Books like Rags-to-Riches Bride by Mary Nichols

Diana Bywater, a young woman from modest origins, earns a livelihood in the household of the affluent Harecroft family while hiding her true social standing. When her position becomes insecure, an unexpected marriage proposal from the Harecrofters’ younger son sets a volatile chain of events in motion. Captain Richard Harecroft, who has long maintained a low profile despite being closely tied to the family, views Diana with suspicion, suspecting her of being a gold digger intent on exploiting the Harecrofts. As he investigates her background, he discovers that her true motives are far deeper than he anticipated, and he finds his growing admiration for her complicating the choice he'll make regarding marriage. Set against the sweeping backdrop of Regency England, the novel explores themes of class, identity, secrecy, and the unpredictable ways affection can bloom amid misunderstandings.

First publish date: 2008