read if you love:
🚲 edwardian rom coms
🚲 women’s suffrage
🚲 brother’s best friend
🚲 motorcar innovation
🚲 she’s not so little anymore
🚲 heroines in breeches
🚲 wrist kisses
🚲 core best friend groups

“𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐧. 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐜𝐚𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲. 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐬𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐚 𝐭𝐞𝐚. 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐬𝐚𝐲. 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐚 𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐫𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐧 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐫𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐦𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞.”

this was such a delightful and refreshing surprise of a book! spencer hayes arrives at briarwall seeking an investment from his old best friend from his school days — andrew wooding. upon arriving at briarwall, spencer finds andrew’s little sister lydia not so little anymore, but a vibrant and vivacious young woman.

even though spencer was dead set on relationships after having been burned by a woman, i just knew he was a goner after meeting lydia. she was such a captivating heroine. i admired her determination to be herself and to be appreciated for who she was especially by her brother. i love that spencer was drawn to her independent nature and encouraged her. it also helped that lydia had florrie, violet and ruby as her core group of best friends. their support of her really helped lydia through some tough moments. i can’t wait for their stories!

some other things i loved in this story were the temple meetings, lavender fields, clock surgery, a hilarious bicycle ride and a swoony thunderstorm! i also really liked andrew even though he was infuriating in his treatment of lydia at times — it was all out of love. i hope he gets his own book because he’s the type of character that will be so much fun to see brought down by a woman! overall, this story was a breathe of fresh air. highly recommend for historical romance lovers!

thank you to netgalley and shadow mountain publishing for an advanced copy. my thoughts are my own.

I enjoy a main character who is a bit of a spitfire, who doesn't quite fit in with the rest of society. Maybe because I would like to be a bit more spit-fireish, but most certainly am not. Lydia and her friends were so much fun getting to know, and I sincerely hope they will be getting their own stories in the future.
The storyline was entertaining, and I was able to finish the book quickly. I always enjoy it when a book is hard to put down, and I'm not so busy that I have to keep putting it down. (Either that, or I am really good at ignoring those gotta-do's in place of the wanna-do's.)
I look forward to reading more from this author.

Hearts of Briarwall
By Krista Jensen
Published – August 2, 2022
This book was such a fantastic read! The story has some really great characters to fall in love with and the best group of best girlfriends anyone could ask for. I loved that Krista Jensen was able to pack so much into this romance and still kept me wanting more.
I do really love these characters and fell in love with Andrew and really wanted to know more or see him have more fun. So, I do so badly hope he gets to find love in a future book. I would also love to see each of the Wendy League ladies to have their own book.
If you like reading historical proper romance novels, this is a great book for you! It kept me wanting to find out what was coming next. I CANNOT wait to read what is next from @kristajensonbooks.
Thank you @shadowmountainpublishing and @Netgalley for this opportunity to read such a wonderful love story.
#Shadowmountain #heartsofbriarwall #bookstagram #booksta #kristajensen #bookish #bookreviewer # bookreview #historicalromance #cleanromance #properromance #netgalley #EdwardianEra

I have always had a fascination with books set in Victorian and Edwardian eras. The fashion, the lifestyles, the rapid change in how lifestyles evolved so quickly with innovation- it has always been a time of history that I enjoy reading about.

Hearts of Briarwall was the perfect book for this. I loved seeing the effect cars had on people who only ever used to use horses. I love horses, but can I imagine making a trip two hours away from me to visit friends without the use of trains or cars? I would rather not. I loved seeing how the ideas for making the automobile more everyman came to the front of peoples minds.

But what I truly loved in this book was the main characters, and their group of friends. The character development was so great that I hope we get to see more of them in later books. (crossing my fingers!) Lydia is such a forward thinking girl, but in the best way possible. She is on the cusp of the suffragette movement and is in a position to make a difference. I loved how she was impulsive, but seemed to also know when to listen and learn before making a decision (especially when it comes to the big things). Spencer, oh Spencer. He is one that will stay with me, but not for the swoony things-although there were many great moments that were oh so swoonable. No, it is because of his respect. A man that respected his fellow men, AND WOMEN! What a novel idea back then. It is always beautiful to get a male character that has those qualities. It makes me more determined to raise my children like that. They can make a big difference is the world.

Lydia's friends and her brother were great additions. I appreciated the interactions and support Lydia found in her friends, especially when her brother was being... well, her brother.

I would definitely go back into this world, and I hope we get to. Highly loved.

So happy to read a clean romance with genuine chemistry between the hero and heroine! They both have other things going on in their lives (friends, career goals, painful pasts they're dealing with...) but they spend much of the book together and we can truly see what they see in each other. I've enjoyed Jensen's contemporary romances, but I believe this is her first historical and it was a very satisfying read. Bonus points for the nusual historical setting - early 20th century.

4.5 stars
All while reading this book and falling in love with the characters, I couldn't help but feel giddy knowing each of these ladies in the "Wendy League". It's like when you watch the first episode of a show you just know you are going to love and wish you could binge watch. So excited for the rest of the series!!
*snappy story pace
"bright, smart and fun characters
*great kissing scenes
*women's rights
*Edwardian charms (a great period to indulge in the ancient and the inventive all at once)
The only thing that could've made it better for me would be to have seen a bigger character arc for the male lead. But, seriously, everything else was top-notch for me!! Happy reading!

Oh, friends!!!! This book!! I can’t recommend it enough.

Lydia, our main suffragette, is everything we want in a heroine. Every issue she brought up I kept thinking, “yessss! I had the same thoughts about how things were done!” Look, I’m not crazy involved in politics, but I could relate to Lydia and I think all women can. She is incredibly sweet and all around the girl you want to be a leading lady. And I cannot wait for her friends to get their happily ever after. (Krista—can I call you Krista?— please tell me our Wendy ladies all get stories 🤞🏻)

Spencer. Oh Spencer. He’s been betrayed, he’s been hurt, and he’s not letting it keep him down. You all know brother’s best friend (good friend) is one of the best tropes. And don’t we all love it when he falls for the girl first?? I do! His attempts to stay away from Lydia are futile, at best.

Look my friends, my fellow book lovers, this should be your next historical romance you read. It is out and you can snag it now. The audiobook is just as lovely, thanks to the wonderful Justine Eyre (she is perfect for our English novels)

I will recommend this book to anyone who loves a sweet romance. Who wants to fall in love with characters. Who wants stomach flipping kisses. You just NEED it.

Now for the downside: we have to wait for the next release from Krista Jensen. I need a backlist to read ;) for the rest of you who haven’t read Miracle Creek Christmas, you need that one too.

I liked this turn of the century novel. I liked how it was about the early days of cars and car mechanics. I liked the Wendy League and how they were progressive in their thinking. I loved how the romance developed between Spencer and Lydia. I thought this was a fun story and I would love to see the other ladies in the Wendy league get a story.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

Krista Jensen write an amazing and captivating Edwardian coming of age story. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I did not want to put the book down just to do the simple chores of the day. The storyline of a woman intrigued by motorcars and a man who has an amazing innovative mind but lacks funds to bring to pass his dreams. Bring them together and some great adventure, planning, and romance develops. A fabulous story-I can’t stop thinking about it!

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

I’ve heard nothing but good things about Hearts of Briarwall by Krista Jensen and now I understand why. From its characters to its descriptions, this book is beautifully crafted, combining the best of the Victorian era to create a delightful story that I thoroughly enjoyed. This twist on Peter Pan sucked me in as I read about Lydia and her struggles to convince her over-protective brother that she has, in fact, grown up. I loved Lydia. She’s intelligent and spirited, the perfect character to represent the time of suffragettes. And she has a delightful group of friends whose stories I hope we get to read in the future! I also loved Spencer. He’s determined and smart, even if he lets being a gentleman get in the way of romance a time or two. Thanks to these wonderful characters and some swoon-worthy kisses, this book has easily become one of my favorite reads of 2022 so far.

*Thank you to Krista Jensen, Shadow Mountain, and Netgalley for an e-ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

I can not explain why I couldn’t not connect with this book. I have enjoyed other books written by this author. But the first 50-60% I just skimmed through. I got the just of the story, I just wasn’t interested. But I rarely give up on finishing. About the time the Piedmonts arrived, it started to come to life. From then on I throughly enjoyed it. I hope it was just my frame of mind at the beginning, others seem to really love it. So… give it a read and judge for yourself. It is a clean historical story and I do recommend this author. I also hope to enjoy more stories of “the Wendy League”. 3.5 stars rounded up

This is a fun and inspiring excursion into the Edwardian era, It is light-hearted yet pulls the reader into an important period of time where increased rights for women were being pursued.

There are so many things that I enjoyed in this book that it's hard to mention them all. Here are some highlights:
- The insight into the early history of motorcars
- The friendships between the women in the Wendy League who encourage, support, and uplift each other in their individual pursuits
- Realistic relationships that experience conflict and resolve them.
- The clock scene

I most appreciated that feminism and women's rights were pursued without bashing men and the relationships between men and women whether familial or romantic. That can be challenging to do and Krista Jensen hit the mark. I hope this is the first of a series and the rest of women in the Wendy League get their own stories.

I received a digital copy from the publisher, Shadow Mountain, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Can I just say how wonderful ‘Hearts of Briarwall’ by Krista Jensen is! It’s clever, charming, intriguing, fun, adorable and romantic!

I loved the setting in the Edwardian time period.(Think Mary Poppins and Peter Pan)What an exciting era full of so much change, beautiful fashion, motorcars and the Women’s suffrage movement.

I loved the Wendy League; a group of adorable friends who meet to discuss many things including seizing their opportunities to fly just like Wendy from Peter Pan! These ladies have the best personalities, and are so hilarious, spirited and fun! I definitely want to be a member of the Wendy League.

