Book Review: The Earl’s Bride by Fenella J. Miller

Please join me in welcoming Fenella J. Miller to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her book, The Earl’s Bride.

Bath, 1810.
Lord James Brotherton, the charismatic Earl of Avon, is wealthy, intelligent—and marked for death. His own cousin believes him an imposter and has enlisted corrupt lawyers and treacherous servants to remove him permanently.
Enter Sofia Brotherton.
Unconventional, outspoken, and entirely irresistible, Sofia turns James’s ordered world upside down. He falls for her instantly. She follows a week later.
As danger closes in, their growing attraction becomes both a refuge and a risk. With enemies plotting murder and passions running high, James and Sofia must fight for love—and survival.
A witty, action-packed Regency romance filled with intrigue, danger, and deliciously sensuous tension.

*****

Sofia Brotherton is determined to move onward and upward after the death of her father. When she and her sisters face potential ruin, she secures herself a job in Bath. However, when the Earl of Avon arrives, the plans change and it’s not long before he and Sofia clash. Will they survive their new life at Avon Court or will something else blossom?

I do love a good regency novel and so when the chance came up to join the blog tour for The Earl’s Bride, the first book in a new series by Fenella J Miller, I jumped at the chance. I can’t actually believe that this was the first book I’ve read by this author. It won’t be the last.

From page one, I was immediately transported to 1810. The setting and atmosphere was painted very well. The lack of rights for women aside, the era just feels so elegant and this book has got me wanting to attend a ball even though they don’t go to one in the book.

Speaking of which, the plot is well developed, and I didn’t see the twists and turns of the narrative coming. There were some quite heart-breaking moments (you will know the one I mean when you get there), mixed in with some laugh out loud ones. I absolutely adored Sofia. She is a strong, daring woman who takes charge of her life. I wanted to reach in and give her a high five actually.

James was a gentleman and, although a little proud and pompous at times, was a wonderful male lead. He reminded me a little of Anthony Bridgerton actually – a man who is morally sound and not afraid to step up to responsibility when it’s really needed. The supporting cast were a great mixture. I loved Annabel, Lucille, Eloise and Colette and hope to see more of them in future novels. The jury is still out on Charlotte. I have a theory about her. As this is book one of a new series, I look forward to seeing what happens next for all of these people. I am very invested. Can you tell? With the way it ended, I need to know what happens next.

The Earl’s Bride is a warm, charming start to what promises to be a fantastic set of books. Fenella J Miller is fast becoming one of my favourte authors in this genre.  I truly enjoyed this book.

About Fenella J. Miller –

Fenella J. Miller is a bestselling historical fiction author, known for her emotionally rich World War II family sagas, sweeping Regency romances, and Jane Austen-inspired variations. With over 100 novels published, she continues to captivate readers who love strong heroines, resilient communities, and heartfelt historical storytelling.

Fenella currently writes for Boldwood Books, where she has launched several beloved WWII series, including:

• The Goodwill House series, beginning with The War Girls at Goodwill House
• The Army Girls series, starting with Army Girls – Reporting for Duty
• The Harbour House series, introduced with Wartime Arrivals at Harbour House

She is also the author of the popular six-book Regency romance series, The Duke’s Alliance, which begins with A Suitable Bride. Her novels are praised for their authentic period detail, compelling characters, and uplifting themes of courage and love during turbulent times.

Born on the Isle of Man to a Yorkshire father and a mother of Anglo-Indian descent, Fenella brings depth and diversity to her storytelling. She previously worked as a nanny, chef, hotelier, and teacher—experiences that inspire her vivid, grounded characters.

Now writing full-time, Fenella lives in a peaceful village in Essex with her British Shorthair cat. She enjoys a close relationship with her son, daughter-in-law, and grandson, and continues to share powerful stories of women facing challenges with strength and hope.

Say hello to Fenella via her website, Facebook and Instagram. 

The Earl’s Bride is book one in the Brotherton Sisters series was released by Boldwood Books on 20th September 2026. Click to buy on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Waterstones. 

by

Laura

I'm Laura. I started Novel Kicks back in 2009 as I wanted a place to discuss books and writing - two loves of my life. As someone who has anxiety, these two things give me, and I am sure countless others, a much needed escape.
There is a monthly book club, writing exercises, prompts, reviews, author interviews, competitions and guest posts. I cover many genres and I hope there is something for everyone.
I grew up by the sea in Dorset and currently live in Poole with my husband, Chris and three cats. I love writing and have a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from Falmouth University. I am writing my first book. If only I could stop pressing delete. Chris has threatened to stop it from working. Haha.
I have always loved creative writing since I was in first school and would very much like to meet my teacher, Miss Sayers, to say thank you for all the encouragement she gave me then.
When not writing, I love reading, cats, Disney, singing (I can't sing but this doesn't stop me,) and falling into a good TV show or film. If I could step into any fictional world, it would be amongst the characters in ABC's Once Upon a Time.
I love reading many genres and discovering new authors.