Book Review: Captain Wentworth in His Own Words by Shannon Winslow

Captain Wentworth has a lot of explaining to do! Why did he fly off in such an unreasonable rage when Anne tried to put their engagement on hold? And why didn’t he come back to try her again as soon as he was more financially secure? So much time wasted! What about his bad behavior when they met again years later – flirting with the Musgrove girls right in front of Anne? Was that really necessary?

Find the answers in Captain Wentworth in His Own Words. Catch a glimpse of his difficult childhood, and learn how he ended up in the Navy so young. Witness his first meeting with Anne, their falling in love, and tragic parting. Sail along on his daring adventures at sea. Before he meets Anne again, Captain Wentworth has travelled the globe. He’s risen to riches and respect. Yet, he’s still missing the one thing needed to crown all his other success: the woman he’s never stopped loving.

This is not a variation from but a supplement to the original story of Persuasion, chronicled in Wentworth’s point of view. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the things Jane Austen didn’t tell us about one of her most iconic heroes.

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As mentioned in the review of The Persuasion of Miss Jane Austen, my favorite work of our dearly departed Jane is her Pride and Prejudice. However, coming in a close second is the posthumous Persuasion. In The Persuasion of Miss Jane Austen, I greatly enjoyed author Shannon Winslow’s blending of the fictional Persuasion with the actual history of Austen. Winslow’s 2014 novel remains one of the few titles kept in my permanent collection following a book review. 

Winslow’s latest work again sets its sights on Austen’s tale of unrequited love in Captain Wentworth in His Own Words. This time however, she follows the pattern of the other titles of her “In His Words” series and expands upon the original characters in Persuasion. Readers are given the opportunity to hear directly from the mind and heart of Captain Wentworth, a Navy man who has never forgotten a young woman named Anne Elliot. In the original Austen novel, the journey on which Captain Wentworth and Anne embark is a tantalizing one, culminating in the happily-ever-after that so many Janeites relish. However, readers could easily enjoy more details from these characters’ pasts. Captain Wentworth in His Own Words delivers this in spades. 

As Shannon Winslow takes her readers into the youth of Frederick Wentworth, she illustrates how he came to be the sort of man he was. Winslow does not change the facts that Austen presented for this character, but she expounds upon them and adds more historical detail. The Wentworth family has secrets and travails which have shaped Frederick and influenced his path. The Captain is indeed an honorable man, but his journey to that position was not always a level one. He experiences pain on multiple fronts, and the lessons he learns from the events and individuals around him bring him into manhood. 

That said, even as an adult Captain Wentworth still has much to grasp about the human condition, such as the “crucial difference between steadiness of principle and the obstinacy of self-will.” Through his interactions with family and friends as he spends time on shore, he begins to see growth in this area. This becomes particularly clear as he is given another opportunity to interact with Anne Elliot, the woman he fell in love with years before. 

Hurt by Anne’s prior rejection of him, he at first feels compelled to stubbornly maintain a certain aloofness with her. Should she feel a modicum of the pain he felt when she backed out of their prior engagement, so much the better. His principles and pride would shield him from further grief as well, or so he thought. However, through their renewed acquaintance and unexpected events, they begin to work their way back to each other, as Austen so beautifully wrote. Readers of Captain Wentworth in His Own Words are given a new, fuller perspective on this journey. Winslow’s depiction of the fine workings of this process were very true to the tone of Austen and honored the source material entirely. Fans of Persuasion will certainly find much to enjoy. 

As is the case with all of Shannon Winslow’s work, the content of Captain Wentworth in His Own Words is appropriate for most ages. The Captain does experience some exciting moments at sea, some of which involve a bit of violence, death, and a few minor colorful words. While the nautical details were quite realistic to the setting, Winslow was careful to tone down the saltiness of life onboard a Navy ship for the sake of her audience. This also included moments of romance, even between married individuals. I would certainly feel comfortable recommending this title to the general public.

Although the ultimate conclusion and the fates of the characters remain the same as Persuasion, the added context within Captain Wentworth in His Own Words brings increased value to the story. Revisiting Jane Austen’s world in this beloved tale with the perspective of the mind of Captain Wentworth was very enjoyable. This makes a fine addition to author Shannon Winslow’s series and continues her success as an Austenesque author. 

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About the Author

Author Shannon Winslow specializes in fiction for fans of Jane Austen. Her popular debut novel, The Darcys of Pemberley, immediately established her place in the genre, being particularly praised for the author's authentic Austenesque style and faithfulness to the original characters. For Myself Alone (a stand-alone Austen-inspired story) followed, as well as many others. Her two sons grown, Ms. Winslow lives with her husband in the log home they built in the countryside south of Seattle, where she writes and paints in her studio facing Mt. Rainier. 

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Thoughts from Shannon

Captain Wentworth may well be Austen’s most flawed hero. In fact, there are times when we don’t like him very much at all. Right? Here’s what one advance reader, who wasn’t familiar with Persuasion beforehand, had to say: “What an enjoyable read - even though I increasingly viewed the protagonist as a jerk and an idiot. 😊 But he redeemed himself in the end, so all’s well that ends well.”

It’s exactly because Wentworth is so flawed and has so far to go that his character arc is especially satisfying.

Preparing for this book, I set about to discover what makes him tick. I say “discover,” not “invent,” because that’s what it feels like when I write this kind of book and go poking around in the past of a character we already know. Although Austen doesn’t tell us that much about Wentworth (or most of her other heroes either), I’m guessing she had a pretty clear idea of his backstory in her mind as she wrote. She knew where he’d come from and what he’d experienced – things that affected his behavior, motivations, and attitudes later on.

All I had to do was channel Jane Austen to reconstruct that preexisting past! No problem.

We know Wentworth doesn’t come from money, of course, or from a distinguished family. So he’s at a disadvantage there compared to Darcy or Knightley for example. He has to climb his way up from the lower rungs of the ladder on his own, using one of the only methods available to him to improve his status: the Navy.

We can admire him for his success – that he’s a self-made man. (Really more of a modern hero, down to earth and relatable, since most of us don’t rub elbows with the social elite or the uber rich!) But all that early success left him with a bit of a pride issue. And chip on his shoulder where his social superiors are concerned, which is part of the reason he behaves so badly imo. The rest? Well, that has more to do with some rather shocking events in his past. 

I hope you’ll read Captain Wentworth’s full story, told in his own words. Then decide for yourself if Austen’s most flawed hero fully redeems himself in the end.

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Book Review: Six Days in Bombay by Alka Joshi

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Henna Artist, this sweeping novel of identity and self-discovery takes readers from Bombay to Prague, Florence, Paris and London, to uncover the mystery behind a famous painter's death.

When renowned painter Mira Novak arrives at Wadia hospital in Bombay after a miscarriage, she's expected to make a quick recovery, and Sona is excited to spend time with the worldly woman who shares her half-Indian identity, even if that's where their similarities end. Sona is enraptured by Mira's stories of her travels and shocked by accounts of the many lovers she's left scattered through Europe. Over the course of a week, Mira befriends Sona, seeing in her something bigger than the small life she's living with her mother. Mira is released from the hospital just in time to attend a lavish engagement party with all of Bombay society and invites Sona along. But the next day, Mira is readmitted to the hospital in worse condition than before, and when she dies under mysterious circumstances, Sona immediately falls under suspicion.

Before leaving the hospital in disgrace, Sona is given a note Mira left for her, along with her four favorite paintings. But how could she have known to leave a note if she didn't know she was going to die? The note sends Sona on a mission to deliver three of the paintings—the first to Petra, Mira's childhood friend and first love in Prague; the second to her art dealer Josephine in Paris; the third to her first painting tutor, Paolo, with whom both Mira and her mother had affairs. As Sona uncovers Mira's history, she learns that the charming façade she'd come to know was only one part of a complicated and sometimes cruel woman. But can she discover what really happened to Mira and exonerate herself?

Along the way, Sona also comes to terms with her own complex history and the English father who deserted her and her mother in India so many years ago. In the end, she'll discover that we are all made up of pieces, and only by seeing the world do we learn to see ourselves.

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New York Times bestselling author Alka Joshi has returned with the standalone novel, Six Days in Bombay. Before knowing its premise, I knew this would be a must-read. I was utterly absorbed by her previous work, The Jaipur Trilogy. In The Henna Artist, The Secret Keeper of Jaipur, and The Perfumist of Paris, readers are transported to 20th century India to experience a setting which is wholly unfamiliar to much of western society. Her writing is superb, and I was completely engrossed in her characters’ world. My experience with Six Days in Bombay was no exception. Set in the spring of 1937, the story begins in the titular Bombay, where we are introduced to Sona Falstaff, a 23 year-old nurse. Through her friendship with an artistically remarkable and ailing patient, Sona is set on a globetrotting journey. She is introduced to a gallery of colorful characters and also grows as a young woman. With English and Indian parentage, she has struggled to understand her place in society. Her insecurity and pragmatism confine her, keeping her from stretching beyond the boundaries of her life with her mother in their small flat in Bombay. 

Sona also wrestles with unresolved anger toward her absentee father. A married Englishman with a family in his home country, Owen Falstaff abandoned those he loved in India in 1917, returning to his first wife and fatherhood abroad. Sona is left with the pain of losing him, as well as the travails of a “half-half.” In some circles she is considered “too English”, and in others she is “too Indian.” The pain of a derelict parent and the social struggles she faces intermingle within her heart, causing much turmoil.

After the death of the talented and enigmatic artist Mira Novak, Sona undertakes the task of delivering items in her patient’s stead, pieces bequeathed to significant figures in her life. As Sona embarks on this international journey, her perception begins to broaden. She remarks in chapter three, “When I'd first met her, I'd thought Mira's ways were too big for the world I inhabited. But like breath, my life seemed to expand whenever I was around her." Sona’s quest on behalf of Mira certainly did that. She becomes more aware of the ways of European society, grows more confident, and allows herself to love. Sona blossoms as a young woman, and also begins to heal from past hurts. Her path is not free of calamity and uncertainty. Things are not always as they seem, and her eyes are opened to both the beauty and ugliness of humanity. Her transformation is realistic, captivating, and thoroughly relatable, even across cultural and generational divides.

For those who might want to be aware of content issues, Six Days in Bombay has little to no foul language, but the narrative confronts issues that may be troublesome for certain readers. The subject of abortion is addressed. There is a bit of sexual content, but Joshi keeps the details limited and does not draw out those scenes for an extended period of time. Romantic relationships are not kept within the borders of traditional marriage. However, as a conservative reader, I was still able to enjoy the story from the standpoint of an outside viewer. Although I do not endorse all the choices of these characters, I found their stories to be compelling, heartbreaking, and full of the same longing that many feel for love and acceptance. 

Just as many yearn for emotional satisfaction, another common desire is to inhabit a life of significance. Six Days in Bombay examines this trait in Sona Falstaff. She is a timid, sheltered young woman, living a small existence and wanting so much more. Because of insecurity or social restrictions, she has hesitated to step out into the world. After a mere six days with Mira Novak, she begins a journey beyond Bombay which opens her mind and heart to more than she ever could have imagined. 

While I believe humility is an aspirational quality, I also hold that we are all worthy of love and living out our God-given talents. Self-assurance does not need to be equated with arrogance. We can be steadfast in who we are, and also pursue our life purpose with grace. For some, that may mean quiet work that goes unseen by many, yet is fulfilling and serves the community. For others, this could be high-profile contributions that overtly benefit society at large. Regardless of the position of our birth, be it of any country or any racial combination, all should feel strong in their inherent worth. Sona Falstaff comes to see this over time, with those six special days as catalyst for that transformation. Alka Joshi’s latest offering is beautiful, fascinating, and hopefully will inspire many to step outside a space of comfort into the great unknown. Six Days in Bombay encourages us to have confidence, take a deep breath, and step into an expansive life of adventure.

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About the Author

Alka Joshi is the internationally bestselling author of the Jaipur Trilogy: The Henna Artist, The Secret Keeper of Jaipur and The Perfumist of Paris. Six Days in Bombay is her fourth novel. Her debut novel, The Henna Artist, immediately became a New York Times Bestseller, a Reese Witherspoon Bookclub Pick, an LA Times Bestseller, a Toronto Star and Globe & Mail Bestseller, an Indie Bookstores Bestseller, a Cosmopolitan Best Audiobook, and an Amazon and Goodreads favorite. It was Longlisted for the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize, has been translated into 29 languages and optioned as an episodic series. 

Since its release during the pandemic of 2020, Alka has spoken to over 1000 libraries, bookclubs, bookstores, literary festivals, podcasters, universities and colleges and corporations about persistence, patience and passion and her ten-your journey to overnight success. Because she started her writing career at the age of 62, Forbes selected Alka as one of 50 Women Over 50 who are shattering age and gender norms. 

Alka was born in India and came to the U.S. with her family at the age of nine. She has a BA from Stanford University and an MFA from California College of Arts.

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Alka Joshi on MSNBC's Morning Joe - April 14, 2025

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Book Review: The Indigo Heiress by Laura Frantz

In 1774, Juliet Catesby lives with her father and sister at Royal Vale, the James River plantation founded by her Virginia family over a century before. Indigo cultivation is her foremost concern, though its export tethers her family to the powerful Buchanan clan of Glasgow, Scotland. When the heir of the Buchanan firm arrives on their shores, Juliet discovers that her father has secretly arranged for one of his daughters to marry the Scot as a means of canceling the family's debt. Confident it will be her younger, lovelier sister, Juliet is appalled when Leith Buchanan selects her instead.

Despite her initial refusal of him, an ensuing altercation forces Juliet to flee Virginia. Agreeing to marry, she sails with Leith to Scotland, hopeful of a better match for her sister, who accompanies her. But once in Glasgow and faced with the contentious, powerful Buchanan clan, she realizes that the man who saved her from financial ruin and scandal is the very one she must now save in return.

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The Indigo Heiress is a sweeping novel, spanning multiple continents, countries, cultures and worldviews at the dawn of the American Revolution. Author Laura Frantz offers a transporting tale featuring the strong, compassionate, and deeply Christian woman Juliet Catesby, resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Although the narrative embodies a bit of the “arranged marriage trope”, many more elements are combined to produce a complex story of family, faith, love, and justice on multiple fronts. The forces of good engage with more than one type of evil, all the while Juliet is trying to find her way as the newly-wedded Mrs. Leith Buchanan of Scotland. 

For his part, Leith is battling emotional evils of his own as he grieves the scandalous loss of his first wife, who died in dramatic fashion not long ago. Left to rear two young twins and eager to leave controversy behind, he travels to America in part to find a new wife. Little does he know, the woman he has chosen will play an integral role in the redemption of his life’s path. Hardened by a difficult upbringing and the pains of the recent past, dramatic events transpire which alter his perspective for eternity.

As she consistently shows her readers, Laura Frantz once again offers well-researched historical fiction which features characters of depth, realism, and appeal. As an American with Scottish heritage, I thoroughly enjoyed educational tidbits which were sprinkled throughout the story. While I was thoroughly entertained, I also learned new facts about the Revolution, Scottish culture, and the early abolitionist movement. Some who are uninformed assume that the Underground Railroad only existed during the 19th century, but as The Indigo Heiress describes, many individuals were already working to secretly free the enslaved in a similar manner many decades earlier.

Laura Frantz is unabashed in sharing her Christian views within The Indigo Heiress, but the inclusion of spiritual matters feels neither forced nor overly sweet. The characters are flawed individuals with thoroughly realistic struggles. Their faith (or lack thereof) is not mentioned on every page, but issues are addressed in an organic way. The romance is sweet, yet conveys deep passion as well. As such, the content is very family friendly and appropriate for adult audiences, given some of the tough issues which are addressed.

In an effort to provide full disclosure, it should be mentioned that I am a bit biased in giving The Indigo Heiress a positive review. A few years ago Laura Frantz became enamored with my orange tabby cat, Hobbes. He’s a rescue kitty named after the tiger in the comic Calvin & Hobbes. He’s an old soul who is called the “Golden Prince” of our household, so His Highness was more than willing to have a role as a character in the novel. We were thrilled that he was included in the book as much as he was, from the Prologue in Virginia to a journey across the Atlantic, all the way to Scotland! Thank you, Laura, for giving this Laura much to smile about as I saw my boy in action on your pages. It was such a delight.

Favorite orange tabby aside, I can thoroughly offer my rousing endorsement for The Indigo Heiress. A tale of family, love, redemption, and justice, it has much to offer Laura Frantz’s readership. Prepare to be transported to a time which stands in stark contrast to our modern world, yet still faces many of the same trials, tribulations, joys and victories. 

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About the Author

Laura Frantz is a two-time Christy Award winner and the ECPA bestselling author of 15 novels, including The Seamstress of Acadie, The Rose and the Thistle, The Frontiersman's Daughter, Courting Morrow Little, The Lacemaker,and A Heart Adrift. She is the proud mom of an American soldier and a career firefighter. Though she will always call Kentucky home, Laura lives with her husband in Washington State. Learn more at LauraFrantz.net.

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Book Review: The Seaside Homecoming by Julie Klassen

A surprise homecoming tests the bonds of sisterhood as a hidden past comes to light . . .

Disgraced eldest sister Claire Summers has been living in exile as companion to a stern great-aunt in Scotland. About to lose her place and longing to be reconciled with her estranged family, Claire sees an advertisement from someone looking for a "respectable female partner" in a Sidmouth boarding house. Is it a sign? She answers the ad, hoping she has not made another reckless mistake. When she meets the handsome, secretive proprietor, she wonders what he's hiding and if he's any more trustworthy than the nobleman who betrayed her years ago. Claire is drawn to him even though she fears he will reject her when he discovers her genteel façade hides a less-than-respectable past.

Meanwhile, the Summers family learns their great-aunt has died and Claire has disappeared without a word. The sisters rally together to find their lost sibling, but will their unexpected reunion heal old wounds and rekindle their bonds . . . or deepen the divide?

Return to the captivating Devonshire coast as the Summers sisters navigate romance, second chances, and the enduring strength of sisterhood in the face of adversity.

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For those of us who have lived for several decades, we are keenly aware of our imperfections. None of us is free from the sting of regret, as we recall the mistakes we have made and the wrongs we have done. The question becomes, how do we respond to those mistakes? Do we ask for forgiveness from those we’ve hurt? Do we show true remorse and strive to never repeat the mistakes of the past? Many people will exercise their religious faith and ask God for forgiveness as well. While spiritual pardon from God is available, those who have transgressed may still struggle with feelings of guilt or shame. This is keenly seen in the lead character of Claire Summers in Julie Klassen’s latest novel, The Seaside Homecoming. 

The prior novels in the series, The Sisters of Sea View and A Winter by the Sea did mention an elder sister Claire. Readers were not offered many details, but we were given to know that she was the “fallen” elder sister who had been effectively cast out of the family. Her four younger siblings missed her dearly, and their longing was mentioned on occasion. Now with The Seaside Homecoming, author Julie Klassen divulges the whole of Claire’s story. We learn what specifically led to her banishment, and the events that rippled out as a consequence. Readers of Regency fiction will not be surprised to find that a botched elopement to Scotland was involved. Not only did Claire run off alone with a sweetheart, but she returned unmarried, alone, and essentially ruined. In an effort to protect her four younger sisters from shame by association, Claire’s parents disowned her as their daughter. Events transpire which lead Claire back into her family’s town, but she is not universally welcomed back with open arms.

The Seaside Homecoming maintains a large focus on Claire’s shame, the ways in which she deals with her choices, and the repercussions of the beliefs of all those involved. As a Christian, I grieved at the amount of contempt that was directed at Claire from members of the believing community. Although this is a fictional tale, I know that condemnation still occurs even today. It is sad that we often refuse to forgive others, when God Himself offers forgiveness to each one of us. It is my belief that part of our instinct to shame and condemn comes from our God-given desire to see wrongs righted, and for villains to receive their comeuppance. Unfortunately, the desire for righteousness often becomes warped, and we forget to also extend grace to others as well. Sometimes we also neglect to extend grace to ourselves, even when some or all parties involved have offered forgiveness. Claire Summers struggles with this as well. Not only does she face judgment from those without, she wars against the shame within. As a character she must grow and learn to accept God’s forgiveness, and trust that she is worthy of love from others. 

In addition to the theme of redemption that is strong in The Seaside Homecoming, other social issues are addressed. I highly enjoyed the narrative related to the Asian Indian community, and relished the development of the Indian characters present on the Devonshire coast. They realistically had to endure unjust prejudice and shaming of their own, although their only “fault” was the color of their skin and difference of heritage. I loved the manner in which Klassen touched on Indian culture, such as their food, fashion, and even toiletry techniques. Although differences in religion were not overtly addressed, the characters in the story are in at least some measure theists, as they refer to “God”. It can be assumed that Klassen did not have the bandwidth available in the novel to address the complex issues of religion as they relate in native English and Indian cultures. However, she handled the matter well, considering the matters at hand. 

As is always the case with Julie Klassen’s novels, The Seaside Homecoming is very family-friendly and a pleasure to read. There are dramatic moments of tension, but the general feel of the entire story is one of comfort. Difficult adult issues are addressed, such as unwed pregnancy, judgmental members of society, a brief mention of a suicide, and racial prejudice. Klassen handles these concepts with grace and in a realistic manner, not shying away from difficult realities, but not turning them into opportunities for sensationalism either. As has been alluded to, mentions of faith, sin, forgiveness, and God are important aspects of the plot, but sweet romance and a touch of possible espionage are involved as well. The Seaside Homecoming is certainly a story of redemption, but it offers so much more. It is a fine addition to the On Devonshire Shores collection, and answers many questions that have been lingering since the series began. The story of the Summers family comes to a conclusion next year in A Sea View Christmas, and I look forward to returning to Sidmouth one last time in September 2025.

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About the Author

Julie Klassen loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. Her books have sold more than 1.5 million copies, and she is a threetime recipient of the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Secret of Pembrooke Park was honored with the Minnesota Book Award for Genre Fiction. Julie has also won the Midwest Book Award and Christian Retailing’s Best Award and has been a finalist in the RITA and Carol Awards. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full-time. She and her husband live in St. Paul, Minnesota. For more information, visit julieklassen.com.

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On Devonshire Shores Series

The Sisters of Sea View

A Winter by the Sea

The Seaside Homecoming

Book Review: The Wrong Lady Meets Lord Right by Suzanne Allain

When a young woman trades places with her noble cousin, their innocent ruse leads to true love in this new Regency-era romantic comedy of manners from the author of Mr. Malcolm’s List.

When Arabella Grant’s wicked aunt dies suddenly, both Arabella and her cousin Lady Isabelle cannot help but feel relieved. She’d made their lives miserable, and now Lady Issie is free to read to her heart’s content, and Bella is free from taunts about her ignoble birth.

Their newfound freedom is threatened, however, when Issie’s great-aunt commands her to travel to London for a come-out Issie has never wanted. Issie, who is in poor health, is convinced she’ll drop dead like her mother did if she drops into a curtsy before the queen. So when her great-aunt turns out to be nearsighted and can’t tell the noble Lady Isabelle from her commoner cousin Arabella, Issie convinces Bella to take her place. Bella can attend all the exclusive entertainments that her lower birth would typically exclude her from, and Issie can stay in bed, her nose in a book.

Bella agrees to the scheme for her dear cousin’s sake, but matters turn complicated when she meets the irresistible Lord Brooke. He begins courting her while under the impression she’s the rich and aristocratic Lady Isabelle, who, unlike Bella, is a suitable bride for an eligible young earl. And Bella, who is convinced that she has met “Lord Right,” worries what will happen when she reveals that he’s actually fallen for …the wrong lady.

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In our modern world, the search for significance and the assurance of self-worth are common concerns for many. It has been said that matters surrounding identity are some of the most pivotal issues of the present day. However, the task of answering the questions, “Who am I?” and “What is my worth?” is not a new endeavor. These points of introspection are often intrinsic to the human condition. They inform our daily decisions, the manner in which we interact with others, and how we feel about ourselves. These issues are deftly addressed by author Suzanne Allain in her sparkling new novel, The Wrong Lady Meets Lord Right. The significant notions of personal identity and inherent worth frame her characters, yet she also delivers her signature lighthearted storytelling.

Set in early 19th century England, The Wrong Lady Meets Lord Right echoes themes from The Prince and the Pauper, as a member of the nobility secretly swaps societal positions with a commoner. In this case, the two individuals are beloved cousins who share similar names and physical traits. Issie and Bella are both young, attractive ladies, and are sometimes mistaken for each other within family circles. During one significant London season, they decide to exchange their roles, but just for a few months. The extroverted Bella is happy to enjoy interacting with high society, and introverted Issie is content to remain at home, reading books and resting in bed. At the outset, the ladies view this plan as straightforward and harmless enough. However, events transpire which complicate matters indeed.

As the weeks of the season progress, each young lady finds herself falling in love with a gentleman who does not know her true identity. The ways in which the cousins must navigate these romantic minefields are often comical, but their journeys are at times heartrending as well. For multiple reasons, Issie and Bella both struggle with self-acceptance. This directly affects the relationships they are fostering with the men who have caught their attention. As they inhabit false identities during the London season, they must wrestle with the truths they are concealing. Their personal insecurities combined with the secrets they must keep create multiple dilemmas. Each girl questions her worth, wondering if their love interest would truly care for them, should that gentleman find out the truth. Can the duplicitous schemes be forgiven? And even so, if their accurate personas and societal stations are revealed, will they be accepted as they are? 

Suzanne Allain’s writing in The Wrong Lady Meets Lord Right was thoroughly enjoyable. The narrative could be categorized as a rom-com, but there are touching elements as well. The romantic moments are sweet, capturing a delicious tension without trending into the salacious. The story was devoid of any violence that I can recall, nor salty language. The characters were well drawn and the protagonists were appealing. Near the conclusion of the story a few plot twists were offered. While these turns did not take me by surprise, I relished their arrival and Allain’s amusing delivery of them. Every chapter was perfectly paced, yet never rushed. Allain’s ability to capture all of these positive methods of storytelling is quite remarkable. As a new reader of her work, I am thoroughly pleased to have found another talented and entertaining author. The Wrong Lady Meets Lord Right is the perfect read for anyone who appreciates well-written Regency romances, and is deserving of the accolades it will most certainly receive.

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Photo Credit: Jonathon Allain, 2019

About the Author

Suzanne Allain is a novelist and screenwriter who lived in New York before returning to her hometown of Tallahassee, Florida, where she lives with her husband. Suzanne adapted her novel Mr. Malcolm’s List into a screenplay and it was made into a movie starring Freida Pinto, Theo James, Ṣọpẹ Dìrísù, and Zawe Ashton.

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Book Review: The Muse of Maiden Lane by Mimi Matthews

A silver-haired equestrienne and a charismatic artist turn a scandalous bargain into a vibrant portrait of love.

Stella Hobhouse is a brilliant rider, stalwart friend, skilled sketch artist—and completely overlooked. Her outmodish gray hair makes her invisible to London society. Combined with her brother’s pious restrictions and her dwindling inheritance, Stella is on the verge of a lifetime marooned in Derbyshire as a spinster. Unless she does something drastic…like posing for a daring new style of portrait by the only man who’s ever really seen her.

Aspiring painter Edward “Teddy” Hayes knows true beauty when he sees it. He would never ask Stella to risk her reputation as an artist’s model but in the five years since a virulent bout of scarlet fever left him partially paralyzed, Teddy has learned to heed good fortune when he finds it. He’ll do anything to persuade his muse to pose for him, even if he must offer her a marriage of convenience.

After all, though Teddy has yearned to trace Stella’s luminous beauty on canvas since their chance meeting, her heart is what he truly aches to capture….

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SPOILER WARNING: Some details in this review reveal a few plot points.

Mimi Matthews’ four-book series, Belles of London comes to a conclusion with The Muse of Maiden Lane. As the titular character, Stella Hobhouse is similar to her three female companions, with whom readers became acquainted in the previous novels. Like the other “Furies”, she is an avid horsewoman, longs to find true love, and holds strong opinions for a woman in the 19th century. Evelyn, Julia, Anne, and Stella are all beautiful, but the latter equestrienne has a unique quality. Although she is merely twenty-two, Stella’s hair is prematurely gray. Unfortunately in that society, this places her at a disadvantage in finding a husband. Her desire for a love match also reduces her options, as she often feels “unseen” by potential suitors due to her hair color. Meeting “Mr. Right” proves to be difficult when few will give her a second glance.

Artist Teddy Hayes also feels invisible in his own way. As a young man confined to a wheelchair and dependent on a manservant for even simple tasks, his prospects for marrying well are not strong. He also aspires to be a respected painter, and when he meets Stella Hobhouse, he is completely struck by her. She becomes his muse, and he becomes desperate to paint her portrait. However, this is no ordinary portrait. The project he has in mind is a painting of Stella that would showcase her in an innovative and intimate way. While it is not a nude portrait, the style is quite provocative. For her to pose for him as an unmarried woman would be scandalous. 

Teddy and Stella do feel attracted to each other, but it is unclear whether they would have a relationship of love or convenience. Teddy needs to paint Stella in an intimate way. Stella needs a husband. They agree to wed, but will their relationship settle into that of merely artist and muse? Will they simply be offering one another a temporary service, albeit with a permanent commitment? Once Teddy’s painting is complete, how will their lives transpire from there? To proceed becomes an act of faith in the face of transitory needs being met.

The Muse of Maiden Lane was an interesting way to conclude this series. I enjoyed the personal journey of both Teddy and his muse Stella. In their own ways, they each felt invisible and wanted to be seen. Yet they both sometimes desired to hide and be noticed by no one. As an artist Teddy wanted positive recognition by his peers, but not fame. He despised others seeing his physical weaknesses and hid his limitations often. Similarly, Stella wanted to be respected as a woman in spite of her gray hair. She yearned for independence from her caretaking brother, even if it meant striking out on her own without a husband. Publicly galloping her horse in an unseemly manner did not disturb her, but she was also known for hiding (or even dyeing) her hair color in order to blend into her environment. Both characters wrestled with the desire to be seen, while also having a longing to hide. 

This internal push-pull becomes quite interesting as Teddy and Stella ultimately become man and wife. Each must quickly adapt to not only a new level of physical and emotional exposure, but they also must allow their respective spouse to care for them unconditionally. As individuals they grow into greater security, trusting each other and themselves to have confidence in who they are, with all their flaws and talents on display. 

Their relationship exhibits some of the hardest and yet some of the most realistic aspects of what it means to be married. A healthy, committed marriage will include acceptance of certain personal weaknesses in the other. True, spouses should always encourage one another to grow and become the best versions of themselves. In the cases of abuse, such damaging behavior should never be allowed. That said, no husband or wife is ever going to be a perfect person. They will always have flaws, be they personal or physical. Loving your spouse in the face of their handicap (whether literal or metaphorical) is key to a long-term successful marriage. 

Likewise, understanding that you yourself have flaws is important as well. As spouses we need to be open to careful correction, and be willing to see matters through the eyes of someone who loves us, flaws and all. In The Muse of Maiden Lane, Teddy saw the “flawed” gray-haired Stella as a shining star, not as someone who was diminished in beauty because of her hair and vivacious spirit. Stella was also able to show Teddy unconditional love as they navigated the difficulties of his life in a wheelchair. She taught him that her feelings for him were not contingent upon whether or not he could use his legs. She loved him for who he was.

As a content alert for readers: Mimi Matthews is known for bringing thoroughly romantic novels to her readers, with a minimum amount of steamy or adult content. For the most part, The Muse of Maiden Lane is very tame. The honeymoon night scene is a bit spicier than in other romantic passages I’ve read from her, but she keeps it at a PG-rated level of heat. Ultimately the scene “fades to black” until the most adult moments have passed. Unlike other authors in the romance novel genre, Matthews does not use that episode to titillate or exploit the scene just for the sake of eroticism. So while I cannot necessarily recommend that moment to very young readers, I appreciate the choices that Matthews made in crafting the scene between two married people. 

In conclusion, The Muse of Maiden Lane was a fine ending to an entertaining series. I enjoyed the moments shared with all four “Furies” and their respective loved ones from the previous novels. The winks to the other stories tied Maiden Lane in nicely. Although this title could stand alone, I would recommend readers enjoy the previous works beforehand in order to have greater appreciation for these fabulous ladies and their many adventures. Mimi Matthews’ love for horses, her knowledge of the time period, and her storytelling skills were on clear display, and she has once again delivered an enjoyable novel to her readership.  

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AUTHOR BIO

USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning proper Victorian romances. Her novels have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, and Kirkus, and her articles have been featured on the Victorian Web, the Journal of Victorian Culture, and in syndication at BUST Magazine. In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes a retired Andalusian dressage horse, a Sheltie, and two Siamese cats.

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Read Chapter One of The Muse of Maiden Lane HERE

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Book Review: Across the Ages by Gabrielle Meyer

Caroline holds a deep secret. Living in 1727 and 1927 simultaneously, each night she goes to sleep in one life and wakes up in the other. In search of answers to her unique existence, Caroline stumbles upon a letter from her mother hinting at her own experiences as a time-crosser, sending Caroline on a daring quest to uncover the truth. In 1727, Caroline disguises herself as a cabin boy and joins a ship sailing for the Bahamas, her mother's last known location, where she crosses paths with a ruthless but handsome pirate and is caught in a web of secrets, deception, and unexpected alliances.

In 1927 St. Paul, Minnesota, Caroline grapples with her other life as the daughter of a renowned preacher. Her two older brothers have fallen prey to the corruption rampant during Prohibition, and Caroline struggles to keep their involvement hidden to save her father's career. As her search for answers about her time-crossing leads her to the dangerous yet exciting world of speakeasies, Caroline enlists the help of a childhood friend who is now a police officer. But with her family's future at risk and their loyalties tested, Caroline faces a life-altering decision that could reshape her destiny.

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Debuting in the spring of 2022, Gabrielle Meyer’s Timeless series has been a smashing success. Her main characters are “time crossers” who experience two lives, with each life separated by their nightly sleep. This concept intrigued me from the start. Although other activities have kept me from reading these novels for a couple of years, they have been high on my TBR list. When I was accepted into the Austenprose promotional tour for the fourth book in the series, Across the Ages, I not only wanted to read this latest work, but I also wanted to be fully immersed into Meyer’s world. All four novels are connected in some way, and while it is possible to read them singularly, it is preferable to read them in succession. On November 3rd I began reading the first volume, When the Day Comes, both in print and on audiobook. By the evening of November 12th, I had completed volume four. While this was a bit of a daunting task, I have had the best time!

When the Day Comes was a thrilling introduction into Meyer’s time crossing universe. I was utterly captivated, and easily can offer my highest recommendation. Its sequel In This Moment took me by surprise in that it was just as enjoyable as its predecessor. Oftentimes with serial storytelling (in novels, movies, and television programs for example), sequels are rarely able to capture the magic of the original tale. There were times during the reading of In This Moment wherein I had to force myself not to read the printed text. My eyes simply couldn’t slow down, I was so riveted to the story. It was an act of discipline to utilize the audiobook edition, especially during pivotal moments such as the September 11, 2001 attacks. The third novel, For a Lifetime was still compelling, as one of the narratives includes many scenes within the world of aviation. As the wife of a professional pilot, I reveled in those moments. However, the alternate timeline which follows the Salem Witch Trials was on occasion difficult to read. Meyer is not gratuitous in her details, but that period of history was a dark one. That said, I'm glad that Meyer decided to shine a light on humanity's propensity for prejudice, lusting for power, and the misusing of religion in the service of selfish intentions. Let us not forget.

The fourth and latest addition to the series, Across the Ages similarly tackles difficult issues, but the tone is a bit lighter than For a Lifetime. It is also quite captivating and continues the excellent storytelling of the previous novels. Those who enjoy tales of swashbuckling pirates will find much entertainment as main character Caroline is taken aboard the pirate ship Ocean Curse against her will. There she meets the dashing yet wayward Marcus Zale in the year 1727. As a time crosser she also inhabits the year 1927. Her life there stands in stark contrast, as she is the daughter of a prominent preacher and the member of a seemingly upstanding family. 

In both of Caroline’s lives, the theme of God’s redeeming love is quite present. The pirates of the 18th century are certainly in need of redemption as they plunder, steal, and kidnap. In the early 20th century, the family of the Reverend Daniel Baldwin appears to be squeaky-clean on the outside, but daughter Caroline knows the truth. The Reverend and his wife may be authentic as they live out their faith, but their children have secret sinful lives of their own. In both the 18th and 20th century narratives, many characters are faced with the choice of repentance vs. rebellion and are also given the opportunity to be forgiven and loved.

The Timeless series has been a whirlwind read for the last several days. It has kept me company as I’ve raked leaves in my yard and listened to the audio production on ear buds. I would also grab chapters here and there as I’ve waited for appointments, print book in hand. To say that these novels are page-turners is an understatement. I haven’t had this much fun in a very long time. Although the time-traveling concept requires a certain suspension of belief, if readers are able to accept the premise they are in for a delightful journey. The protagonists are likeable, the villains are nefarious, and the romantic relationships are wholesome yet tantalizing. Many chapters concluded with suspenseful moments that kept the pages flying by.

I also appreciate the theological messages that Gabrielle Meyer presents in her stories. They are heartfelt and have a welcoming tone for those who are asking questions about matters of faith. Serious adult subjects are also addressed, including adultery, theft, hypocrisy, spiritual doubt, and painful relationship issues. Readers can prepare to be thoroughly entertained, but also inspired to consider important matters of life and spirituality. I offer my hearty endorsement of Across the Ages, but moreover I recommend the entire Timeless series. Gabrielle Meyer’s time crossing novels are worth reading from start to finish, and are deserving of all the accolades they have been receiving. The fifth title in the collection, Every Hour Until Then is set to debut in May 2025, and I have no doubt that it will be a winner. Congratulations to Gabrielle Meyer. May the time crossing continue for years to come!

Austenprose.com

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About the Author

Gabrielle Meyer is an ECPA bestselling author. She has worked for state and local historical societies and loves writing fiction inspired by real people, places, and events. She currently resides along the banks of the Mississippi River in central Minnesota with her husband and four children. By day, she's a busy homeschool mom, and by night she pens fiction and nonfiction filled with hope.

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The Timeless Series

Book Review: Murder in Highbury by Vanessa Kelly

First in a captivating new series, Jane Austen’s Emma Knightley entertains a different role in Highbury—going from clever matchmaker to Regency England’s shrewdest sleuth.

Less than one year into her marriage to respected magistrate George Knightley, Emma has grown unusually content in her newfound partnership and refreshed sense of independence. The height of summer sees the former Miss Woodhouse gracefully balancing the meticulous management of her elegant family estate and a flurry of social engagements, with few worries apart from her beloved father’s health . . .  

But cheery circumstances change in an instant when Emma and Harriet Martin, now the wife of one of Mr. Knightley’s tenant farmers, discover a hideous shock at the local church. The corpse of Mrs. Augusta Elton, the vicar’s wife, has been discarded on the altar steps—the ornate necklace she often wore stripped from her neck . . .  

As a chilling murder mystery blooms and chaos descends upon the tranquil village of Highbury, the question isn’t simply who committed the crime, but who wasn’t secretly wishing for the unpleasant woman’s demise. When suspicions suddenly fall on a harmless local, Emma—armed with wit, unwavering determination, and extensive social connections—realizes she must discreetly navigate an investigation of her own to protect the innocent and expose the ruthless culprit hiding in plain sight.

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Although several authors have reimagined Jane Austen and her fictional characters in the role of mystery-solving sleuth, Emma Woodhouse Knightley is uniquely qualified for the appointment, in my opinion. Janeites can recall Emma’s penchant for meddling, in particular within the realm of matchmaking. See seems to notice details that others don’t, and while she does not always make the best choices, she is often wise in her assessments. Appreciating her uniqueness is George Knightley, who marries her in spite of, and possibly because of her foibles. He loves her for all that she is. These characteristics remain true in the new novel by Vanessa Kelly, Murder in Highbury. In this Austenesque murder-mystery, Emma sets aside her matchmaking hobby (for now) when she stumbles upon a gruesome death. Along with husband George, she pieces together the clues to determine the full picture of what has occurred in their otherwise quiet town. 

Murder in Highbury does open with the discovery of a startling murder, but the general feel of the novel is very light and is a diverting tour of the characters from Jane Austen’s Emma. Vanessa Kelly most certainly has her fingers on the pulse of these vivid personalities, from Emma and her family members, down to employees on the estate grounds. Readers who are unfamiliar with the source material would do well to either read the original text or at minimum watch a faithful screen adaptation of Austen’s novel. The 1996 Emma movie with Gwyneth Paltrow is one of my favorites, and the faces from that film populated my mind as I read the book. Understanding the backstory of the main characters was helpful to me as I took in Kelly’s mystery and enjoyed the narrative. 

From a content standpoint, Murder in Highbury does have a few adult moments, but they are quite tame. Of course there is the murder of Mrs. Elton, done in a somewhat dramatic way on the grounds of the church. There are also just a few instances of salty language, but those moments are rare and very PG-rated. I would feel comfortable recommending the material to just about anyone. 

Vanessa Kelly has done fabulous work with Austen’s characters. She understands them inside and out, and she is also quite cognizant of the historical aspects of the period. Emma as a married female does not have the exact standing as her husband, a local magistrate. Women did not have the same place in courtrooms that men did. Kelly shines a light on these issues without being overly derogatory, and she also promotes the strength and intelligence of women as well. I particularly liked the manner in which Emma and George interacted with each other. George understood his place in society, but he never belittles his wife. He cannot fully endorse her “sleuthing”, as she is not an officer of the law, but he works in concert with her as she sniffs out information. Although they hold different positions in their community, they are nonetheless equals in their relationship with each other. It was refreshing to witness this type of loving interaction within a 19th century marriage.

I was excited to learn that Murder in Highbury is the beginning of a series. This opening volume was light, interesting, and kept me guessing. Now that I’ve finished the novel, I want to return to the opening chapters in order to suss out the clues that I missed all along the way. The answer to the “whodunnit” question was in front of me the entire time. Vanessa Kelly took me on a fun ride, and I look forward to seeing what she brings to her readership next.

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AUTHOR BIO

Vanessa Kelly is a bestselling author of historical mystery and historical romance. She has won multiple awards, including the prestigious Maggie Medallion for best historical romance. She is a USA Today, Barnes & Noble, BookScan, and Amazon bestseller several times over. To date, her books have been published in eleven languages. After receiving her MA in English literature from Rutgers University, Vanessa spent several years in the Ph. D program at the University of Toronto, studying women authors of the 18th Century. She worked as a researcher for many years, and currently resides in Ottawa, Canada, with her husband.

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