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