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How to Grieve Like a Victorian
A LIBRARY JOURNAL BEST BOOK OF 2025!
It’s fine. She’s fine. Really.
When life’s turned you into a big hot mess, there’s still love, laughs, and snark to be had…
Dr. Lizzie Wells, professor of British literature and bestselling author, is not okay. She wasn’t consulted when her beloved husband died unexpectedly, so she’s going to grieve however she damned well chooses. Keeping a lock of his hair in a choker around her neck and donning widow’s weeds. You bet. Notifying colleagues and students that she will only accept paper letters instead of email. Why not? Very nearly kissing her late husband’s best friend, Henry. Unfortunately, er…yes.
So when she’s offered a trip to London, Lizzie grabs it. What better place to escape, heal, and be reborn than in the same city where Queen Victoria famously mourned her beloved Prince Albert? Encouraged by new friends to be bold, have champagne and oysters before noon, and celebrate the beauty and the messiness of life, Lizzie begins to embrace it all.
Still, there’s that almost kiss with Henry she just can’t forget. Their cross-Atlantic ‘check-ins’ turn into FaceTime hangouts and their friendship evolves into something more. When Henry shows up in London, Lizzie fears she’s falling in love with him… Will she bravely embrace this second chance, too?
It’s fine. She’s fine. Really.
When life’s turned you into a big hot mess, there’s still love, laughs, and snark to be had…
Dr. Lizzie Wells, professor of British literature and bestselling author, is not okay. She wasn’t consulted when her beloved husband died unexpectedly, so she’s going to grieve however she damned well chooses. Keeping a lock of his hair in a choker around her neck and donning widow’s weeds. You bet. Notifying colleagues and students that she will only accept paper letters instead of email. Why not? Very nearly kissing her late husband’s best friend, Henry. Unfortunately, er…yes.
So when she’s offered a trip to London, Lizzie grabs it. What better place to escape, heal, and be reborn than in the same city where Queen Victoria famously mourned her beloved Prince Albert? Encouraged by new friends to be bold, have champagne and oysters before noon, and celebrate the beauty and the messiness of life, Lizzie begins to embrace it all.
Still, there’s that almost kiss with Henry she just can’t forget. Their cross-Atlantic ‘check-ins’ turn into FaceTime hangouts and their friendship evolves into something more. When Henry shows up in London, Lizzie fears she’s falling in love with him… Will she bravely embrace this second chance, too?
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First published December 9, 2025
18 people are currently reading
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About the author
Amy Carol Reeves
7 books108 followersAmy Carol Reeves has a PhD in nineteenth-century British literature and finds joy in teaching classes and writing. She has published several academic articles as well as a young adult book trilogy. She lives in Indiana with her three children. You can find her on Instagram at amycarolreeves or on her website at amycarolreeves.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
November 6, 2025
Can you imagine deciding to write a book about grief – especially a contemporary novel! I would think the author would find herself walking on eggshells on the quest to perfect each word.
This book is a shining testament to all of the stages of grief. It is written with wit to show us that finding yourself after a tragedy reshapes your life can be done with humor and fun, a bit of tongue in cheek, as you are discovering who you are now as a widow.
Boundaries are tested, new experiences are shaped, and is it really okay to find yourself falling for your hubby’s best friend?
The author grew this character through the story, and what a journey she experienced through grief, with twists, turns, and love.
How to Grieve Like a Victorian is an endearing, wonderful story that proves everyone’s journey is theirs to live as they see fit.
Love this one!
~~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/how-to-griev...
This book is a shining testament to all of the stages of grief. It is written with wit to show us that finding yourself after a tragedy reshapes your life can be done with humor and fun, a bit of tongue in cheek, as you are discovering who you are now as a widow.
Boundaries are tested, new experiences are shaped, and is it really okay to find yourself falling for your hubby’s best friend?
The author grew this character through the story, and what a journey she experienced through grief, with twists, turns, and love.
How to Grieve Like a Victorian is an endearing, wonderful story that proves everyone’s journey is theirs to live as they see fit.
Love this one!
~~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/how-to-griev...
September 29, 2025
I liked this one a lot! While I am not a widow, thank goodness, my best friend is - and her husband also died unexpectedly and way too early. I found so much of this story to be resonant and lovely - and to feel very authentic in its recognition of all the stages and elements of grief. It's funny and tragic and her bewilderment as she travels through her grief, while at times painful to read, was endearing and moving. The writing was lovely and perfectly suited to the story.
There was snark and wit and thoughtfulness sprinkled in with personal growth and the recognition that it is ok to move forward and that love lasts forever. It was a lovely story and one I will recommend broadly - starting with my friend...
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.
There was snark and wit and thoughtfulness sprinkled in with personal growth and the recognition that it is ok to move forward and that love lasts forever. It was a lovely story and one I will recommend broadly - starting with my friend...
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.
November 21, 2025
2.5/5.
—grieving widow x husband's best friend
—a little bit of love triangle
—tangling with... literary classics?
The Basics:
Following the sudden death of her beloved husband Philip, Lizzie, English professor, successful author, and now single mother, decides to grieve in her own way. She evokes Victorian mourning rituals like carrying Philip's ashes in a keepsake, wearing heavy black, and demanding handwritten letters instead of emails. All of this is thrown off when she almost kisses Henry, Philip's best friend—which is why taking the opportunity to travel to England and really lean in to mourning seems like a great idea. But England isn't without guys who want to give Lizzie a whirl—and she can't quite stop thinking about Henry...
The Review:
Despite the emphasis on romance in theory based on the description, this is much more along the lines of women's lit. Which isn't a bad thing, and isn't why I wasn't so hot on it. The writing style is brisk, and I really love the concept of someone just diving into weirdness after a life-shaking event like the death of a spouse. Frankly, I really support Lizzie's endeavors. I think western society should bring back mourning rituals (for those of us who want to indulge in them). And I'm always fond of stories in which a woman kind of loses her shit and refuses to accommodate society anymore.
This just... wasn't quite sharp enough. The "crossing the line" moments were too light. And at the same time, the conflict between the heavy mourning and the desire to break free and live don't hit as hard as they could. My thing is—I believe this woman loved her husband. It's something I appreciate about the novel, as a lot of "widow books", women's lit and romances alike, downplay the importance of the dead spouse in order to move the story along.
At the same time, it seems there is indeed a need to move the story along. I ended up having a bit of whiplash. I honestly don't think there's a timeline for grieving and falling for new people after the death of a partner. But for the purposes of the book, I really wasn't sure about how to take Lizzie's actions.
It may be the addition of a third man that threw me off the most. Clearly, Lizzy's main attraction is to Henry, but here's another guy, kinda tempting—and I don't know. To me, the attraction she'd have to her dead husband's best friend is not only natural (it happens more than you'd think in real life) but the best source of emotional turmoil. This other guy... I don't need him, frankly.
There's also this kind of ballsy, kind of weird parallel drawn between the main story and Lizzie's own book, which is... A YA retelling of Wuthering Heights that I, as a Wuthering Heights fan, would never read. I wanted to not be a nerd about it. I wanted to not care. But God. I just couldn't hand the parallels, and the mangling of Wuthering Heights, and it was just such an odd distraction.
The Conclusion:
I did really like the writing style (and audiobook narration), and I did appreciate the indulgence of Lizzie's strangeness and messy girl nature. You can be a messy girl at thirty-nine, with a kid (named... Heathcliff). But I just couldn't really get behind this, for me as a reader.
Thanks to Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
—grieving widow x husband's best friend
—a little bit of love triangle
—tangling with... literary classics?
The Basics:
Following the sudden death of her beloved husband Philip, Lizzie, English professor, successful author, and now single mother, decides to grieve in her own way. She evokes Victorian mourning rituals like carrying Philip's ashes in a keepsake, wearing heavy black, and demanding handwritten letters instead of emails. All of this is thrown off when she almost kisses Henry, Philip's best friend—which is why taking the opportunity to travel to England and really lean in to mourning seems like a great idea. But England isn't without guys who want to give Lizzie a whirl—and she can't quite stop thinking about Henry...
The Review:
Despite the emphasis on romance in theory based on the description, this is much more along the lines of women's lit. Which isn't a bad thing, and isn't why I wasn't so hot on it. The writing style is brisk, and I really love the concept of someone just diving into weirdness after a life-shaking event like the death of a spouse. Frankly, I really support Lizzie's endeavors. I think western society should bring back mourning rituals (for those of us who want to indulge in them). And I'm always fond of stories in which a woman kind of loses her shit and refuses to accommodate society anymore.
This just... wasn't quite sharp enough. The "crossing the line" moments were too light. And at the same time, the conflict between the heavy mourning and the desire to break free and live don't hit as hard as they could. My thing is—I believe this woman loved her husband. It's something I appreciate about the novel, as a lot of "widow books", women's lit and romances alike, downplay the importance of the dead spouse in order to move the story along.
