Diamond in the Rough

Set in 1885, this fun second installment of Turano’s Heiresses series (after Flights of Fancy) introduces heiress Poppy Montgomery. Poppy may be the granddaughter of Viola Van Rensselaer, a high society matron, but she has been raised outside of the city, far from the respectabilities of “New York Four Hundred” elites. With her parents’ horse farm in financial jeopardy, Poppy accepts an unconventional offer: Viola will pay her parents’ debt if Poppy comes to the city for the upcoming society season. Reginald Blackburn, the second son of a duke and out of contention for his family’s fortune, is in New York with his cousin, the Earl of Lonsdale. Financially strapped, the Earl is in search of a suitable heiress to shore up his family’s coffers. Reginald is charged with weeding out the unsuitable prospects. Intrigued by Reginald’s sense of propriety, Viola offers him a job teaching etiquette to Poppy. Reginald takes on the task and is immediately smitten by outspoken Poppy. As Reginald takes on more students and Poppy considers more suitors, it is Reginald’s calm, sincere demeanor that eventually wins her heart. Though faith elements are light, series fans will enjoy this delightful romance. Agent: Natasha Kern, Natasha Kern Literary. (Sept.)