The Season

by Sophia Holloway

A previous cover edition for this ASIN can be found here

The Season that changes everything …

Henrietta Gaydon is making her debut in London society for the Season, but her popularity and apparent ease disguises the fact that she is out of her depth and that she dreads the objective of finding a husband. She longs for home, her father and Lord Henfield, who she has always treated as an older brother.

Charles Henfield stopped thinking of Henrietta like a sister when she was sixteen. And he is determined to try his luck with her in London. Mistakes and misunderstandings, the complication of a feud between mamas, and Henrietta’s no longer fraternal feelings for Henfield, all conspire to make this a Season to remember.

A classic Regency romance in the spirit of Georgette Heyer

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Regency, Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Regency Romance, Fiction

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2025

About the author

Sophia Holloway describes herself as a ‘wordsmith’. She read Modern History at Oxford, and her factual book on the Royal Marines in the First World War, From Trench and Turret, was published in 2006. Shea takes her pen name from her great grandmother ( hence the photograph portrait). She also writes the Bradecote & Catchpoll mediaeval murder mysteries under the pen name, Sarah Hawkswood. Her third Classic Regency novel, 'Kingscastle' was published in paperback and ebook by Allison & Busby in November 2021, with another due out in spring 2022.

She is a member of the Historical Writers’ Association, the Historical Novel Society, and the Crime Writers' Associationand the Romantic Novelists' Association.

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars
Thanks to NETGALLEY and Allison & Busby for an egalley in exchange for an honest review
This was a pleasant Regency Romance filled with mischief as a young woman experiences her first London season looking for love. But love might have been right next door all her life. I couldn't help but draw comparison to Jane Austen's Emma as Henrietta( Henry) and Charles have the same type of relationship as Emma and Knightley. So, I guess I already knew from chapter 1 how the plot would unfold but it was a still a lovely read. I give it a 3 star because I liked it but I picked it up and set it aside for other reads more than a few times.

Goodreads review published 19/05/22
Expected Publication Date 23/06/22
TheSeason #NetGalley.

[Michaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this Regency romance by Sophia Holloway very enjoyable. The start reminded me very much of Georgette Heyer, and the hero and heroine were loveable characters. In the middle the story dragged a bit, and there were too many characters to keep in mind, but then it took up pace again. The funny banter, mischief and intrigues kept me entertained, but the last twist was imo unnecessary. On the whole I can recommend this romance.
Thanks to Allison & Busby and Netgalley for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Growing up together on neighboring lands, Charles, Lord Henfield and Henrietta (Henry) Graydon are close friends. Henry has been invited to London by her aunt for her first season. Henfield is blindsided. He now sees Henry as more than a friend. Charles soon follows her to London after reading one of her letters before it is too late. He needs to tell her his feelings or lose her to someone else. A game of trial and error keeps them apart until the advice of a matron gives him hope.
A sweet clean romance that is a steady page turner.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Classic Jane Austen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book very quickly. I could not put it down. If you are looking for a sweet, charming Regency romance that keeps things chaste, this is for you. It has a little bit of Jane Austen's "Emma" vibe, but the leads were only 9 years apart in age instead of 16 or 17 years apart in age like Emma and Mr. Knightley. There was also a side romance that was just as fun to read about as the main one going on. On top of all of that, the descriptions of Regency London/the London season that the debutantes were a part of were some of the best that I've ever read and it was all well researched.

Of course there's some miscommunication and mixed emotions along the way (it wouldn't be a romance without it), but overall I thought the leads were likable and charming. I loved how close Henrietta was to her father and that she'd established a friendship with Charles long before she ever went to London to find a husband. I loved that Charles recognized early on how he felt about Henrietta and spent much of the novel pursuing her instead of denying his feelings. Not to say that he did the best job pursuing her all the time (he did put his foot in his mouth occasionally) but it's refreshing to read a novel that has the hero openly saying he wants to marry the girl early on instead of spending 80% of the book denying his feelings for her or arguing with her and calling it banter. All in all, very entertaining and non-angsty. 5 enthusiastic stars for the joy and escape it brought me during a difficult season.

I would highly recommend to romance lovers who like the style of Georgette Heyer. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC ebook copy of this book. The Season releases on June 23, 2022.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

“The Season” is a sweet Regency Romance, that feels like Jane Austen’s “Emma” set during a London social season, instead of the country side. Charles Henfield fills the role of Mr Knightley well, he is aware of his feelings for Henrietta but has trouble making the change from friend to suitor, especially in the face of other men vying for her hand. Henrietta Gaydon is Emma stripped of the characteristics that people might find unpleasing. She ends up with naive as her only personality trait and is constantly infantilized, which made me uncomfortable when it came from her nearly decade older love interest.

The romance between Henrietta and Charles was cute at times but overall kind of boring and predictable. It didn’t help that the side-characters’ romances were more interesting and distracting. Everyone though seemed not to have discernible personalities, which made it harder to be interested in specific characters.

Overall this had a nice writing style and the author showed their knowledge about the time period and customs very well throughout the story.

I was provided an e-ARC by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Jenni Sauer]

DNFing at 30%

I tried. I really did. But I just couldn't get into it. We got so many different perspectives and yet I feel like we don't actually get to know anyone. Henrietta could be literally anyone, I don't feel like we truly got to know her

Also, nothing is really happening. Like. At all.

I would honestly still recommend it to anyone looking for a sweet Regency romance, it'd be worth them giving it a shot, but it was definitely just not the book for me, unfortunately :/

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-copy, all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Nicki Markus · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Season was a pleasing Regency romance with an engaging principal couple in Henrietta and Charles. It was fun to follow Henrietta as she attempt to navigate London life and budding romance, and likewise to see Charles grapple with his own feelings and uncertainty over how to win her hand. The pacing was good and there were no glaring anachronisms, which made me happy. I would definitely read further such books by this author in the future. It gets a solid 4 stars from me.

I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Grisette · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

My second Sophia Holloway! Once again, I enjoyed the Jane Austen vibe in describing the world building with exquisite wit. I am not a history buff, but everything felt period authentic from the eponymous Season's proceedings, the soirées and the conversations, to the bumbling courtship between the main characters. SH's pen was professional on this point.

Concerning the romance itself, it was cute with its inevitable load of gentle misunderstandings and cross-purposes. However, while my interest started strong on how Henrietta and Charles would get to their HEA, it floundered a bit as the story stretched and the focus was (unintentionally?) diverted to the secondary romance between Henry's cousin Caroline and her thwarted courtship with Martley. As a result, I tended to be more invested in the secondary romance than the primary one by the end. It felt a bit anti-climactic.

Still, it was a neat and wholesomely written story that deserves due admiration. (And that cover is just wow!)

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5
I unfortunately did not connect with this book. I’m not sure if it was the writing style or what exactly it was. There was a lot going on in this story – two couples falling in love; multiple suitors for the main heroine; and plenty of secondary characters. I felt like the main characters’ story line wasn’t fully developed as it could have been, because of the other couple and all the other subplots. There were secondary characters that could have been left out of the story as they didn’t serve any real purpose – as there were other ones doing the same function. For me, the story dragged at times due to the same ground being trodden over again or because it jumped between the different subplots.

I did not feel like any of the people in either couple was adequately explored or developed. It was nice to see both couples get their HEA in the end, but the romances were not sufficiently explored for me. Only the conclusion to one of the romances was completed with no lingering questions left.

I did very much like Charles and the fact that we got to see all aspects of his character especially his vulnerability. He ends up in a couple of subplots in the role of hero, for which the heroine never really sees or understands his role. Henrietta is very much a young woman out in society for the first time. She is swept up by it all and shows her youth and naivete. She also at times shows her intelligence, loyalty, and heart. These are interesting characters whom you very much want to see get past their own thoughts and insecurities to be able to recognize and admit the love they have for each other.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Henrietta Gaydon is making her debut in London society for the Season, but she longs for home, her father and Lord Henfield, who she has always treated as an older brother. Charles Henfield stopped thinking of Henrietta like a sister when she was sixteen. And he is determined to try his luck with her in London. Mistakes and misunderstandings, the complication of a feud between mamas, and Henrietta's no longer fraternal feelings for Henfield, all conspire to make this a Season to remember.
A well written book with likeable characters, it flowed well but there were no fireworks just an engaging romance. I liked both Charles & Henrietta but didn’t love them as I felt I didn’t get to know them & whilst their story was charming it didn't feel completely believable. If you are looking for a light romance then give this a try but for me it could have been so good but just fell short
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Pgchuis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.

There was nothing particularly wrong with this novel; it was just really dull. Henrietta goes to London for the season, gets on really well with her cousin and her aunt, who is bringing her out, meets lots of nice men to dance with and consider marrying, and so on and so on. It only really came alive for me when her aunt and her aunt's arch-enemy traded insults. I rather wished Henrietta had married Mr Newbold rather than the hero - never a good sign.

[mikaela (spinebreaker)]

why do we have to talk about how young she is compared to him every other page? I WON'T HAVE IT

dnf @ 18% because even if it IS normal for the time period, you don't have to talk about it all the time.

[victoria johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite read this summer

I had to force myself to finish this book. I was not a fan of the main male character, Charles. The other characters were more fun and that was the only reason I finished the book.

[Milena · Rating 1 out of 5]

Was I very excited to read it? Yeah.
Did I refuse to read the last 10 pages? Yes.
And did I scan through the last 10 pages? Also, yes.

Thank god, i’m through. Really, the only one I can blame is myself because why didn’t I read the synopsis carefully? They grew up in a sibling-like relationship, he even held her as a baby but soon she turns a certain age she’s attractive and desirable. 🤢
Everything in the beginning happens too fast and then the rest of it just … yeah I don’t know. But you what really makes me dislike the book? Lord Charles Henfield. Never have I ever disliked a mmc more and I’ve sadly read omegaverse alpha stalker romances.
1. He can’t do anything. Really. He can’t do anything by himself and constantly needs the help of other characters to get a grip.
2. He’s insufferable. And can’t do anything himself. First time he sees his beloved Henry, who, for him, isn’t like the other girls but when she sees her at a party, dancing and having fun, he realises that she is like all the other girls, and absolutely hates it.
3. He acts like a parent, berating her and is then confused on why she’s angry. He hates London-Henry because this girl isn’t his Henry, and whatever she does something he doesn’t like, which happens a lot, he talks to her like he is her father. Not kidding. He goes like: “Oh, you’ll be in big trouble young lady.” But he isn’t her father. He is her best friend, her brother from another mother, and — let’s not forget that — he is the love interest.
4. He is absolutely brainless. It is totally understandable that Henry gets irritated by his behaviour but he doesn’t understand why she fights back. Instead he just thinks that she hates him, for absolut no reason. Must be London-Henry.
5. He’s clueless and absolutely does nothing himself. Charles is sulking because his childhood friend, his sister, his crush is angry with him but instead of apologising or doing anything else he’s just sulking, and berating her occasionally. He needs other characters to get up, to move and marry her in the end.
Even in the beginning he wouldn’t have gone to London if Henry’s father hasn’t told him to do so.
Yeah, even that he cannot do.

Or so sum it all up beautifully in German: Charles ist ein Lappen. Sooooo ein Lappen.

[ChellesOfBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Thank you to Netgalley and Allison & Busby for a copy of this ARC. All thoughts are my own.

This was an easy read for my first historical romance ARC I've requested. Whilst it was quite different from what I normally enjoy reading, I found it easy to slip into the world Sophia Holloway created in The Season.

I enjoyed watching Henrietta navigate her way through the Ton after her debut on society. Whilst she struggled at times and was overwhelmed by the attention she received, she also remained somewhat true to herself, even when her feelings were most conflicted by her childhood friend Charles. But what I enjoyed most about her was her friendship with her cousin Caroline, and how she helped her get her happily ever after too.

Charles, however, was far more interesting to me. With his lack of understanding of how to court a lady, let alone allow Henrietta to know of his feelings for her in amongst many other more charming suitors, I found his clumsy approach endearing. He was very much so a Darcy, having come across in multitude of ways to confuse Henrietta from friend and lover, yet had a decent, caring side to him that was witness with how he helped those around him - and not to purely his own advantage.

The side characters of Lady Vernham, Lord Martley and Caroline were also some of my favourites. Admittedly, I did struggle with how vast the character range was and how many voices there are in this novel, but I presume that to be common within a historical novel. Outside of Austen, I don't have a great plethora of regency reads under my belt. Admittedly, I did expect this to be more romantic than it was, and whilst the ending was sweet, I felt it was a little too late into the game, and would have liked seeing more of Charles and Henrietta's love story.

Still, I enjoyed this story and am thankful for the opportunity to review it.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet historical novel.
Henrietta has always thought of Charles as a brother until recently. Charles has likewise thought as Henrietta the same way.
The Season that changes everything …
Henrietta Gaydon is making her debut in London society for the Season, but her popularity and apparent ease disguises the fact that she is out of her depth and that she dreads the objective of finding a husband. She longs for home, her father and Lord Henfield, who she has always treated as an older brother.
Charles Henfield stopped thinking of Henrietta like a sister when she was sixteen. And he is determined to try his luck with her in London. Mistakes and misunderstandings, the complication of a feud between mamas, and Henrietta’s no longer fraternal feelings for Henfield, all conspire to make this a Season to remember.
Sophia Holloway has written a sweet book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

[Pauline Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read a couple of previous books by the author, and enjoyed them, so this was an automatic buy. Mind you, I nearly gave up on it early on, because it was as slow as treacle (molasses), and without a drop of humour. But somewhere in the middle, when both the protagonists have settled into life in London and the surrounding side characters have stepped into the limelight a little, the whole thing takes off to a new level, and it was both very funny and deeply absorbing.

Here’s the premise: Henrietta Gaydon is a country girl, happy living with her widower father, and with neighbour Charles, Lord Henfield, as a friend since childhood. She is offered the chance of a London season, and so off she goes to her aunt to be dressed and otherwise prepared for her campaign to find a husband. That is, after all, the purpose of the season, and while Henrietta loves the social whirl, she’s not at all sure she wants to marry and leave her papa behind and perhaps live far from her childhood home.

So far, this reminds me of Heyer’s Arabella, also a tale of a simple country girl summoned to London to make a splendid match. And in both cases, they find themselves feted and admired. Henrietta has a useful inheritance as well as beauty, but growing up in an all-male environment, and particularly sparring often with Charles, she’s not overwhelmed by the attentions of flirtatious men, and gains a reputation as something of an original, not the usual simpering debutante.

This part of the story was rather too long for my taste. Nowadays, the season is rather a tired trope of Regencies, and it takes some unusual angle to make it about more than gowns and walks in Hyde Park and vouchers for Almack’s, which have been done to death. Fortunately, Charles the friend and neighbour follows Henrietta to town. He’s noticed for some time now that Henrietta has grown up and is just the woman he’d love to marry, and he’s determined to try his luck and see if he can’t win her for himself. But the Henrietta he meets in London is nothing like the easy-going companion from home. She’s become a sophisticated woman, able to fence verbally with her many admirers, and the easy camaraderie they shared is hard to rediscover.

I did feel for Charles, and of course Henrietta starts to have feelings for him, but is at a loss to know whether he sees her the same way. Regency manners are sometimes so restrained that a couple can end up completely at cross purposes. I’m a great believer in openness in such cases, and I think Charles should have made his intentions clear right from the start, rather than trusting to his own charm to bring Henrietta round. His reticence left Henrietta in a difficult position, not knowing whether to accept a good offer now, or to reject it and hope for the one she really wants later (the perennial problem of Regency heroines).

Beautifully written, and for once the comparison with Heyer is very apt. There was a strange subplot that veered off in an odd direction at the end, which seemed to be set up solely to place the hero in a situation of maximum confusion for the heroine, but everything comes right eventually, and I loved some of the side characters, particularly the two redoubtable matrons, whose decades long feud almost trips up the minor romance. A good four stars, recommended for those who don’t mind a slow, gently weaving story.

[Rosanne Lortz · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Henrietta Gaydon leaves the countryside for a Season in London under the aegis of her aunt, she leaves behind her widowed father John and her childhood companion Charles, Lord Henfield. Nearly a decade older than “Henry,” Charles once thought of her as a little sister, but the last few years have changed his feelings into a far different kind of affection. Moping about the countryside as Henrietta takes the London beaux by storm, Charles finally realizes that he needs to take action and throw his own hat in the ring before he loses his best friend forever.

