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Starring in her own story

Cover of Portrait of a Scotsman
A review of Portrait of a Scotsman by Evie Dunmore

Hattie Greenfield has, with her friends, been part of the suffragist movement in London. But until now her participation has been on the fringes and, let's face it, a bit half-hearted. Yes she supports the general idea that women should have more rights, but she's never sure just how far to push things. So when a personal adventure lands her in a rushed marriage to financier Lucian Blackstone, Hattie is more than a little stunned and very unhappy. The powerful, agressive Scottish businessman is the last person she would have chosen.

While Hattie's feelings about the marriage are decidedly negative, Lucien is feeling the opposite. Marriage to the daughter of an heiress whose father can help Lucien with his future plans is just fine by him. And though he's willing to take things slowly once they're married, he definitely wants to be married to Hattie. When his business requires that they travel to Scotland to investigate trouble with a mine, Lucien sees it as the perfect opportunity to cement their relationship.

Dunmore's third in her League of Extraordinary Women series is the most complex of the trilogy, the most challenging and ultimately the most rewarding. While both of the protagonists learn and progress during the story, it is Hattie's journey from naively privileged to maturely independent that makes this book so emotionally gripping.

Aug 2, 2021