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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 6, 2026
I very much enjoyed this somewhat epic tale of the right couple in the wrong circumstances. Set around the time of the War of 1812 in the new-ish city of Washington, it gave me a glimpse of a history that I wasn’t too familiar with. I always appreciate a fresh setting.
The writing was on occasion too much telling and too little showing, but still managed to craft an engaging and tense story.
I also felt like the ending needed to be a bigger moment; it was a tad abrupt for a book of this length. I would read more by this author, though, because it was a very strong debut.
Ella is the daughter of a respected newspaperman in Washington with connections as high up as the president. What no one else knows is that her father allows her to write editorials under the protection of his byline. Always more interested in current events than flirting, Ella has alienated most of the young men in her social circle. And that’s never bothered her. But when she meets war correspondent Grant Dashwood, something shifts, and they find themselves enjoying a rather contrary sort of friendship. With the British drawing closer to an attack, though, the way forward will be far from smooth.
Thanks to Victory Editing via NetGalley for this advance review copy.
The writing was on occasion too much telling and too little showing, but still managed to craft an engaging and tense story.
I also felt like the ending needed to be a bigger moment; it was a tad abrupt for a book of this length. I would read more by this author, though, because it was a very strong debut.
Ella is the daughter of a respected newspaperman in Washington with connections as high up as the president. What no one else knows is that her father allows her to write editorials under the protection of his byline. Always more interested in current events than flirting, Ella has alienated most of the young men in her social circle. And that’s never bothered her. But when she meets war correspondent Grant Dashwood, something shifts, and they find themselves enjoying a rather contrary sort of friendship. With the British drawing closer to an attack, though, the way forward will be far from smooth.
Thanks to Victory Editing via NetGalley for this advance review copy.
July 11, 2026
I really enjoyed this drawing room historical fiction romance. Ella is the daughter of a newspaper editor and he allows her to publish articles under his name. It’s 1814 and unheard of for a woman to have political opinions much less write political articles. She is an intelligent woman that shuns societal expectations of women.
The Burning of Washington is the featured historical event and it was fascinating to learn about this surprise attack. This event changed the course of the family’s life as they move into survival mode.
The story highlights the very limited options women had. I was particularly struck by how an inquiry into finances made by a woman would be ignored. Also, a harmless flirtation could ruin a woman but cause no harm to a man.
I’m not a big fan of romance but this was done very well. The development was very natural and I rooted for the characters to get together.
I wanted more of a view into the articles Ella was publishing throughout the book and more connection with her cousin and friend into the women’s’ rights topics. At times there was too much telling and not enough showing and the ending was a bit too rushed after the big buildup.
I received a free copy of this book via The Niche Reader.
The Burning of Washington is the featured historical event and it was fascinating to learn about this surprise attack. This event changed the course of the family’s life as they move into survival mode.
The story highlights the very limited options women had. I was particularly struck by how an inquiry into finances made by a woman would be ignored. Also, a harmless flirtation could ruin a woman but cause no harm to a man.
I’m not a big fan of romance but this was done very well. The development was very natural and I rooted for the characters to get together.
I wanted more of a view into the articles Ella was publishing throughout the book and more connection with her cousin and friend into the women’s’ rights topics. At times there was too much telling and not enough showing and the ending was a bit too rushed after the big buildup.
I received a free copy of this book via The Niche Reader.
June 3, 2026
"The Editor's Daughter" is both historical fiction and a
romance. Washington, D. C., before, during, and after its
destruction by the British in 1814, is described with
historical accuracy. The story is especially rich in
scene descriptions. I felt like a participant, silent
but a keen observer, of every event in the story.
The story begins in Washington, D. C., in the year 1814.
Napoleon has been exiled, and Lord Wellington's invasion
is imminent. Ella Rutherford is the lead female character.
