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All Manner of Hats
Milliner Valentina Briggston is on a mission of marriage.
She has selected her quarry, a rich widower who won’t interfere with her independence, with the same care that she has built her successful business of (slightly magical) women’s hats. Unfortunately, she finds herself with a rival, the fiery and fashion-defying Charlotte Jones, who is disturbingly beautiful, unexpectedly clever, and, if Valentina is being honest with herself, much more interesting than the man in their sights.
When their intended husband-of-convenience becomes the target of supernatural mischief, the two rivals reluctantly have to collaborate to figure out who—or what—is trying to terrify him...and why. What starts as a truce to protect their interests ends up as an opportunity for happiness that neither of them saw coming.
All Manner of Hats is a short, sweet lesbian romp of manners with magic, ghost horses, and cunning hats, in a steampunk-flavored world of dirigibles, duels, and cityships.
She has selected her quarry, a rich widower who won’t interfere with her independence, with the same care that she has built her successful business of (slightly magical) women’s hats. Unfortunately, she finds herself with a rival, the fiery and fashion-defying Charlotte Jones, who is disturbingly beautiful, unexpectedly clever, and, if Valentina is being honest with herself, much more interesting than the man in their sights.
When their intended husband-of-convenience becomes the target of supernatural mischief, the two rivals reluctantly have to collaborate to figure out who—or what—is trying to terrify him...and why. What starts as a truce to protect their interests ends up as an opportunity for happiness that neither of them saw coming.
All Manner of Hats is a short, sweet lesbian romp of manners with magic, ghost horses, and cunning hats, in a steampunk-flavored world of dirigibles, duels, and cityships.
60 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 19, 2021
8 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
Elva Birch
115 books273 followersElva Birch is an author of the impossible and irresistible. She is a fire dragon Gemini living in Alaska who belly dances outside at twenty below in the winter and loves to find tiny fairy moss worlds in the summer with her camera.
Elva also writes SHIFTING SANDS RESORT, GREEN VALLEY SHIFTERS, and FAE SHIFTER KNIGHTS as Zoe Chant.
Join her Reader's Retreat on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/elvab... for sneak previews or join her mailing list and get a free novella at: http://www.elvabirch.com/join-the-mai...
Not sure where to start? Take the quiz at her site to find your perfect book! https://www.elvabirch.com/find-a-book/
Elva also writes SHIFTING SANDS RESORT, GREEN VALLEY SHIFTERS, and FAE SHIFTER KNIGHTS as Zoe Chant.
Join her Reader's Retreat on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/elvab... for sneak previews or join her mailing list and get a free novella at: http://www.elvabirch.com/join-the-mai...
Not sure where to start? Take the quiz at her site to find your perfect book! https://www.elvabirch.com/find-a-book/
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 11, 2021
This fun steampunk F/F novella was recommended to me by an SFF reader, but I think romance readers will appreciate this one too, and it seems to have gone under a lot of people's radar! Valentina is an *extremely* put together & proper milliner and widow. Charlotte is her brash & fiery rival for the hand of a well-to-do gentleman... whom both gals have set their sights on for reasons very much other than love. That rivalry + an inconvenient attraction between them + a supernatural mystery to solve might sound like a lot for one novella, but Birch pulls it off gloriously by keeping a tight focus and a fast pace. Loved the story, loved the ending, and I hope the author wasn't teasing when she said in the end note that we might see Valentina and Charlotte again.
August 16, 2021
A fun short story set in a Victorian era, but with steampunk and magic vibes. Only about an hour long.
The two women from two different backgrounds are both vying for the attentions of a rich Lord, in the hopes to make him their husband for various practical reasons. One MC is a respectable Millner, whom actually enchants her hats with magic, and the other a bit of a rogue, sword wearing 'lady' of bluster. But both are drawn to each other, despite them both having the same mark. But when paranormal occurrences appear to be targeting their 'Lord', both try to get to the bottom of it.
I enjoyed the environment and investigation and the banter of the two women, and their differences. My only complaint is because of the nature of such a short story, the romance comes a bit too late to feel satisfying, and isn't as fleshed out as it could have been, and I really do wish we could have spent much more time with the ladies, and see how they handled business together. But a fun read!
The two women from two different backgrounds are both vying for the attentions of a rich Lord, in the hopes to make him their husband for various practical reasons. One MC is a respectable Millner, whom actually enchants her hats with magic, and the other a bit of a rogue, sword wearing 'lady' of bluster. But both are drawn to each other, despite them both having the same mark. But when paranormal occurrences appear to be targeting their 'Lord', both try to get to the bottom of it.
I enjoyed the environment and investigation and the banter of the two women, and their differences. My only complaint is because of the nature of such a short story, the romance comes a bit too late to feel satisfying, and isn't as fleshed out as it could have been, and I really do wish we could have spent much more time with the ladies, and see how they handled business together. But a fun read!
July 23, 2021
A sweet read
An entertaining lesbian steampunk romance. A Short, sweet, confection, non-explicit but romantic. When you want something that will give you a little bubble of happiness.
An entertaining lesbian steampunk romance. A Short, sweet, confection, non-explicit but romantic. When you want something that will give you a little bubble of happiness.
July 20, 2021
Fashionable milliner Valentina and rakishly bold Charlotte are rivals in their quest to become the second Lady Jamison. But when Lord Jamison comes under supernatural attack, they must team up to defend their matrimonial prize - while, please do not be shocked, falling in love with each other!
This is a brief but charming novella. I enjoyed the two main characters and their interactions, and I really liked the glimpses of the world and the touches of magic - especially Valentina's magical hats, with little charms secretly sewn into them, which reminded me a bit of Sophie's hats in Howl's Moving Castle. The romance is G-rated and sweet.
It's novella-length and I think that shows in the worldbuilding, which is nominally steampunk but doesn't really get to show that much outside the odd dirigible. It's a light fantasy with some adornments, really. Would have loved to see more of this world and have it more fully developed.
Overall it's a quick, enjoyable read.
Full disclosure: I received an ARC of the book for free, with no obligation to review.
This is a brief but charming novella. I enjoyed the two main characters and their interactions, and I really liked the glimpses of the world and the touches of magic - especially Valentina's magical hats, with little charms secretly sewn into them, which reminded me a bit of Sophie's hats in Howl's Moving Castle. The romance is G-rated and sweet.
It's novella-length and I think that shows in the worldbuilding, which is nominally steampunk but doesn't really get to show that much outside the odd dirigible. It's a light fantasy with some adornments, really. Would have loved to see more of this world and have it more fully developed.
Overall it's a quick, enjoyable read.
Full disclosure: I received an ARC of the book for free, with no obligation to review.
November 3, 2022
This was pretty entertaining for such a short read. It was well-written and the world-building was unique and intriguing - I would certainly have enjoyed learning more about this steampunkesque magical world. I was also impressed with the level of character development (again, for such a short read).
A quick, sweet (no steamy bits), and fun fantasy read that I'd definitely recommend.
A quick, sweet (no steamy bits), and fun fantasy read that I'd definitely recommend.
January 15, 2023
A good read. I like the steampunk in it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2021
Adorable story in a unique setting
I was intrigued by the description thinking that there was no way a short story could live up to all that was promised! I was wrong, 1000% wrong! A curious world where magic and manners coexist but definitely not without some drama. Characters are well-written and I would love to see their story continue. Well done! Well done.
I was intrigued by the description thinking that there was no way a short story could live up to all that was promised! I was wrong, 1000% wrong! A curious world where magic and manners coexist but definitely not without some drama. Characters are well-written and I would love to see their story continue. Well done! Well done.
August 30, 2021
“All Manner of Hats” is a short, fun steampunk-magic mash-up that has an element of lesbian romance. It is about 2 women with their eye on the same potential husband, each with reasons for needing to marry though love is not why they are chasing him. They have their own secrets to hide that drive their pursuit of him as a potential marriage partner. Magic is woven through the plot as is the rivalry and eventual subtle attraction between the two main protagonists.
I started this while parked in a car-queue waiting to take a Covid test. It kept my mind engaged and off my worries about the test.
You would be doing the story a disservice by saying it is ‘only’ a romance novella. This is a ‘clean romance’ – no sex involved. The romance is a secondary part of the story, not the main focus. It is an absorbing and enjoyable piece of writing. Elva’s book has good depth and development of characters and a strong plot, surprisingly so for a short piece (it spanned 99 pages on my “middle age reading font size” Kobo). I do hope to see more of Charlote and Valentina in future books, perhaps battling political corruption or taking on a murderer.
I have to admit that a story-with-romance genre is my occasional secret pleasure read. Elva Birch fills that niche for me. Her stories feature character diversity and are well-written. I would recommend “All Manner of Hats” and any of her other books to anyone who enjoys diversity, thoughtful world-building and who don’t mind a bit of romance featuring LGBTIQAP+ characters.
I started this while parked in a car-queue waiting to take a Covid test. It kept my mind engaged and off my worries about the test.
You would be doing the story a disservice by saying it is ‘only’ a romance novella. This is a ‘clean romance’ – no sex involved. The romance is a secondary part of the story, not the main focus. It is an absorbing and enjoyable piece of writing. Elva’s book has good depth and development of characters and a strong plot, surprisingly so for a short piece (it spanned 99 pages on my “middle age reading font size” Kobo). I do hope to see more of Charlote and Valentina in future books, perhaps battling political corruption or taking on a murderer.
I have to admit that a story-with-romance genre is my occasional secret pleasure read. Elva Birch fills that niche for me. Her stories feature character diversity and are well-written. I would recommend “All Manner of Hats” and any of her other books to anyone who enjoys diversity, thoughtful world-building and who don’t mind a bit of romance featuring LGBTIQAP+ characters.
January 9, 2022
This was a cute comedy-of-manners style story. It's light and quirky, and I liked both of the main characters. If you want a WLW story that's a little bit reminiscent of Gail Carriger or India Holton, you'd probably like this.
January 13, 2022
Sweet and interesting
I really liked this story. The writing and the characters are good. The plot is short but fun. Great read.
I really liked this story. The writing and the characters are good. The plot is short but fun. Great read.
Read
February 23, 2022A short, sweet, steampunk-set read about two women who are rivals vying for the same man in marriage—until they solve a murder together and realize they’d rather have each other. One of them makes magic hats!
July 11, 2025
short and sweet, pacing for the main couple’s romance was a bit off especially towards the end (when they get together) but was a fun and easy read.
thought it was funny that gay marriage was legal but a woman owning a business wasn’t
thought it was funny that gay marriage was legal but a woman owning a business wasn’t
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2021
In this story we meet Charlotte and Valentina.
They both need to marry because Charlotte needs money to pay off her gambling debt and Valentina because no unwed woman is allowed to have a business.
They both have their eyes set on Lord Jamison.
It's a mysterious, magical, sleuthing story to reveal their most wanted wishes.
I hope we'll read more about Charlotte and Valentina in the future
Thank you Kalikoi and Elva Birch for this ARC.
They both need to marry because Charlotte needs money to pay off her gambling debt and Valentina because no unwed woman is allowed to have a business.
They both have their eyes set on Lord Jamison.
It's a mysterious, magical, sleuthing story to reveal their most wanted wishes.
I hope we'll read more about Charlotte and Valentina in the future
Thank you Kalikoi and Elva Birch for this ARC.
August 5, 2021
I am absolutely desperate for more of this pair and this world! Absolutely perfect in every way.
August 25, 2021
Short
I guess you could call this a lesbian romance. The characters kiss at the end, but there is no sex, and little mutual pursuit. The "adventure" involves a ghost horse, and is a little creepy, but the questing is mostly done via research.
The setting bugged me. The only "steam punk" thing about it was being on an airship. It didn't feel very Victorian. One of the characters calls herself "Ms", which wasn't a thing until the 20th century. It seemed weird that a milliner was invited to a party with a moneyed lord and expected to catch his interest, but not as weird as a law that unmarried women weren't allowed to have their own business. Also that a widow would be considered " unmarried". Especially in a world where a woman can be a member of Parliament.
Despite the distracting setting, I enjoyed the story.
I guess you could call this a lesbian romance. The characters kiss at the end, but there is no sex, and little mutual pursuit. The "adventure" involves a ghost horse, and is a little creepy, but the questing is mostly done via research.
The setting bugged me. The only "steam punk" thing about it was being on an airship. It didn't feel very Victorian. One of the characters calls herself "Ms", which wasn't a thing until the 20th century. It seemed weird that a milliner was invited to a party with a moneyed lord and expected to catch his interest, but not as weird as a law that unmarried women weren't allowed to have their own business. Also that a widow would be considered " unmarried". Especially in a world where a woman can be a member of Parliament.
Despite the distracting setting, I enjoyed the story.
August 16, 2022
Valentina, milliner and all things the people of the cityships picture when they hear the words 'proper lady', has found herself in a rivalry. She didn't intend to find a nemesis, but she is in need of a new husband and this Charlotte, with her sword belt and scandalous hat, has set her sights on the man Valentina intends to marry. Now, Valentina isn't in love with said man. But neither is Charlotte! However will they settle this?
Loved everything about this! The main couple starting out as rivals for a man they both only have practical interests in was a lot of fun, in a speed-run enemies-to-lovers way. The addition of magic and a touch of a mystery plot underlined the fun dynamic between our main couple. Definitely both a setting and characters I'd love to see more of, but the story definitely stands on its own too!
Loved everything about this! The main couple starting out as rivals for a man they both only have practical interests in was a lot of fun, in a speed-run enemies-to-lovers way. The addition of magic and a touch of a mystery plot underlined the fun dynamic between our main couple. Definitely both a setting and characters I'd love to see more of, but the story definitely stands on its own too!
December 29, 2022
Steampunk meets Victorian age meets magic, ghosts and mayhem
In a world where women have two choices: get married to a man or go under, two independent, free-thinking and feisty women choose option three. In a few words, Elva Birch has created a unique world evocative of times gone by and a fantasy world where magic and steampunk meets. Her characters are well drawn and their motivation is clear so that the ending and their growth as characters do not come as a surprise even though the ending is a surprise. This is a delightful story and the author has promised a follow-up story, which I am eager to read.
In a world where women have two choices: get married to a man or go under, two independent, free-thinking and feisty women choose option three. In a few words, Elva Birch has created a unique world evocative of times gone by and a fantasy world where magic and steampunk meets. Her characters are well drawn and their motivation is clear so that the ending and their growth as characters do not come as a surprise even though the ending is a surprise. This is a delightful story and the author has promised a follow-up story, which I am eager to read.
September 1, 2022
An amusing steampunk tale, this kept my attention, but then it was over all too soon. Valentina and Charlotte both pursue the same wealthy man because each would benefit from being married. As the story progresses, they have some doubts about the lord they’re wooing, especially as it appears he seems to be haunted by a vengeful ghost. They join forces to keep him safe so at least one gets what she wants. Then circumstances change. I’m intrigued by the world Birch created. I hope there are more stories in this universe.
September 18, 2021
A DELIGHTFUL steampunk romance. My biggest complaint is it could have been fleshed out more to learn more about this fascinating tale on a steampunk world. I wanted to know more about the city ships, the legalities that let a woman be senator but not own property, and the looked down upon status of magic in this world.
A wonderful romance between two wonderful characters who I would LOVE to read more about.
December 12, 2023
Engaging characters in a steampunk vibe world
I always expect great characters and world building—along with action, suspense, and romance—in this author’s stories, and she delivers as usual with this standalone novella. The only reason this isn’t rated more highly is I’ve just never liked steampunk, something even this author couldn’t overcome. If you do like steampunk, or haven’t tried it before, this is more than worth your time.
I always expect great characters and world building—along with action, suspense, and romance—in this author’s stories, and she delivers as usual with this standalone novella. The only reason this isn’t rated more highly is I’ve just never liked steampunk, something even this author couldn’t overcome. If you do like steampunk, or haven’t tried it before, this is more than worth your time.
March 19, 2022
I tip my hat to you
This book pulled me in right away and had me holding my breath until the end! It was so well flushed out with characters you could really feel. By the final page, I was devastated to see it ended; this book needs an encore, and maybe I don't know 5 books more.
This book pulled me in right away and had me holding my breath until the end! It was so well flushed out with characters you could really feel. By the final page, I was devastated to see it ended; this book needs an encore, and maybe I don't know 5 books more.
January 11, 2022
3.5
It was a true 4 star story until the end, which was too abrupt and pat. There also seemed to be at least one inconsistency where a character knew information about another character without it ever being discussed. But this was fun.
It was a true 4 star story until the end, which was too abrupt and pat. There also seemed to be at least one inconsistency where a character knew information about another character without it ever being discussed. But this was fun.
August 11, 2022
Cute!
This was super cute and I loved the chemistry between the two leads. I would love to see more with these characters. They would make an amazing adventuring duo!
This was super cute and I loved the chemistry between the two leads. I would love to see more with these characters. They would make an amazing adventuring duo!
October 17, 2022
Good book
This book was a little different then what I usually read but it was still good. I liked it when they exposed the lord for what he did and they ended up together.
This book was a little different then what I usually read but it was still good. I liked it when they exposed the lord for what he did and they ended up together.
July 13, 2023
A fun short story about two independent women vying for the same man when it's discovered he murdered his first wife.
January 10, 2025
A very enjoyable steampunk novella with mystery, magic, and enemies-to-lovers.
April 14, 2022
3.5 stars. If I recall correctly, I got this when it was free, which is the right price for a strong beginning. The author's note at the end says she'd love to expand this story if she gets the chance. I hope she does, because I had a lot of fun in this world with these characters and see a lot of potential in this story.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews