Saturday, August 9, 2025

A LESSON IN PROPRIETY by Jen Turano, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

Merriweather Academy Series #1

REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Is it just me, or do you think it's odd that animals were wandering around the castle?"

Following a failed engagement, loss of family fortune and foreclosure on their lavish New York home, Drusilla Merriweather packs up her sister, mother and a childhood friend with the intention of relocating to a Chicago residence deeded to them by an out-of-the-ordinary aunt. Sporting a rather grand notion of opening a finishing school for young ladies in order to generate some much needed income, Drusilla is surprised to learn that the property is in reality a grand castle-like structure filled with a menagerie of animals, barely any staff, a resident ghost, and a slew of ghastly rumors.

When a nearby neighbor, Mr Renick Wittenbecker, happens upon a rather curious situation involving large, angry birds, he becomes especially star-struck by the beautiful brunette with the bedazzling blue eyes and does the only thing that comes to mind, he fumbles out an ill-timed proposal of marriage. It just so happens that handsome, clumsy, tongue-tied architects are the least of Drusilla's worries, for apparently their property is highly desirable by competing factions in Chicago's notorious underworld, whom Renick contends would gladly send Drusilla to the bottom of Lake Michigan.

You can imagine how entertaining this entire tale turns out to be, based on how it begins and how you can only hope that it ends! Propriety indeed!
*I purchased a copy and was under no obligation to provide a positive review

SEE REVIEWS BY PAULA AND WINNIE

BackCover Blurb:
LESSON ONE: Stand in the way of the Windy City's criminal world and expect a most improper proposal from an eligible gentleman in return.

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 the castle's 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.

Laugh-out-loud witty banter, swoon-worthy romance, and delightful mischief in the Gilded Age string together this entrancing series starter. Fans of clean romance, Christian fiction, and strong female characters will enjoy this read. 
Bethany House Publishing, May 2025
Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:
Buy A LESSON IN PROPRIETY at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House

 

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