Last Updated on December 23, 2022 by ThoughtsStained
When I saw The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics existed, I immediately put it on hold at the library. Then, I continually refreshed the page to check my hold status over the weeks, waiting for this book to become available. I’ve always wanted to read more lesbian romances, but I never seem to find them as historical or fantasy romances–especially not as the main pairing (this is changing, thank goodness, but it’s not something I usually came across growing up). So when this unapologetically marketed it, I was ecstatic.
When it finally came into my possession, I didn’t hesitate and devoured the entire thing in three sittings? A good thing, too, because when I went to turn it back in at the library, it already had nine additional holds and I didn’t want to be the one to slow them down.
Book Info
Publisher: Avon Impulse | Release Date: July 2019 | Pages: 322
Age Range: Adult | Genre: Romance | Format: Paperback | Source: Borrowed
As Lucy Muchelney watches her ex-lover’s sham of a wedding, she wishes herself anywhere else. It isn’t until she finds a letter from the Countess of Moth, looking for someone to translate a groundbreaking French astronomy text, that she knows where to go. Showing up at the Countess’ London home, she hoped to find a challenge, not a woman who takes her breath away.
Catherine St Day looks forward to a quiet widowhood once her late husband’s scientific legacy is fulfilled. She expected to hand off the translation and wash her hands of the project—instead, she is intrigued by the young woman who turns up at her door, begging to be allowed to do the work, and she agrees to let Lucy stay. But as Catherine finds herself longing for Lucy, everything she believes about herself and her life is tested.
While Lucy spends her days interpreting the complicated French text, she spends her nights falling in love with the alluring Catherine. But sabotage and old wounds threaten to sever the threads that bind them. Can Lucy and Catherine find the strength to stay together or are they doomed to be star-crossed lovers?
On the Page
Referenced
Minor
Content warnings are written up by me, unless specified. Subject to being an incomplete list, though guided by referencing this list and trying to highlight as many as I can identify.
Review
Likes
- The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics didn’t disappoint. It felt like everything I’d been missing from romance literature (and it’s a genre that I fiercely love). I loved how we had women fighting for their place in society and the twist at the end? Oh wow, that was just too good. I wish I could see the cinematic rendition of such a reveal, just to see the sorry look on his face. I was fascinated about the astronomy side of things and I really loved seeing Catherine find her niche, too. I also loved reading about a romance with a bit of an age gap, something I’m not used to reading. And with Lucy having confidence while Catherine needing a bit of guidance? That was fantastic, too.
- I also thought the romance itself was very well-written. (Surprisingly, I was a little more invested in Lucy’s publication plot. Usually with romances, it’s the other way around). That said, when we reached a point where the romance experienced its first tension, I definitely was speed reading to try and get past that point. I definitely wanted Lucy and Catherine to make it, because they both deserved this love that before, they didn’t think they’d ever find.
Dislikes
Rating
All around, I thought The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics was a really wonderful book. I am very excited to see what else Waite writes in this series! Hopefully, I’ll get to see more lesbian fiction proudly marketed as just that.
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Eeeee I have been wanting to read this and I’m so glad you loved it! Give me ALL the romances feat. ladies in scientific fields. 😀
Ohmygosh, I thought it was just so lovely! Definitely hard to put down for me!