The Great Misfortune of Stella Sedgwick - by S Isabelle (Hardcover)

About the Book

"A young Black woman in 1860s England is forced into London society where she reunites with the boy who broke her heart"--

Book Synopsis

Bridgerton meets The Davenports in this wildly entertaining standalone romance, following a young Black woman trying to balance her independence with her future in 1860s London's high society.

Stella Sedgwick is a lost cause.

Banished from etiquette lessons and unsure of her future, Stella dreams of a writing career and independence, but 1860s England offers little opportunity beyond marriage or servitude for a sharp-tongued, dark-skinned girl.

When her late mother's former employer summons Stella to London, he tells her of his intention to bequeath one of the family's great estates to her. It's a life-changing inheritance, but one that will precipitate a legal battle that would be easier if Stella were married. With her cousin Olivia by her side, Stella is thrust into London society and must navigate fashion and balls, insults and stares, and a rekindled connection to Nathaniel, her childhood best friend with a rakish reputation.

Beyond the marriage market, living in London presents intriguing opportunities to Stella, like picking up her mother's anonymous advice column to guide readers through upper-class perils. As new acquaintances are made and old secrets are uncovered, Stella must decide when to play by the rules, when to break them, and when to let herself follow her heart.

Review Quotes

PRAISE FOR Stella Sedgwick:
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selection!

"The Great Misfortune of Stella Sedgwick is my new favorite young adult romance. I fell in love with Stella from the instant the story began, and now I'm pledged to her, body and soul. S. Isabelle handles the difficulty of otherness with a light hand and a deft pen, and her romantic scenes caused me to physically swoon. I love this book most ardently."--Alexene Farol Follmuth, New York Times bestselling author of Twelfth Knight

"Bridgerton fans will swoon over this book! The fiercely independent (and hilarious!) Stella Sedgwick is instantly lovable as she forges her own path in London high society. Full of romantic yearning, rich historical details, and sharp social commentary, this book kept me hooked from start to finish. I adored it."-- Jordyn Taylor, award-winning author of The Paper Girl of Paris and The Rebel Girls of Rome

"Filled with sharp-tongued humor and strong female leads, The Great Misfortune of Stella Sedgwick by S. Isabelle is a witty story of a reluctant heiress with a fresh twist, one that does not shy away from racism, colorism, classism, or the patriarchy. Isabelle's writing carefully handles the struggles of occupying space as a young Black woman in a predominantly white environment, where merit is not always acknowledged and wealth speaks louder than action. Learning from her missteps and staying true to herself, Stella Sedgwick is a steadfast heroine who is as keen as her quill."--Krystal Marquis, New York Times bestselling author of The Davenports

"Full of wit, romance, and female empowerment. Fans of historical romance will fall in love with the bold and irrepressible Stella Sedgwick."--New York Times bestselling author Sophie Jordan

"S. Isabelle has penned a bold and witty novel about a girl whose dreams won't be contained by society's prejudices or expectations. Stella Sedgwick is a fierce and clever protagonist, and her career aspirations and romantic entanglements are as inspiring as they are delightful. A fresh, banter-filled historical romance you won't want to miss!"--Tirzah Price, author of the Jane Austen Murder Mysteries series

"A fresh historical romance told with heart and humor and a razor-sharp voice. There's something truly special about this one, and I can't wait to see what S. Isabelle writes next."--Ann Liang, New York Times bestselling author of I Hope This Doesn't Find You and A Song To Drown Rivers

"Stella Sedgwick will steal your heart while tickling your funny bone. If you're ready for a witty heroine, a hero with a heart of gold, and a plot that will keep you turning pages until late into the night, then this is the book for you!"--Meg Cabot, author of The Princess Diaries

"Stella's navigation of a society that is unwelcoming to non-white people is well written.... The strong character development will help readers understand the complex choices each character faces. Strong pacing throughout. Romance enthusiasts will enjoy this work."--Kirkus Reviews

"Isabelle crafts a compelling lead in Stella; her dissatisfaction with her society's gender norms chafes against her secret desire to experience true love in this sweeping period romance."--Publishers Weekly