A LADY'S HANDBOOK TO GADETS AND GUILE by Angela Bell

LINK TO SYNOPSIS ON AUTHOR'S SITE

 I FELL IN LOVE WITH THIS STORY ~

1895, London, England. 

"Margaret was not like other girls in high society. For one, having celebrated her thirtieth trip around the sun 🌞, she was well into spinsterhood and not likely to be mistaken for a girl. For another, having suffered a grievous injury in her youth 👩‍🦽, she was afflicted with chronic pain and the dehumanizing term of invalid."

This book really highlights chronic pain in such an interesting way, shedding light on the silent suffering of others. However, adapting it to a clever inventor and a tale of intrigue and romance was delightful. 

There are plenty of ☕ tea moments, from a bracing cup of Assam to steaming cups of Ceylon to piping hot Darjeeling served alongside stroopwafels filled with caramel.

Charles' nickname for Margaret, of Reverie, was sigh-worthy. Figaro is a comfort-giving cat 🐈.

There is beautiful music sweetly shared on the piano, including Abide With Me. 🎹🎵

There are several Easter Eggs throughout the story that harken back to beloved stories and movies, such as the references to "leaning" [While You Were Sleeping 😂] that made this story all the more enjoyable.

At the back of the book, we learn that all of the lady inspectors are inspired by real-life women. How cool is that?! I will leave you to read who those are.

🥄🥄🥄🥄🥄🥄 Spoon Theory: An analogy that illustrates the limited energy of individuals with chronic illness, pain, or disability. It helps them verbalize how much energy they believe they have for a certain period of time, and was well-used in this story.

I was especially touched when the elderly "Magi" prayed around Charles.

I stayed up until midnight to finish this book in one sitting. What an absolutely wonderful read!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I received a copy of the eVersion from NetGalley and the Publisher. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.

I previously read A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventure in January of 2024 and also gave it ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. However, this latest book is listed as book one in the new series: Daughters of Genius Society, yet it does relate back to the first book.

Read 6/7/2026

PART OF YOUR WORLD by Karen Witemeyer

Muriel Quinn and Zane Erickson's story was such a wonderful retelling of 'The Little Mermaid'. I so thoroughly enjoyed it that I finished it in one sitting. The book design by "Carpe Librum Book Design" is lovely, and I adore the play on words. Set in Galveston, TX 1886, we are treated to a delightful tale of a woman whose head is often in the sea rather than firmly planted on the ground and responsibility. She lives with her wonderfully Irish father, Patrick, and is the last daughter left at home. Additionally, Zane is from a wealthy family whose heart desires a love match directed by God and a career in Architecture. His controlling parents are set to push him towards a marriage that will meet their ideals and enlist the help of a matchmaker. I love that St. Ursula's by the Sea run by Octavia Underhill 🦑 was a real place (based on the Ursuline Academy for young ladies or St. Ursula's in 1847).

This book doesn't drag you into the Disney version of the story, but rather whispers to your heart of the fanciful nature of it, yet gives a delightfully grown-up take with nods to the old and a tale you will want to revisit.

I give this book five starfish!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌊

I received an eVersion from the author. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.

Read 05/17/2026
Release date is June 16, 2026

Until next time, Hugs and a Cup of Tea (by the Sea!)

THE LIFE SHE FORGOT By Joanna Davidson Politano

Tumultuous is how I'd describe this book. It's chaos and beauty and desperation all squished together. For most of it, I had an overwhelming feeling of anxiety, quite unlike most books I read. However, as things settled near the end, that feeling finally left me, replaced by grief for what was lost and compassion/gladness for what was found. But not happiness, no, not happiness. There is a haunting weight inside me after reading this book, though it is well-written.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received an eVersion from NetGalley and the Publisher. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation. The House on the Edge of the Cliff Series, Book 1

Expected publication April 21, 2026, by Grafted Page Press

Read:4/6-4/9/2026

Until next time,
Hugs and a Cup of Tea,
Heather Elizabeth

In Pursuit of Civility by Jen Turano

 

Merriweather Academy for Young Ladies #2

Book two features some very unique personalities. People Society deems unusual, because what they cannot understand must be cast out. So, some hide who they are, like Seth's mother, while others ignore Society. Some get in over their heads, like Norma Jean, a thirteen-year-old delinquent, and all are ready to fight the good fight.
This book is very fast-paced and filled with a menagerie of various animals who seem to understand humans. While the animal aspect had the usual whimsy I've come to enjoy in Jen Turano’s books, this time was surprisingly over the top for me, particularly the "grand gesture" (without giving too much away).
And I am definitely not a fan of A.I. generated book covers.
But the romance between the Inventor and the Animal Activist is quite charming. I particularly liked their honesty with each other. Overall, I recommend this book and plan to purchase the paperback while it's forty percent off from the publisher.
⭐⭐⭐⭐

I received an eVersion from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.


Synopsis: Annaliese Merriweather has been appointed the temporary headmistress of the Merriweather Academy for Young Ladies while her sister is on her honeymoon, but she doesn't feel cut out for the role. Especially after she loses two of her most troublesome students during an outing to a county fair and has to recruit the help of Seth McCormick, an eccentric inventor, to retrieve them.
Soon after, one of those mischievous students disappears again, intent on pursuing a pirate map. Together, Annaliese and Seth set out to find her, accompanied by a menagerie of Annaliese's rescued animal companions. As they stumble from one chaotic situation to the next, sparks fly between Annaliese and Seth. Somehow, they'll need to outwit dangerous individuals also intent on seeking treasure and bring everyone back in one piece--all while deciphering what their hearts desire.

With her trademark voice and witty characters, bestselling author Jen Turano presents a lively tale of hijinks, humor, and romance amid the Merriweather Academy's most tumultuous term yet.

Until next time,
Hugs and a Cup of Tea, Heather Elizabeth

May the Road Rise to Meet You Devotional Review

 

 

This is a thoughtful devotional book that includes pages in gentle green tones.

Each daily devotional has a traditional Irish blessing, a few easy-to-read scripture references (Bible needed), and the author's thoughts and words of encouragement. Following that is the Appy It journal page, where you can meditate on what the author suggests and make notes as to what you feel God is directing you towards next.

This book was just released this week and would make a thoughtful gift for St. Patrick's Day, an Irish friend or family member, or simply someone seeking a sweet devotional book.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

I received an eVersion of this book from the publisher and NetGalley.  All thoughts and opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.

It is currently on sale on the publisher's website if you are able to catch it! 🍀

Jennifer Deibel loves hearing from her readers and is very approachable and sweet.
https://jenniferdeibel.com/

• Book Link: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/9780800745998_may-the-road-rise-to-meet-you
  Publication Date: 3rd March 2026
• Format: Hardcover
• Imprint: Fleming H. Revell Company
• SKU: 9780800745998
• Pages: 160
• Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
• Trim Size: 5.1 (w) x 7.1 (h) x 0.6 (d) in

Book samples below:

Until next time, Hugs and a cup of tea, 
Heather Elizabeth

 

A LOVE MOST DARING - MY FIRST 2026 READ

WOW, I completely LOVED this book!

1803
Beatrice Lacey is somewhat sassy, vulnerable, and she has an opinion! Her deepest desire is to be rid of her past and find an everlasting love.

Alexander Rawlings is a stern Bow Street Runner. He has secrets and little time for ladies.

When these two are forced together, danger trails them constantly, and their disdain for one another will have to take a back seat if they are to survive.

I found this tale delicious, dangerous, and delightful! It is my first time reading this author, and I just purchased the two previous eBooks. I cannot wait to read them!

Synopsis: From best-selling author Joanna Barker: Proper romance meets page-turning mystery in this captivating tale of danger, redemption, and love worth fighting for.

After years of whispered gossip and quiet exile in the countryside, Beatrice Lacey arrives in London determined to reclaim her life. But her resolve is shaken when she witnesses a horrific attack tied to a chilling high-profile murder case gripping the city.

Thrust into sudden danger, Beatrice finds herself under the reluctant protection of Alexander Rawlings—a brooding Bow Street officer with a guarded heart and a fierce sense of duty. Though it's clear he’d rather be chasing the killer than shielding a scandal-stained Society miss, their forced closeness begins to unravel his defenses. In the unnerving moments between danger and discovery, every sharp exchange and lingering glance fans a slow-burning connection—one neither of them expected and neither can resist.

With danger closing in and old wounds resurfacing, trust may be their only refuge—and love their most daring risk of all.

Genres: Historical Fiction / Regency / Romance
320 pages, Paperback
Expected publication March 3, 2026


NetGalley reviewer.
All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.

📚GoodReads Reading Challenge 2026: Book No. 1 > Read 1/13-14/2026

Until next time, hugs and a cup of tea

Taming Lady Temperance by Karen Witemeyer

 

Taming Lady Temperance was a wonderful western mystery/romance set in 1894 Albany, TX.  I especially enjoyed  Deputy James Paxton, who was beyond reproach when it came to the law.  He was also kind, tender, and his budding romance with Noreen O'Sullivan was pleasant to watch develop.  He has an incredibly keen mind for solving criminal mysteries.
Noreen is a survivor of abuse and therefore has zero tolerance for alcohol. At twenty-seven, she is invited into a secret society.
Very well written with plenty of faith moments. 

Quoteable: "We chose forget-me-nots because we wanted an emblem signifying that you are not forgotten. Not overlooked. Not unappreciated. Each of us was created for a specific purpose, one not tied to marriage and the production of children. Our Lord has not forgotten us, and we will not forget each other."
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received this eVersion from the publisher and NetGalley without expectation or compensation.  All thoughts and opinions are mine alone.

Expected Pub. 2/17/26

Read: 11/30-12/2/2025

📚2025 GoodReads Reading Challenge #217 Until next time,

Whispers at Painswick Court by Julie Klassen

 

Whispers at Painswick Court © 12/2/2025 by Julie Klassen Published by Bethany House

Gloucestershire, 1821 

Twenty-seven-year-old Miss Anne Loveday decides to escape an unfulfilled life for a time and accepts an invitation to stay with a spinster friend of her mother's in Painswick. That decision opens the door to a most unexpected and mysterious drama, full of family secrets, harmful intent, and medical points of interest. I was so fully engrossed in this tale and highly suspicious of several characters.  

I enjoyed Anne's character and her growing maturity, as well as her keen mind. 

I stayed up until midnight,  finishing it in one setting. 

I highly recommend this gothic, Regency romance. It is more mystery than romance, I would say. Faith is gently woven into the background of the story. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I received this eVersion from the publisher and NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation. 

Read 11/30/2025

📚 2025 Reading Challenge #216

Whispers at Painswick Court © 12/2/2025 by Julie Klassen Published by Bethany House Until next time, Hugs and a cup of Christmas tea!

A BREWED AWAKENING- 3 STARS

Finn Dashwood (and little Lucy) arrive from across the pond in tiny Wisteria, NC to start a new life as a pub owner. Immediately next door is the local British enthusiast and owner of Tea Tyme, Daphne Austen.  Assumptions are made, and insults plus bantering fly throughout the story. There are plenty of side characters, perfect for small-town vibes. Additionally, there's a high-profile social media couple planning a big wedding in town.

For starters, I do not generally go for contemporary tales. I prefer historicals. That being said, overall, the back and forth between Finn and Daphne was fun, and the side social posts from the other business owners were amusing as well. However, without giving too much away about the ending, I found the town tragedy a bit heavy, particularly since a similar situation recently occurred in real life. It was, of course, wonderful how everyone pulled together, and there is still a happily ever after. 

⭐⭐⭐ It was good. Recommended.

I received an eVersion from the publisher without expectation or compensation. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone.

📚Book #211 for 2025 Reading Challenge 
Read 11/13-15/2025
Expected Publication by Thomas Nelson: May 2026

HEARTS IN CIRCULATION- FIVE STARS

SO VERY GOOD! 

      The books I reach for are less than ten percent contemporary fiction, but I am thankful I read this book. I truly enjoyed it and connected with it in the most unexpected ways. 

     Quotable: "You cannot be serious," I say, my voice oozing with dubiety as I take in the heap of metal littering the corner of the library's parking lot."... "We practically marinate in the creative realms, and yet we've still been blindsided." 

     Hayley, Evangeline, and Martha are "gifted" a van by the mayor as a way to keep his campaign promise of a mobile library and sneakily get rid of the hunk of junk in his front yard. Hayley is the chosen one tasked with driving the van. On her very first outing, disaster strikes, and she is forced to seek both repairs and shelter from Levi, a six-foot-seven-inch mountain of a man with several quirks. But Hayley has her own secret issues. The story gently takes us on a journey in a very tiny mountain hamlet, Turkey Grove, TN, that is so small, there is no wi-fi. Additionally, the author does such a wonderful job of explaining what it feels like to be neurodivergent, in this case related to sensory processing (but it can be many more things). I loved how the characters sought to work together to better understand each other and then figure out how to co-exist and be a blessing to each other. 

     For me personally, there were so many things that made me relate to Levi, which was a highly unexpected surprise. After having kids I developed some sensory processing issues with smell, taste and sound. Then after menopause, some have increased exponentially and add in some light sensitivity. Unlike Levi, my extended family has been quite rude about it. But reading this book and understanding I am not abnormal or alone made me feel seen. Learning that the author and her son also have these issues added a feeling of connection. 

     I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has a love of books and to anyone who wants to better understand the aforementioned condition. 

     Side note: The author references the book "Wonderland Creek" by Lynn Austin, about a packhorse librarian in KY during the Great Depression. I remember reading that one years ago and quite enjoying it too! 

