Who Would Like This Book:
This Regency-era romance is a slow-burn delight, blending passionate science, gorgeous art, richly drawn characters, and a refreshing dose of feminism. Lucy and Catherine’s authentic relationship unfolds amid the struggles of women in STEM and art, and the book doesn't shy away from addressing prejudice, mutual support, and queer history with care. If you love stories about women breaking barriers, quiet romances with depth and emotional realism, and some real talk about creativity and gender, you’ll adore this beautifully crafted novel. It’s also perfect for those craving an F/F romance that’s more than just fluff - think swoons, substance, and sisterhood!
Who May Not Like This Book:
Not everyone vibes with the book’s leisurely pace - if you crave fast, drama-packed plots or lots of romantic angst, you might find this one a bit staid or low on tension. Some readers wanted more fireworks, a stronger takedown of the sexist antagonists, or found the period language and repeated use of titles distracting. Others felt the emotional beats rushed by too quickly, or wished the story dug deeper into the science or relationship buildup. Basically, those wanting high-stakes drama or trope-driven action may not find what they’re looking for here.
About:
In 'The Lady's Guide to Celestial Mechanics' by Olivia Waite, readers are taken on a journey through Regency England where a young astronomer, Lucy, falls for the wealthy widowed countess, Catherine. Together, they learn to trust each other, pursue science, and advocate for women's rights. The book delves into themes of love, friendship, feminism, and the struggles faced by women in male-dominated fields, all while exploring a tender and genuine romance between the two main characters.
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Has Romance?
The romance between the two main characters, Lucy and Catherine, is a central focus of the novel and is described as tender and deeply developed.
From The Publisher:
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?
Ratings (24)
Incredible (5) | |
Loved It (10) | |
Liked It (6) | |
It Was OK (1) | |
Hated It (2) |
Reader Stats (114):
Read It (28) | |
Currently Reading (1) | |
Want To Read (48) | |
Did Not Finish (4) | |
Not Interested (33) |
2 comment(s)
3.5 stars. Highly enjoyed this lesbian romance novel, I definitely need more of that in my life. But it seems that gay and diverse historical romance is hard to find.. :( (any one got a tip?) But back to the book, it had a pleasant story line and good level of angst but I didn't fully fell in love with it, wanted more but don't know what
4.5 stars. Hidden Figures but make it Regency. And gay.
Take a network of women who want to be astronomers and botanists and zoologists. Surround them by men who won't let them. Have them do it anyway. Stir in a black mathematician and plenty of lesbian lust. And, just to make it perfect, lots of embroidery and dress descriptions. This is a mass-market romance, but it's also about who decides what counts as art and science and who decides who gets to do them.
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The Lady's Guide to Celestial Mechanics?
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