The Craft of Love

A gentle, thoughtful, low-heat historic romance set in the 19th century US. She is a sensible, self-determined woman running her own needlework business, with hurt in her past; he is an accomplished silversmith trans man seeking healing from his late mother's determination to keep her daughter. It is rich in crafting, the details are lovely, and I feel privileged to have seen them figure out how to be together.

It's four stars from me because, as is true with most historicals, it's overly wordy for my taste, plus, the flip-side of low angst is that there's no real obstacle outside of their personal bubble. Not a criticism, just an observation. I skimmed some of it because I knew too much of the gist.

*2.5

I feel like I've got to preface this less than stellar review with that I enjoyed it (kind of). I didn't know exactly what I was getting myself into, and I'm not head over heels for romance books. I thought it was sweet and light and a nice break. It was fine. Just that. Fine.

I wanted a bit more with it all, unfortunately; I think I'm still on the lookout for the trans-masc historical novel and this was just... not it. It's my fault and don't let mt review stop you from reading it. Just know it's a romance, first and foremost: the trans element isn't explored as much as I had hoped and definitely on the side (again, I respect the author's decision with it and I understand why). It all just felt a little too good to be true.