Category: Historical Fiction

Queen of Lombard Street by Lisa Kleypas

On By TracyIn Check Content Warning/Triggers, Historical Fiction, historical-romance, Non-Traditional Romance, Standalone Title, Top Pick - Highly Recommended, Tracy's Reviews, Victorian Era (1837-1901), Women's FictionLeave a comment

Queen of Lombard StreetQueen of Lombard Street by Lisa Kleypas

Tracy’s Rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: Standalone

Release Date: October 20, 2026

Reina Martin has never let her circumstances hold her down. The illegitimate daughter of a renown Spanish dancer and a wealthy English businessman, some could say that her life started out on the wrong foot, but thanks to her mother, Reina was given an exceptional education and encouraged to follow her dreams. To that end she attended college and earned a law degree, but was refused the right to practice, so she turned her sites to finance, becoming a respected economist and published a financial guide for women as well as writing articles for Bankers’ Magazine and The Economist. Upon that success, she tried to open a bank account and was initially denied, but her arguments drew the attention of William Farlow, the bank administrator. With William’s guidance, Reina learned the intricacies of investing and banking and became a very wealthy woman with a new dream, opening a bank for women.

With her goal set, Reina purchases a house and with the help of June, her dearest friend and now her cook, she tries to hire a staff. Which leads her to Second Chance Employment Agency, a staffing agency that hire out criminals released on license (aka parole). Determined to give these people a fighting chance to succeed, she hires a full staff, including a very pregnant woman as her housekeeper. But it soon becomes clear that this staff needs more guidance than she can supply, leading her to hire and Ticket-of-leave prisoner, a Welshman by the name of John Pembroke as her butler. But what she doesn’t know is John is not who she believes him to be, and as this motley crew becomes a family, she is in danger of losing more than just her dreams…

After a five-year break, Lisa Kleypas is back and better than ever! This book is a bit different than her previous works, primarily as it is a woman’s fiction novel with some romance rather than a straight up romance. I loved it and was completely invested in the story. Reina is a brilliant woman in a man’s world, but she doesn’t let that stop her from chasing her dreams, she is also a caring and generous with everyone. John is the perfect match for her, as he is not intimidated by an intelligent, successful woman, he too is self-made and intelligent, with a heart of gold and a desire to see Reina’s dreams come true. This book is filled with amazing and diverse characters (including some familiar faces), a “sausage dog”, emotion, some laughter, found family, discrimination, injustice, triumph, love, friendship, heartache, betrayal, vindication and finally a happy ending. This book was more than just a good read, it was a journey and I loved every minute of it. Definitely a keeper and a book I look forward to reading again and again.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for a DRC/ALC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

 

The Lost Perfumes of Paris by Christine Wells

On By TracyIn Historical Fiction, historical-romance, Standalone Title, Tracy's Reviews, Women's FictionLeave a comment

The Lost Perfumes of ParisThe Lost Perfumes of Paris by Christine Wells

Tracy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Standalone

Release Date: September 8, 2026

Élodie Limeaux is a determined and talented young perfumer striving to establish herself in her family’s fragrance business despite facing constant resistance from her father, Fabrice. Inspired by the legacy of her late mother, Aurore, a celebrated perfumer, Élodie gradually develops confidence in her abilities and learns to trust her own instincts. Marcelo Caspari begins as an assigned collaborator but proves to be a knowledgeable and passionate partner whose appreciation for perfume matches Élodie’s own. Their relationship develops alongside the story, while supporting characters, particularly Élodie’s father, create many of the challenges that drive her personal growth.

Set primarily in Paris and Grasse during the 1950s, the novel follows Élodie as she enters a prestigious competition to create a fragrance that captures the essence of Paris. Hoping to honor her mother’s legacy and secure a future for the family perfume house, she agrees to work with Marcelo under the sponsorship of the Caspari family. As they research perfume history, explore the city for inspiration, and develop their scent, Élodie must also contend with family conflicts, professional discrimination, corporate obstacles, and the secrets contained within her mother’s journals. The competition serves as the central storyline while the search for personal independence and professional recognition unfolds alongside it.

I found this to be an engaging and well written historical fiction novel that blends perfume artistry, romance, and women’s empowerment in a compelling way. The vivid descriptions of fragrances, fashion, and mid-century Paris created a rich atmosphere, while Élodie’s journey from self-doubt to self-assurance made her easy to root for. I especially enjoyed the partnership between Élodie and Marcelo, whose shared creativity added depth to both the romance and the story’s central challenge. Overall, this is a beautifully written novel that offers an interesting look into the perfume industry while delivering a heartfelt and satisfying character-driven story.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for a DRC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *