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Escape to the charm of the past with my latest book reviews!
In this episode, I’m sharing eight historical and Regency romance books (plus a novella) that perfectly capture those soft, spring cottagecore vibes—think countryside strolls, stolen glances, and blossoming love. If you’re in the mood for cozy settings, vintage romance, and a touch of whimsy, these recent reads are calling your name.
9 Historical & Regency Romance Books I Read in March & April
The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner
Format: Audiobook – Narrators: Lorna Bennett, Lauren Anthony, and Lauren Irwin
GR Rating: 3.76 (GR Nominee for Readers’ Favorite Historical Fiction 2021, and Nominee for Readers’ Favorite Debut Novel 2021)
My GR Rating: 3
Read more on GoodReads.
GR Description: A female apothecary secretly dispenses poisons to liberate women from the men who have wronged them – setting three lives across centuries on a dangerous collision course.
Rule #1: The poison must never be used to harm another woman.
Rule #2: The names of the murderer and her victim must be recorded in the apothecary’s register.
One cold February evening in 1791, at the back of a dark London alley in a hidden apothecary shop, Nella awaits her newest customer. Once a respected healer, Nella now uses her knowledge for a darker purpose – selling well-disguised poisons to desperate women who would kill to be free of the men in their lives. But when her new patron turns out to be a precocious twelve-year-old named Eliza Fanning, an unexpected friendship sets in motion a string of events that jeopardize Nella’s world and threaten to expose the many women whose names are written in her register.
In present-day London, aspiring historian Caroline Parcewell spends her tenth wedding anniversary alone, reeling from the discovery of her husband’s infidelity. When she finds an old apothecary vial near the River Thames, she can’t resist investigating, only to realize she’s found a link to the unsolved “apothecary murders” that haunted London over two centuries ago. As she deepens her search, Caroline’s life collides with Nella’s and Eliza’s in a stunning twist of fate – and not everyone will survive.
My Review:
This was my first time reading a book by this author, and while I found aspects of the story intriguing, particularly the overarching mystery and historical elements, it ultimately didn’t live up to my expectations.
The dual timeline structure, moving between the present day and the 1700s, made it difficult for me to fully immerse myself in either storyline. Just as I was becoming engaged in one time period, the narrative would abruptly shift, which felt jarring and disrupted the pacing. This back-and-forth made the story feel somewhat disjointed and prevented me from truly connecting with the characters.
Interestingly, I found the 18th-century timeline far more compelling than the present-day one. The historical setting and characters were rich and engaging, and I often wished the entire book had focused solely on that era. In contrast, the modern timeline felt less necessary and, at times, detracted from the overall impact of the story.
While I appreciate the author’s skill in crafting a layered narrative, this particular book just didn’t resonate with me. That said, I did enjoy certain elements and can see how others might connect with it more than I did. I’m still open to exploring more of this author’s work—perhaps this just wasn’t the right starting point for me.
If the premise sounds intriguing to you, I’d still recommend giving it a try; you might have a different experience.
Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen
Format: Tandem: Audiobook – Narrator: Rosamund Pike and Digital ebook
GR Rating: 4.29
My GR Rating: 3
Read more on GoodReads.
SparkNotes
GR Description: In Pride and Prejudice, the Bennett sisters try to find their way in the repressive strictures of 19th-century society. Austen shows the folly of judging by first impressions and the experience of falling in love, and she superbly describes a world which, despite being more than two centuries old, still resonates with modern concerns
My Review:
I have a real-time reaction episode coming for this book, so I’ll keep this review brief.
This was my very first time reading a Jane Austen novel, and I’m still not sure if her writing style is for me. The language felt very much like what I’d call “Old English”—formal, dense, and at times hard to follow. There were quite a few words and phrases I didn’t recognize, and I honestly felt like I needed a dictionary just to get through it.
I almost gave up within the first quarter and considered just rewatching the movie instead. But I’m glad I stuck with it—thanks in large part to SparkNotes. I started reading each chapter, then followed it up with the summary and analysis on SparkNotes, which made a world of difference. It helped me understand the plot, characters, and Austen’s subtle humor in a way I couldn’t grasp on my own.
If you’re struggling with Austen’s writing, I highly recommend using a resource like SparkNotes. It really enhanced my reading experience and helped me appreciate the story in a new way.
What also helped me get through the book was doing a tandem read with the audiobook, narrated by the talented actress Rosamund Pike, who, coincidentally, played Jane in the 2005 Pride & Prejudice movie adaptation. Listening to her while following along in my digital eBook made a huge difference. Her narration was absolutely stellar. She gave each character a distinct voice and brought the entire cast to life with such nuance and charm. It made the reading experience far more engaging and immersive.
Although I’ve seen both the TV series and the movie adaptations of Pride and Prejudice, the story itself has never been my favorite of Austen’s. I’m not the biggest fan of the enemies-to-lovers trope, and this book doesn’t offer the kind of sweeping romance or swoony moments I tend to look for in romance novels. That said, I did find myself laughing at several points, especially thanks to the over-the-top personalities of characters like Mrs. Bennet and Mr. Collins. I can definitely appreciate the novel’s satirical tone and its role as a romantic comedy of its time.
One element I really enjoyed was the cozy, cottagecore atmosphere. The vivid descriptions of the English countryside, elegant balls, and Elizabeth’s famous long walks gave the book an almost whimsical, seasonal feel. It turned out to be the perfect springtime read when I was craving that specific vibe. While the pacing felt quite slow for much of the story, I found the last quarter more compelling and enjoyable.
Overall, once I figured out the best way to approach the book, through a combination of the audiobook and supplementary tools like SparkNotes, it turned into an entertaining and worthwhile read. I’m glad I finally tackled this beloved classic. Jane Austen may not be a new favorite author for me, but I understand why so many readers adore her progressive storytelling and clever social critiques.
I’m especially looking forward to trying Emma, which has always been my favorite Austen movie adaptation. While I’ll probably always prefer watching the movies or TV series, I still want to give a few more of her novels a try.
Where the Road Bends by Rachel Fordham
Format: Digital ebook
GR Rating: 4.05
My GR Rating: 4
Read more on GoodReads.
GR Description: As Norah King surveys her family land in Iowa in 1880, she is acutely aware that it is all she has left, and she will do everything in her power to save it–even if that means marrying a man she hardly knows. Days before her wedding, Norah discovers an injured man on her property. Her sense of duty compels her to take him in and nurse him back to health. Little does she realize just how much this act of kindness will complicate her life and threaten the future she’s planned.
Norah’s care does more than aid Quincy Barnes’s recovery–it awakens his heart to possibilities. Penniless and homeless, he knows the most honorable thing he can do is head on down the road and leave Norah to marry her intended. But walking away from the first person to believe in him proves much harder than he imagined.
Rachel Fordham invites you to experience the strength and beauty of love forged in the crucible of hardship in this heartwarming story.
My Review:
I absolutely love Rachel Fordham—she’s one of my all-time favorite historical romance authors. I’m slowly making my way through all of her books, and I’m so happy to have checked this one off my list! While I tend to prefer her newer releases, this story still left me grinning and swooning in all the best ways. It’s not my top favorite of hers, but it’s a sweet and heartfelt read with no language and no spice—just clean, uplifting romance.
The pacing is a bit slow at first, and it took me until about the 30% mark to really feel connected to the characters and immersed in the plot. But once I was in, I couldn’t wait to see how everything unfolded.
I adored getting to know Nora and Quincy. Their connection begins in such a tender, beautiful way—when Quincy is injured, Nora steps in to care for him, and that’s where their bond really starts to grow. Later, Quincy gets the chance to return that kindness when Nora is in need, and it creates such a lovely sense of mutual support. I also really enjoyed the small-town charm and the cast of lovable side characters that added warmth and heart to the story, especially the little boy, Nels.
