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Reviewed by: Kathy Jaccarino, High School Librarian Title: A Lady's Guide to Fortune Hunting Author: Sophie Irwin Publisher: Viking (Penguin Random House Group)
Year: 2022 Good for Grades: 8-12 Genre/Type of Book: Historical Fiction/Romance
Content Warnings, or things that other School Librarians should be aware of: None Recommended for a school library: Yes Reason(s) for choosing the book: Reviews touted this book as a cross between Jane Austen and Bridgerton! I was intrigued by this, and love historical fiction and a good romance, so…it came home with me for the summer. If you were tasked by the publisher with writing a short quote for the back cover of this book, what would it be: Move over Jane Austen, make room for Sophie Irwin's spunky heroine, Kitty Talbot.
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Review:
Sophie Irwin’s historical romance novel takes place in 19th Century England and focuses on the struggles of Kitty Talbot. Kitty has three younger sisters and although they had a happy childhood, as their parents were a “love match”, their parents were not wise or wealthy. Their parents’ recent deaths leave the sisters with an insurmountable amount of debt. Kitty needs a fortune (i.e. a rich husband) to save her family home and keep her sisters from disaster. She goes off to London for the “season” to stay with her mother’s beloved friend and former actress with a racy past who is now posing as a respectable widow. I loved the character of Kitty! She is determined and single-minded in her pursuit of a rich husband, but also refreshingly honest and upfront with her potential suitors. She crosses paths with Lord Radcliff, who sees her for the fortune hunter she is, and they form an unlikely alliance as he helps her (begrudgingly) navigate the season. I loved their banter. Kitty’s forthright and clever personality elevates this from being a simple historical romance to a delightful and engaging adventure. The ending is reminiscent of O. Henry and is very satisfying. I wonder if there is a potential for sequels, focusing on the sisters!? The one disappointment I had in the book is that the three sisters’ characters are not explored in much detail. Although I don’t see this as a particularly strong book to use in the curriculum, it could pair nicely with Austen as an example of the role of women in Regency England. I think its strength lies in its light tone and compelling heroine.
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