Thank you NetGalley and HarperNorth for this eCopy to review.

I just finished The Quiet Wife: A Speke Hall Scandal by Felicity York, and I’m completely captivated. This second instalment in the Stately Scandals series is a beautifully told, emotionally rich historical novel that lingers in the mind long after the final page.

Set in 19th-century Liverpool, the story centres on Frances Leyland, wife of the wealthy shipowner and art patron Frederick Leyland. From the outside, her life at Speke Hall appears idyllic grand surroundings, social prestige, and a husband with cultural ambitions. But beneath the surface, Frances is quietly suffocating. Frederick’s indifference and control leave her emotionally adrift, until the arrival of American artist James Whistler changes everything.

Whistler is commissioned to paint Frances’s portrait and redesign their London home, but his presence stirs something deeper. Through his gaze and conversation, Frances begins to rediscover herself—not just as a muse, but as a woman with desires, intellect, and agency. Their connection is tender, forbidden, and transformative. York handles it with such sensitivity that I found myself completely swept up in Frances’s awakening.

What I loved:

🖤 The setting was a dream. As someone from Lancashire who’s visited Speke Hall several times, I was thrilled to see it brought to life so vividly. The timbered façade, the moody interiors, the surrounding gardens—it all felt familiar and beautifully atmospheric. York captures the spirit of the place with such elegance.

🖤 Frances is a quietly powerful protagonist. Her emotional journey—from neglected wife to self-aware woman—is written with nuance and empathy. I rooted for her every step of the way.

🖤 The historical detail is rich but never overwhelming. York blends fact and fiction seamlessly, giving depth to the characters while keeping the narrative intimate and compelling.

🖤 The romance is subtle and poignant. It’s not just about passion—it’s about recognition, emotional connection, and the courage to want more.

This isn’t a scandalous romp, it’s a deeply human story about longing, identity, and the quiet rebellion of choosing oneself. If you love historical fiction with emotional depth, strong female leads, and a real sense of place, The Quiet Wife is a must-read.