Last summer, J. J. McAvoy released Aphrodite and the Duke, the first book in her new Regency romance series, the DuBells. Like the Netflix adaptation of Bridgerton, this series features people of color in aristocratic roles in a society void of racism. I've been looking forward to reading Aphrodite and the Duke, and now felt... Continue Reading →
One of my most anticipated books of 2023 has been Maame, the debut novel by Jessica George. It follows Maddie, a self-described "late bloomer," who, at 25, is moving out for the first time. She'll experience some exciting and rocky firsts, but she'll also face tragedy, and these will lead her to uncovering her path... Continue Reading →
For nearly six years, I've been holding onto Mr. Rochester by Sarah Shoemaker. This novel is a retelling of Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre—my favorite classic novel, and one I just reread earlier this month. This January I'm doing a fun little Jane Eyre reading challenge (I'm calling it "Janeuary"), and the first retelling I selected... Continue Reading →
In the last couple of years, the Secret Scientists of London series by Elizabeth Everett has emerged as a standout among historical romances. These are smart books highlighting women who fit within the STEM label (and STEMinist label), except it's the 1840s and they're facing even more career pushback than women today. I've been meaning... Continue Reading →
The first classic novel I profoundly connected with when I was young was Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë. I was a high school junior then, still 16 years old, and I absolutely loved it. So much so, in fact, that I watched and rewatched the 2006 BBC series adaptation and forced my younger sister to... Continue Reading →
In the past year, I've loved both of Virginia Heath's Merriwell Sisters novels. So when I saw that she has a festive short story, Say Yule Be Mine, I figured now was the perfect time to read it. It's included in the holiday anthology, Merry Christmas, Belles and Rakehalls (which I plan to read in... Continue Reading →
I adore Harper St. George's Gilded Age Heiresses series, which has one final book coming out this spring. Before that arrives, and with the holiday spirit alive, I wanted to read her Christmas-y short story, Once Upon an Heiress. I actually read this a year ago, and this is a reread, but I love it just as... Continue Reading →
Earlier this year I was happy to read Gurzil by I, Anonymous. The first in the Wars of Wrath series, it ended on a cliffhanger, so I was eager to see what would happen next. The second installment is Badon Hill, a transitional book that sets up what is sure to be an exciting end.... Continue Reading →
I always enjoy reading historical fiction about real-life figures, and especially about the people adjacent to someone more famous, so I was excited to read Godmersham Park by Gill Hornby. It follows the years that Anne Sharp worked as a governess for the Austen family at their home in Kent. While there, she met her... Continue Reading →
Last year, one of my favorite romances was Never Fall for Your Fiancée by Virginia Heath. The first in a trilogy, I could hardly wait for the next installment, so I was excited to get an ARC of book #2, Never Rescue a Rogue. Much as I loved its predecessor, Never Rescue a Rogue may be... Continue Reading →
More and more lately, I've enjoyed reading about historical figures who are adjacent to someone who is more famous or remembered. I've read about the lesser known Mozart composer, then Marie Antoinette's older sister, and now Queen Victoria's daughter, Louise. Heather B. Moore's latest novel, In the Shadow of a Queen, highlights the princess who... Continue Reading →
Earlier this year, I adored The Siren of Sussex by Mimi Matthews, the first in her Belles of London series. Ever since, I'd been looking forward to the next book, The Belle of Belgrave Square. Happily, I was able to read an advanced copy of the novel, and it not only lived up to my lofty... Continue Reading →
Ruth Ware is an auto-buy author for me; I've loved her first six novels, and I'm always ready for whatever is next! Her latest release is The It Girl, a dual-timeline, dark academia thriller about uncovering who really murdered a best friend all those years ago. Because the guy who went to prison for it... Continue Reading →
Two years ago, Suzanne Allain released her novel Mr. Malcolm's List. I've been planning to read it since then, but now that the movie adaptation is out, I knew I couldn't wait any longer. I opted for the audiobook version, narrated by Elizabeth Knowelden, before immediately watching the film. While fairly different, both versions were... Continue Reading →
In late 2020, I read Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford. It was part of a book club I was in, and all of us loved the novel. So I was excited to learn of his newest novel, The Many Daughters of Afong Moy, and even more thrilled when I was approved... Continue Reading →
There's a new historical mystery out today, set on a ship in summer 1936: Miss Aldridge Regrets by Louise Hare. If you're looking for dubiously linked murders, a calculated setup, a bit of music, and an examination of race, this is the book for you. Special thanks to the publicists at Penguin Random House and... Continue Reading →
One of my most anticipated historical fiction novels this summer is A Dress of Violet Taffeta by Tessa Arlen. Inspired by a real woman who became an acclaimed fashion designer, it's a novel of beautiful gowns, a second chance at love, and survival in a rapidly changing world. I was pleased to get an ARC... Continue Reading →
A few years ago, I picked up The Snow Gypsy by Lindsay Jayne Ashford. Set in Spain in the aftermath of both World War II and the Spanish Civil War, this novel follows two women whose lives will intersect as they search for a missing man and answers to his final secrets. I have a... Continue Reading →
Two years ago, Natalie Jenner released her debut novel, The Jane Austen Society. It became a bestseller, and now readers can enjoy her latest novel: Bloomsbury Girls. While it features some characters first seen in The Jane Austen Society - and references some events therein - it also works as a standalone. It's an inspiring... Continue Reading →
One of my most anticipated books this month was The Murder of Mr. Wickham by Claudia Gray. It's the Jane Austen-inspired cozy mystery I never knew I needed, featuring some of her best-known characters as well as brand new faces. I was thrilled to get an early copy of the book, and now that it's... Continue Reading →
This month, my reading challenge was to read books set in Paris. My final selection was The Age of Light by Whitney Scharer, which I got as a Book of the Month pick about three years ago. Paris in 1929-1930, photography, and real historical figures make this a fascinating piece of historical fiction. Summary After... Continue Reading →
One of my most anticipated books this year is A Caribbean Heiress in Paris by Adriana Herrera, the first in her Las Léonas romance trilogy. Though it doesn't come out until the end of May, I was hoping I'd get an ARC of it in time for my April reading challenge (to read books set... Continue Reading →
One of my most anticipated books of this spring is out today: The No-Show by Beth O'Leary. This is her fourth novel, though my first time reading her work. Sitting somewhere between mystery, romance, and women's fiction, it's a surprising novel that will work your mind and, in the end, your heart. Review Special thanks... Continue Reading →
One month ago, a new historical romance book was released into the world. Her Country Gentleman, the first in the Timeless Georgian Collection series, comprises three short stories by Sian Ann Bessey, Sarah M. Eden, and Rebecca Connolly. Kim Bretton narrates the audiobook version. It's an endearing book that is perfect for anyone who enjoys... Continue Reading →
Amanda's Book Corner 