I love historical fiction but this isn't one of my preferred time periods. That said, this has an intriguing (and somewhat saucy!) start to the novel. I liked the characterisation and the vivid descriptions of people but I'd need to read more to make up my mind. I think the Author's Note should go at the back of the book - it is beautifully written but is stuff I'd want to read afterwards when I'm more invested in it.