Regency novel set literally anywhere other than the UK and with a Jewish heroine? Say no more.
Plot: Ursula is an heiress to one of the largest banking empires in America, but she’s also Jewish and possibly a tiny bit on the spectrum so her social life is best characterized as non-existent. Fortunately, she has her giant brain, her dad, who ferociously supports her giant brain, and her quiet goy friend Hugo, who also enjoys running away from social situations to talk about books. Well, it’s about damn time Ursula lock down a dude, and who better than Hugo – the literal only option. Problem is that his family isn’t really interested in an awkward Jew for a daughter in law, no matter how much money she has. In comes Jay, whose family is aggressively pushing into marriage, a punishment he is absolutely, positively not willing to impose on anyone. But hey, he could pretend to be engaged. His family would get off his back, her future in-laws will see that she’s actually great and change their minds. Everybody wins. Shenanigans ensue.
Ursula is sweet and smart but possesses absolutely zero patience or ability to see things from other people’s perspective. Jay is kind and generous but possesses a complete inability to take anything seriously and struggles intensely with the idea that other people might see him differently than he sees himself. They both have things to learn, and they happened to come across, entirely by accident, exactly the right person to help. And they actually do learn. It is so satisfying to watch these people, who are quite lovely but constantly getting in their own way, being willing to be vulnerable enough to learn something new. Grossman also gives us more time than we usually get with our heroes as they actually become friends and have fun conversations that don’t necessarily go anywhere to get you good and invested.
The New York setting is also a nice breath of fresh air. And so many Jews! Jay even had to sign a Jewish betrothal contract!
The pacing can be a bit uneven and some of the plot twists are telegraphed pretty aggressively, but a great debut novel and definitely worth picking up.