At the same time, it seems there is indeed a need to move the story along. I ended up having a bit of whiplash. I honestly don't think there's a timeline for grieving and falling for new people after the death of a partner. But for the purposes of the book, I really wasn't sure about how to take Lizzie's actions.
It may be the addition of a third man that threw me off the most. Clearly, Lizzy's main attraction is to Henry, but here's another guy, kinda tempting—and I don't know. To me, the attraction she'd have to her dead husband's best friend is not only natural (it happens more than you'd think in real life) but the best source of emotional turmoil. This other guy... I don't need him, frankly.
There's also this kind of ballsy, kind of weird parallel drawn between the main story and Lizzie's own book, which is... A YA retelling of Wuthering Heights that I, as a Wuthering Heights fan, would never read. I wanted to not be a nerd about it. I wanted to not care. But God. I just couldn't hand the parallels, and the mangling of Wuthering Heights, and it was just such an odd distraction.
The Conclusion:
I did really like the writing style (and audiobook narration), and I did appreciate the indulgence of Lizzie's strangeness and messy girl nature. You can be a messy girl at thirty-nine, with a kid (named... Heathcliff). But I just couldn't really get behind this, for me as a reader.
Thanks to Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 22, 2025
3.5 ☆ Thank you to publishers and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review! Lizzie, a professor and celebrated author, loses her husband in a freak accident, and we follow her navigating grief through flashbacks and present-day chapters after Phillip’s death. This book is not something I normally pick up, but I did enjoy the story even though it felt slow at times. I’m a sucker for happy endings and liked the second part of the book compared to the first. I really identified with Lizzie at times, who would ruminate on her choices and second-guess her decisions. I also love the message of the book, that grief looks different to everybody and no journey is the same. I did roll my eyes at the Harry Potter references. Yes, multiple references. Other than that, I would not recommend this book to readers looking for something fast-paced and full of action due to the writing style.
I noticed that in media, when a divorcee or widow enters a new relationship and an existing child is involved, the couple will have their own biological child as “proof” of their love, and this book is so refreshing for not having that trope, and for the developed couple to live with their grief and existing happiness as is.
I noticed that in media, when a divorcee or widow enters a new relationship and an existing child is involved, the couple will have their own biological child as “proof” of their love, and this book is so refreshing for not having that trope, and for the developed couple to live with their grief and existing happiness as is.
November 28, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley, the author, the publisher and the narrator for the audio arc of this book. It was really unique and while I was nervous that the story would be too depressing there is so much going on that it doesn’t really become melancholy. This is also probably a little bit of a gripe but the love of her life dies, the literal perfect man, and not even 3 months later she’s dating/ has a little bit of a love triangle going on. I liked the drama with her mother in law , I feel like that is the sort of real tea that sadly happens after someone passes and it kept me hooked wanting to find out more. The narrator did a phenomenal job (especially with all those accents ) and this would easily be 5 stars but I really couldn’t get over her moving on so fast and I think I would have liked this a lot more if it was less of a romance and more of her finding herself and being happy on her own. 4 stars for the story itself and 5 stars for the narrator who really added to the enjoyment of the story. I’d definitely recommend the audio version .
November 20, 2025
This was such a beautifully written book. Such an emotional, hopeful, and powerful journey through grief. The main character feels incredibly raw, honest, and relatable. Sadly we all experience loss at some point, it was moving to see the different stages and emotions captured so thoughtfully. I also loved the side characters, who brought warmth, comfort, and humor. This story made me smile and laugh quite a few times. Thankful for the ARC read.
January 5, 2026
Grief is a crazy thing and honestly I don't think there is ever a right or wrong way to grieve. Lizzie though wants to grieve like a Victorian and she doesn't always get it "right". I loved her character, the charm and humor elements made a book about a heavy topic not feel quite so heavy.
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
January 15, 2026
I feel like there should be actual legal consequences for naming your real human child Heathcliff
December 5, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Canary Street Press for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review
Dr. Lizzie Wells is a respected professor of Victorian Literature, a bestselling author, and a recent widow. It has only been a month since her husband Philip died in a tragic accident, and she has decided to inspiration from widows of the Victorian age in her approach to her mourning. She will only wear black, will not be replying to emails only hand written letters, carry around a lock of Philip's hair in a locket around her neck, and carry some of his ashes in a small urn everywhere she goes.
When she almost kisses her husband's best friend Henry, and gets offered a place to escape to in London she jumps at the chance to spend a summer in London with her son Heathcliffe working through her grief, conflicting emotions and finding her joy again.
What this novel did so so so well was making Lizzie messy, human, and so relatable. I loved her from the first page and it was such a joy to read her journey grief and healing. This also was a novel more so of self discovery than a traditional romance. A few of the plot points and storylines were a bit out there but I do believe as a whole this was a strong story, and was a lovely time. I could spend more time just reading about Lizzie and her adventures.
Dr. Lizzie Wells is a respected professor of Victorian Literature, a bestselling author, and a recent widow. It has only been a month since her husband Philip died in a tragic accident, and she has decided to inspiration from widows of the Victorian age in her approach to her mourning. She will only wear black, will not be replying to emails only hand written letters, carry around a lock of Philip's hair in a locket around her neck, and carry some of his ashes in a small urn everywhere she goes.
When she almost kisses her husband's best friend Henry, and gets offered a place to escape to in London she jumps at the chance to spend a summer in London with her son Heathcliffe working through her grief, conflicting emotions and finding her joy again.
What this novel did so so so well was making Lizzie messy, human, and so relatable. I loved her from the first page and it was such a joy to read her journey grief and healing. This also was a novel more so of self discovery than a traditional romance. A few of the plot points and storylines were a bit out there but I do believe as a whole this was a strong story, and was a lovely time. I could spend more time just reading about Lizzie and her adventures.
December 6, 2025
I enjoyed this book by a new to me author so so much!! Elizabeth (Lizzie) is a grieving single mom and English professor who tragically lost her husband. Left with a young son to care for, a burning desire to figure out what her husband wanted to tell her before he died and struggling with her grief, she's ordered to take a paid leave from work.
Deciding to embrace the Victorian way of mourning, she wears all black, has a necklace with a lock of her husband's hair and only takes up letter writing to communicate with people. She's also on deadline for the sequel to her best-selling romantasy retelling of Wuthering Heights and takes her sister in law up on an offer to stay at their London townhouse to work on it. While there she embarks on a series of adventures with different people in her journey to self-acceptance and healing.
Funny, heartfelt and full of emotional depth, this was just a lot of fun with a strong, memorable female protagonist! Highly recommended and great on audio narrated by Lindsey Dorcus. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
Deciding to embrace the Victorian way of mourning, she wears all black, has a necklace with a lock of her husband's hair and only takes up letter writing to communicate with people. She's also on deadline for the sequel to her best-selling romantasy retelling of Wuthering Heights and takes her sister in law up on an offer to stay at their London townhouse to work on it. While there she embarks on a series of adventures with different people in her journey to self-acceptance and healing.
Funny, heartfelt and full of emotional depth, this was just a lot of fun with a strong, memorable female protagonist! Highly recommended and great on audio narrated by Lindsey Dorcus. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
December 31, 2025
A widow channeling her grief and healing into her book makes for a wonderful read.
I liked this one! As the title suggests, it’s about a woman, recently widowed, who practices Victorian mourning rituals to try and live with her pain. She’s navigating feeling attraction again after her husband’s death and the emptiness that seems to forever follow her into the future. The writing was simple but captivating, and the story flowed very nicely! I would consider this a “silly” read for some of the plot points, intermixed with raw moments of grief that hit you straight in the gut.
This was a really honest representation of grief. It captures the bittersweet feeling of remembering times with your loved one who passed: the joy of feeling echoes of that love with the pain of knowing you will never experience it again. I also love how we got to see different forms of love between the couples. We see personalities that are exact opposites that complement each other perfectly. We see people who are exactly the same and know each other inside and out. It’s all about who anchors you.
My one concern (complaint?) is that I don’t know how realistic the main character’s immediate attraction to another man is. Like her husband died two months ago? I know there is no timeline, but that feels unreal. Her love for her husband seems so beautiful and deep, so this is no way takes away from that. However, the immediate connection was hard to read when she is clearly still grieving.
Anyways! I really enjoyed this one. I FLEW through it. <3
Favorite Quotes:
“But I think a part of being warm and human is holding out hope in the fantastic — that we can be surprised in our ordinary, known world.”
“Philip, a good soul, is safe wherever he is. It’s me who’s been adrift. I needed this journey to feel secure. I’ll always grieve him, but I can lose this rippling fear that our love ended with his death.”
I liked this one! As the title suggests, it’s about a woman, recently widowed, who practices Victorian mourning rituals to try and live with her pain. She’s navigating feeling attraction again after her husband’s death and the emptiness that seems to forever follow her into the future. The writing was simple but captivating, and the story flowed very nicely! I would consider this a “silly” read for some of the plot points, intermixed with raw moments of grief that hit you straight in the gut.
This was a really honest representation of grief. It captures the bittersweet feeling of remembering times with your loved one who passed: the joy of feeling echoes of that love with the pain of knowing you will never experience it again. I also love how we got to see different forms of love between the couples. We see personalities that are exact opposites that complement each other perfectly. We see people who are exactly the same and know each other inside and out. It’s all about who anchors you.
My one concern (complaint?) is that I don’t know how realistic the main character’s immediate attraction to another man is. Like her husband died two months ago? I know there is no timeline, but that feels unreal. Her love for her husband seems so beautiful and deep, so this is no way takes away from that. However, the immediate connection was hard to read when she is clearly still grieving.
Anyways! I really enjoyed this one. I FLEW through it. <3
Favorite Quotes:
“But I think a part of being warm and human is holding out hope in the fantastic — that we can be surprised in our ordinary, known world.”
“Philip, a good soul, is safe wherever he is. It’s me who’s been adrift. I needed this journey to feel secure. I’ll always grieve him, but I can lose this rippling fear that our love ended with his death.”
December 5, 2025
Guyssssssssss
This just pmo so much. I LOVED the beginning of it. Like yes a Brontë lover, author, historian grieving her husband of 15 YEARS death that happened only 2 months ago and her mom's death a year ago as a victorian would. Love a weirdo baddie. That's where all the fun stopped. Everyone was horrible, the mystery of what her MIL was hiding was stupid.
SPOILERS BELOW
And she somehow convinced herself that 2 months after his death, her husband would be okay with her getting together with his best friend that also got out of a 10 year marriage? I'm done.
Thank you Harlequin Audio for letting me get to hear this early
This just pmo so much. I LOVED the beginning of it. Like yes a Brontë lover, author, historian grieving her husband of 15 YEARS death that happened only 2 months ago and her mom's death a year ago as a victorian would. Love a weirdo baddie. That's where all the fun stopped. Everyone was horrible, the mystery of what her MIL was hiding was stupid.
SPOILERS BELOW
And she somehow convinced herself that 2 months after his death, her husband would be okay with her getting together with his best friend that also got out of a 10 year marriage? I'm done.
Thank you Harlequin Audio for letting me get to hear this early
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2025
Lizzie is an English Professor, mother and new widow. She has leaned into Victorian literature and is adapting the mourning practices of that time period. She takes a break from teaching and travels to England - things turn a little here for me as she starts a romance months after the death of her husband who was her soul mate.
I love the idea of the story and found it a fun read but it did not seem to follow her deep love of her husband and then a romance months of he died ….. had it been a year or more I would of bought in yo the romance.
I truly enjoyed reading the book, Thank you to Net Gallery for the early copy of this book
I love the idea of the story and found it a fun read but it did not seem to follow her deep love of her husband and then a romance months of he died ….. had it been a year or more I would of bought in yo the romance.
I truly enjoyed reading the book, Thank you to Net Gallery for the early copy of this book
December 22, 2025
It was everything this widow needed. A sweet romance? Yes. Fun love-trianglish moments? Uh-huh. Well written? Oh yeah.
January 12, 2026
There was so much to love here! Heartfelt with such an honest look at the grief journey and how joy can return.
January 29, 2026
The last 15% seemed to drag but I loved the rest of it! Very interesting premise and locations!
dnf
November 23, 2025Yikes, a HP reference on the first page, what a disappointment. We do not give space to TERFs in this house.
November 20, 2025
**** SPOILER ALERT **** SPOILER ALERT **** SPOILER ALERT ****
I had high hopes for How to Grieve Like a Victorian by Amy Carol Reeves but sadly, it didn’t live up to its intriguing premise or fun cover. I started with a lot of sadness and sympathy for FMC Lizzy, but then things got kind of absurd and fantastical, and the eye-rolling started. What I really can’t get over is this: We’re told constantly that Phillip was the love of her life, her soulmate, best friend, fantastic father, wonderfully supportive and ultra-perfect life partner, blahblahblah… but it turns out Saint Phillip was actually only worth about two months of mourning. Yes, you read that right. Two months and then it was time to shake off the dust and find love again. Harsh.
The grieving rules and rituals of Queen Victoria—which I thought/hoped would make this book unique and interesting—were only deployed when they served Lizzy. When inconvenient, like she wanted to flirt, make out, go dancing, hook up, or whatever stupid, selfish thing was on offer, then she was like Meh, who cares. Um, really? The idea that the rules would give her some structure after the shock of Phillip’s sudden death was cool, but it’s actually just a weird excuse for her to be a Dramatic Widow. For example, she refuses to communicate with students or colleagues via electronic mail, conveniently flees the country leaving no contact info, then shreds all the accumulated mail when she gets back. Was that supposed to be a boss move? Sorry, this isn’t the flex you think it is.
The fantastical elements I mentioned? She’s a successful author, her book was made into a wildly popular movie, she hangs out with the young, sexy actors starring in said movie, and now she’s being begged for sequels. She gets to run away to a posh home in London that of course comes with a housekeeper who takes care of everything, including her son. Also, she’s being pursued by two hot men who think she’s absolutely amazing. Sure, ok.
The guys vying for Widow Lizzy’s attention are Henry, her husband’s best friend in the world, and August, a random man she meets during her London escape. He’s not only a fellow writer whose book is being made into a movie, too, but coincidentally she and every other woman in her life is hate-reading his misogynistic bestseller Right Now! I know! What are the odds?!
So Henry, Bachelor #1, The Best Friend. We’re told repeatedly she hardly knows him, he was just Phillip’s friend and fishing buddy. Of course, he’d be the lawyer she turns to when she needs help regarding the estate and her son’s trust fund. That’s legit. But then somehow, they’re helplessly falling for each other while simultaneously grieving poor Philip? Even though they had no meaningful interactions or conversations beyond the “mystery” of what is going on with her mother-in-law? I mean, Henry’s a sweet and decent man, definitely Good Guy material, but they’re just in love now? Why?
August, Bachelor #2, is The Rogue. The Bad Influence. I liked him, actually. He’s fun. But the insta-lust was cringe. If their relationship had been something like: Here’s a new friend, a shameless flirt with a crush, but he’s fun and irreverent and not to be taken seriously, then his friendship and influence could have been an awesome and entertaining aspect of the story. I loved all the things he got her to do, especially the singing and dancing. That scene was fabulous. But for her to be such a fool over him, then be outraged and betrayed when he hooked up with someone else? After they went on a few dates? Say what now? I had to laugh, it’s so ridiculous.
Again... two months? Such a mistake on the author’s part. If Henry, for example, had spent meaningful time with her and son Heathcliff, and then sparks and heart eyes happened, that would have made actual sense. Or if Lizzy had done all the cool things with Auggie minus the naked fantasizing and kissing and such, he would have been a glorious friend and the London trip would have had purpose and meaning. For contrast, the relationship with Bella and the matching tattoos they get? That was one of the biggest highlights of the book.
Also, there’s the subplot of something sinister going on with her mother-in-law? Something that may have contributed to Phillip’s accident? There are gophers getting their heads blown off? And she’s making veiled, violent threats about her shotgun and her garden? WTAF? Did I just wander into a different book? It’s jolting and bizarre. And then she’s cured because Lizzy tells her it’s OK that you cheated and lied to your son for His Whole Life. And possibly made him so upset and angry that he had a deadly car accident. But hey, it’s cool, not your fault. More nonsense, but at least it’s funny because of the dun dun dun of it all.
Also wondering, what was the point of Lizzy’s and August’s book excerpts? They’re boring, made no sense as bestselling anything, and didn’t serve the main story. At least @bluestockingbadass was a little entertaining.
Again, the TWO MONTHS of it all is killing me. Didn’t anyone involved in this book think, wow, maybe we should at least give the poor guy a year or something to rest in peace. But nope, Lizzy deserves to feel attractive and desired and find love again. I think we’re at the three-month mark when she’s riding off into the sunset toward her new life. Seriously, I can’t even.
Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing | Canary Street Press and NetGalley for the chance to read an ARC. Shout out to the graphic designer, the cover is gorgeous. This is my honest, unbiased review.
I had high hopes for How to Grieve Like a Victorian by Amy Carol Reeves but sadly, it didn’t live up to its intriguing premise or fun cover. I started with a lot of sadness and sympathy for FMC Lizzy, but then things got kind of absurd and fantastical, and the eye-rolling started. What I really can’t get over is this: We’re told constantly that Phillip was the love of her life, her soulmate, best friend, fantastic father, wonderfully supportive and ultra-perfect life partner, blahblahblah… but it turns out Saint Phillip was actually only worth about two months of mourning. Yes, you read that right. Two months and then it was time to shake off the dust and find love again. Harsh.
The grieving rules and rituals of Queen Victoria—which I thought/hoped would make this book unique and interesting—were only deployed when they served Lizzy. When inconvenient, like she wanted to flirt, make out, go dancing, hook up, or whatever stupid, selfish thing was on offer, then she was like Meh, who cares. Um, really? The idea that the rules would give her some structure after the shock of Phillip’s sudden death was cool, but it’s actually just a weird excuse for her to be a Dramatic Widow. For example, she refuses to communicate with students or colleagues via electronic mail, conveniently flees the country leaving no contact info, then shreds all the accumulated mail when she gets back. Was that supposed to be a boss move? Sorry, this isn’t the flex you think it is.
The fantastical elements I mentioned? She’s a successful author, her book was made into a wildly popular movie, she hangs out with the young, sexy actors starring in said movie, and now she’s being begged for sequels. She gets to run away to a posh home in London that of course comes with a housekeeper who takes care of everything, including her son. Also, she’s being pursued by two hot men who think she’s absolutely amazing. Sure, ok.
The guys vying for Widow Lizzy’s attention are Henry, her husband’s best friend in the world, and August, a random man she meets during her London escape. He’s not only a fellow writer whose book is being made into a movie, too, but coincidentally she and every other woman in her life is hate-reading his misogynistic bestseller Right Now! I know! What are the odds?!
So Henry, Bachelor #1, The Best Friend. We’re told repeatedly she hardly knows him, he was just Phillip’s friend and fishing buddy. Of course, he’d be the lawyer she turns to when she needs help regarding the estate and her son’s trust fund. That’s legit. But then somehow, they’re helplessly falling for each other while simultaneously grieving poor Philip? Even though they had no meaningful interactions or conversations beyond the “mystery” of what is going on with her mother-in-law? I mean, Henry’s a sweet and decent man, definitely Good Guy material, but they’re just in love now? Why?
August, Bachelor #2, is The Rogue. The Bad Influence. I liked him, actually. He’s fun. But the insta-lust was cringe. If their relationship had been something like: Here’s a new friend, a shameless flirt with a crush, but he’s fun and irreverent and not to be taken seriously, then his friendship and influence could have been an awesome and entertaining aspect of the story. I loved all the things he got her to do, especially the singing and dancing. That scene was fabulous. But for her to be such a fool over him, then be outraged and betrayed when he hooked up with someone else? After they went on a few dates? Say what now? I had to laugh, it’s so ridiculous.
Again... two months? Such a mistake on the author’s part. If Henry, for example, had spent meaningful time with her and son Heathcliff, and then sparks and heart eyes happened, that would have made actual sense. Or if Lizzy had done all the cool things with Auggie minus the naked fantasizing and kissing and such, he would have been a glorious friend and the London trip would have had purpose and meaning. For contrast, the relationship with Bella and the matching tattoos they get? That was one of the biggest highlights of the book.
Also, there’s the subplot of something sinister going on with her mother-in-law? Something that may have contributed to Phillip’s accident? There are gophers getting their heads blown off? And she’s making veiled, violent threats about her shotgun and her garden? WTAF? Did I just wander into a different book? It’s jolting and bizarre. And then she’s cured because Lizzy tells her it’s OK that you cheated and lied to your son for His Whole Life. And possibly made him so upset and angry that he had a deadly car accident. But hey, it’s cool, not your fault. More nonsense, but at least it’s funny because of the dun dun dun of it all.
Also wondering, what was the point of Lizzy’s and August’s book excerpts? They’re boring, made no sense as bestselling anything, and didn’t serve the main story. At least @bluestockingbadass was a little entertaining.
Again, the TWO MONTHS of it all is killing me. Didn’t anyone involved in this book think, wow, maybe we should at least give the poor guy a year or something to rest in peace. But nope, Lizzy deserves to feel attractive and desired and find love again. I think we’re at the three-month mark when she’s riding off into the sunset toward her new life. Seriously, I can’t even.
Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing | Canary Street Press and NetGalley for the chance to read an ARC. Shout out to the graphic designer, the cover is gorgeous. This is my honest, unbiased review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2025
Quick Summary: A lesson in grieving in the most romantic way
My Review: How to Grieve Like A Victorian by Amy Carol Reeves is a contemporary women's fiction novel. It is scheduled for release on 12/9/25.
About the Book: "Dr. Lizzie Wells, professor of British literature and bestselling author, is not okay. She wasn't consulted when her beloved husband died unexpectedly, so she's going to grieve however she damned well chooses."
In My Own Words: A scholarly woman who has suffered two great losses in her life does all that she can to maintain a sense of balance and calm. When circumstances overwhelm her, she is granted an opportunity for respite.
About the Characters: There were a host of characters who left their mark on my heart. From Lizzie to her son to her father and on, these characters spoke on an emotional level that I could understand and relate to very well.
Lizzie - > Her grief ran deep. Her sense of being lost in the wreckage after the significant losses was very authentic. I loved that the author allowed her to feel all the things that she felt. The questions, the longings, the adventures, the guilt, etc. - all of it was valuable for her growth.
Phillip - > His presence was felt throughout the story, despite his unfortunate circumstance. His heart for his wife was evident. The way he wanted something more than/something better than what he had while growing up was telling. I found him to be sweet, supportive, and loving.
Henry - > I genuinely liked this character. He played a unique role in the lives of Lizzie and her son. I could appreciate his struggle with regard to the loss of his best friend (who still lives on in his memories and in his connected relationships). I thought the author provided a well rounded view of who Henry was. I especially liked how I was able to see his pre-wedding state, his martial conversations, and his post marriage perspective.
Heathcliff (Lizzie's son): I rather enjoyed the playful energy this little guy gave off. He was present and very much aware of what was happening with his mom. I would even say that he was more observant than the adults around him might have thought. Although he may not have fully been mindful of the finality of death, in terms of his father, he showed a childlike wonder. I loved that the love remained.
Lizzie's dad: My heart shattered for this dear man. I could have hugged him as soon as he started the replication process of his wife's food. His character provided another facet on how to grieve. The full circle moment with his daughter proved to be healing for her and for him.
Lizzie's brother - > Although he was a lesser character, he offered a glimpse into how children often tend to a widower. He loved his dad and sought to propel him forward in a positive way, even though his father may not have been ready. Lizze's brother cared about his dad, but he also pushed a notion onto his father, in my opinion. He wasn't heartless, rather he tried to find a solution of sorts. Grief is more complex than a ready fix.
Lizzie's mother-in-law -> She was not a nice woman. Once the truth was revealed, I got it.
August -> What an interesting chameleon. He was colorful, troubled, and textured. The duality of his existence (author/man) was genius. Even to the end, he was committed to his chosen path. He played his part. I was convinced of who he was, right alongside Lizzie.
The housekeeper - > I adored her! She, too, had to deal with grief. Her story of love, lost, and life was haunting and sad. I loved that she was able to carve out her own brand of happiness. Additionally, I loved her quiet comfort and strength in Lizzie's life. I would want her on my team.
The work colleagues - > They were a hodgepodge mix of crazy and cool. They provided tension, as well as comic relief.
About the Conflict: The internal and external tug-of-war situations were present in a big way. Conflict in the story revolved largely around grief. The messiness and difficult challenges that come with losing someone and how to find self in the process of dealing with said grief resonated. Finding a new normal in the midst of disruptions in relationships rang out loudly.
About the Audiobook: This novel was narrated by Lindsey Dorcus. I enjoyed the way the narrator portrayed the characters. I easily lost myself in the listening experience. It was very well done.
My Final Say: This is a diamond in the rough read. It's a story full of life and love. It's a story filled with pain and joy. It's a story about friends and lovers. It's a story about discovering self. It's a story about embracing the new. It's original and realistic.
I have to say that there were so many symbolic elements that were weaved into the story. That stood out in such a way that made me want to look further.
This would be excellent as a book club read. I highly recommend it.
Other: Readers who enjoy stories about life after loss, reconciliation, empowerment, and family will really like this novel. It is worth taking a deeper look.
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Favorites Shelf: Yes
Status: Clean
Level: 💎
Cover: 💖
Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Harlequin Audio), and to NetGalley. Thank you so very much for granting access to an ALC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. I thoroughly enjoyed this creative story. I am grateful for the opportunity provided. I look forward to reading more from this writer.
My Review: How to Grieve Like A Victorian by Amy Carol Reeves is a contemporary women's fiction novel. It is scheduled for release on 12/9/25.
About the Book: "Dr. Lizzie Wells, professor of British literature and bestselling author, is not okay. She wasn't consulted when her beloved husband died unexpectedly, so she's going to grieve however she damned well chooses."
In My Own Words: A scholarly woman who has suffered two great losses in her life does all that she can to maintain a sense of balance and calm. When circumstances overwhelm her, she is granted an opportunity for respite.
About the Characters: There were a host of characters who left their mark on my heart. From Lizzie to her son to her father and on, these characters spoke on an emotional level that I could understand and relate to very well.
Lizzie - > Her grief ran deep. Her sense of being lost in the wreckage after the significant losses was very authentic. I loved that the author allowed her to feel all the things that she felt. The questions, the longings, the adventures, the guilt, etc. - all of it was valuable for her growth.
Phillip - > His presence was felt throughout the story, despite his unfortunate circumstance. His heart for his wife was evident. The way he wanted something more than/something better than what he had while growing up was telling. I found him to be sweet, supportive, and loving.
Henry - > I genuinely liked this character. He played a unique role in the lives of Lizzie and her son. I could appreciate his struggle with regard to the loss of his best friend (who still lives on in his memories and in his connected relationships). I thought the author provided a well rounded view of who Henry was. I especially liked how I was able to see his pre-wedding state, his martial conversations, and his post marriage perspective.
Heathcliff (Lizzie's son): I rather enjoyed the playful energy this little guy gave off. He was present and very much aware of what was happening with his mom. I would even say that he was more observant than the adults around him might have thought. Although he may not have fully been mindful of the finality of death, in terms of his father, he showed a childlike wonder. I loved that the love remained.
Lizzie's dad: My heart shattered for this dear man. I could have hugged him as soon as he started the replication process of his wife's food. His character provided another facet on how to grieve. The full circle moment with his daughter proved to be healing for her and for him.
Lizzie's brother - > Although he was a lesser character, he offered a glimpse into how children often tend to a widower. He loved his dad and sought to propel him forward in a positive way, even though his father may not have been ready. Lizze's brother cared about his dad, but he also pushed a notion onto his father, in my opinion. He wasn't heartless, rather he tried to find a solution of sorts. Grief is more complex than a ready fix.
Lizzie's mother-in-law -> She was not a nice woman. Once the truth was revealed, I got it.
August -> What an interesting chameleon. He was colorful, troubled, and textured. The duality of his existence (author/man) was genius. Even to the end, he was committed to his chosen path. He played his part. I was convinced of who he was, right alongside Lizzie.
The housekeeper - > I adored her! She, too, had to deal with grief. Her story of love, lost, and life was haunting and sad. I loved that she was able to carve out her own brand of happiness. Additionally, I loved her quiet comfort and strength in Lizzie's life. I would want her on my team.
The work colleagues - > They were a hodgepodge mix of crazy and cool. They provided tension, as well as comic relief.
About the Conflict: The internal and external tug-of-war situations were present in a big way. Conflict in the story revolved largely around grief. The messiness and difficult challenges that come with losing someone and how to find self in the process of dealing with said grief resonated. Finding a new normal in the midst of disruptions in relationships rang out loudly.
About the Audiobook: This novel was narrated by Lindsey Dorcus. I enjoyed the way the narrator portrayed the characters. I easily lost myself in the listening experience. It was very well done.
My Final Say: This is a diamond in the rough read. It's a story full of life and love. It's a story filled with pain and joy. It's a story about friends and lovers. It's a story about discovering self. It's a story about embracing the new. It's original and realistic.
I have to say that there were so many symbolic elements that were weaved into the story. That stood out in such a way that made me want to look further.
This would be excellent as a book club read. I highly recommend it.
Other: Readers who enjoy stories about life after loss, reconciliation, empowerment, and family will really like this novel. It is worth taking a deeper look.
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Favorites Shelf: Yes
Status: Clean
Level: 💎
Cover: 💖
Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Harlequin Audio), and to NetGalley. Thank you so very much for granting access to an ALC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. I thoroughly enjoyed this creative story. I am grateful for the opportunity provided. I look forward to reading more from this writer.
December 27, 2025
Huge thank you to Netgalley, Harper Collins publishers, Canary Street Press, and HTP books for a e-book copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Lizzie Wells is a British Literature professor at Willoughby College, a successful, well known author, and unfortunately a recent widow after losing her husband Philip in an accident a month ago. Lizzie learns how to navigate grief in her own way. She chooses to do this the Victorian way. She carries some of his hair in her choker necklace, carries his ashes in a little urn she carries around, only wears black clothing, and goes as far as only accepting hand written letters instead of e-mails. From colleagues to students alike. Things get a little complicated when she almost kisses Philip's best friend Henry one day. On top of that she has a deadline for her sequel to her first best selling book inspired by Wuthering Heights. Thankfully, one day her sister in law makes her an offer to stay at her townhouse in London so she can create magic with words and perhaps get some inspiration.
Lizzie absolutely hops on board with the idea. She need to go get away for a while and try to figure out her life and who she is. It also doesn't help that she needs to get away from her crazy and secretive Mother in Law. Lizzie still hasn't let go of the fact that her MIL, Maribel is trying to keep a huge family secret. One that her husband Philip was probably trying to tell her one night before his tragic passing. So Lizzie goes off to her trip with her son Heathecliffe and starts her journey of healing and self-discovery. Upon arriving she's greeted by the housekeeper, Ms. Fernsby, whose such a gem. She made sure Lizzie and Heathcliffe were well cared for. She even took her to have a Victorian seance in hopes of reconnecting with Philip. Throughout her little adventures through town she encounters the "oh so amazing" author A.D. Hemmings, whose a total charmer and notorious playboy. Hemmings of course is trying to sweep Lizzie off her feet, but soon enough she will learn that not everything that shines is gold.
I absolutely loved this book. The author did an amazing job capturing the stages of grief, as well as self-improvement and self-awareness. Within an individual. I loved how they also showed Lizzie's flaws and how she rectified them as a main character. The character development was amazing and natural. I definitely had my share of dislikes for some characters....:cough:Maribel and August :cough:. Overall an amazing read.
Lizzie Wells is a British Literature professor at Willoughby College, a successful, well known author, and unfortunately a recent widow after losing her husband Philip in an accident a month ago. Lizzie learns how to navigate grief in her own way. She chooses to do this the Victorian way. She carries some of his hair in her choker necklace, carries his ashes in a little urn she carries around, only wears black clothing, and goes as far as only accepting hand written letters instead of e-mails. From colleagues to students alike. Things get a little complicated when she almost kisses Philip's best friend Henry one day. On top of that she has a deadline for her sequel to her first best selling book inspired by Wuthering Heights. Thankfully, one day her sister in law makes her an offer to stay at her townhouse in London so she can create magic with words and perhaps get some inspiration.
Lizzie absolutely hops on board with the idea. She need to go get away for a while and try to figure out her life and who she is. It also doesn't help that she needs to get away from her crazy and secretive Mother in Law. Lizzie still hasn't let go of the fact that her MIL, Maribel is trying to keep a huge family secret. One that her husband Philip was probably trying to tell her one night before his tragic passing. So Lizzie goes off to her trip with her son Heathecliffe and starts her journey of healing and self-discovery. Upon arriving she's greeted by the housekeeper, Ms. Fernsby, whose such a gem. She made sure Lizzie and Heathcliffe were well cared for. She even took her to have a Victorian seance in hopes of reconnecting with Philip. Throughout her little adventures through town she encounters the "oh so amazing" author A.D. Hemmings, whose a total charmer and notorious playboy. Hemmings of course is trying to sweep Lizzie off her feet, but soon enough she will learn that not everything that shines is gold.
I absolutely loved this book. The author did an amazing job capturing the stages of grief, as well as self-improvement and self-awareness. Within an individual. I loved how they also showed Lizzie's flaws and how she rectified them as a main character. The character development was amazing and natural. I definitely had my share of dislikes for some characters....:cough:Maribel and August :cough:. Overall an amazing read.
December 3, 2025
An objectively fine book. Well-written with solid story. This just wasn't for me.
I admit to signing up for the premise: recently widowed Lizzie decides to grieve like Queen Victoria because her entire personality seems to be Victorian literature. But it turns out, in practice, this makes her 1) insufferable (eg. she will only respond to written correspondence, which she will end up not reading or even receiving because she peaces off to London); and 2) inconsistent (texts are fine). Also, she named her son Heathcliff (which...ok) and then proceeded to write some best-selling Wuthering Heights-but-make-it-YA romantasy fan fiction. Am I the only reader who thought it was weird to name a character in your (well, Emily Brönte's) love story after your newborn son?
Also, the subtitle claims this is a love story, but she spends very little time with Henry, her love interest. Whom she has no chemistry with besides some light grief-bonding (he was her hsuband's best friend). She also spends very little time with him on page (he remains in the States while she's in London). So their decision to (finally, I guess?) get together feels like a nonevent.
Maybe 'love story' is meant to refer to her (standard, nothing to write home about) relationship with her husband, which we get in flashbacks. But, and this may be a function of the audioboook narration and not the actual writing), the moments where she pauses the story to reflect on her (very recent, I admit) loss came across as overly maudlin.
There's another suitor in London who is a walking red flag, as evidenced by the misogyny-laced excerpts from his novels as well as his personality.
There are some family and career subplots that felt inconsequential and frustrating (eg. Lizzie has a mid-seminar meltdown where she tears the dean's son a new one. So naturally that means she should get PAID time off (during which she does not receive nor answer any correspondence, mind you) and then a raise (?!)
All in all, this was fine, and I did end up finishing it despite a penchant for DNFing at the drop of a necessary comma.
Thank you very much to the publishers, author, Netgalley et al for the ARC. All the above thoughts and opinions are my own and were provided in exchange for the free copy and nothing more.
I admit to signing up for the premise: recently widowed Lizzie decides to grieve like Queen Victoria because her entire personality seems to be Victorian literature. But it turns out, in practice, this makes her 1) insufferable (eg. she will only respond to written correspondence, which she will end up not reading or even receiving because she peaces off to London); and 2) inconsistent (texts are fine). Also, she named her son Heathcliff (which...ok) and then proceeded to write some best-selling Wuthering Heights-but-make-it-YA romantasy fan fiction. Am I the only reader who thought it was weird to name a character in your (well, Emily Brönte's) love story after your newborn son?
Also, the subtitle claims this is a love story, but she spends very little time with Henry, her love interest. Whom she has no chemistry with besides some light grief-bonding (he was her hsuband's best friend). She also spends very little time with him on page (he remains in the States while she's in London). So their decision to (finally, I guess?) get together feels like a nonevent.
Maybe 'love story' is meant to refer to her (standard, nothing to write home about) relationship with her husband, which we get in flashbacks. But, and this may be a function of the audioboook narration and not the actual writing), the moments where she pauses the story to reflect on her (very recent, I admit) loss came across as overly maudlin.
There's another suitor in London who is a walking red flag, as evidenced by the misogyny-laced excerpts from his novels as well as his personality.
There are some family and career subplots that felt inconsequential and frustrating (eg. Lizzie has a mid-seminar meltdown where she tears the dean's son a new one. So naturally that means she should get PAID time off (during which she does not receive nor answer any correspondence, mind you) and then a raise (?!)
All in all, this was fine, and I did end up finishing it despite a penchant for DNFing at the drop of a necessary comma.
Thank you very much to the publishers, author, Netgalley et al for the ARC. All the above thoughts and opinions are my own and were provided in exchange for the free copy and nothing more.
December 6, 2025
We open up with the death of a man. One who was very loved, and will be missed terribly. His wife is at a loss. Their young son still expects Daddy to come home. But Lizzie and Heathcliff must carry on.
Being as she is a well published author, she decides that she is going to grieve in the Victorian Way. Is this weird? Yes!
Is anything normal when you lose someone that you truly loved? No!
She’s also a professor who’s currently teaching. And she definitely has some quirky ways about her.
But, now that the absolute worst has happened… well, she begins lashing out in odd ways.
Might she lose her job? Yes.
Does she have a bunch of great friends. Yes!
Can she find a path THRU all the hurt and pain and somehow come out on the other side? Maybe…
I thought this was going to be a real tearjerker. I was happily surprised to find myself chuckling multiple times during this one! Grief hits hard, and hits differently for everyone.
So when she chooses to take a friend up on an offer to go to London for a while….well, it just might be the best thing to happen to her!
And, did I mention that the mother-in-law from hell is on her like white on rice?
I loved how this one took you through all the crazy, varied stages of grief. And, helped her to finally see some sort of light through the tunnel at the end. And,I loved how her family and friends held tight to her throughout… whether it was a phone call, face time, or whatever. They were ever present…. Just like you absolutely need during a crisis!
#HowToGrieveLikeAVictorian by @AmyCarolReeves and narrated Beautifully by @LindseyDorcus.
4 1/2 grief-stricken, turmoil-causing, blow-a-gasket stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫 for me, happily rounded up to 5!
*** This one has NOT been released as yet, so please LOOK FOR IT starting 12/9/25!! ***
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #HarlequinAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
Being as she is a well published author, she decides that she is going to grieve in the Victorian Way. Is this weird? Yes!
Is anything normal when you lose someone that you truly loved? No!
She’s also a professor who’s currently teaching. And she definitely has some quirky ways about her.
But, now that the absolute worst has happened… well, she begins lashing out in odd ways.
Might she lose her job? Yes.
Does she have a bunch of great friends. Yes!
Can she find a path THRU all the hurt and pain and somehow come out on the other side? Maybe…
I thought this was going to be a real tearjerker. I was happily surprised to find myself chuckling multiple times during this one! Grief hits hard, and hits differently for everyone.
So when she chooses to take a friend up on an offer to go to London for a while….well, it just might be the best thing to happen to her!
And, did I mention that the mother-in-law from hell is on her like white on rice?
I loved how this one took you through all the crazy, varied stages of grief. And, helped her to finally see some sort of light through the tunnel at the end. And,I loved how her family and friends held tight to her throughout… whether it was a phone call, face time, or whatever. They were ever present…. Just like you absolutely need during a crisis!
#HowToGrieveLikeAVictorian by @AmyCarolReeves and narrated Beautifully by @LindseyDorcus.
4 1/2 grief-stricken, turmoil-causing, blow-a-gasket stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫 for me, happily rounded up to 5!
*** This one has NOT been released as yet, so please LOOK FOR IT starting 12/9/25!! ***
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #HarlequinAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
November 21, 2025
I received an advance listeners copy of How to Grieve Like a Victorian by Amy Carol Reeves. The audiobook narrator, Lindsey Dorcus, was absolutely lovely. She gave each character a distinct voice and handled both the humor and the heavier emotional moments with real warmth, which made listening a pleasure.
The story follows Dr. Lizzie Wells, a British literature professor and bestselling author who is reeling after the sudden death of her husband. Since no one consulted her about that life-altering decision, she decides she will grieve exactly how she wants, including leaning into Victorian mourning customs. She accepts a trip to London, where she meets another bestselling author, AD Hemmings, and gets pulled into all kinds of experiences: a Victorian-style séance, a burlesque show, and sightseeing with her young son. Meanwhile, back in South Carolina, her late husband’s best friend and lawyer, Henry, is untangling a family secret her mother-in-law desperately wants to keep buried, and his “family business” updates with Lizzie slowly turn into something more.
The book is sweet, hopeful, and genuinely unique in how it mixes grief, humor, romance, and Victorian flair. I really liked the idea of exploring modern grief through the lens of Victorian rituals and literature, and there are some truly tender and witty moments along the way.
Where it fell short for me was in the overall structure. The story jumps a lot: from past to present, from London to South Carolina, from Lizzie’s emotional processing to the legal and family drama, and between what sometimes feels like two competing plotlines. Add in the cross-Atlantic calls and all the things the book is trying to juggle, and it occasionally felt a bit all over the place. I often found myself wishing the narrative had been streamlined so the primary emotional arc could land with more depth.
Overall, How to Grieve Like a Victorian is a lovely and hopeful listen with a memorable premise and a fantastic narrator. For me it just tried to do a little too much at once, which kept the main storyline from fully blossoming.
The story follows Dr. Lizzie Wells, a British literature professor and bestselling author who is reeling after the sudden death of her husband. Since no one consulted her about that life-altering decision, she decides she will grieve exactly how she wants, including leaning into Victorian mourning customs. She accepts a trip to London, where she meets another bestselling author, AD Hemmings, and gets pulled into all kinds of experiences: a Victorian-style séance, a burlesque show, and sightseeing with her young son. Meanwhile, back in South Carolina, her late husband’s best friend and lawyer, Henry, is untangling a family secret her mother-in-law desperately wants to keep buried, and his “family business” updates with Lizzie slowly turn into something more.
The book is sweet, hopeful, and genuinely unique in how it mixes grief, humor, romance, and Victorian flair. I really liked the idea of exploring modern grief through the lens of Victorian rituals and literature, and there are some truly tender and witty moments along the way.
Where it fell short for me was in the overall structure. The story jumps a lot: from past to present, from London to South Carolina, from Lizzie’s emotional processing to the legal and family drama, and between what sometimes feels like two competing plotlines. Add in the cross-Atlantic calls and all the things the book is trying to juggle, and it occasionally felt a bit all over the place. I often found myself wishing the narrative had been streamlined so the primary emotional arc could land with more depth.
Overall, How to Grieve Like a Victorian is a lovely and hopeful listen with a memorable premise and a fantastic narrator. For me it just tried to do a little too much at once, which kept the main storyline from fully blossoming.
December 17, 2025
It feels odd to call a book that delves so deeply into one woman's grief delightful, but this truly was just that!
In the wake of her husband's untimely demise, Lizzie decides to take inspiration from the women in the novels she teaches and grieve like a Victorian widow. So when there's an almost kiss between Lizzie and her late husband's best friend, Henry, that definitely goes against her mourning rules, she packs up her son and flies across the pond for an English sabbatical. But even through all of the hilarious distractions of a very handsome, famous author, a seance gone wrong, and an accidental burlesque show, Lizzie can't seem to pull herself away from Henry and their late-night FaceTime calls. Which are strictly business, of course, as Henry tries to solve a decades-long mystery that might finally give Lizzie some closure about the night her husband died.
I don't think I've ever read anything quite like this. The author was able to seamlessly blend the messy reality of grieving, not only a person, but an entire life you thought you were going to have, with the complex feelings of healing and moving on. There were so many beautiful moments in this book as Lizzie learns how to permit herself to live life to the fullest again. I'm not sure I've ever simultaneously laughed and cried so much while reading a book.
I only wish we had spent more time on Lizzie and Henry. I did enjoy the flashbacks we got of them, and I was glad the author decided to include those, as I think they helped explain how they got to their present point. But I would have liked to see more of the development of their relationship in the present, considering how much time we spent with the aforementioned very handsome, famous author. However, I did like how Lizzie and Henry both went on their own healing journey, and that they were able to talk about the different ways they were grieving.
This is a book that I think everyone can gain something from, and I highly recommend it!
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the advanced copy of this book.
In the wake of her husband's untimely demise, Lizzie decides to take inspiration from the women in the novels she teaches and grieve like a Victorian widow. So when there's an almost kiss between Lizzie and her late husband's best friend, Henry, that definitely goes against her mourning rules, she packs up her son and flies across the pond for an English sabbatical. But even through all of the hilarious distractions of a very handsome, famous author, a seance gone wrong, and an accidental burlesque show, Lizzie can't seem to pull herself away from Henry and their late-night FaceTime calls. Which are strictly business, of course, as Henry tries to solve a decades-long mystery that might finally give Lizzie some closure about the night her husband died.
I don't think I've ever read anything quite like this. The author was able to seamlessly blend the messy reality of grieving, not only a person, but an entire life you thought you were going to have, with the complex feelings of healing and moving on. There were so many beautiful moments in this book as Lizzie learns how to permit herself to live life to the fullest again. I'm not sure I've ever simultaneously laughed and cried so much while reading a book.
I only wish we had spent more time on Lizzie and Henry. I did enjoy the flashbacks we got of them, and I was glad the author decided to include those, as I think they helped explain how they got to their present point. But I would have liked to see more of the development of their relationship in the present, considering how much time we spent with the aforementioned very handsome, famous author. However, I did like how Lizzie and Henry both went on their own healing journey, and that they were able to talk about the different ways they were grieving.
This is a book that I think everyone can gain something from, and I highly recommend it!
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the advanced copy of this book.
December 3, 2025
3.75⭐️
Lizzie is an English Professor that specializes in Victorian Literature. She has also written a best-selling YA magical retelling of Wuthering Heights. When her beloved, perfect husband dies in a car accident, Lizzie throws herself into her grief by pursuing Victorian mourning practices... dressing in all-black, wearing a lock of his hair in jewelry, carrying a small urn of his ashes, amd comparing herself to Queen Victoria following Albert's death. She is also now single mother to a rambunctious child. An opportune trip to London and a brief love triangle helps Lizzie work through some of her intense grief and start to recognize herself again.
I was intrigued by the description and quite excited to listen to this audiobook. The narration is fantastic, with distinct character voices and loads of emotion. The depiction of grief as a messy, all-encompassing, life-altering jumble felt spot-on, especially when the death is so unexpected. Quite a few characters are quirky and loveable. There are some truly fun scenes (burlesque, anyone?!)
And while I enjoyed most of the story, there are some flaws that should be noted...
> I don't understand what the recurring theme of warring professors at her college adds to the story. These plotlines could have been totally left out, providing space for more of Lizzie's antics.
> Her return to work & classroom meltdown seem reasonable amidst her grief, but then receiving paid leave?! It wasn't even necessary, as it is mentioned numerous times that she is financially set.
> Her supportive family shows up quite late in the story... where were they at the earliest stages of her grief?
Recommended for fans of Wuthering Heights, Victorian lit, surviving grief, life after loss, and lighthearted women's lit.
Thank you to Harlequin Audio & NetGalley for this audio ARC. All opinions stated are solely my own and provided voluntarily.
Lizzie is an English Professor that specializes in Victorian Literature. She has also written a best-selling YA magical retelling of Wuthering Heights. When her beloved, perfect husband dies in a car accident, Lizzie throws herself into her grief by pursuing Victorian mourning practices... dressing in all-black, wearing a lock of his hair in jewelry, carrying a small urn of his ashes, amd comparing herself to Queen Victoria following Albert's death. She is also now single mother to a rambunctious child. An opportune trip to London and a brief love triangle helps Lizzie work through some of her intense grief and start to recognize herself again.
I was intrigued by the description and quite excited to listen to this audiobook. The narration is fantastic, with distinct character voices and loads of emotion. The depiction of grief as a messy, all-encompassing, life-altering jumble felt spot-on, especially when the death is so unexpected. Quite a few characters are quirky and loveable. There are some truly fun scenes (burlesque, anyone?!)
And while I enjoyed most of the story, there are some flaws that should be noted...
> I don't understand what the recurring theme of warring professors at her college adds to the story. These plotlines could have been totally left out, providing space for more of Lizzie's antics.
> Her return to work & classroom meltdown seem reasonable amidst her grief, but then receiving paid leave?! It wasn't even necessary, as it is mentioned numerous times that she is financially set.
> Her supportive family shows up quite late in the story... where were they at the earliest stages of her grief?
Recommended for fans of Wuthering Heights, Victorian lit, surviving grief, life after loss, and lighthearted women's lit.
Thank you to Harlequin Audio & NetGalley for this audio ARC. All opinions stated are solely my own and provided voluntarily.
November 21, 2025
Lizzie Wells is grieving with full Victorian flair and it genuinely works for her. She’s lost her husband Phillip and leans hard into mourning rituals—lock of hair in a choker, widow’s weeds and a dramatic “paper letters only, please” boundary with her colleagues and students. (As a prof, I’m all in on that last one.)
Her approach to grief is tender, intense and deeply human.
A London escape with her young son nudges her back toward the land of the living. There she meets August Dansworth—bestselling novelist and chaos agent. He gets her moving, trying new things and remembering there’s a world outside her grief. He’s also completely unconnected to her life with Phillip, which lets her breathe for the first time in ages.
Meanwhile back home, Henry—Phillip’s best friend and the quiet, steady heartbeat of this book—is untangling a messy family secret and slowly becoming Lizzie’s emotional safe place. Their cross-Atlantic FaceTimes shift from estate updates to soft, intimate check-ins that start to feel like something more. And yes… Lizzie feels it too.
She also feels messy and aching, caught in that confusing swirl of grieving one love while maybe possibly falling into another.
Lizzie herself is the star. Her grief is raw and real, her love for Phillip threads through every scene and her Victorian-lit brain gives everything a timeless charm. The first 60% is gorgeous. Toward the end, things tie up a little too neatly, like the author was checking boxes (Henry? check. August? check. Dad? check). But it doesn’t totally undo the emotional punch. The romance is real but not explicit.
I liked this one. It hovers just below 4 stars for me. It’s heartfelt, atmospheric, occasionally funny and never shies away from the messy in-betweens of loss. If you’ve recently lost a spouse, partner or parent, just know this might land a little close to the bone.
Her approach to grief is tender, intense and deeply human.
A London escape with her young son nudges her back toward the land of the living. There she meets August Dansworth—bestselling novelist and chaos agent. He gets her moving, trying new things and remembering there’s a world outside her grief. He’s also completely unconnected to her life with Phillip, which lets her breathe for the first time in ages.
Meanwhile back home, Henry—Phillip’s best friend and the quiet, steady heartbeat of this book—is untangling a messy family secret and slowly becoming Lizzie’s emotional safe place. Their cross-Atlantic FaceTimes shift from estate updates to soft, intimate check-ins that start to feel like something more. And yes… Lizzie feels it too.
She also feels messy and aching, caught in that confusing swirl of grieving one love while maybe possibly falling into another.
Lizzie herself is the star. Her grief is raw and real, her love for Phillip threads through every scene and her Victorian-lit brain gives everything a timeless charm. The first 60% is gorgeous. Toward the end, things tie up a little too neatly, like the author was checking boxes (Henry? check. August? check. Dad? check). But it doesn’t totally undo the emotional punch. The romance is real but not explicit.
I liked this one. It hovers just below 4 stars for me. It’s heartfelt, atmospheric, occasionally funny and never shies away from the messy in-betweens of loss. If you’ve recently lost a spouse, partner or parent, just know this might land a little close to the bone.
December 9, 2025
College professor and WUTHERING HEIGHTS-inspired teen romantasy author Lizzie mourns her beloved husband Philip with her all black wardrobe, carrying his ashes with her, wearing a necklace containing his hair, and more. After an on campus meltdown, she heads to her agent’s family’s London row house with her young son Heathcliff. Soon she’s juggling two suitors, a mystery regarding Philip’s family, and drama involving both her career paths.
I adored the humorous tone of the book, the cast of characters, and Lizzie’s quest to do right by Philip and herself. Many of the good things that happen to Lizzie come easy to her, but she faces plenty of conflict nevertheless. I liked her as a character and wanted all the best for her after seeing her struggle with the losses of Philip and her mother.
The novel includes excerpts of Lizzie’s work as well as that of another fictional author whose book many of the characters are reading. The narrative moves back and forth in time to show Lizzie and Philip together. I felt satisfied by the ending and the way the various threads were resolved.
While the novel has plenty of romantic elements, the focus is on Lizzie’s character growth, which plants the genre firmly in women’s fiction.
Lizzie wrote her romantasy novel after giving birth to Heathcliff. In the acknowledgments, the author mentioned that she was processing her grief in losing her husband as she wrote the book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks to Canary Street Press an imprint of Harlequin Enterprises ULC and HarperCollins Publishers for providing an Advance Reader Copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I adored the humorous tone of the book, the cast of characters, and Lizzie’s quest to do right by Philip and herself. Many of the good things that happen to Lizzie come easy to her, but she faces plenty of conflict nevertheless. I liked her as a character and wanted all the best for her after seeing her struggle with the losses of Philip and her mother.
The novel includes excerpts of Lizzie’s work as well as that of another fictional author whose book many of the characters are reading. The narrative moves back and forth in time to show Lizzie and Philip together. I felt satisfied by the ending and the way the various threads were resolved.
While the novel has plenty of romantic elements, the focus is on Lizzie’s character growth, which plants the genre firmly in women’s fiction.
Lizzie wrote her romantasy novel after giving birth to Heathcliff. In the acknowledgments, the author mentioned that she was processing her grief in losing her husband as she wrote the book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks to Canary Street Press an imprint of Harlequin Enterprises ULC and HarperCollins Publishers for providing an Advance Reader Copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 15, 2025
Victorian Mourning Meets Modern Heart
Receiving an ARC of How to Grieve Like a Victorian felt like stepping into a world where grief is both a ritual and a revelation. Amy Carol Reeves deftly blends wit, emotional intelligence, and historical curiosity to create a story that is as clever as it is poignant.
Lizzie Wells is grieving her husband in a very old-fashioned way wearing all black, keeping a lock of his hair in a choker, and only accepting letters instead of emails. She’s a British Lit professor and bestselling author, and she goes to London to get away from her heartbreak. The story mixes funny moments with sad ones. London isn’t just a backdrop; its streets, burlesque shows, and séances help Lizzie start living again. AD Hemmings is charming, a little wild, and shakes up her carefully controlled mourning. Back home, Henry, her late husband’s best friend, and her mother-in-law bring family drama and secrets that force Lizzie to think about love, loyalty, and loss. The side characters aren’t just extras; they help Lizzie grow and show different sides of grief, love, and moving on.
The book is funny and playful, but it doesn’t make light of serious things. It’s emotional and touching, but not overly sappy. The writing is smart and witty, yet still makes you feel the deeper emotions. Some lines make you laugh, while others make you pause and think. By the end, when the story moves to the Brontë moors, the book brings together sadness, happiness, and hope in a way that feels natural and real.
If you love stories that mix grief, humor, romance, and self-discovery, this one will stick with you long after the last page. Grab your copy of How to Grieve Like a Victorian and join Lizzie on her unforgettable journey.
Receiving an ARC of How to Grieve Like a Victorian felt like stepping into a world where grief is both a ritual and a revelation. Amy Carol Reeves deftly blends wit, emotional intelligence, and historical curiosity to create a story that is as clever as it is poignant.
Lizzie Wells is grieving her husband in a very old-fashioned way wearing all black, keeping a lock of his hair in a choker, and only accepting letters instead of emails. She’s a British Lit professor and bestselling author, and she goes to London to get away from her heartbreak. The story mixes funny moments with sad ones. London isn’t just a backdrop; its streets, burlesque shows, and séances help Lizzie start living again. AD Hemmings is charming, a little wild, and shakes up her carefully controlled mourning. Back home, Henry, her late husband’s best friend, and her mother-in-law bring family drama and secrets that force Lizzie to think about love, loyalty, and loss. The side characters aren’t just extras; they help Lizzie grow and show different sides of grief, love, and moving on.
The book is funny and playful, but it doesn’t make light of serious things. It’s emotional and touching, but not overly sappy. The writing is smart and witty, yet still makes you feel the deeper emotions. Some lines make you laugh, while others make you pause and think. By the end, when the story moves to the Brontë moors, the book brings together sadness, happiness, and hope in a way that feels natural and real.
If you love stories that mix grief, humor, romance, and self-discovery, this one will stick with you long after the last page. Grab your copy of How to Grieve Like a Victorian and join Lizzie on her unforgettable journey.
January 5, 2026
This is a really interesting book about the messiness and lack of rules around both grief--the main character has very recently lost her beloved husband when the book begins--and romance. As Victorian-lit professor Lizzie grieves her husband and continues to grieve her mother, and tries to keep on raising her son and teaching college classes, she decides to adapt the rules of Victorian mourning to provide a shape for the formless anarchy of her grief (she wears mourning jewelry and all black ensembles, she refuses to use e-mail, and she carries around her husband's ashes in a bird-shaped urn). There's also a complicated plot with her evil mother-in-law and the possibility that she and her husband's best friend are falling for each other. That would have been a book. But that's not all! Lizzie is also a best-selling author, known for adapting Wuthering Heights into a magic-infused YA novel, and she's negotiating a sequel, hanging out with the cast of the very popular series adaptation, and fleeing to London to live in a very nice townhouse with a very nice housekeeper who serves her scones and seances. And there's a untrustworthy handsome mystery writer. And unexpected burlesque. And more. It's the moreness and the way plots and people keep popping up and getting set aside that didn't quite work for me--I fully believe in the ridiculous of grief and the way things just keep coming at you, and both good and bad are confusing, but there is a lot happening here. I kind of got lost in the more. There's so much that's fun and challenging here, and it's such an interesting idea for a book.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a free earc in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are all my own.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a free earc in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are all my own.
September 22, 2025
Oh, I loved this one so much!
I'm not going to lie--the cover gave me pause (it's OK? But kind of a lot), and my own complicated relationship with Wuthering Heights (I may have laughed out loud when the Lizzie described Heathcliff--the literary character she named her son after--as "a broody rat-bastard," because, yes, ma'am) made me wonder if it would be the book for me initially, but I am so glad I gave it a chance!
(There was also a slight period of time early in when I was afraid it was going to turn out to be one of those widow thinks her marriage was wonderful and then she finds out ____ after his death books a la all the widow romances I read in the early 2000s--see all of my ranty reviews from that time period--but thank goodness, it was not)
I loved Lizzie's story. She was so relatable in so many ways that even in the ways she wasn't (bestselling author, a fabulous free rental in London for the summer--heck, able to go to London for the summer at the drop of a hat--friend to famous actors, having not one but two guys for possible relationship purposes so soon after her husband's death) it was hard to dislike her.
Her journey was absolutely lovely, and it had me tearing up on one page and laughing out loud the next. And don't get me started on her dad... <3
Amy Carol Reeves is a new author to me, and though I'm not sure her YA series is *quite* my cup of tea these days, I'll absolutely keep an eye out for future books from her, especially if they're in this vein :)
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I'm not going to lie--the cover gave me pause (it's OK? But kind of a lot), and my own complicated relationship with Wuthering Heights (I may have laughed out loud when the Lizzie described Heathcliff--the literary character she named her son after--as "a broody rat-bastard," because, yes, ma'am) made me wonder if it would be the book for me initially, but I am so glad I gave it a chance!
(There was also a slight period of time early in when I was afraid it was going to turn out to be one of those widow thinks her marriage was wonderful and then she finds out ____ after his death books a la all the widow romances I read in the early 2000s--see all of my ranty reviews from that time period--but thank goodness, it was not)
I loved Lizzie's story. She was so relatable in so many ways that even in the ways she wasn't (bestselling author, a fabulous free rental in London for the summer--heck, able to go to London for the summer at the drop of a hat--friend to famous actors, having not one but two guys for possible relationship purposes so soon after her husband's death) it was hard to dislike her.
Her journey was absolutely lovely, and it had me tearing up on one page and laughing out loud the next. And don't get me started on her dad... <3
Amy Carol Reeves is a new author to me, and though I'm not sure her YA series is *quite* my cup of tea these days, I'll absolutely keep an eye out for future books from her, especially if they're in this vein :)
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
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