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Her Heart for a Compass cover art

Her Heart for a Compass

Written by: Sarah Ferguson
Narrated by: Sarah Ferguson, Ell Potter
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Publisher's Summary

Read by Sarah Ferguson and Ell Potter

From one of the most famous former members of the British royal family, Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, cowritten with the acclaimed historical novelist, Marguerite Kaye—a mesmerizing novel of a young noblewoman’s coming-of-age that richly details both high society and low in Victorian England.

The second daughter of the Queen’s close friend, the Scottish Duke of Buccleuch, Lady Margaret Montagu Scott is expected to make an advantageous marriage. But Margaret is an impulsive and outspoken girl in a repressive society where women are, quite literally, caged in corsets and required to conform.

When Lady Margaret’s parents arrange a society marriage for her, she tries to reconcile herself to the match. But shortly before her betrothal is announced, Margaret flees, leaving her parents to explain her sudden absence to an opulent ballroom stuffed with two hundred distinguished guests.

Banished from polite society, Margaret throws herself into charitable work and finds strength in a circle of female friends like herself—women intent on breaking the mold, including Queen Victoria’s daughter Princess Louise. Margaret resolves to follow her heart—a journey of self-discovery that will take her to Ireland, America, and then back to Britain where she finds the life she was always meant to lead.

A bold and thoughtful story about a rebellious woman finding herself and her voice in an age of astounding technological change and great social unrest, Her Heart for a Compass is a delicious costume drama rich in atmosphere, history, and color that will thrill fans of Victoria and Bridgerton.

Includes a Q&A with Sarah Ferguson and her editor.

©2021 Sarah Ferguson (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers

What listeners say about Her Heart for a Compass

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Heart and History and Fiction - Perfection

Heart, history and fiction combine here in a woman's story of growth to become her own person. If you are listening on Audible, Sarah Ferguson says (at the end of the book) that this is her autobiography set in Victorian England, Scotland, Ireland and New York embodied in Lady Margaret Montagu Scott, who, at the beginning of the story, is about to be married off to a man she detests but whom her father believes is a perfect match for the family. The cast of characters, mostly real, are fully fleshed out, the setting details are rich, and the story has great flow, always interesting, and makes you want to read on. This book is a well done team effort and the narration is wonderful. Enjoy!

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Lovely, Charming...and a First!

I would read it again before feeling qualified to critique it adequately, however, I came away with two distinct impressions.

The first - I didn't really appreciate the transitions that propelled the story forward...at times they seemed too obvious and staged. I wonder if a more dreamy, reverie type narrative to propel the story and carry the reader forward might be more effective with the technique that was used...perhaps if Sarah allowed herself some freedom to explore, yes?

But...first novel...a book that took 15 years to write...I would say this is to be expected. Admittedly, I did listen to the first few chapters again because it was just so intriguing and I really wanted to understand exactly what was happening. The writing narrative held me easily to the end. The character of M is perfect! There are so many wonderful parts...and honestly, I hope Sarah continues to write...but in a more dedicated fashion now and to trust her instincts.

The second impression...I would love more from this writer and this would make a magnificent film!

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Smashing!

The intriguing life of a young aristocratic woman and her fiery will to carve out a life worth living on her own terms. Well researched and thoughtfully woven, Ms. Ferguson has woven her own experiences with that of her ancestor and created a wonderful tale.
Well done Sarah!

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Sarah Ferguson,The Novelist

I have enjoyed immensely listening to this novel. It took me back to a period I love. The storyline is extremely well written and I congratulate Sarah Ferguson on this most endearing novel.

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  • E
  • 2021-11-02

Historically Interesting

I enjoyed the book.
The writing was good but sometimes fell into predictable Harlequin phrases.
Nonetheless a worthy read. The descriptions of place were excellent!

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Is this Sarah’s life ?

Dah. Victorian novella. Boring. So she wants to be recognized as a strong outsider who finally recognizes she messed up.

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