Fantastic historical romance!!
Emma Reid’s Mistress of Rye is a wonderful 19th century historical fiction detailing war, class status, and murder. It showcases two people— a strong, noble, and all-together well-written female protagonist and a charming war hero—getting to know each other without the distraction of social niceties or station. In written fiction, this is a good route to finding a truer relationship, and writing a good romance. Mistress of Rye plays with the ‘constantly searching for someone right beneath your eye’ trope, but the story, dialogue, and research put into this book make it beautiful. Especially the strength and intelligence found in the main character and the likable pairing with the Duke, contrasting with the period realistic struggle she faces after being attacked and he faces after being traumatized by war. Altogether, if you like historical fiction or romances, I highly recommend this one.