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.

A brilliant, shining 5 stars. This book had me enthralled from the first chapter and I was so very sad when I finished the final chapter. The characters were beautifully crafted and the witty dialogue was truly amazing. I loved the characters, both the good and the villains, I wish it could have gone on forever. Truly my favorite book of the year so far!

For fans of Downton Abbey and the like, this is a must read! Go grab a copy, you'll be so happy you did!

Many, many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy in exchange for my review. My opinions are my own and not influenced by anyone. Ever.

Astras life is turned upside down when in 1931, her parents die and she discovers how deeply her father was in debt, Forced to move in with her aunt and cousin Toby (he's terrific), she does everything t0 avoid letting anyone in on her secret until she no longer can. Her aunt believes the solution. to her problems is to marry well. Jeremy would meet the bill and Astra really likes him but...She's determine to make her life her own but must resolve her feelings about Jeremy. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. it's light (also light on period details) but it's fun.

This was a great book - I loved diving into the time after the Great Depression but before World War II and into the crumbling world of England‘s landed gentry at the time.
Astra Davies has to learn quite quickly to handle „her“ business against society that does not want young women concerned with business matters after her parent’s die and leave her much less well off than expected … She needs to grow up and take the reins and shape her destiny and she does so against a well painted historical backdrop. Astra starts out merely reacting through the first couple of chapters, and it’s not until the second half that she moves from being quite passive to an active participant in her destiny. This shift feels very authentic to Astra’s character development. She was coddled and she is shocked to find herself orphaned after an accident. As she uncovers secrets and encounters hardships, she grows and adapts, and the transformation is satisfying to behold. I loved that the author used language and dialogue that transported me back to the early 30s.
I enjoyed my reading a lot !
Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review !

In her early twenties, Astra wakes up one morning to find out that both of her parents died. This throws her from the carefree world of luxury and riches straight into the adult world of business and responsibilities. To give herself time to think, Astra goes and lives with her Aunt Elinor and cousin Toby in the bustling city of London. As Astra’s world begins to unravel, she finds herself in the company of Jeremy, a handsome bachelor. However, with a dwindling fortune, a failing business, and an estate in a state of disrepair, Astra has little time to think about finding a husband. Once harmful rumors start circulating, Astra must make a choice: be run down by society’s expectations, or find a way to make them work for her.

A big part of A Bright Young Thing is the idea that taking action toward what you want is always better than just sitting idly, waiting for something to fall into your lap. The reader gets the pleasure of watching Astra slowly realizing that the ball is in her court and she’s able to control a small portion of it. Importantly though, she doesn’t end up getting everything she wants, which I believe is also a powerful message. One of the characters even points this out to her, which helps highlight the point the author is trying to make. In addition, there’s a big portion of the beginning focused on discovering our parent’s secrets, and how that’s all part of growing up. That’s something that I, and I’m sure many other readers, can relate to; our parents aren’t perfect, and at some point in our lives we have to come to grip with that knowledge. I think this book handles that transition very well, and very realistic; it takes Astra a while to fully accept what her parents were hiding.

Taking place in the 1930s, this book is very light on the historical aspects of historical fiction. It’s simply a setting for this story and not a main focus, which I enjoyed. Instead, the plot is what makes it stand out, and the fact that Astra is dealing with a few different things at once. These plot lines come and go through out the novel, intertwining perfectly to make an interesting story. There are a few plot twists that are well done in my opinion; they are surprising, and yet, don’t come out of nowhere. The love story between Jeremy and Astra might be my favorite plot line, as the chemistry, romance, and tension is so well done. (I should point out that there’s no smut/sexy times in this story, which I was okay with, but I know some people prefer that.)

The characters and their development are both some of the best parts, and some of the most lacking, in this novel. I loved most of the characters, as their personalities shown through. The witty nature of Jeremy and Astra’s conversations, as well as Astra’s transformation through out the novel, remain some of my favorite parts. In addition, this novel has a positive portrayal of someone with a mental disability, which I appreciated. Of the two main antagonists in this story, one of them has a solid backstory and ends up regretting what she’s done, which I enjoyed. However, the other main antagonist doesn’t learn anything and doesn’t really have a reason for acting as bad as she does. I’ve come to appreciate a good antagonist back story, and her being the only character that doesn’t learn to grow through out the book really stood out like a sore thumb to me.

This book is perfect for someone who wants a laid-back, easy read. It’s part love story, part coming-of-age, and the whole thing is a ride from start to finish. Most of the ends are tied up neat with a bow at the end, perfect for this kind of novel. If you need a book to just enjoy, this one’s for you!

I went into this with high hopes because I love the bright young things movement of the 20's/ 30's but it didn't give me that same spark that many other books in this era do.

I enjoyed this book so much I wish it was a part of a series! I am a sucker for historical fiction, so the fact that it was set in the 1930’s made this a must read for me. I highly recommend it!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have only recently become more interested in the 1920s and 1930s for historical fiction, but this book makes me feel that I have really been sleeping on it! A Bright Young Thing is tied for my favourite book of the year, and I'm only sad that it isn't part of a series. Astra is a badass and interesting protagonist; I understand her thought process and actions (important for me as a reader) but I was kept guessing throughout the whole book.

I have to say, Moore's supporting characters are a VERY strong point for this book. Astra's cousin, Toby, along with her friends and romantic interest play very active roles in the book. Although we don't spend a lot of time with any one secondary character, it still felt like we knew them. (And were highly entertained by them, as well!)

If you or any friends love Downton Abbey or The Pursuit of Love, A Bright Young Thing is perfect for them!

