Step into the sparkling world of the Culhane Family series, where romance, humor, and a dash of late 19th-century charm collide! Penned by the dynamic duo of Janet Evanovich and Dorien Kelly, this delightful two-book saga whisks readers to Michigan and New York City, following the Culhane clan as they navigate love, societal expectations, and a pinch of suspense. Perfect for fans of witty historical romance, this series is a hidden gem that blends heart and hilarity.
With its vibrant characters and playful tone, the Culhane Family series invites you to root for love against all odds. Whether it’s a brewery sabotage or a high-society marriage plot, the Culhanes always find a way to charm their way through. Ready to dive into their world? Let’s explore how this series came to be and why it’s worth your reading time!
How Culhane Family Began
The Culhane Family series sprang from the creative minds of Janet Evanovich, the queen of comedic mystery, and Dorien Kelly, a romance aficionado with a knack for heartfelt stories. Known for her Stephanie Plum novels, Evanovich brought her signature humor, while Kelly, a Michigan-based author, added depth to the historical setting. Their collaboration, sparked in the early 2010s, aimed to craft a lighthearted historical romance series that blended Evanovich’s zany energy with Kelly’s romantic finesse. The result? A pair of novels that capture the glitz and grit of the Gilded Age with a modern, sassy twist.
The Heart of Culhane Family
The series kicks off with Love in a Nutshell (2012), set in Keene’s Harbor, Michigan. Kate Appleton, freshly divorced and jobless, retreats to her family’s summer home, The Nutshell, hoping to turn it into a bed-and-breakfast. Enter Matt Culhane, a brewery owner who hires Kate to spy on his employees to catch a saboteur. As sparks fly, Kate and Matt unravel mysteries and their own undeniable chemistry, all while dodging danger and beer-related antics. The story’s small-town charm and suspenseful romance make it a cozy yet thrilling read.
The second book, The Husband List (2013), transports readers to 1894 New York City. Caroline Maxwell, an American heiress, dreams of adventure and love with Jack Culhane, an Irish-American bachelor who’s all charisma but no title. Her mother, however, has her sights set on a shady English duke. Caroline’s feisty spirit and Jack’s roguish charm drive a tale of passion, defiance, and high-society intrigue. Both novels weave themes of independence, love against societal norms, and the pursuit of happiness, wrapped in Evanovich’s humor and Kelly’s romantic warmth.
The series’ late 19th-century backdrop—Michigan’s lakeside charm and New York’s glittering elite—grounds its playful tone in a vivid historical context. Readers are treated to a blend of witty dialogue, strong heroines, and swoon-worthy heroes, making the Culhane Family a standout in historical romance. The mix of suspense, comedy, and heart ensures each page crackles with energy.
Why Culhane Family Resonates
Though a compact series, the Culhane Family books have carved a niche among fans of Evanovich’s quirky style and historical romance enthusiasts. Readers praise the strong, relatable heroines—Kate’s resilience and Caroline’s defiance resonate with those who love characters who chart their own paths. The series’ blend of humor and romance, likened to a “Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers classic” by USA Today, offers an escapist joyride. Its smaller scale adds to its charm, making it a perfect weekend read for those craving a quick dip into a bygone era.
The collaboration between Evanovich and Kelly also highlights their ability to bridge genres, appealing to both mystery and romance fans. While not as widely known as Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series, Culhane Family holds its own with its unique blend of Gilded Age glamour and modern sensibilities, ensuring its lasting appeal for readers seeking light, uplifting stories.
- Publication Years: 2012–2013
- Number of Books: 2
- Genres: Historical Romance, Romantic Suspense, Humor
Grab Love in a Nutshell and dive into the Culhane Family’s irresistible world of romance and adventure! Whether you’re sipping tea or dreaming of Gilded Age ballrooms, this series is your ticket to a delightful escape.