What do you think?
Rate this book
The Spinsters of Inverley #1
The Inconvenient Heiress
In the quiet seaside town of Inverley, nothing exciting ever happens to gently bred spinsters like Miss Arabella Seton. Content with her watercolor paintings and her cats, she is confident that no one suspects her forbidden and unrequited passion for her best friend, Caroline.
The eldest in a family of six children, Miss Caroline Reeve has the unenviable task of shepherding her siblings into adulthood with little coin and even less patience. The only benefit to being an eternal chaperone is that no one ever expects her to marry.
When the Reeve family inherits an unexpected fortune, Caroline must take her rightful place in high society. Fortune hunters abound, and it is up to Arabella to save her from their snares and convince her that love has been in front of her all along.
Can the heiress and the spinster discover an unconventional love outside of the Marriage Mart?
The eldest in a family of six children, Miss Caroline Reeve has the unenviable task of shepherding her siblings into adulthood with little coin and even less patience. The only benefit to being an eternal chaperone is that no one ever expects her to marry.
When the Reeve family inherits an unexpected fortune, Caroline must take her rightful place in high society. Fortune hunters abound, and it is up to Arabella to save her from their snares and convince her that love has been in front of her all along.
Can the heiress and the spinster discover an unconventional love outside of the Marriage Mart?
253 pages, Paperback
First published August 16, 2022
8 people are currently reading
532 people want to read
About the author
Jane Walsh
8 books62 followersJane Walsh is a queer historical romance novelist published by Bold Strokes Books who loves everything Regency. She is delighted to have the opportunity to put her studies in history and costume design to good use by writing love stories. Jane’s happily ever after is centered on her wife and their cat and their cozy home together in Canada. You can find her at www.janewalshwrites.com and discover all her latest releases at www.boldstrokesbooks.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
August 14, 2024
**'Always try to show a multitude of variations when you're writing a series. Even try to omit being redundant with your phrases and adverbs. Then make sure you're satisfied and also your readers are both satisfied & enjoying whatever series that you've written..'
2.5 stars!
An okay book #1 --- just was discombobulated way too many times plus i skipped a whole slew of pages.
2.5 stars!
An okay book #1 --- just was discombobulated way too many times plus i skipped a whole slew of pages.
July 13, 2022
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Arabella is artist who longs to be independence and to be with her best friend Caroline who is task to watch out for her siblings. Caroline is shock when she learns of inheritance that belong to her father now she thrust into the world society. Arabella is there for Caroline to help make sure she won’t be taking advantage of all the while tries to get Caroline to see they are made for each other.
I enjoy this read and how author describe the gorgeous seaside setting of their small English town and the longing between Arabella and Caroline was well played.
Arabella is artist who longs to be independence and to be with her best friend Caroline who is task to watch out for her siblings. Caroline is shock when she learns of inheritance that belong to her father now she thrust into the world society. Arabella is there for Caroline to help make sure she won’t be taking advantage of all the while tries to get Caroline to see they are made for each other.
I enjoy this read and how author describe the gorgeous seaside setting of their small English town and the longing between Arabella and Caroline was well played.
October 29, 2022
Famine to feast. Friends to lovers. What more could one ask?
A tad more chemistry, perhaps, but it isn't difficult to believe that two women, lifelong friends - one a painter, one unexpectedly in charge of all her siblings after their parents died - who have always been close would be able to inch that "close" gap to nothing.
Arabella is the artist, living with er brother and his very pregnant wife, painting and selling a bit here and there, and generally fine with life,if starting to chafe a bit at what else may be out there in the world for her. Caroline, riding herd on her siblings, can only imagine what her life could be once all the kids are grown and gone on to their own lives.
Enter a courier, with good news: the Reeves have inherited not a vast fortune, but certainly more than they've ever sen in their lives. Caroline, ever the worrier, frets that someone will turn up, laying a greater claim to the monies than her little clan has. This turns out to be unfounded, although she now finds herself the unwelcome spot of attention in a pool of fortune hunters. She's more concerned about getting her sisters properly married - without allowing them to tarnish their reputations in the process.
It's a fun read, and if you know the typical arcs of these stories, you'll find no surprises, really. It was fun watching Caroline saving her siblings from themselves, often with help from Arabella and others. Not a bad way to spend a couple of hours.
Three and a half stars,rounded to four.
Thanks to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for the reading copy.
A tad more chemistry, perhaps, but it isn't difficult to believe that two women, lifelong friends - one a painter, one unexpectedly in charge of all her siblings after their parents died - who have always been close would be able to inch that "close" gap to nothing.
Arabella is the artist, living with er brother and his very pregnant wife, painting and selling a bit here and there, and generally fine with life,if starting to chafe a bit at what else may be out there in the world for her. Caroline, riding herd on her siblings, can only imagine what her life could be once all the kids are grown and gone on to their own lives.
Enter a courier, with good news: the Reeves have inherited not a vast fortune, but certainly more than they've ever sen in their lives. Caroline, ever the worrier, frets that someone will turn up, laying a greater claim to the monies than her little clan has. This turns out to be unfounded, although she now finds herself the unwelcome spot of attention in a pool of fortune hunters. She's more concerned about getting her sisters properly married - without allowing them to tarnish their reputations in the process.
