Category: Book Reviews

An Improbable Season: Unexpected Seasons (Book 1), by Rosalyn Eves — A Review  

From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress:

During the Regency-era, two sisters and a cousin do their first London Season searching for husbands, or their own agency, by stretching the boundaries of society, and their own expectations.

BOOK DESCRIPTION

When Thalia, Kalliope, and Charis set off to Regency London for their first Season, they know exactly what they want. Thalia means to make her mark among the intelligentsia and publish her poetry. Her sister, Kalli, aims to take Continue reading “An Improbable Season: Unexpected Seasons (Book 1), by Rosalyn Eves — A Review  “ →

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Wyoming Wild: The Town of Savage Wells (Book 3), by Sarah M. Eden — A Review

From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress:

This might surprise my Regency era friends and followers, but I love a good Western romance. Particularly when the protagonists face down challenges from the wild west and all the lawlessness that can come with it. Add in an iconic, honorable hero, a spunky heroine, and lots of horses, and I am as pleased as Punch.

A US Marshal Undercover

Wyoming Wild, the third novel in The Town of Savage Wells series by Sarah M. Eden supplied all of this, and more. Our hero, John Continue reading “Wyoming Wild: The Town of Savage Wells (Book 3), by Sarah M. Eden — A Review” →

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Miss Newbury’s List: Proper Romance Regency, by Megan Walker — A Review

From the desk of Katie Jackson:

Romance stories exist on a spectrum, from the fluffiest feel-good escapism to the powerfully poignant and every combination in between. The very best romances explore relatable emotions with deep insight into how people evolve through relationships. Historical romance author Megan Walker has skillfully crafted her second novel, Miss Newbury’s List, with an appealing authenticity that will satisfy romance enthusiasts who enjoy some heartbreak and humor with their happily-ever-after. Continue reading “Miss Newbury’s List: Proper Romance Regency, by Megan Walker — A Review” →

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Austenprose’s Best Austenesque and Historical Novels of 2022

From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress:

Happy New Year Dear Readers!

2022 proved to be a fabulous year in the historical book arena. Of the 51 books that were reviewed here last year by our dedicated staff, several were outstanding and will remain favorites. Here is a list of our highest-rated and most cherished of 2022. Follow each link to read the full review.

Many thanks to my fabulous review staff: Katie Patchell, Tracy Hickman, Sophia Rose, Katie Jackson, and guest reviewer Theresa Smith for their dedication to the historical genre and their passion for reading. Continue reading “Austenprose’s Best Austenesque and Historical Novels of 2022” →

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Death on a Winter Stroll: A Merry Folger Christmas Mystery, by Francine Mathews — A Review

From the desk of Sophia Rose:

There’s always a little thrill of excitement that courses through me when I pick up a new to me series by an author with whom I’m happily familiar. Francine Mathews writes the clever and engaging historical Jane Austen Mysteries and I have long planned to pick up her contemporary Merry Folger Nantucket mysteries. With the added incentive of wintry holiday festivities as backdrop for a murder investigation, I got under my throw beside a cozy fire and let the book take me on the Winter Stroll and into a diverting mystery. Continue reading “Death on a Winter Stroll: A Merry Folger Christmas Mystery, by Francine Mathews — A Review” →

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A Christmas Party: A Seasonal Murder Mystery, by Georgette Heyer — A Review

From the desk of Sophia Rose:

A “Holiday Whodunnit” during a locked door English country house party is always a delicious prospect for me. I eagerly cracked open, A Christmas Party, by the renowned Georgette Heyer. Famous for her Regency romances and historical fiction, she also wrote several contemporary murder mysteries set in the 1930’s to the 1950’s, the golden age of detective fiction. I soon settled in for some enjoyment.

A Colorful Assortment of Guests Continue reading “A Christmas Party: A Seasonal Murder Mystery, by Georgette Heyer — A Review” →

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The Sisters of Sea View: On Devonshire Shores (Book 1), by Julie Klassen — A Review

From the desk of Sophia Rose:

Upon my first reading of a Julie Klassen book, I was struck by many wonderful thoughts. Among them was how obvious was the love the author had for Jane Austen, attentiveness to historical elements, masterful character development, and that special sparkle to her writing that draws in a reader. This early impression has stuck with me through many new releases, and I discovered was still true in this latest, The Sisters of Sea View. Continue reading “The Sisters of Sea View: On Devonshire Shores (Book 1), by Julie Klassen — A Review” →

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The Best Intentions: The Huntresses (Book 1), by Sarah M. Eden — A Review

From the desk of Katie Jackson:

Often in romance stories, even those with dual point of view, it is the heroine and the romance itself that typically get most of the spotlight. Indeed, it takes great authorial skill to powerfully convey the nuances of multiple complex relationships, familial and otherwise, along with the deep emotions that are inextricably intertwined in them. It is just such a skill that prolific historical romance author Sarah M. Eden demonstrates in all of her novels, including her latest—The Best Intentions—the first book  in The Huntresses series in which the romance almost takes second place to the emotional struggles that both the hero and heroine are Continue reading “The Best Intentions: The Huntresses (Book 1), by Sarah M. Eden — A Review” →

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Marmee: A Novel of Little Women, by Sarah Miller — A Review

From the desk of Jayda B. Justus:

I am a huge fan of Little Women and read it multiple times as a child and adult, laughing and crying along with the March sisters (and desperately longing for sisters like them!). Marmee is a new novel retelling of the story from the point of view of the sisters mother, Margaret March. Author Sarah Miller has turned the familiar story to focus on how the antics of the sisters and the absence of Mr. March affected Margaret, the saintly mother, and wife who held the family together in the midst of war and near poverty. Continue reading “Marmee: A Novel of Little Women, by Sarah Miller — A Review” →

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Little Women (Abbeville Illustrated Classics), by Louisa May Alcott, with Illustrations by Clara M. Burd, & Introduction by Alice A. Carter — A Review

From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress:

Few novels have touched and inspired young readers as profoundly as Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888). Originally published in two volumes in 1868 and 1869, it is a remarkable coming-of-age story of four sisters with distinctive, endearing personalities set during the American Civil War, and after. Continue reading “Little Women (Abbeville Illustrated Classics), by Louisa May Alcott, with Illustrations by Clara M. Burd, & Introduction by Alice A. Carter — A Review” →

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Godmersham Park: A Novel of the Austen Family, by Gill Hornby — A Review

From the desk of Sophia Rose:  

When tempting this Austen lover with a new book, one merely need mention that it is based on real life figures in Jane Austen’s life, and I am hooked. By making it a governess’ tale with a mysterious past, I am well-nigh bewitched. I settled in eager for Godmersham Park, anticipating Gill Hornby’s thoughtfully considered development of characters, setting, historical context, and engaging plot.

Opening line: Continue reading “Godmersham Park: A Novel of the Austen Family, by Gill Hornby — A Review” →

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Unnatural Creatures: A Novel of the Frankenstein Women, by Kris Waldherr — A Review   

From the desk of Sophia Rose:

When one considers classic horror, there are few tales that leap so quickly to the mind as Frankenstein. Published in 1818, the tale was originally spun by Mary Shelley as a campfire ghost tale during a summer gathering of literary giants vacationing along the shores of Lake Geneva. Much homage has been paid to the original story, in print and film, yet here is a sparkling, standout gem of a companion novel written by Kris Waldherr not only paying proper tribute to both the radical author and her disturbing tale, but with an added twist. Unnatural Creatures spotlights the women of the Frankenstein story. Continue reading “Unnatural Creatures: A Novel of the Frankenstein Women, by Kris Waldherr — A Review   “ →

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