This in an amazing brother’s best friend love story full of attraction, excellent romantic tension, swoony moments, laugh out loud scenes and the most spectacular and sizzling kisses!

I absolutely loved the main characters in this story! Spencer Hayes is such a gentleman who is also innovative, kind, and handsome! Lydia Wooding is adorable and fiery, and I want to be her best friend! These two were amazing together and I loved the pull I could feel between them!

🤍Memorable moments included a certain clock, meetings at the temple, a song, a bike ride and the best thunderstorm ever!
🤍I adored the references to Peter Pan in this story!✨
🤍This story is filled with a wonderful cast of characters! I fell in love with them all and I can’t wait to see whose story is next in the series!

I absolutely loved this book! It left me with a huge smile on my face and a happy heart! If you enjoy historical romance I think you’ll love this wonderful story too!

Thank you Netgalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for the arc copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Hearts of Briarwall, set in Edwardian England is new and fresh. It was fun to read something similar to Regency and yet different. Some things are the same (protecting reputation, not being alone together) while others are new (cars, style of dress, suffragettes).

Lydia, our heroine, has come so far in overcoming her shyness. She wants to take opportunities "to fly". She has learned a lot from her brother and her books yet her brother still treats her as a child.

Spencer is also overcoming a difficult past (although what that past is comes much later - spoiler!). He has some good business ideas for the automobile industry, but lacks financial backing.

Lydia's brother is or creates a lot of the obstacles for the two. It was so interesting to see Lydia navigating the 2 different relationships and the difficulties of living in a "man's world". One of the things I loved about the author’s book Miracle Creek Christmas was the relationships and how they worked through those difficulties. This book is quite similar!

Lydia is also supported by a lovely cast of Wendy League. These women are so unique and so supportive of each other!

Great read and I highly recommend.

4.5⭐️
This was an Edwardian proper romance. The world was changing. Women wanted to be seen and automobiles were starting to be a thing. I’m glad to say that I found it very enjoyable. I loved the Wendy League and the friendships of women. It was one of my favorite things in this novel. It had a sweet romance and I really hope this author writes more books about the side characters. I would definitely read them. If you’re looking for a proper romance than I suggest you get this one.
Thanks Shadow Mountain via NetGalley.

A fascinating time in history given life and color with the authors words.

Along with a beautiful portrayal of dealing with grief, finding healing and learning to fly.

All set against the stage of a truly heart fluttering romance. With priceless quips and quirky characters you can’t wait to read more about. (@kristajensenbooks please tell me we get to read all their stories!!)

This is definitely a five star reread.

Have you ever read a reverse Peter Pan syndrome trope? So often it’s associated with male characters, and I loved the female spin on it in this book!

I wasn’t as knowledgeable about this time period as other historical books and learned so much!!

I love, love, loved the “Wendy darlings” aspect. Truth be told I usually avoid political/agendas in books because I get enough of that in the real world, but LOVED the message of this one. Knowledge is power and these characters represented that theme so well!

This was a perfect book to step outside my usual and recommend I’d you need a book to shake things up!!

Thanks to NetGalley for the copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.

Krista Jensen is now an auto buy author for me. She is so talented at capturing characters’ hearts right on the page and weaving captivating love stories with beautiful fictional worlds that have me enthralled with each turn of the page. I absolutely loved her book Miracle Creek Christmas and couldn’t wait to read this story too.

From the very beginning of the story, I loved the Wendy League and the sweet friends who rally and support each other’s hopes and dreams. Lydia’s brother Andrew brings a friend from school for a visit. Spencer and Lydia both were easy characters to get invested in, each of them willing to fight for their hopes and dreams.

Spencer has had to work hard for his success and the respect of others. Lydia is impetuous and less refined than her brother would like, despite Andrew’s best attempts to help mold her into the lady society expects her to be after the passing of both of their parents.

This romance was beautiful to read and such an entertaining time period to read about. Discussions of women’s suffrage and following your dreams make this a relatable and entertaining story with lots of strong female characters to entertain. I’m so glad that I had the opportunity to check out an advance copy of this story! Many thanks to Shadow Mountain and NetGalley, all thoughts are my own.

This book is so fun! It is such a sweet and joyful read! Spencer is a delight! Also the ending absolutely melted me. Andrew and Lydia's sibling relationship is one of the best parts of this story!

Such a unique historical rom com! This is my first time reading a proper romance in the Edwardian Era and I absolutely loved it! As a Downton Abbey fan, I adore this era and hope to see a lot more of it in the future. Krista Jensen’s writing style and wit was perfect to carry out this story and romance!
❣️The “brothers best friend” romance was so well done and I so enjoyed the use of this trope.
❣️All of the discussion around cars was so intriguing and fun! Definitely not what I’m used to for a historical romance.
❣️I loved the main character, Lydia, and her commitment to her friends, herself, and the suffrage cause.
❣️Every side character was so well written and helps moved the story forward so much.
Happy Release Day! I would recommend this new proper romance to any longtime fan of the collection + anyone interested in the Edwardian Era!