In Pursuit of Civility by Jen Turano

In Pursuit of Civility by Jen Turano is book two in the Merriweather Academy for Young Ladies series. Annaliese Merriweather has been appointed the temporary headmistress of the Merriweather Academy for Young Ladies while her sister is on her honeymoon. She doesn't feel cut out for the role, and especially after her students keep disappearing on outings. When one student goes missing from a train station, she enlists the help of Seth McCormick, an inventor, to help her track her charge.

This was a rollicking adventure filled tale. Annaliese is an enchanting character who loves animals, her independence, and has a kind heart. Seth is a cute and loveable scientist who was just so endearing and fun to get to know. I was shipping them from the beginning. The cast of side characters kept me laughing especially the many animals in the story. What is there not to love about a charming monkey that is trained to steal shiny things, a precocious attack ferret, and a winsome parrot.

In Pursuit of Civility by Jen Turano was charming tale with lots of laugh-out-loud humor, endearing characters, and charming animals. I recommend and can not wait for the third book in the series.

I was gifted a copy and not required to write a positive review.

Named One of the Funniest Voices in Inspirational Romance by Booklist, Jen Turano is a USA Today Best-Selling Author, known for penning quirky historical romances set in the Gilded Age. Her books have earned Publisher Weekly and Booklist starred reviews, top picks from Romantic Times, and praise from Library Journal. She’s been a finalist twice for the RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards and had two of her books listed in the top 100 romances of the past decade from Booklist. Readers may find her at www.jenturano.com – www.facebook.com/jenturanoauthor, www.instagram.com/jenturanoauthor

Taming Lady Temperance by Karen Witemeyer

Taming Lady Temperance by Karen Witemeyer is the first book in The Secret Society of Spinsters series. Noreen O' Sullivan is a member of the Christian Temperance Union and a new member of the Secret Society of Spinsters. She has no plans to marry as her goal is to shut down the saloon, change people’s minds about alcohol, and bring justice to the world. Deputy James Paxton is deeply committed to preserving the peace, being a recognizable member of the community, and getting elected sheriff. He carefully watches himself and somehow gets himself involved with Noreen, her temperance marches and finds his whole world tilting on its axis. 

This was an incredible historical romance that drew me in. Noreen and James are very relatable characters and watching them transform, fall in love, and learn what they value made the story very enjoyable. They had great banter, friendship, and chemistry. The themes of forgiveness, loving one another, and faith were gently woven into the story and added depth. I appreciated how the book dealt with harder topics, but still had humor, sweet romance, and relatable themes. 

Taming Lady Temperance by Karen Witemeyer checked all the boxes for me. I enjoyed the with sweet romance, faith threads, and engaging characters. I highly recommend and look forward to reading the other books in the series.

I was gifted the book and not required to write a positive review.

She Found Beauty by Margery Punches

Thank you to the Punches Family for the #gifted copy.She Found Beauty by Margery Punches is filled with poems selected by Margery Punches after working through Leona Ames extensive collection of poetry found after her passing. This beautiful book captures families, children, nature, orchards, and the beauty of life in the early to late 1900's in Michigan. The book is so sweet and genuine and the illustrations by Gwendolyn Mallett bring the poems to life. I delighted in the poems and was truly enchanted. The book also includes pictures of the Leona’s family, the Hill family, and her extensive paperweight collection. This is such a cozy read that will bring you joy and remind you of the gift of life!

I highly recommend She Found Beauty by Margery Punches of selected poems by Leona Ames and illustrated by Gwendolyn Miller. This wonderful book will warm your heart.

I was gifted a copy and not required to write a positive review.