At its core, this book is about love, courage, and resilience. One of the things I admire most about Rachel’s writing is how she blends romance with meaningful themes, faith elements, and strong storytelling. This particular story reminded me a lot of Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers, so if you enjoyed that book, I think you’ll appreciate this one as well.
Overall, it’s a touching, sweet read that I definitely recommend, especially for fans of clean historical romance with emotional depth and heartwarming characters.
To Forge Her Fate by Kasey Stockton
Format: Kindle Unlimited & YouTube Audiobook
GR Rating: 4.22
My GR Rating: 4
Read more on GoodReads.
GR Description: Two worlds. Two hearts. Can they ever meld together as one?
Eliza Rose: accomplished in pianoforte, riding, drawing, three languages, and the art of flirtation using only a fan.
Jacob Ridley: skilled blacksmith, honest tradesman, appreciates a hot meal, and not susceptible to any lady’s charm.
Until Eliza needs help, and Jacob cannot turn her away. Now she has him wrapped around her dainty finger. But a union between them is forbidden on both sides of Society, and Jacob cannot afford to make enemies, or his business will suffer.
But can he afford to sacrifice his heart?
Book one in the Hearts of Harewood series, To Forge Her Fate is a sweet and clean Regency romance of unequal social status and forbidden love.
My Review:
After reading this author’s Christmas book, I knew I wanted more—and I’m so glad I picked up this Regency Romance! This is the first in a four-book series, and now I’m eager to dive into the rest. I especially appreciate that it’s a sweet, clean, closed-door romance—no strong language, no spice—just heartfelt storytelling, which I personally love. Bonus: many of her books are available on Kindle Unlimited!
This story is a slow burn with a gentler pace, but the buildup and romantic tension made it totally worth it. It thoughtfully explores themes like social class, privilege, and the importance of following your heart, even when society disapproves. I really enjoyed getting to know the full cast of characters, and since each book in the series follows different characters introduced in this one, I recommend reading them in order to get the full experience.
While the romance had its swoony moments, I did find myself wanting more interaction between Eliza and Jacob. That’s the main reason I didn’t give it a full five stars—it felt a bit slow in places, and I craved a deeper connection by the end. Still, their journey was charming and endearing, and I was rooting for them the whole time.
If you enjoy forbidden love, slow burn romances, a fresh take on Regency settings, lovable side characters, hidden family secrets, and just enough swoon to keep you smiling, definitely add this book to your TBR. I can’t wait to continue the series and read more from this author. Highly recommend!
The Story She Left Behind by Patti Callahan Henry
Format: Tandem: Audiobook – Narrators: Julia Whelan and Theo Solomon, and NetGalley ARC
GR Rating: 4.25
My GR Rating: 5
Read more on GoodReads.
GR Description: In 1927, eight-year-old Clara Harrington’s magical childhood shatters when her mother, renowned author, Bronwyn Newcastle Fordham, disappears off the coast of South Carolina. Bronwyn stunned the world with a book written in an invented language that became a national sensation when she was just twelve years old. Her departure leaves behind not only a devoted husband and heartbroken daughter, but also the hope of ever translating the sequel to her landmark work. As the headlines focus on the missing author, Clara yearns for something far deeper and more her beautiful mother.
By 1952, Clara is an illustrator raising her own daughter, Wynnie. When a stranger named Charlie Jameson contacts her from London claiming to have discovered a handwritten dictionary of her mother’s lost language. Clara is skeptical. Compelled by the tragedy of her mother’s vanishing, she crosses the Atlantic with Wynnie only to arrive during one of London’s most deadly natural disasters—the Great Smog. With asthmatic Wynnie in peril, they escape the city with Charlie and find refuge in the Jameson’s family retreat nestled in the Lake District. It is there that Clara must find the courage to uncover the truth about her mother and the story she left behind.
My Review:
I absolutely love this historical fiction author—she’s one of my all-time favorites, and I’ll read anything she writes. As always, the cover is stunning and immediately drew me in. I picked up the audiobook through my library app to read alongside my ARC, and was thrilled to discover that Julia Whelan was one of the narrators. She’s a favorite of mine, and—as expected—she delivered a fantastic performance. Theo Solomon was equally compelling. I highly recommend the audiobook experience for this story.
What I loved most is that this fictional narrative is rooted in real-life events and historical context. The writing is beautiful and immersive, with vivid prose that pulled me in. While the beginning started off a bit slow, once Clara and her daughter Wynnie traveled to England, I was completely invested. The pacing picked up, and the mystery surrounding Clara’s mother and her disappearance became utterly captivating. I found myself searching for clues and forming theories—my hunch ended up being correct, so the big reveal didn’t surprise me, but the journey there was still thoroughly engaging.
The novel explores powerful themes such as grief, loss, abandonment, forgiveness, trust, belonging, and the complex bonds of family. These emotional layers gave the story real depth, and I found myself reflecting on them long after I finished.
The budding romance subplot added a tender touch and offered some lightness to balance the heavier moments. It’s a sweet, closed-door romance with no explicit scenes and minimal language—perfect for those who prefer a gentler approach to love stories. I also appreciated the thoughtful portrayal of family dynamics throughout the novel.
Some scenes played out so vividly, they felt cinematic—especially the one where Clara and Wynnie get caught in the thick fog that engulfed London. I felt like I was right there with them. I only had a basic knowledge of the Great Smog of the 1950s from watching The Crown on Netflix, so it was fascinating to see that real event reimagined through the lens of fictional characters. It added a layer of realism and historical weight that made the story even more compelling.
There are some truly beautiful, poignant messages woven into this book. I’d love to own a physical copy just so I can revisit and highlight my favorite passages. This was an engaging, moving, and thought-provoking read, and I loved going on this journey with these characters.
Highly recommend!!
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. These are my own thoughts and opinions.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Annie Barrows and Mary Ann Shaffer
Format: Audiobook – Narrator: Paul Boehmer, Susan Duerden, Rosalyn Landor, John Lee, and Juliet Mills
GR Rating: 4.19
My GR Rating: 5
Read more on GoodReads.
GR Description: “I wonder how the book got to Guernsey? Perhaps there is some sort of secret homing instinct in books that brings them to their perfect readers.” January 1946: London is emerging from the shadow of the Second World War, and writer Juliet Ashton is looking for her next book subject. Who could imagine that she would find it in a letter from a man she’s never met, a native of the island of Guernsey, who has come across her name written inside a book by Charles Lamb…
As Juliet and her new correspondent exchange letters, Juliet is drawn into the world of this man and his friends—and what a wonderfully eccentric world it is. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society—born as a spur-of-the-moment alibi when its members were discovered breaking curfew by the Germans occupying their island—boasts a charming, funny, deeply human cast of characters, from pig farmers to phrenologists, literature lovers all.
Juliet begins a remarkable correspondence with the society’s members, learning about their island, their taste in books, and the impact the recent German occupation has had on their lives. Captivated by their stories, she sets sail for Guernsey, and what she finds will change her forever.
Written with warmth and humor as a series of letters, this novel is a celebration of the written word in all its guises and of finding connection in the most surprising ways.
My Review:
I watched the movie version of this story several years ago and really enjoyed it, so I finally decided to read the book, and I’m so glad I did! I didn’t realize going in that it’s an epistolary novel, written entirely through letters. At first, I found it a bit confusing to keep track of all the different character POVs, but listening to the audiobook, which features a full-cast narration, made a huge difference. I highly recommend the audio version to help keep everything straight and bring the story to life.
I absolutely loved this book. It was compelling, engaging, and completely captivating. I was surprised by just how invested I became in the story and the characters, the further I got into the book. Even though I’m not usually drawn to WWII fiction, this book struck a perfect balance—it offers glimpses into life during the war but also focuses on the years that follow, showing how people rebuild, reconnect, and find meaning again.
The characters are unforgettable, and I found myself constantly eager to find out what would happen next. After finishing the book, I went back and rewatched the movie. Though there are some expected differences between the book and film, I thought it was a solid adaptation. Both versions are emotional and impactful—I was in tears by the end.
This is such a beautiful, heartfelt story about friendship, community, resilience, and love. It’s full of warmth and wisdom, with so many meaningful moments and messages. I highly recommend it, especially if you enjoy historical fiction with emotional depth and unforgettable characters.
Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson
Format: Digital ebook
GR Rating: 4.33 (GR Nominee for Readers’ Favorite Romance 2012)
My GR Rating: 5
Read more on GoodReads.
GR Description: Marianne Daventry will do anything to escape the boredom of Bath and the amorous attentions of an unwanted suitor. So when an invitation arrives from her twin sister, Cecily, to join her at a sprawling country estate, she jumps at the chance. Thinking she’ll be able to relax and enjoy her beloved English countryside while her sister snags the handsome heir of Edenbrooke, Marianne finds that even the best laid plans can go awry.
From a terrifying run-in with a highwayman to a seemingly harmless flirtation, Marianne finds herself embroiled in an unexpected adventure filled with enough romance and intrigue to keep her mind racing. Will Marianne be able to rein in her traitorous heart, or will a mysterious stranger sweep her off her feet? Fate had something other than a relaxing summer in mind when it sent Marianne to Edenbrooke.
My Review:
This was my first time reading from this author, and I want more!! I absolutely LOVED this sweet, clean historical romance – no language and no spice. Dare I say this is my all-time favorite Regency Romance?! It’s seriously the best book in this genre that I’ve read to date.
This was my first time reading anything by this author, and now I want more!! I absolutely LOVED this sweet, clean historical romance—no language, no spice, just pure charm and swoon. Dare I say… this might be my all-time favorite Regency Romance? It’s hands down the best I’ve read in the genre so far.
The story is fast-paced and kicks off with some wild, entertaining scenes that immediately hooked me, and it never let up. I was completely captivated from start to finish. Between the lovely English countryside setting, the lovable cast of characters, the swoony romance, and all the laugh-out-loud moments, this book was everything I wanted. I was laughing just as much as I was swooning.
Marianne is such a sweet, endearing heroine. (I adored her habit of wanting to twirl—so wholesome!) I found her incredibly relatable and often felt like, if I lived in that time period, I could be her (lol). She’s easy to root for, with a strong heart and unwavering loyalty to her sister, even when it means sacrificing her own happiness. That quiet strength and selflessness made her even more lovable.
Philip – Swoon. He’s the perfect mix of charming and dashing, flirty in a fun, not annoying way, and had me smiling the entire time. He absolutely stole my heart.
The banter between Marianne and Philip was chef’s kiss—witty, clever, and full of charm. But it wasn’t all laughs; there were plenty of tender, heartfelt moments between them that added depth to their relationship and gave the romance real emotional weight.
Another reviewer compared this book to Pride & Prejudice—if Mr. Darcy weren’t quite so broody and was more flirtatious, and Elizabeth a bit shyer. Honestly, that’s the perfect comparison. I devoured this book and didn’t want it to end.
If you enjoy wholesome, clean, closed-door Regency romances with humor, heart, and major cottagecore vibes, do not sleep on this one. It’s especially perfect for a cozy spring or summer read. Highly, highly recommend!
Heir to Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson
Format: Novella – Digital eBook
GR Rating: 4.25
My GR Rating: 4
Read more on GoodReads.
GR Description: Philip Wyndham has never envied his older brother for being the heir to Edenbrooke. He would much rather carve out his own destiny than live under the constraints of that position. But when his older brother dies unexpectedly, Philip’s life is turned upside down as duty requires him to give up the life he planned. Philip takes on his new role as the most sought-after bachelor in London with alternating reluctance, boredom, and resentment. But all that changes the night fate leads him to an inn, where he meets the incomparable Marianne Daventry.
My Review:
Was this story necessary? No. Did I absolutely enjoy every minute of it? Yes!
This sweet novella serves as both a prequel to Edenbrooke and a partial retelling of the original story from Philip’s point of view. I highly recommend reading Edenbrooke first—this novella is best enjoyed with the context and emotional attachment that the original book provides.
It’s a quick, charming read that gives us a deeper look into Philip’s thoughts and experiences. I loved getting to know him better and seeing the events of Edenbrooke through his eyes. The prequel portion especially added a nice layer of backstory and helped me fall for his character all over again.
This is the perfect companion for Edenbrooke fans—a sweet, satisfying addition that enhances the original story. Highly recommend!
The Fur Trader’s Lady by Gabrielle Meyer
Format: Kindle Unlimited
GR Rating: 4.48
My GR Rating: 5
Read more on GoodReads.
GR Description: To escape her guardian’s plans to marry her, Lady Charlotte Fairfax steals away to Montreal to locate Reid McCoy, a fur trader who owes her fiancé a debt for saving his life. Even though European women are forbidden from entering the interior, she is desperate to get to her fiancé deep within the northwestern wilderness.
Reid McCoy has worked hard for fifteen years to become a shareholder in the North West Company and is on the brink of realizing that goal. Taking Charlotte into the interior will not only put her life at risk, but it could also jeopardize his dreams. Honor bound to repay his debt, his only option is to have Charlotte dress as a man and enter as his assistant clerk.
With Charlotte’s guardian close on their trail and a personal rival willing to do anything to keep Reid from becoming a shareholder, they will embark on an epic journey that will test not only their strength and endurance, but their hearts, as well.
My Review:
WOW! Did I just read my book of the year already?! We shall see…
I LOVED this book!!! Gabrielle Meyer can do no wrong in my eyes. I’m OBSESSED with her Timeless series, so I was a little hesitant to step outside of that world—but this book proved me so wrong. It was gripping, tender, and absolutely fascinating from a historical perspective.
Yes, the story starts off slow, and the romance is definitely a slow burn, but that’s exactly what made it so incredible. The buildup, the tension—it all led to the most rewarding payoff. The romance was swoony, heartfelt, and deeply moving. Charlotte and Reid forever!! I adored these two characters and was completely emotionally invested in their journey. Their bond is built on respect, trust, and shared faith, growing stronger as they each confront personal challenges and learn to lean on each other—and on God—in ways they never expected. The heartfelt honesty in their relationship made it feel deeply authentic and meaningful.
And can we please talk about Reid’s Scottish brogue—SWOON!! I need the audiobook just to hear his accent. While reading, I kept imagining Jamie’s voice from Outlander, and let’s just say… no complaints here! This is a dual-perspective story, so we get to experience both Reid’s and Charlotte’s inner thoughts, which makes their journey even richer.
The historical aspects of this book were utterly captivating. I knew nothing about the 19th-century fur trading industry, so learning about the lives of those involved—especially the interactions between traders and Native American communities—was fascinating. Gabrielle Meyer’s background as a historian shines in every detail, making the story both immersive and incredibly well-researched. The descriptions of the Northwest Canadian wilderness were breathtaking, adding even more depth to the setting. Definitely take the time to read the author’s note at the end—her insights into the writing process and historical research make the story even more compelling!
As a Christian fiction novel, the faith elements were beautifully woven in. The themes of trusting God and surrendering to His plan felt deeply meaningful, never forced. Reid’s prayers and Charlotte’s reliance on faith throughout her journey added so much depth, making their struggles feel even more authentic. Their hardships weren’t just physical—they were spiritual, testing their trust in Him in profound ways.
These characters will forever have a place in my heart. Even weeks after finishing, I still find myself thinking about them. I would love a sequel—or even a whole series—because I need to know what happens next! And for those who prefer sweet, closed-door romances, this book is completely clean—no language, no spice, just pure, heartfelt romance.
I cannot recommend this book enough!! Gabrielle Meyer has officially secured her spot as an all-time favorite and auto-buy author for me. I will read anything she writes!