Winning the Covert Lady’s Heart by Jenny Hartwell was the third book in the series called the Ladies Covert Academy. This was the first time I have read this author, so I can assure you the book was able to be read as a standalone. I found myself sitting on the edge of my seat toward the end of the novel as evil elements were about.
Lydia Dashwood, as the main character, was strong and brave. She was in a precarious position as a member of the tonne, but also as the author of a “radical” pamphlet. However, with her three friends she helped run the Ladies Covert Academy (although most people think it was a Ladies Charity Association).
In the British Government (at least in the book) there were people who didn’t want women to have the same rights as men. When Lydia and her friends decide on a daring plan, they know they will get attention. Lydia had already been questioned and improperly arrested when she was asking questions.
During all this Benedict Southcott, Viscount Lovell was hanging around. He escorted Lydia to be questioned about their Charity and after she was arrested, he got her out of Newgate. He was determined to keep her safe, especially when he learned the truth about what she did. Too bad her brother told Benedict, she was off limits.
I really enjoyed reading this novel. The author pulled me into the story and I was appalled at times and cheering at other times. Winning the Covert Lady’s Heart by Jenny Hartwell was a great read.
PS. I was heartbroken to read that the main protest was actually based on an incident that happened in England and many unarmed women, children and men were injured. It seems that women are still fighting for equal rights hundreds of years later. Interestingly I read this on Independence Day.
