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.

S. Isabelle's "The Great Misfortune of Stella Sedgwick" offers a powerful narrative that reimagines the traditional Regency romance through the eyes of Stella, a sharp-witted Black woman navigating the treacherous social landscape of 1860s London. Blending elements reminiscent of "Bridgerton" and "The Davenports," the novel follows Stella's journey from a seemingly directionless young woman to a confident protagonist challenging the limited opportunities of her time.

At the heart of the story is Stella's remarkable transformation as she confronts racism, societal expectations, and her own ambitions. Inheriting a potential estate and reconnecting with her childhood friend Nathaniel, she must carefully balance her desire for independence with the social pressures of marriage and propriety. Her decision to continue her late mother's anonymous advice column becomes a powerful metaphor for finding her voice in a world designed to silence her.

Isabelle crafts a nuanced and inspiring tale that goes far beyond a typical historical romance. The novel's strength lies in its unflinching exploration of race, gender, and class in Victorian London, presenting a protagonist who is simultaneously vulnerable and incredibly strong. With meticulous historical detail and emotional depth, Stella's story challenges readers' expectations and offers a fresh perspective on the Regency era.

Highly recommended for readers who love historical fiction with depth, nuanced characters, and a protagonist who refuses to be confined by the expectations of her time.

Thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins for allowing me to read and review this ARC. The opinions are all my own.

Loved this so much. Isabelle's writing is engaging, fast pace, and it was so much fun to read. I greatly enjoyed it and I am happy I requested it. The witty banter, their interactions, and the events that unfold are all a joy to follow.

I honestly don't remember much of this one, I guess it just didn't really stick out to me. I wanted to like it, as I think more BIPOC historical romances need to be published (also the cover is gorgeous).

Stella Sedgwick was a girl ahead of her time. She took no crap and was determined to make it without (or with) a husband! I loved every moment of this book and it gave me a much needed regency era fix. I’m so glad to have been given this arc to read because it was such a fun and lighthearted book. The author tackled issues of sexism, racism, and classism so effortlessly. Every book doesn’t have you love every character and interaction - but this one did! I’ll definitely be purchasing a physical copy once the book is published!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me this arc in exchange for an honest review 😊

This was such a fun read. Stella despite going through all the racist and biting comments in London society stayed true to herself. I loved how Stella was able to connect with her mother and even continued her mom’s column. She is able to learn to stand up for herself, but also learned to be empathetic to what those around her go through. After she learned what Nate had to go through because he too is not white, she was able to understand him that much more. In Nate she had her own Mr. Darcy. I loved the little similarities, the hand clench, his absolute adoration for her. I can’t believe how much I loved everyone in the book. Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins Children’s Book for allowing me to read this arc.

4.5⭐ While other ladies in society are folding to the obligations of marriage for fortune, Stella’s trying to hustle her way out of this perceived “misfortune” that’s bestowed upon her by using the talent of her pen. Stella’s witty skepticism, the possibility of a love match, and hint of mystery made this a pleasant read after a slow start. This doesn’t seem to be a direct retelling of any classic but more so an original work that draws inspiration from the oppression of women in the 1800s. Unlike other historical fictions, this puts race front and center. So if you’re looking for a complete mental escape, this isn’t it. But if you’re looking for a charming, period piece, underdog story, this is for you.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this as a historical romance novel, it had that element that I wanted and enjoyed about the genre. The characters were wonderfully written and enjoyed going on this journey with the characters. S. Isabelle has a strong writing style and I’m excited for more from S. Isabelle.

Stella is a young Black woman in 1860 England . She lives with her aunt and cousin living in comfort. She dreams of having a writing career and independence . When her mothers former boss summoned her back to London, she unexpectedly inherit a large amount of money. She reunites with her childhood friends, especially the handsome Nathaniel Fitzroy . As new opportunities arise , Stella must decide when to play by the rules, when to break them, and when to let herself follow her hear

I loved almost everything about this wonderful story! It has great writing with humor and lively, clever banter. Stella is an interesting and plucky heroine who is allowed to make mistakes and experience growth. Black representation and joy are also strengths of this book.

The anachronistic phrases and creative liberties didn’t really bother me. I also didn’t mind too terribly much that the story is predictable and the characters seem familiar. What bothered me were the jokes in a book that’s being marketed for children. There are quite a few sexual innuendos, and a joke that a woman should cheat on her husband just because he’s boring* (I know society may have something of a double standard on this, but women rightly condemn men who use this reason to justify affairs).

I still loved the story overall. I did not want to put the book down! It’s a great read for new adults who enjoy historical romance, the childhood-friends-to-lovers trope, and representation of people of color. (Slight spoiler, but you can honestly see it coming from a mile away: there are also LGBTQ+ side characters.)

Thank you so much to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children’s Books for the free eARC! I post this review with my honest opinions.

*Note: it is possible that this joke might be changed prior to the book's publication. I will wait to post this review on Goodreads, Amazon, and Instagram until closer to the book’s publication date.

loved this book! historical isn’t usually my favorite, but s. isabelle beings something simultaneously fresh and well-trodden to the genre. the romance is adorable, and the accessible writing— while sometimes, perhaps, anachronistic to the era— makes this an easy read and almost certainly more enjoyable for teens. definitely recommend for younger readers who want diverse, fun historicals like bridgerton but written by an actual poc.