deserved.

Beautifully written, and impeccably researched  The Accidental Debutante is another fascinating glimpse into the vagaries of Regency life, and of the challenges of finding love when you least expect it.

About the Author

Jane Dunn is an historian and biographer and the author of seven acclaimed biographies, including Daphne du Maurier and her Sisters and the Sunday Times and NYT bestseller, Elizabeth & Mary: Cousins, Rivals, Queens. She lives in Berkshire with her husband, the linguist Nicholas Ostler.

Twitter/X @JaneDunnAuthor #TheAccidental Debutante

Newsletter Sign Up

@BoldwoodBooks #BoldwoodBloggers

@rararesources