By Kelly Bridgewater
Miss Clara Marie Stanton's family may be
eccentric, but they certainly aren't insane.
London, England, 1860
When Clara's
ex-fiancé begins to spread rumors that her family suffers from hereditary
insanity, it's all she can do to protect them from his desperate schemes,
society's prejudice, and a lifetime in an asylum. Then Clara's Grandfather
Drosselmeyer brings on an apprentice with a mechanical leg, and all pretense of
normalcy takes wing.
Theodore Kingsley, a shame-chased vagabond haunted by the war, wants a fresh
start far from Kingsley Court and the disappointed father who declared him
dead. Upon returning to England, Theodore meets clockmaker Drosselmeyer, who
hires him as an apprentice, much to Clara's dismay. When Drosselmeyer
spontaneously disappears in his secret flying owl machine, he leaves behind a
note for Clara, beseeching her to make her dreams of adventure a reality by
joining him on a merry scavenger hunt across Europe. Together, Clara and
Theodore set off to follow Drosselmeyer's trail of clues, but they will have to
stay one step ahead of a villain who wants the flying machine for himself--at any
cost.
My Thoughts:
A Lady’s Guide to Marvels and
Misadventure by Angela Bell is a unique,
exploring historical novel. I have read some steampunk novels, but not a lot,
but I do not believe I have read a story with this plot before. Yes, there is a
search for adventure through clues places in unique places around Europe, but
the way the clues are realized is different, yet adorable. While on the
surface, the family appears to be eccentric, Bell does a wonderful job at
allowing the readers to see that an outsider’s perspective is not always true.
This family is close knit and has a heart for others and God’s little
creatures. The settings in the story are fascinating, and Bell does a wonderful
job at allowing me to dive into the European settings even though I have never
been there personally. The settings are a character by themselves. Full of life
and adventure. As for the romance, Bell does have a change of heart for the
heroine, but personally, I have an issue with characters who actually
completing falling in love in a matter of days. Makes me doubt their feelings for
each other. More lust than lifelong romance. Overall, A Lady’s Guide to
Marvels and Misadventure by Angela Bell captured my adventure spirit as the
heroine searches for the clues left by her Grand. A special story that will
spark interest from the readers.
I received a complimentary copy of A Lady’s
Guide to Marvels and Misadventure by Angela Bell from Bethany House Publishing,
but the opinions stated are all my own.
My Rating: 4 out
of 5 stars
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