It's a fun read, and if you know the typical arcs of these stories, you'll find no surprises, really. It was fun watching Caroline saving her siblings from themselves, often with help from Arabella and others. Not a bad way to spend a couple of hours.
Three and a half stars,rounded to four.
Thanks to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for the reading copy.
August 10, 2022
Sapphic Regency friends-to-lovers that I found a little hit-and-miss.
The actual romance itself was fun to watch unfurl and our MCs were interesting, fleshed out characters. I loved exploring Arabella's desire for independence and to expand her art business, and Caroline's deep dedication to her siblings and learning to overcome the more controlling side of her nature.
However, I did have a few niggles throughout the book. The pace was a little off, seeming to drag in places, especially at the start, and then in the 3rd act, leading to what felt like the climax of the story, only for there to be another several chapters to follow.
Caroline's siblings were also just annoying for most of the book. As an example, I was surprised to learn her two sisters were supposed to be in their early 20s, as they both gave off intense Kitty and Lydia Bennet vibes at the start of the book.
Overall though, fans of Sapphic historical romances will probably still enjoy this, especially if friends-to-lovers is your thing.
The actual romance itself was fun to watch unfurl and our MCs were interesting, fleshed out characters. I loved exploring Arabella's desire for independence and to expand her art business, and Caroline's deep dedication to her siblings and learning to overcome the more controlling side of her nature.
However, I did have a few niggles throughout the book. The pace was a little off, seeming to drag in places, especially at the start, and then in the 3rd act, leading to what felt like the climax of the story, only for there to be another several chapters to follow.
Caroline's siblings were also just annoying for most of the book. As an example, I was surprised to learn her two sisters were supposed to be in their early 20s, as they both gave off intense Kitty and Lydia Bennet vibes at the start of the book.
Overall though, fans of Sapphic historical romances will probably still enjoy this, especially if friends-to-lovers is your thing.
July 18, 2022
The Inconvenient Heiress is a sweet, sapphic friends to lovers regency with a bit of steam. Arabella and Caroline have been friends forever, but they are both in love with each other. The story had a few things going for it and a few things that didn't work as well for me. I think the overall plot was good and had a lot of potential. The support between these two friends, especially Caroline supporting Arabella's art, was just wonderful. That being said, I didn't really feel a lot of chemistry and passion between these two. There was just a playfulness or some banter missing or something. I've struggled to put my finger on what exactly was missing between them. Caroline's siblings could have come right out of Pride and Prejudice and I thought they were really annoying and unbelievable. Overall I did enjoy the story and would give this author's books another try, this one was just not my favourite.
3.5/5
3.5/5
July 25, 2022
What an entertaining and thought provoking read. I am learning to enjoy romantic historical reads from the language, the clothing, the behavioral expectations, and the seasons. This slow burn regency era romance involves Caroline, a spinster focused on taking care of her brother and sisters after their parents died and Arabella, a talented artist longing to live an independent life. Arabella and Caroline have known each other since childhood. The self-talk as to what Caroline and Arabella were thinking provided some insight into why they were acting the way they were acting. I really loved and appreciated the support and love shown by family and friends. What really made me smile was the wooing. Sweet!
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley
September 21, 2022
Sweet and just lovely
Arabella and Caroline have been friends since they were young, but now when Caroline is responsible for her siblings and no one expects her to marry, finds herself inheriting a fortune. Arabella worries when fortune hunters start coming to meet Caroline that she might marry, meaning Arabella would lose her love forever.
I enjoyed every moment of this. Those forbidden feelings and moments Arabella and Caroline shared were magical but when everything changed for Caroline and she had to contemplate marriage my heart broke for them both. I was completely invested in them being together and so being on that emotional rollercoaster with them, especially Arabella I could only hope they might get their chance.
It was terribly worrying for Caroline, to be thrown into situations she was unprepared for and not know what to do for the best meant she needed Arabella’s friendship more than ever, but the thought of everything changing for them was just awful for them both. I loved every moment they had together, from the more intimate ones, to the ones alone where realisation hit or moments of clarity provided them the answers they needed to do what was best for them.
I really enjoyed this story and hope Arabella and Caroline will be in future stories of Jane’s because she has a real talent for delivering exciting regency romances that are rich, loving, and deeply sentimental.
Arabella and Caroline have been friends since they were young, but now when Caroline is responsible for her siblings and no one expects her to marry, finds herself inheriting a fortune. Arabella worries when fortune hunters start coming to meet Caroline that she might marry, meaning Arabella would lose her love forever.
I enjoyed every moment of this. Those forbidden feelings and moments Arabella and Caroline shared were magical but when everything changed for Caroline and she had to contemplate marriage my heart broke for them both. I was completely invested in them being together and so being on that emotional rollercoaster with them, especially Arabella I could only hope they might get their chance.
It was terribly worrying for Caroline, to be thrown into situations she was unprepared for and not know what to do for the best meant she needed Arabella’s friendship more than ever, but the thought of everything changing for them was just awful for them both. I loved every moment they had together, from the more intimate ones, to the ones alone where realisation hit or moments of clarity provided them the answers they needed to do what was best for them.
I really enjoyed this story and hope Arabella and Caroline will be in future stories of Jane’s because she has a real talent for delivering exciting regency romances that are rich, loving, and deeply sentimental.
