Books like The shadow of Albion by Andre Norton

Set in a world where the Stuarts remain on the throne, America never seceded, and Napoleon dominates Europe, *The Shadow of Albion* follows young Sarah Cunningham, an orphan from Maryland. The dying Marchioness of Roxbury summons Sarah to replace her, magically binding her to the title of Duchess. As Sarah acclimates to her new role, she becomes entwined with the Duke of Wessex, the King’s most trusted spy, and a clandestine expedition into Imperial France to rescue a missing princess. The plot weaves time‑travel, political intrigue, and supernatural elements against a backdrop of alternative historical figures such as Beau Brummell, the Marquis de Sade, and John Adams. The narrative plays with the tension between Sarah’s rugged American upbringing and the expectations of high society, while the adventure’s stakes hinge on the fragile peace that could collapse under Napoleon’s ambition. Norton's light, engaging prose balances romance, espionage, and fantastical twists within a richly imagined Britain that differs markedly from our own.

First publish date: 1999