What do you think?
Rate this book
Accomplishments & Accomplices: A Regency Rom-Com
Lady Diana Huxley is a Brontë heroine lost in a Jane Austen fever-dream.
Haunted, heartbroken, and abruptly sent to live with her newly-married cousin in a palatial country estate, Diana just wants to blend in. Utterly unfamiliar with the customs and culture of Regency Era high society, Diana is more than content to play the role of silent companion to her chatty cousin, Maggie. She certainly didn’t come to New Glenbury to fall in love.
But when the handsome and happy-go-lucky Hudson Birch moves to the estate next door, two meddling matrons, Constance and Elizabeth, take it upon themselves to play matchmaker. Soon, Diana unwittingly finds herself at the center of a grand conspiracy with the entire village of New Glenbury in cahoots to give her the appearance of possessing all the accomplishments she so obviously lacks. What could possibly go wrong? A lot, apparently.
Accomplishments and Accomplices is a charming romantic comedy about the joy of self-discovery, the power of female friendships, and the perils of falling in love.
Haunted, heartbroken, and abruptly sent to live with her newly-married cousin in a palatial country estate, Diana just wants to blend in. Utterly unfamiliar with the customs and culture of Regency Era high society, Diana is more than content to play the role of silent companion to her chatty cousin, Maggie. She certainly didn’t come to New Glenbury to fall in love.
But when the handsome and happy-go-lucky Hudson Birch moves to the estate next door, two meddling matrons, Constance and Elizabeth, take it upon themselves to play matchmaker. Soon, Diana unwittingly finds herself at the center of a grand conspiracy with the entire village of New Glenbury in cahoots to give her the appearance of possessing all the accomplishments she so obviously lacks. What could possibly go wrong? A lot, apparently.
Accomplishments and Accomplices is a charming romantic comedy about the joy of self-discovery, the power of female friendships, and the perils of falling in love.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 24, 2024
5 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 29, 2024
I really liked it. But I'm also the author, so my opinion probably doesn't count.
September 24, 2024
“Then, in full view of everyone on the road, Hudson doffed his hat and bowed at Diana with such an earnest, ridiculous flourish, Diana burst out laughing. Hudson’s beaming, blushing face was all the confirmation anyone needed to see that he considered her laughter a most sincere compliment.”
Diana Huxley is the eldest daughter of a rakish baron whose gambling addiction has left his wife and daughters in a state of destitution. Neither a gentleman or a “gentle man”, all he has going for him is his lineage, which grants him his title and his residency Caldflett Castle, a damp and ruined medieval construction in which his family must sleep in the same room, with Diana sharing her bed with a younger sister to keep warm.
Diana’s cousin Maggie and her husband Benjamin are newlyweds and the new masters of Wuster Park in the village of New Glenbury. Benjamin has inherited the estate and a mill from his father, a very difficult man. Maggie and Benjamin are very much in love and enjoy each other’s company, quite uncommon in 1822 England. In this genteel Georgian environment, one of the most common pastimes of the country residents is the coming and goings of both newcomers and city visitors. Constance, the wife to the local church minister, and Lady Elisabeth, the resident grand dame, enjoy playing matchmakers for any of the eligible bachelorettes and bachelors of the county.
Diana arrives in Wuster Park at the same time as a trio of scions of the burgeoning mercantile class. Hudson Birch and the twin brothers, Ellis and Noah Bellwood, accompanied by the twin’s narcoleptic mother, are taking up a summer residence in neighboring Langley Hall. The Londoners are there to enjoy their summer vacation, while Diana has been sent to her cousin in an attempt to keep her family afloat among dire circumstances.
The pretty and tall Diana and the short and good-natured Hudson catch the attention of the matchmakers. Hudson’s wealth compliments Diana’s penniless barony, while by all rights Diana’s title could strengthen Hudson’s standing in the rank-fixated society of Georgian England. But Diana is not your average young noblewoman. A lifetime of strife in a cruel household which lacked even the most basic comforts has shaped her personality: she is quiet when she should speak and speaks her mind in circumstances in which silence would be best. She is deeply familiar with all the flora and the birds of the countryside, naming them out loud with astonishing ease. Her unvarnished sincerity in conversation provides plenty of amusing moments, but causes quite a headache to Constance and Elisabeth, who take it upon themselves to advice Maggie on how to develop Diana’s lacking education.
