I really enjoyed this charming, sweet historical Western romance story. I loved the historical settings, and it felt like I was transported back to the 1870s. We see the aftermath of the Civil War and people’s thoughts about things. We also see that many people still have prejudices after the North has won. You can also tell that the author did her research on what life was like back then. I could easily picture the hard, back-breaking life on a western Missouri farm during this time period. But then, we also got to see the glitz and glamor of high society back east in Boston. The juxtaposition of the two settings was very engaging and compelling. The descriptions of locations and events were very vivid and immersive. However, I wish we got a bit more polished lush, lyrical prose.

I loved the two main protagonists, Ginny and Lex. They were very likable characters, and I was rooting for them the entire time. Ginny was a very strong-willed, intelligent, independent, and clever woman. She was an unconventional woman for the times as the owner and worker of a farm. I loved her loyalty to her sister, the family farm, and the legacy and memories she is trying to preserve by keeping the farm running. Lex was a mysterious, charming, honorable, kind, and gentle man. He had his secrets, but his intentions were always pure and genuine. He definitely made me swoon for his cowboy ways at the beginning. Each protagonist had their faults and flaws, which made them feel more human and relatable. I also loved the layers to them and taking our time to peel each layer away as we learn more about them throughout the story.

If you enjoy the friends to lovers romance trope and a slow burn love story, then you’ll really enjoy this book. We get dual perspectives from both characters and see how each one is holding back their emotions and guarding their hearts, but then when they are together, they each start to let their guard down. We learn about their pasts and begin to understand more of their backstories. It’s a beautiful love story.

However, the ending felt really abrupt. I could’ve used a few more chapters so that it felt more like a satisfying conclusion. I would love to read a sequel to see what happens next. The pacing was perfect. Every time I thought it would start to lull and get boring, it gave me some twists and turns and kept my attention. I could’ve used more action sequences, but overall, it was a pretty captivating and engaging story. I also appreciated the short chapters, which made me feel like I was getting through the book faster. It only took me a few days to read it. For a debut novel, this was an impressive start to a successful writing career.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. These are my own thoughts and opinions.

This is a beautifully written novel, set in 19th century Missouri, a lovely piece of romantic fiction. I loved Ginny and the descriptive, Western setting. A nice summer read, with a predictable plot but a few twists for the reader to enjoy. I do hope there is a follow up. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

Imogen Martin's debut novel Under a Gilded Sky is everything you could want from a sweeping historical romance, and more.
Ginny, as the female lead, is strong. She's formidable - yet vulnerable, passionate and loyal. The relationship between her and her sister, Mary-Lou, is touching and you really feel for Ginny's position as a rancher with a younger sister to look out for.
The arrival of Lex into their lives pre-empts the predictable chaos that only a passionate love story can deliver and the reader will not be disappointed.
I absolutely loved Imogen's attention to detail and was fully transported to 19th century Missouri, and the sights and sounds of cattle-driving, homesteading and church-going. But juxtaposed over this is a very different America, vividly described when Ginny visits Boston. The vastly different settings really help to create an epic feel and there are big issues explored in this book, alongside the dominant love story.
I don't want to give spoilers, but you can expect a slow-building romance, witty banter, heart-warming moments and family bonds, passion, duty and the pursuit of integrity, all set against a majestic backdrop.
Can't wait for more from this author.

I had not read anything by this author before and found I enjoyed this sweet story of sisters struggling with the family farm and a man struggling with his background and family expectations. Set in 1870s Missouri and Boston, the story centers on Ginny’s attempts to keep her farm afloat and her meeting with Lex, who needs help after an injury and seems resistant to sharing much of his history. This is a clean romance with strong characters and a good plot. I felt at times some of the dialogue and some descriptions weren’t quite consistent, and some reactions felt a little off. That said, this is a well-written and enjoyable story. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest opinion.

From the frontiers of Missouri to the hustle and bustle of Boston, Under a Gilded Sky is a lovely story perfect for fans of well-written historical fiction. In 1870s Missouri when post-Civil War feelings still run strong, sisters Ginny and Mary Lou Snow are desperately trying to manage their family’s ranch on their own, and their lives are changed forever when a wounded stranger, Lex, turns up in the midst of a storm.

I enjoyed the descriptive Western setting and unconventional heroine Ginny, capable rancher but also well-read, fluent in French, and a gifted pianist. The other characters were vividly drawn too, and I appreciated that while I saw some plot lines coming, there were twists along the way.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I’ve known about this book for a while and had a feeling I was going to enjoy it. That instinct was right. Under a Gilded Sky swept me away to 19th century Missouri and I was enthralled from the very first page. The settings were vividly described and each character had their own distinct voice, making the story almost cinematic as it was so easy to imagine every scene.
Ginny made for a delightful heroine and who couldn’t fall for the mysterious Lex? Following the ups and downs of their relationship was a joy.
I’ll be recommending this book to everyone - it’s a beautifully told, evocative romance that put a huge smile on my face. I can’t wait to read the sequel (and if that one isn’t about Mary-Lou, I hope book three will be!).
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Ginny and her little sister Mary Lou try to survive on their ranch after the death of their father. When the youngest finds an injured man and brings him home everything changes for the sisters.
Under a Gilded Sky is a fairly light historical romance novel. The characters are charming and it reads in a breath but in my case it lacked some emotion, action, something indefinable that prevented me from connecting with some characters and a nice story but without more to contribute.
That doesn't mean that I didn't like it and that I won't read more of Imogen Martin's work because I'm looking forward to reading her next novel.
That said, if what the reader is looking for is a romantic novel without many ups and downs, this is a good read.

Thank you so much for the publisher and NetGalley allowing me a copy of they book to read. This was written absolutely beautifully and felt truly just so wholesome. It reminded me of a sweet, romantic and relatable love story you watch on Lifetime that had you turning the pages for more. This was a first read from this author and I loved it! I highly recommend.