August 16, 2022
Sweet historical romance about falling in love with your best friend.
Pro:
MCs who care deeply about each other
The language is suitable for a historical romance
Talented MC working for her dream
Con:
Pacing - The pacing seems off, it's slow in the beginning and then at the tipping point of the book it's all of a sudden too fast.
A bit predictable - The plot surrounding the heritage is a bit predictable.
All in all, the romance part of this book is sweet and good, but the book has a few cons that for me reduced the rating.
This review is based on NetGalley ARC provided in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.
Pro:
MCs who care deeply about each other
The language is suitable for a historical romance
Talented MC working for her dream
Con:
Pacing - The pacing seems off, it's slow in the beginning and then at the tipping point of the book it's all of a sudden too fast.
A bit predictable - The plot surrounding the heritage is a bit predictable.
All in all, the romance part of this book is sweet and good, but the book has a few cons that for me reduced the rating.
This review is based on NetGalley ARC provided in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.
Read
January 3, 2023This book was given to me by Netgalley for an honest review.
Truthfully, it took me a bit to get into but overall, I enjoyed it. I felt that the novel depicted the main characters, Arabella and Caroline, quite well in the fact that they are both women of their time 19th century - women who are in some way the breadwinners of their family and taken for granted. Women who are expected to give and give without little ways of a chance asking for something for themselves, lest they been seen as selfish creatures. This is especially so for women who weren't of the upper class .I loved how Caroline didn't lose herself in the newfound wealth her family came into. And I loved how Arabella still tried to do her best to be there for all those she loved in her life, while keeping pieces of herself only for Caroline to know. I also found myself researching some of the activities they did during the novel, as I was doubtful they existed. To my surprise, they were commonplace back during the 19th century, like the bathing machines. The passion between the characters was there to an extent, but truth be told, I felt some scenes were a bit forced for them. I am probably one of the few people that felt they made better friends than lovers. I came in looking for a regency type novel but with lesbians and this book delivered. I think I will try some more f/f novels from this time period and see how they fare. It had some elements I felt one of my other friends who love historical f/f content would enjoy and I have recommended it to read as well. I will not forget this book anytime soon. Thank you for allowing me the chance to read and enjoy this book!
Truthfully, it took me a bit to get into but overall, I enjoyed it. I felt that the novel depicted the main characters, Arabella and Caroline, quite well in the fact that they are both women of their time 19th century - women who are in some way the breadwinners of their family and taken for granted. Women who are expected to give and give without little ways of a chance asking for something for themselves, lest they been seen as selfish creatures. This is especially so for women who weren't of the upper class .I loved how Caroline didn't lose herself in the newfound wealth her family came into. And I loved how Arabella still tried to do her best to be there for all those she loved in her life, while keeping pieces of herself only for Caroline to know. I also found myself researching some of the activities they did during the novel, as I was doubtful they existed. To my surprise, they were commonplace back during the 19th century, like the bathing machines. The passion between the characters was there to an extent, but truth be told, I felt some scenes were a bit forced for them. I am probably one of the few people that felt they made better friends than lovers. I came in looking for a regency type novel but with lesbians and this book delivered. I think I will try some more f/f novels from this time period and see how they fare. It had some elements I felt one of my other friends who love historical f/f content would enjoy and I have recommended it to read as well. I will not forget this book anytime soon. Thank you for allowing me the chance to read and enjoy this book!
July 31, 2022
Two life long friends in their late twenties are neighbors in a small coastal town. Caroline has been left raising her five siblings and it is a thankless task. Arabella is an artist who lives with her brother and his wife and sells watercolor paintings to help support them. Life changes for Caroline when her brother unexpectedly finds he is heir to a Baron and there is now dowry money for the three daughters. This was a mixed bag for me. I loved the relationship from friends to more as Bel decides to woo Caroline. It is loving and gentle. The idiocy of Caroline’s family from the heir and the rest, with their new found wealth, was not shocking nor was it fun. The ending saves the story and I was happy for one and all. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC in exchange for a review. (3.5 stars)
January 25, 2023
Walsh remains one of the only people—if not the only person—writing Regency lesbian romances. So I really appreciate her works, and her writing has improved from the sweet but somewhat awkward Her Lady to Love. She still isn't the strongest writer, but perfectly good enough to write enjoyable books. She's imitating Austen a bit in her style, and sometimes this goes slightly too far (with a phrase or comment almost straight from Pride and Prejudice), but mostly it works pretty well.
The Inconvenient Heiress was sweet and enjoyable, and I look forward to revisiting this world with later books in the Inverley series.
The Inconvenient Heiress was sweet and enjoyable, and I look forward to revisiting this world with later books in the Inverley series.
July 7, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
2.5 rounded down. While I enjoyed the romance of this book and found the plot compelling, it was not particularly well-written and there were some elements that were anachronistic. It was a sweet read.
2.5 rounded down. While I enjoyed the romance of this book and found the plot compelling, it was not particularly well-written and there were some elements that were anachronistic. It was a sweet read.
October 6, 2022
regret to inform you that i finished this book
October 11, 2022
This is a friends to lovers novel involving two best friends. Arabella wants her independence from her brother and wants to focus on her art and Caroline is too busy making sure her family is cared for without looking after herself or her happiness. There are many ups and downs in this book but their romance shines through and they get through anything together. Overall this is a good story for fans of sapphic historical fiction.
* I received a copy from netgalley and leave a review voluntarily *
* I received a copy from netgalley and leave a review voluntarily *
September 27, 2022
This is such a lovely sapphic romance!! It's lifelong friends to lovers, which I love, but I feel like it hits different with queer relationships. The PINING...also because it's historical the stakes are high, the emotions are high, each of them thinks it's unrequited but they can't bear to lose their friend...mm. And as Caroline's situation changed, it put stress on her relationship with Arabella in a really interesting way, which made for some really compelling development between the two of them.
They also each developed independently really solidly, as each of them were dealing with their own stressors in their own lives. Arabella's arc was particularly poignant, and I loved seeing her grow into herself.
The setting of a tourist destination seaside town was so picturesque, the families were very different but each felt really well developed and complex (as were the respective heroine's relationships to their families), and I enjoyed the friends, but my main criticism is how underutilized they were. They were present in the beginning, but then they largely disappeared, and when they were present they functioned as solely sources of advice for C&A. I wanted to get to know them! I enjoyed them every time they were on the page!
Overall, a charming romance with great independent development for each of the heroine's, and I'm excited to see where this series goes.
CW: Homophobia, sexual content, pregnancy
Thank you to Bold Strokes Books & NetGalley for providing me with an eARC in exchane for an honest review.
They also each developed independently really solidly, as each of them were dealing with their own stressors in their own lives. Arabella's arc was particularly poignant, and I loved seeing her grow into herself.
The setting of a tourist destination seaside town was so picturesque, the families were very different but each felt really well developed and complex (as were the respective heroine's relationships to their families), and I enjoyed the friends, but my main criticism is how underutilized they were. They were present in the beginning, but then they largely disappeared, and when they were present they functioned as solely sources of advice for C&A. I wanted to get to know them! I enjoyed them every time they were on the page!
Overall, a charming romance with great independent development for each of the heroine's, and I'm excited to see where this series goes.
CW: Homophobia, sexual content, pregnancy
Thank you to Bold Strokes Books & NetGalley for providing me with an eARC in exchane for an honest review.
September 11, 2022
The Inconvenient Heiress by Jane Walsh is a queer historical romance set in the small seaside town of Inverley.
This is a Regency romance with all of the elements you expect in such a novel, only with two gentlewomen as the protagonists. Ms. Walsh has become an expert at penning these tales and it shows in this book.
Miss Arabella Seton, an artist living with her brother and his wife in Inverley and Miss Caroline Reeve, the eldest in a family of six children have been friends since childhood. For Arabella, though, friendship doesn’t begin to touch the true feelings she has for Caroline. For Caroline, life is quite complicated since after her parents died, as the eldest child, she is charged with raising her younger siblings. This is not easy since the family is all but impoverished. Then the Reeve family suddenly and unexpectedly inherits a fortune.
I enjoy reading romantic novels from this period, and the author has the Regency style down pat. The setting, the characters, the clothing, and the language style are all authentic to the time period. Even the way the two women (spinsters as they are known) are treated in society is true to this age. I admit the way women are treated is something I sometimes have a little trouble with when I read these stories, but it is true to life. The story and romance in this book is really lovely, and I especially liked the epilogue in the tale. It is quite heartwarming.
If you are a lover of historical romance during the Regency period involving a love story between two women, then you should try this book.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
This is a Regency romance with all of the elements you expect in such a novel, only with two gentlewomen as the protagonists. Ms. Walsh has become an expert at penning these tales and it shows in this book.
Miss Arabella Seton, an artist living with her brother and his wife in Inverley and Miss Caroline Reeve, the eldest in a family of six children have been friends since childhood. For Arabella, though, friendship doesn’t begin to touch the true feelings she has for Caroline. For Caroline, life is quite complicated since after her parents died, as the eldest child, she is charged with raising her younger siblings. This is not easy since the family is all but impoverished. Then the Reeve family suddenly and unexpectedly inherits a fortune.
I enjoy reading romantic novels from this period, and the author has the Regency style down pat. The setting, the characters, the clothing, and the language style are all authentic to the time period. Even the way the two women (spinsters as they are known) are treated in society is true to this age. I admit the way women are treated is something I sometimes have a little trouble with when I read these stories, but it is true to life. The story and romance in this book is really lovely, and I especially liked the epilogue in the tale. It is quite heartwarming.
If you are a lover of historical romance during the Regency period involving a love story between two women, then you should try this book.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
October 16, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the digital galley of this book.
Nothing exciting ever happens in the small town of Inverley. Miss Arabella Seton is a spinster who lives with her brother and his wife, contributing to their household by selling her seascape and landscape paintings during tourist season and spending her free time with her best friend and neighbor, Caroline Reeve (and her family). Caroline Reeve has been raising her siblings since their parents died, and stays too busy to do much of her own wishes, but she has her best friend, Caroline. Neither dare reveal their deeper, romantic desires for the other. Until one night, doing dishes when one kiss changes everything. Something else is about to change everything. Caroline’s family are now the inheritors of a baroncy, land, and a fortune. The sudden thrust into society isn’t all roses, however, and Caroline will have to keep her siblings in line long enough to make sure their cared for, all while asking herself if her feelings for Arabella are worth putting herself first.