Grace Ellen Queen’s debut novel is one of the most purely enjoyable books I have read in quite some time. I have been a follower of her Instagram account @thepaperbackprincess for years and I expected her book to reflect the appeal of her content: warm, cozy and joyful. What I did not expect was to become so engaged in this story. I must confess, this is my first neo-Regency novel and as far as traditional Regency goes, I have so far only read “Pride and Prejudice”. I had always wanted to read more books of this genre, for I sometimes long to lose myself in the winding road of a beautiful English countryside, enjoying a nice romantic story filled with gentle, polite humor. Alas, there is always some other book pulling me away from enjoying the comedy of manners that appeal to my spirit. But once I knew about the publication of “Accomplishments & Accomplices”, I knew I had to place it among my priorities.
“Accomplishments & Accomplices” has a light touch, the expected gentle humor and a deceptively straightforward plot. But what really impressed me the most was the quality of writing and the great depth given to the characters. The psychology of each of the characters is well-defined and their reactions to every situation is consistent with their personalities. One of the main themes I perceived was the hold that personal insecurities (born out of family-induced traumas) can have on somebody’s thoughts and actions.
Another important theme is that of miscommunication. In a polite society like the one depicted in A&A, where words are chosen carefully and unfiltered opinions and emotional outbursts are equally unthinkable, a single sentence can easily have a different meaning for the speaker and their listeners. This provides a recurring stylistic motif that serves for purposes that are humorous or dramatic, and that sets up some juicy conflicts. Like the “bomb inside the briefcase” metaphor used as an example on how to establish suspense for the audience, every misinterpreted or misunderstood statement or gesture is like a landmine that threatens to go off in the future.
As well intentioned as Constance and Elizabeth are, Diana is in reality as much a fish out of water as Hudson Birch. Their attempts at giving her a speed-run style education are mostly successful, but Diana’s inner conflict, rooted in loss and trauma, has little to do with her skill with the flute or needlework. Diana’s plot runs parallel to Maggie and Benjamin’s, which I found to be as interesting. Their perfect, loving marriage runs into its first fissures and struggles and is interesting to see how Queen explores such marital tensions within the context of the era.
Queen’s handling of the period is one of the finest aspects of the novel. The novel reads like an actual work from the early 19th century. The characters think and react to information and actions according to the manner they were brought up. There is no clumsy or jarring modernization of the people and their mores. It accomplishes the main purpose of historical fiction: to evoke the past and its denizens in a way that makes us feel like we are actually present. All of this is done with finesse and with able prose. Only certain words spoken by the narrator (and a handful of tasteful, discreet scenes of an amorous nature that would have been taboo to even hint at in the times the novel is set in) hint at the contemporary nature of the work. Queen’s skill is obvious, but recognition must also be given (as the author herself does in the acknowledgements) to her editor, Erin Wilcox. All independent authors would be lucky to have an editor as skilled as she is.
I greatly enjoyed the novel and its characters. The fast-paced chapters average between three and five pages and switch their focus between the characters. Diana and Maggie were my favorite characters, but they are surrounded by really interesting people. Among the supporting cast, captain Rex Tanders and the farmhand Charlie McFaden provide a much-needed earthiness to the settings. The chapter that details Lady Elisabeth’s rise to wealth and station, and her desire to remain an independent widow of means (the highest aspiration for individual freedom that a woman could hope for at this time) is great self-contained tale.
As I made my way through the novel, I began to suspect that there were the seeds for a sequel, and perhaps even a series. Certain important characters remained in the background and I longed to know more about them and their interactions with our protagonists. There were conflicts featuring our characters that, while resolved at the end of the novel, seemed to hint at larger story possibilities. I hope that Queen does have more stories involving Diana, her family and New Glenbury. Just like Diana when she arrives at Wuster Park, I have discovered a lovely new world.
Diana Huxley is the eldest daughter of a rakish baron whose gambling addiction has left his wife and daughters in a state of destitution. Neither a gentleman or a “gentle man”, all he has going for him is his lineage, which grants him his title and his residency Caldflett Castle, a damp and ruined medieval construction in which his family must sleep in the same room, with Diana sharing her bed with a younger sister to keep warm.
Diana’s cousin Maggie and her husband Benjamin are newlyweds and the new masters of Wuster Park in the village of New Glenbury. Benjamin has inherited the estate and a mill from his father, a very difficult man. Maggie and Benjamin are very much in love and enjoy each other’s company, quite uncommon in 1822 England. In this genteel Georgian environment, one of the most common pastimes of the country residents is the coming and goings of both newcomers and city visitors. Constance, the wife to the local church minister, and Lady Elisabeth, the resident grand dame, enjoy playing matchmakers for any of the eligible bachelorettes and bachelors of the county.
Diana arrives in Wuster Park at the same time as a trio of scions of the burgeoning mercantile class. Hudson Birch and the twin brothers, Ellis and Noah Bellwood, accompanied by the twin’s narcoleptic mother, are taking up a summer residence in neighboring Langley Hall. The Londoners are there to enjoy their summer vacation, while Diana has been sent to her cousin in an attempt to keep her family afloat among dire circumstances.
The pretty and tall Diana and the short and good-natured Hudson catch the attention of the matchmakers. Hudson’s wealth compliments Diana’s penniless barony, while by all rights Diana’s title could strengthen Hudson’s standing in the rank-fixated society of Georgian England. But Diana is not your average young noblewoman. A lifetime of strife in a cruel household which lacked even the most basic comforts has shaped her personality: she is quiet when she should speak and speaks her mind in circumstances in which silence would be best. She is deeply familiar with all the flora and the birds of the countryside, naming them out loud with astonishing ease. Her unvarnished sincerity in conversation provides plenty of amusing moments, but causes quite a headache to Constance and Elisabeth, who take it upon themselves to advice Maggie on how to develop Diana’s lacking education.
Grace Ellen Queen’s debut novel is one of the most purely enjoyable books I have read in quite some time. I have been a follower of her Instagram account @thepaperbackprincess for years and I expected her book to reflect the appeal of her content: warm, cozy and joyful. What I did not expect was to become so engaged in this story. I must confess, this is my first neo-Regency novel and as far as traditional Regency goes, I have so far only read “Pride and Prejudice”. I had always wanted to read more books of this genre, for I sometimes long to lose myself in the winding road of a beautiful English countryside, enjoying a nice romantic story filled with gentle, polite humor. Alas, there is always some other book pulling me away from enjoying the comedy of manners that appeal to my spirit. But once I knew about the publication of “Accomplishments & Accomplices”, I knew I had to place it among my priorities.
“Accomplishments & Accomplices” has a light touch, the expected gentle humor and a deceptively straightforward plot. But what really impressed me the most was the quality of writing and the great depth given to the characters. The psychology of each of the characters is well-defined and their reactions to every situation is consistent with their personalities. One of the main themes I perceived was the hold that personal insecurities (born out of family-induced traumas) can have on somebody’s thoughts and actions.
Another important theme is that of miscommunication. In a polite society like the one depicted in A&A, where words are chosen carefully and unfiltered opinions and emotional outbursts are equally unthinkable, a single sentence can easily have a different meaning for the speaker and their listeners. This provides a recurring stylistic motif that serves for purposes that are humorous or dramatic, and that sets up some juicy conflicts. Like the “bomb inside the briefcase” metaphor used as an example on how to establish suspense for the audience, every misinterpreted or misunderstood statement or gesture is like a landmine that threatens to go off in the future.
As well intentioned as Constance and Elizabeth are, Diana is in reality as much a fish out of water as Hudson Birch. Their attempts at giving her a speed-run style education are mostly successful, but Diana’s inner conflict, rooted in loss and trauma, has little to do with her skill with the flute or needlework. Diana’s plot runs parallel to Maggie and Benjamin’s, which I found to be as interesting. Their perfect, loving marriage runs into its first fissures and struggles and is interesting to see how Queen explores such marital tensions within the context of the era.
