Recent Reads - Lady Susan

Lady Susan by Jane Austen - It's been a long time since I wrote anything like a "review" of a Jane Austen novel, though I never tire of re-reading them. However, Lady Susan is one I haven't previously read, so this was new for me. This would be considered a novella, as it is quite short. The entire story is told in a series of letters between Lady Susan and some of her family and acquaintances. 

Lady Susan Vernon is a recent widow with a daughter about sixteen years old. She is well-known in London society, and has a reputation as an accomplished flirt and coquette, and this is very soon borne out in the exchange of letters. However, the reader is presented with letters from Lady Susan herself and from other characters, and the possibility that at least one letter-writer could be considered an unreliable narrator. 

We learn that Lady Susan has left her daughter at a finishing school while she herself goes to stay with her late husband's brother and wife. The sister-in-law, Mrs Vernon, has a decidedly negative opinion of Lady Susan and her letters to her brother and parents expound on her displeasure at hosting such a flirt. Matters become more complicated when her brother Reginald joins them and develops a close friendship with Lady Susan. Much to the chagrin of his family, as they fear his marrying the woman! Lady Susan's daughter is eventually brought to the house as well, as she is to be engaged to a Sir James that she heartily dislikes. Lady Susan writes with justifications and pride in her manipulations to her friend, while Mrs Vernon and others write with distress and frustration.

In only a slim collection of letters with no additional narration or background, Austen tells a surprisingly complex story of a selfish and ambitious woman, and the norms of the society in which she lives.

From the publisher:

Discover a different side of Jane Austen in Lady Susan, a lesser-known yet equally engaging novella that brilliantly showcases Austen's witty social commentary and keen insight into human nature.

Lady Susan is a unique departure from Austen's conventional style, presenting readers with an unconventional anti-heroine who is as unning as she is captivating. The story unfolds through a series of letters, drawing you into the manipulative world of the charming and scheming widow, Lady Susan Vernon.

Austen's sharp-witted and ironic take on society's norms and the expectations of women make Lady Susan a delightful read. It stands as a testament to her talent as a storyteller and her understandng of human character.

Whether you're a Jane Austen devotee or new to her work, Lady Susan offers a fascinating look into the social machinations of the Regency period that remains as relevant and entertaining today as when first published.

By the same author: Sense & Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Persuasion, Emma, Mansfield Park, Northanger Abbey, The History of England

This is a book written in the 1800s (#21) for The 52 Book Club's 2026 Reading Challenge.

#the52bookclub #the52bookclub2026

This is related to "letter" for Prompt #1 of the February Mini-Challenge

This post will be linked at the current BookWorms Monthly link-up hosted by At Home A Lot.

©2008-2026 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. This post was written by a human.  http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

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Recent Reads - The Work of Art

The Work of Art by Mimi Matthews - Our introduction to Phyllida comes as she comes into her uncle's library to collect her dogs that have interrupted a meeting. Her straightforward humility is scoffed at by some of her uncle's guests, but not Captain Arthur Heywood. He later has the opportunity to converse with her and finds himself liking her more than he expected. She is kind, unpretentious, and gracious, and the plans her uncle has to marry her off to the Duke of Moreland do not sit well with Arthur at all. But what can he do? He barely knows her and is in no position to object or to be involved at all.

Philly has accepted that her life will be different now. Having been raised by her grandparents in Devonshire, she is more than capable of running a household and has all the required manners and graces of a high-born lady, but was not pressed to have a London season or marry young. With her grandfather's death, Philly has been taken in by her uncle, and has no property or dowry to speak of, and must submit to his plans to prepare her for a season and find a suitable husband for her. She begins to hope that the courteous Captain Heywood might be the one chosen, but is dismayed when she meets the Duke of Moreland. He is notorious as a collector of unusual art, and has a reputation for cruelty and vengeance. When she sees him strike one of his dogs, she is determined that she will not marry him for she knows her own beloved dogs will not be welcomed and may well be mistreated. Her uncle is unmoved by her pleas, so she takes a chance and reaches out to Captain Heywood, hoping that his gallantry and kindness during their brief friendship will move him to offer her some assistance.

Arthur not only comes through to help Philly, he offers her everything he can in order to protect her from Moreland. He offers her a marriage of convenience and the protection of his name, and assures her that she will want for nothing at his home, and that she may bring her beloved dogs with her. He loves her already but because he is crippled and emotionally and physically scarred after his experiences in war, he fears offering her his heart and his full companionship. The two do fall in love, but Arthur continues to worry about the threat that seems to have followed her to his estate, and won't allow himself to love her fully. 

