In Jane Austen: Daddy's Girl, biographer Zoe Wheddon shares a wealth of little-known archival information and informed (and even wonderfully playful) conjecture to vividly bring to life the man most responsible for cultivating the genius of Jane Austen, her father. George Austen was a renaissance man--a top student, teacher, clergyman, and farmer--who understood the power of literature, and opened his library to Jane as a child, gave her the now-famous portable writing desk, and cold-contacted publishers to proudly tout her talent. Jane Austen was born at a time when women's education was never guaranteed, which makes her father's efforts in that regard all the more special and critical to her success. With palpable affection, illuminating detail, and a highly entertaining writing style, Wheddon creates for the reader the consummate portrayal of a man who encouraged all his children in their ambitions, regardless of ability: the result was a strong and loving large family who were able.. Read more
Natalie Jenner Internationally bestselling author of The Jane Austen Society, Bloomsbury Girls & the forthcoming Every Time We Say Goodbye (2024)

Using an enormous range of primary sources, this exhaustively researched study... casts fresh light on the origins of psychiatric medicine and draws some thought-provoking conclusions about the understanding of mental illness, then and now.
Joceline Bury, Jane Austen's Regency World

[b]Rating[/b]: 5 out of 5 stars This delves deeper into the stories we are told in history classes and goes further than we often see in documentaries about the time. Such a treat for anyone interested in the Stuart and Georgian periods. Written in such a way as to appeal to seasoned history buffs and those who just like a good story, this book will reach many readers.
NetGalley, Louise Gray

[b]Rating[/b]: 5 out of 5 stars A great introduction to the world of Bridgerton, Georgette Heyer, and Jane Austen.
NetGalley, Caroline Palmer

'The Secret History of the Court of England' is an interesting and informative read. It is not often you read a primary source that is full of gossip and hearsay, while explicitly challenging royal rule. I enjoyed the language and turn of phrase, which together, with tidbits of salacious gossip, sounded like an extract of 'Bridgerton'. However, the author's passion to underscore royal corruption and excesses did begin to feel repetitive. This book is a great read for a historian passionate about the regency era and an insightful way to gain an 'insider's' perspective on events that took place during the reign of King George III and IV.
NetGalley, Christy Howl