Young widow, Sybilla Lovatt lives a quiet life in the country with her younger sister Lucie, however, Lucie is now of an age to marry and so it is with some trepidation that they head for London where Lady Godley, Lucie's rich godmother is set to launch her into London society. With the marriage season upon them it is imperative that Lucie makes a good impression and sets about the task of finding a good husband.

The Marriage Season looks at the vagaries of living in Regency England when it was imperative for young ladies of quality to marry a suitable husband and it has been such a delight to follow in Lucie and Sybilla's footsteps as they go from glittering ballrooms, to taking refreshment in the grand salons of the affluent rich and exercising their horses in the park whilst also getting to know those distinctly eligible bachelors who vie for their attention.

Beautifully written and with a fine eye for historical detail The Marriage Season brings the Regency world of courtship to life and introduces a set of charming characters who remain with you long after the last page is turned.

If you love Bridgerton and Jane Austen and get swept up in Regency romances, you will enjoy The Marriage Season by Jane Dunn! I highly recommend getting carried away with this book and a cup of tea!

I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a review and opinions are my own.

As a fan of the Bridgerton novels, I enjoyed "The Marriage Season" immensely. It is a great book set in the Regency Period. Sybella Lovatt is heading to London with her younger sister Lucie to try to find her a suitable husband. The writing is intelligent and the story compelling, with characters who you can get behind and root for.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A new author to me and I have to say an enjoyable read. You get taken back in time to read the elegance of the era and also the pomp and circumstance. I think this would make a great television series too. I look forward to seeing what this author brings us next.

The Marriage Season is excellently researched and a fun, if somewhat sedate, Regency.

Widowed thanks to the war of 1812, country mouse Sybella Lovatt is out on the marriage mart again, but not for herself. Instead, she’s searching the ton for a spouse for her younger sister, Lucie, who also happens to be her ward. The two of them and Sybella’s young son, James, hie off to London so that Lucie will have better opportunities at the tips of her fingers.

Ensconced in the home of Lucie’s godmother, Lady Godley, the two women soon find themselves juggling two suitors apiece among the whirl of their social engagements. Sybella attracts the attention of Lady Godley’s handsome and mysterious neighbor, Mr. Anthony Brabazon as well as the mad bad and dangerous to know Lord Rockliffe. Lucie, meanwhile, pulls in jocular charmball Freddie Lynwood and the pretty Valentine Ravenell. Let the courtship games begin.

The Marriage Season gets extra points for feeling like it’s actually credibly drawn straight from the balls and stables of Regency England. It gets double points for having heroines that are likable and funny - Sybella is a beekeeper! But there were a couple of details that bugged me about the book and kept me from giving it a solid A.

Fortunately, the romance isn’t the problem here. Lucie and Freddie are my favorite pair in the book; they’re both so lively and funny and quick, but to say anything more will spoil the resolution of our two love triangles. Let’s just say disreputable villains definitely pop into focus during this one and are properly nasty.

The prose is light and witty and smart, and Sybella and Lucie’s connection is wonderful and feels properly sisterly. Their banter was wonderfully spot on.

The biggest problem with this book? The Marriage Season is very horse-heavy. So horse-heavy that you’d swear it were written by a pony. Everyone is so equine-obsessed that it becomes a bit of a distraction as even little Jamie is called upon to hold court about prancing bays, using their technical names and all. Also a distraction? The way little James is written as a tiny dictionary for horsey terms; he barely comes off as an actual child for most of the book. He’s supposed to be about three, but his vocabulary doesn’t match, and often he serves as an introductory point for era-apropriate terms to the reader on top of it all, which quickly becomes very annoying.

But in the end, The Marriage Season has most of the ingredients a successful regency really needs; romance, lovable characters and solid research. But if you're not fond of horses, it probably won’t carry you away.

This was a well-written, enjoyable journey to the past which swept me up into another world. I will be looking out for Jane Dunn's next book!

Honestly, this one was so much fun!
From the impromptu meet cute where he quite literally fell for her, despite "her" not actually being in the vicinity when the fall happened, to the tenuous relationship formed between the guardians, you have your hands full and your heart on your sleeve!

The sisters were quite the duo, each eligible in their own way, and yet not as well. The hoops ladies had to jump through back on the day, despite having read my fair share of Historical Romance novels, still surprises! I suppose some of those obstacles still exist today though because how often do you hear or see or experience someone not being their true self, but a representation of their best behavior when "courting" a potential love interest? Am I right? I mean, finding that one, that person that gets us, takes us as we are, is the ultimate goal, and Sybella won't stand for anything less for Lucie... what about you? Anywho, back to the book...

I had my reservations about a few characters, while my heart was rather open to a few others. However, while the love matches can be vexing, you can't help but smile at the antics of the little boy! You really do never know what he's going to say next, do you? 😂 Ah, the innocence of childhood... and the laughter it can bring to any hardened heart.