This was a fun read. Historical fiction is hit or miss for me, but make it sapphic, and it’s usually a hit. I love a good spinster, and these two spinsters (and their friends) stole my heart. I loved the conflict that Caroline’s sudden fortune created as well as the two having to face a lot more than if they were man and woman. I was rooting for them, and I loved Caroline’s brothers and sisters, even Arabella’s brother and his wife. There were a couple of solid villains to root against, and it was an overall good time. Definitely recommend.
Nothing exciting ever happens in the small town of Inverley. Miss Arabella Seton is a spinster who lives with her brother and his wife, contributing to their household by selling her seascape and landscape paintings during tourist season and spending her free time with her best friend and neighbor, Caroline Reeve (and her family). Caroline Reeve has been raising her siblings since their parents died, and stays too busy to do much of her own wishes, but she has her best friend, Caroline. Neither dare reveal their deeper, romantic desires for the other. Until one night, doing dishes when one kiss changes everything. Something else is about to change everything. Caroline’s family are now the inheritors of a baroncy, land, and a fortune. The sudden thrust into society isn’t all roses, however, and Caroline will have to keep her siblings in line long enough to make sure their cared for, all while asking herself if her feelings for Arabella are worth putting herself first.
This was a fun read. Historical fiction is hit or miss for me, but make it sapphic, and it’s usually a hit. I love a good spinster, and these two spinsters (and their friends) stole my heart. I loved the conflict that Caroline’s sudden fortune created as well as the two having to face a lot more than if they were man and woman. I was rooting for them, and I loved Caroline’s brothers and sisters, even Arabella’s brother and his wife. There were a couple of solid villains to root against, and it was an overall good time. Definitely recommend.
January 22, 2024
I’ve actually read better stories from this author. And I find her to be very good with writing about this era. However, as much as I loved the characters of Arabella and Caroline; I didn’t care as much about Caroline’s obsession with her family and meeting all their needs for caring for them. Her brother, the eldest son was 21 and the two sisters were 22 and 23. I swear each of them acted much much younger than their years. The two younger brothers were about 10 at the time they received their cash windfall. The irresponsible spending already told the tale of how this would end.
Then the attraction between Arabella and Caroline that had been mutual since their teens but unnamed and not acted upon til their late 20’s was also just blasé. Not the heat between them, but how it played out. I liked watching them fall for one another, but in the middle of all the shenanigans of the Reeeves clan made it all seem so anticlimactic.
I just found this FTL story arc to be quite boring. I didn’t like anything about her siblings. I didn’t like the anti-confrontational stance of Arabella in all the other aspects of her life, especially with her brother and SIL. I’ve already mentioned Caroline’s family issues. I wasn’t really invested in these characters outside of Caroline and Arabella singularity. The rest of the cast was dispensable and dragged the story down. It could have been better. This was definitely not this authors best work such as “Her Lady to Love” and “Her Duchess to Desire” are two of my favorites. Although I lean more toward the second one mentioned after reading all three of those book several times.
Then the attraction between Arabella and Caroline that had been mutual since their teens but unnamed and not acted upon til their late 20’s was also just blasé. Not the heat between them, but how it played out. I liked watching them fall for one another, but in the middle of all the shenanigans of the Reeeves clan made it all seem so anticlimactic.
I just found this FTL story arc to be quite boring. I didn’t like anything about her siblings. I didn’t like the anti-confrontational stance of Arabella in all the other aspects of her life, especially with her brother and SIL. I’ve already mentioned Caroline’s family issues. I wasn’t really invested in these characters outside of Caroline and Arabella singularity. The rest of the cast was dispensable and dragged the story down. It could have been better. This was definitely not this authors best work such as “Her Lady to Love” and “Her Duchess to Desire” are two of my favorites. Although I lean more toward the second one mentioned after reading all three of those book several times.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2022
Thank you to Bold Strokes and netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an hoenst review!
True rating 4.5 stars.
The Inconvenient Heiress is a regency era sapphic romance between Arabella, a painter who dreams of love and independence, and Caroline, a spinster desperately trying to take care of and corral her siblings after her parents death. One seemingly normal summer sees Caroline's family suddenly becoming aware of a fortune that should have belonged to their father along with a baronetcy title that now belongs to Caroline's younger brother. As the long-felt romantic feelings between the girls grow into something more their lives they both also have to deal with the fortune changing their lives.
I absolutely adored this book. It was the first I have ever read of Walsh's writing and I will absolutely be coming back for more. Her writing was vibrant and made me laugh and cry along with both girls and the entire Reeves family. The love and chaos amongst the family jumped off the page, along with the gorgeous seaside setting of their small English town. The longing and love between Caroline and Arabella was palpable and so strong, I also truly loved getting to see the girls grow and change for the better together.
I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a regency romance that isn't heavy on the misogyny and gives women their own power as well as highlighting a beautiful sapphic love story. I look forward to reading more of Walsh's work, especially more about the other spinsters featured in The Inconvenient Heiress.
True rating 4.5 stars.
