3.5ish stars

When I initially requested this book, I didn’t realize that it was part of a “clean romance” series (I really hate that terminology; to be fair, the publisher markets the series of books as “proper romance” novels). Because of that, I definitely put off reading it for quite a while because it didn’t quite appeal the way I’d hoped it would as I was afraid it would be a bit dull. It wasn’t, for the most part, and I appreciated the strong female characters, but it also just wasn’t as intriguing or fun as I wanted it to be, and I felt my attention wandering more than once. For the right audience, though, I’m sure this book and others like it could be quite a hit.

The Plot:✨
The story is a rom-com set in the Edwardian Era. Lydia Wooding was orphaned at a young age when her parents were killed in a motorcar accident. Her elder brother, Andrew, was deeply affected by this incident and became extremely protective of his sister. She is forbidden to drive any motorcar, even though she longs to do so. He thinks she should rather focus on finding a suitable match for herself. Although she loves her brother and understands his concern, she feels his overprotective nature is not letting her become independent.

Spencer Hayes is an aspiring businessman and is looking for investors to make his dreams come true. When he comes up with a plan for a business venture, he contacts his childhood friend, Andrew Wooding, who immediately invites him to stay at Briarwall Estate to discuss his proposal. Once he arrives, he is surprised to find his friend's sister, who is not a shy little girl anymore but has grown into a young, beautiful woman with a free-spirited heart who shares a passion for motorcars just like him. Both of them are attracted to each other, but they don't realise that they are falling in love. But Lydia's three best friends refuse to give up on them and are determined to make them understand that they are meant to be together.

Review:✨
I liked the backdrop of the story, where things were beginning to change in the automobile industry, and its impact on the lives of people back then. Despite the story being set over a hundred years ago, there is a modern vibe, which makes it unique. Spencer and Lydia were adorable, and I liked their chemistry. I admired Lydia's personality and the way she expresses her thoughts when people try to patronise her. The bond between Lydia and her friends was my favourite aspect of the book, and I hope each friend gets their own book in the future. Despite being a rom-com, the book also focuses on women's rights and their role in expanding a business venture. Overall, it's a sweet, simple, and clean romance, and I would recommend it to people who like to read historical romance. 💖

Thank you, NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing, for sending me the ARC of this book.

A sweet proper romance set in the Edwardian era, about a young couple who bond over their love of motorcars and adventure.

Spencer Hayes dreams of starting his own parts company for motorcars, but with no great wealth of his own he is hoping to gain investments into his business through his connections. He calls on his old school friend Andrew Wooding, and upon arrival is surprised to see how much Lydia has grown into a beautiful and adventurous young woman. But her brother already has a wealthy older match in mind for her.

An enjoyable read, with wonderful characters in this lighter clean romance. I liked Lydia's friend group of "Wendys" how they supported each other and their passion for literature. It was fun seeing Spencer and Lydia connect over their shared interests, and I could understand why Andrew was more serious and why he thought he was doing what was best for his sister.

Overall, a delightful, quick read, that was fun, and sweet.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Oh what a delight this book was. I thorough enjoyed it. Historical Fictions are one of my favourite genres and Krista Jensen delivers.

A sweet, clean but fun read! Would definitely be reading more from this talented author.

Refreshing breath of air, aptly describes this book

I liked that this is set in a little different era than the usual. I loved that the characters were well written. The storyline was compelling and well paced. The romance was fun. Overall a great book.

This is one of my favorite books of the year! I usually prefer Regency to Victorian, but the author was so skilled at bringing the country estate hominess of Briarwall Manor to life, with Andrew and Lydia hosting a variety of characters, including Spencer. Lydia and her friends are embracing the ideas of innovation and change, and I love that Spencer doesn't try to stifle Lydia but appreciates her mind and vibrant personality. Their friendship and romance develops quite naturally, but Andrew's interference in Lydia's prospects provide some of the conflict in the story. Spencer also feels caught between Andrew and Lydia with his business proposal and investment opportunity, and Lydia is hurt from feeling like she's not trusted by the men in her life. The genuine natures of Lydia and Spencer appealed to me, and they are such a perfect match for each other. I loved their sweet chemistry and it really made the story come to life!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

This was such a good Victorian romance book! I usually don’t enjoy Victorian romances but this one made me rethink my position! I loved the characters and how the women were represented as strong and brave! I am excited for the next Krista Jensen book!

"Like Wendy Darling at the nursery window, we seize the opportunity to fly." (The Wendy League motto)

I love the Edwardian era. There are motorcars, the rules are more relaxed than in the Regency and Victorian eras and dare I say it--women in breeches (at least occasionally). Why do we tend to remember the friends of our siblings or the siblings of our friends as the way they were the last time we saw them, so we're surprised they grow up to be beautiful women and handsome men? That's what happened to Lydia Wooding and Spencer Hayes--each seemed surprised at how much the other had changed.

Things I loved about this book: First and foremost Lydia and her friends--The Wendy League, where they discussed anything and everything! I found it hilarious that her overprotective brother, Andrew, was told the name of the group was The Wordsworth Ladies and they talked about books. I loved how the friends supported each other in their goals and interests. I loved Lydia. She wasn't the conventional and was interested in many of the new inventions of that time, especially the motorcar and she wanted to learn to drive. I loved how Spencer treated Lydia--he didn't care if she wore breeches and she even asked him to teach her to drive!

I thought Andrew was too overprotective of Lydia and didn't completely understand his aversion to motorcars until he explained about their parents' deaths. Thankfully, by the end of the book I didn't find him quite so annoying.

This was a super fun and satisfying book with wonderful characters that I'd love to see again. I'd love to see each of the Wendy League get her own book and even have Andrew find his happily ever after. Krista Jensen is surely becoming a new favorite author.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher Shadow Mountain via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Really enjoyed this book. It was my first Edwardian novel, but based on the little bit I do know of the era, it felt authentic. I especially liked the tension between being a "dutiful wife/sister/etc" and progress. Lydia was interesting in being caught between childhood and womanhood in terms of her relationship with her brother. Spencer was also intriguing given his troubled background and his friendship with the Woodings. Their relationship was insta-attraction but they took the time to try to get to know each other on a deeper level.

The Wendys were a lot of fun and I hope to read more about each of them in future books.

💕 Loved this sweet, charming, girl power book!
🏰 Downton Abbey vibes
🧚‍♀️ Peter Pan fan club with a feminist twist? Yes thank you. (Feminist twist. Try saying that five times fast.)
🚘 Super interesting look into early motorcars!
☑️ Votes for women!
👯‍♀️ The sweetest group of best friends, who support each other perfectly.
👩🏼 Lydia is the best spunky, independent, adventurous FMC around. She knows what she wants and isn't afraid to go after it.
👨🏻 Spencer. Sweet Spencer. I love me a man who can support a wild and free woman and give her love in all the right ways. Whatta guy.
📖 Beautifully unique. I hope this opens up the path for more Edwardian books both by Krista and other authors! I want more!

Hearts of Briarwell was a good turn of the century book that reminded me of regency, but with more I depended and womens rights. I felt the story was slow in the first half of the book, but it definitely picked up steam in the last quarter. I am hoping for more from the “secret society” within this book in a sequel???

This was so so absolutely refreshing and enjoyable!! I loved this book for the entire read!

It didn’t have the classic miscommunication between the two love interests and I loved that! Instead they had a fiery and emotional exchange that I thought seemed very realistic and believable.

And I loved that the setting was a tad more modern. It made their stolen kisses a little more believable and precious because they couldn’t keep their hands off each other! It was another cute historical romance that was right up my alley!

I loved the fights of the suffragettes and I think Lydia (and her friends) all had some really powerful moments in sticking up for themselves and what they were fighting for! I hope that we get to see the love story of all these characters, because it sure made you interested in them!! I’m holding out hope for Andre and one of those Wendy League girls!!

I really can’t think of anything I disliked, and I’ll definitely be reading more of Krista Jensen again!!

I loved this charming and fun story. The characters were so well written and full of depth. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

This book was a sweet romance set in the Edwardian Era. It was refreshing to read a book that was in an era that isn’t in my typical reads. Lydia is a young woman trying to show her older brother she can be responsible, while being true to her independent and witty self. Spencer is trying to save his family by coming to an old friend, Lydia’s brother, with a new idea to start a business. He has vowed to never fall in love, but can’t resist Lydia. I loved the banter between them and watching the chemistry between the two throughout the book. It was such a good read!

I’m usually a regency romance era lover. But this recently released book takes place in the Edwardian Era. I love how much more progressive it is. Women seem to have a little bit more leverage and respect.

I truly loved this novel by @kristajensenbooks.
Hearts of Briarwall has a taste of forbidden love with the whole big brother does not want his sister to marry his childhood best friend.
It had some healing throughout it book. It had progressive ideas which I enjoyed learning about with the start of the motorcar industry. But the romance was the sweetest thing of all. (Chefs kiss 😘)

I highly recommend this story about Lydia and Spencer! I really hope there are more books to build upon this one. Andrew needs a story!

I smell a new series and this one was a perfect start. I loved the "Wendy League" and Lydia who is our heroine in this lovely story. There were elements of her innocence, but it was really about her coming into her own without either of her parents and only her elder brother to look after her. Andrew (her brother) is fascinating and feels like he has a story all his own.

This time period and the introduction of motor cars is fascinating as is the premise of the story. Spencer Hayes comes to Briarwall with a proposition for his old chum, Andrew. Through this he interacts with Lydia and her close group of friends as well as others in the neighborhood.

There are multiple facets to all of these characters, main character and side character alike that makes for a charming story as well as guides the inevitable conflict and necessary growth. Lydia's individual journey was just as fascinating to me as the romantic elements. She hasn't had her mother since she was very young and no one has quite filled that role, leading to some definite growth moments.

Krista Jensen writes a charming tale that I look forward to coming back and reading again, as well as look forward to more stories from this world.

I received an early copy through NetGalley and this is my honest review. I then purchased my own copy.

“Like Wendy Darling at the nursery window, we seize the opportunity to fly”


Hearts of Briarwall by Krista Jensen is a wonderfully entertaining historical Rom-Com. Set in the “Gilded Age” of early 1900s rural England, this accurate period piece uses the dramatically changing times technologically, socially, and politically as the backdrop to the coming of age of Lydia Wooding. Along with her close friends, who call themselves the Wendy League after seeing the play Peter Pan, Lydia desires more than what the social constructs of the day limit them to. With the freedom that comes with their titles and wealth, the girls find creative and hilarious means of forging their own path to love and happiness. Spencer Hayes, Lydia’s older brother Andrew’s childhood best friend, has the drive and vision for great things yet lacks the social standing and wealth to turn them into a reality. When he comes to seek Andrew’s backing on a business proposition after years away, he is stunned to see Lydia and can’t help but be attracted to the intelligent, firey, and unconventional woman she has become.


I loved the Hearts of Briarwall from beginning to end. It was such an easy flowing but captivating story that I read the whole book on a transatlantic flight when I probably should have been sleeping. Lydia and her friends are a great bunch, who conintually find ways to have fun in many of the overwhelming aspects of life as a woman with a title, who is expected to get married and raise a family. There are many great scenes that inject humor and a creative twist to the way they figure out how to manipulate situtions to their benefit. At one point they decide to take a trip to the famous perfumery, Floris, in London to pick personalized scents, not with a man in mind but that they find appealing. Their plan is “to appy these new fragrant feathers of ours, confident in their representation of ourselves, and sit back to see which peacocks come sniffing.”


While it has all the elements of a great Rom-Com Hearts of Briarwall is also a story with depth and seriousness. It encourages the reader to be true to themselves, take a chance on love, and follow their dreams; “All a girl needs to fly is a little fairy dust.” It also affirms that struggle is inherent to life but that we all are stronger and able to come fully into ourselves with the help of those who love us and believe in us. Hopefully, Krista will be continuing this series with stories of Lydia’s other friends.

I really enjoyed this read. It was a fun break from my usual Regency books. Hearing about motor cars and women's suffrage was fun as well.
I absolutely loved Lydia and her whole group of friends (The Wendy League). Lydia’s Brother (Andrew) was another favorite for me and Spencer….. he was perfect for Lydia.
This book had a lot of humor and a lot of sweet romance.

Hearts of Briarwall by Krista Jensen is a unique Victorian Romance with a older brother’s best friend trope!

First off, I love these characters! I found them all to be very relatable and easy to connect with. I really enjoyed getting to know Lydia, Spencer, Lydia’s brother Andrew, and Lydia’s three closest friends. I loved seeing each of them interact with each other. I love how they all do their best to support one another in whatever way they are able. I really enjoyed seeing them tease and flirt and get a little competitive and protective. The characters were definitely the highlight of the story for me.

I found the plot to be pretty unique! I liked the role that motor cars played in the conflict of this story. Motor cars brought some of the characters together and pushed other apart. I also really enjoyed the handful of suffragette moments where we got to see our four obstinate headstrong girls do something to get their voice and their opinions out there. I love a good strong independent woman who still knows how to be kind and ladylike and all four of these girls are exactly that!

Lastly, I thoroughly enjoyed the swoony romantic moments. Krista Jensen can write some great kissing scenes that convey the chemistry the couple has without getting too steamy. I thought they were perfectly swoony.

I sincerely hope we will get stories for Lydia’s brother and friends! I would love to dive back into this world and revisit these beloved characters.

If you enjoy Victorian romance, strong willed yet lovable characters, old fashioned motor cars, and the falling for your brother’s best friend trope, you should definitely read Hearts of Briarwall!

It's hard for me to imagine life without the common conveniences that I obviously take for granted. This darling story takes place in a time when motorcars are emerging and woman are fighting for rights, including wearing pants, discussing more than fluffy books, and making marriage matches for themselves. Lydia struggles to find her strong, opinionated footing with her stuffy older brother, Andrew, while trying not to fall for his best friend, Spencer, while also enjoying the antics and friendship of her Wendy League (a group of early suffragette friends based on Wendy Darling from Peter Pan).

Jensen writes this story in a way that captivates the emotion of the reader. The moments of humor lighten the heaviness of the turn-of-the-century politics and issues, causing me to root for these women to find the freedoms they desire. There were also some very swoony moments, especially as Lydia and Spencer practiced their parts for a performance.

I love the messages of living out your dreams and not allowing the mistakes of a loved one to define a person. This story was interesting and delightful and I hope to read more about the other members of this Wendy League.

Content: mild romance

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*