When it comes to seasonal fiction, the right book can be the best kind of fun to read. Then there are those books that sit on ones shelf for way too long before finally you pick them up and hope they’re stellar reads. As I began to read Carols and Chaos, I didn’t know if I’d write about it, but the more I read, the more I realized this underrated (??) little novel deserves a fangirl moment.
This is why today I share a few reasons you too might enjoy this novel from author, Cindy Antsey.
Enjoy ‘Carols and Chaos’: A Delight from First to Last Page!
1: Downton Abbey Meets the Regency Era of Jane Austen
This book is like a delightful mash up of so many of the things we bookworms love best. There’s Austen and Christie flair, and of course, perhaps the most prominent, reflections of Downton Abbey. There’s a fun cozy mystery, a regency era setting as a nod to Austen and an upstairs-downstairs dynamic that works. For this British period drama loving fangirl, it’s the perfect culmination of storytelling studies.
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2: Festive and Flirty
Not only is the festive in this novel on point (it does, after all, take place over the season that is yuletide bliss), but it’s got some flirt to it as well. Kate and Matt are adorable together, and this story is so perfect that it inspired me to purchase Suitors and Sabotage, which is connected to this story (it tells Imogene and Ben’s story). Needless to say, the combination of festive and flirty in one novel is nothing to ignore.
3: Prose of Old
The prose in this book is so good; it’s the language of “olden days” that really speak to me. Whether it’s the term “break the fast,” or the swoon-y terms the prose uses (like “love of his life”) to illustrate the sweet romance is all an asset to this novel. All elements that mingle to create a lovely story.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Author: Cindy Antsey
Publisher: Swoon Reads
Publication Date: 2018
Genre: Fiction; Historical, YA Romance
Find the Book Elsewhere: Goodreads
Find the Review Elsewhere: Goodreads
Rating: ★★★★½
THE STORY | Kate Darby works as a ladies maid, and is happy doing so. Trouble is, her needy mother seems to embarrass her in this position at every turn. To celebrate the engagement between their two families, the Shackleford Park and its family plays host to their daughter’s fiancé and his family. Along with them arrives Matt Harlow, a valet to one of the gentleman in the party.
As Kate and Matt go about their duties, they cannot deny the sparks between them. But when words of caution from their superiors and a suspicious disappearance creep in, both wonder if they can make a relationship between them work, or if their dreams and positions make it impossible.
When #DowntonAbbey meets #JaneAusten (and Agatha Christie!), you'll find this delightful read. Enjoy a Festive ‘Carols and Chaos’: A Delight from First to Last Page! #YALit Click To Tweet
It sounds adorable! You’ve convinced me to add it to my shelf! :)
It IS adorable, Courtney. Hope if you read it, you enjoy – and let me know what you think if you do. :)
Ooooh, this sounds wonderful! I am rereading Pride & Prejudice right now (well…I’m listening to it on Audible) and you had me at “Austen”. I just might need to add this to my wishlist!
It’s SO sweet and fun, Megan. Let me know if you enjoy – and YAY for all the Austen reads. :)
Oh goodness, this one sounds SO fun and I definitely am intrigued!!! Also that cover is so freaking cute.
It IS darling, Jessica! Let me know if you read and enjoy, and I agree. The cover is on point. :)