Winnefred Bliss, called Freddie, learned long ago to exist on next to nothing. Her father died, leaving her the ward of an absent lord. Time passes, and Freddie is forced to eke out a living on a fraction of what she was promised. When the new heir of the lord discovers her existence, he attempts to remedy the situation by sending his brother to make things right. Freddie has some unconventional habits and opinions, but is pressed into being trained to navigate London's murky societal waters, in spite of her desire to be left alone. Worse yet, she begins to have feelings for the kindhearted man who wants to improve her standing. Will she survive a season with the cream of London society?

Lord Gideon Haverston is a man charged with righting a wrong. Evidently, a young ward of his father has been neglected through the dishonesty of his stepmother, and has been forgotten almost entirely. Gideon travels to the farm where the ward lives, only to find not one, but two women desperately in need of basic necessities and funds. Freddie is like a breath of fresh air, and shows compassion for Gideon's emotional baggage from the war and his nightmares. Gideon soon finds himself doing the one thing he's sworn never to do - wanting more from this outspoken, outlandish chit. Will his resolve remain strong or will he fall to her innocent charms?

Nearly a Lady is an excellently told Regency romance that proves that, once again, love truly heals all wounds. Gideon is suffering from remorse and regret due to his experiences as a ship's captain during the war, and he can't seem to forgive himself for his young crewmembers' deaths. Freddie is completely unconventional but utterly charming as a young woman who hasn't yet discovered the female power and assurance that she needs to make a life. The author does an exquisite job of conveying Freddie's dilemma - following the strictures of society or following her heart and taking a chance that could result in utter rejection. Freddie is masterfully crafted, and her simplification of Gideon's overcomplicated burdens won me over completely. Together, Freddie and Gideon are just magical. Five Angels and a Recommended Read for Nearly a Lady!

Reviewed by: Michelle B.