A common theme in many of my historical romances is social class—something that in England was the determining factor for what a person’s life would be. But in the Victorian era, things began to change, which is why I so love writing about that time period. More often than not, I write about “low born” women somehow ending up with members of the aristocracy—though I have done the opposite trope as well. It was pretty uncommon for an earl, for example, to marry a woman not of his rank or social class. Not in my world, baby!
Though I always strive to be historically accurate, both in the actions and language of my characters, I find it so fascinating to see a couple who has no business getting together, get together. In Diamond in the Rough, I have a little bit of fun with class and turn it on its ear. We have Clara, the heiress and daughter of a self-made man. Her parents greatest wish is for her marry a title and believe their wealth can pave the way for her. Clara, though, disdains the aristocracy and wants only to marry someone more of her ilk. She’s a bit of a progressive and is fiercely proud of her father who became wealthy through hard work and intelligence.
Enter the hero, Nathaniel, a baron who is pretending to be a gardener (for a good reason) and who finds himself falling for a commoner. On the other hand, we have Clara, who is trying to convince her “gardener” that class doesn’t matter, that even though he’s lowly servant, they can still have their HEA. I had such fun torturing these two!
“Goodger writes romances that touch readers’ hearts and bring a smile to their day.” —RT Book Reviews
The Brides of St. Ives
In the charming seaside town of St. Ives, a buried secret could bring an unlikely pair together for a lifetime . . .
Clara Anderson’s mother has one mission: to marry off her daughter to a titled gentleman. Unfortunately, though the Andersons have come up in the world, Clara is still the granddaughter of a pig farmer, which means no self-respecting aristocrat will marry her. That’s just fine with Clara, who’s grown to disdain the upper classes. So when she meets an attractive man even more common than she is, she decides it’s time to forge her own path . . .
. . . Except that handsome, rugged Nathaniel Emory, Baron Alford, is no more a commoner than Clara is a blue-blood. He’s appeared on the scene for one reason only: to save his family’s estate from ruin by finding the exceedingly valuable blue diamond his grandfather buried in the Anderson’s garden fifty years ago. To do that, he must pretend to be a gardener. He didn’t count on the most beautiful girl he’s ever seen getting in his way. But Clara has made no secret of her dislike for aristocrats. Which means that once she uncovers his ruse, he’s certain she’ll never see him again . . .
Praise for the novels of Jane Goodger
“Fun, delightfully romantic—and sexy.” —Sally MacKenzie on The Spinster Bride
“A touching, compassionate, passion-filled romance.” —RT Book Reviews on A Christmas Waltz
Uncover the Truth With These New Mystery Series