Homesick inside but putting on a bold and flirtatious front, Henrietta discovers that she has attracted the attention of all sorts of handsome bucks. While a few like Lord Netheravon are too much of a rattle to really appeal to her heart, she finds herself intrigued by the authoritative and sardonic Mr. Newbold. When Charles comes to town, she is at first overjoyed to see him–but when he begins to treat her as a little child who needs correction, it sets up her hackles and their once-comfortable relationship is fractured.

If only Lord Henfield can figure out how to express his true feelings to the girl who grew up next door–and if only Henrietta can give herself permission to fall in love with the man she used to consider a brother…

Sophia Holloway is fast becoming a favorite author. This charming story makes you root for Lord Henfield all the way through, bemoaning his false steps and cheering his moments of manly brilliance. The secondary characters (Henrietta’s cousin Caroline, her star-cross’d suitor whom she is forbidden to marry, and the interfering dowager Lady Vernham) sometimes steal the stage, and one wishes that Lord Henfield would show a little more romantic initiative a little sooner, but all in all, this book was a delightful read.

Recommended for devotees of traditional, clean Regency romances in the older style.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Vivienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

My thanks to Allison & Busby for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘The Season’ by Sophia Holloway. It is the kind of historical romance that suits my tastes perfectly.

I adored the novels of Georgette Heyer in my teens and in recent years have been revisiting a number of her Regency titles as well as discovering new authors following her lead in writing novels that are faithful to the traditions and formal etiquette of the period.

Henrietta Gaydon lives with her widowed father in Shropshire. Her aunt offers to sponsor her debut in London society for the Season with the hope that she will make an advantageous match. Henrietta finds herself somewhat out of her depth and dreading the marriage market.

Still, her beauty, wit and sweetness of temper finds Henrietta designated one of the ‘diamonds’ of the Season with a number of suitors seeking her hand. Yet Henrietta misses her father as well as Lord Henfield, her father’s godson, who she has considered almost as an older brother.

Back in Shropshire Charles Henfield had stopped thinking of Henrietta as a sister some years ago. Finding himself distraught after she leaves, Charles is encouraged by her father to follow Henrietta to London and pay court to her. Naturally there are plenty of misunderstandings and complications before the end of the Season.

I adore Regency Romances written in this classic style without glaring anachronisms. It allows me to feel for a short while transported back in time.

After reading this delightful novel I am pleased to be adding Sophia Holloway to my list of writers of classic Regency romances and definitely will be seeking out more of her novels.

Highly recommended.

[Mary Gallo · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unfortunately, this story did not impress me very much. I felt it was lackluster and there were way too many characters, talking and thinking way too much. And the manner of writing was so embellished that the reader had to read the sentence and translate it into correct English. There were times when the sentence had so many phrases added on, it was hard to determine what the actual subject of the sentence was. This is from the first page: "Miss Henrietta Gaydon put down the sock she was darning in a housewifely manner." So she put the sock down in a house wifely manner? Or was she darning the sock in a houseqifely manner? And what is "housewifely"? It is a made up adjective in my mind. I stopped taking English and grammar classes about 40 years ago, but I can still recognize a sentence written incorrectly. And that is from the first page, ye gods!
I did not find the characters engaging and all I could get from the story was about a country lady goes to London for a husband hunting Season, but she already had a suitor at home.
And the age gap was off. The hero supposedly fell in live with the heroine when she was 16, two years ago. And he is presently 26. What 24 year old MAN is lusting after a 16 year old GIRL? It is sick. Just because "that was common in those days" doesn't stick when modern words and phrasing are used. What 18 year old boy would play with a 10 year old girl.
I give this book 1 star because I have and do not recommend reading. I tortured myself reading this book so that you do not have to waste your time.

[Ginny · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Season tells the story of Henrietta Gaydon, whose aunt is sponsoring her debut among society, and Charles Henfield, her neighbor and her father’s godson. Nine years older than Henrietta—or “Henry” as he calls her—he doesn’t realize the depth of his feelings for her until after she has left for London.
As for Henrietta, on the surface, Henrietta’s season seems to be a success. She is popular, well liked and has several other suitors. However, underneath it all, she longs for home, and eventually realizes that part of that longing is connected to Charles.

This a very traditional Regency and once Charles arrives in London, the majority of the story focuses on the ongoing miscommunication between the two as they try to deal with the evolution of their relationship from that of friends to something warmer and deeper.

Charles and Henrietta are both likeable characters but the miscommunication went on too long for me. Several times, it seems like they are on the cusp on resolving their differences and revealing their feelings, when another obstacle pops up. Despite these obstacles—and other complications involving secondary characters, such as Henrietta’s aunt and cousin—the story lacked the spark to take it from good to great.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #AllisonandBusby for a copy to review.

[Valeri · Rating 5 out of 5]

You've grown up together and had a somewhat sibling like relationship, is it okay when feelings changes and how do you navigate that? If you read regency, you know of the season and it's matchmaking mamas and simpering misses. I feel Sophia Holloway elevates the game with her clever writing. Yes, it's Heyer-like, but not as a cheap imitation, rather a wink, a nod, an ode. Her characters here are not malicious or mean spirited, but imperfect and mistaken at times. I've read or listened to her previous books and she keeps getting better. I'd love to see a future book with Mr. Newbold as the hero, a bit humbled, mooning over some older spinster or widow who is uninterested in him and he's unsure of himself! All the side characters are good, the dialogue snappy, and though nothing really truly happens, as in no kidnappings, dastardly villains, or giant secrets, writing like this doesn't need plot contrivances to be good. This author is legit, I wish I was an influencer, she deserves all the recognition and readership, her writing is sharp, none of her books have been the same or dull, this is pure escapism and delight. I received an ARC from the publisher and Netgalley for an honest review

[B · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the concept of the characters for this novel however the writing and plot was slow and dull. Normally things are really fast paced in a book making me annoyed however for once it was the opposite and I felt some events could have sped up or had a bit more action.

I actually would have preferred to seen more of Caroline's story as her love for Lord Martley and the feud between their mothers was some of the funniest parts of the book. Henry's story just felt dragged out with no real development. Additionally, there were too many characters to keep track of which I understand as it is about the London Season but it made it hard to follow when they went into other characters view point who weren't the main characters but sub characters.

I wish we had seen more romance as although the characters are meant to be in love it didn't feel like it.

The author did a great job of describing the period, characters, settings and how the season works.

However the romance was slow and lack lustered therefore I felt it is okay for a one time read but I wont be reaching for it again.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a first time read for me by Ms. Holloway and I can tell you it won't be my last. I have to admit I was first drawn to this book by the beautiful cover. It didn't stop there, the story was captivating and captured my interest from the start, and I enjoyed reading till the very end. If you are a fan of clean, sweet Regency romances, then you definitely don't want to miss this one. Henrietta and Charles were such wonderful and charming characters and I found myself rooting for Charles as he realized his feelings for her and began pursuing her.
The author does a nice job of really pulling you into the story with her vivid descriptions and attention to detail. She really brought the Regency world to life and you feel as if you are experiencing it all for yourself. The characters were well-developed and interesting and I enjoyed seeing their development throughout the story. A creatively written story that held my interest the whole way through. I hope to read more from this author soon!
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Samantha · Rating 1 out of 5]

Having enjoyed her previous work, I was looking forward to this novel by Sophia Holloway. In fact I pre-ordered it. I came away very disappointed. The central couple lack depth and repartee. The author is trying to create a Emma/Knightley romance and falls short. The conflict in the relationship seems forced and the central ‘mystery’ plot regarding the rival mothers boring. The description says in the spirit of Heyer. This is a poor relation. Ty only positive I can say was there were no anachronisms and the author has a good grasp of regency history- which is lacking in many modern regencies.

[Michelle Smith · Rating 1 out of 5]

The cover and the description were so promising but I found that I was unable to read past 10%. There wasn’t a flow to get into; the writing was painfully awkward and stilted.

I am unable to recommend this.



eARC kindly provided by Allison & Busby and NetGalley. Opinions shared are my own.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this ebook; this is my freely given opinion.

This is a pleasant, clean Regency Romance, along classical lines. I find Sophia Holloway has a very beautifully descriptive manner of writing and there was some beautifully written scenes and dialogue. This was a lovely, charming novel to read.

Henrietta Gaydon is a young woman who lost her mother at a young age, and grew up very close to her father. She leaves her county to go to London for the Season and becomes a very popular young debutante, being a beautiful heiress, but also not quite of the same mold as other debs, having been raised by her father, and being more comfortable in the company of men, and discussing things of more masculine interest. She hides it well, but she sorely misses her country home, her father, and her very good friend, Charles, a local viscount, and also her father's godson. They grew up together, and she was as a younger sister to him, and developed a lovely friendship with each other.

Charles has known Henrietta since she was a baby, and she went from being like an annoying little sister to a good friend, whom he called Henry. But a couple of years prior, he realized that what he felt for her was much stronger than friendship, or the feelings of a brother for a sister, but hid those feelings. When she leaves for the season, he is doleful and realizes just how much he misses her. Henrietta's father encourages him to pursue her in London, to declare his feelings, with the father's blessings.

However, both Charles and Henrietta make quite a mull of things, with frequent misunderstandings, and miscommunications, and misjudgements of each others actions and intentions. At times I despaired that they would actually reach their HEA. But it was a sweet, very charming story with some mild angst, and quite beautifully written.

3.5 stars out of 5.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Main character Henrietta is young and sheltered, but she is sensible and a good conversationalist who has benefitted from her close relationship with her father. Her father’s godson Charles has long treated her as a sister, but although his feelings for her are now romantic, he does not want to deprive her of the chance to widen her circle of acquaintances through a Season in London. So off she goes to stay with her aunt and cousin, and Charles initially stays behind in the country.

Henrietta is both pretty and less silly than many of the other young women coming out, and she proves to be popular with the young men seeking brides. Henrietta’s behavior and that of her suitors is believable. Eventually Charles, with her father’s approval, makes his way to London and Henrietta. There are no Big Misunderstandings and no jealous cousin undermining Henrietta. Her aunt is determined to see both Henrietta and her own daughter well matched. I found it restful to sit back and watch the events play out without worrying about any engineered (and unbelievable) plot twists. I knew from page 1 that the happily ever afters would arrive in their time.

The Season is a sweet, old-fashioned romance and comedy of manners. It’s slow moving and true to the time period of the Regency during England. There’s no sex or bad language. Some readers might say nothing happens. If you’ve read Jane Austen’s novels and feel like nothing happens, you probably won’t enjoy The Season. But if you do enjoy books by Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer, you probably will enjoy The Season.

I read an advance reader copy from Netgalley.

[Cydni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Henrietta is headed to London for her first and only season, after a quiet, peaceful life in the country with just her father and his godson for company. She feels the pressure of finding a husband since she won’t be able to have another season and doesn’t want to disappoint her aunt and father. True love triumphs for a few couples in this story!

I really enjoyed the writing and how all of the romances intertwine. This is a clean romance so no more than a couple of chaste kisses at the end. I would have preferred not to be in everyone’s heads, but I did like that it showed how everyone struggles to make the right decisions. A choice between what is selfish and what is for the love of another. It was very realistic. Henrietta was frustrating sometimes but realistically so, and the same could be said for Charles. He was quite mopey but had to fight his easily-defeated personality in order to win the one he loved.

The only thing that didn’t seem realistic was, when in the men’s heads, they admitted to never thinking of having relations with the one they loved. A human’s natural inclination when loving another with such passion, is to consummate the love. At times when the bodies are close, such as when dancing, it would only be natural to want to take that dance into the other room away from prying eyes. It doesn’t have to be nasty talk, so the book can remain in the chaste category. But part of chastity is fighting those thoughts, not being a perfect angel from the get go.

Thank you NetGalley and Allison & Busby for the ARC!

[Mlsco41 Robison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I like clean, light Regency romances and this fits the bill. Charles and Henrietta are old friends - basically growing up together. Charles is about 9 years older than Henrietta (Henry is the nickname Charles gives her), and when Henrietta turns 18 her father sends her to London to be with her aunt for her 1st Season. She goes to London and is a success because of her beauty, honesty, and sense of humor. Everyone enjoys being around her. Meanwhile, Charles is missing her a great deal because he has loved her since she was 16 yr old. With each letter from London, he becomes more and more nervous that she will marry another. With encouragement from her father, he travels to London to win her hand. In many situations, he bungles all efforts and he feels he is losing ground on winning her affections. This story includes situations with her aunt and cousins, several men vying for her affections, and how things can get messed up quickly. I enjoyed the story very much and would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes clean, sweet Regency romance stories.