"DNF review:

This is a hard review to write if I am honest. Julie Klassen is one of my favorite authors. I went into Lady Maybe hoping for a historical romance filled with mystery and strong emotional depth....something Julie Klassen has always delivered. The atmospheric setting, intriguing premise, and beautiful writing drew me in. Love a good mistaken identity storyline too. A woman surviving a carriage accident with no memory, a mysterious ring on her finger, and the danger that surrounds her.....it all had the makings of a gripping story. I really liked it too for a while....

But unfortunately, I had to put this one down due to my personal convictions.

What ultimately made me DNF the book was the direction the plot took with double infidelity shown and a love triangle that just didn’t sit right with me. I don’t mind flawed characters, but the gray areas here.....especially involving marital betrayal and shifting affections felt too heavy-handed and uncomfortable for my personal taste. I found it difficult to connect with or root for the characters, and the emotional entanglements became more frustrating than compelling. I love a redemption story just as much as the next person, but this one just wasn't it.

If you're a reader who doesn’t mind messy relationships or complex romantic dynamics, this might still work for you. But if infidelity and romantic confusion are deal-breakers...consider this a heads-up.

From what I understood, this is a book that was re-released and the sensual content was toned down, but I still didn't care for the plot of where things went. I have seen other reviews say a similar reason for why they DNF this one.

Final Thoughts:
While I appreciate Julie's talent and the premise had promise, the themes and relational dynamics in Lady Maybe weren’t a good fit for me. DNF around the halfway mark. I will continue to read her other books as they usually don't have these themes in them. Thank you to the publisher for giving me this copy to honestly read and review."

"Set in the 1880's The Whispers of Shadowbrook House tell the story of the occupants who reside there. Some of them are young and some of them are old. They may have differences in social station but the one thing that they have in common is that they reside together in a house that has so much history.
Oliver Waverly who is the heir of his uncle Arthur has returned after many years away. Once he claims his inheritance he plans on selling Shadowbrook House and starting anew. This however causes a dispute with his uncle. Despite the sour reunion with his uncle he becomes acquainted with Pearl who is the governess to his cousin.
As Oliver and Pearl get to know each other their feelings towards each grow intense. However with the difference in their social stations is a major problem. Is a relationship between these two even possible.
Overall this was quite a sweet story. Pearl and Olivers relationship was quite lovely. Little Maxwell despite his horrible health issues is such a dear.
I received an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own."

"For fans of rollicking and witty regency romance. A lighthearted story with Princess Bride vibes.

When a authoress meets a highwayman, she finds herself entangled in a tale much like one she would pen. Circumstances envelop them and a marriage of convenience seems the best option. A knight, a female author, and a meddling grandmother? What could go wrong?

Personally 3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️. I wasn’t particularly invested in the story. Very clean, lighthearted—just not the type of regency that I typically read. Thanks to the publisher for giving me an e-arc to read and review. "