The Revolution of Olivia Witherson - by S Isabelle (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

In this engrossing companion to The Great Misfortune of Stella Sedgwick set in 1860s Paris, prim and proper Olivia Witherson is poised to become the wife of a wealthy businessman, until she's shown a side of the city she's never seen--and considers a potential future she never imagined. Perfect for fans of Bridgerton and The Davenports.

Olivia Witherson has it all figured out. Once she's married to Samuel Desir, a handsome (and rich) businessman in the making, she'll be able to step into the life of upper-class comfort she's always known she's destined for. Getting kidnapped by a gang of ruffians and being held for ransom in their grubby headquarters on the outskirts of Paris... was not part of the plan.

Olivia is sure that Jac Santil, head of the Saints Tristes gang, is the most loathsome, infuriating person she's ever met. But the longer she spends with the Saints, the more good she sees them doing--distributing food and medicine to the poor, taking in orphaned children, and organizing the exploited laborers of Paris, the same workers who staff Samuel's factories. Soon, Olivia must acknowledge that there may be more to the Saints, and to Jac, than meets the eye, and that the life of luxury she'd always dreamed of may never come to fruition.

Review Quotes

PRAISE FOR Stella Sedgwick:

"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 tells her story with humor and wit. While race does play a part in the story, it is Stella's personality, humor, and strong-mindedness that drive the story and will endear it to readers. Multiple swoonworthy suitors will leave readers wondering if Stella will give up her plans for spinsterhood. Isabelle has created a Regency romance that will satisfy romance fans who are not quite ready for Bridgerton but hunger for the balls and gossip of high society."--Booklist (starred review)

"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

A Junior Library Guild gold standard selection!