Ana María and the Fox

January 30, 2023
De La Rosa (On a Midsummer Night) turns the world of Victorian London’s high society upside down with this impressive series launch. In 1863, seeking refuge from the French occupation of Mexico, heiresses Ana María Luna Valdés and her two younger sisters head to London as “goodwill ambassadors.” There, Ana María meets Gideon Fox, the son of a Scotsman and a biracial English woman, who has worked hard to gain a position in Parliament and hopes to use his political influence to end the international slave trade. The pair are bonded by mutual attraction and a shared understanding of what it is to be an outsider. When a member of the aristocracy threatens the Luna sisters’ safety, Gideon risks his political future to protect them—and love blossoms between him and Ana María. De La Rosa expands the typical purview of a historical romance to explore the impact of global politics without ever losing sight of the love story at the center of the chaos. Ana María’s struggle to balance her desire for independence with her thirst for familial approval makes her an especially well-rounded heroine. Readers will be eager for the next Luna sisters romance. Agent: Rebecca Strauss, DeFiore & Co.

Starred review from June 1, 2023

The eldest of three daughters, Ana Mar�a Luna Vald�s strives to be the perfect daughter, niece, and sister. When she and her sisters are sent to England after the French occupation of Mexico, Ana Mar�a sees an opportunity to break free of expectations and discover her own independence, even though all the eyes of the British elite are upon her. Having started at the bottom of society, Gideon Fox climbed the ladder to become a member of Parliament. When Ana Mar�a's and Gideon's paths cross, unexpected and exhilarating love blooms between the two. De la Rosa's ("Once Upon a Scandal" novels) series starter is a slow-burn romance. Narrator Ruby Hunt nails the various accents and dialects, even that of the villainous earl who is after Ana Mar�a's fortune. Her characterizations of Ana Mar�a and Gideon bring out their individual personalities and strength of character. Though the book is slightly less steamy and more willing to tackle issues such as racism, equality, and human rights, fans of Bridgerton will enjoy this first book in a new series. The author even includes a note about the historical context and her inspiration for writing the novel. VERDICT An excellent Bridgerton read-alike that should have broad appeal.--Elyssa Everling

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