She is brilliant, beautiful, interested and competent in
writing, mathematics, other subjects that were reserved in
her culture for men only, and keenly aware of the danger
facing her country. Her father, William Rutherford, is
editor of The Washington Gazette. Ella is already engaged
in the subterfuge of writing unsigned editorials. She is
also in her fourth season in the marriage market and
continues to disappoint her mother by not accepting a
suitor.
Grant Dashwood is also a news writer and analyst, a friend
of Mr. Rutherford, and not much older than Ella. Though
their intellectual skills and their dread about the coming
invasion are shared, Grant and Ella first approach each
other with disinterest. Furthermore, Grant is already
engaged to Miss Clara Whitmore in Philadelphia.
Mr. Slater soon disturbs Ella with unwanted and aggressive
advances. Ella manages to evade Slater by promising to
dance with Grant at a White House ball. Both Grant and
Ella deny their incipient feelings...
Slater returns. A deal is worked out that Slater will
be dismissed but Ella will be placed under de facto
house arrest, denied all the intellectual stimulation
she craves. I was deeply depressed by the descriptions
in this part of the story of the powerlessness of women
in the early nineteenth century.
Starting with chapter 10, the story grows grim. Ella's
father, the usually perceptive newspaper editor, and
highly placed government officials, all dismiss the
coming British invasion. Grant Dashwood himself observes
the British troops crush a hastily prepared American
militia almost as if it were not there. He rides with
great fervor to warn the citizens of Washington. Too
many of them, including Editor Rutherford, dismiss his
warnings until it is too late. The suspense level is
already high, and it climbs higher as the British enter
and sack the unprepared city. I consulted the Wikipedia
account of the burning of Washington. The activities of
the fictional characters are of course fictional. But
author K. A. Felstad's background description of the
burning of Washington and subsequent events is close to
the actual historical account.
The harrowing circumstances under which Grant assists
Ella escape from the burning city are described in
gruesome detail. Ella probably would have died without
Grant's help. Ella afterwards lives with her cousins, the
Montgomery's, with whom her mother and 8-year-old sister
Betty have also found refuge. Grant returns to the battle
field as a correspondent. Except for the hospitality of
her cousins, Ella is destitute. At the same time, Grant
writes letters from the battle front. Ella and Grant both
try to dismiss their feelings for each other.
The first fifteen chapters showed how much drama and
suspense author K. A. Felstad can write into a story.
He wrote as much drama into the latter part of the story,
personal and emotional conflicts among the characters.
Summer progresses into the snows of winter. The time of
mourning for Mrs. Rutherford and her daughters ends, and
a new courting season begins for the prosperous residents
of northern Virginia. Mrs. Rutherford finds a new suitor
for Ella, Mr. Thomas Gray, and makes the introductions at
the first ball of winter. Mr. Gray, a New York resident,
is both wealthy and courteous. Ella is pressed very hard
by her own family to marry Mr. Gray. Ella would live
extravagantly if she married Mr. Gray. But he would stifle
her immense intellectual curiosity and talent, and demand
the usual obedience expected of high class women in his
time. I quote directly a statement by Mr. Gray's mother:
"Silence in company is a virtue, and obedience in marriage
is another." Ella and Dashwood are no longer communicating.
Ella herself perceives no escape from a miserable marriage.
Her heart turns toward Grant and regrets that she has
lost him. Then a letter addressed to Ella arrives....
Slater also reappears as the villain with no redeeming
virtues.
I am a man who believes that women should have rights
equal to those of men. Particularly in the later parts of
the story, I felt saddened, no, offended by how completely
the rights of several female supporting characters besides
Ella were suppressed in circumstances in which men could
do whatever they wished.
I highly recommend "The Editor's Daughter" to all people
who admire strong and intelligent women.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am
leaving this review voluntarily.
romance. Washington, D. C., before, during, and after its
destruction by the British in 1814, is described with
historical accuracy. The story is especially rich in
scene descriptions. I felt like a participant, silent
but a keen observer, of every event in the story.
The story begins in Washington, D. C., in the year 1814.
Napoleon has been exiled, and Lord Wellington's invasion
is imminent. Ella Rutherford is the lead female character.