Queen’s handling of the period is one of the finest aspects of the novel. The novel reads like an actual work from the early 19th century. The characters think and react to information and actions according to the manner they were brought up. There is no clumsy or jarring modernization of the people and their mores. It accomplishes the main purpose of historical fiction: to evoke the past and its denizens in a way that makes us feel like we are actually present. All of this is done with finesse and with able prose. Only certain words spoken by the narrator (and a handful of tasteful, discreet scenes of an amorous nature that would have been taboo to even hint at in the times the novel is set in) hint at the contemporary nature of the work. Queen’s skill is obvious, but recognition must also be given (as the author herself does in the acknowledgements) to her editor, Erin Wilcox. All independent authors would be lucky to have an editor as skilled as she is.
I greatly enjoyed the novel and its characters. The fast-paced chapters average between three and five pages and switch their focus between the characters. Diana and Maggie were my favorite characters, but they are surrounded by really interesting people. Among the supporting cast, captain Rex Tanders and the farmhand Charlie McFaden provide a much-needed earthiness to the settings. The chapter that details Lady Elisabeth’s rise to wealth and station, and her desire to remain an independent widow of means (the highest aspiration for individual freedom that a woman could hope for at this time) is great self-contained tale.
As I made my way through the novel, I began to suspect that there were the seeds for a sequel, and perhaps even a series. Certain important characters remained in the background and I longed to know more about them and their interactions with our protagonists. There were conflicts featuring our characters that, while resolved at the end of the novel, seemed to hint at larger story possibilities. I hope that Queen does have more stories involving Diana, her family and New Glenbury. Just like Diana when she arrives at Wuster Park, I have discovered a lovely new world.
September 15, 2024
This book transported me. The regency era is fascinating, and the story has just enough historical/period detail that I learned a good deal, but did not feel lost.
I particularly enjoyed the author's exploration of how intimacy manifests across many types of relationships - not just romantic ones (though there are some good spicy moments!), but also in lifelong friendships, and even between household and staff.
I became quite endeared to the cast of characters in the little town of New Glensbury - and I hope I get to revisit them (hoping this is the start of a series?!)
I particularly enjoyed the author's exploration of how intimacy manifests across many types of relationships - not just romantic ones (though there are some good spicy moments!), but also in lifelong friendships, and even between household and staff.
I became quite endeared to the cast of characters in the little town of New Glensbury - and I hope I get to revisit them (hoping this is the start of a series?!)
September 14, 2024
I really enjoyed this witty Regency-era novel! Great fun all around!
September 8, 2024
This was the perfect summer novel to start the fall. Reading can be fun! It was a pleasure to spend some time in New Glenbury Village and follow the travails of the beautiful and mysterious Diana as she is dragged into the circle of polite society by her well meaning friends. The gentle regency satire is punctuated by moments of surprising intimacy and understanding as the characters never quite succumb to caricaturing (wait, is that a word?). True aficionados of the genre will find even more here to recognize and love.
October 14, 2024
Queen truly grasps the silliness and awkwardness of new relationships in this delightful Regency romp. It's so fascinating to watch her explore the various types of relationships present in the era--most often her considerations of marriages where the parties barely knew each other before taking their vows.
The author also manages to slide modern day social commentary into New Glenbury Village, such as feeling awkward buying alcohol at the store even though you are of acceptable age.
Witty and charming, this lush novel champions the values of cottagecore in our heroine, Diana, a complicated young lady finding her feet in posh society despite feeling unconfident in her right to belong there.
The author also manages to slide modern day social commentary into New Glenbury Village, such as feeling awkward buying alcohol at the store even though you are of acceptable age.
Witty and charming, this lush novel champions the values of cottagecore in our heroine, Diana, a complicated young lady finding her feet in posh society despite feeling unconfident in her right to belong there.
December 13, 2024
"Lady Diana Huxley is a Brontë heroine lost in a Jane Austen fever-dream . . ."
🌷📖 Review 📖🌷
From early on in the novel, it was astoundingly clear to me that Grace Ellen Queen is a truly gifted writer. With an engaging formality and exquisite wit reminiscent of Austen but uniquely her own, Queen masterfully sculpts word and phrase into clever and elegant prose. In many ways, I could easily have seen this Regency novel as one written during the actual time period in which it takes place. Not only does it hearken back to that period in terms of the writing style and conversational language, but the attention to historical detail is remarkable. It is clear that Queen immersed herself in that world, down to the finite characteristics of apparel, similar to how knowledge of the natural landscape sprinkled throughout the novel was equally impressive. Yet, at the same time, like Austen's work, ACCOMPLISHMENTS & ACCOMPLICES contains the sort of reflective, thought-provoking elements, deep humanity, and refined amusement that render it more timeless than anything else. Perhaps the title itself defines its essence, on account of its classic presentation and subtle humor.
In my opinion, one of the most important aspects of a story is its characters. I love imaginative storylines and inventive worlds, but, if the characters do not seem real, it is more difficult to join them in their journey as if part of the story yourself (because clearly that is what we, as readers, do ;) ). In this area, Queen is likewise a . . . wait for it . . . queen. 👑 Each character, from the main to supporting roles, is colorful, unique, and presented with those little quirks and traits that make them so vividly true-to-life. For example, the repeated "I say!" of my possibly #1 favorite character, Hudson, became incredibly endearing. Diana's random comments on trees and birds were also enjoyable, and how Hudson delighted in them was adorable. In fact, there is an amusing exchange between two other characters in imitation of Hudson and Diana that was dead on and shows how "real" they have become to the reader. Speaking of standout scenes, The Bee Scene is both relatable (from Hudson's POV) and presented in such a hilarious manner through, once again, Queen's spectacular wording! The two matchmakers Constance and Elizabeth can likewise be quite entertaining, and I thoroughly enjoyed Noah and Ellis, the grumpy/sunshine brothers and close friends of Hudson. I could go on, but I'll stop there.
Yet there is also profound emotion woven throughout the novel, particularly as concerns the slow reveal of Diana's backstory. I won't go into too much detail to avoid spoilers, but there are scenes toward the end involving another character whom you cannot help but love (which says a lot considering an assertion that I made earlier) that really tore at my heart. And so, this isn't "just" a clever or sophisticated book, as noteworthy as that may have been. It is a book filled with the sort of stirring and authentic sentiment that is deeply human.
While ACCOMPLISHMENTS & ACCOMPLICES is excellent as a standalone, there is considerable room for a sequel that I very much hope that Grace Ellen Queen will write! Her debut is a triumph.
CONTENT ADVISORY: Most of the book is either PG or G-rated. While suggestive lines exist, they are generally presented in a vague, modest way. There is, however, one PG-13 scene of a more sensual nature (no nudity). Since it falls somewhat outside of my typical posting and reading habits, I thought that it would be wise to mention. It is a brief flashback involving a woman who is trying to get the attention of a rich man and entreat him to marry her. This female character is presented in the novel as a complex individual. She has her flaws, but also possesses praiseworthy characteristics, most notably her steadfast love and support of her closest friend.
4.5 stars 🌠
Brilliantly written with exquisite wit!
🌷📖 Review 📖🌷
From early on in the novel, it was astoundingly clear to me that Grace Ellen Queen is a truly gifted writer. With an engaging formality and exquisite wit reminiscent of Austen but uniquely her own, Queen masterfully sculpts word and phrase into clever and elegant prose. In many ways, I could easily have seen this Regency novel as one written during the actual time period in which it takes place. Not only does it hearken back to that period in terms of the writing style and conversational language, but the attention to historical detail is remarkable. It is clear that Queen immersed herself in that world, down to the finite characteristics of apparel, similar to how knowledge of the natural landscape sprinkled throughout the novel was equally impressive. Yet, at the same time, like Austen's work, ACCOMPLISHMENTS & ACCOMPLICES contains the sort of reflective, thought-provoking elements, deep humanity, and refined amusement that render it more timeless than anything else. Perhaps the title itself defines its essence, on account of its classic presentation and subtle humor.
In my opinion, one of the most important aspects of a story is its characters. I love imaginative storylines and inventive worlds, but, if the characters do not seem real, it is more difficult to join them in their journey as if part of the story yourself (because clearly that is what we, as readers, do ;) ). In this area, Queen is likewise a . . . wait for it . . . queen. 👑 Each character, from the main to supporting roles, is colorful, unique, and presented with those little quirks and traits that make them so vividly true-to-life. For example, the repeated "I say!" of my possibly #1 favorite character, Hudson, became incredibly endearing. Diana's random comments on trees and birds were also enjoyable, and how Hudson delighted in them was adorable. In fact, there is an amusing exchange between two other characters in imitation of Hudson and Diana that was dead on and shows how "real" they have become to the reader. Speaking of standout scenes, The Bee Scene is both relatable (from Hudson's POV) and presented in such a hilarious manner through, once again, Queen's spectacular wording! The two matchmakers Constance and Elizabeth can likewise be quite entertaining, and I thoroughly enjoyed Noah and Ellis, the grumpy/sunshine brothers and close friends of Hudson. I could go on, but I'll stop there.
Yet there is also profound emotion woven throughout the novel, particularly as concerns the slow reveal of Diana's backstory. I won't go into too much detail to avoid spoilers, but there are scenes toward the end involving another character whom you cannot help but love (which says a lot considering an assertion that I made earlier) that really tore at my heart. And so, this isn't "just" a clever or sophisticated book, as noteworthy as that may have been. It is a book filled with the sort of stirring and authentic sentiment that is deeply human.
While ACCOMPLISHMENTS & ACCOMPLICES is excellent as a standalone, there is considerable room for a sequel that I very much hope that Grace Ellen Queen will write! Her debut is a triumph.
CONTENT ADVISORY: Most of the book is either PG or G-rated. While suggestive lines exist, they are generally presented in a vague, modest way. There is, however, one PG-13 scene of a more sensual nature (no nudity). Since it falls somewhat outside of my typical posting and reading habits, I thought that it would be wise to mention. It is a brief flashback involving a woman who is trying to get the attention of a rich man and entreat him to marry her. This female character is presented in the novel as a complex individual. She has her flaws, but also possesses praiseworthy characteristics, most notably her steadfast love and support of her closest friend.
4.5 stars 🌠
Brilliantly written with exquisite wit!
September 8, 2024
A latecomer to the Bridgerton party, I spent the better part of June and July devouring the shows and all of the books. The universe clearly knew I needed more Regency era content in my life and I was delighted when this book came across my lap! I devoured this book and read it in record time. It definitely has the "one. more. chapter" energy.
Grace Ellen Queen's story is filled with witty, charming, and likable characters. Each with their own flaws that made them endearing and left me wishing I could spend the afternoon with them or at the very least, be a fly on the wall for the first group dinner.
Grace Ellen does a magnificent job alternating perspectives of each of the characters in a way that is seamless and easy to follow. So many authors opt to devote entire chapters to individual points of view so this was a refreshing change of pace that kept me more engaged with the plot. The Rom-com aspect of the story had me laughing out loud and I even read a passage out loud to a friend.
The ending was unexpected and left me wanting more - I can't wait to see where these characters end up!
Also, I need a spin off of just Lady Elizabeth and Constance's schemes!
Grace Ellen Queen's story is filled with witty, charming, and likable characters. Each with their own flaws that made them endearing and left me wishing I could spend the afternoon with them or at the very least, be a fly on the wall for the first group dinner.
Grace Ellen does a magnificent job alternating perspectives of each of the characters in a way that is seamless and easy to follow. So many authors opt to devote entire chapters to individual points of view so this was a refreshing change of pace that kept me more engaged with the plot. The Rom-com aspect of the story had me laughing out loud and I even read a passage out loud to a friend.
The ending was unexpected and left me wanting more - I can't wait to see where these characters end up!
Also, I need a spin off of just Lady Elizabeth and Constance's schemes!
September 3, 2024
A delightful regency romance with a dollop of humor!
Accomplishments and Accomplices was an absolute joy to read! Regency romance isn’t my usual genre of choice, but I was blown away by all the nuggets of humor and relatability in the characters. Grace has a knack for clever nuance in how characters act. There’s a moment early on in the book where one of the male characters gives his wife a momentary glance that carries a ton of weight and understanding. That unspoken moment was palpable. I could feel the energy between them. If you enjoy well-crafted, heartwarming stories, this one’s for you!
Accomplishments and Accomplices was an absolute joy to read! Regency romance isn’t my usual genre of choice, but I was blown away by all the nuggets of humor and relatability in the characters. Grace has a knack for clever nuance in how characters act. There’s a moment early on in the book where one of the male characters gives his wife a momentary glance that carries a ton of weight and understanding. That unspoken moment was palpable. I could feel the energy between them. If you enjoy well-crafted, heartwarming stories, this one’s for you!
January 3, 2025
Reading Accomplishments and Accomplishments was a delightful journey that kept me feeling intrigued and charmed the whole way through. This book swept me off my feet with its vivid storytelling and exploration of strong female characters navigating life and love in the fascinating, etiquette-bound regency era. Grace’s elegant and well-researched writing is such a joy, alongside her clever humor. I love how she creates real, compelling, and relatable characters. Reading this book was my absolute favorite, relaxing getaway this winter. It was such a treat to read that I gifted copies to all my girlfriends so we can book club it! I hope she continues more books in this series. So gooooooood!
October 29, 2024
Worlds like New Glenbury are not the sort I generally choose to visit in my reading, but more authors with the skill of Grace would change that. Her well-plotted storylines made it hard to even put the book down. But more thrilling, each chapter exists as a small novel almost by itself, with perfect opening and closing lines, effectively creating satisfying bursts of microfiction that are even more satisfying when seen as links in the literary necklace she’s created. I can’t imagine how someone would read this book and not immediately want more of the same.
March 16, 2025
A brilliant and wonderful read! From the first chapter, it transported me into the world of New Glenbury. The author’s ability to build such a vivid setting made me feel like I was experiencing life alongside the characters, who were wonderfully developed and full of depth. The wit and delight woven throughout the story kept me engaged, making it a truly enjoyable read. Grace Ellen Queen masterfully balanced humor, intrigue, and heart, leaving me eager for the sequel. I can’t wait to see what comes next!
January 29, 2025
Accomplishments & Accomplices by Grace Queen is a lighthearted and clever Regency-era romance set in rural high society, among a quirky and likable cast. With a well-crafted narrative and immersive prose, the novel captures the social and cultural mechanics of the time, reminiscent of Jane Austen’s tongue-in-cheek indulgence in finery and matrimonial scheming. The sophisticated yet approachable style will charm both longtime fans and newcomers to Regency and Victorian fiction.
October 23, 2024
I so enjoyed this lovely book. I enjoyed the setting in an era that is interesting to me. I enjoyed how innocent the characters are.
I especially enjoyed the fact that my daughter is a friend of Grace Ellen's! I never thought someone her age would be so fascinated with a Downton Abbey like setting. I hope to meet her one of these days.
I especially enjoyed the fact that my daughter is a friend of Grace Ellen's! I never thought someone her age would be so fascinated with a Downton Abbey like setting. I hope to meet her one of these days.
November 1, 2024
An easy read for regency romance lovers! I always appreciate a book that uses elevated language in a comprehensive way. I appreciated the story, the realist development of characters emotions, and the unpredictability that so often ruins romance novels. Looking forward to the next one!
February 6, 2025
I loved this book so much! It was funny, well written and had great characters.
Is there going to be more?!!!?
Is there going to be more?!!!?
January 3, 2025
Loved this one. Such a fun read full of endearing and relatable characters. Love the relationships in this - the friendships as well as the romantic ones.
A great read for fans of: Jane Austen, regency era stories, rom-coms, nosy old ladies and witty banter. Can’t wait for the next one.
A great read for fans of: Jane Austen, regency era stories, rom-coms, nosy old ladies and witty banter. Can’t wait for the next one.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews