Publication: 13th August 2026 – Century
The new authorised novel from Georgette Heyer, the original Queen of Regency Romance -written by SUNDAY TIMES bestselling author Sophie Irwin – perfect for fans of Bridgerton!
Henrietta has secretly loved Arthur, Lord Allerton, since childhood. He is the only man who is interested in her rather than her fortune – just not in the way that she wants.
After three years away at war, Arthur has returned to London to find everything changed. His finances are ruined, his family in chaos. And sweet, shy Hetty is … different.
For Hetty has set herself a challenge: she has one summer to become the charming, dashing Diamond she’s always wished to be. And either Arthur will notice her, or she’ll give up her dreams entirely.
But in a glittering Season plagued by scandal and intrigue, is there still room for love… ?
Being a huge fan of Georgette Heyer’s novels, which I am still going through, and having enjoyed Sophie Irwin’s previous novels I was really looking forward to reading Henrietta and, despite a bit of a slow start and a more modern language, I really enjoyed it.
The story of Henrietta and Arthur reminded me a bit of Penelope and Colin’s story in Bridgerton. They are childhood friends raised together when she became a ward of the Allerton family as her father travels around the world as a renowned professor. She’s always been in love with Arthur while for him, she’s always been only his close confidant. And while at balls Arthur charmed all the women, Hetty was on the sidelines watching and hoping. On returning to London after three years in Europe fighting in the Peninsula war, Arthur finds Hetty changed and offers to help her win over an imaginary European noble Hetty is supposed to be in love with, not realising that her unrequired love is himself.
Henrietta is a charming and enjoyable read: there are fake relationships, embarrassing misunderstandings, duels, elopements, and some quite hilarious scenes. I liked the character of Henrietta. She is funny, clever, and loyal, and always ready to help others. I wasn’t a big fan of Arthur (a bit too self-righteous), but I liked his siblings, daring debutante Trixie and wannabe dandy Timothy. Overall, Henrietta is a witty, warm, and amusing Regency romance that kept me entertained from start to finish.
A huge thank you to Century and NetGalley for providing me with a proof of this fantastic novel.
Sophie Irwin grew up in Dorset. She spent years immersed in historical fiction, first as a student when she wrote her undergraduate thesis on Georgette Heyer, and then as an editor, before she began writing her own. Her debut novel, A Lady’s Guide to Fortune Hunting, was a Sunday Times bestseller, and has been translated into twenty languages worldwide.
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