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naharobed's review against another edition
5.0
You already know I love my regency stories. This book had a dash of romance which I obviously appreciated, but it was primarily a story of mystery and sleuthing as 42-year old Augusta (Gus) decides to help out women in need. The story was very well plotted and paced, the characters were distinct and fully drawn. It tackles many of the social issues that were present at that time—obviously women had no agency, people of color were looked upon as less than, and queer people were institutionalized. The story is split into three parts where Gus, her sister Julia, and the exiled (and dashing) Lord Evan attempts to aid women in need. Because the author had several pages of afterword and I was so wrapped up in the story, I didn’t realize I was on the last page and was unpleasantly surprised by that cliff-hanger ending
nedge's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
catherine_mack's review against another edition
5.0
I picked this audiobook out thinking it was going to be a bit of a regency romp. Nothing prepared me for the powerful stories of women’s lives in that period if one was not lucky enough to be rich and submissive to the patriarchy.
Whew! Goodman has done some serious research and does not spare us the details (steal yourself). This is real women’s history and we should all know about it.
Plus the story is action packed, with great main characters, plenty of moments of light relief, romance and the promise of a sequel!
(I hope the author has it well under way.)
EDIT:The author has just assured me on IG that the sequel is already with the publisher!)
Possibly my favourite read so far this year.
Whew! Goodman has done some serious research and does not spare us the details (steal yourself). This is real women’s history and we should all know about it.
Plus the story is action packed, with great main characters, plenty of moments of light relief, romance and the promise of a sequel!
(I hope the author has it well under way.)
EDIT:The author has just assured me on IG that the sequel is already with the publisher!)
Possibly my favourite read so far this year.
marlisphillips's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
taojoon's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
readingwithcake's review against another edition
4.0
3.75? The cover is a ploy, while set in the regency era it definitely had some dark themes to it and isn’t cute nor fanciful as the cover indicates. I wasn’t expecting the social commentary, and it got quite heavy towards the end but overall I really enjoyed it. A modern regency book that’s for sure, with the language used and themes, so don’t go in expecting a classic regency novel.
ann_victory_19's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Forced institutionalization
Moderate: Cancer, Child abuse, Child death, Domestic abuse, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual violence, Blood, Excrement, Trafficking, Stalking, and Murder
Minor: Suicide and Vomit
emromc's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75