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The Lost Brontë
Not yet published
Expected 18 Aug 26A spellbinding tale of hidden desires, whispered secrets, and a darkness that lingers behind every locked door.
Yorkshire, 1898.
When twenty-one-year-old Lilianne Loxley is sent to Lord Bexton's isolated estate to work off her uncle's debts, she expects drudgery—not danger. With her gift for mimicry, she becomes Bexton's secretary—and his reluctant forger. Soon she's trapped in a scheme to create a "lost" novel by Emily Brontë, a deception that could make—or destroy—fortunes.
The house is full of footsteps echo in empty corridors, lemon-scented ghosts haunt her sleepless nights, and a portrait seems to watch her every move. Yet it's the living who unsettle her most—especially Wren McAllister, the sharp-tongued maid whose defiance hides a tender heart. Drawn together by loss and longing, Lily and Wren risk everything for a freedom neither has ever known.
As the line between truth and invention blurs, Lily uncovers a shocking connection to the Brontë family—and to Bexton himself—that will force her to choose between love, loyalty, and the dangerous power of her own pen.
Yorkshire, 1898.
When twenty-one-year-old Lilianne Loxley is sent to Lord Bexton's isolated estate to work off her uncle's debts, she expects drudgery—not danger. With her gift for mimicry, she becomes Bexton's secretary—and his reluctant forger. Soon she's trapped in a scheme to create a "lost" novel by Emily Brontë, a deception that could make—or destroy—fortunes.
The house is full of footsteps echo in empty corridors, lemon-scented ghosts haunt her sleepless nights, and a portrait seems to watch her every move. Yet it's the living who unsettle her most—especially Wren McAllister, the sharp-tongued maid whose defiance hides a tender heart. Drawn together by loss and longing, Lily and Wren risk everything for a freedom neither has ever known.
As the line between truth and invention blurs, Lily uncovers a shocking connection to the Brontë family—and to Bexton himself—that will force her to choose between love, loyalty, and the dangerous power of her own pen.
Audible Audio
Expected publication August 18, 2026
About the author
Catherine Friend
36 books168 followersCatherine Friend had what she calls a "boring" childhood, but she says that boring was just fine -- because it gave her more time to read. She read so much her parents had to set a "no-reading-at-the dinner-table" rule. She was slightly shy as a child, but enjoyed playing Beauty Parlor with her sister, taking family trips, and watching STAR TREK and TIME TUNNEL.
She studied Economics, but because of her love for books and stories, she eventually found herself drawn to writing. Since then, the author has written six children's books, including THE PERFECT NEST, a hilarious read-aloud illustrated by John Manders; and two books in Candlewick’s Brand New Readers series. She is also the author of the acclaimed adult memoir, HIT BY A FARM: HOW I LEARNED TO STOP WORRYING AND LOVE THE BARN. When it comes to her writing, Catherine Friend likes to try new things and seek new challenges -- but she always likes to write stories that make her laugh.
Catherine Friend lives on a small farm in southeastern Minnesota -- which inspired both THE PERFECT NEST and HIT BY A FARM. There, she raises sheep, goats, and llamas, and has an energetic border collie named Robin.
She studied Economics, but because of her love for books and stories, she eventually found herself drawn to writing. Since then, the author has written six children's books, including THE PERFECT NEST, a hilarious read-aloud illustrated by John Manders; and two books in Candlewick’s Brand New Readers series. She is also the author of the acclaimed adult memoir, HIT BY A FARM: HOW I LEARNED TO STOP WORRYING AND LOVE THE BARN. When it comes to her writing, Catherine Friend likes to try new things and seek new challenges -- but she always likes to write stories that make her laugh.
Catherine Friend lives on a small farm in southeastern Minnesota -- which inspired both THE PERFECT NEST and HIT BY A FARM. There, she raises sheep, goats, and llamas, and has an energetic border collie named Robin.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Read the ebook then listened to the audiobook version (both are reviewed below)
Review for the audiobook:
Quinn Riley's perfect for telling this story; best listened to at regular speed
I was fortunate to read Catherine Friend's The Lost Bronte in ebook format before listening to the audio version. One thing that came to mind frequently when reading the ebook was how great this story would be to listen to, have it read to me. I also wanted to know if there were breadcrumbs and clues that I'd missed while reading that hinted at plot twists and other surprises, so listening provided that opportunity. My review for the story itself is below but here I'll be focusing on narrator Quinn Riley's performance of the story. Bottom line is that she does an excellent job of voicing the many characters and conveying social class and personality for them in her inflections while also heightening moments of tension and suspense in her delivery of the text, both narration and dialogue. I've listened to Riley narrate other lesfic books, though not many of them, and kept forgetting her real (presumably American) accent while listening as she performs this book in a British accent but announces the chapters in her normal accent. It was a bit jarring but each time it didn't take long to get pulled back into the story thanks to her skillful delivery. I presume the British accent is Yorkshire given the story's setting but am not familiar enough with it to comment on its accuracy. I can say however that I fully believed in the characters and narrator being British and felt the atmosphere of mystery in her vocal choices, restraint and longing in the romance, and raged along with main character Lilianne at the often odious behavior of some other characters, although Lilianne is the more naive of the two of us. I'll be watching for Quinn Riley to read me more stories in the future knowing I'm going to be entertained. Do yourself a favor and listen to this at regular speed or 1.25x maximum to really immerse in the period romance and mystery rather than speeding thru any of it or you'll cheat yourself of the full emotional experience of the story and story narrator Quinn Riley. And if you like a good mystery as bedtime reading try listening to this at day's end before, or in, bed, or on a dark and stormy night to add to the mood of some scenes. Quinn Riley was a great choice for performing this book. Five stars for her.
My review for the ebook:
Atmospheric mystery romance that'll glue you to your reading chair (4.5 stars)
From main character Lilianne's stunningly terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day in the opening chapters, the reader is transported to late nineteenth century England for a wild adventure filled with drama, angst, romance, suspense and mystery. There are ghosts and plots twists and evil doers to keep you emotionally charged, invested and turning pages to find out what happens next; more than once I reached the end of a chapter I had intended to be my last in a reading session only to continue on for a few more chapters in an attempt to satisfy my curiosity. I've heard of the Brontës, never read their work, but there's plenty about the family peppered into this story for Brontë fans to nerd out on. I loved the story for the full sensory experience and atmosphere it conjured even when some characters' behavior was abhorrent. Heads up for characters who treat others in appalling ways, sexism and classism that are woven into the story if those things bother you. I found myself alternately rooting for Lilianne and shaking my head (maybe 'advising' her under my breath several times) at her naïveté, frequently wondering how she would get out of seemingly impossible situations, unscathed or at all. She is put thru the wringer in the course of the story to say the least. I anticipated some events in the plotline ahead of time but more than once was caught by total surprise at a reveal when it happened; for me that's the best kind of mystery, lulling the reader into believing they know exactly what's going on before a rug pull in the storyline says otherwise. There is a lot packed into this book in terms of the cast of characters, numerous shenanigans and goings on, plot twists and so on with a climax that is shocking, dramatic, amusing, potentially controversial and fodder for debate. I had many questions while reading this book and nearly all were answered. The ending satisfies the feels despite an element in the lead up to it that my mind is still wrestling with.
Whether you're a Brontë fan or not, if you love a good ghost story or mystery, or just want a period piece romance that stimulates your brain while teasing at your heart, The Lost Brontë is one to read and then re-read to see what clues you missed the first time around, then again a year or so later to go on the adventure all over again when story details have receded sufficiently in your memory. Curl up with your favorite beverage, coziest blanket in your comfiest chair and get lost in this story any time of the year. Highly recommended.
Review for the audiobook:
Quinn Riley's perfect for telling this story; best listened to at regular speed
I was fortunate to read Catherine Friend's The Lost Bronte in ebook format before listening to the audio version. One thing that came to mind frequently when reading the ebook was how great this story would be to listen to, have it read to me. I also wanted to know if there were breadcrumbs and clues that I'd missed while reading that hinted at plot twists and other surprises, so listening provided that opportunity. My review for the story itself is below but here I'll be focusing on narrator Quinn Riley's performance of the story. Bottom line is that she does an excellent job of voicing the many characters and conveying social class and personality for them in her inflections while also heightening moments of tension and suspense in her delivery of the text, both narration and dialogue. I've listened to Riley narrate other lesfic books, though not many of them, and kept forgetting her real (presumably American) accent while listening as she performs this book in a British accent but announces the chapters in her normal accent. It was a bit jarring but each time it didn't take long to get pulled back into the story thanks to her skillful delivery. I presume the British accent is Yorkshire given the story's setting but am not familiar enough with it to comment on its accuracy. I can say however that I fully believed in the characters and narrator being British and felt the atmosphere of mystery in her vocal choices, restraint and longing in the romance, and raged along with main character Lilianne at the often odious behavior of some other characters, although Lilianne is the more naive of the two of us. I'll be watching for Quinn Riley to read me more stories in the future knowing I'm going to be entertained. Do yourself a favor and listen to this at regular speed or 1.25x maximum to really immerse in the period romance and mystery rather than speeding thru any of it or you'll cheat yourself of the full emotional experience of the story and story narrator Quinn Riley. And if you like a good mystery as bedtime reading try listening to this at day's end before, or in, bed, or on a dark and stormy night to add to the mood of some scenes. Quinn Riley was a great choice for performing this book. Five stars for her.
My review for the ebook:
Atmospheric mystery romance that'll glue you to your reading chair (4.5 stars)
From main character Lilianne's stunningly terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day in the opening chapters, the reader is transported to late nineteenth century England for a wild adventure filled with drama, angst, romance, suspense and mystery. There are ghosts and plots twists and evil doers to keep you emotionally charged, invested and turning pages to find out what happens next; more than once I reached the end of a chapter I had intended to be my last in a reading session only to continue on for a few more chapters in an attempt to satisfy my curiosity. I've heard of the Brontës, never read their work, but there's plenty about the family peppered into this story for Brontë fans to nerd out on. I loved the story for the full sensory experience and atmosphere it conjured even when some characters' behavior was abhorrent. Heads up for characters who treat others in appalling ways, sexism and classism that are woven into the story if those things bother you. I found myself alternately rooting for Lilianne and shaking my head (maybe 'advising' her under my breath several times) at her naïveté, frequently wondering how she would get out of seemingly impossible situations, unscathed or at all. She is put thru the wringer in the course of the story to say the least. I anticipated some events in the plotline ahead of time but more than once was caught by total surprise at a reveal when it happened; for me that's the best kind of mystery, lulling the reader into believing they know exactly what's going on before a rug pull in the storyline says otherwise. There is a lot packed into this book in terms of the cast of characters, numerous shenanigans and goings on, plot twists and so on with a climax that is shocking, dramatic, amusing, potentially controversial and fodder for debate. I had many questions while reading this book and nearly all were answered. The ending satisfies the feels despite an element in the lead up to it that my mind is still wrestling with.
Whether you're a Brontë fan or not, if you love a good ghost story or mystery, or just want a period piece romance that stimulates your brain while teasing at your heart, The Lost Brontë is one to read and then re-read to see what clues you missed the first time around, then again a year or so later to go on the adventure all over again when story details have receded sufficiently in your memory. Curl up with your favorite beverage, coziest blanket in your comfiest chair and get lost in this story any time of the year. Highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I’ve found that it’s difficult to read books from this era because of the style and dated language, but this book was only about that era and I found it an addictive reading experience that left me wanting to know more about the Brontë sisters, especially Emily. This fictional story included love, mysterious happenings, a ghost with the scent of lemon, intrigue, intimidating threats, and finding the truth.
Lilianne (Lilly) Loxley was orphaned when her parents died in a carriage accident. She was taken in by her uncle and cared for by two servants whom she loved, Mrs. B. and Martha. She loved to read about travel and longed for love and enough money to visit the places she’d read about.
Lily also had a passion for Emily Brontë. Anything Brontë-related was very valuable and in much demand, so when Emily’s desk was up for auction she and her uncle hoped to acquire it, but her uncle was too deeply in debt to even bid on it. In fact, her uncle was in so much debt that he fired his employees and sent Lilianne to live with Lord Bexton at Crag Thorn, someone he was deeply in debt with. She would work for him and her salary would apply towards partial payment of her uncle’s debt.
Emily’s uncle knew of her gift of mimicry and she soon found herself blackmailed into forgery, the main target being supposed things written by Emily which the greedy, unethical man auctioned off to people obsessed with anything Brontë.
When her mimicries were not questioned by authenticators, Brexton had another scheme to suddenly produce the supposedly lost novel by Emily Brontë. Lily put her foot down, refusing to agree, saying she could imitate writing, but she didn’t have the skill to write something that could pass as the real Emily. Locked up, imprisoned in a room, she was powerless to his threats involving her uncle and his debts. Her only friend was Wren McAllister, her lady’s maid who shared a mutual attraction with her. They shared their dreams of being together.
What followed was a clever, headstrong woman determined to find the truth about what she was discovering. Other dwellers at Crag Thorn were aware of a ghost with the scent of lemon, Lilianne was guided by this ghost who knocked over books on the shelves and she came to know it as well as the ghost of Victoria Bexton and her dog, Keeper. There were hidden stairs, a portrait, a secret room, strange keys, the quest to find something hidden, plans to escape and secretive help from those who put their jobs in danger. All in all it was difficult to put this book down because I was enjoying it so much and anticipating what could happen next.
My admiration goes out to Catherine Friend for her skill in writing this amazing book. My thanks to her and Bywater Books for the arc in exchange for my review.
Lilianne (Lilly) Loxley was orphaned when her parents died in a carriage accident. She was taken in by her uncle and cared for by two servants whom she loved, Mrs. B. and Martha. She loved to read about travel and longed for love and enough money to visit the places she’d read about.
Lily also had a passion for Emily Brontë. Anything Brontë-related was very valuable and in much demand, so when Emily’s desk was up for auction she and her uncle hoped to acquire it, but her uncle was too deeply in debt to even bid on it. In fact, her uncle was in so much debt that he fired his employees and sent Lilianne to live with Lord Bexton at Crag Thorn, someone he was deeply in debt with. She would work for him and her salary would apply towards partial payment of her uncle’s debt.
Emily’s uncle knew of her gift of mimicry and she soon found herself blackmailed into forgery, the main target being supposed things written by Emily which the greedy, unethical man auctioned off to people obsessed with anything Brontë.
When her mimicries were not questioned by authenticators, Brexton had another scheme to suddenly produce the supposedly lost novel by Emily Brontë. Lily put her foot down, refusing to agree, saying she could imitate writing, but she didn’t have the skill to write something that could pass as the real Emily. Locked up, imprisoned in a room, she was powerless to his threats involving her uncle and his debts. Her only friend was Wren McAllister, her lady’s maid who shared a mutual attraction with her. They shared their dreams of being together.
What followed was a clever, headstrong woman determined to find the truth about what she was discovering. Other dwellers at Crag Thorn were aware of a ghost with the scent of lemon, Lilianne was guided by this ghost who knocked over books on the shelves and she came to know it as well as the ghost of Victoria Bexton and her dog, Keeper. There were hidden stairs, a portrait, a secret room, strange keys, the quest to find something hidden, plans to escape and secretive help from those who put their jobs in danger. All in all it was difficult to put this book down because I was enjoying it so much and anticipating what could happen next.
My admiration goes out to Catherine Friend for her skill in writing this amazing book. My thanks to her and Bywater Books for the arc in exchange for my review.
August 7, 2026
The Lost Brontë completely pulled me in.
This is a richly layered historical novel that blends literary mystery, Gothic atmosphere, romance and character development while exploring much bigger questions about truth, authorship, power and identity.
Lillianne is an immediately compelling protagonist. Intelligent, imaginative and quietly resilient, she begins the novel as a young woman whose future is shaped almost entirely by the financial decisions and expectations of the men around her. Watching her gradually reclaim agency over her own life became the emotional heart of the story for me.
What impressed me most was how carefully constructed the novel is. Details that initially seem to establish character or atmosphere later gain greater significance. The story rewards close attention, and I found myself slowing the audiobook down because so much was being revealed through seemingly small moments.
The literary elements are woven beautifully throughout. The Brontë references never feel decorative; instead, they enrich the novel’s exploration of reputation, hidden histories, confinement and women’s voices. There are echoes of both Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre, but the story remains entirely its own.
I also loved how the novel explores the relationship between money, gender and power. Lillianne is repeatedly placed in situations where other people attempt to control not only her circumstances but the story told about her. This creates a thoughtful examination of coercion, integrity and the moral compromises people can be forced into when power is profoundly unequal.
The mystery itself is genuinely surprising and deeply satisfying. Rather than relying on shock for its own sake, the novel allows earlier details to take on new meaning as the story unfolds. It is the kind of plotting that makes you look back and realise how carefully everything was placed.
Most importantly, the emotional resolution is every bit as satisfying as the mystery. By the end, Lillianne’s journey feels like one of genuine transformation: reconnecting with herself, her history and her ability to decide what her own life will become.
Rich characters, intelligent plotting, Gothic atmosphere and a wonderfully satisfying conclusion.
This is a richly layered historical novel that blends literary mystery, Gothic atmosphere, romance and character development while exploring much bigger questions about truth, authorship, power and identity.
Lillianne is an immediately compelling protagonist. Intelligent, imaginative and quietly resilient, she begins the novel as a young woman whose future is shaped almost entirely by the financial decisions and expectations of the men around her. Watching her gradually reclaim agency over her own life became the emotional heart of the story for me.
What impressed me most was how carefully constructed the novel is. Details that initially seem to establish character or atmosphere later gain greater significance. The story rewards close attention, and I found myself slowing the audiobook down because so much was being revealed through seemingly small moments.
The literary elements are woven beautifully throughout. The Brontë references never feel decorative; instead, they enrich the novel’s exploration of reputation, hidden histories, confinement and women’s voices. There are echoes of both Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre, but the story remains entirely its own.
I also loved how the novel explores the relationship between money, gender and power. Lillianne is repeatedly placed in situations where other people attempt to control not only her circumstances but the story told about her. This creates a thoughtful examination of coercion, integrity and the moral compromises people can be forced into when power is profoundly unequal.
The mystery itself is genuinely surprising and deeply satisfying. Rather than relying on shock for its own sake, the novel allows earlier details to take on new meaning as the story unfolds. It is the kind of plotting that makes you look back and realise how carefully everything was placed.
Most importantly, the emotional resolution is every bit as satisfying as the mystery. By the end, Lillianne’s journey feels like one of genuine transformation: reconnecting with herself, her history and her ability to decide what her own life will become.
Rich characters, intelligent plotting, Gothic atmosphere and a wonderfully satisfying conclusion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
🎧4.25-4.5⭐️
I had the audiobook of this historical fiction read by Quinn Riley who is excellent, a pleasure to listen to with her various accents ( I have no idea on authenticity) and character voices, she really added to my enjoyment of the book as she instils emotion and tension.
This book has so much going for it, the detail and language really gives a great feel for the era as well as being beautifully written while still being easy reading, a gothic atmosphere, a mystery, romance (no spice), a wealth of Emily Bronte knowledge which was fascinating and integral to the plot which was intricately woven, it even manages to squeeze in an action scene. It maintains a good pace and bags of interest throughout. There’s characters to both love and hate, the main female character is strong and resilient, although she’s spent years learning how to appear pliable to fit in with expectations. I enjoyed seeing her eventually managing to take control of her life in a time where women had no control. I really gelled with Lilianne (Lily), she’s kind,caring and very likeable.
I would recommend this book especially if you enjoy historical fiction or the Brontes.
I had this book from NetGalley
I had the audiobook of this historical fiction read by Quinn Riley who is excellent, a pleasure to listen to with her various accents ( I have no idea on authenticity) and character voices, she really added to my enjoyment of the book as she instils emotion and tension.
This book has so much going for it, the detail and language really gives a great feel for the era as well as being beautifully written while still being easy reading, a gothic atmosphere, a mystery, romance (no spice), a wealth of Emily Bronte knowledge which was fascinating and integral to the plot which was intricately woven, it even manages to squeeze in an action scene. It maintains a good pace and bags of interest throughout. There’s characters to both love and hate, the main female character is strong and resilient, although she’s spent years learning how to appear pliable to fit in with expectations. I enjoyed seeing her eventually managing to take control of her life in a time where women had no control. I really gelled with Lilianne (Lily), she’s kind,caring and very likeable.
I would recommend this book especially if you enjoy historical fiction or the Brontes.
I had this book from NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received both an ARC and a ALC from Bywater Books and that was a great combo. Reading first and then listen to the amazing Quinn Riley is a perfect combo to enjoy this book that I recommend to everyone that likes a historical romance with some mystery involved, bonus with some great references to the amazing Brontë sisters.
To follow Lilianne and her journey was so interesting, her having to leave Uncle after he lost all his money and it was decided that her working for Lord Brexton as a clerk to pay off his debt. It’s however clear from the very beginning that this is just part of the reason why Lilianne is requested by Lord Brexton to come and work for him and live on his estate. The mystery is there from the very beginning.
To read about how Liliane meets a ghost that helps her and that she gets close with the lady’s maid Wren so enticing to read about. Her work for Lord Brexton messed up from the beginning and soon clear that way wore complex that I ever could have imagined. When Lilianne starts to unravel the story about her parents that she lost when she was six years old things really start to get interesting.
Overall a very enjoyable read I thoroughly recommend.
To follow Lilianne and her journey was so interesting, her having to leave Uncle after he lost all his money and it was decided that her working for Lord Brexton as a clerk to pay off his debt. It’s however clear from the very beginning that this is just part of the reason why Lilianne is requested by Lord Brexton to come and work for him and live on his estate. The mystery is there from the very beginning.
To read about how Liliane meets a ghost that helps her and that she gets close with the lady’s maid Wren so enticing to read about. Her work for Lord Brexton messed up from the beginning and soon clear that way wore complex that I ever could have imagined. When Lilianne starts to unravel the story about her parents that she lost when she was six years old things really start to get interesting.
Overall a very enjoyable read I thoroughly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
* Thank you NetGalley and Tantor Media for the ALC and my honest review *
Ugh....
The story was so interesting and compelling. Lilianne Loxley wanted to seek out a place just for herself in the world. Unfortunately, her uncle's debt forced her to work in the Bexton home to then become a forger of a lost Brontë manuscript. There are ghosts, lost diary entries, and keys to secrets no one could have expected. While there was one "twist" I expected, there was another one that really gripped me. It was so well hidden because of the excitement of other events.
Why this became a 3 star is because I felt the ending was extended for longer than necessary. The last hour of the audiobook could have been removed and the story would've had such a strong and unique ending. Instead, I was rolling my eyes at Lily and really not liking the choices she made at the very end.
I just felt like I hit a wall so hard that I couldn't care for how it ended, though Catherine Friend was great with her descriptive language.
Absolutely no notes on the lovely Quinn Riley. Her narration is splendid and enticing.
Ugh....
The story was so interesting and compelling. Lilianne Loxley wanted to seek out a place just for herself in the world. Unfortunately, her uncle's debt forced her to work in the Bexton home to then become a forger of a lost Brontë manuscript. There are ghosts, lost diary entries, and keys to secrets no one could have expected. While there was one "twist" I expected, there was another one that really gripped me. It was so well hidden because of the excitement of other events.
Why this became a 3 star is because I felt the ending was extended for longer than necessary. The last hour of the audiobook could have been removed and the story would've had such a strong and unique ending. Instead, I was rolling my eyes at Lily and really not liking the choices she made at the very end.
I just felt like I hit a wall so hard that I couldn't care for how it ended, though Catherine Friend was great with her descriptive language.
Absolutely no notes on the lovely Quinn Riley. Her narration is splendid and enticing.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Lush atmospheric read that felt like I was living this tragic life and mystery alongside Lilianne!
Lilianne finds herself alone as a working on a large estate after her Uncle is caught up in financial woes. Her ability to forge script is quickly recognized and taken advantage of by her new employer.
As Lilianne gets deeper she starts to see the darkness she is trapped in. Driven by rage and refusal to submit, she forms a plan to remedy her situation and help the people she loves.
I loved this book! I listened to the audiobook with zero breaks! The narrator did a fantastic job of capturing Lilian’s essence and the emotions she was feeling.
I loved the nods to the Brontë sisters work throughout, and the discussion of classic literature!
If you are a fan of the Bronte sisters, this is a fantastic spin on their story! Highly recommend!
Spice: Kisses and yearning (sapphic)
Language: None
Lilianne finds herself alone as a working on a large estate after her Uncle is caught up in financial woes. Her ability to forge script is quickly recognized and taken advantage of by her new employer.
As Lilianne gets deeper she starts to see the darkness she is trapped in. Driven by rage and refusal to submit, she forms a plan to remedy her situation and help the people she loves.
I loved this book! I listened to the audiobook with zero breaks! The narrator did a fantastic job of capturing Lilian’s essence and the emotions she was feeling.
I loved the nods to the Brontë sisters work throughout, and the discussion of classic literature!
If you are a fan of the Bronte sisters, this is a fantastic spin on their story! Highly recommend!
Spice: Kisses and yearning (sapphic)
Language: None
August 12, 2026
Great premise, poorly executed. Most of the plot was predictable within the first few chapters. When something wasn’t predictable, it was usually because what happened was so unrealistically convenient that it wasn’t something I would have ever assumed was going to happen.There were so many convenient coincidences that I never felt fully immersed in the story.
The narration also took me out of the story. There were constant inconsistencies with the accents, and the FMC inexplicably had a Scottish lilt despite being English, while seemingly everyone else in the novel was also English. It was distracting enough that I found myself noticing the narration rather than getting lost in the story.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
The narration also took me out of the story. There were constant inconsistencies with the accents, and the FMC inexplicably had a Scottish lilt despite being English, while seemingly everyone else in the novel was also English. It was distracting enough that I found myself noticing the narration rather than getting lost in the story.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
iconicometer: 💅🏼💅🏼💅🏼💅🏼.5
spiceometer:
✨ 1898 men degrading, patronizing and blackmailing women and thinking they know what's best for them makes you realize that not much has changed more than a century later
✨ the lemon scent!!!
✨ every time you think you know what's going on NO YOU DON'T
✨ interlacing fingers under a locked door? lesbian yearning at its finest
✨ the most respectful ghosts you will ever meet
✨ the ending feels like a healing balm for a heart that has gotten answers it never even knew it needed
Many thanks to the publisher for providing this ARC 🧡
spiceometer:
✨ 1898 men degrading, patronizing and blackmailing women and thinking they know what's best for them makes you realize that not much has changed more than a century later
✨ the lemon scent!!!
✨ every time you think you know what's going on NO YOU DON'T
✨ interlacing fingers under a locked door? lesbian yearning at its finest
✨ the most respectful ghosts you will ever meet
✨ the ending feels like a healing balm for a heart that has gotten answers it never even knew it needed
Many thanks to the publisher for providing this ARC 🧡
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews