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”

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”

An Exclusive Interview with Amanda Dykes, Author of All the Lost Places

From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress:

Did you know that for several centuries Venice was one of the main stops during a British gentleman’s “Grand Tour” of the continent? The ancient city of islands and canals in northeast Italy is renowned for its beautiful architecture, artwork, and a fascinating history. Setting her new historical fiction novel in this enchanting city, Amanda Dykes includes the magical elements that it is known for and adds a century old mystery into her plot of her new novel, All the Lost Places. Curious about the two main characters and how the city would impact their story, I asked Amanda to join us today to discuss her new novel. Continue reading “An Exclusive Interview with Amanda Dykes, Author of All the Lost Places

An Exclusive Interview with Julie Klassen, Author of The Sisters of Sea View

From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress:

Hello Dear Readers,

I love it when a favorite author begins a new series. It means that I get to meet new characters, discover new stories, and read multiple books. It is even more exciting when the new series is by a bestselling historical romance author such as Julie Klassen!

Austenprose has been a big fan of Klassen and her Regency-era novels reviewing many and interviewing her in the past. Today I am thrilled to welcome her back to discuss her first novel in her On Devonshire Shores series, The Sisters of Sea View. Continue reading “An Exclusive Interview with Julie Klassen, Author of The Sisters of Sea View

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”

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   “

An Exclusive Interview with Hannah Linder, Author of Beneath His Silence

From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress:

Happy Monday Dear Readers,

The month of October is a favorite of mine with the arrival of fall leaves and pumpkin spice lates. It is also the month to celebrate All-Hallows-Eve with Gothic stories.

I am happy to introduce you to a new author to the historical suspense genre, Hannah Linder. Her debut novel Beneath His Silence has all the Gothic feels — a young heroine who goes undercover as a governess to discover her sister’s killer, a hero who is hiding secrets, an ancient English manor house, and a mystery to uncover. Continue reading “An Exclusive Interview with Hannah Linder, Author of Beneath His Silence”

The Matchmaker’s Request: A Regency Romance (Larkhall Letters Book 4), by Ashtyn Newbold — A Review  

From the desk of Katie Patchell:  

Matchmaker: For me, this word conjures up frightening images of domineering great-aunts and nosy neighbors, all wagging their fingers in my unwed face to the beat of Fiddler on the Roof’s justly titled song, “Matchmaker Matchmaker.” While these dreams may have more to do with my unresolved issues (or a rich diet of too sharp cheese), I do have to say in my defense that the word “matchmaker” would be Continue reading “The Matchmaker’s Request: A Regency Romance (Larkhall Letters Book 4), by Ashtyn Newbold — A Review  “

Near the Ruins of Penharrow: A Cornish Romance (Book 3), by Deborah M. Hathaway — A Review

From the desk of Katie Jackson:

On the Cornish coast of England in 1815, the copper mines were often the lifeblood of the community, providing wages for the workers and wealth for the owners. The disparity between the two groups is explored in Near the Ruins of Penharrow, the third book of Deborah M. Hathaway’s riveting Cornish Romance series. Continue reading “Near the Ruins of Penharrow: A Cornish Romance (Book 3), by Deborah M. Hathaway — A Review”

When Blood Lies: A Sebastian St. Cyr Mystery (Book 17), by C.S. Harris — A Review

From the desk of Sophia Rose:

One of the most vibrant, yet gritty historical mystery series on the market today, the Sebastian St. Cyr series by C.S. Harris captivates and meets readers intellectually and emotionally with remarkable tales that are much more than a clever mystery set in the Regency period. When Blood Lies, the 17th book in the series, is one of my most anticipated reads this year and makes my top favorites lists. Continue reading “When Blood Lies: A Sebastian St. Cyr Mystery (Book 17), by C.S. Harris — A Review”

Isabel: A Regency Romance (Families of Dorset Book 2), by Martha Keyes — A Review    

From the desk of Katie Patchell:

First love or second love? Sometimes we (and our heroes and heroines) end up with our first loves–these are often the “salad days” stories of childhood and college sweethearts. But sometimes the field is won not by the person we or our heroes/heroines love first, but the person loved last. In Isabel, Martha Keyes’ second novel in her ‘Families of Dorset’ series, readers encounter a thoughtful, romantic take on the Continue reading “Isabel: A Regency Romance (Families of Dorset Book 2), by Martha Keyes — A Review    “

The Viscount Who Loved Me: Bridgerton (Book 2), by Julia Quinn — A Review

From the desk of Rachel McMillan:

Returning to The Viscount Who Loved Me I found myself in the pages of a romantic masterpiece. Here, the canvas of a London season showcases two hearts burdened by grief and anxiety only to find love amidst a cast of familiar characters beloved by readers the world over. Lord Anthony Bridgerton, eldest of the series’ eponymous family is, as ton gossip monger Lady Whistledown insists, a capital R rake. Continue reading “The Viscount Who Loved Me: Bridgerton (Book 2), by Julia Quinn — A Review”

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