[The Jonquil Brothers]: A Series Review

Hi y’all!

I am thrilled to be sharing a series review of The Jonquil Brothers by Sarah M. Eden. I’ve said before that this has been a Sarah M. Eden reading year for me. And it’s still true! I devoured all 8 of these books over spring break and the week after. They are absolutely fantastic!

I actually read the last book, Charming Artemis first which led me to read the entire Lancaster Family Series which are fantastic as well. I then decided to read all of these books and I am so glad I did! It was a delight to immerse myself in Sarah’s Regency world and get to know each Jonquil brother so well. I love these books!

Book Summaries can be found at the following links on Goodreads:

The Kiss of a Stranger
Friends and Foes
Drops of Gold
As You Are
A Fine Gentleman
For Love or Honor
The Heart of a Vicar
Charming Artemis

All of these books focus on compelling, intriguing characters with beautiful depth. I have come to love all the Jonquil Brothers and their wives. They are all well rounded and go on important journeys of self discovery in each of their books.

I enjoyed hearing about Philips spy identity and how he wants to be more than the dandy persona he has crafted for society. I loved getting more about Sorrels background and seeing her courage, determination and strength.
Layton and Marion both have a lot of tragedy in their pasts. The history of Layton’s first wife is so sad and so hard. The guilt he carries is intense! I loved that they both felt comfortable opening up to each other about their hardest experiences as the novel progresses. Loved the bond between Marion and little Caroline. The way she brings light and happiness into Farland Meadows again. I loved seeing Caroline’s character blossom!
I loved getting to know Corbin more and seeing his gentle, caring, loyal heart. His love of horses and his family are beautiful. Loved how he cares so genuinely and sweetly for Clara and her children. His shyness and stammer only endeared him more. Clara was an incredible protagonist. She is courageous, compassionate, deeply loyal, and strong despite horrible abuse in her past. I admired her determination to do anything for her children and their safety.
I have to admit that I wasn’t as excited to read Jason’s story but I quickly changed that lack of enthusiasm for a deep interest in his story. The details about his barrister life and the reasons he acts in certain ways were compelling and well developed. He became as endearing and easy to cheer for as his older brothers. I loved his relationship with Mariposa. She is vibrant, full of life but also carries deep wounds and fear.
Stanley and Marji have both experienced difficult and at times terrifying things in their lives. Stanley’s experiences at war have nearly shattered him. And yet he feels compelled to go back to serve — honor bound to serve. Marji feels that people mostly don’t want her worrying and feels like a burden to her sister. But they find belonging and compassion and true acceptance with each other. I loved the subtle ways Marji helps Stanley heal and how safe they feel with each other — sharing difficult experiences and fears with each other.
I loved Harold’s journey in this book. He has hidden himself for years trying to be “the perfect vicar” and now he isn’t sure he even wants to be a vicar. But Sarah comes back into his life and he begins to change. I loved seeing him open up and allow his family and his community to see the real him. Loved his climbing and drinking songs and quick wit. Sarah is so optimistic and a lovely contrast to Harold. She has had difficult experiences in her past but works so hard to find the joy and beauty in life. Her uncle’s treatment of her is horrific, certainly abusive. And yet she is not broken by her experience. She is able to escape his tyranny (in a favorite scene with Harold rescuing her in a surprising way). And she continues to see the good around her.
Loved the journeys of both Artemis and Charlie. They are both brilliant and lonely. Must learn to trust each other. Loved Artemis’ story and seeing behind her theatrics and careful facade. Seeing her vulnerable was compelling. Loved her relationship with her Papa and how she seems to find someone who loves her like him. Her interest and skill for fashion were also intriguing! Charlie has an equal depth of character that was intriguing. His obvious mathematical genius is contrasted with his lonely life growing up without his father.

The different love stories are unique and beautiful. Each is different with lovely details that ground their experience. We have arranged marriages, enemies to lovers, seemingly unrequited love, childhood love, and more. All the romance is lovely and closed door. I loved the swoony kisses, stolen moments, lovely conversations, and beautiful happily ever afters. Each love story became my new favorite.

Philip and Sorrel’s enemies to lovers romance is beautiful. Their wit and snark are unmatched and I love the way they back and forth with each other. I love the small details that show how their feelings are changing. Love when he catches her when they are horseback riding. And the scenes in the library. And their first stolen kiss in the hall.
I loved the small ways Crispin and Catherine fall in love — teasing about the fountain and fairy cakes, defending her, some truly incredible swoony kisses. And my favorite line in the whole story is Crispin’s “I love you! Blast it!” It’s so sweet and funny, perfect for them. The marriage then love trope is a favorite of mine and theirs is a lovely story in that style.
Loved the beautiful romance between Layton and Marion. They have such great chemistry and their witty banter rivals even Philip and Sorrel (so fun to see them a bit in this novel too! I love their relationship!). Their first stolen kiss is magic. And although the journey to expressing their true feelings takes a little longer than I prefer, it was worth it for the fantastic climactic scene.
Corbin and Clara’s love story reminds me of The Tenant of Wildfell Hall which I love. I loved their slow burning romance. The ways Corbin protects her and gently comforts her. I loved how Clara finds peace and protection with him. Such a beautiful romance! And wow what a first kiss!
Beautiful slow building romance between Jason and Mariposa. Loved how they find themselves in love with each other without realizing it. Love the overlapping stories seeing Jason in scenes with his family from other books. Enjoyed their ride to Scotland and how they get to know each other. Also loved their new friend Jean!
I absolutely loved the beautiful ending to Stanley and Marji’s story! Definitely cried tears of joy at the reunion in the rain and their beautiful happy ever after. For them to find peace and a way to be together after so many impossible moments is simply beautiful.
I loved the simple ending of Harold and Sarah’s love story and that love is enough for them. They care so much for each other that they simply want to be together. They don’t need anything else. Also love how protective he is of her and how he saved her from the hardships around her. And how she sees him in ways no one else does. And that Harold finally confides in his family.
I love the arranged marriage then fall in love trope and Artemis and Charlie’s story is particularly well done. Fantastic romance and such tender moments between them. Love the way they fall in love and connect with each other and their families. The letters at the end were particularly good.

With each book, I was more and more impressed by each surprising, exciting, and satisfying plot. I love series like this when we get to see characters from previous books in the later books. It’s so fun to see how each couple’s journey continues and how their families grow. These books also don’t shy away from difficult topics like abuse, war, death, and grief. Seeing how these characters overcome difficult times makes them more easy to connect with and cheer for. They feel real.

Crispin and Catherine’s story features some difficult issues like abusive relationships and the lasting effects of such horrific experiences. I admired Crispin’s determination to rescue and protect Catherine. There are some violent moments with her uncle including him hurting her. But those are then contrasted with truly beautiful moments of Crispin treating her with love and respect.
The climax of Philip and Sorrel’s story is absolutely fantastic — one of my favorites! The details about the English spy network were fascinating and the whole climax is so intense and riveting. I couldn’t turn pages fast enough! The action is incredible and the ending is a perfect tribute to these strong characters.
Loved Marion’s stories about her childhood and the beautiful imagery of drops of gold — especially at the end!! Clever twists in the story like learning about Marion’s identity and full history.
I have not read many accounts of life for civilians in Spain or France during the Napoleonic Wars. Mariposa’s tragic story is fascinating and shows her incredible courage. I loved how she finds joy despite her challenges and particularly enjoyed her ways of nettling Jason and bringing him out of his carefully crafted shell. Beautiful what Jason does for Mariposa in the climactic end.
The scene when Stanley finally opens up to his brothers about his war experiences and injuries was really beautiful and also silly — somehow lighthearted in the midst of grief and pain.
I absolutely loved the side plot of Philip and Sorrel expecting a new baby and all the emotions that entails. The moments after the birth that Harold is blessed to be a part of are absolutely beautiful. more happy tears from me. What a tender, holy moment!
I love the climax to the series with everyone gathering to hear their father’s last request from his will. Those moments are so tender and I loved seeing everyone again after learning more about their stories. The letters he wrote to everyone are so lovely and special. Having now read the first Gents books, these moments are even more lovely.

I can’t say enough good things about this series. I love the characters. I love the romance. I love the Regency setting. I love the relationships between the brothers and with their Mater. These books are lovely, inspiring, and so intriguing. I will definitely be returning them in years to come.