In The Great Misfortune of Stella Sedgwick, S. Isabelle presents a protagonist who knows herself against a setting that acts as an obstacle to her hopes and dreams. The plot is well-paced with clear stakes, but the resolution feels too simple and perfect to be realistic.
As a protagonist, Stella is clearly confident, intelligent, and self-aware. As a black young woman without a family or fortune, she rushes head-long into conflicts that matter, and she never shies away from the consequences of her actions.
The setting is lush and detailed and draws readers into the drama and pageantry of the period.
Well-plotted and well-paced, the story spins from minor conflict to minor conflict as the larger mystery of Stella’s unexpected inheritance and the requirements it demands builds. When Stella is faced with the life she never thought she wanted, she will have to decide whether she will close the doors to a possible happiness or take the chance and risk her heart. In the resolution, Isabelle ties up all the loose ends in a happily-ever-after conclusion, but the very happy ending seems simplistic and too good to be true.
Overall, this story is an enthralling trip into the past, and introduces a strong and confident heroine who would make a wonderful character for a series!

This was such a sweet and joyful read. I’m a fan of Bridgerton so this book caught my eye set in England in the 1800s as a black woman navigates society. I loved Stella’s witty, charming character. I also loved the surrounding storylines of all the characters in this book. The romance was appropriate for a YA novel and I really liked how the author showed the nuance of each character (even despicable Jane). The only things I didn’t love are the time jumps and the ending. The time jumps just weren’t needed. They didn’t add anything to the story, and the ending left me wanting more! I closed the book with lots of what if questions and thoughts about where Stella and Nate would go from here. Overall I enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it.

This book was one of the funniest, and sweetest reads I've read so far this year! I found Stella to be endearing and also reflective of her actions, which I appreciate in a young adult book. The romance was sweet, and not far flung by any means, it was believable, and I love the diversity that was included in the book because readers deserve to see themselves in historical romance no matter their age. Big fan of this and will be adding to an every growing list of books to purchase for the library.

This book was amazing! The writing was very easy to read and it was a very interesting! I would highly recommend reading this book!

"Contrary to appearences, I do not usually begin my mornings by shoving delivery boys to the ground." And so we are introduced to probably one of my favorite FMC characters of 2025, and it's only February.

Meet Stella Sedgwick, the plucky young and somewhat unwilling heiress who is thrust into London's society in 1868. She is headstrong, obstinate, kind, caring, and devoted to her family and her craft. I loved her journey as she grew from a girl to a young woman finding her own way. I loved that she stayed true to herself, even at the end of the book, she didn't sacrifice herself or her goals. She is surrounded by a loveable cast of characters who quickly steal our hearts with their passions and personalities.

While this is a delightful book and I will be preordering it, there are a couple of things that bothered me. First, it was difficult to tell the passage of time. At one point, things happen rather quickly, and then they happen rather slowly, but based on the context clue it was difficult for me to tell what was happening. Secondly, there were parts that felt a little rushed, too heavy on dialogue, and I wasn't able to understand who was talking.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read and I look forward to reading more from this author.

I love historical fiction, and this was such a breath of fresh air. I loved that Stella refused to be confined by society's expectations and had such big dreams for herself. I especially loved watching her grow throughout the novel and realize that her dreams could change into something she never expected. The characters were fun, and it was a joy to get to know them through her. This was unlike many historical novels I've read, especially one featuring a season and potential love interests, and that's what makes it so great.

I love a good historical romance, and this one was no exception! Set in 1860s England, it follows Stella, a young woman ahead of her time. At just 18, she’s already fighting for her independence and her right to exist in a world steeped in racism, colorism, classism, and sexism.

She had an easy way out by finding a marriage of convenience that would have secured her wealth and stability. But instead of taking the traditional route, she chooses to carve her own path, refusing to let societal expectations dictate her future. This story beautifully explores personal strength, the journey into adulthood, and the weight of societal pressures and prejudices. And at its heart? A touching childhood friends-to-lovers romance that makes the journey all the more rewarding.

This book was so engaging and I believe that its because it was written in first person POV. This book gave me Bridgerton vibes and I absolutely loved it. I empathized with Stella so much especially for the times she was living in and being single at her age which was looked down upon. I would feel comfortable recommending this book for my young adult daughter, its a very good read.

S. Isabelle’s The Great Misfortune of Stella Sedgwick is a spellbinding tale of mystery, magic, and resilience. Stella’s journey through tragedy and self-discovery is beautifully layered with rich world-building and a haunting atmosphere. Isabelle weaves themes of family, destiny, and courage into a gripping narrative that keeps readers hooked until the last page. Perfect for fans of dark, emotional fantasy with unforgettable heroines.

My goodness is it refreshing to see a historical romance in first person perspective. It really kept me engaged throughout the story. I loved how this book touches on some hard topics and I know many younger girls who will fall in love with Stella's strong personality. 4 stars for me because I think although the book is YA, I felt the romance part was lacking. It's hard to put it fully into the romance category in my mind. Loved the story though and the characters.

This was such a good read! I loved how it was unafraid to seriously examine themes like racism, colorism, colonialism, and patriarchy. But the setting and characters provided a great levity that made the book wholly enjoyable.

Thanks to her status as a dark-skinned orphan, Stella knows that her options are limited. But rather than follow the path of least resistance (marriage to anyone that'll have her), she fights to maintain her independence and achieve her dream of being a successful writer.

My favorite part of the story is how Stella's character and growth is handled. She has her flaws--she's impulsive, prideful, and stubborn--but they all make her more likeable and real. Her frustrations are completely understandable. Even though she has some growning up to do, who she is never changes. She learns not to let her anger conrol her and finds the maturity to live her life entirely on her own terms.

My only complaint is the romance with Nathaniel felt underdeveloped. However, I did really enjoy many of his scenes with Stella. He challenges her preconceptions, enables her growth, and accepts her as she is.

I have been waiting for a black fmc like Stella! Oh my god, I was rooting for her from the moment the book started and I just LOVE HER. I can't wait to hear what others think of this book, I am a big of this author's witchy series and I just..sigh. FIVE STARS

This was a wonderful story. Definitely got this to cover my Bridgerton longing. This didn't really get there for me. As this was a romance, it was also newly eighteen, I missed that somehow so my fault for that and it's not really a romance it felt so weak in that regards. I liked how it walked you through the season and how it's almost a fish out of water story of her taking the reader along to this new world that Stella is now a part of, whether she likes it or not. And she doesn't know if she likes it or not just yet. Does she stay or go, and can she be true to herself while she does it?

Pub Date 08 Jul 2025
I received a digital ARC of this book from HarperCollins Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review..

This YA Historical Romance was delightfully entertaining. S. Isabelle successfully guides us through the world of Miss Stella Sedgwick as she navigates through 1800s London Society during the social season as a young, black woman. Stella maintains her sense of self while facing the challenges of racism, sexism and conforming to societal attendant argument norms with her gift of quick wittedness and fierce independence. All the dealing with the love interest of her childhood best friend.

I highly recommend this book to those that enjoy period romance.

“These wealthy families may have more money than I do, but their prejudices and judgements put them beneath me”

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read The Great Misfortune of Stella Sedgwick. I absolutely loved this YA historical romance and especially appreciate the author’s goal to make sure that black teenagers have more representation in this genre. Stella Segwick is an orphan girl dealing with the prejudice of being a black woman and the misogyny of being a single woman. Constantly reminded of her singleness and blackness in white spaces, Stella is searching for an identity outside of being a wife or a mother. I loved the love story but really appreciate how the author stayed true to Stella, even in the epilogue. I’m typically not a huge YA fan but found this novel really charming, fun, and swoon-worthy. 4 stars

I really enjoyed this book! It follows a young woman and her cousin as they navigate London and Parisian high society as well-to-do women of color. Stella must come to terms with her options for her future and forge a path to find the most joy possible. It has a love story, friendships, and inheritance drama. This book is great for young people who want a more diverse Jane Austen-esque story.

3.5/3.75 stars

I thought the romance was really sweet and was so happy to have another childhood friends to lovers historical romance. I thought Nathaniel and Stella were cute together and he was down bad for her which was great. I lowkey didn’t see the point of side romance with Stella’s cousin other than to just have her paired off since it was pretty underdeveloped (and insta love, which is not my thing) and arguably their biggest relationship milestones happened completely off the page and were covered in a couple sentences later but whatever.

I know it’s historical romance and it’s supposed to be unrealistic but there were some moments that were just hard to believe or were too modern and took me out of the story a bit. Stella was also a bit immature and annoying at times but she is supposed to be only 18 and this is a YA book so I guess that’s to be expected. I wasn’t super into her journalism side plot but I liked her motivation to be independent and make a name for herself.

Also not related to the book’s plot but can we have a moment for the absolutely gorgeous cover please?!

First I'd like to thank the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Overall I enjoyed The Great Misfortune of Stella Sedgwick but it was not without it's flaws. The main plot point didn't really feel realistic to me in any way. And there were a number of actions and dialog that felt a bit too modern. Not nearly as bad as some historical fiction I've read. I was able to look past it and still enjoy the story and most of the characters. The twists and reveals if you can call them that were pretty predictable and things wrapped up for all the characters a bit too neatly. Still I enjoyed our heroine Stella, her cousin Olivia and their love interests (one felt a little vague and a little bit too quick to fall in love) The beginning and middle felt a little slow but the last 2/3 of the book picked up. As I read this back, it sounds like a lot of negative but I'd still say the positives outweigh the negative. I appreciated the strong and interesting voice of our main character and the strong role model in her mother who helped shape her life and her passions. I also enjoyed the love and bond between our heroine and her cousin as well as her aunt. I'd definitely still recommend this if you enjoy historical fiction just don't expect too much from it.

Stella was such a great fmc, i enjoyed her voice so much. This was such a cute read and a palette cleanser historical fiction read. The fmc Stella though she is a dark skinned woman trying to integrate into society because of an inheritance does not take anything from people. Even though she is young she’s already a good writer and doesn’t want to have to marry to get her fortune. I loved that even though this is a historical ya book it doesn’t focus on trauma but instead just Black joy and teenagers being themselves in this time period. Yea there are systemic issues like classism, colorism and racism in thats not the main focus.

The book explores friendships, independence and romance in such a cute and lighthearted way and i had fun being with Stella and the way she approaches high society, wanting to make a name for herself with her writing and falling in love. Its like a mix of The Davenports and Pride and Prejudice i think and i definitely recommend it! Thanks to Harper Teen for this arc!

This book is a bit like the TV version of Bridgerton meets Pride & Prejudice. Stella was a blend of Eloise Bridgerton and Elizabeth Bennet. Stella is a self-declared lost cause for London society. She's well-read, quick witted and sharp tongued...but she knows it's her dark-skin which makes her the REAL lost cause for society.

She's got passion for women's rights--especially for the minority women who will never be seen as equals in the cultural view. which is the underlying thread for this book.

The main thread woven in the story is Stella's growth as she deals with racism, the expectations society thrusts on women AND men, and how her own dreams fit into the picture.

Just for those who would like to know, there is a same sex relationship in a set of characters. There is sexual relationships mentioned and some brief swearing.

I gave this one 3 stars because it just wasn't even remotely believable to me--I know I know it's fiction. But it wasn't even TRYING to be believable. LOL I rolled my eyes way too much. Felt too much like a Bridgerton knock-off with HUGE nods to P&P. (yes, I recognized the fist clench)

*thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. All opinions are 100% my own.