All for Love

by Jen Geigle Johnson

Genres: Historical, Fiction, Historical Fiction

276 pages, Paperback

Published March 9, 2026

About the author

An award winning author, including the GOLD in Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards and LDSPMA Praiseworthy's top award for Romance, Jen Geigle Johnson has more stories circulating in her brain than can possibly be told. She discovered her passion for England while kayaking on the Thames near London as a young teenager. HIstory is her main jam. Her literary heroes include the greats: Jane Austen and Charles Dickens. But she has modern sensibilities as well. Six children and an inspiring husband keep her going and make certain she doesn't stay glued to a keyboard or lost in obscure fascinating details of old castles. She once greeted an ancient turtle under the water by grabbing her fin. She waterskis like a boss and hits the powder, falling down steep moguls with grace. During a study break date in college, she sat on top of a jeep's roll bars up in the mountains and fell in love with the man who would become her everything.

Now, she loves to share bits of history that might otherwise be forgotten. Whether in Regency England, the French Revolution, or Colonial America, her romance novels are much like life is supposed to be: full of adventure.

https://www.jengeiglejohnson.com

Twitter--@authorjen
Instagram--@authorlyjen
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJenGei...

Reviews

[Regency_Fan_ Michelle RegencyFanMichelleAndMore · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this powerful novel, Jen Geigle Johnson brings to life Sarah Siddons, the most celebrated actress of the Georgian era—not as a distant theatrical legend, but as a woman, a wife, and above all, a mother fighting to hold her family together.

From the opening tragedy of a burned London theatre to the intimate struggles behind the curtain, this story gripped my heart. Sarah’s life was anything but glamorous. While history remembers her talent and acclaim, this novel reveals the relentless poverty, the exhausting pregnancies, the grief, and the crushing responsibility she carried as the sole provider for her family. She wasn’t performing for applause—she was performing to survive.

What moved me most was the emotional tension between Sarah’s love for the stage and her fierce devotion to her family. The very gift that made her extraordinary also demanded everything from her. Watching her endure separation, hardship, and impossible choices made this feel less like historical fiction and more like stepping into the private diary of a remarkable woman.

The research shines through, yet the storytelling remains intimate and heartfelt. The Georgian theatre world feels vivid and immersive without ever overshadowing the emotional core of the story.

If you love historical fiction centered on strong, complex women especially those drawn from real history. It’s not simply a story about fame; it’s about what it costs to love deeply and sacrifice everything.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book and was under no obligation to leave a positive review.

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

All For Love is a facinating historical fiction novel set in the Georgian era of England. It focuses on the historical figure of Sarah Siddons who was well known for playing Lady Macbeth. She was born intoan acting famiky and starting performing at the tender age of 4. Despite the demanding struggles that the career brings Sarah would not trade it for the world.

I will say in the last several months I have discovered a large range of historical acting stories. Although this one takes place on the stage and not film it is just the same. This story really does show the early struggles of being an actor and the evolvement society has come to accepting the acting community. Overall a very exciting story for anyone who enjoys historical fiction!

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredible and very powerful. I came to the end and had tears streaming down my face. I didn't know much about Sarah Siddons before reading it, but recognized her name and remember learning some about her years and years ago. I loved being immersed in her life story through the pages of this book and all of the hard work and time that Jen Geigle Johnson spent researching her. Very well done! I keep telling friends about it and hoping that they will pick it up as well.

I'm in a musical production right now as I read this book and loved being in the mind of Sarah as she performed on the stage and how she became the characters. Very impressive in what she did as a female actress during that time period. Especially in her goal of not being seen as anything other than a great actress with a good moral character. I loved her dedication to her family and to being honest and loving others. She is definitely a person who is inspiring. I would love to read her journals and see more into her motivations (ok, definitely family and caring for her family was one of her biggest motivations)!

Very well researched and written. I loved how the author started the book and hooks the reader. I loved the immersive feel of it with the characters and the reader. Loved it! Even the ups and downs and hard and sad, but the happy moments and moments of wins as well! I was moved by the emotions of it all and as I said earlier, had tears streaming down my face at the end!

Content: Clean. No language, kisses only and a couple insinuations from theater goers in the expectation of females who performed on the stage in this time period. Written in a very sensitive way and clean.

I received a copy from the author/publisher. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book was like nothing I have read before. I find myself with such mixed feelings about Sarah’s story. I feel inspired by how much of herself she gave to the stage, and how much she sacrificed to provide for her family after choosing a life of love instead of privilege. At the same time, I feel such great sadness over what she endured through the years.

She chose Sid and the stage over the opportunity to be provided for, and while she never lost the stage, it often came at a great personal cost. In many ways, she lost much of her life to it. And yet Sarah always loved the stage, even with all it put her through, the highs and the lows. For much of her life, she seemed to believe she chose well, and perhaps pursuing love was the best choice, but what a struggle her life was filled with. Her life felt like a mix of successes and tragedies. So many times, the need to provide for her family left her missing out on that very family and forced her to perform when it was the last thing she wanted.

This was such a powerful story, and it was told so well. It pulled me in and kept my attention the whole time. This is a story I am truly glad I was able to experience. I had never even heard of Sarah Siddon, until reading this!

I gave this 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5!

I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.

[Becca McCulloch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Johnson has a strong, recognizable voice in Regency fiction. She is well-known for her attention to historical detail. In this novel, she takes on the Georgian theater scene with a historical fiction based on the life of Sarah Siddons. Sarah defied the odds by becoming a stage legend while raising a family and despite the rigid gender structures of her time.

The writing is well-done. The author's research shines in this novel. Sarah is well-drawn and relatable. The fictional aspects are nuanced enough to be believable. I have mixed feelings about using the first person in biographical fiction, but the writing is immersive. Johnson's love for theater is woven through the novel in well-placed quotes from theater and literature. This is the kind of story that can become heavy-laden with history, but Johnson keeps the tone breezy and comfortable. Real life doesn't come in a comfortable 3-act structure, so there are some bumps in the pacing that make the plot feel uneven. It didn't take from my ability to enjoy the book, however. I loved how the book started with Sarah's first moment on the stage and ended at her last. The theater itself was the love of her life.

Overall, a strong entry in marketable historical fiction. The book explores both the joys of family and the challenges of rigid gender roles. It focuses on how one woman becomes a superstar in spite of her struggles.

[Alexis (IG: lexislimitlesslibrary) Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a captivating historical fiction novel! I learned a lot about a woman I had not heard of before. Her story, though deeply sad, is also filled with faith and a never ending strength to persevere. The story is written in a unique way and I enjoyed reading this novel about Sarah Siddons.

Thank you to the author and the publisher for my advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Julie Smith]

It is delightful to begin a book when the author engages your interest in the first paragraph, keeps your interest to the very end of the story, while you savor every word and sentence.
Jen Geigle Johnson has given us a very unique story.
If you love Shakespeare, you will love this book. If you are not very familiar with his writings, you will take a greater interest after reading about his works and the theater.
I found myself wishing the main character, Sarah, along with her story were real.
A good read.
Well done!

[Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a deeply personal look at Sarah Siddons’ life—one of the most celebrated actresses of the Georgian era—written as though Sarah herself is recounting her life. It reads like an autobiography, drawing readers directly into her triumphs, heartbreaks, and the impossible choices she had to make.

History remembers Sarah’s brilliance and commanding performances, but this story shows the cost behind the applause and what it took for her to stand in that spotlight. From her early days performing with her family’s traveling theatre company to the devastating fire at Covent Garden, Sarah Siddon’s life was marked by sacrifice. Fame did not bring ease or security—it brought scrutiny, separation, poverty, and constant responsibility.

I liked that Sarah wasn't portrayed as someone chasing fame—she was fighting for survival. She performed through multiple pregnancies, grief, exhaustion, illness, and financial strain. She had to become the breadwinner of her family because her husband could not provide. The stage was not simply her passion—it was her lifeline. There were many times I wished she would leave her husband because of the expectations he put on her, but then I remembered the time period this was set in.

This book is more than historical fiction, it's a tribute to a woman who gave everything for those she loved. It's an emotional story but worth the read.

I received a digital copy from the publisher and author. All opinions in this review are my own.

[Maria Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a beautiful story but was so painful for me to read. I felt all Sarah's pain as she grieved over the loss of her children, loss of the marriage she dreamed of, loss of her father etc... Sarah lost so much in life as she gave herself to her acting and supported their family by necessity. Necessity that made it so she didn't get the time with her children that she desperately wanted and needed. Honestly, I generally read happily ever after stories, the lower angst the better. This is not a romance but a life story with her love story in it. And it does not have a happily ever after ending. It has happy moments and times but an overwhelming amount of pain, sorrow and grief. I spent so much of the book despising her husband who she loved through it all.
What I really needed was to know what her life was like between her retirement and her passing. Did she get any of the life she wanted? Rest, time with her children, to feel joy?
If you love stories that make you cry, you'll love it. There are plenty of opportunities to do so. It may also help you feel really good about your own joys in life. I've not had most of the sorrows that Sarah experienced so I can feel grateful for that.
It is a beautiful book but keep some tissues close by.

[Leann Arave · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heart wrenching look into the life of Sarah Siddons. When Sarah was just a young girl of 4 years old, her mother began training her for the stage. As a 15 year old in her family’s traveling theater show, Sarah quickly became the lead actress in their Shakespearean reenactments. She was brilliant, and quickly began to draw crowds and attention from men. Her parents truly had her best interest at heart, but she was young and confused with their decisions. The story follows her through the ups and downs of life. I thought the story was engaging, heartbreaking and touching. She was born in 1755, married William Siddons, they had seven children together. She is most loved for her betrayal of Lady Macbeth.When she performed, she was magnificent, when she loved, she loved deeply and when she mourned, she lost pieces of her heart. The story will make you wish you could see her perform, you will be touched by her tragedies, and you will be uplifted by her courage and devotion. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been excited to read this one since Jen Geigle Johnson said she was writing this story. It's written about Sarah Siddons, an actress from the Georgian Era in Great Britain. It's one you definitely want to read!

I loved the way the author writes this book in the first person. It was really great to see Sarah's life through her own eyes.

This book is not really a romance, though there is some of that in it. And it's a true to life story, so the ending is not what you'd expect. But the writing in this book is so amazing. The reader feels as though they are immersed in the life of Sarah Siddons.

This book took me on a beautiful journey that I didn't expect. I loved every bit of it!

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

All for Love is told in snatches of memory, the life of the most celebrated actress of the Georgian era.
​I found Sarah Siddons' life to be both absolutely fascinating and deeply tragic. Jen Geigle Johnson has done such a fantastic and honorable job of bringing this woman to life on the page. As I read, I couldn’t help but stand in awe of her; she was such an amazing and resilient woman.
​Sarah may have been famous for her "Tragic Muse" persona and her legendary performance as Lady Macbeth, but this book shows the heart of the woman behind the costumes. It’s a beautiful tribute to someone who faced so much but stayed standing. If you love historical fiction that feels intimate and deeply human, I can’t recommend this enough.

[Julianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I walked into this expecting a fun, light, regency romance. How wrong I was! The story of Sarah Siddons was so real and authentic. To live the life she did in that era was amazing. I loved that the author touched on very real topics such as depression and loss and marital issues.

Ms. Johnson does try to cram a lot into a relatively few pages. So many characters and time frame jumps occasionally make the book hard to follow. It would have been better to focus the story telling just a little bit, as hard as it would be to eliminate any side characters from the story.

Overall, just a great read. Well done!

[Ashley Crown · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so interesting and compelling. It wasn’t some dreamy romance, yet a real story that pulls at your heart strings. While I have heard of Sarah Siddons before, I didn’t know her story,
And all I can say is wow! What an amazing woman! And Jen Geiger Johnson really brought her to life. And what a story it is. Her resilience, compassion, dedication and determination are amazing. This is a must read. There were a few places where the timing of the story had me a little confused but once I saw a pattern and got used to it, it was no problem.

I receive this as an ARC from the author.

[Suzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't really sure what to expect with this book. I love the author, but I didn't really know anything about Sarah Siddons. The name was somewhere in my memory, from some book I had read.

I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this. Sarah had an interesting life, at a time when actresses were not well thought of, she fought for respect. Her love of her family and the desire to be a mother came through clearly, as did her love of the theater. The loss of children, mismanagement of money, and health issues added complications to her situation.

Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read an early release copy. I learned a great deal and enjoyed the read.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

The world of acting and theatre is far from my wheelhouse, both in reading and in life experience, but the author did a great job immersing the reader into the world of Georgian theatre. All For Love is a fictional telling of the life of famous actress Sarah Siddons, told in first person, with great feeling and drama and touching on all aspects of life on the stage in that day - both glamorous and gritty. This is a clean book, with no graphic violence, no profanity, but touching on themes of the death of children, parents and a spouse, as well as times when the main character feared for her life and safety.

I received an ARC from the publisher

[MK · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love historical fiction about a real person and I truly enjoyed how this one was written.

Sarah Siddons was a trail blazer for female actresses in the Georgian era. She had a true talent, but didn’t want to live the lifestyle of actresses popular in her day. Her story was both inspiring and heartbreaking. When a story is based on true events and real people, a happy ending, where everything is tied up nicely, is not always possible. We have a heroine who is a dreamer, who is resilient, yet still struggles. We have a love story that’s bumpy and heartbreaking at times. We have a heroine that must sometimes accept her lack of control in her own life and relationships. A woman who longs for family life and a career balance. That is so relatable.

Sometimes fiction for me is an escape, and this was that, but it was also a reflection of the harsh reality of life, even for those who are hardworking good people. I was sucked into the story and time period. I ended this book grateful for women who came before me that allowed for a lot of the freedoms and autonomy I now enjoy. This will be a story that sticks with me.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very well researched story of the famous actress, Sarah Siddons. I wish I could have seen her perform. She sounds truly amazing. Her life was so interesting, and there were many ups and downs. Sarah was full of resilience, though, and always seemed to bounce back. I am in awe of all that she endured in life. She seemed to be a really good person who fiercely loved her children. All for Love is an excellent title, because all she did was for the love of her children. The cover is beautiful, and I fully recommend this book with 5 stars.

[Lorrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The dialogue was done in a weird formatting that made me unsure of who was talking. Other than that, this was an enjoyable read that gave a nice insight on theatre in the UK during this era. I had never heard of her before and it made me want to search out more information.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book tells the beautiful and tragic story of Sarah Kemble Siddons. From performing with her family's traveling theatre group to becoming the most beloved actress of her day. Sarah lived her life fully. Her love of the stage, family and others shined throughout her life. She faced trials with grace and determination.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I feel it is a must read, especially for any who have been involved in theater.

[Ellen Dominguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

The voice and cadence of All For Love by Jen Geigle Johnson will reach out and grab your heart. A story of loss, heartbreak, and love triumphant, this book will live in your mind long after you finish turning its pages. This is a clean, Christian romance set in England about an actress Sarah Siddons and her journey “All for one and one for all and all for love of the stage.” I give this book 5 stars. I received a complimentary review copy of this book and am writing this review voluntarily.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a compelling look into the fascinating life of actress Sarah Siddons. Known for her famous Shakespearean roles during the 18th century, and lauded as the most talented Lady Macbeth, she became London’s best known tragedienne. Thanks to Jen Geigle Johnson for bringing this intriguing woman onto center stage! An excellent book club read and a must-read for history and theatre enthusiasts.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is heavy but real. I think I was not a prepared for the emotional toll this book brought me. I was very fascinated by the life of Sarah Siddons. It is a name I was not familiar with but now I feel like I know her.

I struggled with the flashback format in the beginning. I loved watching Sarah’s older daughters and their relationship with her.

Content: mental health, death, gambling

[Chris Yorgason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining read. All for Love is based on the life of Sarah Siddons. The book tells the story of her fights for the survival of her family, including her parents, husband and children. This is the story of one woman's strength and courage in the late 1700s Great Britain.

[DJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love books like this, where you get completely lost in the story, transported to another place and time entirely. Would make a fantastic book club read!!

[Lissa Ruck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore Sarah Siddons's hopeful, intriguing, passionate, heartbreaking, beautiful story!!