The Inconvenient Heiress is a regency era sapphic romance between Arabella, a painter who dreams of love and independence, and Caroline, a spinster desperately trying to take care of and corral her siblings after her parents death. One seemingly normal summer sees Caroline's family suddenly becoming aware of a fortune that should have belonged to their father along with a baronetcy title that now belongs to Caroline's younger brother. As the long-felt romantic feelings between the girls grow into something more their lives they both also have to deal with the fortune changing their lives.
I absolutely adored this book. It was the first I have ever read of Walsh's writing and I will absolutely be coming back for more. Her writing was vibrant and made me laugh and cry along with both girls and the entire Reeves family. The love and chaos amongst the family jumped off the page, along with the gorgeous seaside setting of their small English town. The longing and love between Caroline and Arabella was palpable and so strong, I also truly loved getting to see the girls grow and change for the better together.
I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a regency romance that isn't heavy on the misogyny and gives women their own power as well as highlighting a beautiful sapphic love story. I look forward to reading more of Walsh's work, especially more about the other spinsters featured in The Inconvenient Heiress.
July 24, 2022
I have elected myself president of the Jane Walsh fan club that does not exist. I am painting us Lavender Menace-style t-shirts with stencils and foam brushes and I’ll order broaches on Etsy. I’ll wear a backwards baseball cap as my crown and shout my allegiance from the roofs of all of the buildings because I LOVE JANE WALSH.
I, like so many of us, have been feeling increasingly as though my world is crumbling around me, so imagine my utter elation when I received an email from Bold Strokes that contained the gift of Jane Walsh’s new historical romance novel, The Inconvenient Heiress. There is nothing in the wide world that brightens my day faster than a Jane Walsh novel and this book brightened my world.
This book—the start of a new series for her—has impeccable vibes. Let me paint you a picture (this is a clever joke because one of the heroines is a painter): Two poor women on the regency coast, friends to lovers, all the pining, an unexpected (and rather inconvenient) arrival of an unknown family fortune, the much more expected threat of losing the fortune, determined suitressing, a curvy heroine, a rockstar community of proud lesbian spinsters, two loving families, finding literally any excuse to kiss your best friend even though you’re just gals being pals, and the most stunning cover I have ever seen.
This book is so tender. It’s soft and aching and delicate while at the same time being all the things I ever want in a historical romance novel—dramatic and lush and dynamic. Each word is so steeped in culture and convention and then with some magic flick of her wrist she’s flipped it all upside down onto its head. Jane Walsh writes with such a reverence for women and womanhood while embracing a vast and wondrous queerness.
Reading a Jane Walsh novel is a dream with every page. It’s a reminder that we have always been here, that we have always been finding community and finding love, that we have always risked it all and been rewarded for our bravery, that queer love is about the quiet moments as well as the loud ones, that we deserve to wear flowy gowns and make our art and find our future, that we deserve to have our love and care returned to us in spades, that we deserve and deserve and deserve.
Pick up a Jane Walsh romance novel. You won’t regret it. And there’s always room in our fan club.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for this ARC. Out August 16th, 2022.
I, like so many of us, have been feeling increasingly as though my world is crumbling around me, so imagine my utter elation when I received an email from Bold Strokes that contained the gift of Jane Walsh’s new historical romance novel, The Inconvenient Heiress. There is nothing in the wide world that brightens my day faster than a Jane Walsh novel and this book brightened my world.
This book—the start of a new series for her—has impeccable vibes. Let me paint you a picture (this is a clever joke because one of the heroines is a painter): Two poor women on the regency coast, friends to lovers, all the pining, an unexpected (and rather inconvenient) arrival of an unknown family fortune, the much more expected threat of losing the fortune, determined suitressing, a curvy heroine, a rockstar community of proud lesbian spinsters, two loving families, finding literally any excuse to kiss your best friend even though you’re just gals being pals, and the most stunning cover I have ever seen.
This book is so tender. It’s soft and aching and delicate while at the same time being all the things I ever want in a historical romance novel—dramatic and lush and dynamic. Each word is so steeped in culture and convention and then with some magic flick of her wrist she’s flipped it all upside down onto its head. Jane Walsh writes with such a reverence for women and womanhood while embracing a vast and wondrous queerness.
Reading a Jane Walsh novel is a dream with every page. It’s a reminder that we have always been here, that we have always been finding community and finding love, that we have always risked it all and been rewarded for our bravery, that queer love is about the quiet moments as well as the loud ones, that we deserve to wear flowy gowns and make our art and find our future, that we deserve to have our love and care returned to us in spades, that we deserve and deserve and deserve.
Pick up a Jane Walsh romance novel. You won’t regret it. And there’s always room in our fan club.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for this ARC. Out August 16th, 2022.
September 4, 2025
Some light brain fluff with a Regency, sapphic twist.
The two main characters in this romantic romp are, thankfully, closer to 30 than 20. They are both settled (if a touch discontent) in their lives and have strong ties to their family. Walsh's writing also toes the line between modern literature with enough period-accurate terms to keep the reader invested in the time and place.
While some reviewers here remark upon the pacing as being an issue, I found several characters to be similar... who is Mr Martin and who is Mr Taylor and which wants to marry who? Our romantic leads, Arabella and Caroline, kept hitting the same relationship points over and over to be tiresome. They would be happy and understood their relationship was progressing past friendship to something romantic and then they'd be immediately calling it off again.
