July 30, 2019

REVIEW: Jane Steele by Lyndsay Faye

JennieA- Reviews / Book Reviews19th century England / First person narrative / historical novel / Jane Eyre / murder / Nicholas Nickelby12 Comments

Dear Ms. Faye: I saw this in the Daily Deals back in November of last year, and I clicked “buy” in spite of some reservations. I was concerned by a description of the book as “Jane Eyre meets Dexter.” I recently read a suspense book that featured murdering protagonists that ... more >

September 16, 2016

REVIEW: The Reluctant Heiress by Annabel Laine

JayneB Reviews / Book Reviews19th century England / England / Historical / mystery / Regency4 Comments

Secrets only get darker with time… The Earl of Moriston is an aristocrat, diplomat and occasional detective. When his lordship first meets the ravishing Caroline Malcolm, he is taken aback by her reaction to him. She turns as white as the ribbons that trim her elegant muslin gown, and looks ... more >

August 3, 2016

REVIEW: The Clandestine Betrothal by Alice Chetwynd Ley

JayneB- Reviews / Book Reviews19th century England / England / Historical / Regency / trad regency4 Comments

When 17-year-old Susan Fyfield is engaged to the dashing man-about-town Beau Eversley, it should make her the happiest girl in England. After all, Beau is everything she could wish for: handsome, charming and from a good family. The trouble is, in announcing her betrothal to her aunt and sister, she ... more >

July 25, 2016

REVIEW: Claire, After All (The Penwarrens Book 1) by Karen J. Hasley

JayneB Reviews / Book Reviews19th century England / Early Victorian / England / family relationships / Historical4 Comments

Claire Penwarren is a force to be reckoned with. Commissioned by her widowed father, she descends on the green Sussex hills with three assignments. Ready Loden Hall for her father’s arrival as the new earl. Find the perfect husband for her gorgeous half-sister. Acquire a tutor for her rapscallion twin ... more >

October 24, 2015

REVIEW: Far From the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy

JennieB+ Reviews19th century England / classic fiction / love triangles / Rural13 Comments

Dear Reader: Once upon a time (more specifically, late 2010), my quest for self-improvement led me to Thomas Hardy. “Self,” I said to myself, “you’ve been trying all sorts of classic authors, you’ve tackled a few Russians. But you’ve never read Thomas Hardy. Why not give him a shot?” So ... more >