FIVE STARS! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

#ForcedProximity #BookMobile #Kittens #Neurodivergent #SensoryProcessingDisorder #LoveLetters #CleanRead #RomanticComedy 

Series: Checking Out Love - Book #2 (I have not read book 1 or any other books by Sarah Monzon) 

Thank you to NetGalley and Bethany House for an eVersion. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone without compensation or expectation. 

📚 2025 Reading Challenge - Book #213
notations about the reading challenge may be out of order, depending on my mood on which book to review first 😆. This year's GoodReads link to the right is also way off and not populating the number of books read correctly 🤷🏻‍♀️.

Until next time,

The Courting of Miss Cady by Grace Hitchcock

 

Purchase: AMAZON

Another wonderful addition to the Aprons and Veils series! And I expected nothing less, which is why, upon receipt, I began reading it directly after work, until 11:30, and woke up early to finish it at 6:30 this morning.
This book has some wonderfully dramatic moments, an almost double meet-cute, and beautiful faith woven throughout.  Wade is a kind, gentle hero, and Jane is generous beyond expectation.

 Quotable: "Lord, help me through today. Let me not focus on the rumors. Renew my heart, Lord, and give me hope for my family’s future."

I loved this tale and always enjoy returning to a Harvey House.

Highly recommended! 

I received an eVersion from the author prior to release, for my honest opinion. All thoughts are mine alone without expectation or compensation.

Read: 10/15&16/2025
Book #200 - 2025 Reading Challenge 

SYNOPIS:
He’s the man of her dreams—she just doesn’t know it yet.

New York socialite Jane Cady is the envy of the season, and the supposed love of Graham Bank’s life until news arrives that her father’s last merchant ship has sunk, costing them everything. To avoid scandal, the family disappears to manage a hotel in Las Vegas, New Mexico. Determined to support her family, Jane sets aside her dream of marriage and joins her father in working for the Harvey House as a waitress. But when her former fiancé strolls into the Castañeda Hotel, the weight of her sacrifice becomes all too real.

Rancher Wade Sterling is well acquainted with hard work, and that Miss Jane is one of the hardest-working Harvey Girls he’s ever met, besides his sister-in-law. When Jane faints on duty, Wade catches her and upon her awakening in his arms, her passionate kiss nearly knocks him off his feet. She begs him to play along and before he knows it, she tells some dandy that they are happily courting. Jane later begs Wade’s forgiveness, explaining it was an emergency as the man was her former fiancé and their relationship ended poorly. But, when the dandy stays in town, Wade finds himself in a fake courtship and in love with the woman of his dreams. He only needs to convince Jane that he is the man of hers.

Product details

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0FW9ZGSRR
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Valmont House Publishers
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 14, 2025
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 280 pages
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8991270717
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 15 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.7 x 8.5 inches
• Book 5 of 5 ‏ : ‎ Aprons & Veils
• Best Sellers Rank: #513,740 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #242 in Gilded Age Historical Romance
  • #536 in Western & Frontier Christian Romance
  • #2,045 in Christian Historical Fiction (Books)
    
    
    
    
    
    
    

Sense and Suitability by Pepper Basham

Wow! Just wow!

This 1818 Regency-era romance is so well-written.  It's a love story of heartbreak due to circumstances and society's expectations, along with growing pains and the antics of children, which always enhance a storyline. Emme and Simon have much to overcome, and each has so much depth of character.

QUOTABLE: ☆"How on earth was she going to survive an entire season with the possibility of seeing Simon Reeves at any moment?"

☆"Two thoughts wove through her mind at the same time. First, this was a thoroughly mortifying way to die. Second, but what a marvelous scene it would make in a novel."

Very well done.

 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Read: 8/20-21/2025

Thomas Nelson Publ: 10/14/2025

I received an eVersion from the publisher and NetGalley without expectation or compensation. All 

opinions are mine alone. 

📔SYNOPSIS: In this clean Regency rom-com, a woman with a scandalous past (and an even more scandalous secret) swears off love—until the man who broke her heart needs her help. What could possibly go wrong? Perfect for fans of Tessa Dare and Eloisa James looking for a low-spice, witty Regency romance.

After two failed social seasons, her family may think the third time will be a charm, but Emmeline Lockhart just wants to survive with her dignity (and singleness) intact. She thought she'd found her perfect match in Simon Reeves--charming, handsome, a veritable hero from a novel—until he vanished from her life without so much as a "farewell" or "my deepest regrets" (or even a vague apology scribbled on the back of a calling card). Lesson: never fall for a man known for his charm.

Fortunately, and unlike many of the other eligible young ladies of the ton, Emmeline has no need for a husband--because she's already found success in her scandalous (and very anonymous) profession as an author. Why bother with matrimony when she can make her own fortune and write men exactly the way she wants them?

But fate—or the misfortune of Simon's reckless patriarchs—has other plans. Simon's once-proud estate is in shambles, his family fortune has been gambled away, and the younger impressionable siblings in his care are running wild across his estate (and possibly across all of England). Simon is in desperate need of a wealthy, prestigious bride . . . and a friend.

Emmeline may not fit the role of heiress, but she can certainly be a friend. Just a friend. She'll help him find a suitable match, ensure his reputation remains intact, and keep things strictly platonic—no matter how dangerously appealing his new-and-improved sincerity and regret may be.

There's just one small problem: the undeniable chemistry that still smolders between them. Can Emme play matchmaker for the man she's still in love with without losing her heart all over again? And is it possible that some love stories--especially the messy, inconvenient, impossible ones--are worthy of a rewrite?

Filled with lively banter, adorable children, a frog named Blast🐸, and swoony kisses💋, Sense and Suitability is the clean Regency romance you've been looking for. Basham brings her signature humor to the Regency era, where social strictures keep the tension tight but the stakes low in this second-chance, enemies-to-lovers romance. Until next time, Hugs and a cup of tea! Heather Elizabeth

On a Midnight Clear 3-in-1 Christmas Novellas

 🎄On a Midnight Clear a 3-in-1 Christmas Novella Collection and ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 🎄The Shepherd’s Heart © 2025 by Peterson Ink, Inc.

Nebraska & Wyoming, 1875
A gently woven tale about moving on after loss, coping with grief, and learning to trust God in the process. This story was so sweet and beautiful. It had me balling by the end. 😭⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ P.S.: I really expected a recipe for carrot cookies! 🥕 Need to look that up!
Read 8/15&16

 🎄No Room at the Inn © 2025 by Misty M. Beller
December 21, 1861, Nebraska Territory (future Wyoming) Hope Palmer & Noah Bently's winter romance is of a genteel nature, born of mutual attraction, respect, and faith.  A simple story of life in pioneer times. ⭐⭐⭐
(I again expected a recipe for Chess Pie 🥧) Read 8/17

 🎄 A Star in the West © 2025 by Karen Witemeyer
°Nerds in Love ~ How Divine°
December, 1890
Baylor University, Waco, Tx
Stella Barrington & Frank Stentz are the epitome of the word nerd and I absolutely loved their story. So few writers make space for these types of characters to have the leading roles. There were so many fantastic mathematical references. And the way they, particularly Frank, approached life and romance so logically, quantifying each choice and analyzing all the data, was quite amusing. Frank's subtle romantic ways are so charming. The faith and Christmas play added just the right layer. Then there was Mr. Goldstein and Mr. Muir, the "Oscar & Felix" of the story.  Great fun!
Suddenly, the tale takes an unexpected turn, which I won't spoil, but had me choked up. 
QUOTABLE: "God doesn’t make mistakes when it comes to handing out miracles.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐½!
My favorite of the 3 Novellas! Read 8/18
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Overall. I received an eVersion from the publisher and NetGalley without expectation or compensation. All opinions are mine alone.

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Can they find a place to put their hearts and hope this Christmas?

Beloved authors Tracie Peterson, Misty M. Beller, and Karen Witemeyer come together with this festive novella collection inspired by the Nativity story and filled with faith, promise, and romance.

The Shepherd's Heart by Tracie Peterson
On the frontier, widowed sheep rancher Vincent Duran seeks a mother for his two children. Angel Lewis agrees to marry him despite believing Vincent will never truly love her. But, as they work together during a fierce winter storm, will their broken hearts finally find peace, joy, and love? 

No Room at the Inn by Misty M. Beller
When Noah Bentwood and his charge are snowed in while traveling through the Rocky Mountains, he must stay in a barn since the stage inn has no vacant rooms. Then innkeeper Hope Palmer's family heirloom disappears, and she and Noah work together to find it before Christmas. While the snowfall holds them captive, will unexpected feelings bloom?

A Star in the West by Karen Witemeyer
Friendly correspondence with Stella Barrington evolves into something more when Harvard mathematics professor Frank Stentz arrives in Waco, Texas. As the two experiment with extending their relationship beyond letters, an impossible dilemma arises between love and logic. Will her wise man be able to calculate a way for them to be together?

Rediscover the joy of Christmas with these faith-based historical romances from bestselling authors featuring sweet Western frontier stories with themes of marriage of convenience, forced proximity, and friends-to-more.

Until next time, Hugs and a cup of Tea

Heather Elizabeth