Lady Bridget’s Diary

Rodale’s first Keeping Up with the Cavendishes novel is chock-full of romance and humor as it transplants Bridget Jones’s Diary to Regency England. After James Cavendish learns that he is now the Duke of Durham, he and his sisters, Amelia, Bridget, and Claire, travel from America to England. Josephine Marie Elizabeth Cavendish, widow of the previous duke, assists the siblings with their entry into society, but their attempt to assimilate into the world of the British aristocracy isn’t without mishaps. Lady Bridget falls onto her back at her first ball and is rescued by Rupert Wright, the handsome brother of insufferable Lord Darcy. While her diary reflects her gratitude toward Rupert, her comments regarding Darcy are scathing—but their constant sparring becomes a prelude to their attraction, and soon a different side of Darcy is revealed. Rodale has deftly portrayed Bridget as a spunky protagonist who is the perfect antithesis for Darcy’s stuffy persona. With a well-developed cast of engaging characters, this tale will appeal to Rodale’s fans and newcomers. (Feb.)