This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will award a $20 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
The suitcase she found changed everything. The contents? An elegant dress and an invitation in another girl’s name. Twenty-three-year-old Mary would go to the ball, enjoy how the rich lived just for one night, and then quietly slip back into her real life, sorting rubbish as a poor barmaid. No harm done. Of course, there wouldn’t be much of a story to tell had it turned out that way.
It’s 1870 in rural England, and Mary assumes the identity of the suitcase owner, Agnes. When Mary’s one night at Mannerley estate turns into a seven-day, hilarious farce, she quickly makes friends, finds suitors, and keeps fibbing. Not only does Arthur, the heir himself, fall for her, but so, too, does Mr. Singh, his friend visiting from India, making advances in plain sight of the heir. Making matters worse, a former workmate recognizes Mary and extorts her: she must steal a golden watch from the heir for him or have her true identity exposed and risk being thrown in jail, which could mean death–and that would certainly ruin her stolen, er, borrowed ball gown.
The only way Mary can get close enough to Arthur to steal his watch is via sensuality and flirtation. But as Mary scrambles to cover her tracks, her lies and crimes compound, weaving themselves into an impossible tangle. All the while Agnes, the real owner of the fancy ball gown, is making her way ever-closer to Mannerley.
Enjoy an Excerpt
She swung the door open, pocketing her key, and grabbed the corner of her dress and held it to walk. Arthur was standing a short way off by the stairs where he had been waiting for her, every golden hair perfectly combed. His pocket watch’s chain glistened on his vest in the lamplight. He heard her and turned to face her.
“Your hair. It’s wild.”
“I’m sorry, I slept too long.”
“I like it,” he said almost too quietly, a bit raspy, and she took his arm. Once again, she was his object, and she didn’t know quite what to make of it.
About the Author 
Audrey has always written stories. Her very first picture book which she wrote in early elementary school was about a mean, grumpy tooth fairy. Her first “novel”, bound using a cardboard cereal box, was written in the fourth grade. By high school, she was writing secret novels of her own, usually naming her characters by her own initials. By her twenties, she knew that writing was her calling––and she’s so glad you’re reading her debut romance!
Audrey lives in North Carolina with her Spaniard husband and two young sons, is completely bilingual in Spanish, and enjoys church, crochet, jigsaw puzzles, time with friends, yoga, and funny movies. She’s a freelance fiction editor on Upwork, an editor at a literary agency. She also writes contemporary romance under the name Audrey Lancho. Her debut contemporary is due out in May 2025 from Harpeth Road. You can learn more about Audrey by visiting www.audreylancho.com and signing up for her newsletter––she promises not to spam you; she’ll just inform you of big happenings and new releases. Audrey also enjoys connecting with readers and other authors on X/Twitter and Instagram.
Buy the book at Amazon.
This looks like a very enjoyable read. Thanks for hosting this tour.
I hope you enjoy it, Michael! It sure was fun to write. I’m finishing Book 2 this month as well.
Thanks for hosting!
If your book were adapted into a film, who would be your dream cast for the main characters?
Oh, Tracie this is a GREAT question!! Dev Patel for Mr. Singh. Tanner Buchanan for Arthur probably, and Mary Potts… that’s a tough call. I’d have to hold an audition to figure that one out! 🙂
Hi Tracie! Great question! Dev Patel for Mr. Singh 100%! I think I’d have to hold an audition to pick for Mary 🙂
Thanks SO MUCH for hosting this blog tour for my book!
Question for readers: If you could infiltrate the upper classes, what would you enjoy having access to? (My answer– a private chef!)
“Seven Days at Mannerley” by Audrey Schuyler Lancho is a captivating historical romance filled with drama, passion, and intrigue.
You’ll be swept away by the love story and the beautiful setting.
Happy reading!
Thank you Edgar!!!
Sounds like a book I will enjoy reading.
I hope you love it, Rita!
Lovely looking cover
I get a lot of compliments on the cover! It definitely matches the story.
I would read this story. Sounds really good.
I hope you can get it and if you do, I really hope you love the book!!
Sounds like an interesting book.
nice cover
Thanks so much for hosting this! LOVED this book! It’s on my shelf of favorites!
What sparked the idea for this book?