This story seems to resolve relatively quickly, until threats and danger follow Philly out of London to Heycombe, and the tension ramps up again. There is also the romantic tension as Arthur and Philly navigate their relationship and learn to trust each other. The resolutions to the conflicts are not exactly as expected but the promised happy ever after does eventually come. 

From the publisher:

An Uncommon Beauty . . . 

Hidden away in rural Devonshire, Phyllida Satterthwaite has always been considered more odd than beautiful. But in London, her oddity has made her a sensation. Far worse, it's caught the eye of the sinister Duke of Moreland―a notorious art collector obsessed with acquiring one-of-a-kind treasures. To escape the duke's clutches, she's going to need a little help.

An Unlikely Hero . . .

Captain Arthur Heywood's days of heroism are long past. Grievously injured in the Peninsular War, he can no longer walk unaided, let alone shoot a pistol. What use can he possibly be to a damsel in distress? He has nothing left to offer except his good name. 

Can a marriage of convenience save Philly from the vengeful duke? Or will life with Arthur put her―and  her heart―in more danger than ever?

By the same author: The Matrimonial Advertisment, Fair As A Star, The Viscount and the Vicar's Daughter

This is a book written in third person (#35) for The 52 Book Club's 2025 Reading Challenge.

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This post will be linked at the current BookWorms Monthly link-up hosted by At Home A Lot, and at  the Historical Fiction Reading Challenge 2025 hosted by The Intrepid Reader and Baker.

#histficreadingchallenge

©2008-2025 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. This post was written by a human.  http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

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Recent Reads - A Christmas Charade

A Christmas Charade by Karla Hocker - I found this book on my Kindle while hunting for something with a holiday theme and it obviously fit the bill! The story takes place at Stenton Castle, which has been standing empty for some years since a tragic fire. Clive Rowland, Duke of Stenton has decided to refurbish the castle and host a Christmas house party, but it's a cover to give him an excuse to investigate probable spy activity along the nearby Sussex coast.

Elizabeth Gore-Langton is a somewhat reluctant guest, having come as the paid companion to Lady Astley. A decade earlier, Elizabeth had been enamored of Clive during her first season, and is uncomfortable wondering if and how he'll remember her. 

It's pretty clear that a second chance romance will likely develop between these two, but there is a whole cast of supporting characters with their own storylines, including Lady Astley's son and his wife who are navigating issues in the marriage since his return from war. There are little subplots going on among the other extended family members and close friends at this house party as well. And while all these personal interactions are playing out, Clive is still trying to find out if spies are using the nearby coastline.

An important supporting character is Annie Tuck, the castle's ghost! Annie has her own agenda, now that there are people at the castle again, and to everyone's surprise, she can also contribute to the romances, dramas, and subterfuges. Annie becomes gradually more tangible to the people in the castle, and her part is probably the most entertaining part of the story.

While this was an enjoyable light read, I felt that it was very busy with all the little subplots, and everything about the spy activity and investigation seemed contrived and flimsy. There was an action scene that was confusing and improbable, both in the action itself and the characters' reactions and motivations.

From the publisher:

A charming Yuletide romance painted with gorgeous Regency detail.

Elizabeth Gore-Langton was hardly in a position to refuse accompanying Lady Astley to the Christmas party at Stenton Castle. After all, a paid companion must follow her employer's wishes. It scarcely mattered that Elizabeth would be forced to face the man who had unknowingly broken her heart years ago during her first season. Most likely, the Duke of Stenton wouldn't even recognize her. But once she looked up into his dark, piercing eyes, she knew this was a man who fogot very little and forgave even less. Well, she was no longer a blushing schoolgirl, and the dashing duke would soon find that a broken heart, once mended, could be formidable indeed!

Clive Rowland, Fifth Duke of Stenton, was in no mood for a holiday gathering. But the Christmas gala would provide the perfect cover as he investigated reports that French agents were doing a brisk trade in stolen documents along the Sussex coast. It would be devilishly difficult to play the host while tracking down traitors, but Clive was up to the task―provided he kept his wits about him and didn't get distracted by yule logs and Christmas folderol . . . or the delightful charms of the disturbingly familiar Elizabeth. She was hiding something, to be sure, and Clive liked nothing better than unveiling a lady's secrets!

This is a book with a time frame of a week or less (#32) for The 52 Book Club's 2024 Reading Challenge.

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©2008-2024 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

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Recent Reads - When Tomorrow Came

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When Tomorrow Came by Hannah Linder - This novel starts out as a survival story, with siblings Nan and Heath Duncan staying only a step ahead of starvation in the London streets. Twelve-year-old Heath does his best to keep six-year-old Nan safe and fed while they continue to wait and hope for their father to return. An accident leads to Nan's rescue as a kind and wealthy gentleman takes her home and raises her with his own children. Heath will not follow, knowing that these people can provide much more for Nan than he ever could. So the two grow up in very different worlds, each satisfied―to an extent―with how things have turned out, despite how deeply they miss each other.

Shortly after Nan's coming out and the passing of Heath's mentor, their papa finally returns and the little family is somewhat reunited. That's where the survival story takes a very different turn, as the elder Duncan is driven by a hostility they don't understand and makes harsh demands of his children. He mocks and disdains Heath's gentle manner and desire to serve the church, and he bullies and threatens Nan to marry the wealthy nobleman who wishes to marry her. Even though she has never liked the man and his mother considers Nan of much too lowly birth.

Nan and Heath each grapple with these threats secretly, not seeing the pattern developing. Nan does her best to accept the attentions of a man she dislikes, to the dismay of her adoptive brother, and finds herself drawn into the dangers and tragedies of her suitor's family. Heath finds love with Nan's lady's maid, but their happiness is threatened by hostilities and fights and accusations. The dangers and intrigue swirling around all of them escalate, and Nan fears none of them will ever be safe or happy again, especially when there's a murder close to home.

The twists and turns of the unfolding plot keep each of the characters off balance as each one must make choices about whom to trust and how much to divulge about their own fears. Although Nan is the primary protagonist, Heath also has a prominent viewpoint character role as well. Two other characters, Gilbert and Temperance, take their turns as viewpoint characters also. The switches in viewpoint characters happen often once all the characters have been introduced, but are done clearly so that it's easy to keep them straight. This is an intriguing and well-imagined Gothic style drama, with varied characters, sweet romance, and dark secrets and mysteries to untangle.

From the publisher:

They Waited Their Whole Lives for Their Papa to Return

Nan and Heath Duncan, siblings abandoned by their papa and abused by their guardian, have no choice but to survive on the London streets. When a kind gentleman rescues Nan from such a life, the siblings are separated and raised in two vastly different social worlds. Just when both are beginning to flourish and years have healed some of their wounds, their long-awaited papa returns and reunites them―bringing demands with him. Nan is expected to marry a rich suitor she's never liked, and Heath is expected to forsake his gentle spirit and become the hardened man his father always was.

Dangers unfold, secret love develops, fights ensue, and murder upsets the worlds Heath and Nan have built for themselves.

They've waited their whole lives for their papa to return, for tomorrow to come―but now that it has, will they be able to see through to the truth and end this whirlwind of a nightmare before it costs one of their lives?

Visit Barbour Publishing for more info on where to buy.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

By the same author: Beneath His Silence

This is a book about siblings (#20) for The 52 Book Club's 2023 Reading Challenge

#the52bookclub #the52bookclub2023

©2008-2023 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Recent Reads - In The Shelter of Hollythorne House

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In The Shelter Of Hollythorne House by Sarah E. Ladd - The opening pages of the story tell of the ending of the relationship of Charlotte Grey and Anthony Welbourne. Charlotte's father hadn't approved of Anthony's family and wanted her to marry someone else; while Anthony was determined to join the army anyway. After this sorrowful prologue, the story picks up some years later. Charlotte's marriage to Roland Prior has not been a happy one, except that she now has an infant son, Henry. When Roland dies suddenly, his brother takes over the family business until Henry comes of age, but he reluctantly allows Charlotte to take Henry and live at her own family estate once more. But he also hires William Walstead's watchmen to guard her.

Anthony has been serving with Walstead's watchmen since returning from the war overseas, and is glad to take an assignment that will take him back to his home in Yorkshire. But he is surprised to discover that the widow he will be protecting is none other than Charlotte. He is determined to set his own feelings aside, and to make sure she and her young son are safe.

Charlotte already mistrusts her brother-in-law, and starts to suspect that her husband had been involved in business dealings even less savory than she had imagined. Then she realizes that she has unwittingly placed herself and Henry in further danger, and it seems that even Walstead's watchmen may not be guarding her so much as spying on her. She fights her own re-emerging feelings for Anthony, but the threats and danger are becoming more intense and she needs to decide who she can trust. Besides, she will need Anthony's help and support if she hopes to keep Henry safe.

