What do you think?
Sometime This Century
A riotous rom-com meets a swoon-worthy Regency comedy of manners in this heartfelt time-travel story about sisters, love, identity—and how Jane Austen just might change your life.
Annabel Blake was born in the wrong century. An Austen-loving book nerd, she dreams of being a writer herself, with a just-penned Regency novel to prove it. Her hopes sink when her hot author crush rejects her: The novel reads like she’s never been in love. Ouch.
Annabel sees a chance to rewrite it when her ex-pat boss sends her to England to sort out her family’s “crumbling old pile” of a country house. Tempted by an invitation tucked in an antique writing desk and a “period” coachman at her door, Annabel’s whisked away to a local Regency Society ball—cue candlelight, costumes, dancing—that might be just the inspiration she needs. There’s even the achingly perfect—and wildly out of her league—Henry Leighton D’Evercy.
When Annabel’s audacious influencer sister crashes the party with her super-chill ex-boyfriend, the unlikely trio wake to find themselves trapped in the actual Regency era. No Wi-Fi, lattes, cellphones—just a world where manners, money, and marriage rule.
As Annabel falls deeply for D’Evercy, she must write her perfect love story…or live it.
Annabel Blake was born in the wrong century. An Austen-loving book nerd, she dreams of being a writer herself, with a just-penned Regency novel to prove it. Her hopes sink when her hot author crush rejects her: The novel reads like she’s never been in love. Ouch.
Annabel sees a chance to rewrite it when her ex-pat boss sends her to England to sort out her family’s “crumbling old pile” of a country house. Tempted by an invitation tucked in an antique writing desk and a “period” coachman at her door, Annabel’s whisked away to a local Regency Society ball—cue candlelight, costumes, dancing—that might be just the inspiration she needs. There’s even the achingly perfect—and wildly out of her league—Henry Leighton D’Evercy.
When Annabel’s audacious influencer sister crashes the party with her super-chill ex-boyfriend, the unlikely trio wake to find themselves trapped in the actual Regency era. No Wi-Fi, lattes, cellphones—just a world where manners, money, and marriage rule.
As Annabel falls deeply for D’Evercy, she must write her perfect love story…or live it.
320 pages, Paperback
First published June 9, 2026
About the author
Samantha Silva
4 books437 followersSamantha Silva is the author of Mr. Dickens and His Carol (2017), Love and Fury: A Novel of Mary Wollstonecraft (2021), both from Flatiron Books, and Sometime This Century, coming June 2026 from HarperCollins. As a screenwriter, she's sold projects to Paramount, Universal, and New Line Cinema. Her short fiction and essays appear in One Story, The New York Times and LitHub. She adapted Mr. Dickens and His Carol for the stage as a commission by Seattle Repertory Theater, where it premiered in December 2022.
She's a graduate of Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies and is currently based in Idaho.
She's a graduate of Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies and is currently based in Idaho.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
March 16, 2026
Thank you Netgalley and Harper Perennial for this free ARC in exchange for an honest review!
First thing I will say: the writing is PHENOMENAL!! It captivated me from the very first page and gave me very high expectations for the rest of the novel. The writing really brings the regency setting to life with its beautiful and orignal descriptions. The dialogue also felt realistic and natural (well as natural as one can get when writing dialogue from the regency era). I was completely immersed in the world and the writing appealled the all the senses.
Althought the writing was absolutely incredible, this did not feel like the romance novel I was expecting. It is advertised as a rom-com and I was really searching for the romance aspect as I was reading. I got teased with the appearance of D'Evercy, our MMC and love interest, and I thought we would get a swooning love story between him and our FMC, Annabel, but they had maybe 3 conversations before they decided to get married and only kissed after the 95% mark. Usually, I wouldn't mind the slow-burn, but nothing was burning. There was no romantic development at all and it all felt quite mechanical. Now that they is no guarantee of going back to modern times, the sisters HAVE to marry to survive and the whole plot kind of surrounds just that aspect of necessity which took away the romantic part of it. Especially since D'Evercy, accurate to his name, was misogynistic to our FMC about her writing career and overall modernity. I don't want to see that from the love interest when I'm reading a romance novel, no matter how realistic it is.
Character-wise, I thought Annabel, Cassie and Billy had great character development. They felt well-rounded (albeit extremely annoying for 3/4 of the novel for Cassie and Billy's part) and realistic. I did not mind too much how annoying Cassie and Billy were because that was the whole point of them being out of touch influencers. I really liked their character arcs and how the conclusion tied it all together. However, we know nothing about D'Evercy. How am I supposed to root for their relationship if I don't know anything about this man?? Annabel fell in love with him at first sight and only when he showed his reluctance at her writing career did she decide to leave him.
Another point that irked me was the insistence of women writing as this incredibly outrageous and nearly illegal affair. This is just untrue. There were plenty of female writers in the 18-19th century who were KNOWN as female writers and who had careers as writers (I have studied these texts as an English major). It might not have been celebrated, but it wasn't as scorned as it was described in the book.
The plot really focused on them getting back to modern times and how they would survive if they didn't, rather than the romance which did not sit well with me as I was expecting a regency romance.
Overall, the writing and setting of this book are 5 stars but the plot lost me completely. I kept waiting for the romance and tension to happen and it left me unsatisfied (I nearly thought they just wouldn't get together).
First thing I will say: the writing is PHENOMENAL!! It captivated me from the very first page and gave me very high expectations for the rest of the novel. The writing really brings the regency setting to life with its beautiful and orignal descriptions. The dialogue also felt realistic and natural (well as natural as one can get when writing dialogue from the regency era). I was completely immersed in the world and the writing appealled the all the senses.
Althought the writing was absolutely incredible, this did not feel like the romance novel I was expecting. It is advertised as a rom-com and I was really searching for the romance aspect as I was reading. I got teased with the appearance of D'Evercy, our MMC and love interest, and I thought we would get a swooning love story between him and our FMC, Annabel, but they had maybe 3 conversations before they decided to get married and only kissed after the 95% mark. Usually, I wouldn't mind the slow-burn, but nothing was burning. There was no romantic development at all and it all felt quite mechanical. Now that they is no guarantee of going back to modern times, the sisters HAVE to marry to survive and the whole plot kind of surrounds just that aspect of necessity which took away the romantic part of it. Especially since D'Evercy, accurate to his name, was misogynistic to our FMC about her writing career and overall modernity. I don't want to see that from the love interest when I'm reading a romance novel, no matter how realistic it is.
Character-wise, I thought Annabel, Cassie and Billy had great character development. They felt well-rounded (albeit extremely annoying for 3/4 of the novel for Cassie and Billy's part) and realistic. I did not mind too much how annoying Cassie and Billy were because that was the whole point of them being out of touch influencers. I really liked their character arcs and how the conclusion tied it all together. However, we know nothing about D'Evercy. How am I supposed to root for their relationship if I don't know anything about this man?? Annabel fell in love with him at first sight and only when he showed his reluctance at her writing career did she decide to leave him.
Another point that irked me was the insistence of women writing as this incredibly outrageous and nearly illegal affair. This is just untrue. There were plenty of female writers in the 18-19th century who were KNOWN as female writers and who had careers as writers (I have studied these texts as an English major). It might not have been celebrated, but it wasn't as scorned as it was described in the book.
The plot really focused on them getting back to modern times and how they would survive if they didn't, rather than the romance which did not sit well with me as I was expecting a regency romance.
