Category: Editor’s Picks

The True Confessions of a London Spy: The Secret Life of Mary Bennet (Book 2), by Katherine Cowley — A Review

From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress:

Few who have read Pride and Prejudice can forget Mary Bennet. The middle sister among five daughters, she is a minor character in Jane Austen’s classic with only a few scenes, and fewer lines of dialogue. Her unaccomplished pianoforte playing and singing at the Netherfield ball were an unwelcome embarrassment to her older sisters Jane and Elizabeth. She is plain and preachy and pedantic—a comedic Continue reading “The True Confessions of a London Spy: The Secret Life of Mary Bennet (Book 2), by Katherine Cowley — A Review” →

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The Secret Life of Miss Mary Bennet: The Secret Life of Mary Bennet (Book 1), by Katherine Cowley — A Review

From the desk of Sophia Rose:

A journey from unattractive and least wanted sister to unlikely heroine is the basis for many a classic suspenseful adventure. Relatable and easily cheered on, Pride & Prejudice’s Mary Bennet gets her time to shine in Katherine Cowley’s first in a series of historical mysteries launching as a sequel to Jane Austen’s classic.

First Line Continue reading “The Secret Life of Miss Mary Bennet: The Secret Life of Mary Bennet (Book 1), by Katherine Cowley — A Review” →

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The Letter from Briarton Park: The Houses of Yorkshire (Book 1), by Sarah E. Ladd — A Review  

From the desk of Katie Patchell:   

Hidden letters. Long-lost relatives. Unlooked-for love. The Letter from Briarton Park is Sarah E. Ladd’s eleventh and most recent Regency novel. Set in small villages, lofty halls, and shadowy forests, its pages tell a page-turning tale created of equal parts chilling suspense and swoony romance.

Unknown Beginnings 

Without knowledge of her parentage, Cassandra Hale feels as if her life up until twenty-four has been a Continue reading “The Letter from Briarton Park: The Houses of Yorkshire (Book 1), by Sarah E. Ladd — A Review  “ →

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A Secret Sisterhood: The Literary Friendships of Jane Austen, Charlotte Brontë, George Eliot, and Virginia Woolf, by Emily Midorikawa and Emma Claire — A Review

From the desk of Tracy Hickman:

If friends are family that we choose, then what do our friendships reveal about us? And what might the literary friendships of women tell us about their lives and their work? Authors and friends Emily Midorikawa and Emma Claire Sweeney examine the relationships of iconic literary women in A Secret Sisterhood: The Literary Friendships of Jane Austen, Charlotte Brontë, George Eliot and Virginia Woolf to uncover “a treasure-trove of hidden alliances.” (xvi) Continue reading “A Secret Sisterhood: The Literary Friendships of Jane Austen, Charlotte Brontë, George Eliot, and Virginia Woolf, by Emily Midorikawa and Emma Claire — A Review” →

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The Magnolia Palace: A Novel, by Fiona Davis — A Review

From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress:

I often wonder how authors find inspiration for their novels. It is such an incredible skill to create a story from thin air. In the case of bestselling author Fiona Davis, she has made a successful career from reimagining stories surrounding iconic New York City buildings. In The Magnolia Palace she explores secrets, betrayal, and murder within the impressive Gilded Age mansion of Henry Clay Frick. The story is Continue reading “The Magnolia Palace: A Novel, by Fiona Davis — A Review” →

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Behind the Light of Golowduyn: A Cornish Romance (Book 1), by Deborah M. Hathaway — A Review

From the desk of Katie Jackson:

Come with me, dear readers, as we travel to the ruggedly resplendent cliffs of Cornwall to visit a lighthouse there called Golowduyn—pronounced goal-oh-DEW-in—and learn what secrets may be revealed by its shining light. Esteemed historical romance author Deborah M. Hathaway has crafted a lovely tale of hope through loss and loneliness in Behind the Light of Golowduyn, book one of the A Continue reading “Behind the Light of Golowduyn: A Cornish Romance (Book 1), by Deborah M. Hathaway — A Review” →

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The Best Pride and Prejudice Inspired Novels to Add to Your Historical TBR List

Mr. Darcy, by Rocketsky at Deviant Art

From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress:

Today is Pride and Prejudice’s 209th birthday. Many happy returns of the day to Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy.

Jane Austen’s second novel was published in a three-volume set by Thomas Egerton, Whitehall, London in 1813. She sold the copyright for £110. Ouch! One can only imagine how much the novel has made for its numerous publishers over the centuries. Continue reading “The Best Pride and Prejudice Inspired Novels to Add to Your Historical TBR List” →

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Wyndcross: A Regency Romance (Families of Dorset Book 1), by Martha Keyes — A Review  

From the desk of Katie Patchell:  

Henry Tilney (of Northanger Abbey fame) is an underrated hero of a vastly underrated novel. It’s almost impossible for me to name a favorite Jane Austen work, as (like all the best stories) each speaks into one’s life in different ways and seasons. Yet if I applied myself to the question—and ducked away from Mr. Knightley’s accusing gaze—I would have to say that yes, Northanger Abbey is my favorite and Henry Tilney the best of all heroic Henrys. In Wyndcross, the first in Martha Keyes’ “Families of Dorset” series, a hero quite like Mr. Tilney is accompanied by Kate, a heroine as willing to brave danger as Austen’s own Catherine Morland. Continue reading “Wyndcross: A Regency Romance (Families of Dorset Book 1), by Martha Keyes — A Review  “ →

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Matchless Margaret: The Hapgoods of Bramleigh (Book 4), by Christina Dudley — A Review  

From the desk of Katie Patchell:  

Who has seen the 1999 Wives and Daughters miniseries, adapted from Elizabeth Gaskell’s Victorian classic? It’s a powerful study of 19th-century life in a small English village, played by a phenomenal cast. Because of the miniseries, I recently devoured the 720-page volume and subsequently forced a family member to read it (which was a heroic accomplishment, because this specific family member has “Large Book Phobia”). Who can forget Squire Hamley, the character who acts like a character? To him, the Hamleys of Hamley Hall have a long history of honor to uphold…but they never quite live up to his Continue reading “Matchless Margaret: The Hapgoods of Bramleigh (Book 4), by Christina Dudley — A Review  “ →

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The Siren of Sussex: Belles of London (Book 1), by Mimi Matthews — A Review

From the desk of Sophia Rose:  

Already a fan of the writing style and careful historical research that is given to romances rich in well-developed characters and plots, I was salivating for this new Belles of London series. Mimi Matthews’ stories are only a recent find for me, but each has presented something fresh and exciting. I hadn’t gotten far into this first in series release to see The Siren of Sussex, an equestrian lover’s dream romance, would be no exception.

A Bluestocking on a Mission Continue reading “The Siren of Sussex: Belles of London (Book 1), by Mimi Matthews — A Review” →

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12 Highly Anticipated Historical Novels to Ring in the New Year, 2022

From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress: 

Happy news for historical book lovers. The selection of new novels available in the next two months is so exciting. From forgotten events in history, to deep dives into the social machinations of Gilded Age New York, to feisty heroines and swoon-worthy heroes, the selection is deep and broad and satisfying for those who enjoy being emersed in another era.

Here is my curated list of my favorites to entice you.

Best, Laurel Ann Continue reading “12 Highly Anticipated Historical Novels to Ring in the New Year, 2022” →

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Mischief, Mayhem, and Marriage: Supposed Scandal Series (Book 2), by Rebecca Connolly — A Review

From the desk of Katie Jackson:

Dear Historical Romance Readers,

Are you ready for a heartwarming love story? One that begins with a forced-marriage scenario, involves an apparently incompatible couple whose relationship expands in beautiful ways, and provokes emotions that will stay with you long after you’ve closed the book? You are in for a treat! Mischief, Mayhem, and Marriage—the latest sweet Regency tale from talented wordsmith Rebecca Connolly—has it all. Not only Continue reading “Mischief, Mayhem, and Marriage: Supposed Scandal Series (Book 2), by Rebecca Connolly — A Review” →

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