A Lesson in Propriety by Jen Turano

 A Lesson in Propriety

Book Summary

LESSON ONE: Stand in the way of the Windy City's criminal world and expect a most improper proposal from an eligible gentleman in return.

With her father dead, her fortune stolen, and her fiancé casting her aside, Miss Drusilla Merriweather's privileged life has been upended. She is left with only one option: to provide for her family by opening a finishing school in the allegedly haunted castle she's inherited from her eccentric aunt. However, her plan is immediately threatened by unscrupulous developers keen on claiming the coveted estate for themselves by any means necessary.

Mr. Rhenick Wittenbecker, a dashing architect with a tendency to charm his way out of trouble, is convinced he can protect Drusilla but is challenged by her fierce independence. Yet when strange occurrences--walking suits of armor and unexpected ghostly visitors--arise within the castle's grounds, Drusilla must decide whether to risk her family's safety and her school on the gallant architect who seems to have found his way into her heart.

My Thoughts

A Lesson in Propriety by Jen Turano is the first entertaining tale in the Merriweather Academy for Young Ladies series.  I always look forward to reading Jen Turano’s stories because I know there will be great characters and plenty of humor.  I like that Drusilla Merriweather is resilient and independent. Drusilla is certainly extremely knowledgeable about the rules of social propriety (she knows the correct etiquette for every social occasion-what to say, do, and how to act—she is walking etiquette book). Rhenick Wittenbecker is a good match for Drusilla.  Of course, the road to happily ever after is a bumpy one, especially with the unusual and hilarious happening at the estate.  I enjoyed the banter between Rhenick and Drusilla (I chuckled frequently).   The message of being loved for who you are (the unique individual that you are) is very prevalent.  I sat down one evening and read A Lesson in Propriety from beginning to end.  I closed the book with a happy heart and a smile on my face.  

A Lesson in Propriety is available from Amazon.  I am looking forward to reading the next entertaining tale in the Merriweather Academy for Young Ladies series  You can find Jen Turano's other novels here. Thank you for dropping by today.  On Thursday, May 22, I will be sharing my thoughts of Brighter Days for the Cornish Girls by Betty Walker. It is the eighth book in the Cornish Girls series.  I am off to put together our new grill.  The last one (the one that Hurricane Milton destroyed) took me five days to put together (the directions were not the best).  The direction are much better for this grill (there are pictures and words!).  I hope that you have a delightful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

An Unexpected Grace by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse

 An Unexpected Grace

Book Summary

Can unexpected grace lay the foundation for a second chance at love?

After a decade away, Parker Bennett returns home with a traveling troupe to perform a play based on Uncle Tom's Cabin at the Kalispell Opera House. Parker has relished his life on the road, but being home awakens long-buried emotions when he encounters his first love, Johanna St. John. He can't help but wonder if there might still be a place for him in her heart.

Widowed for three years, Johanna devotes all her time to a demanding toddler, an injured father, and a successful millinery business. After the loss of her husband, she desires to move on, but reconnecting with her past love leaves her unsure of what lies ahead. Both committed to God's distinct calling on their lives, Johanna and Parker struggle to see how their futures can unite, and when strange things start happening around town, their second chance at a life together seems more unlikely than ever.

Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse present another journey to the American Frontier with themes of second chances and the enduring power of grace despite life's trials. An Unexpected Grace makes a compelling read for fans of Christian romance novels, exploring love through the lens of faith.

My Thoughts

An Unexpected Grace by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse is an uplifting second chance romance.  There is suspense courtesy of a wicked brother-in-law who will use any means necessary to get what he wants. I like the authors’ writing style. I found myself slowly being drawn into the story. I liked Joanna, who grew up in the ten years since she last saw Parker. She is a strong, determined, and creative woman. Joanna creates stylish hats for the ladies of the town (the hats during this time period were beautiful). I liked that Joanna had matured in character and faith.  Emily is a busy yet adorable child.  She managed to wrap Parker around her little finger. Marvella is a great character.  She added humor to the story.  

Faith is prominent throughout the story as well as hope and healing. I wish, though, that the plot had not followed a foreseeable path and there had been less reiteration.  The story has a good message and an ending that left me smiling.  An Unexpected Grace is a pleasing conclusion to The Jewels of Kalispell series. An Unexpected Grace is a touching tale with a blackguard brother-in-law, a rambunctious child, attractive chapeaus, a traveling troupe, a flirtatious Frenchwoman, and a gracious God. 

Sears & Roebuck Catalog 1902

An Unexpected Grace is available from Amazon.  The first two books in The Jewels of Kalispell series are The Heart's Choice and With Each Tomorrow.  You can find Tracie Peterson's other novels here and Kimberley Woodhouse's books here.  Kimberley Woodhouse has A Song in the Dark coming out September 23.  Tracie Peterson has A Moment to Love releasing on October 21.  It is the third book in The Hope of Cheyenne series.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will return tomorrow with my thoughts about A Lesson in Propriety by Jen Turano.  I was thrilled this weekend when a new roof was put on our home.  I no longer need to worry about rain coming in and destroying the walls and ceilings.  The carport (and my new porch) is next, but I need to wait three more weeks. The permits have not come through yet (a norm since the two hurricanes last year). I will be glad when the destruction caused by Hurricane Milton is in my rearview mirror.  I hope that you have a day filled with joy.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Meet Me at the Starlight by Rachel Hauck

 Meet Me at the Starlight

Book Summary

1987. Supermodel Harlow Hayes seeks solace in a quaint Florida beach town to heal from a heartbreak that shattered her entire world. To her surprise, she encounters Matt Knight--a Hollywood A-lister with a bad-boy reputation--who has returned to his hometown to help his plucky grandmother, Tuesday, save her century-old skating rink, the Starlight.

The Starlight holds a special place in the hearts of the community, once acting as a refuge for Depression-era families and bringing the town together with gatherings and celebrations. Tuesday's determination even protected her beloved rink from her husband's shady business dealings. Yet when the Starlight is threatened with demolition, Tuesday begins to wonder if an era has come to an end.

As Matt and Harlow strategize to save the rink, they find themselves on a journey of surprises, self-discovery, and the kind of healing that leads to love.

My Thoughts

Meet Me at the Starlight is the latest novel by Rachel Hauck.  The story alternates between 1932 with Tuesday Knight and 1987 with Harlow Hayes as well as Tuesday’s grandson, Matt.  Tuesday was my favorite character.  Tuesday has a big heart and an abiding faith.  She loves her family and the skating rink, the Starlight. I enjoyed the references to the skating rink. When I was a teen (in the 80s), it was the place to go on Friday and Saturday nights with friends. I could not believe the mayor and other bigwigs wanted to tear down a town landmark in the name of progress (aka money).  I thought Harlow’s storyline paled in comparison to Tuesday’s. I thought Harlow was wishy washy (she needed to grow a backbone). Personally, I wish the story had focused on Tuesday and the Starlight.  I loved the 1980s references.  The author captured the eighties including the way women had to look (thin was in—I am talking size 0). I struggled with the first sixty percent of the book, but I enjoyed the last part.  I like how everything turned how except one tiny detail (I wish I could say what it is, but it would be a spoiler).  Meet Me at the Starlight is a story about second chances, faith, romance, finding yourself, and fighting to save the Starlight. 

Meet Me at the Starlight can be obtained from Amazon*.  You can find Rachel Hauck's other novels here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  Are you ready for the Fourth of July?  I have my grill cleaned as well as a full tank of propane.  I also picked up the fixings for hamburgers.  My yard is decorated (of course).  It can be seen from the far end of the street.  Tomorrow I will be sharing my thoughts on A Choice Considered by Tracie Peterson. It is the second book in The Heart of Cheyenne series.  I am off to take care of the neighborhood cats who visit every day plus the two ducks (Quackers and Quigley).  For some reason, the ducks have been wandering around the village instead of staying by the lake.  Quackers and Quigley have decided they like my house and spend most of their time in my yard and on my porch (ducks are messy).  They drink a lot of water (and spill the water bowl frequently).  I had fun watching them play in the rain on Sunday.  I hope that you have a merry day. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader. 

The Blackout Book Club by Amy Lynn Green

 The Blackout Book Club

Book Summary

In 1942, an impulsive promise to her brother before he goes off to the European front puts Avis Montgomery in the unlikely position of head librarian in small-town Maine. Though she has never been much of a reader, when wartime needs threaten to close the library, she invents a book club to keep its doors open. The women she convinces to attend the first meeting couldn't be more different--a wealthy spinster determined to aid the war effort, an exhausted mother looking for a fresh start, and a determined young war worker.

At first, the struggles of the home front are all the club members have in common, but over time, the books they choose become more than an escape from the hardships of life and the fear of the U-boat battles that rage just past their shores. As the women face personal challenges and band together in the face of danger, they find they have more in common than they think. But when their growing friendships are tested by secrets of the past and present, they must decide whether depending on each other is worth the cost.

My Thoughts

The Blackout Book Club by Amy Lynn Green gives us a look at life on the home front during World War II.  A diverse group of people come together to discuss books when Avis dreams up the book club to save the library from closing. The book club turns out to be so much more.  As they meet, they begin to know each other.  Friendships are formed that turn into lasting bonds.  This is a heartwarming story.  I enjoyed getting to know the characters.  I liked seeing the characters grow as they got to know each other.  The cast of characters is diverse.  I also thought the characters were realistic.  The story is told from several points of view which I found challenging in the beginning.  It became easier as I got further into the story.  The book is full of history and literature.  You can tell the author did her research.  I especially enjoyed the references to Mrs. Miniver (love that movie).  I liked that the group did not just read novels.  They enjoyed poetry, how to books, Shakespeare, fiction, and much more. 

The notes from each meeting were entertaining.  I especially enjoyed them when Ginny wrote them.  Ginny is a lively character who has spunk.  We get to see how it was at home for different types of people during the war.  Avis is a young married woman who does not want her husband to go off fighting.  Avis is not a reader, but she agreed to take her brother’s librarian job while he is off fighting.  She promised him she would do her best to keep the library open.  Louise is a spinster and the richest woman in town.  Louise owns the library.  She has kept herself apart from others because she is afraid that they will discover her secret.  Ginny is working at the foundry (which is dirty, hot work).  She would rather be out on a boat, but the war department requisitioned the family island.  Martina is married with two kids.  She also works at the foundry.  Martina hopes her no-good husband will not find her.  I was sorry when The Blackout Book Club ended.  Those who love books, will enjoy reading this story.  The Blackout Book Club is a poignant tale with a large library, daycare center conundrum, blackout curtains, war rationing, a sly spouse, lively talks, and enduring friendships.  

The Blackout Book Club is available from Amazon*.  You can find Amy Lynn Green's other creations here.  Thank you for joining me today.  Tomorrow I am sharing my thoughts on Mountain Town Mischief with a Poodle by Virgina Fox.  I hope that you have a happy day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Orchard by Beverly Lewis

The Orchard

Book Summary

"She realized there was peace right here in the midst of this heavenly sort of place, despite the unpredictable storm churning around her family."

For generations, Ellie Hostetler's family has tended their Lancaster County orchard, a tradition her twin brother, Evan, will someday continue. Yet when Evan's draft number is called up in the lottery for the Vietnam War, the family is shocked to learn he has not sought conscientious objector status, despite their Old Order Amish belief in non-resistance. The faraway war that has caused so much turmoil and grief among their Englisher neighbors threatens too close to home.

As Evan departs for boot camp, Ellie confides her disappointment to Sol Bontrager, the brother of her best friend and cousin to her new beau, Menno. In contrast to Evan, Sol is a conscientious objector. Despite Ellie's attraction to Menno, she finds herself drawn to Sol's steady presence as they work together in the orchard. Suddenly, it feels as if everything in Ellie's world is shifting, and the plans she held so dear seem increasingly uncertain. Can she and her family find the courage to face a future unlike any they could have imagined?

My Thoughts

The Orchard by Beverly Lewis is a touching Amish tale.  It is well-written with relatable characters.  We get to know Ellie Hostetler and her family.  Ellie along with her twin brother, Evan and their parents are the central characters.  We follow them as they go about their day to day lives during the Vietnam War.  Evan gets a low number is the draft lottery.  He failed to register as a conscientious objector, so Evan is soon drafted and sent off to war.  The Hostetler’s live in Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania which has a close-knit Amish community. Everyone is praying for Evan to return home safely and return to the fold.  Ellie loves her family orchard.  If she had been born a boy, Ellie would inherit the orchard she loves.  Instead, Evan is the one who stands to inherit the farm, but he is not sure that is the path he wishes to go.  There are several subplots.  I like how everything worked together.  The point-of-view switched between Ellie and her father, Lyle.  

The Orchard is a good book, but I did not find it as engaging as this author’s previous novels.  The biggest problem was the pacing which was leisurely (you know the 90-year-old woman with the walker who slowly goes across the road while you are waiting to turn right—that is the pace of this book).  It took quite a while for the author to set the stage (introduce the characters, the orchard, etc.).  I admit that I did some skimming to get through it (laundry days, all the meals, letter writing).  I wish there had been some editing (take out about a hundred pages).  I like the characters' strong faith.  They know that God is watching out for them, and they are firm believers in the power of prayer.  I did feel that the author captured how people felt about the Vietnam War and conscientious objectors.   The Orchard has a good ending, but I do feel that Evan’s story is incomplete.  The Orchard is a tender Amish tale with apple picking, pretty peach blossoms, Vietnam war woes, a tender romance, and powerful prayers.

The Orchard is available from Amazon*.  You can follow Beverly Lewis on Amazon.  They will send you an email when the author has a new book release.  I appreciate you taking time out of your day to read my book review.  I will return tomorrow with The Ghost and the Stolen Tears by Cleo Coyle.  It is the latest A Haunted Bookshop Mystery.  I hope that you have a joyful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

A Time to Bloom by Lauraine Snelling

 A Time to Bloom

Book Summary

Will their dreams fall apart when confronted with all that is stacked against them?

Delphinium Nielsen and her sisters have accomplished much in the past year, traveling west and settling in Nebraska. They are on their way to building a garden in dedication to their mother and working against the forces of nature to make their farm thrive. However, none of that can mask their concern that they are quickly running out of money. Del's work teaching in their booming town offers hope, not only to support her sisters financially, but also to better her students' lives. Not all of the town sees it that way, though, with the rebuilding of the schoolhouse continually neglected and her brightest student's father demanding he work the farm instead of attend class.

When their brother Anders arrives with his war-wounded and heartbroken friend RJ, Anders sees the strength of the sisters' idea to start a boardinghouse and decides to invest in it. Del finds RJ barely polite and wants nothing to do with him. But despite Del and her sisters' best-laid plans, the future--and RJ--might surprise them all.

My Thoughts

A Time to Bloom by Lauraine Snelling sweeps us back to 1866 in Salton, Nebraska.  The Nielsen sisters are working hard on their farm and to bring the businesses necessary for the people in their area to thrive.   Del Nielsen is the town’s schoolteacher and the only family member bringing in money.  Del is frustrated that the men in town are slow to rebuild the school.  She finds it frustrating to teach in the church where she cannot have things set up as she would in a proper classroom.  Del loves teaching and wants to provide the best possible education for her scholars.  One of her students, Tim is extremely bright, but his father prioritizes farm work over school.  Two other students have a father who frequently visits the liquor tent and takes out his drunken rages on his family.  Anders Nielsen, the sister’s brother, visits to bring needed supplies and see about the boarding house the ladies which to erect.  He brings his friend, RJ Easton who survived the war only to be attacked on his way home by an angry confederate.  His wound continues to pain him.  RJ was looking forward to marrying his sweetheart.  He arrived home to learn that she married someone else why he was away fighting.  A fresh start is just what RJ needs.  His background makes him the perfect person to head the boardinghouse project.  RJ gets off on the wrong foot with Del.  She tolerates him but does her best to avoid him.  God has a way of changing the best laid plans.  

A Time to Bloom is the second novel in Leah’s Garden.  It picks up where The Seeds of Change ended.  I suggest reading the series in order as it will allow you to get to know the Nielsen’s along with their dreams.  I thought A Time to Bloom was well-written with realistic, developed characters.  The Nielsen sisters are very busy with the farm, school, and boarding house.  I do not know how they manage to accomplish so much in a day (I would be worn out after an hour).  Life is not easy in Nebraska at this time.  They face many challenges that include grasshoppers that destroy crops, a twister that destroyed the school, a liquor tent set up near the town, which is causing problems, family violence and so much more.  They do not have the luxury of modern conveniences, nor do they have much money.  These bright women manage to come up with some clever ideas.  Lark has more ideas than time.  These sisters have dreams, and they intend to see them to fruition.  There most important goal is establishing Leah’s Garden in honor of their mother. The Nielsen sisters are lucky to have Anders as well as their friends to help them.  People work together to improve the town and their lives.  

