I'm surprised this book has such a low rating. I read some of the hater reviews but I did indeed enjoy it, probably because I know next to nothing of this period in time. A lot of people complained it was boring, but I actually liked the story most of the time despite underdeveloped characters, its being a rehash of the Luxe (but minus the society element and suggestive references) and not the best writing. 
 Nora glared at Grace for the implication. Grace loved to act like a know-it-all, which was rich, given the fact that she really knew nothing! 
 The other element I didn't like was Michael and Maggie's romance. It was basically a carbon copy of Elizabeth and Will in The Luxe (view spoiler)[ aside from the fact that Michael and Maggie had a child, but they both end up in America to be together in the end, accompanied by Sekret-esque 'America is where all your dreams come true' crap. In America, no one cared if she was a Darlington. It would be neither an honor or a disgrace. She would simply be Maggie, her own self Um, no she won't. Once they figure out who she was, I mean. It's not like Americans are obsessed with foreign nobility and royalty to the point they have dozens of TV shows about them.... (hide spoiler)]. Not only that, but her parents want her to marry one of two rich bachelors. 
 First there's Teddy. 
 Michael schooled his features to reveal no emotion, but inwardly glowered at Teddy. He was so sure of himself, so confident that he was the one who would capture Maggie's heart, so certain his wealth and shallow charm would make him the winner in the end. 
 And meanwhile, the cliched older suitor as well. 
 The heavyset duke's small, dark, bright eyes bore into her. Bowing at the waist, the duke reached for her hand. Willing herself not to flinch, Maggie extended her hand to be kissed. Although she did know the duke to be an avid hunter, his hands were disconcertingly soft, almost feminine, a thing Maggie found repugnant in a man. His kiss left a wet, dark mark on her hand, which she forced herself not to wipe away as she withdrew it. 
 And of course, he also goes on a long tangent about classical music. Fortunately, he did not spoil my enjoyment of the book for too long. 
 I also found some weird dialogue words. I get you don't want to say 'said' every single time, but... "She may have her reasons," Nora allowed. 
 "Sounds more like a bribe to me," Nora pointed out candidly. 
 "I just couldn't sleep after the excitement of the ball," Nora told a half-truth. Returning to Maggie and Michael for a moment, the dialogue between them is so freaking overdramatic. 
 "I only said I didn't love you because I thought it was impossible between us. I didn't want to hurt you; I actually thought I was helping you by setting you free from a love that could never be. But since you've been gone, I've realized it was pride and false nobility on my part. I've grown too. I know now that we belong together. Whatever it takes." 
 "Tell me why!" Michael implored. 
 "It just is," Maggie insisted. "Things have changed! Changed forever!" 
 "But what has changed?" He begged to know. 
 "Life!" Maggie cried, throwing her arms wide. 
 Why hadn't he taken her in his arms and said they should run away together? She would have gone - in a heartbeat! Why did people have to be divided by something so arbitrary as their station in life? 
 The other characters, though underdeveloped, were likable for the most part, especially Ian and Lila (OTP!) but the satires made me like the parents less. The father came off as arrogant, and the mother came off as both arrogant and greedy. (view spoiler)[ No wonder Therese wrote all those satires about them. Speaking of that, Therese was also a terrible character in the very end and you know how I hate the illegitimate-child plot twist as a way to get around all sorts of things. What luck for the Darlingtons this never got published! Therese must have been so furious with her father for the way he denied her that she lashed out at the family any way she could. (hide spoiler)] But, as you know, I do like mostly clean chick-lit with lots of dress descriptions, so I did mostly enjoy this book aside from the bad characterizations, but I will neither recommend this book nor pry it from your hands.