Regency

 

When entering into the literary depths of the Regency Period, it would behoove you to indulge in the epic romances of Jane Austen. However, if you prefer a more dramatic turn, you would not be amiss in taking up a copy of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.  Or Perhaps, you prefer a more modern take on the Regency era, then you may want to indulge in some of the following works.

                 Book descriptions featured are provided by the publishers.

The Season: A Social History of the Debutante by Richardson, Kristen

"The world of debutantes opens into a revealing story of women across six centuries, their limited options, and their desires. Digging into the roots of the debutante ritual, with its ballrooms and white dresses, Kristen Richardson - herself descended from a line of debutantes - was fascinated to discover that the debutante ritual places our contemporary ideas about women and marriage in a new light. In this brilliant history of the phenomenon, Richardson shares debutantes' own words--from diaries, letters, and interviews--throughout her vivid telling, beginning in Henry VIII's era, sweeping through Queen Elizabeth I's court, crossing back and forth the Atlantic to colonial Philadelphia, African American communities, Jane Austen's England, and Mrs. Astor's parties, ultimately arriving at the contemporary New York Infirmary and International balls. Whether maligned for its archaic attitude and objectification of women or praised for raising money for charities and providing a necessary coming-of-age ritual, the debutante tradition has more to tell us in this entertaining and illuminating book"-- Provided by publisher.

The Official Bridgerton Guide to Entertaining: How to Cook, Host, and Toast Like a Member of the Ton by Timberlake, Emily

"Be the talk of the Ton with this first official Bridgerton cookbook from the hugely popular Netflix series. Whether it's a lawn party, a high tea, or a boozy late-night salon, this gorgeous cookbook delivers recipes for finger food, cocktails, mocktails, and entertaining ideas that help you recreate the high society of Regency London in your own home. These forty recipes have been developed with a modern audience in mind, offering mocktail, vegetarian, and gluten-free options to ensure that no fan is left hungry. They are presented alongside mouth-watering food photography, stills from the show, and sidebars explaining essential expertise"--. Provided by publisher.

To Have and to Hoax: A Novel by Waters, Martha

Five years ago, Lady Violet Grey and Lord James Audley met, fell in love, and got married. Four years ago, they had a fight to end all fights, and have barely spoken since.

Their once-passionate love match has been reduced to one of cold, detached politeness. But when Violet receives a letter that James has been thrown from his horse and rendered unconscious at their country estate, she races to be by his side--only to discover him alive and well at a tavern, and completely unaware of her concern. She's outraged. He's confused. And the distance between them has never been more apparent.

Wanting to teach her estranged husband a lesson, Violet decides to feign an illness of her own. James quickly sees through it, but he decides to play along in an ever-escalating game of manipulation, featuring actors masquerading as doctors, threats of Swiss sanitariums, faux mistresses--and a lot of flirtation between a husband and wife who might not hate each other as much as they thought. Will the two be able to overcome four years of hurt or will they continue to deny the spark between them?

With charm, wit, and heart in spades , To Have and to Hoax is a fresh and eminently entertaining romantic comedy--perfect for fans of Jasmine Guillory and Julia Quinn.

Queen Bee: An Anti-Historical Regency Romp by Howard, Amalie

"Lady Ela Dalvi knows the exact moment her life was forever changed--when her best friend, Poppy, betrayed her without qualm over a boy, the son of a duke. She was sent away in disgrace, her reputation ruined. Nearly three years later, eighteen-year-old Ela is consumed with bitterness and a desire for . . . revenge. Her enemy is quickly joining the crème de la crème of high society while she withers away in the English countryside. With an audacious plan to get even, Ela disguises herself as a mysterious heiress and infiltrates London's elite. But when Ela reunites with the only boy she's ever loved, she begins to question whether vengeance is still her greatest desire. In this complicated game of real-life chess, Ela must choose her next move: Finally bring down the queen or capture the king's heart?"--. Publisher marketing.

The Dancing Master by Klassen, Julie

Finding himself the man of the family, London dancing master Alec Valcourt moves his mother and sister to remote Devonshire, hoping to start over. But he is stunned to learn the village matriarch has prohibited all dancing, for reasons buried deep in her past.

Alec finds an unlikely ally in the matriarch's daughter. Though he's initially wary of Julia Midwinter's reckless flirtation, he comes to realize her bold exterior disguises a vulnerable soul--and hidden sorrows of her own.

Julia is quickly attracted to the handsome dancing master--a man her mother would never approve of--but she cannot imagine why Mr. Valcourt would leave London, or why he evades questions about his past. With Alec's help, can Julia uncover old secrets and restore life to her somber village...and to her mother's tattered heart?

Filled with mystery and romance, The Dancing Master brings to life the intriguing profession of those who taught essential social graces for ladies and gentlemen hoping to make a "good match" in Regency England.

Where Shadows Dance by Harris, C. S.

Regency London: July 1812. How do you set about solving a murder no one can reveal has been committed? That's the challenge confronting C.S. Harris's aristocratic soldier-turned-sleuth Sebastian St. Cyr when his friend, surgeon and "anatomist" Paul Gibson, illegally buys the cadaver of a young man from London's infamous body snatchers. A rising star at the Foreign Office, Mr. Alexander Ross was reported to have died of a weak heart. But when Gibson discovers a stiletto wound at the base of Ross's skull, he can turn only to Sebastian for help in catching the killer.

Described by all who knew him as an amiable young man, Ross at first seems an unlikely candidate for murder. But as Sebastian's search takes him from the Queen's drawing rooms in St. James's Palace to the embassies of Russia, the United States, and the Turkish Empire, he plunges into a dangerous shadow land of diplomatic maneuvering and international intrigue, where truth is an elusive commodity and nothing is as it seems.

The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen by Charles, KJ

"Bridgerton meets Poldark in this sweeping Regency romance of smugglers, adventure, mystery, and life-changing love from celebrated author KJ Charles. Abandoned by his father, Gareth Inglis grew up lonely, prickly, and well-used to disappointment. Still, he longs for a connection. When he meets a charming man in a London molly house, he falls head over heels--until everything goes wrong and he's left alone again. Then Gareth's father dies, turning the shabby London clerk into Sir Gareth, with a grand house on the remote Romney Marsh and a family he doesn't know. The Marsh is another world, a strange, empty place notorious for its ruthless gangs of smugglers. And one of them is dangerously familiar... Joss Doomsday has run the Doomsday smuggling clan since he was a boy. When the new baronet--his old lover--agrees to testify against Joss's sister, Joss acts fast to stop him. Their reunion is anything but happy, yet after the dust settles, neither can stay away. Soon, all Joss and Gareth want is the chance to be together. But the bleak, bare Marsh holds deadly secrets. And when Gareth finds himself threatened from every side, the gentleman and the smuggler must trust one another not just with their hearts, but with their lives"--. Provided by publisher.

Infamous: a novel by Croucher, Lex

"Dickinson meets Booksmart with a dash of Little Women in Infamous, a Regency-era queer romantic comedy with a deliciously feminist twist, from Lex Croucher, the author of Reputation. Twenty-two-year-old aspiring writer Edith ("Eddie") Miller and her best friend Rose have always done everything together-from climbing trees and sneaking bottles of wine, to extensive kissing practice. But Rose has started talking about marriage, and Eddie is horrified. Why can't they continue as they always have? Then Eddie meets charming, renowned poet Nash Nicholson--a rival of Lord Byron, if he does say so himself--and he welcomes her into his world of eccentric artists and boundary-breaking visionaries. When Eddie receives an invitation to Nash's crumbling Gothic estate in the countryside, promising inspiration (and time to finish her novel, a long-held dream), she eagerly agrees. But the pure hedonism and debauchery that ensues isn't exactly what she had in mind, and Eddie soon finds herself torn between her complicated feelings for Rose and her equally complicated dynamic with Nash, whose increasingly bad behavior doesn't match up to her vision for her literary hero. Will Eddie be forced to choose between her friendship with Rose and her literary dreams--or will she be able to write her own happily ever after?"--. Provided by publisher.

The Body in the Garden by Schellman, Katharine

"London 1815. Though newly-widowed Lily Adler is returning to a society that frowns on independent women, she is determined to create a meaningful life for herself even without a husband. She's no stranger to the glittering world of London's upper crust. At a ball thrown by her oldest friend, Lady Walter, she expects the scandal, gossip, and secrets. What she doesn't expect is the dead body in Lady Walter's garden. Lily overheard the man just minutes before he was shot: young, desperate, and attempting blackmail. But she's willing to leave the matter to the local constables--until Lord Walter bribes the investigating magistrate to drop the case. Stunned and confused, Lily realizes she's the only one with the key to catching the killer.Aided by a roguish navy captain and a mysterious heiress from the West Indies, Lily sets out to discover whether her friend's husband is mixed up in blackmail and murder. The unlikely team tries to conceal their investigation behind the whirl of London's social season, but the dead man knew secrets about people with power. Secrets that they would kill to keep hidden. Now, Lily will have to uncover the truth, before she becomes the murderer's next target" -- book jacket.

Remember Love : by Balogh, Mary

"The undisputed queen of Regency romance is back with a brand-new series perfect for fans of Bridgerton. Discover New York Times bestselling author Mary Balogh's Ravenswood series. The handsome and charismatic Earl of Stratton, Caleb Ware, has been exposed to the ton for his clandestine affairs-by his own son. As a child, Devlin Ware thought his family stood for all that was right and good in the world. They were kind, gracious, and shared the beauty of Ravenwood, their grand country estate, by hosting lavish parties for the entire countryside. But at twenty-two, he discovered his whole world was an elaborate illusion, and when Devlin publicly called his family to account for it, he was exiled as a traitor. So be it. He enlisted in the fight against Napoleon and didn't look back for six years. But now his father is dead, the Ware family is broken, and as the heir he is being called home. It's only when Gwyneth Rhys-the woman he loved and then lost after his family banished him-holds out her hand to help him that he is able make the difficult journey and try to piece together his fractured family. It is Gwyneth's loyalty, patience, and love that he needs. But is Devlin's war-hardened heart even capable of offering her love in return?"--. Publisher's description.

I Read A Latte

 

Honestly, what's better than books and coffee?  Books about coffee of course!

The Home Café: Creative Recipes for Espresso, Matcha, Tea and Coffee Drinks by Chapa, Asia Lui

Delightful Coffee Drinks Made Right in Your Own Kitchen That first sip of caffeine is pure magic?so why not treat yourself and make it an all-out celebration? With this classy curation of recipes, you?ll find endless ideas to take your morning cup of tea or coffee to the next level with fun flourishes, new flavors and fresh takes?from fruity matcha spritzers to dessert-inspired lattes. These drinks make it easy to bring the warm aesthetic and delicious notes of a café into your own home. You?ll capture that quintessential barista taste without spending extra money or changing out of your pajamas. Cheers to that!

How to Make Coffee: The Science Behind the Bean by Kingston, Lani

"To make any old cup of coffee, you simply need a pot, heat, ground coffee, and water. But you're not just anyone. You are a coffee aficionado, a determined, fearless seeker of the best java. And this is the guide for you. How to Make Coffee provides an in-depth look at the art and science behind the bean. Learn the anatomy of coffee; the chemistry of caffeine; the best way to roast, grind, and brew the beans to their peak flavor; and what gadgets you really need (versus what gadgets are for mere coffee dilettantes). With illustrated, step-by-step instructions, How to Make Coffee is for the person who doesn't want to settle for anything less than the perfect cup." -- Publisher's description.

Coffeeland: One Man's Dark Empire and the Making of our Favorite Drug by Sedgewick, Augustine

"The epic story of the rise of coffee in the Americas, and how it connected and divided the modern world. Sedgewick reveals how the growth of coffee production, trade, and consumption went hand in hand with the rise of the scientific idea of energy as a universal force, which transformed thinking about how the human body works as well as ideas about the relationship of one person's work to another's. In the process, both El Salvador and the United States earned the nickname "Coffeeland," though for radically different reasons, and with consequences that reach into the present. This history of how coffee came to be produced by the world's poorest people and consumed by its richest opens up a unique perspective on how the modern globalized world works, ultimately provoking a reconsideration of what it means to be connected to far-away people and places through the familiar things that make up our everyday lives"-- Provided by publisher.

Legends & Lattes: A Novel of High Fantasy and Low Stakes by Baldree, Travis

After a lifetime of bounties and bloodshed, Viv is hanging up her sword for the last time.

The battle-weary orc aims to start fresh, opening the first-ever coffee shop in the city of Thune. But old and new rivals stand in the way of success -- not to mention the fact that no one has the faintest idea what coffee actually is.

If Viv wants to put the blade behind her and make her plans a reality, she won't be able to go it alone.

But the true rewards of the uncharted path are the travelers you meet along the way. And whether drawn together by ancient magic, flaky pastry, or a freshly brewed cup, they may become partners, family, and something deeper than she ever could have dreamed.

At The Coffee Shop of Curiosities by Webber, Heather S.

"A mysterious letter. An offer taken. And the chance to move forward. When Ava Harrison receives a letter containing an unusual job listing one month after the sudden death of her ex-boyfriend, she thinks she's being haunted. The listing--a job as a live-in caretaker for a peculiar old man and his cranky cat in Driftwood, Alabama--is the perfect chance to start a new life. A normal life. Ava has always been too fearful to even travel, so no one's more surprised than she is when she throws caution to the wind and drives to the distant beachside town. On the surface, Maggie Mae Brightwell is a bundle of energy as she runs Magpie's, Driftwood's coffee and curiosity shop, where there's magic to be found in pairing the old with the new. But lurking under her cheerful exterior is a painful truth--keeping busy is the best way to distract herself from the lingering loss of her mama and her worries about her aging father. No one knows better than she does that you can't pour from an empty cup, but holding on to the past is the only thing keeping the hope alive that her mama will return home one day. Ava and Maggie soon find they're kindred spirits, as they're both haunted--not by spirits, but by regret. Both must learn to let go of the past to move on--because sometimes the waves of change bring you to the place where you most belong"--. Provided by publisher.

Of Literature and Lattes by Reay, Katherine

"After fleeing her hometown three years earlier, Alyssa Harrison never planned to return. Then the Silicon Valley start-up she worked for collapsed and turned her world upside down. She is broke, under FBI investigation, and without a place to go. Having exhausted every option, she comes home to Winsome, Illinois, to regroup then move on as quickly as possible. Yet, as friends and family welcome her back, Alyssa begins to see a place for herself in this small Midwestern community.Jeremy Mitchell moved from Seattle to Winsome to be near his daughter and to open the coffee shop he's been dreaming of for years. Problem is, the business is bleeding money - and he's not quite sure why. When he meets Alyssa, he senses an immediate connection, but what he needs most is someone to help him save his floundering business. After asking for her help, he wonders if something might grow between them - but forces beyond their control soon complicate their already complex lives, and the future they both hoped for is not at all what they anticipated.With the help of Winsome's small-town charm and quirky residents, Alyssa and Jeremy discover the beauty and romance of second chances"--Provided by publisher.

Vanessa Yu's Magical Paris Tea Shop by Lim, Roselle

"Vanessa Yu never wanted to see people's fortunes - or misfortunes - in tea leaves. Ever since she can remember, Vanessa has been able to see people's fortunes at the bottoms of their teacups. To avoid blurting out fortunes, she converts to coffee, but somehow the fortunes escape and find a way to complicate her life and the lives of those around her. To add to this plight, her romantic life is so nonexistent that her parents enlist the services of a matchmaking expert from Shanghai. After her matchmaking appointment, Vanessa sees death for the first time. She decides that she can't truly live until she can find a way to get rid of her uncanny abilities. When her eccentric aunt Evelyn shows up with a tempting offer to whisk her away, Vanessa says au revoir to California and bonjour to Paris. There, Vanessa learns more about herself and the root of her gifts, and realizes one thing to be true: Knowing one's destiny isn't a curse, but being unable to change it is."--Provided by publisher.

The Coffee Corner: An Amish Marketplace Novel by Clipston, Amy

Still single, Bethany worries that she'll never find the love that her cousins have. In this third installment of Amy Clipston's Amish Marketplace series, love begins to bloom between a coffee shop owner and a quiet carpenter.

Bethany Gingerich runs a busy and successful coffee and donut stand at the Amish market where her three cousins have booths of their own. Outgoing and friendly, Bethany is thrilled that her shop is always full as her regular customers (and her cousins!) enjoy picking up their morning treats. Even though her business is doing well, she can't help but feel something is missing in her life.

Reserved carpenter Micah Zook and his grandfather, Enos, visit Bethany every Saturday morning to purchase coffee and donuts before going to work at Enos's custom outdoor furniture shop. Although Bethany has a crush on quiet Micah, she fears that her bubbly personality irritates him. Micah, still grieving the loss of his fiancée, is just too shy to pursue Bethany . . . but he just can't stop visiting the shop every week to see her warm and cheerful smile.

When Micah and his grandfather don't show up one Saturday morning, Bethany begins to worry. And when she learns that tragedy has struck, she wonders how to help Micah in his time of need. He needs a friend now more than ever, and Bethany may be just the kind of friend that God has provided for him.

The Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee book by Seinfeld, Jerry

In his streaming show, Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, Jerry Seinfeld has engaged with some of the funniest people in history in classic cars, coffee shops, and diners. He has reminisced with Larry David; bantered with legends Steve Martin, Tina Fey, and Eddie Murphy; reunited with the cast of Seinfeld; and even paid a visit to President Barack Obama in the Oval Office. These and dozens of other guests talked about the intricacies of stand-up, the evolution of their careers and personal lives, and whatever else popped into their brilliant minds. Seinfeld's carefully crafted episodes have reimagined the talk show format, each one a unique, hilarious, and yet intimate conversation--a rare opportunity for viewers to witness their favorite performers unscripted and unvarnished. But in producing eighty-four episodes over eleven seasons, he has also created arguably the most important historical archive about the art of comedy ever amassed, with episodes featuring Garry Shandling, Jerry Lewis, Don Rickles, Carl Reiner, and Norm McDonald already serving as permanent shrines for legendary comedians.

Timed to the 10th anniversary of the show's debut and with an introduction from Jerry Seinfeld, this book isn't just a record of the show but instead an inventive tribute full of behind-the-scenes photos and anecdotes. The book dives into the inspiration and creation of segments, the most unforgettable lines from guests, an index of the cars, and some of the most memorable moments from crew members. Originally conceived as an "anti-talk show," Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee earned multiple Emmy nominations and helped lead the streaming revolution.

Great Coffee Cakes, Sticky Buns, Muffins & More: 200 Anytime Treats and Special Sweets for Morning to Midnight by Walter, Carole

With twenty years of experience teaching baking classes and three award-winning cookbooks to her name, Carole Walter is renowned for her meticulous directions, foolproof recipes, and scrumptious results. In Great Coffee Cakes, Sticky Buns, Muffins & More, Carole turns her attention to the types of treats that are perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert—the sweets people most like to make at home to enjoy with family and friends.

From pound cakes, coffee cakes, muffins, and other quick breads to scones, sweet biscuits, Bundt cakes, and buckles, Great Coffee Cakes, Sticky Buns, Muffins & More features more than two hundred recipes for America’s favorite baked goodies. Carole guides novices and expert bakers alike through irresistible recipes including Butter Crumb Coffee Cake, Country Cherry Honey Scones, and Raspberry Buttermilk Muffins with Streusel Topping. A bevy of old-world classics such as Almond Croissants, Double Chocolate Walnut Babka, and Cinnamon Raisin Rugelach are complemented by what are sure to become new favorites, like Crystallized Ginger Pound Cake, Glazed Orange Ricotta Cookies, and Pumpkin Pecan Loaf.

To ensure success, Carole’s signature “At-a-Glance” boxes outline baking pan sizes, oven temperatures, baking times, and any special equipment you might need. In addition, Carole includes extensive general information on outfitting your own kitchen for baking, common ingredients, and techniques. With straightforward directions and enticing recipes, Great Coffee Cakes, Sticky Buns, Muffins & More will have you baking up a storm of treats for every occasion.