The Nielsen’s also have their faith.  They know that God will help them and guide them.  They must rely on him and his timing which each of them struggle with (patience is a virtue).  The author addresses difficult topics in A Time to Bloom.  Alcoholism, racism, and domestic violence are just three of the issues.  I thought the author did a wonderful job handling these difficult subjects.  I can tell Ms. Snelling did her research into the time period.  She really captured the attitudes, language, dress, inventions, conveyances, etc.  I thought faith was beautifully incorporated into the story.  My favorite line from A Time to Bloom is, “But my ma would say we’re not supposed to be in charge anyway.  That’s what God is for.”  I look forward to returning to the Nielsen sisters’ story in the next installment of Leah’s Garden.  A Time to Bloom is a heartwarming tale with galling grasshoppers, a blossoming township, a worrying wound, liquor tent troubles, a mastermind at mathematics, and three savvy sisters.  

A Time to Bloom will be available on June 7 and it can be preordered from Amazon*.  The first book in Leah's Garden is The Seeds of Change.  You can find Lauraine Snelling's other novels here.  Lauraine Snelling has written some wonderful books (I have read them all).  My favorite is her contemporary Christian novel The Healing Quilt.  I enjoyed the references to lilac's in the story.  I am highly allergic to their blooms, but it is one of my favorite trees.  When we lived in German Village (in Columbus, Ohio), we had a lilac tree in our backyard.  It would bloom in the spring with beautiful, fragrant purple flowers.  I loved to look at the tree despite my allergies (we had a swing underneath it where I could sit and read). Thank you for visiting today and reading my book review.  I will be back on Monday with The Sea Nurses by Kate Eastham.  I hope that you have a calm, relaxing weekend.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Threads of Hope by Leslie Gould

 Threads of Hope

Book Summary

Can they find a way to stitch their suffering into hope and embrace an uncertain future?

Tally Smucker's quiet life of reading and quilting hides her sorrow over her mother's declining health and the lack of a fulfilling future for herself. When her daily life is shaken by her free-spirited neighbor Danielle--who grew up Plain but joined the Army at eighteen--Tally's instinct is to distance herself.

Yet she finds she can't turn away when Danielle's brother, Kenan, specifically asks for her help. She invites Danielle to visit Plain Patterns quilt shop with her, where the story of the plight of a WWI soldier and the girl he left behind resonates with both Tally and Danielle, but for different reasons.

When Tally's mother suffers a setback at the same time Danielle's PTSD becomes unmanageable, it seems Tally's efforts to aid them only make things worse. Can the soldier's story, along with the care of Kenan, help Tally accept the hope that waits just around the corner?

My Thoughts

Threads of Hope by Leslie Gould is the third book in the Plain Patterns series.  Each book can be read as a standalone, but they are wonderful to read as a whole.  We return to Plain Patterns owned by Jane Berger where they have the bi-weekly quilting group meeting.  Tally Smucker and her mother, Regina attend the meetings when her mother’s health allows.  Tally has been her mother’s caregiver since she was eighteen when her mother suffered a stroke.  The Smucker’s have a new neighbor, Danielle and her daughter, Maggie.  Danielle grew up Amish but left at eighteen to join the Army to get away from her strict parents.  Danielle is a widow who is suffering from PTSD.  She is managing her symptoms by self-medicating.  Danielle’s brother, Kenan is worried about Danielle and Maggie.  He asks Tally to call him if there are any problems.  Tally befriends Danielle and Maggie.  Regina, Tally’s mother, invites them to the quilting group.  The pair soon begin spending more time at the Smucker household.  At the quilting group, Jane Berger is restoring an old family quilt.  She also acquired some family letters dating back to World War I.  She begins telling the story of Katie and Amos which resonates with Tally and Danielle.  

I enjoyed reading this dual timeline story.  I found myself captivated and did not want to stop reading.  I like Leslie Gould’s writing style.  It is engaging and draws the reader into the story.  I can tell the author did her research for the historical timeline.  She brought the earlier storyline to life with the historical details.  We get to see how the Spanish Influenza devastated the world in 1918, how conscientious objectors were treated, and how the Amish were against the war, but they profited from it (vegetable prices skyrocketed).  Danielle could relate to Amos’ plight as Tally could relate to Katie’s.  The characters are developed, realistic, and likeable.  I like how the author addresses real life issues (PTSD, addiction, harassment, and depression).  We get to see our characters deal with their problems and grow as individuals.  They must learn to lean of God for help to experience the healing balm of God’s love.   Faith is an integral part of the story which I thought was beautifully incorporated.  I like how we get to see the parallels between what happened in the past and events in the present.  Despite the span of over a hundred years, some things never change (disease, war, family drama, war trauma).  Threads of Hope is an emotional story with themes of family, friends, and faith.  I am glad that we also got updates on the characters from the other two novels in the series.  I hope that this is not the last book in the Plain Patterns series.  Threads of Hope is a poignant tale with whacked caregivers, extensive influenza epidemic, war trauma, conscientious objectors, farm struggles, life lessons, and His healing balm.

Conscientious Objectors at Camp Funston

Threads of Hope is available from Amazon*.  The other two novels in the Plain Patterns series are Piecing it All Together (on Kindle Unlimited) and A Patchwork Past.  You can find Leslie Gould's other novels here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  My mother's eye doctor appointment explained a lot about my mother's vision problems.  She now needs to see a specialist for glaucoma.  We ordered two pairs of glasses (a sale).  I wanted her to have a backup pair.  One of the frames is red (she wanted a red pair) while the other is black, but the stems have beautiful scrollwork on them.  They were also able to temporarily fix her broken frames.  It was a good day.  I will return tomorrow with Blowin' Up A Murder by Tonya Kappes which publishes May 20.  It is the 8th A Kenni Lowry Mystery.  I hope your day is filled with happiness.  I am looking forward to watching the season finale of 9-1-1 (on Fox) and 9-1-1 Lone Star tonight.  Do you have shows that you watch regularly?  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

To Write a Wrong by Jen Turano

 To Write a Wrong

Book Summary

Miss Daphne Beekman is a mystery writer by day, inquiry agent by night. Known for her ability to puzzle out plots, she happily works behind the scenes for the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency, staying well away from danger. However, when Mr. Herman Henderson arrives on the doorstep of the agency, desperate for someone to investigate numerous attempts on his life, Daphne soon finds herself in the thick of a case she's determined to solve.

Mr. Herman Henderson is also a mystery writer, but unlike the dashing heroes he pens, he prefers living a quiet life, determined to avoid the fate of his adventurous parents, who perished while searching for the Lost City of Gold.

As the list of suspects grows and sinister plots are directed at Daphne, the situation quickly deteriorates, and a revealed secret jeopardizes their newfound affection. Only time will tell if Daphne will be able to regain Herman's trust and save both their lives.

My Thoughts

To Write a Wrong by Jen Turano is the 2^nd tale in The Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency series.  I suggest reading To Steal a Heart before beginning To Write a Wrong (you will not regret it).  Miss Daphne Beekman is an author as well as an agent with the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency.  Daphne is an unusual woman for her time period.  She is spirited, creative, clever, clumsy, and loyal with a tendency to swoon.  Daphne carries a large handbag that holds a multitude of items that tend to come in handy including a pistol.  Mr. Herman Henderson comes to the agency late on a Friday night to engage their services.  Herman is a published author who is actually Daphne’s competitor.  Herman has had four attempts on his life, and he wishes to hire the agency to find out who is behind the attempts.  This is the beginning of a humorous, boisterous adventure.  I always look forward to Jen Turano’s book because I can count of them to make me laugh.  To Write a Wrong did not disappoint.  I did find it a little bit of a slow starter.  The first scene between Herman and Daphne seemed to go on too long (it felt a little off).  I love that Daphne can hold her own.  She might swoon on occasion (she is working on it), but Daphne is not a woman to back down.  There is a scene with Daphne at her publishers in Boston that shows off her strengths.  I could envision the scene and the faces of the men in the room which had me chuckling (the thought of that scene still makes me laugh).  To Write a Wrong is a busy book.  I liked all the activity and quirky characters.  Romance abounds with the ladies as they meet some new gentlemen.  Some things never change.  Issues women faced then are some of the same problems women face now.  The author brought 1887 New York and Boston to life with her vivid writing.  To Write a Wrong is a multifaceted, historical novel that is a delight to read.  To Write a Wrong is droll historical tale with matchmaking grandmama’s, a pilfering parrot, a concerned cousin, protective relatives, writing woes, and a not so secret non de plume.  

To Write a Wrong is available from Amazon*.  The first novel in The Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency series is To Steal a Heart (it you belong to Kindle Unlimited, you can borrow it).  Follow Jen Turano on Amazon so you can receive emails on her latest releases.  Thank you for visiting today.  I hope you have left with a new book to read.  Murder in Connemara by Carlene O'Connor is planned for tomorrow.  It is the second A Home to Ireland Mystery.  I hope you have imaginative day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.