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A Regency Guide to Modern Life: 1800s Advice on 21st Century Love, Friends, Fun and More
Navigate the struggles of modern life—from relationships to petty office rivalries—with amusing, Austen- and Bridgerton -inspired lessons from the regency era.
What would Darcy do? How can you be more Bridgerton ? Take the Regency approach and be prepared for anything life throws at you—from dates to duels, from manners to matters of the heart. You’ll soon find yourself the catch of the season.
Sick of indecent proposals from untrustworthy rakes? Be more discerning with your dance card and swipe right on only the most eligible and dashing suitors.
Does a rival at work keep trying to metaphorically (or literally) trip you up in front of the boss? Learn to sidestep petty rivalries using the rules of the Regency ballroom.
Whether you want to avoid scandal, or embrace it, keep your name out of the gossip columns and group chats with this modern take on the rules of polite society.
Putting a fresh spin on real Regency etiquette advice, A Regency Guide to Modern Life is a tongue-in-cheek handbook to navigating friendship, dating, work, summer holidays, social events, self-confidence and more—the perfect gift for fans of period dramas and Jane Austen.
What would Darcy do? How can you be more Bridgerton ? Take the Regency approach and be prepared for anything life throws at you—from dates to duels, from manners to matters of the heart. You’ll soon find yourself the catch of the season.
Sick of indecent proposals from untrustworthy rakes? Be more discerning with your dance card and swipe right on only the most eligible and dashing suitors.
Does a rival at work keep trying to metaphorically (or literally) trip you up in front of the boss? Learn to sidestep petty rivalries using the rules of the Regency ballroom.
Whether you want to avoid scandal, or embrace it, keep your name out of the gossip columns and group chats with this modern take on the rules of polite society.
Putting a fresh spin on real Regency etiquette advice, A Regency Guide to Modern Life is a tongue-in-cheek handbook to navigating friendship, dating, work, summer holidays, social events, self-confidence and more—the perfect gift for fans of period dramas and Jane Austen.
- GenresNonfictionSelf HelpHumor
128 pages, Hardcover
Published February 7, 2023
3 people are currently reading
5937 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
February 8, 2023
What would an esteemed lady of the ton do in today's society? Look no further...
"Dear Lady A" is here to answer pressing questions one might need answers to in regard to navigating love, friendship, family, etiquette and appearance, work, and being your best you!
This is a quick little read that's a perfect palate cleanser in between your normal "reads" and will appeal to readers of all genres.
Part skim-worthy and mostly entertaining, each question and corresponding illustration (adorable!) will leave you chuckling and pondering just what Lady A will think of next.
"Dear Lady A" is here to answer pressing questions one might need answers to in regard to navigating love, friendship, family, etiquette and appearance, work, and being your best you!
This is a quick little read that's a perfect palate cleanser in between your normal "reads" and will appeal to readers of all genres.
Part skim-worthy and mostly entertaining, each question and corresponding illustration (adorable!) will leave you chuckling and pondering just what Lady A will think of next.
January 29, 2023
I may be biased, but I love this book very much and had so much fun writing it. I hope, even if you don’t need any of the advice it offers, that you enjoy the experience of reading it. (And finding all the fun details in Jo’s incredible illustrations.)
February 3, 2023
I was not sure exactly what this was when I requested it on netgalley, but man I am so glad I was able to read it.
This is not a romance, it is not a story, it is a person answering questions to do with life in the now, but they are in the regency age of history.
It was absolutely funny and the actual answers were honest and true, but it was the illustrations that I adored. Seeing someone dressed up that way but in a modern scene was awesome.
I highly recommend getting this one in hardback.
This is not a romance, it is not a story, it is a person answering questions to do with life in the now, but they are in the regency age of history.
It was absolutely funny and the actual answers were honest and true, but it was the illustrations that I adored. Seeing someone dressed up that way but in a modern scene was awesome.
I highly recommend getting this one in hardback.
February 22, 2023
This was a cute, short little listen. None of the advice is groundbreaking, but the narrator is charming and the various accents sending in questions were well done. I also like that the advice is given in a gender neutral way, very well done. It reads - well, listens, as I did the audiobook - like a Bridgerton narration, with less scandalous intent.
March 14, 2023
A sweet little book of advice, with a delightful 19th-century voice and entertaining illustrations.
