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Hearts of Briarwall
Lydia Wooding is fascinated by the latest inventions the new century brings, including motorcars. She longs for the independence they represent and believes that women should have a say in the future of the industry—just as they should have a say in suffrage, adventure, and, of course, love.
Spencer Hayes is a man of practicality and innovation, but he lacks the financial backing to make his dream a reality. When he contacts his childhood friend, Andrew Wooding, about a promising business venture, he is invited to Briarwall Manor to discuss the terms. Once there, he is surprised to find that Andrew's once shy, younger sister, Lydia, has grown into a young woman of beauty, wit, and a bit of fire. Even better, the two share a passion for motorcars.
Andrew, however, is wary of cars, having lost his parents in a tragic auto accident when he and Lydia were young. And he's not sure a relationship between his sister and Spencer is the best idea—not when Sir Lawrence is available and could match both Lydia's social status and her fortune.
Torn between risking their hearts and being loyal to their dreams in an era of whirlwind change, Spencer and Lydia anchor themselves with the determination they both share: to live life to its fullest.
Spencer Hayes is a man of practicality and innovation, but he lacks the financial backing to make his dream a reality. When he contacts his childhood friend, Andrew Wooding, about a promising business venture, he is invited to Briarwall Manor to discuss the terms. Once there, he is surprised to find that Andrew's once shy, younger sister, Lydia, has grown into a young woman of beauty, wit, and a bit of fire. Even better, the two share a passion for motorcars.
Andrew, however, is wary of cars, having lost his parents in a tragic auto accident when he and Lydia were young. And he's not sure a relationship between his sister and Spencer is the best idea—not when Sir Lawrence is available and could match both Lydia's social status and her fortune.
Torn between risking their hearts and being loyal to their dreams in an era of whirlwind change, Spencer and Lydia anchor themselves with the determination they both share: to live life to its fullest.
1 pages, Audio CD
First published January 1, 2022
20 people are currently reading
2919 people want to read
About the author
Krista Lynne Jensen
14 books188 followersKrista writes contemporary romance, historical romance, and fantasy. She is the author of OF GRACE AND CHOCOLATE (2012 Whitney Award Finalist), THE ORCHARD (2013 Whitney Award Finalist), FALLING FOR YOU (2014), and KISSES IN THE RAIN (2015 Whitney Award Finalist) through Covenant Communications, Inc.. She has novellas in Love Unexpected: With All My Heart (2014, Covenant), A Timeless Romance Anthology: Love Letters, and A Yuletide Regency (2014, 2018, Mirror Press), and Christmas Grace (2017, Covenant).
Krista has lived in lush Oregon and rugged Wyoming, but Washington is her beloved home state. She likes to choose familiar settings for her stories, and is grateful to have such inspirational places to choose from. She is a mother of six, gramma of three, a gardener and cook, loves to travel, laugh, and lives to make the best of what she's been given.
Krista is a member of LDStorymakers and ANWA.
Author blog: kristalynnejensen.blogspot.com
IG: @kljbooks
Krista has lived in lush Oregon and rugged Wyoming, but Washington is her beloved home state. She likes to choose familiar settings for her stories, and is grateful to have such inspirational places to choose from. She is a mother of six, gramma of three, a gardener and cook, loves to travel, laugh, and lives to make the best of what she's been given.
Krista is a member of LDStorymakers and ANWA.
Author blog: kristalynnejensen.blogspot.com
IG: @kljbooks
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August 3, 2022
***Publication Day 8/2/2022***
They were the Wendy League, so named for Wendy Darling, who "seized the opportunity to fly" in the play "Peter Pan" by J.M. Barrie. Wendy must have "sought out adventure after soaring in the skies, must've been fearless after facing pirates, and must have had a better understanding of boys after finding homes for the Lost Boys."
Lydia Wooding was a budding suffragette. "Parliament is not a goal of mine...only the vote. If I'm important enough to govern my home...[I'm] important enough to have a say in how [I'm] governed." "Lydia had been friends longest with Violet and had embarked on the most adventures with Florrie, but with Ruby, she knew she was in gentle hands..." The Wendy League: Lydia, Violet, Florrie and Ruby, meeting as a so-called "literature club", however, discussing "courage, aspirations, community, womanhood, and...men."
Societal expectations in Edwardian England in 1906 deemed it proper that a woman focus on finding a suitable husband. Lydia's future, therefore, was predictable. Since the death of her parents in a motor car accident, a succession of tutors and governesses had raised her and older brother, Andrew until Andrew came of age. Andrew, her guardian and gentleman-heir of Briarwall Manor, was fiercely protective of Lydia, overseeing her every move. At the age of almost 21, she was now being educated in being "hostess" as lady of the house.
Lydia was caught off guard when Andrew invited an old school chum, Spencer Hayes, recently back from a year in America, to stay at Briarwall. Spencer had brought a business proposal hoping for backing from Andrew. Horse-drawn carriages and bicycles flooded the streets of London, streets he hoped would soon be filled with motorcars. Circumstances had necessitated a change in direction from his original plan to take over his father's business. Andrew considered Lydia "one of my top priorities" but found her behavior unruly. She rode her horse, Hermes, while wearing breeches. She was fascinated by motorcars and wished to learn to drive. Andrew would not allow it.
Upon Spencer's arrival at Briarwall, he was stunned by Lydia's beauty. He remembered a shy, little girl. "Matters of the heart...had no place in his endeavor...[He needed] to focus on...securing the future his father had destroyed in one terrible gamble." But, his father's words resonated, "Shed off weakness, or you drown." Soon, Lydia and Spencer had lively discussions about motorcars. To Lydia, motoring was a form of freedom, of flying.
"Hearts of Briarwall" by Krista Jensen is a proper romance set in London and the countryside of Albury, England in 1906. It is a novel of innovation and invention, an upcoming women's suffrage march and a desire for independence. The Wendy League comprised of four young women, supported, understood and advocated for each other. A separate novel of the waters each "Wendy" must navigate would be a delight to this reader. Andrew's upbringing did not prepare him for guardianship of an independent minded, determined, headstrong sister. Would he embrace a learning curve? I highly recommend this lovely read. Here's wishing for a book series!
Thank you Callie Hansen and Shadow Mountain Publishing for the print ARC in exchange for an honest review.
They were the Wendy League, so named for Wendy Darling, who "seized the opportunity to fly" in the play "Peter Pan" by J.M. Barrie. Wendy must have "sought out adventure after soaring in the skies, must've been fearless after facing pirates, and must have had a better understanding of boys after finding homes for the Lost Boys."
Lydia Wooding was a budding suffragette. "Parliament is not a goal of mine...only the vote. If I'm important enough to govern my home...[I'm] important enough to have a say in how [I'm] governed." "Lydia had been friends longest with Violet and had embarked on the most adventures with Florrie, but with Ruby, she knew she was in gentle hands..." The Wendy League: Lydia, Violet, Florrie and Ruby, meeting as a so-called "literature club", however, discussing "courage, aspirations, community, womanhood, and...men."
Societal expectations in Edwardian England in 1906 deemed it proper that a woman focus on finding a suitable husband. Lydia's future, therefore, was predictable. Since the death of her parents in a motor car accident, a succession of tutors and governesses had raised her and older brother, Andrew until Andrew came of age. Andrew, her guardian and gentleman-heir of Briarwall Manor, was fiercely protective of Lydia, overseeing her every move. At the age of almost 21, she was now being educated in being "hostess" as lady of the house.
Lydia was caught off guard when Andrew invited an old school chum, Spencer Hayes, recently back from a year in America, to stay at Briarwall. Spencer had brought a business proposal hoping for backing from Andrew. Horse-drawn carriages and bicycles flooded the streets of London, streets he hoped would soon be filled with motorcars. Circumstances had necessitated a change in direction from his original plan to take over his father's business. Andrew considered Lydia "one of my top priorities" but found her behavior unruly. She rode her horse, Hermes, while wearing breeches. She was fascinated by motorcars and wished to learn to drive. Andrew would not allow it.
Upon Spencer's arrival at Briarwall, he was stunned by Lydia's beauty. He remembered a shy, little girl. "Matters of the heart...had no place in his endeavor...[He needed] to focus on...securing the future his father had destroyed in one terrible gamble." But, his father's words resonated, "Shed off weakness, or you drown." Soon, Lydia and Spencer had lively discussions about motorcars. To Lydia, motoring was a form of freedom, of flying.
"Hearts of Briarwall" by Krista Jensen is a proper romance set in London and the countryside of Albury, England in 1906. It is a novel of innovation and invention, an upcoming women's suffrage march and a desire for independence. The Wendy League comprised of four young women, supported, understood and advocated for each other. A separate novel of the waters each "Wendy" must navigate would be a delight to this reader. Andrew's upbringing did not prepare him for guardianship of an independent minded, determined, headstrong sister. Would he embrace a learning curve? I highly recommend this lovely read. Here's wishing for a book series!
Thank you Callie Hansen and Shadow Mountain Publishing for the print ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 12, 2022
I couldn't help myself, I smiled and laughed and giggled and swooned and sighed while reading this book. It was just delightful and made me happy. There were a few moments of angst and uncertainty but overall it was just fun!
Lydia and Spencer had a pretty instant connection when meeting again as adults. It had been many years since they'd last seen each other and even then she was still very young and had limited memories of him. The same for him, there were some memories but nothing he'd dwelt on over the years. To discover the charming young woman she'd become was a shock for him. A good shock. Lol!
I loved the adventures and moments they were able to find together to kindle a friendship between them. Her group of lady friends were just the best! Especially in their covert and not so covert attempts at helping Lydia get to know Spencer to discover if she could truly care for him more than a friend.
The time period, turn of the century, was a great setting for this book and characters. I loved the more flexibility and freedom it allowed them in propriety. The motorcar aspect was very interesting and added some great scenes into the book. And I enjoyed learning more about it and thinking about aspects of the industry that I hadn't before done.
There are so many scenes that I'm smiling over. The clock and key, the musicale, the apple tree song, the temple on her property and the rain, the bicycles, horses, friends, family, kisses, smiles, inheritances, struggles, mistakes, apologies, forgiveness, sweet romance and much more!
Lydia's friends were such a fun addition in this story. I kept hoping while I was reading the book, that her friends would each be getting their own story. There's a lot of great potential for multiple stories here! I would be one happy reader if we were to see more of them from this author. Hint. Hint. ;-)
Content: Sweet and clean.
I received a copy from the publisher, Shadow Mountain, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
Lydia and Spencer had a pretty instant connection when meeting again as adults. It had been many years since they'd last seen each other and even then she was still very young and had limited memories of him. The same for him, there were some memories but nothing he'd dwelt on over the years. To discover the charming young woman she'd become was a shock for him. A good shock. Lol!
I loved the adventures and moments they were able to find together to kindle a friendship between them. Her group of lady friends were just the best! Especially in their covert and not so covert attempts at helping Lydia get to know Spencer to discover if she could truly care for him more than a friend.
The time period, turn of the century, was a great setting for this book and characters. I loved the more flexibility and freedom it allowed them in propriety. The motorcar aspect was very interesting and added some great scenes into the book. And I enjoyed learning more about it and thinking about aspects of the industry that I hadn't before done.
There are so many scenes that I'm smiling over. The clock and key, the musicale, the apple tree song, the temple on her property and the rain, the bicycles, horses, friends, family, kisses, smiles, inheritances, struggles, mistakes, apologies, forgiveness, sweet romance and much more!
Lydia's friends were such a fun addition in this story. I kept hoping while I was reading the book, that her friends would each be getting their own story. There's a lot of great potential for multiple stories here! I would be one happy reader if we were to see more of them from this author. Hint. Hint. ;-)
Content: Sweet and clean.
I received a copy from the publisher, Shadow Mountain, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
July 23, 2024
Four and a half stars
Lydia Wooding has a group of friends Ruby, Florrie and Violet, who call themselves The Wendy League after Wendy who wanted to fly from J M Barrie’s play Peter Pan. They all long to fly against the restrictions imposed on women in 1906. Lydia’s brother, Andrew tells her an old school chum is coming to visit. Spencer Hayes , Andrew’s friend, wants to talk to Andrew about a business venture. He comes to Briarwall Mansion to discuss it. When he arrives he finds Andrew’s younger sister, has grown into a beautiful young woman. She also has a huge interest in the innovations the new century brings and that includes motor cars. Andrew, on the other hand, has a set against cars as their parents were both killed in a car accident.
Sometimes people can have the right motives but go about things the wrong way as is the case in this story. That applies to more than one character in this story.
I really liked the spirited Lydia and loved the friendship between the four young women and their involvement with suffragettes. Spencer is interesting and has certainly had some issues in his own family to deal with.
A charming story of family, friendship, choices and their consequences and romance.
I found it a very enjoyable read and I would recommend it. Be interested to read more of the series as the characters are engaging. Liked some of the light hearted banter as well as more meaningful conversations. Setting also great. A sweet historical romance.
Lydia Wooding has a group of friends Ruby, Florrie and Violet, who call themselves The Wendy League after Wendy who wanted to fly from J M Barrie’s play Peter Pan. They all long to fly against the restrictions imposed on women in 1906. Lydia’s brother, Andrew tells her an old school chum is coming to visit. Spencer Hayes , Andrew’s friend, wants to talk to Andrew about a business venture. He comes to Briarwall Mansion to discuss it. When he arrives he finds Andrew’s younger sister, has grown into a beautiful young woman. She also has a huge interest in the innovations the new century brings and that includes motor cars. Andrew, on the other hand, has a set against cars as their parents were both killed in a car accident.
Sometimes people can have the right motives but go about things the wrong way as is the case in this story. That applies to more than one character in this story.
I really liked the spirited Lydia and loved the friendship between the four young women and their involvement with suffragettes. Spencer is interesting and has certainly had some issues in his own family to deal with.
A charming story of family, friendship, choices and their consequences and romance.
I found it a very enjoyable read and I would recommend it. Be interested to read more of the series as the characters are engaging. Liked some of the light hearted banter as well as more meaningful conversations. Setting also great. A sweet historical romance.
March 9, 2022
In this cute and sometimes humorous historical Romance Novel readers are taken to a charming English country side estate known as Briarwall. It’s the beginning of a new and exciting era where horses are being replaced by automobiles and women are exchanging their corsets for the right to vote and learn to drive one of those shiny new horseless buggies. The heroine of this story, Lydia Wooding and her three best friends are just coming to age of independence, wanting the right of being recognized as intelligent women capable of making their own decisions and goals they have set for their futures. Though these young women are single they are beginning to notice the young men in their friendship circles.
Lydia’s parents died when she and her brother Andrew where children. They were raised by servants of their parents estate. They had guardians although they didn’t live with them. Now Andrew who has grown into an adult considers himself to be Lydia’s guardian and takes his job very seriously. When his friend Spencer Hayes, who has just spent a year abroad in America, comes visiting Briarwall he is attracted to the young beautiful heiress Lydia and she in turn feels drawn to him. Mr Hayes is into autos and Lydia and her friends are curious to learn more about him and his exciting new business opportunities . Andrew has other ideas and a plan for Lydia’s future and automobiles and Spencer Hayes aren’t part of those plans as Lydia will soon find out.
I fell in love with this delightful historical romance as it drew me into another time in a far off country. I find it very refreshing to go back in time and meet the characters of another era in history. How they lived and what was expected of them in high society. I thought this book was charming and very entertaining. Definitely a page turner and hard to put down. I found it to be original and I loved the books ending.
I recommend this book to readers of historical romance and to readers who like a fun story. It’s the first book of the Proper Romance Edwardian Series. Clean Romance with some kissing but no explicit content. This book is scheduled to be released on 8/2/22.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of Hearts of Briarwall. All thoughts and opinions expressed here in this review are my own.
#HeartsofBriarwall#NetGalley
Lydia’s parents died when she and her brother Andrew where children. They were raised by servants of their parents estate. They had guardians although they didn’t live with them. Now Andrew who has grown into an adult considers himself to be Lydia’s guardian and takes his job very seriously. When his friend Spencer Hayes, who has just spent a year abroad in America, comes visiting Briarwall he is attracted to the young beautiful heiress Lydia and she in turn feels drawn to him. Mr Hayes is into autos and Lydia and her friends are curious to learn more about him and his exciting new business opportunities . Andrew has other ideas and a plan for Lydia’s future and automobiles and Spencer Hayes aren’t part of those plans as Lydia will soon find out.
I fell in love with this delightful historical romance as it drew me into another time in a far off country. I find it very refreshing to go back in time and meet the characters of another era in history. How they lived and what was expected of them in high society. I thought this book was charming and very entertaining. Definitely a page turner and hard to put down. I found it to be original and I loved the books ending.
I recommend this book to readers of historical romance and to readers who like a fun story. It’s the first book of the Proper Romance Edwardian Series. Clean Romance with some kissing but no explicit content. This book is scheduled to be released on 8/2/22.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of Hearts of Briarwall. All thoughts and opinions expressed here in this review are my own.
#HeartsofBriarwall#NetGalley
August 2, 2022
This book is simply a breath of fresh air! The Edwardian period is so vastly underrated in historical romance and now that I know what I’ve been missing…I need more of it! This is the charmingly sweet Downton Abbey Era you need in your life right now.
This is a wonderful story with a rich cast of characters. A sisterhood like that of little women that has just the right shade of feminism and friendship! The story itself is engaging and packs a punch in a small number of pages.
This is a romance that lacks games and miscommunication and we praise Krista Jensen for it! It just made me so happy. It was hopefully and silly and romantic all in one and had me swooning and misty eyed all in one.
I hope that the rest of the cast gets their own stories because I will definitely be lining up for it. I love this authors voice and will definitely be trying more of her books.
This was the case of right book right time and I’m definitely not complaining!
This is a wonderful story with a rich cast of characters. A sisterhood like that of little women that has just the right shade of feminism and friendship! The story itself is engaging and packs a punch in a small number of pages.
This is a romance that lacks games and miscommunication and we praise Krista Jensen for it! It just made me so happy. It was hopefully and silly and romantic all in one and had me swooning and misty eyed all in one.
I hope that the rest of the cast gets their own stories because I will definitely be lining up for it. I love this authors voice and will definitely be trying more of her books.
This was the case of right book right time and I’m definitely not complaining!
August 14, 2024
Delightful! I smiled the whole time I was reading. It's just the right amount of funny, fluffy, and different to have made this a fantastic read. I haven't been exposed to many romances within this time period and it added the perfect backdrop for this sweet romance.
Lydia lives with her stern brother, Andrew, and enjoys a life of leisure and friendship with three other women interested in the benefits of the industrial revolution including motorcars and the suffragette movement. An unexpected friendship of her brother's with a Spencer Hayes gives Lydia another chance to open up her world to more including love.
I loved Krista's Miracle Creek Christmas a couple of years ago and knew that she'd be an author to watch. Switching to historical was an unexpected twist, but just as equally bingeable.
Thank you to Shadow Mountain for the gifted copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
Lydia lives with her stern brother, Andrew, and enjoys a life of leisure and friendship with three other women interested in the benefits of the industrial revolution including motorcars and the suffragette movement. An unexpected friendship of her brother's with a Spencer Hayes gives Lydia another chance to open up her world to more including love.
I loved Krista's Miracle Creek Christmas a couple of years ago and knew that she'd be an author to watch. Switching to historical was an unexpected twist, but just as equally bingeable.
Thank you to Shadow Mountain for the gifted copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
August 17, 2022
Totally adored this delightful story. It was so what I needed right now. It's sweet and gentle without being superficial and the humor felt pitch-perfect. I smile every time I think about it. I loved that it's a fairly young romance yet handled with such sensitivity and intelligence. Lydia is on the cusp of adulthood, feeling the pull of responsibility, of finding her place in the world, and, yes, of romance.. but still able (and wishing) to be caught up in the fancies of her younger days. The Wendy League (named after Wendy from Peter Pan) is charming, as are the four club members. The club discusses books but also "courage, aspirations, womanhood and... men. It could not be denied that while Peter Pan refused to grow up, the boys who had caught the eyes of the Wendy League certainly had." The girls are members of the suffragette movement yet also frivolous enough to visit Floris perfumery and delight in selecting their signature scent. They remind me a bit of Betsy Ray and her chums, ready to be women but still giggling like girls at times. I find that so refreshing! And, I could relate to Lydia when, upon being asked if she'd ever been in love, she said, yes, lots of times... with Laurie Laurence, Gilbert Blythe, Mr. Darcy etc. ;-) Much as I enjoy a good Regency romance, it was nice to step into the 20th Century with this tale set in 1906 Surrey County, England (I love the early 1900s in England and America, and have read many sweet romances actually penned during that time) and the focus on motor cars provided not only a good focal point for this time in history but also allowed opportunity for character development in a way that felt very natural. Spencer was a very likeable love interest and the developing love story offered several swoony moments while staying very much kisses-only. So, my five star rating is for my personal enjoyment level and feeling that this was better written than many other light historical romances I've encountered (I'm pretty pleased with the Proper Romance imprint at Shadow Mountain Press so far). I hope this becomes a series and that each Wendy League girl will get her own novel! (I'm especially eager for Florrie's!)
February 9, 2022
This is an historical novel set in the Gilded Age in England, before royal assassinations swept through continental Europe, before the Titanic sank, and before WWI. It's an exciting time period and this novel reflects that.
Lydia and her friends are suffragettes and eager to embrace all that's new and progressive. The friendships among the four girls is strong and they are there for each other as needed.
Unfortunately for Lydia, her older brother Andrew is overprotecting and won't let her learn how to drive, which is something she very much wants on account of her interest in automobiles.
Spencer is Andrew's friend and looking to get his support in his new venture with automobiles. Despite some obstacles and differences, Spencer and Lydia develop a friendship that includes their mutual love of cars.
There's the potential for a series with books for each of Lydia's friends.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
Lydia and her friends are suffragettes and eager to embrace all that's new and progressive. The friendships among the four girls is strong and they are there for each other as needed.
Unfortunately for Lydia, her older brother Andrew is overprotecting and won't let her learn how to drive, which is something she very much wants on account of her interest in automobiles.
Spencer is Andrew's friend and looking to get his support in his new venture with automobiles. Despite some obstacles and differences, Spencer and Lydia develop a friendship that includes their mutual love of cars.
There's the potential for a series with books for each of Lydia's friends.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
April 22, 2022
It is a little more difficult to find romances written about the early Edwardian period - most are either Victorian, Regency, or Medieval. Luckily Hearts of Briarwall exists to help fill in the gap, and it beautifully captures the struggle between traditional 19th century ways and the rapid changes of the modern world. Jensen uses J. M. Barrie's play Peter Pan as metaphor for how Lydia, the heroine, feels trapped between two worlds - her brother (and traditional society) want to keep her a little girl, while Lydia wants to grow into not just a woman, but a person who can drive, vote, and control her own future. She and her friends (whom I dearly hope get their own books) determine to be each other's pixie dust, enabling each other to fly.
This is blended with a fairly grounded romance between Lydia and Spencer, whose father's past informs his own present in ways that aren't necessarily helpful. This feels like an extension of the Peter Pan metaphor that Jensen is working with in terms of past versus future and how we should all get to make our own choices and not be trapped by someone else's. Peter and Wendy were both free to chose whether to grow up or not; Lydia and Spencer both need to learn that they, too, can be free to decide on their futures, with Lydia's brother Andrew as the person who most needs to hear what they have to say.
A bit spicier than other Proper Romance titles I've read (but still perfectly proper!), this is a well-written story with solid characters and a light, deft touch with the metaphor of choice and growing up. It slows down a bit much in places, but overall this is simply a charmer of a romance, and I look forward to the author's next works.
This is blended with a fairly grounded romance between Lydia and Spencer, whose father's past informs his own present in ways that aren't necessarily helpful. This feels like an extension of the Peter Pan metaphor that Jensen is working with in terms of past versus future and how we should all get to make our own choices and not be trapped by someone else's. Peter and Wendy were both free to chose whether to grow up or not; Lydia and Spencer both need to learn that they, too, can be free to decide on their futures, with Lydia's brother Andrew as the person who most needs to hear what they have to say.
A bit spicier than other Proper Romance titles I've read (but still perfectly proper!), this is a well-written story with solid characters and a light, deft touch with the metaphor of choice and growing up. It slows down a bit much in places, but overall this is simply a charmer of a romance, and I look forward to the author's next works.
April 8, 2022
Funnily enough, I wasn’t interested in reading this book after first reading the synopsis, it just didn’t seem too appealing to me; but it has the name Krista Jensen on it, so I decided to just for got it and read.
Boy! I’m so happy I did! This is the first historical romance I’ve read during this time period and it was fascinating seeing all the differences from the histfic I normally read, like regency. Everything from the motor cars, the relaxed rules, and yes, the breeches.
Krista created a fun literary world that has many great characters, an engaging plot, and hilarious banter. I now want to be in the Wendy League and absolutely need future books about these incredible women.
Spencer and Lydia’s love story is sweet, swoony, and filled with many delightful and humorous moments. I loved how family (both blood-related and by choice) relationships seemed so realistic in this book. Sometimes we get along, sometimes we can’t stand each other, other times we try our best (yet still fall short), and other times we lovingly let them flounder on their own. Between the friends, siblings, and parents you see it all in this book, which only made me like it even more.
I’m so happy I decided to jump right into this story and not judge it off of the “book blurb.”
I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to leave a positive review
Boy! I’m so happy I did! This is the first historical romance I’ve read during this time period and it was fascinating seeing all the differences from the histfic I normally read, like regency. Everything from the motor cars, the relaxed rules, and yes, the breeches.
Krista created a fun literary world that has many great characters, an engaging plot, and hilarious banter. I now want to be in the Wendy League and absolutely need future books about these incredible women.
Spencer and Lydia’s love story is sweet, swoony, and filled with many delightful and humorous moments. I loved how family (both blood-related and by choice) relationships seemed so realistic in this book. Sometimes we get along, sometimes we can’t stand each other, other times we try our best (yet still fall short), and other times we lovingly let them flounder on their own. Between the friends, siblings, and parents you see it all in this book, which only made me like it even more.
I’m so happy I decided to jump right into this story and not judge it off of the “book blurb.”
I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to leave a positive review
November 14, 2022
This is one of my favorite books of the year! I usually prefer Regency to Victorian, but the author was so skilled at bringing the country estate hominess of Briarwall Manor to life, with Andrew and Lydia hosting a variety of characters, including Spencer. Lydia and her friends are embracing the ideas of innovation and change, and I love that Spencer doesn't try to stifle Lydia but appreciates her mind and vibrant personality. Their friendship and romance develops quite naturally, but Andrew's interference in Lydia's prospects provide some of the conflict in the story. Spencer also feels caught between Andrew and Lydia with his business proposal and investment opportunity, and Lydia is hurt from feeling like she's not trusted by the men in her life. The genuine natures of Lydia and Spencer appealed to me, and they are such a perfect match for each other. I loved their sweet chemistry and it really made the story come to life!
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
July 4, 2022
This historical romance was absolutely and completely adorable!
Loved the fresh and unique setting that was the perfect backdrop for Lydia and her friends - the Wendy League as they call themselves because they are passionate about women's suffrage and innovation.
Lydia's brother Andrew refuses to have anything to do with motor cars but when his friend Spencer comes to pitch him a business idea, Lydia is intrigued with his business proposal...and the man himself. Spencer has vowed not to fall in love with anyone but cannot help but be drawn to his friend's younger sister. The chemistry between them was electric right from the start and their banter was just spot on! So many humorous and charming moments, I did not want the book to end!
I loved how supportive Spencer is of Lydia's forward-thinking ideas and even the fact that she sometimes wears breeches. I have a deep appreciation for books that have main characters that I genuinely like AND have well-formed character arcs. That takes some extra talent from the author and she nailed it in this book.
Krista Jensen is proving to be a must-read author and I absolutely cannot wait to see who in the Wendy League gets a story next. Highly, highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical fiction!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but a positive review was not required.
Loved the fresh and unique setting that was the perfect backdrop for Lydia and her friends - the Wendy League as they call themselves because they are passionate about women's suffrage and innovation.
Lydia's brother Andrew refuses to have anything to do with motor cars but when his friend Spencer comes to pitch him a business idea, Lydia is intrigued with his business proposal...and the man himself. Spencer has vowed not to fall in love with anyone but cannot help but be drawn to his friend's younger sister. The chemistry between them was electric right from the start and their banter was just spot on! So many humorous and charming moments, I did not want the book to end!
I loved how supportive Spencer is of Lydia's forward-thinking ideas and even the fact that she sometimes wears breeches. I have a deep appreciation for books that have main characters that I genuinely like AND have well-formed character arcs. That takes some extra talent from the author and she nailed it in this book.
Krista Jensen is proving to be a must-read author and I absolutely cannot wait to see who in the Wendy League gets a story next. Highly, highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical fiction!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but a positive review was not required.
August 18, 2022
read if you love:
🚲 edwardian rom coms
🚲 women’s suffrage
🚲 brother’s best friend
🚲 motorcar innovation
🚲 she’s not so little anymore
🚲 heroines in breeches
🚲 wrist kisses
🚲 core best friend groups
“𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐧. 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐜𝐚𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲. 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐬𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐚 𝐭𝐞𝐚. 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐬𝐚𝐲. 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐚 𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐫𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐧 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐫𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐦𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞.”
this was such a delightful and refreshing surprise of a book! spencer hayes arrives at briarwall seeking an investment from his old best friend from his school days — andrew wooding. upon arriving at briarwall, spencer finds andrew’s little sister lydia not so little anymore, but a vibrant and vivacious young woman.
even though spencer was dead set on relationships after having been burned by a woman, i just knew he was a goner after meeting lydia. she was such a captivating heroine. i admired her determination to be herself and to be appreciated for who she was especially by her brother. i love that spencer was drawn to her independent nature and encouraged her. it also helped that lydia had florrie, violet and ruby as her core group of best friends. their support of her really helped lydia through some tough moments. i can’t wait for their stories!
some other things i loved in this story were the temple meetings, lavender fields, clock surgery, a hilarious bicycle ride and a swoony thunderstorm! i also really liked andrew even though he was infuriating in his treatment of lydia at times — it was all out of love. i hope he gets his own book because he’s the type of character that will be so much fun to see brought down by a woman! overall, this story was a breathe of fresh air. highly recommend for historical romance lovers!
thank you to netgalley and shadow mountain publishing for an advanced copy. my thoughts are my own.
🚲 edwardian rom coms
🚲 women’s suffrage
🚲 brother’s best friend
🚲 motorcar innovation
🚲 she’s not so little anymore
🚲 heroines in breeches
🚲 wrist kisses
🚲 core best friend groups
“𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐧. 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐜𝐚𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲. 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐬𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐚 𝐭𝐞𝐚. 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐬𝐚𝐲. 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐚 𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐫𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐧 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐫𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐦𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞.”
this was such a delightful and refreshing surprise of a book! spencer hayes arrives at briarwall seeking an investment from his old best friend from his school days — andrew wooding. upon arriving at briarwall, spencer finds andrew’s little sister lydia not so little anymore, but a vibrant and vivacious young woman.
even though spencer was dead set on relationships after having been burned by a woman, i just knew he was a goner after meeting lydia. she was such a captivating heroine. i admired her determination to be herself and to be appreciated for who she was especially by her brother. i love that spencer was drawn to her independent nature and encouraged her. it also helped that lydia had florrie, violet and ruby as her core group of best friends. their support of her really helped lydia through some tough moments. i can’t wait for their stories!
some other things i loved in this story were the temple meetings, lavender fields, clock surgery, a hilarious bicycle ride and a swoony thunderstorm! i also really liked andrew even though he was infuriating in his treatment of lydia at times — it was all out of love. i hope he gets his own book because he’s the type of character that will be so much fun to see brought down by a woman! overall, this story was a breathe of fresh air. highly recommend for historical romance lovers!
thank you to netgalley and shadow mountain publishing for an advanced copy. my thoughts are my own.
July 9, 2022
This is the first of the Proper Romance series set in the Edwardian era. It’s a cute story with likable characters and a fun group of young women who call themselves the Wendy League, after Wendy from Peter Pan. They want to vote, to drive, to be respected, and to fall in love. Speaking of which, there’s a bit of insta-love for the main couple. Spencer admits to falling too fast, and he’s been recently burned. But he can’t help falling for his friend’s sister Lydia, who is no longer a little girl. He tries to ignore his growing feelings for more than one reason, but you can imagine how that goes. Fans of clean historical romance and the Proper Romance series will enjoy this one.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review and all opinions are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review and all opinions are my own.
August 6, 2022
Have you ever read a book set in the Edwardian period? (Think Downton Abbey.) I don't think I have but I love movies set in this time period so this was a fun change in reading.
Motorcars were such a hot topic in the Edwardian era and I loved how this book brought that out. It had such a loud presence with Lydia and Andrew losing their parents in a motorcar accident and Spencer and Lydia's shared passion and interest in them. It really was fun to imagine the cars then and the excitement and even some of the wariness of people who lived then.
The group of Lydia's friends entertained me. I loved their excursion to the scent shop and how feminine and also how bold they were. I loved Lydia's desire to read. Of course I connected to that. 😀 I also loved how women were emerging into their own rights and standing for what they wanted independently of men. This book showcased that well and it made me proud to be a woman.
I enjoyed the growing friendship between Spencer and Lydia- how they reconnected after so many years and found equal footing again. It was all very sweet.
Content: kissing
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Motorcars were such a hot topic in the Edwardian era and I loved how this book brought that out. It had such a loud presence with Lydia and Andrew losing their parents in a motorcar accident and Spencer and Lydia's shared passion and interest in them. It really was fun to imagine the cars then and the excitement and even some of the wariness of people who lived then.
The group of Lydia's friends entertained me. I loved their excursion to the scent shop and how feminine and also how bold they were. I loved Lydia's desire to read. Of course I connected to that. 😀 I also loved how women were emerging into their own rights and standing for what they wanted independently of men. This book showcased that well and it made me proud to be a woman.
I enjoyed the growing friendship between Spencer and Lydia- how they reconnected after so many years and found equal footing again. It was all very sweet.
Content: kissing
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 26, 2022
I'd like to thank Edelweiss and the publisher for allowing me a chance at reviewing this book.
I like clean romances and I thought the story was pretty solid in the summary for this. So I requested it.
I made it through 60% of this book before I decided to just abort. There are other writers who write stronger Victorian fiction. While the plot was interesting, the characters and the way that it was told did not lend to it.
The characters lack any sort of depth and the romance is very lukewarm. There is hardly any swoony moments between the two and it hurts that when they finally have their first kiss, you just don't feel that urge to read more and how it all turns out.
There is also a painfully modern tone and the things the characters do don't sound or come off as true to that time period. It may have been researched but the writing just wasn't helping.
I really wanted to enjoy this book, and as someone who makes it her mission to read clean romances of Georgian/Edwardian/Victorian eras, this one is a no-go for me.
I like clean romances and I thought the story was pretty solid in the summary for this. So I requested it.
I made it through 60% of this book before I decided to just abort. There are other writers who write stronger Victorian fiction. While the plot was interesting, the characters and the way that it was told did not lend to it.
