I also need to thank Shakespeare for providing a quote for all my previous books. Benedick had some amazing ones I could have used for Lord Bryant. But in the end, this one needed to start with a psalm.

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for turning me to the path of writing and for letting me see each book as the miracle it is.

And thank you, Lord Bryant. You started out as a creepy old man and a plot device, but finally, when I realized there needed to be more to you (oh, and that you were hot), you exploded on the page in a way no other character ever has. It has been an honor to tell your story.

Praise for Esther Hatch

A Proper Scoundrel

“I found A Proper Scoundrel by Esther Hatch to be everything the book description said and more. This book is the perfect example of a romantic historical Christian novel. A Proper Scoundrel has all of the elements needed to make this book a number one winner. Esther Hatch has given us characters that are impossible not to like, a plot that keeps moving forward, and she has a really good fix on the events and times of the day. To tell you more would reveal too much of the story that you must read for yourself and enjoy. I highly recommend A Proper Scoundrel to fans of historical romances.”

—Readers’ Favorite Five Star Review

“I have read and loved every one of Esther Hatch’s novels, so of course I looked forward to A Proper Scoundrel. But oh my goodness, it exceeded every one of my expectations! Diana is smart and admirable and stuck in a bind . . . Everton is wounded and noble and surprising in every way as he (somewhat unwillingly) comes to Diana’s aid. Together, they’re perfection. Between the witty banter, the breathtaking romance, and a plot that kept me turning pages, A Proper Scoundrel is Esther Hatch’s best book yet!”

—Melissa Tagg, Christy Award winning author of Now and Then and Always

“Esther Hatch’s wonderful writing shines once again in A Proper Scoundrel. Readers will adore Diana, fall in love with Lord Bryant, and be swept away by this enchanting romance.”

—Joanna Barker, Otherwise Engaged

“With Lord Bryant’s dark past and Diana Barton’s hope for the future, Esther Hatch has gifted historical romance enthusiasts a love story that is heartwarming, beautifully written, and extremely satisfying. Diana’s quick wit and Lord Bryant’s dry sense of humor are delightfully pitted against each other, making their romance entertaining, and keeps us turning the pages to find out what happens next. The attention to historical detail blends perfectly with this clever work of fiction, engaging readers of the genre and inviting them back to the early days of railroad empires. Esther Hatch is known for writing heroines meeting the challenges of their era head on, and this novel is no exception. She’s also known for writing the perfect kiss in her books. Spoilers: She’s done it again.”