The Wishing Well - Review

The Wishing Well

By: Natalie Kleinman

Expected Publication: May 5, 2023

224 pages

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

Source: Publisher via NetGalley

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Goodreads description--Fall in love with this enchanting Regency romance! For fans of Georgette Heyer, Mary Balogh, Jane Aiken Hodge and Jane Austen.

Is Harriet ready to face her future?

England 1818

Ever since the deaths of her fiancé and her father, Harriet Lambert has thrown herself into the management of her family’s estate to cope with her grief. Though time has eased her sorrow, she has had little opportunity to once again pursue romance.

But when she is called on to accompany her younger sister, Amabel, to London for her introduction into respectable society, Harriet finds herself caught in a flurry of social engagements. And when she meets Major Brew Ware at a soirée, the two form an immediate connection.

Having experienced tragedy at an early age, Brew understands the significance of Harriet’s loss. With their shared interests and honest approach, their friendship continues to flourish as the season wears on.

Though no man has turned her head since she lost her fiancé, Harriet is aware that her affection for Brew is growing stronger. And as she tentatively considers her future, she must now decide whether she is prepared to take another chance on love…

THE WISHING WELL is a historical romantic tale set in Regency England, with a spirited and courageous heroine at its heart.

First things first, I don't love this cover. Something about it gives the impression of being unpolished. Perhaps it's the gold accents and font. Well-designed covers have the title and any print encompassed to make it appear as part of the artwork. Not just text on top of cover art. But covers can be deceiving. I advise you not to be too put off by this cover.

Harriet has been in mourning for the last three years. She had a whirlwind romance to ended in an engagement. Her betrothed was in the military and died in battle before they could be married. Her father died shortly after. She hasn't completely given up on the idea of marrying, but it's hard to imagine feeling the same feelings for another man. Yet, it is time to launch her sister, Amabel into society. So Harriet, Amabel, and their mother travel to London for the season. This family was all goodness. And their mother, Louisa is particularly kind in a way that more often than not the opposite of many mothers from this period.

Brew's friend quickly becomes interested in Harriet's sister, and thus he and Brew are regularly in the sisters' company. Brew and Harriet are slower to develop their relationship. Brew isn't sure if Harriet is still pining for her lost love. And Harriet isn't sure Brew is interested in her beyond friendship. In some ways, the reader is blessed with two love stories within the same book. I can never find fault with that.

Brew has some extra drama on his family's side. Brew and his father have been estranged for many years--fifteen, I believe. His sister is also making her first (and only one that her parents can afford) season. She's young, impressionable, and commits a rather large blunder. Thanks to Harriet, and their very close friends, her situation doesn't become the scandal that is usually talked about.

There was this weird scene where Harriet goes off on Brew in an odd way. I wasn't sure if this was meant to be flirtatious or if she was genuinely annoyed. If she was flirting, her words were the opposite of what one would expect. If she was genuine, it felt out of character and a bit petulant. It also fizzled as quickly as it arose. The scene mostly made me crinkle my nose and ask myself what just happened and why. I mean there was foot stamping involved. The whole scene just felt off from the tone of the rest of the book.

The Wishing Well gets 3.5 Stars. I did enjoy it. And I read it pretty quickly, which is always a positive thing. I can only really remember the one scene that felt weird that I've already mentioned, but I still can't quite give it a 4 Star rating. I will certainly check out any future books if Natalie Kleinman decides to write another and make this a series. Have you read The Wishing Well? What did you think? Let me know!