Suffice it to say, this story had all the makings of a grand tale, and the ending did not disappoint. Genre fans take note, definitely one not to miss!

I was delighted to be immersed in the world of Regency men and women as they embarked on their quest to find suitable marriage partners. The level of detail in describing the clothes, houses and daily activities of the upper class ladies and gentlemen really evoked the period. Appearances and custom seem to count for everything and the appearance of polite behaviour covers up what may be going on in private.

The roles of men and women are starkly contrasted with unmarried girls at their most vulnerable. Until marriage, they are constrained by the need to appear to have innocence and a total lack of awareness of ‘baser’ behaviour. Life in the country and London us also contrasted. You feel that it is only in the country that Sybella can really act freely as the adult she is. In this historical novel you will find a fine range of characters and a diverting plot with just the right portion of romance. There are rakes and innocents but the most interesting of all of course is the aloof but sincere neighbour who Sybella meets.

In short: a fine romance
#blogtour

Sybella Lovatt was widowed shortly after her marriage when her husband was killed in the war. Now, she is the mother of a young son, James, and preparing to take her sister, Lucie, to London for her first season and hopefully find her a suitable husband. They will be staying in Mayfair with Lucie’s godmother, Lady Godley.

In London, Lucie renews her friendship with Freddie Lynwood, whom she rescued when he fell from a tree back at her home. She also meets the ultra handsome Valentine Ravenall. Both young men are wealthy in their own right. Sybella meets again Lord Brabazon who owns the land next door to her home.

The story follows how the young people enjoy the delights of the season and Sybella enjoys the horseback riding which is a passion of hers. Lady Godley is a enthusiastic woman who spouts a lot of French and Latin as well. There are quite a number of subjects addressed in this book and the speech is rather formal. Young James is cute with his take on the world around him. I’m sure Regency romance readers will enjoy this book.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for the ARC.
I found this to be an enjoyable Regency novel with some standout differences. Should appeal to fans of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer. Although the main character Sybella (a widowed single mother) and her sister Lucie (who is looking for a husband) get into some situations that are a bit risqué, there is always the consideration of propriety and I think it would be pretty historically accurate, which gained points with me.
Sybella has to leave her beloved country farm to accompany her younger sister to London, as it's just the two of them, and they don't have much money. Their godmother (another widow) has agreed to sponsor Lucie, and provide introductions - Lucie is very pretty and has a good family, so is hoping to find a husband who will help them keep the country place.
There is a on again/off again love interest for Sybella, and several cometing beaux for Lucie, and some interesting plot twists. The author is very good at describing locations so that you can see what the characters are seeing. There were a few places where my interest lagged - I think having essentially two plots going at the same time made this into a longer book than I was expecting.
I liked that both sisters grew and learned about themselves over the course of the book, it wasn't just all fluff. Good solid read, would recommend.

This is a delightful Regency romance written in the traditional style with plenty of longing looks and barely so much as a finger brush between the love interests. It's full of period detail that really brings the era to life and makes the characters and the world they inhabit leap off the page. The plot itself is very simple but I liked the characters so I became invested in their stories. Fans of Georgette Heyer will love it. The book cover is also gorgeous!

Sybella misses her husband, killed in the Peninsular War, but has her young son for company, her ancestral home and estate and the prospect of getting her younger sister married in London during the Season. She does not realise what upheaval there will be. Her sister will be torn between two eligible young men and act on instinct to support friendship, whilst Sybella herself will realise that she can have feelings for another man.
This is an assured novel which picks up the trend for Regency romance, recently rekindled by 'Bridgerton'. The plot tries to be hard-hitting in a sub-Austen way and if taken seriously would actually disappoint but there is a real joie-de-vivre about the writing. i read this as a little diverting fun and enjoyed it as such.

With the TV series Bridgerton being a huge hit on Netflix, it’a great time to revisit the Regency period, which Jane Dunn has done in The Marriage Season.

It’s great to read books set in this period that have somewhat of a modern lens and although the Carey sisters (Sybella’s maiden name) are in a similar situation to those that we’ve read about before – a family with little dowry to offer entering the marriage market through necessity – a modern take on this situation is arguably more sympathetic towards these women.

There are also some areas that would never have been featured in a contemporary Regency novel – one in particular features a situation that could only be written about in a modern take on the period and the story is the richer for this and other examples.

The novel is fun in a lot of respects, as ladies are paraded through the ‘Marriage Mart’ and gentlemen vie for their hands, and there are slow-burning romance plots that resolve in a way that will suit the hopeless romantic (I include myself in that!).

Jane Dunn’s previous works have been in non-fiction and her attention to detail and research shows through here – there is so much background of the period and luscious detail of costumes, carriages and more that is seamlessly interwoven with the story. If you read many of my reviews you will know that a book full of every scrap of research at the expense of the story is a bugbear of mine – no worries here as the period details only add to richness of the setting.

This book is a gentle, modern tribute to those novels we all know of the period, but it is also original and beautifully written. I very much enjoyed it.

The Marriage Season follows widow Sybella Lovatt and her younger sister and ward Lucie as they travel to London for the ‘marriage season’ to search for an appropriate love match for Lucie.

Although this isn’t my usual taste in books as I am not really a fan of the Regency Period I decided I would give it a go as I do like historical romance and I am glad I did.

It is a lovely book set in the Regency Period and definitely a page turner. It includes all the usual captivating characters who are engaging and believable. There is also plenty of scandal, drama and glamorous parties from the season that you would expect from that period.

I found it easy to read, authentic, atmospheric, well researched and well written and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I think The Marriage Season will appeal in particular to Jane Austen and Bridgerton fans and I highly recommend it.

I would like to thank BoldWood Books for the free eArc of this book 😊

Widower Sybelle Lovatt must help her sister with the coming Season, to find her a husband; but while trying to protect her own reputation.

This was a really enjoyable narrative, with a lot happening but was also easy to follow.
I loved the characters throughout this novel, especially the sisters who are very individual and I was definitely rooting for the couples from the start.

This was a really enjoyable historical romance that anyone in this genre will enjoy.

The Marriage Season is a light-hearted story that will make you laugh out loud and keep the pages turning.
I also think the narrative illustrates that era in a beautiful way and it feels like you are back in that time period instantly.
I don't read this genre normally but this felt different and I was rooting for the couples from the start. If there is a sequel I will definitely pick it up to read more of their story.
#boldwoodbooks @bookandtonic

2.5 but I'll round up to 3.

I thought The Marraige Season was okay. A bit long and drawn out at times and I wasn't particularly looking forward to reading it everytime I went to pick it up, which is a pity because it sounded like something I'd have really enjoyed. Sybella and Lucy's relationship was lovely and James was quite funny. Everything ended up exactly as I predicted.

The Marriage Season by Jane Dunn is a Regency romance without all the sex. There is romance, however. It is a story about young Lord Lynwood and his older and wiser, guardian, Mr. Brabazon. They had run across sisters, Sybella and Lucie, well, Lord Lynwood had, in the country where Brabazon had an estate to which Lynwood had brought friends to have a party. Lucie was nearly run off the road by several sets of them driving their curricles like mad-men. Later, when things had calmed a bit and she was on her way home, she found a downed tree limb with a young man trapped beneath it. She rushed home for help and had them fetch the doctor. It turned out Lord Lynwood had a broken leg and would be required to remain for several days. Naturally his guardian called. This is a book full of well-crafted characters: Sybella, the young widow who runs her estate with the help of her dead husband’s batman, George; Lucie, her impressionable but lovely younger sister; Lord Lynwood, a dashing young aristocrat, quickly running through whatever of his inheritance he could reach; Anthony Brabazon, a man with a broken heart who has learned to steel himself against emotion; Valentine Ravenel, who has a secret he must keep at all costs; and on and on.

There is not really a plot; it is a romance so men and women coming together is what it is all about. Despite that quite a lot happens from beginning to end and not all of it is pretty. Lucie’s season in London barely gets off the ground before things go wrong. The strict guidelines of the ton are too much for either of the sisters. Yet, the best character of all is Jim, Sybella’s three-year-old son who has not a shy bone in his body and is totally in love with horses. He is a laugh riot every time he appears. This was not your typical Regency romance, but it was better. Well-written characters and reality-based situations make all the difference. I enjoyed it.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Marriage Season by Boldwood Books, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Boldwood #JaneDunn #TheMarriageSeason

This is an amazingly accurate historical Regency romantic novel, the characters are absolutely loveable, especially the main 2 sisters, Sybella (Bella) and Lucie.

It’s an easy read that is so educational, the accuracy of the Regency era is woven into the storytelling of this book and the story focuses on 2 couples, which I found interesting, rather than just 1 main one.

This is done cleverly and is not at all confusing.

Really well-written, it’s engaging and I was genuinely invested in the characters, I truly cared about their fate, which is always a good sign.

It becomes obvious who will end up together, but this isn’t the main driver of this story, what keeps you gripped is the manner in which it all unfolds, so, read it and find out!!

This is another brilliant book for all fans of Bridgerton and Jane Austen, for sure!

My Review: I absolutely adored this book and it's character. Little Jim stole my heart, as did his love for the horses. Lucie is a young lady setting off to London from her Wiltshire home to find a husband. Her sister Sybella lost her husband in the war and so was a widow and a mother who cares deeply for her sister, as their parents were long deceased. In London they stay close to Hyde Park with Lady Godley. Lucie's friendships with Freddie and Val are the lead in this story. Will there be a marriage blanc? Will Sybella find love again? All these questions had me gripped to this well written, easy read. Definitely a genre I am falling in love with.