She is brilliant, beautiful, interested and competent in
writing, mathematics, other subjects that were reserved in
her culture for men only, and keenly aware of the danger
facing her country. Her father, William Rutherford, is
editor of The Washington Gazette. Ella is already engaged
in the subterfuge of writing unsigned editorials. She is
also in her fourth season in the marriage market and
continues to disappoint her mother by not accepting a
suitor.
Grant Dashwood is also a news writer and analyst, a friend
of Mr. Rutherford, and not much older than Ella. Though
their intellectual skills and their dread about the coming
invasion are shared, Grant and Ella first approach each
other with disinterest. Furthermore, Grant is already
engaged to Miss Clara Whitmore in Philadelphia.
Mr. Slater soon disturbs Ella with unwanted and aggressive
advances. Ella manages to evade Slater by promising to
dance with Grant at a White House ball. Both Grant and
Ella deny their incipient feelings...
Slater returns. A deal is worked out that Slater will
be dismissed but Ella will be placed under de facto
house arrest, denied all the intellectual stimulation
she craves. I was deeply depressed by the descriptions
in this part of the story of the powerlessness of women
in the early nineteenth century.
Starting with chapter 10, the story grows grim. Ella's
father, the usually perceptive newspaper editor, and
highly placed government officials, all dismiss the
coming British invasion. Grant Dashwood himself observes
the British troops crush a hastily prepared American
militia almost as if it were not there. He rides with
great fervor to warn the citizens of Washington. Too
many of them, including Editor Rutherford, dismiss his
warnings until it is too late. The suspense level is
already high, and it climbs higher as the British enter
and sack the unprepared city. I consulted the Wikipedia
account of the burning of Washington. The activities of
the fictional characters are of course fictional. But
author K. A. Felstad's background description of the
burning of Washington and subsequent events is close to
the actual historical account.
The harrowing circumstances under which Grant assists
Ella escape from the burning city are described in
gruesome detail. Ella probably would have died without
Grant's help. Ella afterwards lives with her cousins, the
Montgomery's, with whom her mother and 8-year-old sister
Betty have also found refuge. Grant returns to the battle
field as a correspondent. Except for the hospitality of
her cousins, Ella is destitute. At the same time, Grant
writes letters from the battle front. Ella and Grant both
try to dismiss their feelings for each other.
The first fifteen chapters showed how much drama and
suspense author K. A. Felstad can write into a story.
He wrote as much drama into the latter part of the story,
personal and emotional conflicts among the characters.
Summer progresses into the snows of winter. The time of
mourning for Mrs. Rutherford and her daughters ends, and
a new courting season begins for the prosperous residents
of northern Virginia. Mrs. Rutherford finds a new suitor
for Ella, Mr. Thomas Gray, and makes the introductions at
the first ball of winter. Mr. Gray, a New York resident,
is both wealthy and courteous. Ella is pressed very hard
by her own family to marry Mr. Gray. Ella would live
extravagantly if she married Mr. Gray. But he would stifle
her immense intellectual curiosity and talent, and demand
the usual obedience expected of high class women in his
time. I quote directly a statement by Mr. Gray's mother:
"Silence in company is a virtue, and obedience in marriage
is another." Ella and Dashwood are no longer communicating.
Ella herself perceives no escape from a miserable marriage.
Her heart turns toward Grant and regrets that she has
lost him. Then a letter addressed to Ella arrives....
Slater also reappears as the villain with no redeeming
virtues.
I am a man who believes that women should have rights
equal to those of men. Particularly in the later parts of
the story, I felt saddened, no, offended by how completely
the rights of several female supporting characters besides
Ella were suppressed in circumstances in which men could
do whatever they wished.
I highly recommend "The Editor's Daughter" to all people
who admire strong and intelligent women.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am
leaving this review voluntarily.
June 16, 2026
Jane Austen meets Francis Scott Key in this part history, part romance novel set in the Star-Spangled Banner times of Washington, D.C., Alexandria, Virginia, and Philadelphia. The War of 1812 is ongoing, and the hero and heroine are thrown together by the ravages of the British Army invading Washington, which changes the city and their lives forever. Fans of Austen and historical fiction will thoroughly enjoy this book.
An underlying premise of The Editor's Daughter is whether to marry for love or for convenience, and many forces are conspiring throughout the community to pursue the economic matchmaking of the times. The world of the main characters, Ella and Grant, is destroyed by British troops burning both official Washington and Ella's home and Grant's workplace. Ella loses the life she once had. An adoring father, editor of the Gazette newspaper, is gone. Also gone is her carefree lifestyle of avoiding society's demands of marriage by pursuing her first love of writing and debating politics, inspired by her father, who calls her his "fierce child."
Now Ella must face poverty, caring for her mother and her beloved sister Betty. She faces dim prospects for marriage as there is no dowry to tempt suitors. Ella fears she must marry Thomas Gray, who is a true literary villain and who treats her like a wild horse he must break, instead of a gifted and educated future wife. Will she get to marry for love to a man who values her? Will her family survive? How will they endure being kept as wards of her uncle?
The Editor's Daughter could be called twisted Austen, because it contains many of the elements of both Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice, wrapped together and moved to 1800s burgeoning America. There are similar friendships, balls, scandals, creepy suitors, tragedies, villains, and the deeper meaning of women trying to fight to express their voices and live independent lives. Like Sense and Sensibility, the eldest daughter and her female household face poverty following tragedy. And Ella, like her literary Austen predecessors, fights not to compromise who she is, just to obtain a comfortable home. The reckless younger sister - more like Lydia Bennet from Pride and Prejudice - is portrayed by Anastasia, Ella's cousin, who dares to flirt and embrace the wrong young man. George Sinclair, a milder rogue than Mr. Wickham or Willoughby, forgets he is already engaged when Anastasia is around. Yet, Anastasia, like her Austen counterparts, loses her good reputation by spending time with George.
Grant, coincidentally with the last name "Dashwood," is very reminiscent of Colonel Brandon and Edward Ferrars. Both Brandon and Grant Dashwood put their love into action, going out of their way to right tragic wrongs that the families in their stories encounter. Grant Dashwood is a true literary hero who just can't get Ella out of his mind but still seeks to honor his engagement to the wrong woman, like Edward does.
Presented too in the twisted plot is how much the Star Spangled Banner was an inspiration to survivors of the War of 1812, the devastation of the attacks on the young country, and other historical events of the time. With Ms. Felstad's excellent writing, I was immersed into what it was like to live in that time period. The history was not only the famous history, but a social history, too. This book was a pleasurable Jane Austen fusion with an American twist. Thanks to Victory Editing and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this wonderful book.
An underlying premise of The Editor's Daughter is whether to marry for love or for convenience, and many forces are conspiring throughout the community to pursue the economic matchmaking of the times. The world of the main characters, Ella and Grant, is destroyed by British troops burning both official Washington and Ella's home and Grant's workplace. Ella loses the life she once had. An adoring father, editor of the Gazette newspaper, is gone. Also gone is her carefree lifestyle of avoiding society's demands of marriage by pursuing her first love of writing and debating politics, inspired by her father, who calls her his "fierce child."
Now Ella must face poverty, caring for her mother and her beloved sister Betty. She faces dim prospects for marriage as there is no dowry to tempt suitors. Ella fears she must marry Thomas Gray, who is a true literary villain and who treats her like a wild horse he must break, instead of a gifted and educated future wife. Will she get to marry for love to a man who values her? Will her family survive? How will they endure being kept as wards of her uncle?
The Editor's Daughter could be called twisted Austen, because it contains many of the elements of both Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice, wrapped together and moved to 1800s burgeoning America. There are similar friendships, balls, scandals, creepy suitors, tragedies, villains, and the deeper meaning of women trying to fight to express their voices and live independent lives. Like Sense and Sensibility, the eldest daughter and her female household face poverty following tragedy. And Ella, like her literary Austen predecessors, fights not to compromise who she is, just to obtain a comfortable home. The reckless younger sister - more like Lydia Bennet from Pride and Prejudice - is portrayed by Anastasia, Ella's cousin, who dares to flirt and embrace the wrong young man. George Sinclair, a milder rogue than Mr. Wickham or Willoughby, forgets he is already engaged when Anastasia is around. Yet, Anastasia, like her Austen counterparts, loses her good reputation by spending time with George.
Grant, coincidentally with the last name "Dashwood," is very reminiscent of Colonel Brandon and Edward Ferrars. Both Brandon and Grant Dashwood put their love into action, going out of their way to right tragic wrongs that the families in their stories encounter. Grant Dashwood is a true literary hero who just can't get Ella out of his mind but still seeks to honor his engagement to the wrong woman, like Edward does.
Presented too in the twisted plot is how much the Star Spangled Banner was an inspiration to survivors of the War of 1812, the devastation of the attacks on the young country, and other historical events of the time. With Ms. Felstad's excellent writing, I was immersed into what it was like to live in that time period. The history was not only the famous history, but a social history, too. This book was a pleasurable Jane Austen fusion with an American twist. Thanks to Victory Editing and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this wonderful book.
June 6, 2026
“The Editor’s Daughter” is a vividly crafted historical novel that intertwines romance, politics, and social commentary during the War of 1812. The narrative draws readers into early Washington City through Ella Rutherford, a spirited young woman whose ambitions clash with societal expectations, resulting in a story that feels both historically authentic and emotionally resonant.
Ella is a standout character—independent, inquisitive, and outspoken in a society that expects silence from women. Her passion for politics and journalism adds depth to the narrative, and the tension between her aspirations and societal constraints keeps readers engaged.
The historical setting is another strength, with Felstad vividly depicting Washington City through congressional debates and social events. The political atmosphere of Napoleon’s exile and the ongoing war adds urgency and realism, enriching the story without overwhelming it.
The relationship between Ella and Grant Dashwood is particularly enjoyable, marked by intelligent banter and genuine chemistry. Their connection is built on spirited debates and mutual respect rather than just romance, resulting in memorable moments and emotional growth.
The polished writing style captures the early nineteenth century's tone while remaining accessible, allowing readers to invest fully in the characters and their world. The balance of political intrigue, family dynamics, and personal ambition broadens the novel’s appeal for fans of historical fiction.
Overall, “The Editor’s Daughter” is an absorbing historical romance that successfully combines wit, ambition, and historical intrigue. Readers who enjoy intelligent heroines, slow-building romantic tension, and richly detailed historical settings will find much to admire in this novel.
Try it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Ella is a standout character—independent, inquisitive, and outspoken in a society that expects silence from women. Her passion for politics and journalism adds depth to the narrative, and the tension between her aspirations and societal constraints keeps readers engaged.
The historical setting is another strength, with Felstad vividly depicting Washington City through congressional debates and social events. The political atmosphere of Napoleon’s exile and the ongoing war adds urgency and realism, enriching the story without overwhelming it.
The relationship between Ella and Grant Dashwood is particularly enjoyable, marked by intelligent banter and genuine chemistry. Their connection is built on spirited debates and mutual respect rather than just romance, resulting in memorable moments and emotional growth.
The polished writing style captures the early nineteenth century's tone while remaining accessible, allowing readers to invest fully in the characters and their world. The balance of political intrigue, family dynamics, and personal ambition broadens the novel’s appeal for fans of historical fiction.
Overall, “The Editor’s Daughter” is an absorbing historical romance that successfully combines wit, ambition, and historical intrigue. Readers who enjoy intelligent heroines, slow-building romantic tension, and richly detailed historical settings will find much to admire in this novel.
Try it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 16, 2026
The Editor's Daughter
by K. A. Felstad
I think I am in a reading slump at the moment, which definitely impacted my ability to fully engage with this story. As I am not an American, I was also largely unaware of the history of this specific time period. The combination of these two factors meant the book suffered from a slow start for me, and I initially found it challenging to connect with the characters or fully appreciate the context.
However, despite the timing not being quite right for me, there is still a lot to like here. Ella Rutherford is a breath of fresh air for her era. As the daughter of the Washington Gazette editor, her life faces upheaval during the historic events of 1814 Washington, D.C. Rather than conforming to her mother's societal expectations of balls and suitors, Ella is fiercely independent and deeply interested in politics, war, Latin, and mathematics. Her witty banter and undeniable chemistry with Grant Dashwood are the absolute highlights of the book.
Overall, it is an intriguing premise with strong main characters, even if the history and the pacing didn't quite click for me right now.
by K. A. Felstad
I think I am in a reading slump at the moment, which definitely impacted my ability to fully engage with this story. As I am not an American, I was also largely unaware of the history of this specific time period. The combination of these two factors meant the book suffered from a slow start for me, and I initially found it challenging to connect with the characters or fully appreciate the context.
However, despite the timing not being quite right for me, there is still a lot to like here. Ella Rutherford is a breath of fresh air for her era. As the daughter of the Washington Gazette editor, her life faces upheaval during the historic events of 1814 Washington, D.C. Rather than conforming to her mother's societal expectations of balls and suitors, Ella is fiercely independent and deeply interested in politics, war, Latin, and mathematics. Her witty banter and undeniable chemistry with Grant Dashwood are the absolute highlights of the book.
Overall, it is an intriguing premise with strong main characters, even if the history and the pacing didn't quite click for me right now.
July 10, 2026
This is a historical romance set in the nineteenth century, in and around Washington D.C. The burning of the capital city is not something I’ve read too much about in historical fiction. The main characters were well fleshed out and likeable. One of my favorite storylines is the budding friendship between the main character and her old childhood pal.
The middle of the book is a wearying world of young women sitting at home waiting for men to choose them, and socializing at balls. The lack of action conveys a sense of the glum, aimless lives these upper class women led. Their lives were comparatively easy to most others, but they were still hemmed in by rigid social rules.
I enjoyed this author’s writing style; her descriptions were engaging, and her elegant sentences and rich use of words were perfect for this particular story. I recommend this book to anyone interested in nineteenth century gender roles, or anyone who just wants to read a high society romance of the time period. I received a free advance copy of this book via The Niche Reader.
The middle of the book is a wearying world of young women sitting at home waiting for men to choose them, and socializing at balls. The lack of action conveys a sense of the glum, aimless lives these upper class women led. Their lives were comparatively easy to most others, but they were still hemmed in by rigid social rules.
I enjoyed this author’s writing style; her descriptions were engaging, and her elegant sentences and rich use of words were perfect for this particular story. I recommend this book to anyone interested in nineteenth century gender roles, or anyone who just wants to read a high society romance of the time period. I received a free advance copy of this book via The Niche Reader.
July 12, 2026
4,5/5
A wonderful blend of romance and adventure, this book follows a strong, young woman who craves a career as a journalist. Writing under a false name, she somewhat has the career she craves. This book takes place around the time of the War of 1812 in Washington, DC. I haven't read much historical fiction about this time period so this was a welcome change to books about other wars. Very highly recommended.
Thank you to The Niche Reader for an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions in this review are entirely my own.
A wonderful blend of romance and adventure, this book follows a strong, young woman who craves a career as a journalist. Writing under a false name, she somewhat has the career she craves. This book takes place around the time of the War of 1812 in Washington, DC. I haven't read much historical fiction about this time period so this was a welcome change to books about other wars. Very highly recommended.
Thank you to The Niche Reader for an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions in this review are entirely my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Highly recommend this captivating historical fiction! This book is rich in history and emotional journeys. Beautifully written!! Kudos to K. A. Felstad for sharing this clean regency romance with us fans.
Thanks to NetGalley for the arc read! My opinions are my own.
Thanks to NetGalley for the arc read! My opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews