About the Book:
Stella Sedgwick is a lost cause.
Banished from etiquette lessons and unsure of her future, Stella dreams of a writing career and independence, but 1860s England offers little opportunity beyond marriage or servitude for a sharp-tongued, dark-skinned girl.
When her late mother’s former employer summons Stella to London, he tells her of his intention to bequeath one of the family’s great estates to her. It’s a life-changing inheritance, but one that will precipitate a legal battle that would be easier if Stella were married. With her cousin Olivia by her side, Stella is thrust into London society and must navigate fashion and balls, insults and stares, and a rekindled connection to Nathaniel, her childhood best friend with a rakish reputation.
Beyond the marriage market, living in London presents intriguing opportunities to Stella, like picking up her mother’s anonymous advice column to guide readers through upper-class perils. As new acquaintances are made and old secrets are uncovered, Stella must decide when to play by the rules, when to break them, and when to let herself follow her heart.
*Review Contributed by Kim Baccellia, Staff Reviewer*
Stella Sedgwich has a mind of her own. When she’s kicked out of etiquette lessons, her future seems in question. Stella, though, has dreams of so much more than what 1868 England expects of young women. She longs to be independent and take after her mother’s writing career. Then, a letter from her mother’s last employer arrives, inviting her to London. There, her life is turned topsy-turvy. Seems she will be given an estate with the only stipulation that she get married. Stella has other plans, though. Plans that don’t include a boy she used to know. Stella must decide whether to play by the rules or follow her own heart.
What worked: YA meets Bridgeton with an independent heroine that fights against the strict social rules while finding a way to make her own place. Stella is strong-willed, determined, and has a touch of humor. That humor helps her in an otherwise stuffy London, which makes it difficult for those of color to rise in society.
Great pacing, intrigue, and engaging characters. The ballroom dances and dos and don’t’s of polite society are at odds with what Stella really wants. She wants to follow in her mother’s footsteps and write her own column.
There are the grown-up grandchildren of her mother’s former employer and the now dashing Nathaniel, with whom she can’t deny the chemistry whenever in his presence. Her cousin Olivia is much more into all the fancy balls and dances. Plus, a handsome suiter who has his own secret.
This novel is perfect for fans of The Buccaneers and Bridgeton. The secrets, whispers, scandals, and, of course, the gorgeous gowns sweep readers off into mid-1860s London.
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