Full disclosure: the author was a classmate of mine in college, and I learned about this book through her Facebook page. Even with this connection that may or may not make me biased, I still enjoyed reading the snippets of advice! The writing voice stays very Austenian, even as the discussion is about dating apps and remote work. The look of the book makes it a perfect gift for an Austen fan and a great coffee table addition for guests to read through. The advice is practical and solid as well! The accompanying illustrations were fun, adding a light-hearted tone to the book as a whole.
If you are an Austen fan or just like books with entertaining advice and fun illustrations, get this for yourself!
Full disclosure: the author was a classmate of mine in college, and I learned about this book through her Facebook page. Even with this connection that may or may not make me biased, I still enjoyed reading the snippets of advice! The writing voice stays very Austenian, even as the discussion is about dating apps and remote work. The look of the book makes it a perfect gift for an Austen fan and a great coffee table addition for guests to read through. The advice is practical and solid as well! The accompanying illustrations were fun, adding a light-hearted tone to the book as a whole.
If you are an Austen fan or just like books with entertaining advice and fun illustrations, get this for yourself!
February 18, 2023
This is very cute and would be well received by fans of Bridgerton and other Regency literature. It is presented in a Q&A format on various topics including love, friendship, work, and others. The advice is not particularly detailed, or revolutionary, but it's well-intended and amusing to read. The illustrations are a fun complement to the text and have a lot of humor. As a gift or a light diversion, this definitely meets the mark.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
December 5, 2023
Not what I expected. Sort of cutesy. Definitely monopolizing on the populariry of Austin and perhaps Bridgerton. I thought the advice would be about related situations from the regency time period but instead it was just modern advice to current problems written in the style of a regency person. Because of that there are a lot of anachronisms like cell phones, coffe drinks and even women working jobs outside the house. Not my cup of tea. An easy commute read since its devided into sections, but it would probably serve better as a coffee table book.
March 20, 2023
OMG, this is such a delightful book! I found it to be more Bridgerton-esque than strict Jane Austen, but that did not make it any less delightful. In fact, more so because some of the situations the narrator, Lady A, addresses are much more likely to be seen in a Bridgerton universe.
I like how the author has included very modern situations like dating apps in her relationship section. Plus some great content around navigating friendships (not just love relationships), taking time for self-care and employment situations. The tone is consistent throughout: fresh and fun, but Lady A takes her subjects' questions seriously which I appreciate. This isn't a jokey book, but one with genuine, heartfelt advice.
The thing that really makes this book is the illustrations. I have to give a HUGE shoutout to Jo Podmore (whose credit was very difficult to find) for her charming pictures. And I love that they include depictions of a variety of types of relationships in the Love section. Seeing a picture of two brides really helps the book live up to it's "Modern Life" title. Well done!
I think this book would be the perfect gift for any young Regency-phile, particularly one who is deeply into Bridgerton. Definitely recommend. Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me read an ARC.
I like how the author has included very modern situations like dating apps in her relationship section. Plus some great content around navigating friendships (not just love relationships), taking time for self-care and employment situations. The tone is consistent throughout: fresh and fun, but Lady A takes her subjects' questions seriously which I appreciate. This isn't a jokey book, but one with genuine, heartfelt advice.
The thing that really makes this book is the illustrations. I have to give a HUGE shoutout to Jo Podmore (whose credit was very difficult to find) for her charming pictures. And I love that they include depictions of a variety of types of relationships in the Love section. Seeing a picture of two brides really helps the book live up to it's "Modern Life" title. Well done!
I think this book would be the perfect gift for any young Regency-phile, particularly one who is deeply into Bridgerton. Definitely recommend. Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me read an ARC.
December 8, 2022
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Carly Lane for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for A Regency Guide to Modern Life coming out February 7, 2023. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This book explores modern life with lessons from the regency era, inspired by Austen and Bridgerton. What would Jane do when it comes to courtship? How would Darcy handle social situations at parties? This book takes the Regency approach when it comes to manners and matters of the heart.
It offers advice on how to handle untrustworthy rakes and dashing suitors. Learn how to deal with rivalries using the rules of the Regency ballroom. A Regency Guide to Modern Life is a tongue-in-cheek handbook to navigating friendship, dating, work, summer holidays, social events, self-confidence and more—the perfect gift for fans of period dramas and Jane Austen.
Overall, I loved this book! It was short and to the point, but offered a lot of good advice. It covered all aspects of life. I enjoyed that it showed different relationships such as with friends, boyfriends and husbands. It also has advice for single people or people in the workforce. I loved that it had advice about keeping good relationships and learning how to be healthy and happy in life.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys advice books featuring regency life!
This book explores modern life with lessons from the regency era, inspired by Austen and Bridgerton. What would Jane do when it comes to courtship? How would Darcy handle social situations at parties? This book takes the Regency approach when it comes to manners and matters of the heart.
It offers advice on how to handle untrustworthy rakes and dashing suitors. Learn how to deal with rivalries using the rules of the Regency ballroom. A Regency Guide to Modern Life is a tongue-in-cheek handbook to navigating friendship, dating, work, summer holidays, social events, self-confidence and more—the perfect gift for fans of period dramas and Jane Austen.
Overall, I loved this book! It was short and to the point, but offered a lot of good advice. It covered all aspects of life. I enjoyed that it showed different relationships such as with friends, boyfriends and husbands. It also has advice for single people or people in the workforce. I loved that it had advice about keeping good relationships and learning how to be healthy and happy in life.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys advice books featuring regency life!
October 10, 2023
DNF. I liked the concept of this book, but even though this has cute illustrations, this was too modern to appeal to me. The idea is that a fictional character from the Regency Era is going to answer modern people's etiquette questions and questions about love and life, but without a sufficiently authentic and convincing voice for that character, this doesn't fly.
The advice is extremely bland and generic, and even though the character will express her shock and confusion at futuristic technology and some changed social dynamics, the author doesn't lean into the real differences between the two eras. The Regency character is utterly accommodating of everything and doesn't seem suitably shocked by extreme societal changes, and the advice she shares sounds like a 21st century advice column with some random historical window dressing. This is only for people who like modern attitudes dressed up in Regency fashions, not for people who are interested in actual history and the real comic contrasts between two wildly different eras.
I received a temporary digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The advice is extremely bland and generic, and even though the character will express her shock and confusion at futuristic technology and some changed social dynamics, the author doesn't lean into the real differences between the two eras. The Regency character is utterly accommodating of everything and doesn't seem suitably shocked by extreme societal changes, and the advice she shares sounds like a 21st century advice column with some random historical window dressing. This is only for people who like modern attitudes dressed up in Regency fashions, not for people who are interested in actual history and the real comic contrasts between two wildly different eras.
I received a temporary digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 13, 2022
Any Bridgerton fan worth their salt knows about Lady Whistledown and her gossip column. But what would happen if, say, that column were less about deconstructing the flaws of the ton, and more about giving readers the advice they need to navigate the often turbulent landscape known as "society"? That's where you get Carly Lane's A Regency Guide to Modern Life.
A Regency Guide to Modern Life is an extremely cute, fun read, feeling like a spiritual successor to Meg Cabot's Princess Diaries Guide to Life that was so instrumental to me as a tween. The book dispenses practical, bite-size life advice, complemented with vivid illustrations.
Lane's love of romance novels, and of the Regency era really pop out in the writing style, evident in the little winks and references her fictional Lady A makes as she guides the reader through troubles related to romance, work and friendship.
A Regency Guide to Modern Life is available February 7. Special thank you to Netgalley for an advance copy for review purposes
A Regency Guide to Modern Life is an extremely cute, fun read, feeling like a spiritual successor to Meg Cabot's Princess Diaries Guide to Life that was so instrumental to me as a tween. The book dispenses practical, bite-size life advice, complemented with vivid illustrations.
Lane's love of romance novels, and of the Regency era really pop out in the writing style, evident in the little winks and references her fictional Lady A makes as she guides the reader through troubles related to romance, work and friendship.
A Regency Guide to Modern Life is available February 7. Special thank you to Netgalley for an advance copy for review purposes
January 20, 2023
*I was able to read this book early via NetGalley thanks to DK!*
Such a cute, fun book! Essentially imagine if Bridgerton's Lady Whistledown handed out advice - and had way less of a snarky bite. A Regency Guide to Modern Life's Lady A offers advice on friends, family, dating, work, and how to be your best self, all with a fun 1800s spin.
The advice throughout is practical, if a little shallow, and this little book was a delight to read. The winks and nods at the differences between the Regency Era of the early 1800s and today kept a smile on my face, as did the narrative voice. The illustrations are also super cute, with plenty of diversity and the hilarious juxtaposition of modern activities with people in Regency dress.
All in all, a joyful, quick read that would probably make a great gift!
4/5
Such a cute, fun book! Essentially imagine if Bridgerton's Lady Whistledown handed out advice - and had way less of a snarky bite. A Regency Guide to Modern Life's Lady A offers advice on friends, family, dating, work, and how to be your best self, all with a fun 1800s spin.
The advice throughout is practical, if a little shallow, and this little book was a delight to read. The winks and nods at the differences between the Regency Era of the early 1800s and today kept a smile on my face, as did the narrative voice. The illustrations are also super cute, with plenty of diversity and the hilarious juxtaposition of modern activities with people in Regency dress.
All in all, a joyful, quick read that would probably make a great gift!
4/5
April 5, 2023
DNF. I was really excited for the potential for this book, and really disappointed in the execution of the premise. I wanted it to be like Therese Oneill's books on Victorian manners and parenting, where the hysterically funny humor comes from reading historically accurate advice and knowledge from the time period. Commentary is added, but it's specifically the details from the time period that are funny (how much opium is recommended during pregnancy, using arsenic as a face product, etc.).
In this book, a fictional lady from the Regency era is giving very generic "advice" to contemporary people, and the lack of specific details makes the juxtaposition of historical and current time periods unsuccessful, and the whole thing rather milquetoast. It's like if someone cut the Lady Whistledown voiceovers from the tv show Bridgerton, watered them down, and published them as a book.
In this book, a fictional lady from the Regency era is giving very generic "advice" to contemporary people, and the lack of specific details makes the juxtaposition of historical and current time periods unsuccessful, and the whole thing rather milquetoast. It's like if someone cut the Lady Whistledown voiceovers from the tv show Bridgerton, watered them down, and published them as a book.
March 15, 2023
This is a very charming Q and A self-help book! I loved the illustrations and thought using the tone of language from the regency-era made it more silly and fun. The advice was a bit more serious than I was expecting. I guess I was expecting regency-era rules of etiquette to be more incorporated and for Lady A to not be so tech savvy or in touch with the modern world (how does she even know about Facebook? I would have loved to hear her say "What is that? A book of faces? It is better to meet to have tea in a parlor room or catch up with a friend at a ball."), but the styling and theme of the book definitely made it fun to look through. I loved it when the author went there with the advice on "Ghosting"-- that was hilarious.
Thank you DK Penguin Random House for the arc!
Thank you DK Penguin Random House for the arc!
January 26, 2023
I had no idea what to expect from this book when it was announced, and I'm so delighted by it. It's every Regency/Jane Austen/Bridgerton-obsessed girl's modern-day gospel that's so well written and gorgeously illustrated. The illustrations done by Jo Podmore breathe fantastic life into Carly Lane's words, making the whole book stand out in a unique and memorable way. This is a coffee-table physical copy must-have that you can turn to at any time. There's clearly love poured into every page, and it's obvious right from the start.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance review copy!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance review copy!
February 8, 2023
This book answers the question of how Jane Austen would respond to modern day challenges with many good examples of how to respond in social situations with examples from the Regency era. It is funny, well-written, and I will definitely take away some of its advice.
It offers advice no matter the type of relationship you encounter whether it is friends or lovers and includes what to do in work situations which can be tricky to navigate in this modern world. I enjoyed the focus on learning how to be happier in life and making sure you maintain your good relationships with people.
My honest review in exchange for receiving a free ARC from Netgalley.
It offers advice no matter the type of relationship you encounter whether it is friends or lovers and includes what to do in work situations which can be tricky to navigate in this modern world. I enjoyed the focus on learning how to be happier in life and making sure you maintain your good relationships with people.
My honest review in exchange for receiving a free ARC from Netgalley.
abandoned
April 1, 2023This was...not what I was expecting. I thought it was going to be a lot of tongue-in-cheek commentary that pulled from regency romances with specific examples that both made fun of then times and current times. Instead, it is very earnest, which is fine if that's what you're looking for here.
For example, there's a section about living with your partner that doesn't compare it to Lydia running off with Wickham and bringing disgrace upon her family but do you, I guess. I mean, IT WAS RIGHT THERE.
So, anyway, it's cute if you're looking for actual advice but not if you expect it to go beyond that.
For example, there's a section about living with your partner that doesn't compare it to Lydia running off with Wickham and bringing disgrace upon her family but do you, I guess. I mean, IT WAS RIGHT THERE.
So, anyway, it's cute if you're looking for actual advice but not if you expect it to go beyond that.
August 4, 2023
This book is super cute. It is structured kind of in a "Letter to the Editor" type spiel. Each page or set of pages has a question that someone "asked" the narrator, and she writes out an answer. The narrator is also super quirky. She is a woman who seems to be from Jane Austen-era England who was transposed into modern life. All of her advice is this interesting combination of taking older ideas and trying to modernize them without seeming overbearing. She also seems like a best friend, as if she is giving advice to one of the closest people in her life. Finally, a lot of the pages have beautiful illustrations that are related to the question that page is answering.
April 29, 2023
Thank you to DK Books for the giveaway!
This book was a short and cute read going over some good topics people today might have question or concerns about. The regency spin made it a funny and fresh and very appropriate for the time with all of the regency inspired shows coming out lately. I don't think I'm quite the audience for this book as the answers to me seem pretty no brainer but I could see this book doing well with a younger crowd. I would definitely recommend this to any Bridgeton loving teen!
Happy reading!
This book was a short and cute read going over some good topics people today might have question or concerns about. The regency spin made it a funny and fresh and very appropriate for the time with all of the regency inspired shows coming out lately. I don't think I'm quite the audience for this book as the answers to me seem pretty no brainer but I could see this book doing well with a younger crowd. I would definitely recommend this to any Bridgeton loving teen!
Happy reading!
December 19, 2022
This is a fun, beautifully illustrated agony aunt type of guide with advice from your good Regency friend on anything from dating apps (or 'courtship applications' as she calls them) to being ghosted ('do you mean you are being haunted right now?'). Each page has a problem and a solution, and topics range from love to friends to family to work to personal growth. I can't imagine reading this cover to cover in one sitting but this is enjoyable.
December 30, 2024
Such a cute book with little bites of life advice. The illustrations are the real highlight and make it feel complete. Some of the advice is actually pretty good and hilariously written in this Bridgerton-style language. Other parts were just okay, kind of generic, and the language gimmick felt a bit forced. But honestly, the illustrations totally made up for it. Overall, it’s a fun little gift or a quick read.
February 11, 2023
I loved this book. It was so much with good advice in many subjects such as love, friendship, and work. I love the style of the narrator which was like an 18th century woman giving for things in the modern life wich I found funny and entertaining as I love both Jane Austen and the Bridgerton Serie, such as historical Romances
March 23, 2023
I would give this 4.5 stars if I could. This book is adorable and worth picking up! The illustrations are wonderful and the format is perfect. The author, Carly Lane, has achieved a refined regency voice within the answers and advice. I would recommend this for anyone.
Thanks to the author, her publisher, and goodreads for a free copy of this book.
Thanks to the author, her publisher, and goodreads for a free copy of this book.
February 11, 2023
a nice little book with very pretty illustrations. i must say i was not really wooed by it, but the advice given is reasonable and cleverly presented. i recommend it if you are in the mood for something light to pass the time, as it is quite short overall
December 13, 2023
Refreshing and humorous look at life from the 1800's perspective. Lady A provides modern advice based on what she knows of from her own time frame and what she has heard about the 21st century. Much of what she shares is spot on for modern life. A light read that will make you think at times.
February 28, 2023
I honestly don't know what I was expecting but it was funny and cute.
March 17, 2023
Lady A gives advice on various topics. Clever way of mingling regency with modern day. Illustrations are fun! Also an index to help you look quickly for topics.
March 19, 2023
I won this book on a giveaway on here and just received it. I thought this was really cute and I loved the illustrations in it.
March 20, 2023
What cute book, loved the letters to Lady A and her responses and I especially like the illustrations !
Thanks DK Penguin Random House for this giveaway copy!
Thanks DK Penguin Random House for this giveaway copy!
April 22, 2023
A cute conceit, but I couldn’t figure out whether the author wanted to give pretend regency or modern advice
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews