Fire & Frost: A Bluestocking Belles Collection

In a city filled with the wounded and unemployed veterans of the Napoleonic wars, a group of society women take it upon themselves to find a way to help these men and their families.  With a winter picnic auction and a Ladies society as the centerpiece, five separate couples will find themselves putting not only their time on the line but also their hearts.  This collection of short stories will bring glimpses into Regency London society, all while weaving together a tale of friendship and romance.  Each shines a light on different main characters and their unique journey to find love even in the midst of heartache, war wounds and what society may deem proper.

Readers who love a good quick romance story, Regency London, and strong women characters will enjoy this collection.  Each author captures her main characters well, giving a distinct voice to those characters.  However, some characters make appearances in multiple stories and their voice, tone and even personality is not consistent throughout the collection.  The authors all take a different approach to plot, characterization, background, and romance, making for a collection of unique and enjoyable stories.  The result of having a variety different writing styles, some may enjoy one story over the other.  The downfall of a short story is less time to connect with characters and the plot, and although each author told a good story, some stories might have benefited with having more pages to tell them.  “Fire & Frost” is sure to warm hearts and bring a little romance to one’s imagination.

Amy Cefoldo