I’m liking doing joint mini-reviews when I read two related books close together. It may become a thing I do more often. Time will tell!
I recently read two delightful connected books! I’m not sure how I missed Keeping the Castle when it came out. It’s exactly my kind of story. I’m so glad I was reminded to read it with the release of A School for Brides.
About the Books:
Seventeen-year-old Althea is the sole support of her entire family, and she must marry well. But there are few wealthy suitors–or suitors of any kind–in their small Yorkshire town of Lesser Hoo. Then, the young and attractive (and very rich) Lord Boring arrives, and Althea sets her plans in motion. There’s only one problem; his friend and business manager Mr. Fredericks keeps getting in the way. And, as it turns out, Fredericks has his own set of plans . . .
The eagerly awaited companion to the award-winnng Keeping the Castle.
The Winthrop Hopkins Female Academy of Lesser Hoo, Yorkshire, has one goal: to train its students in the feminine arts with an eye toward getting them married off. This year, there are five girls of marriageable age. There’s only one problem: the school is in the middle of nowhere, and there are no men.
Set in the same English town as Keeping the Castle, and featuring a few of the same characters, here’s the kind of witty tribute to the classic Regency novel that could only come from the pen of Patrice Kindl!
I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Keeping the Castle:
When not reading YA I can often be found devouring a regency era romance novel. Keeping the Castle seemed like the perfect marriage of my reading interests. I adored the setting, the time period, and the familiar trials that the heroine faced. In addition, Keeping the Castle added a layer of humor that I just adored. And, like my very favorite Jane Austen stories, there were misunderstandings and secrets galore. Basically, it was everything I hoped it’d be and more.
A School for Brides:
This book is set in the same quirky town as Keeping the Castle. Many of the characters overlap but it is more a companion than a sequel. You could read A School for Brides without having read the previous novel but it’s much more enjoyable if you’re familiar with some of the characters!
A School for Brides had the wit and panache that I loved from Keeping the Castle. It also introduced some mysterious characters which add entertainment for Lesser Hoo. I really loved The Winthrop Hopkins Female Academy of Lesser Hoo and all the young ladies who lived there. It was fun to get a larger set of characters to follow. And of course I adored seeing familiar faces from book one (Althea!!)
I recommend both Keeping the Castle and A School for Brides to anyone with a love of regency stories, Jane Austen, or just a good witty tale!
Quinn @ Quinn's Book Nook
I have wanted to read Keeping the Castle since it was first released. I even bought a copy. But I haven’t read it. I’m glad you brought them to my attention.