A Novel of the Brontës

Publish Date Sep 16 2025 by Regal House Publishing

In 1846 Yorkshire, the Brontë sisters—Charlotte, Anne, and Emily—navigate precarious lives marked by heartbreak and struggle. Charlotte faces rejection from the man she loves, while their blind father and troubled brother add to their burdens. Despite their immense talent, no one will publish their poetry or novels. Amidst this turmoil, Emily encounters a charming shepherd during her solitary walks on the moors, yet he remains unseen by anyone else.

After Emily’s untimely death, Charlotte—now a successful author with Jane Eyre—stumbles upon hidden letters and a mysterious map. As she stands on the brink of her own marriage, Charlotte is determined to uncover the truth about her sister’s secret relationship.

My thoughts:

The Bronte sister’s life is known to us yet still mysterious and their stories are timeless and evoke human emotions so raw and brilliantly expressed that it leaves the reader powerful and lasting impressions.

Despite their early education and talent, they were dealt hardships in their short lives. As children they were left much on their own because of their mother’s death in 1821 and the death of their elder sister’s Mary and Elizabeth. These sad circumstances left them to take care of each other.

As they grew older, their father Patrick Brontë eyes were failing him and with the potential threat of his income as a minster and rectory being taken from him and their brother Branwells inability to establish employment for various reasons, they faced homelessness or the workhouse.

Charlotte, the driving force to publish their writings, begins to seek a publisher for her work and encourages her sisters to do so as well.

Stephanie Cowell has masterfully written a story about the cherished Brontë’s adult life in Yorkshire and brilliantly weaves in a story of Emily meeting a mysterious man on one of her walks on the moors.

Cowell’s ability to take readers to time and place is truly wonderful and adsorbing. I couldn’t put this story down. I will certainly purchase a physical copy of this book when it comes out.

Stephanie

I have rated this book five stars

I obtained an ARC from the publishers through NetGalley.