How to Grieve Like a Victorian by Amy Carol Reeves: Review

I decided to read this book on a whim mainly due to the summary and, of course, the cover. A different take on a trope that is difficult yet handled beautifully.

The author takes us on a journey through grief, with twists, wit, and love. Check out my review below.

affiliate link
How to Grieve Like a Victorian by Amy Carol Reeves
Publisher: ‎ Canary Street Press
Publication date: ‎ December 9, 2025
ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1335014061

SYMMARY:
Dr. Lizzie Wells, professor of British literature and bestselling author, is not okay. She wasn’t consulted when her beloved husband died unexpectedly, so she’s going to grieve however she damned well chooses. Keeping a lock of his hair in a choker around her neck and donning widow’s weeds. You bet. Notifying colleagues and students that she will only accept paper letters instead of email. Why not? Very nearly kissing her late husband’s best friend, Henry. Unfortunately, er…yes.

So when she’s offered a trip to London, Lizzie grabs it. What better place to escape, heal, and be reborn than in the same city where Queen Victoria famously mourned her beloved Prince Albert? Encouraged by new friends to be bold, have champagne and oysters before noon, and celebrate the beauty and the messiness of life, Lizzie begins to embrace it all.

Still, there’s that almost kiss with Henry she just can’t forget. Their cross-Atlantic ‘check-ins’ turn into FaceTime hangouts and their friendship evolves into something more. When Henry shows up in London, Lizzie fears she’s falling in love with him… Will she bravely embrace this second chance, too?

How to Grieve Like a Victorian by Amy Carol Reeves Review

Can you imagine deciding to write a book about grief – especially a contemporary novel! I would think the author would find herself walking on eggshells on the quest to perfect each word.

This book is a shining testament to all of the stages of grief. It is written with wit to show us that finding yourself after a tragedy reshapes your life can be done with humor and fun, a bit of tongue in cheek, as you are discovering who you are now as a widow.

Boundaries are tested, new experiences are shaped, and is it really okay to find yourself falling for your hubby’s best friend?

The author grew this character through the story, and what a journey she experienced through grief, with twists, turns, and love.

How to Grieve Like a Victorian is an endearing, wonderful story that proves everyone’s journey is theirs to live as they see fit.

Love this one!

5 STARS!!

Disclaimer: Affiliate links included. When you buy through links on my site, I may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.