Alice Baker, daughter of a humble chef, returns to England after a decade to find out that Henry Ravenhill, her childhood friend, has now become a kind and handsome Earl. However, she knows that despite the close relationship they once shared, she could never dream of a life with an aristocrat. All her good intentions to avoid him will be thrown out of the window when Alice suddenly becomes the darling of the ton and constantly runs into Henry… Could Alice ever have a chance at love with the man haunting her dreams? Or is she doomed to pine after the impossible? Henry cannot believe his eyes when he encounters the beautiful Alice after so many years. Even though at first, friendship is the only thing he asks for, he will soon realise that his heart demands an eternity with Alice… Yet, not only does he know this love is forbidden, but his parents also insist on marrying a woman he has no interest in. Will Henry give up on the only person that could make him happy to please his parents and keep his birthright? The painful dilemma of choosing between duty or true love... It doesn't take long for Alice and Henry to discover that their childhood feelings have blossomed into tender love. However, society’s expectations along with an obsessed gentleman and a possessive woman, are only some of the challenges Alice and Henry will have to face. Will Henry find the courage to walk away from his privileged life to be with the woman he truly loves? Will the two of them find their way to each other when the odds are stacked against them? "The Earl and the Chef's Daughter" is a historical romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.