What a fun book. I love the Wendy League girls. They are all so different, but compliment each other so well. For some reason I expected Spencer to be quiet and shy, but he wasn't that way at all. I loved his character. Lydia was such a spitfire trying so hard to find her place in the world. I really enjoyed this story and I hope it is the beginning of a series, because I want to know the other characters stories as well. I loved them all.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Netgalley and this is my honest review.

A clean historical romance set in Edwardian England. Lydia Wooding has had a sheltered upbringing. After her parents death when she was only six in, she and her older brother were raised by a neighbor guardian. She longs for adventure and motor cars are symbolic of the independence that she desires. Her brother school friend Spencer Hayes is coming to visit, hoping to find investors for a business involving cars. Lydia’s brother wants nothing to do with it because of his parents motor car accident but that doesn’t stop him from being a good host to his guest. Of course something flairs between Lydia and Spencer.

I am assuming this is the first in a series of books because Lydia has three best friends. The story is fun and took some good twists and turns. The author is good at writing dialogue, some of which is useful when it moves the story forward or is showing a blooming a relationship. But other times it felt like filler, a conversation to have a conversation. I did like the side character friends and Lydia’s brother whom I’m sure will end up with one of them. Thank you to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for an eARC in exchange for a review.

I LOVED this sweet romance! I couldn't put it down! So many favorite scenes in this one but I won't spoil it for you! I hope we see more of the Wendy League in the future!

I received an ARC through Netgalley and all opinions are my own.

I was curious about this novel after reading the blurb, a turn of century, lives moving faster than mind and technology breaking every humans’ dreams, it was a time of change difficult to understand for us who have all.
Yet while it has all the promise of a great read, it was only lovely.
The man characters struggle to be themselves, Spencer because of his father’s deeds, Lydia for being a woman in a world still held by men’s laws.
They haven’t seen one another for about 10 years, so their recollection of the other is blurry at best.
Spencer wants to make a name for himself, but he needs investors so who’s to help him than his childhood friend who has the means and the social circle he needs to enter. Because he is a butterfly, he fights his attraction for his friend’s sister, fearing it will disrupt his plans.
Lydia wants to be her own self, not a middle ground between who she is in her inner core and what society expects from her. But while women have begun to demand for more and more, many see them as wild and disreputable when they just want the right to choose for themselves.

When her family’s history comes between Spencer and his project, she wants to stand her ground and help him even if it goes against her brother’s wishes but when shameful news and behind one’s back decisions are shared at the wrong moment, who will stand for whom.

It is a cute tale but the secrets were not really secrets and Andrew’s, Lydia’s brother, rejection of anything related to automobile is not much justified when some silenced clues about their parents demise come to light.
The banters between the group of friends were fun but I did never really warm to Lydia and Stephen, too many repeat of their inner battles, not enough actions.
3 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 kisses

I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

Interesting characters and story development. In spite of a slow start, this book kept me turning pages...

This book has a different plot with strong characters, concentrating on - women's suffrage, innovation, relationship between a brother & sister and a sweet romance.

I liked Lydia and Spencer and all the secondary characters who seem to be promising MCs for the next books (if this is a series).

Overall - an enjoyable read.

It took me a little while to get into this book--Lydia and her friends were a bit much, Lydia's brother was somewhat off-putting, and I just wasn't drawn in a lot initially. But as Spencer and Lydia started being together more, I found myself smiling so much at their interactions. As the book progressed, I came to appreciate Lydia's friends and brother more and want to read more about them in future books.
I haven't read many books set in this time period before, but I thought I loved the details about cars, the suffrage movement, and more.
This one might have been a little slow to grow on me, but I ended up enjoying it quite a bit and had a lot of fun reading it.

I read an ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Beautifully written and plenty of ties to one of my favorite classic stories, Peter Pan! I adore the ladies of The Wendy League and loved seeing their parts in the Sufferage Movement. I felt deeply for Spencer as he fights to overcome obstacles laid by a flighty woman and rumors based on truth of his father's dealings. Spencer is definitely a better person due to his friendship with Andrew and I love that bonds are stronger than rumors and fear.

A giant hit! I am all in when there are rebellious girls who love to read! Done! The story was great, the pace was well done! This is a perfect pick me up if you're in a slump, if you need something new, or just want to read something at all.

In a time when men thought women should be dependent on them, he gives her wings to fly.

This is part of the Proper Romance Edwardian series. It is set in England in 1906 when cars are new and women are seeking the right to vote.

Lydia Wooding is tired of others making decisions for her and wants more control over her future. She was raised by her older brother Andrew after their parents were killed in an automobile accident when she was only six years old. She is beautiful, smart, funny and dislikes many social expectations because she thinks they don’t make sense. She and her friends Violet, Florrie, and Ruby form The Wendy League because they “seize the opportunity to fly.”

Spencer Hayes needs investors to open his auto supply stores, so he visits his old school friend Andrew, not realizing that Andrew hates cars for causing the death of his parents. He and Lydia have met a couple of times while they were growing up, but both have changed in the ten years since the last time they saw each other. He is coming strictly on business and doesn’t have any interest in a relationship since his heart was recently broken.

I enjoyed reading this book. It was refreshingly different than many proper romances due to the time it was set in. The author created characters and dialogue that feel real. Lydia’s personality is a lot of fun and combines well with Spencer’s. They banter and have inside jokes as well as a clean romance. I appreciated the frequent references to the story of Peter Pan and the happy ending. Thanks to Shadow Mountain Publishing for an ARC to use for my review.

“My persistent desire to never grow up is at war with my suspicion that I already have, and I’m left wondering what to fight for.”

Absolutely adored Hearts of Briarwall! This unique story incorporates all the amazing happenings during the Edwardian era with a heartfelt story, swoon-worthy romance, and a fantastic group of young women who immediately drew me in. The Wendy League espouses all the hope the magical book of Peter Pan inspires of wanting to fly. From motor cars to votes for women, these heiresses desire to be acknowledged for the intelligent young women they are and I loved their varying personalities and friendship. I can’t wait to read more about the Wendy League! Themes of growing up, overcoming the past, and wanting to soar along with the swoony romance of the best friend falling for the little sister make this a definite must read!

Orphaned at a young age, Lydia Wooding has only had her protective older brother Andrew and a handful of servants to guide her. Now grown up, she still holds a wild enthusiasm and wonder of youth. She and her fellow Wendy League friends make her brother believe they’re discussing novels, but instead they discuss suffrage, womanhood, and of course men. When Andrew’s friend Spencer comes to visit with a business proposal involving motor cars, Lydia is immediately intrigued. This handsome young man seems to really appreciate her and she can’t help falling in love with him and his ideas. But, when the past threatens their budding relationship, will they have the courage to follow their dreams?

Spencer Hayes has been fighting for a place in the world since he was young. Growing up in Birmingham, his father gave him the opportunity to attend school that he made the most of despite his humble upbringing. Now he’s turning to his friend Andrew who helped him in school to invest in his new idea. He’s had issues in the past of losing his heart easily, but when he sees Andrew’s younger sister all grown up, it’s hard for him to resist. Gone is the shy little girl who hid behind pillars. Instead, he finds Lydia a delightful force who’s hard to deny. From helping cows give birth, to bicycle rides, to her wanting to invest in his company, Spencer is smitten, but he can’t give into his feelings especially when he knows Andrew already has another suitor in mind.

Loved Spencer and Lydia! I loved Lydia’s passion and her desire to be taken seriously all while displaying that uniquely feminine tender heart. Her boldness is contagious and I loved her quick wit. Oh my, that scene where they practice “In the Shade of the Old Apple Tree!” Talk about swoony! I also loved the thunderstorm and the Greek temple. *sigh* The attraction and chemistry are sizzling! Spencer is adorable! He’s forward thinking, enthusiastic, and romantic! I loved it when he slips into his Birmingham accent. I also adored the Wendy League! These young women each had such fun, engaging personalities and I can’t wait to read their stories.

This is definitely one creative, hard to put down read that will leave you wanting more! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series! If you’re a fan of Downton Abbey but looking for a clean romance alternative, I highly recommend this book! I received an advance complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.

This is so sweet, with a lovely strong heroine. I generally read books set during the Regency or Victorian eras, so this Edwardian era story was a real treat. I could have done without the eleventh hour conflict, as it felt very rushed, but it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the book overall.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley.

4.5 stars. I fell in love with this book from the first line! I adored Lydia’s character and her group of girl friends. She is independent and fiery. Spencer comes from humble beginnings and is trying to build a motorcar parts business. He stays with his friend, Andrew (Lydia’s brother) and tries to fight his growing feelings for the once shy Lydia. Andrew and Lydia’s parents were killed in a motorcar accident so there is a lot of tension and fear with Andrew. I loved the Edwardian setting with women’s suffrage and the advancement of the motorcar.

This book was nice and refreshing! I couldn’t put it down. There was such a good balance of humor and fun characters. It was well written with the perfect balance of history and story.
I absolutely loved the Peter Pan references! I love that Lydia and Spencer empowered the other. While neither was without flaws they fit the story perfectly.
I loved the different characters and their interactions. I’m definitely crossing my fingers that the others in the Wendy League get their own stories!

I like the idea of this, but not sure I care for the execution. It’s branded as a romance, but the suffragette activities with the Wendy League stand out way more than the romance…I really could not care less about the male lead. And Lydia is weird too. In some ways she wants to be grown up, but she also has moments of wanting Peter Pan to “fly her to Neverland.” It just seemed super odd, especially for an adult (or bridging on adult) romance.

Thank you to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain for an ARC of Hearts of Briarwall by Krista Jensen in exchange for my honest opinion.

Hearts of Briarwall is set during an exciting time of history with suffragettes, motorcars, and class fluidity. Among all this social upheaval, we have four girls who are best friends and determined to change their worlds.

This is the story of Lydia. She is a wonderful blend of strength and insecurity. And she loves motorcars and looking to a bright future. Her brother is older and fusty, concerned about her future if she continues to be so wild. Lydia is certain she is a nuisance and failure in her brother's eyes.

Then comes here brother's chum from Eaton, Spencer. No longer gangly, but handsome and progressive in his thoughts. Fireworks start going off!

I adored this proper romance with kissing. It's a fast fun read that had me laughing. I highly recommend this book.

I have come to the overwhelming conclusion that if I see a book from Shadow Mountain listed on NetGalley and it has the "Proper Romance" banner on the cover, I need to request it immediately. Each one I have read so far has been absolutely delightful and exactly what I have needed -- even if I was under the impression that the last thing I wanted at the time was any sort of romantic drivel.

These are definitely not drivel. They are not pure fluff. They are not bookporn with half-hearted storylines thrown in between sexy-time excerpts. These are perfectly proper romances.

I spent most of Saturday afternoon and evening reading my latest grab from Shadow Mountain -- Krista Jensen's Hearts of Briarwall, which will be released August 2nd. My son kept shooting me strange looks from across the room every time I laughed ... or swooned ... or sniffled. When I was finally finished (and he was relieved that it was finally time to go to bed), he asked if I was so speechless over it that my review would simple be :

I laughed. I swooned. I cried. And then I did it all again.

It would be pretty accurate, but I didn't fully cry. Just almost. And generally they would have been happy tears rather than ugly ones ... though that was tempting a few times.

I really cannot think of anything to dislike about this book (except, of course, for the characters we're meant to dislike). I hope that it is only the first we see of the Wendy League girls. They each have such uniqueness to them and I would love to see them all again ... and again ... and again ... and then maybe the brothers ... or new League members or ...

Full review with teaser at https://wellreadpiratequeen.blogspot.com/2022/07/ill-sleep-when-ive-read-hearts-of.html

This book appealed to me from a literary perspective - allusions and references to Peter Pan, themes throughout and much to ponder and discuss. I loved the historical time period it was set in and exploring this era, the descriptive writing, and a cast of new characters all just begging for their turn in the spotlight. The message I took away from the book was to give yourself and others the space and tools to fly!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

Andrew and Lydia were orphaned at a young age then left to the disinterest of their mother's best friend Mrs. Piedmont and sainted (to her) son Sir Lawrence until Andrew reached majority. The non-familial "acquaintance" continued with a shared dinner once each month. (A tepid though presumptuous guardianship if there ever was one, until Lydia grew pretty and came close to her age of inheritance.)

This story is as much about Andrew as about his much younger sister Lydia. The death of both parents and raising a sister only 7 years younger (with restrictions but no help), was weighty. He, the stern over-protector, and she the intelligent, playful, struggling-for-autonomy young woman, with three cheerful but equally bright friends.

Nearing 21, Lydia had no desire for another romantic heartbreak, but she took her role as hostess (aka host) in the home seriously. When her brother announced an old "school chum" was coming to stay, she was nervous.

The chum, it turned out, was the previously gangly and studious Spencer Hayes. Now much less gangly, and visiting for business reasons; Spencer had no intention of being humiliated and toyed-with again by a female.

As period romances go, this one was clean (thank you), interesting, and had the benefit of intelligent, business-savvy women. It also had a "she will be the death of me," young man (of 28) who was in (a touch too much) agony over the young woman. And a typically confused female while her reluctant love interest sent "come here, come here, and get away, get away" messages in his struggle to gain investors for a promising business venture.

Maybe these books have uncommonly pretty women who really did drive men--in those eras--to distraction. Otherwise, the suffering is surprisingly lacking in evidence in men during these modern times!

4/5

Note: This book has a minor focus on the women's suffrage movement; equality, equity, and the right to vote. The subject is handled well; convincingly, but not forcefully.

Thanks to Shadow Mountain Publishing and NetGalley for the unedited preview of this in ebook format; the review is voluntary.

#HeartsofBriarwall #NetGalley
#ShadowMountainPublishing
#KristaJensen #KristaJensenAuth
#FictionWomensSuffrage
#FictionEdwardianEraCleanRomance
#20thCenturyHistoricalRomanceBooks
#CleanandWholesomeRomanceBooks
#FictionMotorCarParts
#FictionArrangedMarriage
#FictionEdwardianHeiress
#FictionSchoolChum
#FictionFriendsAsFamily

Have you read anything by Krista Jensen? I recommend you do. She has such a witty and engaging writing style, that sucks you in and makes you feel at home.
And Hearts of Briarwall is no exception.
If you like strong friendships, history, brother's best friend romances and Peter Pan references, this book is for you. It's just delightful, in every definition.

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.
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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 chum 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!
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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.
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The pieces from Peter Pan, the Wendy League and wanting to fly. Perfect!
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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.