Mother of Rome is the gripping, poignant, and thoroughly spellbinding tale of Rhea Silvia, the fierce and formidable woman who gavFrom my endorsement:
Mother of Rome is the gripping, poignant, and thoroughly spellbinding tale of Rhea Silvia, the fierce and formidable woman who gave birth to Remus and Romulus. Lauren J. A. Bear brings the legend to life with elegant prose and emotional intelligence, merging myth with a powerful tale of womanhood in all its forms. This is a story that will stay with me for a long time. Utterly superb....more
Her Knight at the Museum is a fun, fantastical romcom with a romantic heart and a whimsical spirit. Perfect for fans of Kate and Leopold and Jude DeveHer Knight at the Museum is a fun, fantastical romcom with a romantic heart and a whimsical spirit. Perfect for fans of Kate and Leopold and Jude Deveraux’s A Knight in Shining Armor....more
Truly a story for booklovers, THE WRONG LADY MEETS LORD RIGHT is warm, witty, and oh so romantic. Suzanne Allain’s writing sparkles with humor, and thTruly a story for booklovers, THE WRONG LADY MEETS LORD RIGHT is warm, witty, and oh so romantic. Suzanne Allain’s writing sparkles with humor, and the historical atmosphere is top notch. A perfect novel for fans of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer!...more
Why yes, I am giving this little novel of mine 5 stars. Not only because I love these characters so much, but because I wrote this book during one of Why yes, I am giving this little novel of mine 5 stars. Not only because I love these characters so much, but because I wrote this book during one of the worst cervical spine flareups I've had since I broke my neck. It's a bit shorter as a consequence, and the sneak peek for Jack's book (coming in 2025!) has to wait until I'm well enough to write the first chapter. Apologies for that.
I'll include more behind the scenes info here when I'm feeling better. Until then, I hope Hannah and James's gentle love story manages to bring you a measure of joy. ❤️...more
Absolutely wonderful. I was lucky enough to read an early manuscript for this fantastic novel and can't say enough good things about it. Rich in VictoAbsolutely wonderful. I was lucky enough to read an early manuscript for this fantastic novel and can't say enough good things about it. Rich in Victorian atmosphere, alive with romance and adventure, and sparkling with Isabel Ibañez's trademark brilliance. I can't wait for the next book to arrive!...more
Historically rich and powerfully eloquent, SISTERS OF FORTUNE is an elegantly told tale of three strong and wholly unique CanadianFrom my endorsement:
Historically rich and powerfully eloquent, SISTERS OF FORTUNE is an elegantly told tale of three strong and wholly unique Canadian sisters whose lives are changed forever during an ill-fated voyage on the Titanic. Anna Lee Huber’s writing is masterful, conjuring both the hopefulness and the tragedy of the past with profound sensitivity. The fate of the doomed luxury liner may be a foregone conclusion, but that doesn’t hinder the suspense of the story. I was held spellbound until the very last page. A spectacular read!
Merged review:
From my endorsement:
Historically rich and powerfully eloquent, SISTERS OF FORTUNE is an elegantly told tale of three strong and wholly unique Canadian sisters whose lives are changed forever during an ill-fated voyage on the Titanic. Anna Lee Huber’s writing is masterful, conjuring both the hopefulness and the tragedy of the past with profound sensitivity. The fate of the doomed luxury liner may be a foregone conclusion, but that doesn’t hinder the suspense of the story. I was held spellbound until the very last page. A spectacular read!...more
Rereading this again, and loving it just as much as I did the first time. There's loads of humor, clever banter, and amusing side characters. And therRereading this again, and loving it just as much as I did the first time. There's loads of humor, clever banter, and amusing side characters. And there are so many subtly swoony moments! Georgette Heyer can imbue acres of emotional tension in the simple deepening of a voice, or in a single prolonged silence. One of my favorite of her novels!...more
Equal parts witty and romantic, ALL’S FAIR IN LOVE AND WAR is a page-turning Regency charmer. Virginia Heath’s writing is top notcFrom my endorsement:
Equal parts witty and romantic, ALL’S FAIR IN LOVE AND WAR is a page-turning Regency charmer. Virginia Heath’s writing is top notch, sparkling with her trademark humor. I was smiling (and swooning) all the way through....more
Gilded Age New York meets Victorian London in Harper St. George’s dazzling new series. The Stranger I Wed is strong, feminist, andFrom my endorsement:
Gilded Age New York meets Victorian London in Harper St. George’s dazzling new series. The Stranger I Wed is strong, feminist, and scorchingly sexy. This is historical marriage-of-convenience romance at its swooniest. I couldn’t put it down....more
When writing The Lily of Ludgate Hill, I was inspired by several historical figures, places, and events from the Victorian era. I was also heavily infWhen writing The Lily of Ludgate Hill, I was inspired by several historical figures, places, and events from the Victorian era. I was also heavily influenced by my own experience with losing my father to congestive heart failure two days before Christmas in 2021. The novel that emerged from my grief is one that’s as much about the complexity of family dynamics and the strength of female friendships as it is about romance.
But make no mistake, this is a romance. Anne and Hart’s slow burn, enemies-to-friends-to-lovers relationship is filled with simmering tension, tart banter, and plenty of swoony moments. I believe there's romance in acts of service, too. In a partner who can be steady and reliable in times of chaos. One who accepts you as you are and gives you room to be your very best self. This is what Hart and Anne ultimately are for each other—though (admittedly) they have a long road to get there.
You can expect to see all the Belles in this story, with Julia and Captain Blunt, Evelyn and Ahmad’s wedding, and even a glimpse of Stella’s future love, Teddy Hayes. And, of course, there's lots of Victorian fashion and horses. ...more
Appointment in Bath is Book 4 in my Somerset Stories series. It features idealistic Ivo Beresford, the son of Maggie and St. Clare from Gentleman Jim,Appointment in Bath is Book 4 in my Somerset Stories series. It features idealistic Ivo Beresford, the son of Maggie and St. Clare from Gentleman Jim, and shy, stammering Meg Burton-Smythe, the daughter of Gentleman Jim's villain. At 18 and 23, Meg and Ivo are my youngest couple yet (with all the sweetness, awkwardness, and occasional immaturity that entails). I've been calling their story a Romeo and Juliet romance, but with a much happier ending. ❤️
The Somerset Stories series is a series that was never supposed to exist. The Work of Art and Gentleman Jim were both originally written as standalones. It’s why they’re bigger, denser, and more complicated in terms of plotting and characterization. The next two books (Return to Satterthwaite Court and Appointment in Bath) were written entirely as fan service—as a way of saying thank you to the readers who supported me during the year after losing my dad.
These newer, ‘second-generation’ stories about the Heywood and Beresford children are shorter, sweeter, and simpler than my other novels. They exist purely as a sort of reunion for readers who loved the first two stories and want to revisit the history of those earlier characters as much as they want to enjoy a romance between new ones. That’s not to say that you won’t enjoy them if you haven’t read the first books, but I expect that you’re going to enjoy them a lot more if you have! ...more
Rich with passion, brimming with history, and alive with feminist insight, The Gentleman’s Gambit is a literary treasure trove for lovers of VictorianRich with passion, brimming with history, and alive with feminist insight, The Gentleman’s Gambit is a literary treasure trove for lovers of Victorian romance. Evie Dunmore once again proves her mastery of the genre, crafting a story that resonates as profoundly with modern sensibilities as it does with historical authenticity. Absolutely brilliant from the first page to the last. ...more
In This Moment is a page-turning journey through three riveting, interwoven historical timelines. Gabrielle Meyer merges epic momeFrom my endorsement:
In This Moment is a page-turning journey through three riveting, interwoven historical timelines. Gabrielle Meyer merges epic moments in history with personal themes of romance, faith, and self-sacrifice. A unique and thought-provoking read....more
MARRY ME BY MIDNIGHT is a scorching and swoonworthy reimagining of Cinderella set in the 1830s London Jewish community. Felicia GrFrom my endorsement:
MARRY ME BY MIDNIGHT is a scorching and swoonworthy reimagining of Cinderella set in the 1830s London Jewish community. Felicia Grossman writes with passion and sensitivity, imbuing her characters with humor, heart, and strength. An excellent start to the series, and a much-needed addition to the historical romance genre! ...more
To Free the Stars is a fast-paced, thrill ride of a spy novel, tempered by moments of profound tenderness and emotion. J’nell CiesFrom my endorsement:
To Free the Stars is a fast-paced, thrill ride of a spy novel, tempered by moments of profound tenderness and emotion. J’nell Ciesielski writes with energy and passion, bringing brilliant life to two dynamic characters battling extremes on every front. A star-bright story of perseverance, devotion, and above all, love....more
Medusa’s Sisters is a stunning debut. Lauren Bear writes with lyrical elegance, her gorgeous prose illuminating the fierce power oFrom my endorsement:
Medusa’s Sisters is a stunning debut. Lauren Bear writes with lyrical elegance, her gorgeous prose illuminating the fierce power of women, the bonds of sisterhood, and the enduring strength of myths and legends. A gloriously feminist novel that achieves both historical richness and modern relevance. As thought-provoking as it is entertaining. I couldn’t put it down....more
Philly and Arthur's dashing son, Charles! Maggie and St. Clare's hellion daughter, Kate! The Work of Art meets Gentleman Jim in Return to SatterthwaitPhilly and Arthur's dashing son, Charles! Maggie and St. Clare's hellion daughter, Kate! The Work of Art meets Gentleman Jim in Return to Satterthwaite Court, coming in April 2023. You can expect to see all your old faves (some a bit older and grayer than others) as their children meet, quarrel, and fall in love in my newest Victorian romance, set in 1843. Longer author note to come!
Updated author note:
The Somerset Stories series is a series that was never supposed to exist. The Work of Art and Gentleman Jim were both originally written as standalones. It’s why they’re bigger, denser, and more complicated in terms of plotting and characterization. The next two books (Return to Satterthwaite Court and Appointment in Bath) were written entirely as fan service—as a way of saying thank you to the readers who supported me during the year after losing my dad.
These newer, ‘second-generation’ stories about the Heywood and Beresford children are shorter, sweeter, and simpler than my other novels. They exist purely as a sort of reunion for readers who loved the first two stories and want to revisit the history of those earlier characters as much as they want to enjoy a romance between new ones. That’s not to say that you won’t enjoy them if you haven’t read the first books, but I expect that you’re going to enjoy them a lot more if you have! ...more