The characters lack any sort of depth and the romance is very lukewarm. There is hardly any swoony moments between the two and it hurts that when they finally have their first kiss, you just don't feel that urge to read more and how it all turns out.
There is also a painfully modern tone and the things the characters do don't sound or come off as true to that time period. It may have been researched but the writing just wasn't helping.
I really wanted to enjoy this book, and as someone who makes it her mission to read clean romances of Georgian/Edwardian/Victorian eras, this one is a no-go for me.
May 15, 2022
This book was so much fun to read!! I absolutely loved the ladies in the Wendy League. The Wendy League were a group of friends—Lydia included—who have a passion for women’s suffrage and innovation. Their addition to the story was super entertaining. Even when they had stubborn Andrew to deal with.
Pretty much, all the characters were fabulous. I especially liked Lydia and Spencer. They understood each other and respected one another for their brilliant minds. I loved reading their quirks and boy did they have chemistry. Krista Jensen sure knows how to write romance that make you want to devour the story in one sitting.
Pretty much, all the characters were fabulous. I especially liked Lydia and Spencer. They understood each other and respected one another for their brilliant minds. I loved reading their quirks and boy did they have chemistry. Krista Jensen sure knows how to write romance that make you want to devour the story in one sitting.
July 22, 2022
I LOVED this book! Even the first chapter I was constantly highlighting lines I loved! I’m so excited for this series! I love Proper Romance books and am so excited to see an Edwardian setting in one.
💐
Lydia is a handful at times. In the eyes of her stiff older brother - she’s not proper, brash, speaks too quickly before thinking and a list of other annoyances. Thankfully Lydia has her friends who love and understand her. Andrew has a chin from school over (I love how everyone was shocked and made jokes about Andrew being chums with someone 😂) and Lydia is agitated at first. She vaguely remembers him and thought him gangly and dull. But that is not who is staying as a guest!
💐
I loved all the characters, their distinct personalities, it brought their world to life! I didn’t see what year this takes place but it’s before the Women’s vote and World War 1. So the suffrage is the underlining tone as any young women would agree. They want a say in their life.
💐
The pieces from Peter Pan, the Wendy League and wanting to fly. Perfect!
💐
I received this as an e-arc from the publisher . This book releases next month and I will definitely be buying my own! (I don’t love her pillow chest on the cover but that’s my only gripe). These are my own thoughts and opinions.
💐
Lydia is a handful at times. In the eyes of her stiff older brother - she’s not proper, brash, speaks too quickly before thinking and a list of other annoyances. Thankfully Lydia has her friends who love and understand her. Andrew has a chin from school over (I love how everyone was shocked and made jokes about Andrew being chums with someone 😂) and Lydia is agitated at first. She vaguely remembers him and thought him gangly and dull. But that is not who is staying as a guest!
💐
I loved all the characters, their distinct personalities, it brought their world to life! I didn’t see what year this takes place but it’s before the Women’s vote and World War 1. So the suffrage is the underlining tone as any young women would agree. They want a say in their life.
💐
The pieces from Peter Pan, the Wendy League and wanting to fly. Perfect!
💐
I received this as an e-arc from the publisher . This book releases next month and I will definitely be buying my own! (I don’t love her pillow chest on the cover but that’s my only gripe). These are my own thoughts and opinions.
August 2, 2022
This book was so sweet and unique!
I LOVED the Edwardian, turn-of-the-century setting! It had all of elements I love in historical romances with a unique and fun vibe! We see motor cars and suffrage marches and women in pants and people calling each other my their first names early on, which was all just so fun to read!
Lydia Wooding is 'a lot', and as someone who has also been viewed as 'a lot' throughout my life, I loved reading this story through her eyes and watching the ways she learns and grows. Lydia does not hesitate to stand up for herself and what she believes in. She is headstrong and passionate and fiercely loving, and I really really loved her!
Spencer Hayes was also so good! Hw was a good match for Lydia, sometimes matching her exuberance, and sometimes providing the calmness and anchor she needed without trying to stifle her. I loved that we got to see him explore his relationships with both the Wooding siblings and come to terms with his past and what that meant for his future.
I really enjoyed the discussions of friendship in this book. Lydia and her Wendy League group of friends were absolutely wonderful and I loved watching them all support each other in their own unique ways and showing their love for one another, but I also really enjoyed Spencer and Andrew's friendship and how it was not only able to weather years apart, but also some disagreements and hardships that occur in the story. The themes of flying and allusions to Peter Pan were also a great touch!
I sincerely hope Krista Jensen writes more in this era and about these characters, because I had such a fun time reading this book! If you're a fan of clean historical romance and are looking for something a little different but no less lovely, I HIGHLY recommend checking out Hearts of Briarwall!!
I LOVED the Edwardian, turn-of-the-century setting! It had all of elements I love in historical romances with a unique and fun vibe! We see motor cars and suffrage marches and women in pants and people calling each other my their first names early on, which was all just so fun to read!
Lydia Wooding is 'a lot', and as someone who has also been viewed as 'a lot' throughout my life, I loved reading this story through her eyes and watching the ways she learns and grows. Lydia does not hesitate to stand up for herself and what she believes in. She is headstrong and passionate and fiercely loving, and I really really loved her!
Spencer Hayes was also so good! Hw was a good match for Lydia, sometimes matching her exuberance, and sometimes providing the calmness and anchor she needed without trying to stifle her. I loved that we got to see him explore his relationships with both the Wooding siblings and come to terms with his past and what that meant for his future.
I really enjoyed the discussions of friendship in this book. Lydia and her Wendy League group of friends were absolutely wonderful and I loved watching them all support each other in their own unique ways and showing their love for one another, but I also really enjoyed Spencer and Andrew's friendship and how it was not only able to weather years apart, but also some disagreements and hardships that occur in the story. The themes of flying and allusions to Peter Pan were also a great touch!
I sincerely hope Krista Jensen writes more in this era and about these characters, because I had such a fun time reading this book! If you're a fan of clean historical romance and are looking for something a little different but no less lovely, I HIGHLY recommend checking out Hearts of Briarwall!!
March 6, 2023
Sweet, clean regency romance.
Listened to on Hoopla thanks to my local public library!
Listened to on Hoopla thanks to my local public library!
August 3, 2022
This was an Edwardian proper romance. The world was changing. Women wanted to be seen and automobiles were starting to be a thing. I’m glad to say that I found it very enjoyable. I loved the Wendy League and the friendships of women. It was one of my favorite things in this novel. It had a sweet romance and I really hope this author writes more books about the side characters. I would definitely read them. If you’re looking for a proper romance than I suggest you get this one.
Thanks Shadow Mountain via NetGalley.
Thanks Shadow Mountain via NetGalley.
July 22, 2022
This isn't a love story but a good time in the world.
London and the countryside of Albury, England, 1906
Lydia Wooding can hardly keep up with all the inventions the new century has brought. She’s particularly fond of the petrol motor car, a luxury that fuels her longing for independence. Her older brother and guardian, Andrew, however, refuses her frequent requests to learn to drive. He’s been extra protective of Lydia after their parents were killed in a motor car accident, and he’d prefer his sister focus her attention on finding a suitable husband.
Lydia and her three best friends anticipate they’ll all get married someday, and they certainly enjoy the attention they receive from their coterie of suitors. But settling down is hardly a priority for any of them when there is so much life to experience. Inspired by the play Peter Pan, which they all saw on the London stage, and its promise of everlasting fun and adventure, the young women vow to seize the day and pursue all that life has to offer, including engaging in meaningful causes like the upcoming, and controversial, women’s suffrage march.
Spencer Hayes is a man of practicality, purpose, and innovation, but he lacks the financial backing to make his dreams a reality. When he contacts his childhood friend, Andrew Wooding, about a promising business venture, he is happy to be invited to Briarwall Estate to discuss the terms. Once there, he is surprised to find that Andrew’s shy, younger sister, Lydia, has grown into a young woman of beauty, wit, and a bit of fire. Even better, the two share a passion for motor cars.
Torn between his dream for the future and pursuing a relationship with a passionate, free-spirited woman intent on creating her own future, Spencer must figure out how to protect his head and his heart from Lydia who is determined to live life to the fullest—and change the world in the process.
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.
London and the countryside of Albury, England, 1906
Lydia Wooding can hardly keep up with all the inventions the new century has brought. She’s particularly fond of the petrol motor car, a luxury that fuels her longing for independence. Her older brother and guardian, Andrew, however, refuses her frequent requests to learn to drive. He’s been extra protective of Lydia after their parents were killed in a motor car accident, and he’d prefer his sister focus her attention on finding a suitable husband.
Lydia and her three best friends anticipate they’ll all get married someday, and they certainly enjoy the attention they receive from their coterie of suitors. But settling down is hardly a priority for any of them when there is so much life to experience. Inspired by the play Peter Pan, which they all saw on the London stage, and its promise of everlasting fun and adventure, the young women vow to seize the day and pursue all that life has to offer, including engaging in meaningful causes like the upcoming, and controversial, women’s suffrage march.
Spencer Hayes is a man of practicality, purpose, and innovation, but he lacks the financial backing to make his dreams a reality. When he contacts his childhood friend, Andrew Wooding, about a promising business venture, he is happy to be invited to Briarwall Estate to discuss the terms. Once there, he is surprised to find that Andrew’s shy, younger sister, Lydia, has grown into a young woman of beauty, wit, and a bit of fire. Even better, the two share a passion for motor cars.
Torn between his dream for the future and pursuing a relationship with a passionate, free-spirited woman intent on creating her own future, Spencer must figure out how to protect his head and his heart from Lydia who is determined to live life to the fullest—and change the world in the process.
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.
May 29, 2022
I initially wasn’t going to pick this book, but I’ve liked books by Krista Jensen, so I decided to give it a try. This book is set during the Edwardian era and it was so fun to see how innovation and Women’s rights were changing the world. I loved all the women in the Wendy League. I loved their femininity, their individuality, and their role in women’s rights. I can’t wait for their future stories.
Lydia was such a fun heroine and one I really admired. She was smart, kind, and knew how to stand up for herself, while also being feminine. I loved her speech about breeches to her brother Andrew. I wanted to clap for her!
Spencer was a dynamic character and I loved the person he became despite his upbringing and disappointments. He was perfect for Lydia. I love how he respected her and pointed out her strengths to her brother Andrew.
Andrew was such a complex character. He was written perfectly and while I disliked him at times, I like how his experiences really shaped him and made his choices make sense. I’m really really hoping he ends up with one of the girls from the Wendy league that he has great banter with and who I know will push him to become his best self.
The chemistry between Spencer and Lydia was so good! I just want to re-read this one right away and enjoy it again.
July 15, 2022
I need more books in this era!! I loved it. Definitely gave me Downton Abbey vibes.
Lydia was a great character. She’s fun and “a bit of fire”, much to her older brother Andrew’s annoyance. Under his care, Lydia longs for independence, to be treated like an adult and to learn to drive a motorcar! I love how Lydia knows what she wants and goes for it. She is definitely an “ask for forgiveness instead of permission” type of gal! I also really enjoyed Lydia’s friends and their club, the “Wendy League”.
Spencer thinks he going to visit his childhood friend, Andrew, and talk about a business proposition. It never crosses his mind that Andrew’s little sister might be a grown woman now. A beautiful and witty one at that!! I loved Spencer’s practical personality. It made for great interactions between him and Lydia.
Lydia and Spencer hit it off at once. The chemistry between these two is fantastic! And there’s several “bone-melting” 😉 kiss scenes.
This is one of those books that had me smiling throughout the entire book, especially the last 2 chapters. I thought the ending was perfect!
Thank you @netgalley and Shadow Mountain for this eARC! I thoroughly enjoyed it!!
Lydia was a great character. She’s fun and “a bit of fire”, much to her older brother Andrew’s annoyance. Under his care, Lydia longs for independence, to be treated like an adult and to learn to drive a motorcar! I love how Lydia knows what she wants and goes for it. She is definitely an “ask for forgiveness instead of permission” type of gal! I also really enjoyed Lydia’s friends and their club, the “Wendy League”.
Spencer thinks he going to visit his childhood friend, Andrew, and talk about a business proposition. It never crosses his mind that Andrew’s little sister might be a grown woman now. A beautiful and witty one at that!! I loved Spencer’s practical personality. It made for great interactions between him and Lydia.
Lydia and Spencer hit it off at once. The chemistry between these two is fantastic! And there’s several “bone-melting” 😉 kiss scenes.
This is one of those books that had me smiling throughout the entire book, especially the last 2 chapters. I thought the ending was perfect!
Thank you @netgalley and Shadow Mountain for this eARC! I thoroughly enjoyed it!!
February 2, 2023
Clever dialogue, fun story, swoon-worthy love interest, strong female characters
August 2, 2022
I haven’t read very many, if any, books set in this time period in England. It’s the Edwardian period. Around the time that cars were new. This is an interesting time period, because it seems like it’s right on the cusp of change. Women are still expected to wear dresses, but they can’t vote and their reputations can still be damaged easily.
It’s in this world that we meet Lydia Wooding. She and her friends are a little bit progressive. Lydia loves to wear man’s pants, to her brother’s consternation. And her deepest secret dream is to learn to drive. But due to circumstances, she can’t ask her brother for that. I loved Lydia! She knew what she wanted and she went for it. I loved that she was there for all of the Votes for Women rally’s and she worked hard for those too.
Spencer is a great kind of guy. It felt like he got over looked a little. Spencer doesn’t come from a high class family. And his father did some things that none of the family was proud of. But Spencer is kind, he looks out for those around him, and he isn’t like his father at all. I loved the way he wanted to get to know Lydia better, but knew that his friend and her brother, Andrew, wouldn’t approve. So he didn’t make any moves. And that was a little frustrating to Lydia!
I loved all of Lydia’s friends too. I’m really hoping we get to see those ladies in some books of their own really soon!
This is a great book that I really enjoyed reading.
I was sent a copy of Hearts of Briarwall as a gift from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
It’s in this world that we meet Lydia Wooding. She and her friends are a little bit progressive. Lydia loves to wear man’s pants, to her brother’s consternation. And her deepest secret dream is to learn to drive. But due to circumstances, she can’t ask her brother for that. I loved Lydia! She knew what she wanted and she went for it. I loved that she was there for all of the Votes for Women rally’s and she worked hard for those too.
Spencer is a great kind of guy. It felt like he got over looked a little. Spencer doesn’t come from a high class family. And his father did some things that none of the family was proud of. But Spencer is kind, he looks out for those around him, and he isn’t like his father at all. I loved the way he wanted to get to know Lydia better, but knew that his friend and her brother, Andrew, wouldn’t approve. So he didn’t make any moves. And that was a little frustrating to Lydia!
I loved all of Lydia’s friends too. I’m really hoping we get to see those ladies in some books of their own really soon!
This is a great book that I really enjoyed reading.
I was sent a copy of Hearts of Briarwall as a gift from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
August 11, 2022
This is such a charming, feel-good book. It’s well-written, funny, witty, clever, and the banter and dialogue is perfection.
I loved Lydia and her friends in “The Wendy League.” Their motto: “Like Wendy Darling at the nursery window, we seize the opportunity to fly.“ These adorable women fly in all the best and most heartwarming ways.
I loved Lydia and her friends in “The Wendy League.” Their motto: “Like Wendy Darling at the nursery window, we seize the opportunity to fly.“ These adorable women fly in all the best and most heartwarming ways.
February 12, 2022
I really enjoy the sweetness of the romance in this book. It gains in depth with enough anticipation to hook the reader. The other thing worth mentioning is the friendships that Jensen creates within the pages. It is dynamic and nuanced and I appreciated it greatly.
The story is well-written with a plot that resonates well with the genre.
The world building is intricate and I appreciate the small, though significant hints of history sprinkled throughout the story: Not too much that I’m saddled with a history lesson and not too little to leave me confused – I found it to be a good balance.
The story and characters sweep you up into their world, and that is exactly what a story is supposed to do. Good job, Krista Jensen. I will recommend this book.
The story is well-written with a plot that resonates well with the genre.
The world building is intricate and I appreciate the small, though significant hints of history sprinkled throughout the story: Not too much that I’m saddled with a history lesson and not too little to leave me confused – I found it to be a good balance.
The story and characters sweep you up into their world, and that is exactly what a story is supposed to do. Good job, Krista Jensen. I will recommend this book.
December 30, 2022
"Like Wendy Darling at the nursery window, we seize the opportunity to fly." (The Wendy League motto)
I love the Edwardian era. There are motorcars, the rules are more relaxed than in the Regency and Victorian eras and dare I say it--women in breeches (at least occasionally). Why do we tend to remember the friends of our siblings or the siblings of our friends the way they were the last time we saw them, so we're surprised when they grow up to be beautiful women and handsome men? That's what happened to Lydia Wooding and Spencer Hayes--each seemed surprised at how much the other had changed.
Things I loved about this book: First and foremost Lydia and her friends--The Wendy League, where they discussed anything and everything! I found it hilarious that her overprotective brother, Andrew, was told the name of the group was The Wordsworth Ladies and they talked about books. I loved how the friends supported each other in their goals and interests. I loved Lydia. She wasn't the conventional lady and was interested in many of the new inventions of that time, especially the motorcar and she wanted to learn to drive. I loved how Spencer treated Lydia--he didn't care if she wore breeches and she even asked him to teach her to drive!
I thought Andrew was too overprotective of Lydia and didn't completely understand his aversion to motorcars until he explained about their parents' deaths. Thankfully, by the end of the book I didn't find him quite so annoying.
This was a super fun and satisfying book with wonderful characters that I'd love to see again. I'd love to see each of the ladies in the Wendy League get her own book and even have Andrew find his happily ever after. Krista Jensen is surely becoming a new favorite author.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher Shadow Mountain via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I love the Edwardian era. There are motorcars, the rules are more relaxed than in the Regency and Victorian eras and dare I say it--women in breeches (at least occasionally). Why do we tend to remember the friends of our siblings or the siblings of our friends the way they were the last time we saw them, so we're surprised when they grow up to be beautiful women and handsome men? That's what happened to Lydia Wooding and Spencer Hayes--each seemed surprised at how much the other had changed.
Things I loved about this book: First and foremost Lydia and her friends--The Wendy League, where they discussed anything and everything! I found it hilarious that her overprotective brother, Andrew, was told the name of the group was The Wordsworth Ladies and they talked about books. I loved how the friends supported each other in their goals and interests. I loved Lydia. She wasn't the conventional lady and was interested in many of the new inventions of that time, especially the motorcar and she wanted to learn to drive. I loved how Spencer treated Lydia--he didn't care if she wore breeches and she even asked him to teach her to drive!
I thought Andrew was too overprotective of Lydia and didn't completely understand his aversion to motorcars until he explained about their parents' deaths. Thankfully, by the end of the book I didn't find him quite so annoying.
This was a super fun and satisfying book with wonderful characters that I'd love to see again. I'd love to see each of the ladies in the Wendy League get her own book and even have Andrew find his happily ever after. Krista Jensen is surely becoming a new favorite author.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher Shadow Mountain via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
August 2, 2022
Thank you to Shadow Mountain for an ARC.
SOMEWHAT CHARMED.
I really loved Jensen’s previous contemporary (Miracle Creek Christmas) so I took a chance here on reading her first book set in a different time period. Some things worked for me and others didn’t.
The romance was sweet. I did enjoy the characters together and by the end I thought they had believable chemistry. I just didn’t feel enough heat (and not in a steam way), in a general sort of manner. Spencer was smitten from the get go and that was adorable there were some missing aspects that I needed to feel more connected to their relationship.
I liked the turn of century setting and the plot surrounding motor cars. That was new to me in this genre and I liked seeing some of the tools of the trade. Occasionally these scenes were a bit extended, so I’m glad they wrapped back into parts of the backstory.
There’s some good friendships here. I love the woman bonding together and the activism they were working for at the time (being suffragettes). A bit too silly, for instance, I really don’t understand the Wendy flying thing? BUT, women supporting women is always a great addition.
I’m curious what other books will line up in this series with other friends and family members.
Overall audience notes:
- Gilded Era Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: low
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of both parents (car wreck), grief depiction
SOMEWHAT CHARMED.
I really loved Jensen’s previous contemporary (Miracle Creek Christmas) so I took a chance here on reading her first book set in a different time period. Some things worked for me and others didn’t.
The romance was sweet. I did enjoy the characters together and by the end I thought they had believable chemistry. I just didn’t feel enough heat (and not in a steam way), in a general sort of manner. Spencer was smitten from the get go and that was adorable there were some missing aspects that I needed to feel more connected to their relationship.
I liked the turn of century setting and the plot surrounding motor cars. That was new to me in this genre and I liked seeing some of the tools of the trade. Occasionally these scenes were a bit extended, so I’m glad they wrapped back into parts of the backstory.
There’s some good friendships here. I love the woman bonding together and the activism they were working for at the time (being suffragettes). A bit too silly, for instance, I really don’t understand the Wendy flying thing? BUT, women supporting women is always a great addition.
I’m curious what other books will line up in this series with other friends and family members.
Overall audience notes:
- Gilded Era Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: low
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of both parents (car wreck), grief depiction
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