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

GIVEAWAY A Lesson in Propriety by Jen Turano

Merriweather Academy for Young Ladies #1 A Lesson in Propriety by

Jen Turano

 

I LOVED every bit of this book. Jen Turano definitely stepped up her animal menagerie this time. This tale really leaves plenty of room to build a series upon. There are multiple mysteries in the works, and some wonderful characters. I stopped in the middle of another book the moment I found out I had been approved to read an advanced copy of this one.

QUOTABLE: "even though she was, indeed, one of the most proper ladies he’d ever met, underneath that prim and properness might very well be a lady possessed of a mischievous spirit."

I have read everything Jen has written and delighted in each one.

Thank you to the publishers for sending me an eVersion. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Publisher's Synopsis: 
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 castle 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.

In this entrancing series starter, Turano presents a tale of laugh-out-loud adventure, swoon-worthy romance, and delightful mischief in the Gilded Age.

352 pages, Paperback

Expected publication May 1, 2025

Goodreads has a giveaway posted here:
CLICK HERE THROUGH 5/18/2025