Overall, the writing and setting of this book are 5 stars but the plot lost me completely. I kept waiting for the romance and tension to happen and it left me unsatisfied (I nearly thought they just wouldn't get together).
August 11, 2026
Guys, don’t sleep on this book!! It is SO cute. The magical realism in here really made this book shine. I couldn’t stop giggling the whole way through. Did Cassie drive me crazy? Yes. But she was intentionally written to be obnoxious most of the time. Billy had me cackling. He was the perfect blend of clueless yet wholesome. And Annabel was a FMC I could really cheer for. Homegirl KNOWS her Jane Austen and all things regency era. I loved watching her learn how to stand up for herself, even while in a time that pushed against women in so many ways. I also loved seeing her get to interact in a world she had read so much about and basically get to live her dream life—at least, mostly.
As these three navigated being in the past, they had to learn social norms of the time and so forth, and hilarity ensues. I honestly just had SO much fun reading this book. It’s the perfect little romcom palate cleanser if you need a light, funny read. Plus, it’s pretty short, so you can power through it quickly AND it blends past and present day well.
Moral of the story? Step outside your comfort zone when it comes to trying different book genres!
🎧Ell Potter is one of my favorite audiobook narrators! She is so, so talented. She is excellent here, switching from her normal British accent to female AND male American accents FLAWLESSLY. Like, the TALENT to make me forget she’s the only narrator—just incredible. Highly recommend listening to this one!
As these three navigated being in the past, they had to learn social norms of the time and so forth, and hilarity ensues. I honestly just had SO much fun reading this book. It’s the perfect little romcom palate cleanser if you need a light, funny read. Plus, it’s pretty short, so you can power through it quickly AND it blends past and present day well.
Moral of the story? Step outside your comfort zone when it comes to trying different book genres!
🎧Ell Potter is one of my favorite audiobook narrators! She is so, so talented. She is excellent here, switching from her normal British accent to female AND male American accents FLAWLESSLY. Like, the TALENT to make me forget she’s the only narrator—just incredible. Highly recommend listening to this one!
July 16, 2026
I don’ know if I’ve ever given a rom-com 5⭐️s but this book certainly deserved it. This book is a modern retelling of the world of Jane Austen. I am not a huge Austen reader but this book entranced and delighted me. And dare I say even helped me understand Jane Austen’s world better?! Also, there are some absolutely hilarious moments as the three modern world characters are thrown back 200 years to grapple with the vocabulary, manners, and mores of Austen’s regency era. If you are not an Austen fan, I think you will enjoy the humor and predicament of the characters. And if you are an Austen fan, I think this book will entrance you.
June 29, 2026
3.5/5
Thank you to Harper Perennial and the author for the gifted physical copy of the book!
A sweet and easy read, set in the Regency period with beautiful writing and a time traveling component!
The story is told to us with third person omnipresent narration but primarily focused on protagonist Annabel, who believes she was born in the wrong century unlike her modern sister, Cassie. When the sisters (and their friend) are magically transported to the year 1815 in a small English town, Annabel starts to doubt she may have truly found her happy ending all while attempting to get back to the present.
I found this to be less of a romance, and more of a whimsical and cozy women's fiction, with a bigger focus given to the time traveling conundrum and women's rights in the 1800s. If you're a Jane Austen fan, there were several wonderful tidbits sprinkled everywhere that felt like an ode to the author. Some humorous bits and entertaining side characters made this a pleasant read, albeit with less romance than I had expected.
Recommended for those looking for whimsical Regency era period dramas, but if you're expecting a Bridgerton like romance, you might be really disappointed.
Thank you to Harper Perennial and the author for the gifted physical copy of the book!
A sweet and easy read, set in the Regency period with beautiful writing and a time traveling component!
The story is told to us with third person omnipresent narration but primarily focused on protagonist Annabel, who believes she was born in the wrong century unlike her modern sister, Cassie. When the sisters (and their friend) are magically transported to the year 1815 in a small English town, Annabel starts to doubt she may have truly found her happy ending all while attempting to get back to the present.
I found this to be less of a romance, and more of a whimsical and cozy women's fiction, with a bigger focus given to the time traveling conundrum and women's rights in the 1800s. If you're a Jane Austen fan, there were several wonderful tidbits sprinkled everywhere that felt like an ode to the author. Some humorous bits and entertaining side characters made this a pleasant read, albeit with less romance than I had expected.
Recommended for those looking for whimsical Regency era period dramas, but if you're expecting a Bridgerton like romance, you might be really disappointed.
May 7, 2026
Thank you, NetGalley, for this ARC.
This was a really cute book. Perfect for a pallet cleanser read. I’ve been a bit in a reading slump and this brought me out of it. I genuinely enjoyed all of the characters. Annabel, Cassie, and Billy were so enjoyable. Actually, I want more. Especially from Billy. There is so much more to discover in this time traveling world and I hope we get it.
This was a really cute book. Perfect for a pallet cleanser read. I’ve been a bit in a reading slump and this brought me out of it. I genuinely enjoyed all of the characters. Annabel, Cassie, and Billy were so enjoyable. Actually, I want more. Especially from Billy. There is so much more to discover in this time traveling world and I hope we get it.
July 30, 2026
•A jewel of a book. A diamond.•
I adored this book. Sometime this Century is refreshing, beautifully written, and witty, with touches from the past and the present that made me swoon and also laugh out loud.
This is my first time reading a book by author Samatha Silva, and it is different from anything I have read in the very best way. She gives us elements of fantasy and realism, blending them together with romance and humor to create a magical and heartwarming story.
As a long-time fan of Jane Austen and similar British literature, the premise of time travel to the Regency-era drew me right in. I loved the references and details to the books from that time period, living in those scenes along with the FMC. There is also incredibly fun banter, and the misunderstandings between characters from the past and present truly make the book. Sometime this Century would appeal to lovers of historical fiction, Bridgerton, romance and rom-coms. It’s a five out of five for me!
Thank you to HarperPerennial for the gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I adored this book. Sometime this Century is refreshing, beautifully written, and witty, with touches from the past and the present that made me swoon and also laugh out loud.
This is my first time reading a book by author Samatha Silva, and it is different from anything I have read in the very best way. She gives us elements of fantasy and realism, blending them together with romance and humor to create a magical and heartwarming story.
As a long-time fan of Jane Austen and similar British literature, the premise of time travel to the Regency-era drew me right in. I loved the references and details to the books from that time period, living in those scenes along with the FMC. There is also incredibly fun banter, and the misunderstandings between characters from the past and present truly make the book. Sometime this Century would appeal to lovers of historical fiction, Bridgerton, romance and rom-coms. It’s a five out of five for me!
Thank you to HarperPerennial for the gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
June 26, 2026
Reminded me a bit of Audrey Belezza’s books. But with time travel mixed in. But in a light way, not sci fi way. Sweet and light. Enjoyable read.
August 16, 2026
So fun!!
July 16, 2026
I really enjoyed this story! The subject was great! Even though the love story was somewhat lacking, I loved this read!
July 22, 2026
I loved the beginning of this book. The setup was great. You see potential for romance and character growth in the real world. Did that happen? No.
The middle of the book lost me a bit as it was dragging a bit, but then it brought me back in just to end on a terrible note! What was that ending? What on earth is happening with the entire beginning? What was the point of the beginning?
Ugh.
The middle of the book lost me a bit as it was dragging a bit, but then it brought me back in just to end on a terrible note! What was that ending? What on earth is happening with the entire beginning? What was the point of the beginning?
