Category: Regency Era (1811-1820)

The Regency in Great Britain was a period when King George III was deemed unfit to rule and his son ruled as his proxy as Prince Regent. On the death of George III in 1820, the Prince Regent became George IV. The term Regency can refer to various stretches of time; some are longer than the decade of the formal Regency which lasted from 1811–1820.
Preceded by: Georgian era
Followed by: Victorian era
Monarch: George III, George IV, William IV

Miss Morton and the Missing Heir by Catherine Lloyd

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Miss Morton and the Missing Heir (A Miss Morton Mystery)Barbara’s rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars
Series: Miss Morton Mysteries #4
Publication Date: 9/30/25
Period: Regency London
Number of Pages: 272

The delightful Miss Morton (Lady Caroline) and her energetic, inquisitive employer, Mrs. Frogerton, lead us through another mystery filled with red herrings, multiple suspects, and a shocking villain. Mrs. Frogerton’s daughter, Dotty, has finally married her Viscount, and Mrs. Frogerton is suffering from the let-down after all of the excitement. So, when the lawyer shows up with information about a potential heir to Caroline’s father’s title, Mrs. Frogerton immediately offers to host them in her home.

Things quickly go awry for everyone. Both Mrs. Frogerton and Caroline suspect something might be amiss with Mr. Scutton’s claim to the title, but since the lawyers and the College of Arms were investigating the claim, they decided to leave it alone. The Scutton family proves to be a disagreeable lot, which cements Caroline and Mrs. Frogerton’s suspicions. With the death (accidental?) of the Scutton’s servant and then the murder of Mary, the potential heir’s sister, things get very tense.

I loved all of the character updates and cannot wait to see what happens in future books. I’m happy that neither Susan nor Dotty made an appearance, as I don’t care for either of them. Also, I strongly dislike love triangles, and I’m ready to see the one between Caroline, Inspector Ross, and Dr. Harris resolved – since this is the 4th book in the series, it is time for resolution. I vote for Inspector Ross with Dr. Harris relegated to friend status. I can hardly wait for the next book to see what happens!

I recommend this interesting, fun book and the entire series. The writing is excellent with a well-plotted, well-paced mystery with characters that you will either love or hate – no indifference here.

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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My Best Friend’s Earl by Bethany Bennett

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My Best Friend's Earl (Bluestocking Booksellers, #2)Barbara’s Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Series: Bluestocking Booksellers #2
Publication Date: August 12, 2025
Period: Regency
Length: 368 pages

Review:

Oliver and Connie are the classic case of opposites attract in this witty and entertaining Regency romance.

Oliver Vincent is everything calm, collected, and rule-following—a proper gentleman, if a bit rigid. Connie Martin, on the other hand, is spirited, impulsive, and delightfully chaotic. (Note: Connie clearly shows traits of ADHD, which adds nuance to her character.)

After breaking off her engagement, Connie is living under a cloud of social disgrace, working in her family’s bookshop, and carrying guilt more for her family’s suffering than her own actions. When her friend Amelia begs for help escaping her own unwanted engagement, Connie jumps at the distraction—even if it means meddling with the famously steadfast Oliver Vincent.

Oliver sees marriage as a transaction, and his betrothal to Amelia is nothing more than fulfilling an obligation. He’s far too honorable to back out on his own. What he doesn’t expect is the whirlwind that is Connie Martin—and the chaos she brings into his carefully ordered life.

Thoughts:
While I enjoyed the quirky charm and banter between Oliver and Connie, I didn’t fall completely in love with the story. The pacing dragged in spots, and the historical inaccuracies pulled me out of the setting—a personal pet peeve of mine with historical romance.

That said, the character dynamics were engaging, and the series concept (bookish heroines, anyone?) remains strong. I’m glad I read this one, even if I wouldn’t revisit it, and I’m definitely planning to pick up the next installment.

Disclaimer: I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

View all my reviews