Astra is an independent woman in England in the 1930s.. She does not want to be just the wife that society and financial circumstances dictate, she wants more to life than settling for a husband she doesn’t love. The road is hard and fraught with challenges and people threatening to derail her. Astra is a strong, likable character and I found myself cheering her on.

At age 23, Astra’s parents were killed in a car crash. Later, she learns that her father had lost all his money and all she was left from him is their large manor home, Hensley, and some shares in a rubber company. She is given some time to grieve and then told that there is no money to keep up the home so she must rent it and go live with her Aunt El in London. As she had been used to living in luxury with nary a thought of what things cost, she is having to learn all this on her own.

Astra quickly finds how uncertain her future is without the support of her family. Many of her friends step in to have her to house parties and comfort her. However, there is one young woman who seems to be very jealous of her and is doing all she can to ruin Astra’s life.
She is determined to do what she can to make her own way in life without having to find a rich husband which some of her friends have done. When she encounters a family secret that could explode, she decides to embrace it with her strength and determination. She has always cared for one man but is not sure her love is reciprocal.

I found this to be an excellent depiction of the time period. Many families were holding on trying to keep their homes and family life like it has always been. Unfortunately, many of them had to sell out and thus the downfall of exquisite homes were lost. Astra’s Aunt El and the young woman trying to ruin her life were wicked people and - spoiler here - seeing them get their comeuppances was perfect. While the book is rather long, the story is great.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

'The way he (Porter) was looking at me, I suddenly had an inkling what it was like to be Red Riding Hood in those last few moments before she and her granny were devoured'.

A Bright Young Thing is the story of Astra Davies journey through orphanhood. 'Orphanhood came suddenly on a glass-clear day in February 1930'. Astra's parents die in a car crash and Astra finds herself lost in the world: no income, no support, no guidance. Moreover, Astra's worlds is that of the upper class in England. And to end up with no support and/or chaperone in the society is fraught with many dangers.

Astra has to endure and experience many things in quick succession and learn as many lessons. She is faced with betrayal and cheating, scheming and gossips. But she also gets to see what her friends are really like and... Yes, she meets her Lord Charming along the way.

A Bright Young Thing Astra Davies has to grow up and man up very quickly in the society that just started coming to terms that women have more choices than to be a wife or to be a whore... what a world that was.

Brianne Moore has created a very interesting door into 1930s Enlgand. Even though it is quite different to the 1930s England of Verity Bright (and her Lady Swift). But I enjoyed it nevertheless. I enjoyed the characters and their relationships. I even enjoyed the evil queen Millicent. I love good villains.

A very comfy and spiky read.

A Bright Young Thing
By: Brianne Moore
Publish date – September 7, 2021

While this is not a normal book for me to read as I like to stay in the 1800s it was kind of a nice change to think about how the turn of the century had started to change the world for women. I can’t imagine what it would be like for a young socialite in the 30s, but then to have your world turned completely upside down. In a time where a lady was under her father’s roof and care until they were married. To have both parents suddenly die and to have to figure out to take care of the large debt that they left without getting married to the first gentleman that will have you. But Astra is just the woman to find a way!

I found this book very interesting and a fun read, I really enjoy reading about women finding a way in a world that was so against women doing anything besides getting married and having children. I like to think that if I was in Astra’s circles in the London circles that I would have been a true friend of hers.

In 1931 England, Astra Davies defies all the conventions. Clever, witty, and determined, Astra smokes, drinks, plays a mean piano, and gallivants around London with her beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. But Astra finds herself in a tight spot when her parents die suddenly, leaving her with a raft of debts. With few marketable skills and a closet full of family secrets, Astra has two choices: find a rich husband or make her own way.

A fiercely driven woman like Astra is not about to cast her lot in with a man, especially out of desperation. And since the only man she fancies--Jeremy Harris, the Earl of Dunreaven--is as hard up as she is, her way forward is clear. But the path to independence is a bumpy one fraught with hazards and heartbreaking choices. A blackmailing socialite threatens to derail Astra's reputation. A brainless business partner just might drive her even further into debt. And a series of bruising scandals dogs her every step of the way.

From the bustle of London to the country estates of the aristocracy, Astra embarks on a journey that tests her brains, wit, and mettle as never before. But one way or another, Astra Davies is dead set on proving she's no ordinary Bright Young Thing.

Thank you #AlcovePress and #Netgalley for this opportunity to read the advanced ebook.
#ABrightYoungThing #NegGalley # Brianne Moore #AlcovePress #HistoricalFiction

Thank you to Netgalley and Alcove Press for access to this arc.

This blurb enticed me into discovering just what Astra Davies was going to do. Rather than do the obvious and seek a marriage of convenience to a rich man, Astra sounded like she had guts, determination, and brains. The novel does focus more on her and her journey of self discovery but there is a slow burn, low key, yet also delicious romance tucked among the house parties, Society wedding, Parisian shopping jaunts, and exploration of the secrets in the family closet. I had a wonderful time reading it and didn’t you get some cover love with that image of Astra’s gorgeous Schiaparelli gown.

The date at the start of the book, January 1930, is important. But the news that hits Astra that afternoon is far more important to her than the distant collapse of world financial markets. Her beloved parents don’t return from a trip to try out their new car. Left an orphan, Astra sinks into an abyss of grief until her new reality is delivered by her father’s pompous lawyer. There is no money and her father’s financial investments have mostly tanked. Cast on the mercy of her stern aunt, she arrives in London and mulls over her future with her supportive cousin Toby.

Looking at her mother’s account books to try and learn budgeting, she realizes how much her parents sheltered her. Reading her father’s journal, she glimpses some secrets she’s determined to uncover. Astra knows her Society world well and is certain that if word of her penury leaks, she’ll be cut and politely discarded. That would end any chance she has of solving her money woes and saving the family pile where she grew up and all her memories are. That’s not the only worry she faces as her first step back into the social whirl brings her face to face with an old nemesis as well as some dear childhood friends.

It seems that Lady Millicent has her eyes on an Earl who can’t keep from watching Astra though Astra does nothing to encourage him given that his title might be old but like most old families, he’s cash poor. It will be up to Astra to save her own skin, defeat her enemy, and learn who she is and what she’s really capable of doing.

This is Astra’s journey. I enjoyed her relationship with her friends, delighted in watching a country house party and big wedding, swooned at the handsome Earl who just won’t fade into the background but seeing Astra sit up, wise up, and take the reins of her life in her own hands is the meat of the story. After all – it’s the early 30s and most men don’t expect a woman to understand business nor do they take kindly to one who tries. Astra’s got to be tough yet also feminine, smart but not too openly so, wily without seeming crass plus once Society has been poisoned against her, she’s got to face down the rumors, snickers, and direct cuts that go with that.

After her parents’ deaths Astra acknowledges that she was flighty and more concerned with new dresses, dances, and house parties. What she discovers she doesn’t know sparks the beginning of a guilty self assessment. Did her parents keep her in the dark because they didn’t want her to know things or because they saw her as self absorbed and didn’t think she could handle them? Should her mother have taught Astra household management when Astra had shown no signs yet of being interested in marriage? Could they have risked exposing the family secret that could have torpedoed Astra’s hopes of marriage at all?

Urged on by her cousin, Astra starts to probe, investigate, and stand up for herself. Someone might think to stonewall her and keep her in her place but I cheered when Astra verbally battled back and put him in his place using her wits and intelligence. She also stands up to a bully who tries to humiliate her and earns the respect of someone who despises this sort of behavior.

Astra is well aware of how the people of her world think and act and she works to counter the big and little things that might tip them off to her financial position. It’s all show and maintaining one’s position. One must act properly, have the money for vails for servants, not beg off of expensive trips to Paris, and a young woman must absolutely have her own ladies maid. But oh, the problems that servants can cause as their behavior reflects upon one’s self. Yet her maid Reilly proves a boon at times to Astra while also opening her employer’s eyes to the problems faced by the working classes facing unemployment for daring to strike for better conditions.

Reading the section set during a shooting party made me think of “Gosford Park.” Single ladies can’t breakfast in bed, the men head out in old tweeds for the first drive before everyone gathers for the lavish “picnic” lunch, the dinner gong signals when to change, and servants move silently to see to the needs of the guests. Later the gifts given to the heir of a Dukedom and his bride are enough to boggle the mind and outdo those in the musical version of “High Society.”. But no one is impressed with a nouveau riche American upstart no matter how much money he might have.

When Lady Millicent’s venom has done its work, Astra learns who her friends are – and aren’t. One blunt talking friend tells her straight the only two ways that Astra might be socially re-accepted then shows her colors by cleverly helping achieve one of them. Meanwhile Astra has learned her way around business ledgers and come up with another role that Society will just have to be willing to see her in.

Jeremy’s statements to Astra hint at a man who knows his worth on the Marriage Mart is due to his title and estate but one who also wants to be understood and have a woman interested in him for who he is. He can also pull out the title and use his Naval training in how to cow upstarts when the need to protect and help Astra arises. She might initially gently but firmly put him off but Jeremy proves steadfast and willing to help. By giving Astra a Naval bucking up speech to get out there and do her own saving if that’s what she wants to do (and it is), he gets her thinking big and bold. Later she returns the favor, after seeing his lovely estate and listening to his pride in it (which reminds her of her own father’s love of historical buildings). Their extended time together reveals their true selves and allows them to be sure of their feelings. Call me old fashioned but there are books in which I don’t want to see extended sex scenes and the courtly courtship here was all I needed.

I was impressed that Astra devises her own plan for how to save herself – and others who depend on her and the business. There’s no Big Moment when she pulls a financial rabbit out of a hat and then all worries are over. Post war Britain had changed forever and the world wide depression only added to the upheaval. Astra has to be smart and daring and finally willing to face her past and accept that she must let some things go in order to have a chance to secure her future. I delighted in one character who gives Astra a boost in confidence although sad as she related her own thwarted academic hopes of days gone by.

Several period events and situations are cleverly worked into the narrative with a light hand reminding me that the Great Depression wasn’t the only thing happening in the 30s. Astra grows as a person and, thinking about this, she decides that in spite of all the emotional blows she suffers and struggles she has to overcome, she’s glad of this and of the person she’s become. She likes being competent and respected. She can also deliver a verbal comeuppance that makes her enemy’s eyes water. When she and her Earl are sure there’s such a lovely proposal scene that I won’t spoil for those who decide to read the book. It’s truly scrumptious. A-

Thanks for the free book, @PRHGlobal/@prhinternational

Well, talk about a pleasant surprise! That is to say that this book wasn’t what I was expecting, and when I asked for this book, I was actually thinking that I wasn’t sure if this one was really for me. But you see, I’m trying to find more historical fiction books that don’t focus on wars – particularly the two world wars (what with everything in the news being so terribly depressing). So, when I saw a book set in 1930s England, I didn’t read all that much more, and put in my request. And what a good thing I did so, because I have to say that it was a delight from start to finish!

Okay, let me get my one niggle out of the way and then put that aside for my praise. That would be that I really felt very sorry for Astra because of all the trials and tribulations that Moore sent her way. First, she’s suddenly orphaned, then finds out she might be destitute, and her parents have been keeping some very dark family secrets from her all her life. If that isn’t enough, while trying to figure out how to start her new life – both financially and emotionally – she becomes the target of an unreasonable vendetta against her, with a slew of slanderous rumors about her, invented by the sister of one of her closest friends. My niggle is that these lies got a touch convoluted and complex, and there was a very small interlude when I got confused, and wondered if just one of her family’s secrets could have been eliminated. But that confusion was very short-lived, and I soon understood why Moore added all of them – probably for the sake of more tension and a better climax.

Now, I have to say that from the moment I started reading this novel, I was reminded of some other authors I recently got to know. One of them being Anne Morice and her Tessa Crichton mystery novels. Astra’s way of relating to the love interest here – Jeremy Harris the Earl of Dunreaven – was practically a copy of Tessa’s way of relating to Robin Price. By this I mean that both these women are very much independent, and as these two men begin to show their interest and affection, they use their wit to pretend to be dismissive, while allowing the gentle flirting to shine through. Mind you, Astra denies her attraction to Jeremy until she can no longer ignore it (mostly because she has so many other things going on in her life), while Tessa does seem to fall for Robin much sooner, while still holding up her banter throughout. See now, that’s how I like my romance – intelligent and clever, with each person in the relationship supporting the other. I’ll have none of that business of women filled with angst, or swooning, ready to put aside their own needs, careers and/or goals in hopes that a man will whisk them away from their troubles, like some knight in shining armor for me, thank you very much. There are only a few warming tingles, and no smutty sex scenes, which fit Astra and Jeremy to a tee. Therefore, to my mind, Moore did this just perfectly.

This brings me to Moore’s writing style, which also put me in mind of Beatriz Williams. I have described her prose as sparkling, and that’s precisely the same word I’d use to describe Moore’s. Even when Astra is having a hard time with getting her life in order, there was a light air to the writing. Furthermore, there’s no small amount of humor put into some of the minor characters, alongside a touch of social commentary. This light touch continues even with these serious subjects (the country’s economic problems, and some awareness that there might be more winds of war in the offing), Moore remembers that the circles in which Astra traveled were generally less aware of the plight of others than those with less privilege and wealth. Moore also allows Astra to raise at least a little bit of awareness among her friends, which only shows how special Astra is, as a person. Frankly, if this book would be the first of a series, I think I’d very much want to read all of the sequels.

Obviously, with all this praise, and everything that I admired in this novel, the big question is – did it make me laugh and/or cry? The answer to that question is – YES, actually, both. Okay, they weren’t belly laughs, and I wasn’t uncontrollably weeping, but I did giggle quite a bit, and I did tear up here and there. Also, it occurred to me that there might be some parallels of this book to Jane Austen’s Emma – sans the bad matchmaking – but I could be mistaken. I thing that all of this enough for me to very warmly recommend this book and award it a full five out of five stars! (It also made me wonder if her debut novel, which looks overtly romantic, is actually not your typical romance. I now see it is considered a retelling of Austen’s Persuasion, not to mention the culinary aspects included. Hm… maybe I should get myself a copy of that one.)

This was a delightfully quick read set in England in 1930, and is the story of Astra, a strong female protagonist, who must navigate adult life and many surprises after the death of both her parents. Her adventures with her circle of friends over a year, traveling from London around England, were vividly portrayed, and had me rooting for her to find success in business and happiness in life before the end! Definitely recommend for anyone who likes period pieces or Downton Abbey!

Title: A Bright Young Thing
Author: Brianne Moore
Genre: Historical fiction
Rating: 4.2 out of 5

In 1931 England, Astra Davies defies all the conventions. Clever, witty, and determined, Astra smokes, drinks, plays a mean piano, and gallivants around London with her beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. But Astra finds herself in a tight spot when her parents die suddenly, leaving her with a raft of debts. With few marketable skills and a closet full of family secrets, Astra has two choices: find a rich husband or make her own way.

A fiercely driven woman like Astra is not about to cast her lot in with a man, especially out of desperation. And since the only man she fancies--Jeremy Harris, the Earl of Dunreaven--is as hard up as she is, her way forward is clear. But the path to independence is a bumpy one fraught with hazards and heartbreaking choices. A blackmailing socialite threatens to derail Astra's reputation. A brainless business partner just might drive her even further into debt. And a series of bruising scandals dogs her every step of the way.

From the bustle of London to the country estates of the aristocracy, Astra embarks on a journey that tests her brains, wit, and mettle as never before. But one way or another, Astra Davies is dead set on proving she's no ordinary Bright Young Thing.

I really enjoyed this read! Astra’s character growth was fantastic to watch. Her friend’s sister, however, was evil and vindictive, and I just couldn’t stand her at all. It seemed like Astra just keep getting slammed with more and more obstacles, but she persevered and learned from them, letting them make her stronger instead of destroying her.

Brianne Moore is from Pennsylvania but now lives in Scotland. A Bright Young Thing is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of Alcove Press in exchange for an honest review.)

Astra Davies has recently lost her parents, she moves to London to live with her Aunt Elinor and cousin Toby. Financially, her circumstances are grim, she needs to curb her spending and rent out Hensley the family estate. Her Aunt points out the obvious solution to her problem, to get married, Astra isn’t keen to give up her independence and become a decoration on a man’s arm. She has the support of her friends, Joyce and David, they invite her to parties, weddings, country gatherings, and they cheer her up and give her a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy.

It's hard for Astra to forget about her money problems, she had no idea about her parents financial woes and she’s left to sort out the mess. Her father invested money in a company called Vandemark, it makes tires and Freddie Ponsonby-Lewis is in charge. Astra’s business partner likes a drink, has trouble making conversation and she’s determined to make both Freddie and Vandemark successful. A payment is made every month to a place called Rosedale, she has no idea why and it’s a big family secret.

Astra meets Jeremy Harris the Earl of Dunreaven, they have a lot in common, both have lost their parents and he owns a crumbling estate called Midbourne in Sussex. A person is making Astra’s life miserable, trying to ruin her reputation, and she’s worried the Earl will find out, the only man to make her heart flutter and talk about bad timing.

Set in England in the 1930’s, A Bright Young Thing takes you from London’s drawing rooms, to the country estates of the English nobility and to the fashion show rooms of Paris. Astra Davies is smart, funny, kind and she deserves to live happily ever after, with a certain Earl and to create a beautiful garden together at Midbourne. The story was interesting and it gives you a glimpse into upper crust English life, thanks to NetGalley for my copy and four stars from me. I shared my review on Goodreads, Australian Amazon, Edelweiss, Barnes & Noble, Twitter, my Facebook page and my blog .

Loved this. I love the time period and the writing really placed the reader in that period. It was really well done. I didn’t think the plot was the greatest thing I’ve ever read but still enjoyed it.

A Bright Young Thing by Brianne Moore is full of mystery, suspense, and romance. The time period of the early 1930s in England is a unique addition to the historical fiction genre. Along with a list of captivating characters, this well-written novel is sure to sweep you off your feet.

In A BRIGHT YOUNG THING, Brianne Moore tells the story of a young woman Astra who loses both her parents and the security of a well-ordered, predictable life in one terrible moment. Burdened with debt she never knew existed, Astra is forced to make her own way within her aunt's home, relying on her wits, courage, and imagination to decide what she wants -- and who. Not that familiar with this time period in Britain, I enjoyed a peek into the social strata, the expectations, the high and low points of figuring out who you are when people you thought you knew are actively working to undermine you and unexpected new allies appear in unlikely ways and places. The story was light, enjoyable, a wonderful plunge into one woman's dilemmas and choices. I cheered for Astra every step of the way and loving the language, the pace, the glimpse into another world. I received an advance copy of this novel in exchange for my unbiased review.

DID NOT WOW ME

This was neither a good or a bad book. To me, it was just kind of blah. I never really got a sense of what kind of book it wanted to be. A historical mystery? A historical romance? Or perhaps a historical drama? I think I spend too much time trying to figure this out that the rest of the book never really managed to make an impact on me...

In 1931 England, Astra Davies lives a life of luxury. She gallivants around London with her group of friends, partying, smoking & drinking, with not a care in the world......until the day her world comes crashing down around her that is. Her parents go out for a short drive, only planning to be gone a couple of hours, but never return. They are in a fatal car crash, and Astra's life will never be the same. She finds out that they left her penniless and she has two choices: find a rich husband or make her own way. Since the only man she fancies--Jeremy Harris, the Earl of Dunreaven--is as hard up as she is, Astra goes into business with one of her friends. However, he spends most of his time drunk and has no head for business, so Astra has her work cut out for her trying to get Freddie to shape up and get serious. Then there is Millicent, who is doing her level best to ruin Astra, and is blackmailing her. Astra is determined to prove she is not just a typical Birght Young Thing.
This book was really good. It did start a little slow, but it didn't take too long before it picked up, and once it did it was well worth the wait. You really wanted to root for Astra, and watch her succeed. This had a very captivating storyline, with interesting characters, characters to root for (like Astra and Jeremy), and characters you wanted to see get their comeuppance (like Millicent). It gave off a sort of British soap opera vibe, like Downton Abbey. So if you enjoyed that show, you will love this book. I highly recommend it.

I really enjoyed reading this book. The writing was well done and I enjoyed the characters. I love reading about the 30's in England and this book was no exception!

Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book for an honest review.

What a lovely book!! Astra is headstrong and losing boundaries. Love Jeremy and Toby!! Will be enjoyed by fans of Downton Abbey!!

Astra Davies is shocked by her parents' sudden deaths in a tragic car accident. She is still more shocked to learn that they left her with more debts than assets, forcing her to let the family home and move to London with her difficult aunt and amusing but lazy cousin, Toby. She has many good friends, but they assume she was left an heiress, creating many difficult situations. Worse yet is her good friend's sister, Millicent, who is determined to ruin Astra's good name.

As she learns more about secrets her parents kept from her, Astra knows she has two choices: to marry a rich man or to solver her own financial woes. With the help of good friends, and the support of Jeremy Harris, the handsome, but also poor, Earl of Dunreaven, Astra forges her own path.

Excellent historical with memorable characters. #ABrightYoungThing #NetGalley

I truly enjoy reading books set during the 20s and 30s, and this one, although not too full of history details does set the stage nicely for the upper-crust of London society and what life was like for young women of a certain stature in that society.
The story begins with Astra a young woman, rather well to do, who moves in high-society circles, getting horrific news that both of her parents perished in a car accident. That is only the beginning of Astrid's problems. A visit from the family solicitor and her Aunt Elinor leave Astrid in shock. Her status in society is suddenly in peril when she is told her parents were not as well-off as thought and her only inheritance are a huge debt, the family home and one slovenly run business barely staying out of the red. Trying to hide her near penniless state, Astrid leases her home out and moves in with her aunt and cousin in London.
After encountering a friend's sister who is Astrid's lifelong sworn enemy rumors begin to circulate, putting her tentative position in society and her aunt's household in jeopardy, leaving Astrid on the verge of becoming homeless.
Astrid begins a slow transformation from a frivolous young woman, into a upstanding, take-charge adult once she comes to terms with the fact that her parents were only human, they made mistakes and had secrets and no one ever gets ahead by sitting back and waiting for things to happen. Seeing she has only herself to depend on and discovering she is committed to other responsibilities that depend upon her, Astrid begins a journey of growth and development into a mature adult woman who can fend for herself in a time where it was not fashionable for young women to do so.
Great story-line, amusing characters and a strong female protagonist make this a quick-gripping novel of high society, friendships, secrets, and betrayals. I would recommend to all historical fiction fans of depression era or London elite set novels. Very fast and entertaining.
Thank you to Alcove Press and Net Galley for the free ARC of this novel, I am leaving my honest review in return.

Loved, loved this book. The characters were well written, almost to the point I wanted to punch one in the face, and rthe plot was nicely done, it had a Downton Abbey feel to it which I love.

This very much gave me some Downton Abbey vibes!

It took me a little bit to get into this one. (In fact I almost DNF'd it due to slow plot, extravagant word choice that didn't seem to realistic or to fit with the times.) But I stuck through and I'm honestly glad I did. It really picks up and I became invested in Astra's life. I really loved her transformation and watching her become a strong woman, especially during this time period.

I would have loved stronger writing for the first quarter of the book, but the story drew me in and ultimately I was invested in Astra's life, her romance, and who Raymond was.