Ugh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2026
So cute! 🥰 I really enjoyed this time travel romance and even more for her unwilling companions that fall through it with her. Ends in true romance HEA fashion 💗 I can’t believe this was a screen play that was declined. I truly hope it someday gets a film adaptation. Fun read!
September 4, 2026
Yowza! One of the worst of the Jane Austen clone books that I have read (and I have read quite a few). The dumb and clumsy characters are: an American nerdy bookish main character from nowadays who loves Jane Austen and time travels to 1815 England and meets the handsome, richest and most sensitive man, and -surprise- he falls crazy in love with her. Re-DONK-ulous! Also comically poor editing, full of anachronisms. I am being generous on the two stars
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 stars rounded up. Sometime This Century follows Annabel, who loves all things Regency and Jane Austen, and believes she was born in the wrong century, her sister Cassie who is an influencer who very much belongs in this century, and Billy, her goofy partner in crime. Annabel, Cassie, and Billy find that they've time-traveled back to Regency England and have to figure out how they're going to get back, or if they even can.
I think it's better if you ignore the Regency rom-com descriptor of this book, because while it does have romance, it feels much more like a Regency fantasy with a little bit of romance. While Annabel's romance with D'Evercy is a plot point throughout, it's very much a Regency romance where most of it is them being attracted to each other but being kept apart by decorum or circumstance. The Regency setting and writing is done very well and beautifully, and the characters feel very Regency. The modern characters' dilemmas are also very compelling as they try to figure out how to live their new reality.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Perennial for the ARC!
I think it's better if you ignore the Regency rom-com descriptor of this book, because while it does have romance, it feels much more like a Regency fantasy with a little bit of romance. While Annabel's romance with D'Evercy is a plot point throughout, it's very much a Regency romance where most of it is them being attracted to each other but being kept apart by decorum or circumstance. The Regency setting and writing is done very well and beautifully, and the characters feel very Regency. The modern characters' dilemmas are also very compelling as they try to figure out how to live their new reality.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Perennial for the ARC!
Did Not Finish
July 26, 2026Upon reading the first two chapters, there's nothing glaringly appaling about this book, but it's just not interesting enough to keep my attention so I am DNF-ing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2026
Thank you so much to Harper Perennial and Netgalley for the advance review copy. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.
I really really want to love books by Samantha Silva. "Sometime This Century" is my second book by the author (the first being 'Mr. Dickens and His Carol') and I was seduced by the blurb. A rom-com comedy of manners? Set in the Regency era?! An Austen-nerd FMC? It sounded literally tailored for me. That's why I even planned an immersive read for the book and paired it up with my own copy of the audiobook post-release. To my delight, I recognized the narrator as Ell Potter who I adore from the Emily Wilde series. And let me tell you, she had quite the range. I was seriously impressed by her performance here.
But let's focus on the actual book here. The book starts with Annabel Blake, our Austen-loving bookish FMC, hoping to finally see her novel see the light. Only for that dream to fly out of the window. Instead, her boss asks her to redo her book and offers her a chance to immerse herself for better results: A trip to England to help her boss prepare her inherited country house for sale. The house is to die for both Annabel and me as a reader, but what happens when Annabel wakes up to find herself no longer in modern era? Transported to the regency era might be a dream for Annabel but it's an absolute nightmare for Annabel's sister, Cassie, and their friend, Billy. How will they find their way back home?
The plot is a recipe for a ridiculous chain of events and witty exchanges. If you're a fan of the Regency era, you would probably enjoy the settings and the balls. And the MMC, D'Evercy, is a clear tribute to Mr. Darcy.
While I found Cassie and Billy annoying throughout the entirety of the first half of the book, I found they actually started to grow on me by the end. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised by their character development. Surprisingly, it is Annabel that I found got on my nerves by the end. I understand the actions she did, even agreed with some of the motives, but I felt like some of those actions felt a bit over the top or too wishy washy just to try and drive the point of 'you should never settle'.
I think one of the reasons the point itself felt a bit forced is the books makes you believe that there were no female writers in the 1900s outside of Jane Austen and that any writer needed to hide. That all were spinsters, etc etc. In reality, Jane Austen was only one of those many writers. Austen herself grew up and owned copies of books by other female writers that were popular and known. While, yes, maybe they weren't as always well-received, Annabel attempting to be a writer in the Regency era would not have led to so much drama.
I, also, felt that the chemistry between the FMC and MMC didn't quite land for me. I am a huge fan of slow-burn romance. And there were moments when I felt like D'Evercy could have been a swoon-worth male lead, but overall, I think we didn't spend enough time between Annabel and D'Evercy to really build a connection. I wasn't really rooting for them. If anything, sometimes he frustrated me because I felt like the book couldn't decide if he was supposed to be 'modern'-leaning or true to the era opting for a confusing in-between.
I can't believe I am saying this but I actually ended up liking Billy a lot more than D'Evercy. Yes, I know. I can't believe it either!
Overall, I had a good time with the book. Silva's settings and actual wordings are gorgeous and captivating. Unfortunately the plot and the characters didn't quite land for me.
I really really want to love books by Samantha Silva. "Sometime This Century" is my second book by the author (the first being 'Mr. Dickens and His Carol') and I was seduced by the blurb. A rom-com comedy of manners? Set in the Regency era?! An Austen-nerd FMC? It sounded literally tailored for me. That's why I even planned an immersive read for the book and paired it up with my own copy of the audiobook post-release. To my delight, I recognized the narrator as Ell Potter who I adore from the Emily Wilde series. And let me tell you, she had quite the range. I was seriously impressed by her performance here.
But let's focus on the actual book here. The book starts with Annabel Blake, our Austen-loving bookish FMC, hoping to finally see her novel see the light. Only for that dream to fly out of the window. Instead, her boss asks her to redo her book and offers her a chance to immerse herself for better results: A trip to England to help her boss prepare her inherited country house for sale. The house is to die for both Annabel and me as a reader, but what happens when Annabel wakes up to find herself no longer in modern era? Transported to the regency era might be a dream for Annabel but it's an absolute nightmare for Annabel's sister, Cassie, and their friend, Billy. How will they find their way back home?
The plot is a recipe for a ridiculous chain of events and witty exchanges. If you're a fan of the Regency era, you would probably enjoy the settings and the balls. And the MMC, D'Evercy, is a clear tribute to Mr. Darcy.
While I found Cassie and Billy annoying throughout the entirety of the first half of the book, I found they actually started to grow on me by the end. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised by their character development. Surprisingly, it is Annabel that I found got on my nerves by the end. I understand the actions she did, even agreed with some of the motives, but I felt like some of those actions felt a bit over the top or too wishy washy just to try and drive the point of 'you should never settle'.
I think one of the reasons the point itself felt a bit forced is the books makes you believe that there were no female writers in the 1900s outside of Jane Austen and that any writer needed to hide. That all were spinsters, etc etc. In reality, Jane Austen was only one of those many writers. Austen herself grew up and owned copies of books by other female writers that were popular and known. While, yes, maybe they weren't as always well-received, Annabel attempting to be a writer in the Regency era would not have led to so much drama.
I, also, felt that the chemistry between the FMC and MMC didn't quite land for me. I am a huge fan of slow-burn romance. And there were moments when I felt like D'Evercy could have been a swoon-worth male lead, but overall, I think we didn't spend enough time between Annabel and D'Evercy to really build a connection. I wasn't really rooting for them. If anything, sometimes he frustrated me because I felt like the book couldn't decide if he was supposed to be 'modern'-leaning or true to the era opting for a confusing in-between.
I can't believe I am saying this but I actually ended up liking Billy a lot more than D'Evercy. Yes, I know. I can't believe it either!
Overall, I had a good time with the book. Silva's settings and actual wordings are gorgeous and captivating. Unfortunately the plot and the characters didn't quite land for me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: June 9, 2026
Samantha Silva’s new novel, “Sometime This Century: A Regency Rom-Com” is a time-telling romance with Bridgerton vibes, that pays tribute to the great Jane Austen in direct and indirect ways.
Annabel Blake is a Jane Austen-loving bookworm who feels like she was born in the wrong time period. Her sister, Cassie, however, was perfectly made for this modern world, and the two sisters seem to have more differences than they do similarities. Until both Annabel and Cassie, with the help of an antique writing desk, end up in the nineteenth century. Cassie is desperate to return to her time while Annabel is having the time of her life but in order for one sister to be happy, the other has to sacrifice. So, Annabel makes a promise that she will do all she can to return, with Cassie, to the modern century, even though she seems to have finally met the man of her dreams.
“Century” is a tribute to Jane Austen in many ways, from the very different sisters, Annabel and Cassie, who both have different goals and dreams that can’t come true without a sacrifice from the other (think Pride and Prejudice) and there’s even a cameo from the great author herself. The romance between Annabel and Henry had me thinking “Bridgerton” (there were more than a few similar scenes, in fact), with a time traveling component that made it different from both Jane Austen and Julia Quinn, yet fans of both will find a kindred spirit in Annabel.
The narration is all over the place, with Annabel narrating in some sections, Cassie in others, and third-person narration in other areas, but the story is primarily centred on Annabel, the misfit sister who is looking for her place and finally finds it- although it isn’t in this century.
“Century” is a cute and cozy historical fiction romance. The plot is reminiscent of other novels but is just different enough to stand out and the main characters, both sisters, are charming and honest, even though they are completely different in almost every way.
The ending of this novel could have happened in a multitude of ways and yet Silva managed to find the conclusion that fit this story perfectly. It was reassuring and heart warming and found a way to bring both sister’s story line to an ideal close.
Silva’s “Century” is an ode to Austen, and the romantic Regency era. It is sweet, heartwarming and romantic, but the time traveling component adds mystery and intrigue, which will appeal to a larger collection of readers.
Expected publication date: June 9, 2026
Samantha Silva’s new novel, “Sometime This Century: A Regency Rom-Com” is a time-telling romance with Bridgerton vibes, that pays tribute to the great Jane Austen in direct and indirect ways.
Annabel Blake is a Jane Austen-loving bookworm who feels like she was born in the wrong time period. Her sister, Cassie, however, was perfectly made for this modern world, and the two sisters seem to have more differences than they do similarities. Until both Annabel and Cassie, with the help of an antique writing desk, end up in the nineteenth century. Cassie is desperate to return to her time while Annabel is having the time of her life but in order for one sister to be happy, the other has to sacrifice. So, Annabel makes a promise that she will do all she can to return, with Cassie, to the modern century, even though she seems to have finally met the man of her dreams.
“Century” is a tribute to Jane Austen in many ways, from the very different sisters, Annabel and Cassie, who both have different goals and dreams that can’t come true without a sacrifice from the other (think Pride and Prejudice) and there’s even a cameo from the great author herself. The romance between Annabel and Henry had me thinking “Bridgerton” (there were more than a few similar scenes, in fact), with a time traveling component that made it different from both Jane Austen and Julia Quinn, yet fans of both will find a kindred spirit in Annabel.
The narration is all over the place, with Annabel narrating in some sections, Cassie in others, and third-person narration in other areas, but the story is primarily centred on Annabel, the misfit sister who is looking for her place and finally finds it- although it isn’t in this century.
“Century” is a cute and cozy historical fiction romance. The plot is reminiscent of other novels but is just different enough to stand out and the main characters, both sisters, are charming and honest, even though they are completely different in almost every way.
The ending of this novel could have happened in a multitude of ways and yet Silva managed to find the conclusion that fit this story perfectly. It was reassuring and heart warming and found a way to bring both sister’s story line to an ideal close.
Silva’s “Century” is an ode to Austen, and the romantic Regency era. It is sweet, heartwarming and romantic, but the time traveling component adds mystery and intrigue, which will appeal to a larger collection of readers.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Sometime This Century 📖🕰️
by Samantha Silva
3.5 almost-there stars ✨
Huge thank you to Harper Perennial for the ARC 💛
This book felt like stepping into a dream I really wanted to stay in… and then slowly realizing it wasn’t quite the story I thought it would be.
There is something undeniably beautiful about Sometime This Century. The writing is lush, immersive, and so clearly written by someone who loves the Regency era. Every detail feels intentional, from candlelight to conversation, and as someone who also romanticizes that world a little too much, I felt right at home at first. 🕯️🌿
Here’s what stayed with me:
• 📖 The writing is genuinely stunning. It carries the entire book and makes even quieter moments feel rich and atmospheric.
• 🕰️ The time travel concept is fun and a little chaotic in the best way, especially with multiple characters navigating it differently.
• 👭 The sibling dynamic adds depth. Messy, frustrating, but real in a way that grounded the story.
• 🌸 The love for Jane Austen is everywhere, and if you’re an Austen girl, you’ll catch so many little nods that feel like a wink just for you.
But for me, something never fully clicked:
• 💔 The romance felt distant. Not bad, just… underdeveloped. I kept waiting to feel something deeper, and it never quite landed.
• 🫧 The story leans more into survival and circumstance than emotional connection, which made it feel less like a rom-com and more like a “what now?” situation.
•🧍♂️ The love interest felt more like an idea than a fully realized person, which made it hard to root for the relationship.
I think that’s what left me a little adrift. This is marketed as swoony and romantic, but what I found instead was quieter, more introspective, and a bit uncertain about what it wanted to be.
Still, there is something undeniably charming here. It’s thoughtful, literary, and full of love for storytelling itself. It just didn’t quite deliver the emotional payoff I was hoping for.
A soft, thoughtful read that feels like a first draft of something that could have been unforgettable. 💫
by Samantha Silva
3.5 almost-there stars ✨
Huge thank you to Harper Perennial for the ARC 💛
This book felt like stepping into a dream I really wanted to stay in… and then slowly realizing it wasn’t quite the story I thought it would be.
There is something undeniably beautiful about Sometime This Century. The writing is lush, immersive, and so clearly written by someone who loves the Regency era. Every detail feels intentional, from candlelight to conversation, and as someone who also romanticizes that world a little too much, I felt right at home at first. 🕯️🌿
Here’s what stayed with me:
• 📖 The writing is genuinely stunning. It carries the entire book and makes even quieter moments feel rich and atmospheric.
• 🕰️ The time travel concept is fun and a little chaotic in the best way, especially with multiple characters navigating it differently.
• 👭 The sibling dynamic adds depth. Messy, frustrating, but real in a way that grounded the story.
• 🌸 The love for Jane Austen is everywhere, and if you’re an Austen girl, you’ll catch so many little nods that feel like a wink just for you.
But for me, something never fully clicked:
• 💔 The romance felt distant. Not bad, just… underdeveloped. I kept waiting to feel something deeper, and it never quite landed.
• 🫧 The story leans more into survival and circumstance than emotional connection, which made it feel less like a rom-com and more like a “what now?” situation.
•🧍♂️ The love interest felt more like an idea than a fully realized person, which made it hard to root for the relationship.
I think that’s what left me a little adrift. This is marketed as swoony and romantic, but what I found instead was quieter, more introspective, and a bit uncertain about what it wanted to be.
Still, there is something undeniably charming here. It’s thoughtful, literary, and full of love for storytelling itself. It just didn’t quite deliver the emotional payoff I was hoping for.
A soft, thoughtful read that feels like a first draft of something that could have been unforgettable. 💫
July 18, 2026
📚 Three books. Three unforgettable journeys. One very happy reader.
Some books make you smile, some keep you guessing, and some quietly sneak into your heart. These three did a little bit of everything, and I couldn't stop thinking about them!
📖 The Story Keeper by Kelly Rimmer
Kelly Rimmer has a gift for writing haunting, deeply emotional stories. From the moment Fiona returned to the crumbling Wurimbirra estate, I was immersed in its Gothic, atmospheric setting. The book-within-a-book element was my favorite part; every chapter pulled me deeper into the mystery, trying to piece together how fiction and reality intertwined. It delivers an emotional payoff that is incredibly satisfying.
🌹 Sometime This Century by Samantha Silva
As someone who would happily wander through a Jane Austen novel, this was pure literary fun! Imagine getting stranded in the Regency era with no phone or coffee I'd probably panic first and admire the ball gowns second. Silva blends witty humor, time travel, and romance into a story that is both charming and thoughtful. Annabel is an easy heroine to root for!
💐 Just for the Season by Rachel Griffiths
Give me a country estate, a summer of eligible bachelors, second-chance romance, and plenty of Regency drama, and I'm happy. Charlotte stole the show; she is witty, wonderfully imperfect, and refuses to fit into society's expectations. The slow-burn tension between her and the Duke of Warrick had me rooting for them every step of the way.
💬 Which would you choose for a week: a mysterious Gothic manor, Regency England, or a glamorous historical romance filled with second chances?
✨️Thank you so much to MIRA Books, Harper Perennial, Gallery Books, and to authors Kelly Rimmer, Samantha Silva, and Rachel Griffiths for sharing these wonderful books with me!
#BookReview #HistoricalFiction #HistoricalRomance #Bookstagram #ReadMoreBooks
Some books make you smile, some keep you guessing, and some quietly sneak into your heart. These three did a little bit of everything, and I couldn't stop thinking about them!
📖 The Story Keeper by Kelly Rimmer
Kelly Rimmer has a gift for writing haunting, deeply emotional stories. From the moment Fiona returned to the crumbling Wurimbirra estate, I was immersed in its Gothic, atmospheric setting. The book-within-a-book element was my favorite part; every chapter pulled me deeper into the mystery, trying to piece together how fiction and reality intertwined. It delivers an emotional payoff that is incredibly satisfying.
🌹 Sometime This Century by Samantha Silva
As someone who would happily wander through a Jane Austen novel, this was pure literary fun! Imagine getting stranded in the Regency era with no phone or coffee I'd probably panic first and admire the ball gowns second. Silva blends witty humor, time travel, and romance into a story that is both charming and thoughtful. Annabel is an easy heroine to root for!
💐 Just for the Season by Rachel Griffiths
Give me a country estate, a summer of eligible bachelors, second-chance romance, and plenty of Regency drama, and I'm happy. Charlotte stole the show; she is witty, wonderfully imperfect, and refuses to fit into society's expectations. The slow-burn tension between her and the Duke of Warrick had me rooting for them every step of the way.
💬 Which would you choose for a week: a mysterious Gothic manor, Regency England, or a glamorous historical romance filled with second chances?
✨️Thank you so much to MIRA Books, Harper Perennial, Gallery Books, and to authors Kelly Rimmer, Samantha Silva, and Rachel Griffiths for sharing these wonderful books with me!
#BookReview #HistoricalFiction #HistoricalRomance #Bookstagram #ReadMoreBooks
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really wanted to like this book more! The premise was so fun and the writing craft is definitely there, but this story is sadly underbaked.
Our three main characters were all annoying in their own ways, but it actually mostly works as an ensemble. I had a hard time believing that the older FMC truly was the older sister, especially when there seemed to be a Sense and Sensibility comparison going on. This story's older sister is definitely more of a Marianne than an Elinor. Her influencer characterizations were accurately insufferable, but she was more endearing as the story progressed. The younger sister of this story has some Pick Me energy that rubbed me the wrong way, but I appreciated her commitment to her bit and to her passion for writing. Their hapless friend accompanying them was honestly my favorite character, and I enjoyed him more than the love interests.
The story was a bit all over the place, and the romance was very tepid. The focus of this story is really the time travel conundrum, which would be fine without the romance halfheartedly shoed in. Our main romantic couple did not really spend much time together, and there didn't seem to be an actual connection. The conflicts and going ons of the story felt more told to me than felt, which made it hard for me to be pulled into the narrative.
The writing was smooth, however, and the author's style was evident. The strong writing quality actually frustrated me, because a more compelling plot was seemingly within reach. With some reworking, I think this could be a punchier story. If this was a debut, I think I'd be more lenient.
I would still try another book by this author, hopefully with a more developed story. I would recommend giving this book a try if a Regency era comedic time travel story sounds fun to you.
Thank you, Harper Perennial, for the arc!
Our three main characters were all annoying in their own ways, but it actually mostly works as an ensemble. I had a hard time believing that the older FMC truly was the older sister, especially when there seemed to be a Sense and Sensibility comparison going on. This story's older sister is definitely more of a Marianne than an Elinor. Her influencer characterizations were accurately insufferable, but she was more endearing as the story progressed. The younger sister of this story has some Pick Me energy that rubbed me the wrong way, but I appreciated her commitment to her bit and to her passion for writing. Their hapless friend accompanying them was honestly my favorite character, and I enjoyed him more than the love interests.
The story was a bit all over the place, and the romance was very tepid. The focus of this story is really the time travel conundrum, which would be fine without the romance halfheartedly shoed in. Our main romantic couple did not really spend much time together, and there didn't seem to be an actual connection. The conflicts and going ons of the story felt more told to me than felt, which made it hard for me to be pulled into the narrative.
The writing was smooth, however, and the author's style was evident. The strong writing quality actually frustrated me, because a more compelling plot was seemingly within reach. With some reworking, I think this could be a punchier story. If this was a debut, I think I'd be more lenient.
I would still try another book by this author, hopefully with a more developed story. I would recommend giving this book a try if a Regency era comedic time travel story sounds fun to you.
Thank you, Harper Perennial, for the arc!
June 28, 2026
If Jane Austen and Bridgerton had a bookish, time-traveling baby, this would be it 💖
Annabel Blake firmly believes she was born in the wrong century while her sister Cassie is thriving in the chaos that is modern life. Thanks to an antique writing desk (because of course), the sisters are whisked back to the Regency era 🎩, where romance, family drama and plenty of Austen inspired charm await.
This was the literary equivalent of a palate cleanser: sweet, cozy and ridiculously easy to devour. The writing is absolutely gorgeous ✨ Silva paints the Regency setting so vividly that you can practically smell the tea ☕ and scandal 👀 It's clearly a love letter to Jane Austen without veering into fanfiction territory. And tbh, trying to recreate Austen is a fool's errand anyway. Thankfully this book doesn't try too hard. Instead it tips its bonnet 🎩 respectfully while telling its own delightful story.
The time travel element adds enough mystery to keep things interesting so it's not all longing glances across drawing rooms (although there are plenty of those too 😉). Austen purists can unclench their gloved hands because the homage is heartfelt ❤️ not cringe.
🎧 As for the audiobook, the narration bounces between Annabel, Cassie and a third person which sounds like it should be a hot mess... but it works? Ell Potter settles into the role beautifully and by the end her American accent is so polished I completely stopped noticing it.
If you're looking for a charming Regency romance with a dash of magic, a heap of bookish references and enough swoon to make your inner Austen fan smile, this one's absolutely worth adding to your TBR 😍
Thank you Samantha Silva, Harper Perennial, HarperAudio for the #gifted ARC and ALC in exchange for my honest review.
Annabel Blake firmly believes she was born in the wrong century while her sister Cassie is thriving in the chaos that is modern life. Thanks to an antique writing desk (because of course), the sisters are whisked back to the Regency era 🎩, where romance, family drama and plenty of Austen inspired charm await.
This was the literary equivalent of a palate cleanser: sweet, cozy and ridiculously easy to devour. The writing is absolutely gorgeous ✨ Silva paints the Regency setting so vividly that you can practically smell the tea ☕ and scandal 👀 It's clearly a love letter to Jane Austen without veering into fanfiction territory. And tbh, trying to recreate Austen is a fool's errand anyway. Thankfully this book doesn't try too hard. Instead it tips its bonnet 🎩 respectfully while telling its own delightful story.
The time travel element adds enough mystery to keep things interesting so it's not all longing glances across drawing rooms (although there are plenty of those too 😉). Austen purists can unclench their gloved hands because the homage is heartfelt ❤️ not cringe.
🎧 As for the audiobook, the narration bounces between Annabel, Cassie and a third person which sounds like it should be a hot mess... but it works? Ell Potter settles into the role beautifully and by the end her American accent is so polished I completely stopped noticing it.
If you're looking for a charming Regency romance with a dash of magic, a heap of bookish references and enough swoon to make your inner Austen fan smile, this one's absolutely worth adding to your TBR 😍
Thank you Samantha Silva, Harper Perennial, HarperAudio for the #gifted ARC and ALC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a charming little book! This is someone who clearly knows their Austen trivia and is not to be trifled with. I'd never heard of a Hepplewhite in my life until this book, and now it's the star of the show.
This was both exactly what I wanted and not quite. I'm not sure I've ever experienced the phenomenon where I actually like the ending better than any one point in the book. One could chalk it up to regency-era romance being light on action, but Austen and Bridgerton never make it seem that way. Suffice to say, the ending was the absolute best and exactly what I expected from a modern woman. Although, my brain was rambling off questions about logistics, that's just a fun way to keep the book fresh in your mind, whether by design or a happy accident.
Ell Potter does a handy job with the narration. Her American accent is much better than I expected - I’m not sure I’ve ever heard her pull one out before! She really hits her stride by the end, and it becomes nearly flawless. Well done.
Austen‑inspired books can be tricky. They either swoon too hard over Austen and can’t quite mimic her style, or they modernize it so much it becomes tacky. This one lands somewhere in the middle. Austen fans won’t be incensed, and they’ll appreciate the homage and the clear affection the author has for the source material - even if recreating Austen’s magic is nearly impossible. It’s still a lovely book and absolutely worth a read.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, HarperAudio Adult and the author, Samantha Silva. I received an Advanced Listener's Copy in exchange for my heartfelt opinions.
This was both exactly what I wanted and not quite. I'm not sure I've ever experienced the phenomenon where I actually like the ending better than any one point in the book. One could chalk it up to regency-era romance being light on action, but Austen and Bridgerton never make it seem that way. Suffice to say, the ending was the absolute best and exactly what I expected from a modern woman. Although, my brain was rambling off questions about logistics, that's just a fun way to keep the book fresh in your mind, whether by design or a happy accident.
Ell Potter does a handy job with the narration. Her American accent is much better than I expected - I’m not sure I’ve ever heard her pull one out before! She really hits her stride by the end, and it becomes nearly flawless. Well done.
Austen‑inspired books can be tricky. They either swoon too hard over Austen and can’t quite mimic her style, or they modernize it so much it becomes tacky. This one lands somewhere in the middle. Austen fans won’t be incensed, and they’ll appreciate the homage and the clear affection the author has for the source material - even if recreating Austen’s magic is nearly impossible. It’s still a lovely book and absolutely worth a read.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, HarperAudio Adult and the author, Samantha Silva. I received an Advanced Listener's Copy in exchange for my heartfelt opinions.
August 10, 2026
Rating: 4/5
Tropes/themes: regency romance, time travel, aspiring writer, historical fiction, humor, romcom
Annabel has always felt like she belongs in a different time. Harboring a secret desire to be a writer, Annabel writes a regency romance and lets an author friend read it. She is crushed when he tears it to pieces - saying it reads as inexperienced. As Annabel takes a quick trip to England to help sort through her boss's inherited house (and possibly take another crack at her novel), she finds herself among an eclectic group who throw Regency-themed events. Finally, Annabel feels like she belongs.
When her sister and her sister's sidekick unexpectedly show up for a visit, Annabel is only too happy to take them with her on another Regency adventure. Only to realize they are stuck in the past, the Regency events are real, and they have no idea how to get back. Annabel must give Regency lessons to her Tiktok-loving sister and starts writing again so they have some funds to use.
In this slower, more vibrant, simpler way of life, Annabel has the time to discover what is most important to her, and how much she's willing to give up to get it. With a lovely cameo from Jane Austen, herself, this book is rife with beautiful language, sisterly bonds, Regency romance and lyrical scenes. Love, love, loved it!
***Especially when Cassie asked Waverly if he was gay, and they could never tell if he was - so many innuendos and double entendres!
Tropes/themes: regency romance, time travel, aspiring writer, historical fiction, humor, romcom
Annabel has always felt like she belongs in a different time. Harboring a secret desire to be a writer, Annabel writes a regency romance and lets an author friend read it. She is crushed when he tears it to pieces - saying it reads as inexperienced. As Annabel takes a quick trip to England to help sort through her boss's inherited house (and possibly take another crack at her novel), she finds herself among an eclectic group who throw Regency-themed events. Finally, Annabel feels like she belongs.
When her sister and her sister's sidekick unexpectedly show up for a visit, Annabel is only too happy to take them with her on another Regency adventure. Only to realize they are stuck in the past, the Regency events are real, and they have no idea how to get back. Annabel must give Regency lessons to her Tiktok-loving sister and starts writing again so they have some funds to use.
In this slower, more vibrant, simpler way of life, Annabel has the time to discover what is most important to her, and how much she's willing to give up to get it. With a lovely cameo from Jane Austen, herself, this book is rife with beautiful language, sisterly bonds, Regency romance and lyrical scenes. Love, love, loved it!
***Especially when Cassie asked Waverly if he was gay, and they could never tell if he was - so many innuendos and double entendres!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5🌟
I am a sucker for Regency romance books and was very interested in the time travel concept?? Not only that, but a group of people time traveling!
Annabel feels like she was born in the wrong time period. She is also an aspiring author and a huge Jane Austen fan. Her manuscript gets declined, stating it’s obvious Annabel has never been in love and it shows in her writing. By happenstance, Annabel, her sister the super hot social media influencer, and her goofy sister’s ex all three fall back in time to the regency era??? Annabel feels right at home, while the other two struggle to get used to their changing world. Will they ever get back to the modern time??
I was super interested in this setup because it sounded so unique! A group time traveling together and each having their own romance and storyline. However, the characters quickly fell flat for me. It’s like they abruptly changed and didn’t seem accurate to their original personalities. Cassie constantly grated on my nerves and she is supposed to be the elder sister! The romance was also incredibly dull and the ending made little sense to me. I would say this felt like Annabel’s first draft of her story where it’s obvious the author has never been in love… oh well. At least the plot felt original!
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Perennial for an arc of this book! This review is my honest opinion.
I am a sucker for Regency romance books and was very interested in the time travel concept?? Not only that, but a group of people time traveling!
Annabel feels like she was born in the wrong time period. She is also an aspiring author and a huge Jane Austen fan. Her manuscript gets declined, stating it’s obvious Annabel has never been in love and it shows in her writing. By happenstance, Annabel, her sister the super hot social media influencer, and her goofy sister’s ex all three fall back in time to the regency era??? Annabel feels right at home, while the other two struggle to get used to their changing world. Will they ever get back to the modern time??
I was super interested in this setup because it sounded so unique! A group time traveling together and each having their own romance and storyline. However, the characters quickly fell flat for me. It’s like they abruptly changed and didn’t seem accurate to their original personalities. Cassie constantly grated on my nerves and she is supposed to be the elder sister! The romance was also incredibly dull and the ending made little sense to me. I would say this felt like Annabel’s first draft of her story where it’s obvious the author has never been in love… oh well. At least the plot felt original!
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Perennial for an arc of this book! This review is my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I listened to this on audiobook via my NetGalley ARC copy.
Samantha Silva's writing is phenomenal, and I was completely drawn into this world from the very first chapter. The Regency era feels so alive, and every detail felt intentional and beautiful.
Cassie is annoying, but that is the whole point of her character, and watching her relationship with Annabel grow throughout the story was one of my favorite parts. They are so different, and yet that is exactly what makes their dynamic so compelling. Billy, I loved from the start, and watching him grow throughout the story was wonderful. Annabel is the kind of protagonist you just root for.
I will say this is marketed as a rom-com, but if you are looking for a spicy read, this is going to disappoint you. The romance is very minimal. Annabel falling in love is something that happens in this story, but it is not what drives it. If you go in knowing that I think you will love it.
The ending left me with questions I needed answered, and that is the only reason this is not a five-star read for me. I need closure and clarity on what happens next. If this becomes a series, it is an easy five stars.
Ell Potter's narration was absolutely phenomenal. She carried this book beautifully, and I could not have asked for a better narrator.
I received an audiobook copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Samantha Silva's writing is phenomenal, and I was completely drawn into this world from the very first chapter. The Regency era feels so alive, and every detail felt intentional and beautiful.
Cassie is annoying, but that is the whole point of her character, and watching her relationship with Annabel grow throughout the story was one of my favorite parts. They are so different, and yet that is exactly what makes their dynamic so compelling. Billy, I loved from the start, and watching him grow throughout the story was wonderful. Annabel is the kind of protagonist you just root for.
I will say this is marketed as a rom-com, but if you are looking for a spicy read, this is going to disappoint you. The romance is very minimal. Annabel falling in love is something that happens in this story, but it is not what drives it. If you go in knowing that I think you will love it.
The ending left me with questions I needed answered, and that is the only reason this is not a five-star read for me. I need closure and clarity on what happens next. If this becomes a series, it is an easy five stars.
Ell Potter's narration was absolutely phenomenal. She carried this book beautifully, and I could not have asked for a better narrator.
I received an audiobook copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Sometime This Century by Samantha Silva is a delightful regency time-travel romcom! Ell Potter is a fantastic narrator, bringing our Jane Austen obsessed Annabel to life.
Annabel, an aspiring romance writer, who incidentally has never been in love, slips through time (accompanied by her sister and her sister's ex) to regency England, where she meets and falls in love with Henry Leighton D’Evercy, a handsome man with a sizeable fortune. Stuck in the past, the three of them have to figure out how to *blend in* while also trying to find a way home. And Annabel has to decide where she wants home to be--in the past with D'Evercy or in the future, where she can live out her dreams of being an author?
The story was silly and quirky, but I found the characters endearing and their struggles relatable (even if their situation is, realistically, impossible). I didn't like how Annabel's family treated her at first. Her parents were dismissive, and her sister was self-centered and shallow. But I loved that her sister wasn't static. She changed through the events of book, and their relationship improved tremendously. By the end of the book, not only was I rooting for Annabell and D'Evercy's HEA, I was rooting for her and her sister's friendship too.
Thank you to Harper Audio for my ALC.
Annabel, an aspiring romance writer, who incidentally has never been in love, slips through time (accompanied by her sister and her sister's ex) to regency England, where she meets and falls in love with Henry Leighton D’Evercy, a handsome man with a sizeable fortune. Stuck in the past, the three of them have to figure out how to *blend in* while also trying to find a way home. And Annabel has to decide where she wants home to be--in the past with D'Evercy or in the future, where she can live out her dreams of being an author?
The story was silly and quirky, but I found the characters endearing and their struggles relatable (even if their situation is, realistically, impossible). I didn't like how Annabel's family treated her at first. Her parents were dismissive, and her sister was self-centered and shallow. But I loved that her sister wasn't static. She changed through the events of book, and their relationship improved tremendously. By the end of the book, not only was I rooting for Annabell and D'Evercy's HEA, I was rooting for her and her sister's friendship too.
Thank you to Harper Audio for my ALC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A heartfelt thank you to @samanthasilvawriter and @harperperennial for the #gifted book and @harpercollins for the #gifted audiobook.
This captivating novel draws inspiration from Austen, blending charming romance with delightful comedy.
I adored Annabel and her struggle to fit into her world. An avid Austen fan, she dreams of becoming a writer and escapes to her boss's house to find inspiration and write. One day, after accepting an invitation to a ball, she wakes up in 1815 and begins to fall for Henry. When her sister arrives, chaos ensues as they scramble to figure out how to return to the present.
This book was downright hilarious. I loved the relationship between Annabel and her sister Cassie, and the comedic moments with Cassie and her ex-boyfriend Billy as they try to navigate 1815. The romance between Henry and Annabel was beautifully developed, capturing her gradual falling in love and her conflicted feelings about leaving him behind. Her tug-of-war between her heart and her loyalty to her sister Cassie was truly touching.
The narrator did an incredible job bringing the characters to life. Her skillful switching between British and American accents really made the story pop.
If you enjoy time travel, romance, and quirky, humorous characters, this book is a must-read. It’s set to be released on June 9, 2026.
This captivating novel draws inspiration from Austen, blending charming romance with delightful comedy.
I adored Annabel and her struggle to fit into her world. An avid Austen fan, she dreams of becoming a writer and escapes to her boss's house to find inspiration and write. One day, after accepting an invitation to a ball, she wakes up in 1815 and begins to fall for Henry. When her sister arrives, chaos ensues as they scramble to figure out how to return to the present.
This book was downright hilarious. I loved the relationship between Annabel and her sister Cassie, and the comedic moments with Cassie and her ex-boyfriend Billy as they try to navigate 1815. The romance between Henry and Annabel was beautifully developed, capturing her gradual falling in love and her conflicted feelings about leaving him behind. Her tug-of-war between her heart and her loyalty to her sister Cassie was truly touching.
The narrator did an incredible job bringing the characters to life. Her skillful switching between British and American accents really made the story pop.
If you enjoy time travel, romance, and quirky, humorous characters, this book is a must-read. It’s set to be released on June 9, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It is looking like 2026 will be my favorite year for books. I’ve had the pleasure of reading early releases of several books already that have touched my soul. This is another one.
Annabel Blake wants to be a writer. She has since she was six. Her first finished novel, however, lacks… experience. Her literary agent boss gives her an opportunity in exchange for “cleaning out” her aunt’s home in England. A huge Austen and Regency fan, Annabel happily agrees. As she takes inventory of the house she finds an invitation to a ball in a writing desk and some lovely period gowns in the attic. Thinking she’s going to a local club’s attempt at a reenactment, she attends. Upon arriving home, she finds her sister and her “assistant” have invited themselves to crash her holiday. When they decide to join Annabel at the next “ball,” they have a grand time… until they wake up the next morning realizing it wasn’t a reenactment. They’re stuck in 1815.
What follows is a love letter to books, writing, Jane Austen, friendship, family, and love. If you love those things, I think you will love this book. I do.
Many, many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Perennial for the eARC. I can’t wait to purchase it. These opinions are my own.
Annabel Blake wants to be a writer. She has since she was six. Her first finished novel, however, lacks… experience. Her literary agent boss gives her an opportunity in exchange for “cleaning out” her aunt’s home in England. A huge Austen and Regency fan, Annabel happily agrees. As she takes inventory of the house she finds an invitation to a ball in a writing desk and some lovely period gowns in the attic. Thinking she’s going to a local club’s attempt at a reenactment, she attends. Upon arriving home, she finds her sister and her “assistant” have invited themselves to crash her holiday. When they decide to join Annabel at the next “ball,” they have a grand time… until they wake up the next morning realizing it wasn’t a reenactment. They’re stuck in 1815.
What follows is a love letter to books, writing, Jane Austen, friendship, family, and love. If you love those things, I think you will love this book. I do.
Many, many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Perennial for the eARC. I can’t wait to purchase it. These opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook of Sometime This Century. In a nutshell, the story revolves around a modern day woman who desires to be a writer and who accidentally travels back in time to the Regency era where hijinks ensues. It reminded me of a mash up between two of my favorite Jane Austen fan-fiction movies: Lost in Austen and Austenland (which is based on the wonderful book by the same name by Shannon Hale).
The story begins with Annabel, a publisher's assistant, who is sent to her boss's ancestral home to clean house and put it on the market. When she wakes up, it's another century. There she experiences a brief encounter with a Mr. Darcy type character and she immediately falls in love. Annabel's sister, Cassie, and the sister's best friend, Billy, crash Annabel's solitude and they are also swept back in time for a few days. I am giving this book a three star rating as it is beautifully written as if it were a regency novel. However, I never got an emotional connection with the characters, especially between Annabel and Mr. Darcy-type. The narrator Ell Potter was excellent as she effortlessly switched between American and English accents as warranted.
In summary, Sometime This Century is pure "brain candy" - it's a fun read and pure escapism.
The story begins with Annabel, a publisher's assistant, who is sent to her boss's ancestral home to clean house and put it on the market. When she wakes up, it's another century. There she experiences a brief encounter with a Mr. Darcy type character and she immediately falls in love. Annabel's sister, Cassie, and the sister's best friend, Billy, crash Annabel's solitude and they are also swept back in time for a few days. I am giving this book a three star rating as it is beautifully written as if it were a regency novel. However, I never got an emotional connection with the characters, especially between Annabel and Mr. Darcy-type. The narrator Ell Potter was excellent as she effortlessly switched between American and English accents as warranted.
In summary, Sometime This Century is pure "brain candy" - it's a fun read and pure escapism.
June 3, 2026
Thanks to Harper Perennial for the gifted copy. All opinions below my own.
Annabel is desperate to be a writer, but her tastes are unusual for the modern world and her life experiences are limited. She’s constantly in the shadow of her sister Cassandra, who is an up-and-coming influencer. As she is rethinking the draft of her novel, she has an unexpected fateful moment where she slips through time to Regency England. She doesn’t realize it at first and thinks everyone is acting. Somehow she returns again, but this time with her sister and her male producer/on again off again, boy toy. This time they are all stuck. Annabelle fits in perfectly and begins to fall in love with a Darcy like character, while Cassie really struggles. They will need to decide if they can make it work in this time or figure out how to go home.
This was a really fun read if you like Jane Austen or Bridgerton, it took plot lines from both, and we have them together with a modern storyline that was quite fun. Although all of the elements were predictable if you know those stories, the way they came together was unique. There is a fabulous surprise towards the end of the story. The ending was very abrupt, though, I think I would’ve rated this one higher if it had had a few more chapters.
Annabel is desperate to be a writer, but her tastes are unusual for the modern world and her life experiences are limited. She’s constantly in the shadow of her sister Cassandra, who is an up-and-coming influencer. As she is rethinking the draft of her novel, she has an unexpected fateful moment where she slips through time to Regency England. She doesn’t realize it at first and thinks everyone is acting. Somehow she returns again, but this time with her sister and her male producer/on again off again, boy toy. This time they are all stuck. Annabelle fits in perfectly and begins to fall in love with a Darcy like character, while Cassie really struggles. They will need to decide if they can make it work in this time or figure out how to go home.
This was a really fun read if you like Jane Austen or Bridgerton, it took plot lines from both, and we have them together with a modern storyline that was quite fun. Although all of the elements were predictable if you know those stories, the way they came together was unique. There is a fabulous surprise towards the end of the story. The ending was very abrupt, though, I think I would’ve rated this one higher if it had had a few more chapters.
June 13, 2026
Sometime This Century is a charming and cozy novel that blends self discovery, time travel, and the enduring influence of Jane Austen into a rewarding read for Austen fans and newcomers alike. The novel uses time travel and glimpses into Austen’s world to add intrigue without overshadowing its emotional core.
Cassie can be frustrating at times, but her gradual growth and increasing self-awareness make her character arc feel genuine and rewarding. I also appreciated how Austen’s influence extends beyond a single character, as the three modern protagonists learn and grow through their connection to her work. The novel effectively highlights how literature can continue to shape us long after it’s written.
While the pacing occasionally feels uneven and some relationships could have been explored in greater depth, the book’s charm, literary references, and thoughtful themes make it a rewarding read. An enjoyable choice for anyone who has ever found comfort, guidance, or inspiration in Jane Austen’s novels.
Thank you NetGalley and HarperAudio Adult for an ALC in exchange for a honest review.
This is a review of the audiobook.
Cassie can be frustrating at times, but her gradual growth and increasing self-awareness make her character arc feel genuine and rewarding. I also appreciated how Austen’s influence extends beyond a single character, as the three modern protagonists learn and grow through their connection to her work. The novel effectively highlights how literature can continue to shape us long after it’s written.
While the pacing occasionally feels uneven and some relationships could have been explored in greater depth, the book’s charm, literary references, and thoughtful themes make it a rewarding read. An enjoyable choice for anyone who has ever found comfort, guidance, or inspiration in Jane Austen’s novels.
Thank you NetGalley and HarperAudio Adult for an ALC in exchange for a honest review.
This is a review of the audiobook.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews