The Care and Feeding of Waspish Widows was a delightful read! It definitely had great promise and I had some high expectations after loving the first one ( I five starred it) so I was expecting some things with this one and I will be honest while it had some factors that I did enjoy, it just didn't quite work for me. The biggest issue that I had with this one here is that there is cheating. One of the protaganists is married, and even though he is a ocean away, they are still legally married so I did struggle with that aspect all the way through the book. In fact, it really put me off. I just don't care for cheating at all no matter the circumstance. Then another factor is the modernisms in this book. There were some situations in here that are not historically authentic at all. Like for example, the situation with Agatha's son and refusing to marry and the fact that so many people that Agatha talked to agreed with her son and his girl. I am sorry but that wouldn't have been the case in historical times when marriage would be expected or they would practically be shunned by society. This would even be the case even 20-30 years ago let alone a couple hundred years lol And there were some phrases here and there that just wouldn't have been said back then. So while I did enjoy this story as a whole, it just didn't quite do it for me. I still plan on reading the third book though, I am hoping that it is much better than my experience with this one here. I did enjoy the actual romance between these two though, and this author definitely knows how to write sensuality in such a beautiful way. I absolutely loved those moments and seeing the small moments between these two that was so tender and sweet! ( )

Loved the historical accuracy of the political background at the time. Shows me that the author really did her research before writing this novel. ( )

This one was a lot different than the previous read of mine. This was a lot heavier when it came to the topics it covered. It felts like the states were a lot higher and the blowout was more heartbreaking. Though I really enjoyed this book. I'm glad that I picked it. It was a perfect book to get back into reading. ( )

Distaff side printing house and beekeeping -- what is not to love here? Adored it -- loved the irascible main characters, the romance centered on older ladies, the print shop, the very well done explanation of the political landscape and the role of pamphlet printers before the free press, the sweet and sizzling romance (did I say that already?), learning more about beekeeping, and the small village shenanigans -- from gossip to late night pranks to negotiating with hostile men in power. It's just full of great stories, and the printing side was accurate, which is an achievement in its own right. ( )

This book took FOREVER to go anywhere and I think there was just too much going on. I loved the first book in the series but as much as Agatha and Phoebe were a great couple and I loved their story, I think all the sub plots took away from their relationship and made me less interested. The sex scenes were FIRE but the political commentary was too much for me and it makes me sad to say that. Will still happily continue to read the series and this author but this is not my favorite entry.

**Many thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy** ( )