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Hollywood is in the midst of its Golden Age, and Rosie Worth is working to fulfill her silver screen dreams as an actress, Roxy Price. But her painful past has a grip on her present, and not all that glitters holds gold for Rosie in Duchess by author Susan May Warren.

So! If you haven't read the previous two books in the Daughters of Fortune historical ChristFic series, I'd recommend you do that before checking out this last book. You'll know and care about the characters a lot more that way.

It was my previous interest and curiosity about the characters, along with the sheer entertainment factor for this longtime lover of historical fiction, that got me through most of this novel.

Rosie's story is an eventful but gloomy and aching one for much of the time, and she frustrated me. So, why exactly did she agree to an iffy marriage of convenience, again? Why is she trusting what a smooth and "dangerous" man says/promises instead of judging by his actions? Didn't she learn from her romantic disasters in the last book? Much about this story is pretty repetitive, from the characters' minor actions (like the frequent winking) to Rosie's roller-coaster romantic interactions and the theme restating that she either doesn't want to or may have to give/lose her heart.

Yet, as Rosie nears the ominous start of World War II, she finally steps out of her box of personal trials to reach toward a much greater good for others. Despite my earlier frustration with her, Rosie brought appreciative tears to my eyes toward the end—when her light shines as a true star.

There were just a few hiccups that kept the last stretch from being perfect for me, like Rosie's ever-after love interest telling her that sometimes he wants to choke her (no, he never does, but the violent comment is still cringe-worthy) and the spiritual lesson on accepting love that I found too run-of-the-mill.

Even so, the compelling imagery, the historical details, Rosie's eleventh-hour actions, and the epilogue that wraps up the overall saga were enough to leave me deeply moved by this dramatic and engaging series. ( )

I had a really hard time getting into this book. I think that was because I haven't read the other books that were before this one so I felt kind of lost when it came to reading this book. I love the authors writing and all the details she puts into her books. I really liked Rosie and I loved how it all worked out in the end. ( )

Susan May Warren is one of my favorite authors, however; I was never a fan of historical fiction, after reading Duchess and the other Daughter of Fortune books I stand corrected. Not only has Warren captivated my attention once again but she has crafted a brilliant story on so many levels.

With Duchess, Warren has gone to a new level, this is not a surface level story, there is so much depth to the characters that you often forget that they are characters in the books and that you aren’t actually in the 1930′s. The cover is only the start of the beauty that this book holds.

Rosie Worth has dreamed of a new life, a life in Hollywood as the leading lady, with fans that adore her and want to be her. She thrives to be in the spotlight. After one day Rosie realizes she has lost everything, her husband, her looks, possibly her career and with no way out she finds a glimmer of hope by partnering with Rolfe Van Horne. Someone that could bring her back into the limelight. However, the plans that Rolfe has aren’t all that they appear and Rosie’s heart and life of glamour may be caught in between Rolfe’s plans and the unrest travelling across Europe. Will Rosie be able to give up the life she has dreamed of?

Susan May Warren has done another fabulous job with Duchess, as the final book in the Daughter of Fortune trilogy, these are books to definitely add to your reading list. ( )

The hardest part about this book is having it ending, and knowing there isn't another one coming.
Rosie is now a star, she pays a high price for being one. We get a close up look at the film industry, just when talking pictures are coming. By the end of the book they are tying color.
Rosie is now Roxy, and she is in a marriage of convenience, with Dashielle Parks. You will feel, it seems to be more to his advantage than hers. There is no love in this marriage, and they both agreed. How sad.
There are some very sad happenings in this story, but what a kind heart Rosie has. Don't know if I could have opened my home and heart the way she did. Love how she followed the Lord.
We travel with Rosie to Europe to make a movie produced by the man, her Mom Jinx wanted her to originally marry. The World is getting dark again, as Hitler is coming to power. Will the movie help serve a purpose, bring fame to Rosie, or could it play a larger roll in helping people, who through no fault of their own, are fearing for their lives.
Don't miss this conclusion to the Daughter's of Fortune Series, and if you haven't read the first two, do yourself a favor, and devour them!

I received this book through Litfuse Publicity Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review. ( )