A Bright Young Thing by Brianne Moore is the story of a young woman’s coming of age and recognizing her powers. When we first meet Astra, she is a young girl interested in clothes, parties and writing poetry. A horrible accident throws her into a life she is totally unprepared for and which she must now face and conquer. Through many difficulties, she emerges out the other side a strong, confident woman. We meet several interesting characters along the way. Many of Astra’s good girlfriends, a cousin who stands by her through everything, and finally the love of her life. The members of Astra’s family range from sweet and understand to downright mean. By the end of the book, Astra has learned that often life hands you difficulties, but one makes of them what one can. A nice novel which I enjoyed.

I enjoyed this book. A young upper class woman in England loses both her parents in a car accident. She is left with a mountain of financial problems and has to work herself out of her difficulties, all while saving face with her upper crusty friends. She delves into family secrets and hides many of her own.

Good story, good characters. The supporting characters were particularly strong. The book meandered a bit, and the plot could have been tightened up a bit, but overall, pretty good book.

Suddenly due to an accident, both Astra's parents died in a automobile accident. At 23 years old she is left with a mountain of debt, a house she could no longer afford and is now staying with her aunt in London. Forced to rent out her house and now having an income of about £1,000 she will have to curb her spending! As you read through this story, you really feel like cheering her on...hoping she comes out on the other side victoriously. Astra has much to learn, much to go through to become a strong, independent women facing challenges and tackling secrets...yet watching her grow is what makes this novel interesting and enjoyable. Not to mention the 1930's another favorite era to read about. My thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Book was archived before I managed to download it, so unfortunately I didn't get to read and review this title.

It would be more useful if the archive date was closer to the release date, since I prefer to read books closer to their release. That way it's easier to talk about them when they're published.

Set in England in the 1930's this was a great read! After the death of her parent's Astra is determined to find her own independence. A fun, easy read.
3.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Set in 1930’s England, A Bright Young Thing follows at first a naive but determined Astra Davies.

When her parents unexpectedly die, Astra a 23 year old pampered daughter has to suddenly deal with the staggering debts passed onto her as well as family secrets that just won’t stay buried.

A Bright Young Thing paints the time and setting so well that there were points when reading this book that I could see myself sitting in a drawing room with Astra and her cousin Tobias. And while the book started slow and I struggled to get into it, once I did I couldn’t help but want Astra to succeed. She’s such a loveable character.

If you’re interested in young ladies telling society where they can stick it (Astra drinks, smokes, gambles and will not be marrying the first man thrust at her, thank you very much). Than this is the book for you.

A solid 3.75 stars

Thank you NetGalley and Alcove Press for providing me an Arc of this book. All opinions are my own.

A Bright Young Thing follows Astra Davies, a young woman navigating early adulthood in the the early 1930s. She defies societal norms in that she is unmarried and enjoys her freedom. When her parents suddenly pass away, she is left with debts and an uncertain financial future. She will either need to marry rich or solve the problem on her own even though she doesn't have any marketable skills due to her gender role. Determined to make her way without a man, and working against a blackmailing socialite and with a business partner who may just drive her further into debt, Astra's journey is anything but smooth. However, she is determined to show that she is more than "A Bright Young Thing".

The most interesting part about reading time pieces like this one is comparing it to today's societal norms. While how Astra is treated by her peers can be frustrating to the reader, it is important to remember it was a different time in the 1930s. The mark of a good historical fiction book is it's ability to transport the reader back in time and Brianna Moore certainly achieved that!

I also enjoyed that Astra was not defined by her romantic relationships which in any female led plot is a breath of fresh air. While she was a flawed protagonist, she was a relatable one for sure. I found myself rooting for her as the story progressed.

Overall, I would recommend A Bright Young Thing to anyone who is looking for a light historical fiction novel.

Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really couldn't vibe with the main character. Despite being interested in everything else - the plot of course, the historical setting, the world-building - the main character just drove me up the wall. I normally try to give some allowance for unlikeable characters but I just couldn't with this one.

This book was simply a delight, from start to finish. Socialite Astra Davies is unmoored. In a few short months, she's lost her parents, her home, and (with the discovery of a bunch of scandalous secrets) her sense of who her family is. Forced to live with an aunt who really doesn't like her and threatened with social ruin if her circumstances come to light, she's basically got two choices: get married or, well, get married.

But it's 1931, and Astra decides to hammer a new door into her future. Watching her transform from well-meaning but totally unprepared socialite to an unstoppable force will have you cheering one very page. From the horrible aunt to the horrible social climber, to Astra's zany and glass ceiling-smashing set of friends, this was, as I said, a delight from page one on. I could not put it down.

I am a huge fan of historical and women’s fiction and this just missed the mark for me. I did enjoy the England setting and timeline, but it was difficult to follow until the middle. I would check out this author again, I did like the creative development of Astra, the main character!

My thanks to Brianne Moore, Alcove Press and Net Galley for the ARC of A BRIGHT YOUNG THING.
This novel was just how I imagined it. I'm new to 1930s fiction but I loved it. Okay, some of the things they say are not PC. Life was very different then and I'm not excusing it at all, but I think we have to accept that in the past this is the way people behaved. If it was glossed over we would take the author to task and say that the settings, or the characters, or the things they say are incongruous so I think if we're going to read books of different eras we must accept how times have changed and be glad attitudes have hopefully changed as well.
A Bright Young Thing was fun and different and I'll definitely read more books from this era.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for providing me with the review copy.
Stoic, fast-paced and excellent. I love myself a good historical fiction, and this was one of those. The plot twist really surprised me. And the cover, so so gorgeous, omg.