Zibby Mag

By Alice Berman

As the cozy season descends, so does the necessity for a low-stakes, high-emotion page-turner. Books that you can inhale while curled up in bed, and go to sleep without having gory nightmares from too much true crime, are typified by Julia Quinn’s classic series following the eight Bridgerton children (now adapted by Shonda Rhimes for Netflix). For those who have already worked their way through the ups, downs, and many in-betweens of the Bridgertons, here are five period-piece books that will treat you to similar hijinks and happy endings.

A Lady’s Guide to Fortune-Hunting by Sophie Irwin

Kitty Talbot, the enterprising protagonist of Sophie Irwin’s debut novel, is a woman who gets things done. Finding herself, and her sisters, suddenly without the financial security they’d relied upon, she goes to London in search of a wealthy husband. Pragmatic, focused, and incredibly clever, Kitty puts her immense charms to work, only to be thwarted by Lord Radcliffe, who, of course, happens to be incredibly dashing himself.

The characters in this book are so well-formed that you’ll come away thinking of them as real people; Kitty and Lord Radcliffe are both funny and serious, a pair who pop off the page. Irwin’s writing is fluid and easy; the book is over before you know it. A classic Regency tale with all the hallmarks of a rom-com, and a huge amount of heart, this novel will not disappoint.

Miss Lattimore’s Letter by Suzanne Allain

Written by the author of Regency classic Mr. Malcolm’s List (now a major, and excellent, movie, which you can stream via Amazon Prime), this book focuses on spinster chaperone Sophie, who cannot help but involve herself to connect two star-crossed lovers. Soon achieving a reputation for matchmaking, Sophie finds herself mired in other people’s predicaments, while contending with her own past suitor, and a new crush.

Although the main points of the plot are different, this book is similar in many ways to Jane Austen’s Persuasion, with a thoughtful, mature protagonist who is constantly questioning her own opinions of people against the roles that society has imposed upon them. Sophie is long past the blush and innocence of youth that often characterize books like this, and it is her self-reflection that makes this read so worthwhile.

Persuasion by Jane Austen

Why not return to the roots of period-piece romance? Although Pride and Prejudice is standard fare, Austen’s last book is often overlooked, billed as a slow-burn story set across seven years. In fact, her last book is considered by many scholars to be her best—its plot is sharp and its writing so gorgeously concise you’ll want to diagram her sentences.

Persuasion takes place over the course of months, following Anne Elliot, who has consigned herself to a marriage-less life. Anne doesn’t long for marriage—in fact, she turned down two proposals, one from the man she loved, Frederic, because he wasn’t considered a good enough match, the second one because she was still in love with Frederic. Frederic reappears, tells Anne’s sisters-in-law that she looks “so changed,” and wreaks utter havoc on the many country estates of Anne and her extended family. Further chaos ensues when a new love interest throws himself in the mix, and Anne is once again the belle of the ball.

The Pursuit of Love by Nancy Mitford

Although this takes place in the years leading up to WWII, it has all the feeling and fun of one of Julia Quinn’s books. Focusing on the seven Radlett siblings and their cousin, Fanny, the family dynamics and quirks of their country home are certain to cause laughter. The novel, the first in Mitford’s classic trilogy, follows Linda Radlett and Fanny through their coming-of-age at 14, their debutante balls, their engagements and marriages, and the eventuality of truly falling in love.

Written with wry humor that will keep you smiling even at dark moments, this quick read is compelling, thought-provoking, and endlessly entertaining. Based largely on Nancy Mitford’s own unique upbringing, and her famous sisters, the narrative seems to unfurl into reality before your eyes, as every detail is so concrete. It’s impossible not to be undone by the depth of emotion in this book, yet you’ll come away feeling wittier than ever.