Books on my Nightstand for May 2023

Spring and Regency novels go together like rose petals and champagne. A touch of luxury enjoyed with the beauty of nature. I can think of no better time to pull out a Jane Austen novel, our standard bearer for Regency, then when the world is in a pastel bloom. You can just picture Elizabeth Bennet walking on a carpet of heather in the moors in the sweet-smelling Spring air with the ruggedly handsome, yet aloof Mr. Darcy walking towards her. As much as rereading old favorites gives me a thrill, it is good to mix it up. So, I did a bit of research which led me to two modern Regency novelists that looked fun, and so books from each were selected. And so, these are the books on my nightstand for May 2023, or should I say, on my kindle app???

Books on my Nightstand for May 2023

Heir to Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson. This book is actually a short novelette and a prequel to Edenbrooke. Since I might as well read a short prequel, this was added to the list. This book introduces us to Philip Wyndham, an independent bachelor, who has his life turned around when circumstances force him to return home and assume his duties as heir of Edenbrooke- something he never wanted.

Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson. Marianne Daventry heads to Edenbrooke for an enjoyable summer in the English countryside while helping her twin sister catch the wealthy heir of Edenbrooke for a husband. Things go awry when Marianne finds her own self struggling with romantic feelings for the same man as her sister. Marianne has no intentions of betraying her sister that way, but Philip feels differently.

The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill by Julie Klassen. This last book has a sweet look to it and is the first of the Ivy Hill series. Jane Bell unexpectedly finds herself the new proprietor of the Bell Inn in Wiltshire Village of Ivy Hill after her husband dies. Completely unprepared to take on this role, Jane must find a way to adapt or lose the inn as pressure is mounting regarding the loan on the business. The situation forces Jane to turn reluctantly to her bitter mother-in-law, so they can save the inn which is the lifeblood of the village. But there is healing in their lives as they navigate the challenge of bringing new life to the Inn together. And her widowed mother-in-law may just have a second chance at love….

Have a beautiful day!