I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Stella Sedgwick is a lost cause.

Banished from etiquette lessons and unsure of her future, Stella dreams of a writing career and independence, but 1860s England offers little opportunity beyond marriage or servitude for a sharp-tongued, dark-skinned girl.

When her late mother’s former employer summons Stella to London, he tells her of his intention to bequeath one of the family’s great estates to her. It’s a life-changing inheritance, but one that will precipitate a legal battle that would be easier if Stella were married. With her cousin Olivia by her side, Stella is thrust into London society and must navigate fashion and balls, insults and stares, and a rekindled connection to Nathaniel, her childhood best friend with a rakish reputation.

Beyond the marriage market, living in London presents intriguing opportunities to Stella, like picking up her mother’s anonymous advice column to guide readers through upper-class perils. As new acquaintances are made and old secrets are uncovered, Stella must decide when to play by the rules, when to break them, and when to let herself follow her heart.

Short and Sweet Review

It’s the 1860s and most woman are supposed to be mild mannered and looking for a husband, but not Stella she just recently got banished from her etiquette lessons, but its okay because she has bigger dreams than chasing a man. Stella wants to pursue writing and be independent but things are harder for her because of her smart mouth and her skin tone. When Stella’s late mother’s former employer calls her to London she’s surprised but when he tells her of his plans to give her the estate she’s shocked. Getting the estate would be easier if Stella were married, now she’s in London with her cousin Olivia trying to navigate high society and balls. Stella even gets the chance to start writing as her mother for the advice column she once had. Stella has a lot to face and she learns she can either go with the flow or break the rules and follow her heart.

The Great Misfortune of Stella Sedgwick, was one of a kind. From the first page I was hooked. Our main character is Stella and she’s very outspoken and in this time period she’s not afraid to speak her mind. After her mother’s death, Stella has been staying with her aunt and cousin, Olivia. When Stella is called to London she’s unsure how to feel but it’s kind of exciting to see the place she grew up. Stella is told that she’ll soon inherit the estate but it’ll be an easier process if she were married. Stella also reunites with Gwen and Nathaniel the other kids who grew up at the estate. Stella stays in London with Olivia and begins going to balls and tries to find a husband. We also get to see Stella write for an advice column that used to be her moms. There’s some romance in the book but Stella’s romantic interest is Nathaniel and I think Stella was just uncomfortable with the idea of being someone that it led her to push him away but this match was undeniable. Through the course of the book we see Stella grow and learn more about who she is and what she wants in life. I loved Stella she was unapologetically herself and though she did have her faults, she did make up for them. I also enjoyed the time period and seeing how well written this book was, it really made you feel like you were there with the characters.

Overall, this was such a good book, it’s engaging and funny. Stella is a character you want to root for and her story will have you hooked. This is the perfect book for the summer and for anyone who enjoys historical romance novels.