Will Charlotte and Anthony be able to trust each other and find a second chance together? Aside from the intrigues and betrayals in the story, this is a tale of not missing an opportunity for a second chance. The romantic aspect of the lost love regained combined with some mystery and dangerous drama make this a book that kept my attention from beginning to end. Both Charlotte and Anthony must grow and change, and there are interesting twists among the supporting characters as to who is trustworthy and who is not, along with enough development of those characters to make their actions and their dilemmas believable. The plot takes a couple of unexpected turns that lead to suspense and stir up even more conflict.  

From the Publisher:

Young widow Charlotte Grey faces an uncertain future . . . until a chance encounter with her first love gives her heart a second chance in this Regency romance set on the Yorkshire Moors.

England, 1817 Charlotte Grey thought she had seen the last of Anthony Welbourne. Knowing her father would never consent to his only daughter marrying a man he deemed beneath their family's station, Charlotte bid her final farewell to Anthony and vowed to never turn back. Instead, she honored her father's wishes by marrying the wealthy Roland Prior.

Determined to put his love for Charlotte in the past, Anthony Welbourne chose to follow his goals and immerse himself in a life full of meaning―first as a soldier fighting a war overseas, then as a member of William Walstead's watchmen, a rugged band of men dispatched to deal with perilous situations. Fearless and persistent, he makes it his life's focus to fight for those who can't fight for themselves.

When Charlotte's husband dies unexpectedly, she quickly realizes how blind she'd been to his nefarious ambitions and how many people he'd angered on his relentless quest for wealth. to protect her infant son, Henry, from those who wish them harm, she and the baby flee to Hollythorne House, her childhood home. There Charlotte comes face to face with her former love, who has been sent as one of the hired watchmen to protect her and Henry until the details of her late husband's estate are settled.

Anthony's presence brings back feelings she never expected to feel again, and she struggles to trust Anthony's intentions. Are Walstead's Watchmen really looking after Charlotte as they claim―or are they looking to make trouble for Roland's estate and heir? Despite the constant reminders of their past, Anthony must remain focused on the task he was hired to do. But when new threats emerge, danger arises, and the past collides with the present, both must decide what they are willing to risk for the chance to right past wrongs an carve out a new future . . . together.

By the same author: A Stranger At Fellsworth, The Governess of Penwythe Hall, The Weaver's Daughter, Dawn at Emberwilde, The Curiosity Keeper, A Lady at Willowgrove Hall, The Headmistress of Rosemere, The Heiress of Winterwood

I received a digital ARC of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishing through NetGalley for the purpose of this review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#InTheShelterOfHollythorneHouse #NetGalley

This is a book published in 2023 (#52) for The 52 Book Club's 2023 Reading Challenge

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©2008-2023 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Recent Reads - The Letter From Briarton Park

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The Letter From Briarton Park by Sarah E. Ladd - Cassandra Hale had accepted that her family's identity was unknown, so when her mentor makes a deathbed confession about a letter that may reveal her parentage, Cassandra feels betrayed. With nothing more than a two-year-old letter from a Mr Clark to guide her, she travels to Briarton Park to see what she can find out. She arrives to find that Mr Clark died shortly after sending her the letter, and that Briarton Park has a new master, James Warrington. She follows up on the few leads she has and gratefully accepts assistance from James, the vicar, and a few other new friends, but the more she finds out about her late father, the more danger surrounds her and she wonders who can be trusted.

James is doing his best to watch over his younger sister and bring up his two young daughters with the help of his late wife's mother, but he knows the girls need a governess. His mother-in-law has promised to engage one, but time is going by and her harsh criticism of everyone in the household is causing trouble. Cassandra proves a good friend to his sister Rachel, and her search for answers about her parentage provides an intriguing distraction. Perhaps more than a distraction as he becomes better acquainted with her and decides to engage her as governess. 

This would be a simple romance between a governess and the master of the house, except that there is another suitor vying for her, and to complicate matters she may be the heiress to a valuable piece of land, but only if she can prove her identity since her half-brother is fighting the will. Cassandra must decide who is telling the truth, who has selfish motives, and where her own loyalties lie.

By the same author: A Stranger at Fellsworth, The Governess at Penwythe Hall, The Weaver's Daughter, Dawn at Emberwilde, The Curiosity Keeper, A Lady at Willowgrove Hall, The Headmistress of Rosemere, The Heiress of Winterwood

This is a book with an epilogue (#26) for The 52 Book Club's 2023 Reading Challenge

#the52bookclub #the52bookclub2023

©2008-2023 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Recent Reads - Beneath His Silence

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Beneath His Silence by Hannah Linder - Ella Pemberton is determined to find proof that Lord Sedgewick murdered her older sister, so she recklessly pursues the opportunity to get inside Wyckhorn Manor as a governess. Even though she has no qualifications or background to recommend her. Ella pulls off the ruse and secures the position, and is soon charmed by her sister's young son, Peter.

Henry, Lord Sedgewick, is surprised at how outspoken the new governess is, but she and Peter get along well, and Henry is desperate to provide security and happiness for his little boy so he allows Ella some special privileges and insists that she and Peter take meals with him. He soon finds himself more than politely interested in Ella, but his own guilt and bitterness - and the secrets he holds - hold him back. 

Ella makes use of the freedom she has at Wyckhorn to sneak into the library and into her sister's old room in search of clues to prove Henry's guilt. She eventually discovers a diary and the awful secrets it reveals, and she encounters a mysterious and malevolent figure in the house more than once. And yet, even her hard heart admits that the Lord Sedgewick she is becoming acquainted with would be incapable of murder. Is she seeing the truth, or is she being fooled by his kindness? 

When Ella and Peter are both threatened by violence and danger, Henry must act and hope that he is doing the right thing. When Ella's deception is exposed, will Henry ever be able to forgive her?

The themes of mystery, dark secrets, and revenge are used to advantage in true Gothic romance style, but forgiveness and redemption play roles that are just as important in the storyline. Ella is haunted by stubbornness and a desire for retribution, while Henry is haunted by guilt and old secrets. The characterizations are well done, and the shifts between viewpoint characters are clear and insightful. This is a beautifully written debut that makes me eager for more from this author!

From the Publisher:

Will Seeking Justice Lead to Her Own Demise?

A Gothic-Style Regency Romance from a Promising Young Author

Second daughter of a baron - and a little on the mischievous side - Ella Pemberton is no governess. But the pretense is a necessity if she ever wishes to get inside of Wyckhorn Manor and attain the truth. Exposing the man who killed her sister is all that matters.

Lord Sedgewick knows there's blood on his hands. Lies have been conceived, then more more lies, but the price of truth would be too great. All he has left now is his son - and his hatred. Yet as the charming governess invades his home, his safe cocoon of bitterness begins to tear away.

Could Ella, despite the lingering questions of his guilt, fall in love with such a man? Or is she falling prey to him - just as her dead sister?

Visit Barbour Publishing for more info on where to buy.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

This is a book read during the month of November (#47) for The 52 Book Club's 2022 Reading Challenge

#the52bookclub2022

©2008-2022 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Friday Fun - The Friday 56 and First Lines for November 18, 2022

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What was it about her that bemused him so? She was familiar yet strange to him, in likeness to a dream that comes and goes, leaving only faint impressions of remembrance.

~from page 56 of Beneath His Silence by Hannah Linder 

   

(Full review coming soon!)

Will Seeking Justice Lead to Her Own Demise?

A Gothic-Style Regency Romance from a Promising Young Author

Second daughter of a baron - and a little on the mischievous side - Ella Pemberton is no governess. But the pretense is a necessity if she ever wishes to get inside of Wyckhorn Manor and attain the truth. Explosing the man who killed her sister is all that matters.

Lord Sedgewick knows there's blood on his hands. Lies have been conceived, then more more lies, but the price of truth would be too great. All he has left now is his son - and his hatred. Yet as the charming governess invades his home, his safe cocoon of bitterness begins to tear away.

Could Ella, despite the lingering questions of his guilt, fall in love with such a man? Or is she falling prey to him - just as her dead sister?

 

The Friday 56 is hosted at Freda's Voice

*Grab a book, any book.

*Turn to Page 56 or 56% on your e-reader.

*Find a snippet, short and sweet.

*Post it, and share in the Linky.

***************

Insanity. Over and over, the word catapulted through Ella Pemberton's mind, as loud and jolting as the hard-seated stagecoach. This is insanity.

More than that, it was a mistake. She ought to know. After all, hadn't she told her father countless times there was no purpose, that he was only torturing a soul already battered, that they needed him home more than anything else in the world?

~From the beginning of Beneath His Silence by Hannah Linder 

Book Beginnings on Fridays is hosted by Rose City Reader.

