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!

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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

A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventure by Angela Bell

 WONDERFULLY WRITTEN; A NEW GO-TO-AUTHOR

I was so fully entertained while reading "A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventures", from the cover that draws you right in to the fantastical descriptions throughout the book! There were so many nods to beloved stories of whimsy from Around the World in 80 Days to Alice in Wonderland, to every Beatrix Potter tale, to Jane Austen and more. There was even a nod to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles which I laughed right out loud at! Add a dash of steam-punk and 
some unlikely characters, plus such a beautiful interspersing of faith and wisdom that you will be sighing at close of this tale you'll want to revisit again and again.

Tea Quote (& there are plenty - huzzah!): "Clara had tossed and turned, dreaming of teapots steaming with Darjeeling and plates towering with chocolate éclairs."

Quotable: “You’ve given me an idea, Mr. Theodore, and it just might work too. It would employ our individual talents and involve a great deal of absurdity. Are you willing to give it a go?”

I really don't know how Angela Bell can possibly top this book, but I certainly look forward to finding out!!!!

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

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