The Secret Dowry
A Regency Historical Romance
Published on 2. June 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
280 pages
978-1-972086-56-8 (ISBN)
Description
Her dowry changed her prospects, but only heartbreak could teach her the difference between fortune hunters and true love.
After two failed Seasons, Charlotte Kendall is resigned to never marry. But when her family insists she keep trying, she agrees-although with a dowry of only £1000, she has no illusions of attracting many suitors. She is unaware, however, that her well-married sister, Dorothea, has secretly boosted Charlotte's dowry sixfold.
Word of such riches attract many gentlemen, including Mr. Robert Morton, who is keeping a secret: the estate he has just inherited is desperately in debt. He sees salvation in Charlotte's dowry and pays his addresses. Soon, Charlotte is persuaded she is in love.
Then Robert abruptly elopes to Gretna Green with an heiress. When Charlotte learns of the betrayal and the truth about her dowry, she decides she can no longer trust men-or her heart- even as another love patiently waits.
Tropes you'll enjoy:
Wallflower / "Left on the Shelf" Heroine
Secret Dowry / Hidden Fortune
Fortune Hunter Suitor
Deception & Betrayal
Second Chance at Love
Slow-Burning True Love
Family Interference / Matchmaking
Note: This series is part of Dragonblade's Sweet Dreams line, so this is a sweet, wholesome Historical Romance where passion beyond the bedroom door is left to the reader's imagination.
Clayton House Chronicles
Book 1 - The Secret Dowry
Book 2 - A Foolish Endeavor
Book 3 - Low Expectations
Book 4 - An Unexpected Relation
More details
Series
Language
English
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Dimensions
Height: 210 mm
Width: 140 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Weight
346 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-972086-56-8 (9781972086568)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
K.C. Cowan spent her professional life working in the media as a news reporter in Portland, Oregon for KGW-TV as well as for two radio stations. She was also the original host and story producer for Oregon Art Beat: a weekly arts program on Oregon Public Television. After leaving broadcasting, she turned to writing novels and co-authored a Fantasy series: Journey to Wizards' Keep, The Hunt for Winter, and Everfire.After switching genres from Fantasy to Regency Romance, K.C. wrote The Bennets: Providence and Perception, which was published in 2023. She is now represented by Birch Literary Agency.K.C. is also the author of two other books: "The Riches of a City" - the story of Portland, Oregon, and "They Ain't Called Saints for Nothing!" in collaboration with artist Chris Haberman, a tongue-in-cheek look at saints. She is married and lives in Tucson, Arizona. She loves the abundance of sunshine in the desert. The snakes-not so much.