Book Reviews for This Month
We’ve got a bunch of new book reviews for you, including:
– Miss Austen by Gill Hornby
– The Orchard House by Heidi Chiavaroli
– Shielded by KayLynn Flanders
– Ladies of the House: A Modern Retelling of Sense and Sensibility by Lauren Edmondson
– Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunsmore
– The Quantum Weirdness of the Almost-Kiss by Amy Noelle Parks
About Reviews of the Month
On The Silver Petticoat Review, we run a monthly feature called Reviews of the Month. In one post, we’ll share both movie and TV reviews, and in the other, we’ll share book reviews every other month.
This feature serves as a roundup of shorter reviews and links to full standalone reviews. It gives us more time to bring you a variety of recommendations and reviews. Enjoy reading!
To see the detailed reviews, you can scroll down or click on the titles that interest you.
Brief Book Reviews
– Bringing Down the Duke (Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Chick Lit)
– Ladies of the House: A Modern Retelling of Sense and Sensibility (Women’s Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Retellings)
– Miss Austen (Historical Fiction)
– The Orchard House (Christian Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Historical Fiction, Time-Slip)
– Shielded (YA, Fantasy, Romance, Adventure)
– The Quantum Weirdness of the Almost-Kiss (YA, Contemporary Romance, Realistic Fiction)
Full Book Reviews
‘The Brass Queen’ Book Review: A delightful debut from Elizabeth Chatsworth featuring Gaslamp Fantasy, Steampunk, Rom-Com, Historical Fiction, Science Fiction, and Adventure.
‘Georgana’s Secret’ Book Review: A sweet Regency romance on the high seas involving Historical Fiction, Regency Romance, Clean Romance, and Adventure.
Book Reviews of the Month
Review One: Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunsmore
Genre: Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Chick Lit
Publication Date: September 3, 2019, by Berkley
Synopsis:
In 1879, England, Annabelle Archer, the brilliant but impoverished daughter of a country vicar, becomes one of the first female students at the University of Oxford. To keep her scholarship, she has to support the women’s suffrage movement by recruiting influential men to their cause. Her main target is the Duke of Montgomery, Sebastian Devereux, a cold, calculating politician who aligns with the Queen. Annabelle must balance the powerful attraction she feels for him while staying true to her cause.
Review by Autumn:
Set during the British suffrage movement, this passionate story about a penniless vicar’s daughter who falls for the icy Duke of Montgomery is sure to captivate historical romance fans. While some explicit scenes and Annabelle’s disregard for her reputation may not appeal to everyone, the novel’s wit, romantic moments, excellent historical detail, and likable characters make it a remarkable read.
Adaptation Recommendation:
This could be a fantastic TV show like Bridgerton, given its series format and rich romance narratives.
Content Note:
Includes some explicit scenes.
Review Two: Ladies of the House: A Modern Retelling of Sense and Sensibility by Lauren Edmondson
Genre: Women’s Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Retellings
Publication Date: February 9, 2021, by Graydon House
Synopsis:
Thirty-four-year-old Daisy Richardson’s life spirals into chaos when a scandal involving her late father comes to light. Forced to sell their Georgetown home, Daisy tries to keep her family together while her younger sister Wallis grapples with her own romantic turmoil and her best friend Atlas writes an exposé on her father. Amidst social exile and financial instability, Daisy must confront the scandal’s consequences and find her own voice.
Review by Amber:
A contemporary political spin on Austen’s Sense and Sensibility, this debut from Lauren Edmondson offers smart social commentary, likable characters, and an engaging story. Although some language choices and character dynamics were off-putting, the book is well-written and offers a satisfying conclusion and strong female bonds.
Adaptation Recommendation:
This would make a charming TV movie, perfect for streaming platforms like Netflix or cable networks like Lifetime.
Content Note:
PG-13-like, with some strong language.
Review Three: Miss Austen by Gill Hornby
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publication Dates: January 23, 2020, by Century and April 7, 2020, by Flatiron Books
Synopsis:
In 1840 England, two decades after Jane Austen’s death, her sister Cassandra returns to the village of Kintbury to retrieve Jane’s letters. These letters contain secrets about both sisters. Cassandra must decide whether to reveal these details or keep them hidden forever.
Review by Amber:
Combining past and present narratives, Gill Hornby’s Miss Austen presents a compelling story of Cassandra Austen’s life and her deep bond with Jane. Enriched with humor, historical detail, and touching sisterly love, this novel is a memorable read for all Austen fans.
Adaptation Recommendation:
This would make a beautiful period drama, fitting for films like Becoming Jane or streaming platforms.
Content Note:
Mild content, nothing shocking.
Review Four: The Orchard House by Heidi Chiavaroli
Genre: Christian Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Historical Fiction, Time-Slip
Publication Date: February 9, 2021, by Tyndale House Publishers
Synopsis:
Two women from different timelines—Taylor in 2001 and Johanna after the Civil War—face their demons at Orchard House. Taylor, abandoned by her family, tries to fit in with her friend Victoria’s family but faces betrayal. Johanna falls for a man against Louisa May Alcott’s advice and suffers in marriage. In 2019, Taylor, now a successful author, returns to Concord to reconnect with her adoptive mother and finds solace in Johanna’s story.
Review by Amber:
Fans of Louisa May Alcott and historical fiction will appreciate this touching story about forgiveness and finding a place to belong. The book skillfully shifts between different timelines, creating an engaging and inspirational read.
Adaptation Recommendation:
Complicated but potentially great, similar to Possession.
Content Note:
Contains some abusive situations, not graphic.
Review Five: Shielded by KayLynn Flanders
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy, Teen Romance
Publication Date: July 21, 2020, by Delacorte Press
Synopsis:
In the kingdom of Hálendi, Princess Jennesara’s battling skills are overlooked due to her brother’s magical abilities. Promised in marriage to a prince from Turia, Jenna’s journey is disrupted by an ambush, revealing a greater threat. Jenna must decide if revealing a dangerous secret is worth the cost.
Review by Autumn:
A mix of fantasy, romance, and adventure, Shielded offers engaging settings and a fast-paced plot post-betrayal. Fans of classic fantasy tales will enjoy this well-developed, satisfying story.
Adaptation Recommendation:
Perfect for a film series.
Content Note:
Mild fantasy violence.
Review Six: The Quantum Weirdness of the Almost-Kiss by Amy Noelle Parks
Genre: YA, Contemporary Romance, Realistic Fiction, Rom-Com
Publication Date: January 5, 2021, by Abrams Books
Synopsis:
Evie Beckham, a math-loving high school senior with anxiety, contemplates romance as she enters a national competition and meets a new boy. Her best friend Caleb, secretly in love with her, tries to win her over using an online persona.
Review by Autumn:
The Quantum Weirdness of the Almost-Kiss is a cute YA rom-com with endearing brainy characters. While it deals with contemporary issues like anxiety, the heartfelt friendship and sweet romance make it a delightful read.
Adaptation Recommendation:
Ideal for Netflix’s YA rom-com library.
Content Note:
Some language and kissing.