*It's Book Beginnings on Fridays! Time to gather with our fellow book lovers and share the opening sentence (or so) of the books we are reading this week. Or share from a book that is on your mind right now -- whatever catches your fancy.

***************

First Line Fridays is hosted at Reading is My SuperPower

*Share the first line or two of the book closest to you, then visit other FLF participants.

*Please keep posts family friendly or clean reads.

*Link back to Reading is My SuperPower within your post or grab a button.

 ©2008-2022 Just A Second. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://justasecondblog.blogspot.com/ 

 We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

 

Recent Reads - The Debutante's Code - Book Tour and Giveaway

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Not only do I get to review a recent read today, I also get to tell you about the author and the Cozy Up with a Good Book Giveaway to celebrate the release of this title. Release date is today, December 7th! Keep reading for my thoughts on the book, and how to enter the giveaway!

The Debutante's Code by Erica Vetsch - Lady Juliette Thorndike returns home to London after several years of school in Switzerland, and is dismayed to find that her parents are not home to greet her. Her Uncle Bertie explains that they've been called away to their estate on urgent business, so Juliette begins her Season without her parents to guide her. All her dreams of a warm family relationship as she gets reacquainted with her beloved, but distant, parents are dashed and she feels abandoned and alone. She's not sure whether to be relieved or angry when she discovers that her parents have been living a double life - they are government spies, and it's a family legacy, and she can choose to be a part of it.

Daniel Swann is a Bow Street detective, and finally has been put in charge of a case, and needs to prove himself. A daring art theft. At first he thinks it should be a fairly easy case, but then another art piece goes missing, an art dealer is found murdered, and one puzzling piece after another keeps leading him back to a lovely debutante. Lady Juliette is charming and unusual, and there's definitely more to her than meets the eye, but is that because she's involved in the thefts somehow? 

The lead characters are both coming to terms with the secrets their parents have kept from them while trying to forget their own path in the world. Juliette displays courage, determination, and kindness, and she takes some bold risks that Daniel thinks are foolish. Daniel has only until his next birthday to prove his worth to Bow Street, so even though he is focused and intelligent, he feels the pressure and wonders whether he should be prepared to go another direction. As the two cross paths time and again during the investigation, Juliette realizes she's under suspicion and wonders how she can fulfill her mission and keep her secrets - especially from the very perceptive detective who always seems to be nearby.

I love this clever mystery story, with delightful characters and so many twists and turns to the plot. Juliette wrestles with what it means to live with honesty and integrity while being involved in a profession that demands deception and perhaps even crime. Her questions and her mixed feelings about her parents' choices and integrity are real. I also found the anxiety she felt about the shifting expectations for her season and who she could trust to be compelling. "Jane Austen meets Sherlock Holmes" is indeed an apt description of the vibe! It also reminds me of the Thomas and Charlotte Pitt series by Anne Perry. I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the Thorndike & Swann Regency Mysteries series!

About the Book:

Jane Austen meets Sherlock Holmes in this new Regency mystery series

Newly returned from finishing school, Lady Juliette Thorndike is ready to debut in London society. Due to her years away, she hasn't spent much time with her parents, and sees them only as the flighty, dilettante couple the other nobles love. But when they disappear, she discovers she never really knew them at all. They've been living double lives as government spies - and they're only the latest in a long history of espionage that is the family's legacy.

Now Lady Juliette is determined to continue their work. Mentored by her uncle, she plunges into the dangerous world of spies. From the glittering ballrooms of London to the fox hunts, regattas, and soirees of country high society, she must chase down hidden clues, solve the mysterious code her parents left behind, and stay out of danger. All the while, she has to keep her endeavors a secret from her best friend and her suitors - not to mention the nosy, irritatingly handsome Bow Street runner, who suspects her of a daring theft.

Can Lady Juliette outwit her enemies and complete her parents' last mission?

Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling and ACFW Carol Award-winning author. She is a transplanted Kansan now living in Minnesota with her husband, who she claims is both her total opposite and soul mate.

Vetsch is the author of many novellas and novels, including the popular Serendipity & Secrets Regency series and the new Thorndike & Swann Regency Mystery series.

Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she's not writing fiction she's planning her next trip to a history museum and cheering on her Kansas Jayhawks and New Zealand All Blacks.

Learn more about Erica Vetsch and her books at www.ericavetsch.com. She can also be found on Facebook (@EricaVetschAuthor), Instagram (@EricaVetsch) and Pinterest (Erica Vetsch).

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