The writing is fine. It's got that air of self/vanity publishing, but I think a sharp editor could pull it up a few levels. I'm on the edge of purchasing the sequel (it's currently in my 'want to read' shelf) and may still take the plunge.
Really, this was a nice refresher after some harder novels.
The two main characters in this romantic romp are, thankfully, closer to 30 than 20. They are both settled (if a touch discontent) in their lives and have strong ties to their family. Walsh's writing also toes the line between modern literature with enough period-accurate terms to keep the reader invested in the time and place.
While some reviewers here remark upon the pacing as being an issue, I found several characters to be similar... who is Mr Martin and who is Mr Taylor and which wants to marry who? Our romantic leads, Arabella and Caroline, kept hitting the same relationship points over and over to be tiresome. They would be happy and understood their relationship was progressing past friendship to something romantic and then they'd be immediately calling it off again.
The writing is fine. It's got that air of self/vanity publishing, but I think a sharp editor could pull it up a few levels. I'm on the edge of purchasing the sequel (it's currently in my 'want to read' shelf) and may still take the plunge.
Really, this was a nice refresher after some harder novels.
August 11, 2022
I loved this! I took this book on a flight and finished it in one day and am Very Satisfied. I loved the writing, the setting, the characters, the whole vibe, and will definitely be following this series.
I did have a lot of Stress while reading though - the Reeve siblings are “vulgar” and once they fall into fortune, my stress level just rockets because of all the risk of ruin they are constantly courting (also another easy reason why I read this in a day - I needed resolution FAST).
It’s been a while since I picked up a regency and I was really pleased with this!
.
I did have a lot of Stress while reading though - the Reeve siblings are “vulgar” and once they fall into fortune, my stress level just rockets because of all the risk of ruin they are constantly courting (also another easy reason why I read this in a day - I needed resolution FAST).
It’s been a while since I picked up a regency and I was really pleased with this!
.
July 26, 2023
Honestly not the worst lesbian romance out there. It even was leaning towards okay plot-wise and character-wise for a good half of it, but utlimately it: 1) ended in an unrealistically modern manner (e.g., not that I don't agree that some pockets of society tolerated "special friendships" but not in the way they do in this book), 2) did not manage to present reasonable character growth for any of the characters when it relies heavily on it for its resolution (e.g., the siblings go from completely conceited and pridedful to sensible and thoughtful in the space of a night (sorta) – the closest to a gradual and realistic growth is the painter and hers is still too abrupt and justified by romantic love), and 3) failed to write a compelling "heiress" (she is written too much like how a man would try to control his loved ones = convinced that he knows what's best for them and forcing them into it in a fake self-sacrificing way).
February 15, 2024
When Joan’s husband dies, and the society turns on her, fuelled by awful rumours, she only has a house in Inverley to run to. There, she disguises herself to avoid the public eye and further destruction of her reputation and her fortune and begins to face the reality of her future. When Meave finds herself similarly rudderless, she finds a surprising ally in Joan, and the two of them form a friendship which blossoms into more than either could imagine.
This book, and all the wonderful historical romances by Jane Walsh fulfill all my teenage dreams. Every single book hits just the right spot, and this one is no different. Jane Walsh has two characters used to a life of luxury, maybe a little bit spoiled, and made them likeable and relatable and had the readers falling for them and their story. I also loved also to see some old friends pop up in the story Arabella and Caroline.
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book, and all the wonderful historical romances by Jane Walsh fulfill all my teenage dreams. Every single book hits just the right spot, and this one is no different. Jane Walsh has two characters used to a life of luxury, maybe a little bit spoiled, and made them likeable and relatable and had the readers falling for them and their story. I also loved also to see some old friends pop up in the story Arabella and Caroline.
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 9, 2022
A lovely historical sapphic tale of famine to fortune, a dash of debutants and suitors, and a sweet HEA that made me smile. I'm a fan of this author and have read many of her works. This is a softer style of writing- nothing jarring or too unwholesome. I did think there was a lack of passion between the MC's- I needed a little bit more dialogue or chemistry initiating moments between them that solidified their love, but still a sweet read.
It murders my spirit reading historical fics when I am reminded of the the oppressiveness of society toward women and am very glad to be living in the present.
I loved the epilogue. The entire concept made me smile and laugh- it was the quintessential cherry on top of an enjoyable read.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
It murders my spirit reading historical fics when I am reminded of the the oppressiveness of society toward women and am very glad to be living in the present.
I loved the epilogue. The entire concept made me smile and laugh- it was the quintessential cherry on top of an enjoyable read.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
April 18, 2025
Stars: 4 Stars
Format: Digital
Series: The Spinsters of Inverley Book 1
Steam Level: Steamy
I read this for the 2025 Sapphic Book Bingo reading challenge for the prompt New or New- To-You Author.
Whelp. Found an author that I will be reading their entire backlist. I will happily pick up a few more shifts at work to buy them all.
Quick Thoughts:
- Very glad I read this as an ebook because there were more than a few times I had to highlight a word to get the exact definition
- From the very first chapter it was clear that Jane Walsh has a deep knowledge of this time period which had me fully immersed in the story
- Loved watching Caroline and Arabella evolve from crush to being truly in love
- Everyone should have a friends like Grace and Maeve. I’m excited to read their books in the future
- Watching the Reeve family grow as individuals and as a unit due to circumstances was nicely juxtaposed with Arabella pushing herself outside her comfort zone to grow was a delight to read
- Inverley sounds like a lovely place
- It felt like the big third act drama was resolved a bit too quickly
- I did like how the book didn’t just end after the resolution of the third act drama or have everything miraculously fixed
- The final chapter was a wonderful ending to the story and I adored how Caroline’s and Arabella’s lives ended up
Overall I really enjoyed this book. It’s one of those stories where “nothing happens” that I just couldn’t put down. Jane Walsh took a generic setting and gave it life and personality. The pacing of the romance felt a little off but I still found myself rooting for them. This was just a delight to read.
Format: Digital
Series: The Spinsters of Inverley Book 1
Steam Level: Steamy
I read this for the 2025 Sapphic Book Bingo reading challenge for the prompt New or New- To-You Author.
Whelp. Found an author that I will be reading their entire backlist. I will happily pick up a few more shifts at work to buy them all.
Quick Thoughts:
- Very glad I read this as an ebook because there were more than a few times I had to highlight a word to get the exact definition
- From the very first chapter it was clear that Jane Walsh has a deep knowledge of this time period which had me fully immersed in the story
- Loved watching Caroline and Arabella evolve from crush to being truly in love
- Everyone should have a friends like Grace and Maeve. I’m excited to read their books in the future
- Watching the Reeve family grow as individuals and as a unit due to circumstances was nicely juxtaposed with Arabella pushing herself outside her comfort zone to grow was a delight to read
- Inverley sounds like a lovely place
- It felt like the big third act drama was resolved a bit too quickly
- I did like how the book didn’t just end after the resolution of the third act drama or have everything miraculously fixed
- The final chapter was a wonderful ending to the story and I adored how Caroline’s and Arabella’s lives ended up
Overall I really enjoyed this book. It’s one of those stories where “nothing happens” that I just couldn’t put down. Jane Walsh took a generic setting and gave it life and personality. The pacing of the romance felt a little off but I still found myself rooting for them. This was just a delight to read.
November 16, 2022
3.5 stars
A regency romance! Enough said. Lovers of this genre can certainly pick this one up.
A friends-to-lovers romance about Arabella, a spinster who is living with and for her brother and his family, on one side and the impoverished Caroline Reeve. As in the title, Caroline and her large family of siblings have to deal with the complications that arise when the suddenly inherit a large fortune.
The story focusses on Caroline and her siblings and details their misadventures for a significant part of the book. I wish they had spent more time focusing on the romance between the MCs. Nevertheless, the book proceeds fairly rapidly and gives a satisfactory conclusion.
Received a copy from BSB through Netgalley for the review
A regency romance! Enough said. Lovers of this genre can certainly pick this one up.
A friends-to-lovers romance about Arabella, a spinster who is living with and for her brother and his family, on one side and the impoverished Caroline Reeve. As in the title, Caroline and her large family of siblings have to deal with the complications that arise when the suddenly inherit a large fortune.
The story focusses on Caroline and her siblings and details their misadventures for a significant part of the book. I wish they had spent more time focusing on the romance between the MCs. Nevertheless, the book proceeds fairly rapidly and gives a satisfactory conclusion.
Received a copy from BSB through Netgalley for the review
August 1, 2022
An interesting story, with s9me good characterisation. I liked arabella in particular. I thought more could have been made of the hostility to sapphic romance which would have been a factor in regency times. I would assume families would disown people as a first reaction. I also wanted to know the backstory of mr Singh. Again, in regency times slavery was still practised in the British empire and society would have been divided on slavery. An Asian, according to Linnaeus was shifty and not to be trusted. How a Sikh managed to end up in rural England having been accepted in society would be a story to be be told.
August 16, 2022
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This is a sweet historical sapphic romance. I liked the main romance, especially as it’s friends to lovers. Arabella and her dreams for independence and her artistic dreams really spoke to me, and I generally liked Caroline and her complex relationships with her family. It was also sweet seeing the development of the bond between the two with all the changes going on around them.
But I wasn’t super invested…there was a lot going on, but it wasn’t super fleshed out. And the pacing felt odd, with a lot of anticlimactic moments, and false lead ups to what I thought was meant to be the ending.
This is a sweet historical sapphic romance. I liked the main romance, especially as it’s friends to lovers. Arabella and her dreams for independence and her artistic dreams really spoke to me, and I generally liked Caroline and her complex relationships with her family. It was also sweet seeing the development of the bond between the two with all the changes going on around them.
But I wasn’t super invested…there was a lot going on, but it wasn’t super fleshed out. And the pacing felt odd, with a lot of anticlimactic moments, and false lead ups to what I thought was meant to be the ending.
August 13, 2022
Caroline is relieved when her brother inherits a title and a fortune. Now, she no longer has to scrimp to manage her family's finances. Instead, she can turn her attention to courting her best friend, painter Arabella.
I loved the relationship between Caro and Arabella. It's a slow burn, with both characters hesitant to to jeopardize their friendship by pushing the romance too far.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
I loved the relationship between Caro and Arabella. It's a slow burn, with both characters hesitant to to jeopardize their friendship by pushing the romance too far.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews