To Save a King (True Blue Royal, #2 by Rachel Hauck is an enjoyable read. It is the second book of the series but I was able to connect with it even without reading the first book. I do plan to go back and read it because this book was so good. It's a fairytale and who doesn't love a fairytale.

Gemma Stone runs a rescue ranch for hurting animals back in her home town. She has returned with secrets and hurts from trying to make it in the movies.

Prince John is in Hearts Bend to heal from a broken engagement. They get thrown together by mutual friends in a three legged race. Healing, friendship and maybe more.

A fun read by a talented author. You will enjoy this story.

I received a complimentary copy this book from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

The secrets of the Isles... the Lady definitely loved nature and wanted a quiet life to study it. Perfect title for this story. I enjoyed this story of two Elizabeth's that were similar in size and easily mistaken for the other. Exciting and fast moving when they ended up being hunted by the same people. The characters were so entertaining and full of secrets and lies. Kept me guessing on who was doing the hunting right up until the end. I also liked how faith was so important throughout.
I was gifted a copy by the publisher through NetGalley. No review was required. My review is voluntary.

The Nature of A Lady By Roseanna M. White 4.5 stars

*Book Blurb: 1906. Lady Elizabeth "Libby" Sinclair, with her love of microscopes and nature, isn't favored in society. She flees to the beautiful Isles of Scilly for the summer and stumbles into the dangerous secrets left behind by her holiday cottage's former occupant, also named Elizabeth, who mysteriously vanished.

Oliver Tremayne--gentleman and clergyman--is determined to discover what happened to his sister, and he's happy to accept the help of the girl now living in what should have been Beth's summer cottage . . . especially when he realizes it's the curious young lady he met briefly two years ago, who shares his love of botany and biology. But the hunt for his sister involves far more than nature walks, and he can't quite believe all the secrets Beth had been keeping from him.*

In an exciting new series by Roseanna M. White we are traveling to the early 1900s England and the Isles of Scilly pronounced "Silly". We meet Lady Elizabeth, a debutante who doesn't fit in with the fancy crowd. She only wants to research her love of botany. She's given the chance to get away for the summer in a quaint cottage with her maid to research and explore to her heart's content. As soon as they arrive not everything is as it seems. Mistaken identity, pirate legends, sunken treasure and danger is not what Libby has in mind.

The characters were genuine and fully developed. Each had distinct personalities and you felt empathy for them. I really loved Ollie and how well he treated Libby and how natural their romance progressed. You felt like you really there in The Isle if Scilly with the characters. The author did an amazing job of immersing you in their world.
I enjoyed the rush of the danger and mystery that Libby works to unravel. Up until the end I was guessing and didn't see the ending coming. The faith content was very well done. Long time believers were still trying to understand God and have their faith grow. They had questions for God but never questioned Who He is. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and happily recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and all opinions are my own.

Do you have a common name? I was told my parents didn’t want to name me after a family member, and so they chose what they thought was an uncommon name. Which was fine until I came upon another Sally at my school, learned she and I shared a birthday, AND that she was born at the same hospital! The reason I ask, however, is that the inspiration for The Nature of a Lady comes from a writer noticing she was signing books for readers with the same name: Elizabeth.

The importance of a name is an important aspect of Roseanna M. White’s new novel. Authors usually take care to separate their characters by giving them different names. I often say that if the Bible was fiction, it wouldn’t have so many Marys in it, especially in the New Testament gospels. Here White individualizes her Elizabeths by giving them different nicknames. But names aren’t only about people; Libby soon learns that giving a name to a situation means that it’s real. Names mean power. When you give someone or something a name, you hold power over them.

But the naming thing isn’t the only important aspect of this novel. The story starts at the height of the English Civil War in the 17th century, with a pirate turned privateer deciding to keep a portion of his gains from the monarchy he supports. This, then, is the treasure that’s sought by two different parties in the early 20th century, with innocent lives caught in between. Despite their own family rivalries, the local vicar and school master find themselves working together to protect those closest to them.

There are other enjoyable elements to the first of White’s new Secrets of the Isles series. I liked reading about an area of England I’d never visited, and of which many readers may not have heard. In a time before radio and television, it was fascinating to imagine how rural communities might’ve existed. There’s also an ongoing debate between science and religion, and I appreciated the conclusion to which White had her characters come.

Overall, this is an enjoyable turn of the century piece with just enough danger and romance to satisfy fans of either genre. Look carefully, and you’ll find a cliffhanger as well… because one character’s story is not neatly resolved. I’m eagerly anticipating future titles in this series, and the sooner they can arrive the better!

Disclaimer: Although I received an electronic advance copy of this book from the publisher, the opinions above are my own.

Roseanna M. White’s newest release was a delight to read. Set in the Scilly Islands off the coast of Cornwall, Lady Elizabeth is trying to escape the demands of her family for the summer. She’s not your typical society miss and is more interested in flora and fauna than flirting and husband hunting. When her brother tries to marry her off to his friend, Libby devises a plan to visit the islands with her maid Mabena, who grew up there and only recently left. When they arrive, Lady Elizabeth meets Oliver Tremayne, a gentleman vicar. He is looking for his sister Elizabeth who is supposed to be living in the cottage that Libby has rented. More adventure than either could have anticipated follows, including a treasure hunt fraught with danger, and unexpected romance for more than one couple. I loved both of the leading characters and the sweet romance. The island setting was so interesting and I enjoyed learning more about the legends and the close knit community there. The secondary characters added a lot to the story and I hope to see more of them in future books of the series. The message of faith fit perfectly into the story which I thought was well written and engaging. I could hardly put this book down, the story was so compelling.
Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC and to the author and publisher for the complimentary copy. A positive review was not required and all opinions are my own.

First off can I say how gorgeous the cover is! I just love purple! This book was utterly fascinating! I'd never heard of the Isles of Scilly before but now it's on my bucket list to visit! Roseanna M. White's beautiful descriptions of the islands created such a longing to go and see them for myself! The Nature of a Lady is one of those wonderful stories that has it all, romance, mystery, adventure, lovable characters, unique setting. Everything you need for a satisfying read. Normally would I have a preference for one character over another but I honestly loved all the characters in this this story. They were all so different, each with their own set of strengths and weaknesses. Being the romance lover that I am, I had absolutely no objection to having two romances play out in the story nor did I object to two first kiss scenes!

This was everything I've come to expect from Roseanna M White. A cast full of lovable characters with intriguing personalities and interests, a mystery plot which kept me reading to find out what is going on, danger and fear for lovable characters, and not just one, but two sweet love stories for characters I was rooting for.

"He has created a universe of order and rules - but He himself is so much bigger. So full of mystery."

There was so many characters to love, Libby with her love of science and journey to see how this and God's love for us/her would both fit into her life. Moon with her past hurts and love of the Scillies calling her back, and Oliver with his steadfast faith in God and support for others, but I think Mamm-wynn with her craziness and vision was my favourite.

""Mamm-wynn! What are you doing out of bed? And here, of all places?" Their grandmother laughed. "Saving the day, of course. I had to. All my favorites were here.""

The mystery plot in this story was concluded, however, the danger and threats about this mystery has not fully come to an end and I'm expecting a lot more adventures in the future books in this series, as well as a lot of characters introduced which I'm hoping for a HEA for each of them as well.

"Love really was like a bird. You didn't know where it might settle, or when. You couldn't tame it, couldn't force it. Couldn't predict it."

Wishing the next book's release was around the corner, because the Islands and its people has found a place in my heart.

Fans of Roseanna M White will not be disappointed with this one.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*

The previous books that I had read by this author were war time books set in Europe. While they were wonderful reads, it was nice to read a different sort of story by Roseanna M. White. The Nature of a Lady is set in the early 1900s in the Scillies, a group of islands off the southwest tip of England. The story follows Lady Elizabeth Sinclair; her lady's maid, Mabena Moon; and Mabena's family and friends on the Island of Tresco, all of whom find themselves in the middle of a mystery involving a missing girl, a case of mistaken identity, a possible murder, and treasure. White makes the most of these plot elements, while also exploring the theme of reconciling Christianity and science. The book is a pure pleasure to read, and I will find it quite difficult to wait for the next book in the Secrets of the Isles series.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Nature of a Lady from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Okay, so I totally didn’t request this book on NetGalley entirely due to that beautiful cover... and the fact it’s about pirate treasure... no, that’s a lie, I totally did!! 😂 Well, that and the fact that I keep hearing good things about Roseanna M. White, and I thought it was high time I tried one of her books...

So I have to admit this was a slow burn for me. It took me a long time to get into it! I think I was maybe expecting it to be slightly more suspenseful than it was. But once I hit about halfway, I couldn’t get my head out of the book world until I finished... even when I wasn’t reading it! It’s definitely immersive!

It’s well written, and both the characters and setting are beautifully rich. And as long as you’re expecting a standard, slower historical style read with a bit of intrigue, you’ll probably love it.

And I just have to say that usually I find the ‘not like the other girls’ trope super irritating, but this is a refreshing take on it and I actually didn’t mind it.

Oh and did I mention pirate treasure?

Thanks @bethanyhousefiction and @netgalley for the ARC. I was only required to provide an honest review in return, and while this may have been my first Roseanna M White book, I don’t think it will be my last!

The Nature of a Lady is the enchanting first book in The Secrets of the Isles series. This story will immediately propel you to the Isles of Scilly, Cornwall 1906. It was a great escape.

Lady Elizabeth, Libby, Sinclair decides to “run away” to the Islands of Scilly for the summer in order to escape her parent’s plans for her to marry. Libby decides to stay in the cottage owned by her family. She finds some mysterious notes left behind at the cottage that belonged to some previous guests. But when Libby meets Clergyman Oliver Tremayne, they quickly become friends. Libby helps Oliver as he investigates what is going on with his sister Beth. In the process, the adventures that turn up are so amazingly entertaining. As the story continues Libby and Oliver start to uncover the truths about Beth and all the secrets she’s been hiding. The twists and turns that take place, makes this a wonderful historical fiction with a dash of mystery.

I loved this story. It was amazing to me how relatable the characters were in this story. They were very well developed and the detailed description of Cornwall is so vivid that you actually feel like you are there. I am so glad that this is the start of a new series, and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book. Thank you Rosanna M. White for such a fantastic read.

I received a complimentary copy this book from the publishers. All opinions expressed are mine.

This book is a true gem. With characters that leap off the page, an enchanted setting, and a bevy of twists and turns to keep you guessing, The Nature of a Lady has everything I look for in a great read.



As with so many of White’s novels, the characters in this book are living and breathing. By the time I’d turned the last page, I felt like I’d known these characters all my life and I wasn’t quite ready to let them go. Libby was a heroine most worthy of the title. She’s a character I think so many can relate to on at least one level. Like so many others, including myself, she often feels out of place among her surroundings. Yet it was heartening to see how much she loved the isles and the way she bloomed there. A certain clergyman’s presence didn’t hurt, either. Oliver has to be one of my favorite heroes in recent memory. His heart of gold, kindness, and varied interests made him a stand out character, as well as a standard by which future heroes will be measured. The supporting characters were delightful, too. I absolutely loved Oliver’s grandmother Mamm-wynn; a sweet and wise woman. Also; Darling! Libby’s cat definitely lived up to his name. I can’t wait to read more about Libby and Oliver’s friends and family in future books!



Prior to The Nature of a Lady, I had never heard of the Isles of Scilly. Now, I want to go there! I found White’s descriptions of the Isles charming, with mentions of ghosts and pirates and fairies. The abundance of flora only added to the charm and was a perfect match for Libby’s love of botany.



The mystery elements of this book were delicious. I was intrigued by a tale of mistaken identity; a tale of two Elizabeths. Add in legends of ghosts and pirate treasure and you have a recipe for a winning story filled with intrigue! White handles all of this with flair.



The Nature of a Lady is a wonderful book that will delight readers across the board. Highly recommended!



All opinions expressed are my own. Many thanks to the author and Bethany House for a complimentary copy of this book.

The Nature of a Lady is a little different than some of Roseanna M. White’s other books. This book isn’t set during war time; however…it does start with a prologue with fighting and the mystery that created is throughout the book.

What I liked the most about this book is how Ms. White deals with feeling different, isolated, awkward in a sea of graceful women, etc. For anyone who has ever felt that way it’s great to see how she handled that and the message God tells us in the face of those insecurities.

There were a couple of romance threads which I thought was fun to see because…romance!

All in all, Ms. White’s writing style can be seen between the pages of her latest release.

*I received a complimentary copy of the book via NetGalley. My review was not required nor influenced.

This book started off a little slow for me. I wasn’t getting sucked into the story, some of the details were bogging me down, and I was desperate for the hero and heroine to have more page time together. But Roseanna White’s skill with words was still shining through and I was loving most of the characters so I pressed on and by the halfway point I found myself falling in love with this book.
I absolutely loved the scenes with Libby and Oliver together. They were both just such genuinely good people and their common fascination with nature made them so cute together. If we could have had more scenes of them being adorable and charming with one another I would have been in absolute bliss. They fit so perfectly together and despite their different social standings there was no one else for the other.
In addition to their hero and heroine’s POV we also got that of her maid/his cousin Mabena. And in the interest of honesty, I did not like her much. She was a bit too abrasive, got in snits over ridiculous things, and was rather self-centered. She did have a personality shift at some point in the book which made her more bearable but overall I didn’t have a favorable opinion of her.
The mystery of the missing Elizabeth and the pirate’s treasure didn’t grab my attention right away but I got more invested as the story progressed and I was definitely fascinated as it drew to its conclusion.
Overall this was an enjoyable read that just took me some time to sink my teeth into which could have been due to the fact that I only got to read it in small bursts. But regardless I’m always impressed by White’s writing ability and I am looking forward to the rest of this series!

Welcome to the Isles of Scilly, a cluster of islands off the coast of Cornwall widely known for its stunning scenery, tropical flora, pirate folklore, and quaint holiday homes. Every year, flocks of holiday-goers come to the Isles to revel in the sunshine; however, in the summer of 1906, danger lurks around every corner, and mistaken identity could lead to a perilous end. Join Lady Elizabeth Sinclair, Mabena Moon, and Oliver Tremayne as they unlock the secrets that have been buried for too long!

Lady Elizabeth (Libby) Sinclair has always felt out of place in London's high society. Fascinated by science and botany, she would rather spend her days with her nose in her notebook, sketching the new plants surrounding her, than dressing up to spend the evening with the ton. Desperate to leave the city after her brother declares his plans for her to marry Lord Sheridan, Libby takes her maid, Mabena's, advice and rents a small cottage on Saint Mary's. Excited to be free, Libby's dream of a quiet summer quickly comes to an end when she arrives at her lodging to discover that she is not the first person to inhabit the cottage that summer, nor is she the first Elizabeth.

“Perhaps you weren’t perfectly adapted to the environs into which you were born, Libby. But that doesn’t mean He made a mistake in where He put you. It means only that He set you on a journey, like any other migratory creature who needs different settings for different seasons. He led you here.” ~ Roseanna White

Mabena Moon said she would never come back to the Isles. Having left two years prior, she was content with staying as far away from her past as possible, but, after receiving a strange letter from her best friend, Elizabeth (Beth) Tremayne, Mabena knows she can't keep away anymore. Returning under the guise of a maid, Mabena hopes to find Beth while keeping the truth from Libby; unfortunately, those hopes are disrupted the moment Beth's brother shows up at the cottage.

Oliver Tremayne, a vicar, and fellow science enthusiast, is determined to find his sister. When Beth exclaimed her desire to spend the summer on Saint Mary's, he could not deny her; however, Oliver knows something is wrong when her letters abruptly stop. Going in search of her, Oliver is stunned to find another woman in the home his sister rented. More surprising, he knows the lady, having met her two years prior.

The truth doesn't stay hidden for long, but will the trio be able to locate Beth before it's too late, or will Libby be the one to face the consequences if Beth doesn't show up in time?
He had nothing to gain here but Libby herself. And everything—absolutely everything to lose.

The Nature of a Lady, book one in The Secrets of the Isles series, is a beautifully written novel that inspires readers to look at the world through the Creator's eyes while highlighting the importance of identity, faith, love, and family. We all long to find our place in this world, but it's not until we hear the wind call our name that we know we have reached our destination, though it might not be the future we expected.

"When we stay, it’s because the islands know our names, and they whisper them to us on the wind." ~ Roseanna White

While I was quickly absorbed into the story and looked forward to working with the characters as they unraveled the clues that would find Beth and, hopefully, uncover the pirate treasure hidden somewhere on the Isles, I was really disappointed when the plot focused more on romance than mystery (not that I'm complaining too much about this). Was there suspense? Sure; but, before I could get too excited about a discovery or revealed clue, the scene would jump, and the momentum would die before it had really begun. By the last third of the book, I found myself caring little about finding Beth and more about Libby and Oliver's growing chemistry (it was fire)!

"Love really was like a bird. You didn’t know where it might settle, or when. You couldn’t tame it, couldn’t force it. Couldn’t often predict it. You could call and call for it and never would it flutter down. Then, at the most unexpected time, in the most unexpected place, there it was. Here it was." ~ Roseanna White

As my introduction to Roseanna White's work, I have no idea if this is her usual writing style; nevertheless, I do not want to deter anyone from reading this book. There are some great messages and scenes that make this story worth a read. Setting aside my disappointment, I thoroughly enjoyed The Nature of a Lady and loved the godly aspects strewn through the pages. The characters were also relatable. Libby's search for purpose and belonging greatly resonated with me, and I enjoyed watching her grow more confident in her skin.

"In her mind, God had always been distant, abstract. But now, here, with these people, she couldn’t help but think that He’d come near. Or that she had." ~ Roseanna White

The Nature of a Lady is a great Historical Fiction Romance novel that will make you want to book a trip to the Cornish coast ASAP, especially when you learn that the Isles of Scilly and the Tresco Abbey Garden really exist!

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a pre-release copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are entirely my own!*

Positive content: 4.5⭐️
Language: 0.5⭐️
Sexual content: 1.5⭐️
Violence: 2.5⭐️
Age: 14+

I’m not sure how she does it, but Roseanna White continues to write books that just get better and better! I loved the interesting premise for this novel and the book drew me in right away with its mystery and intrigue. The characters were also easy to like and I found myself wishing that I could be friends with them in real life (I, too, am a lover of biology!). I loved the mysterious aspect of the storyline and was surprised by the many twists throughout the novel. The spiritual truths were well woven without being preachy and the romance is clean and well written. I greatly enjoyed this story and cannot wait for the rest of the series! A most highly recommend read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

I admit it: I get more than just a little excited whenever I hear a new book by Roseanna M. White is in the works. I always wonder if her newest novel could possibly live up to my high expectations. With her May 2021 release, The Nature of a Lady, White has once again blown me away!
The first installment in her Secrets of the Isles series transports readers to the Isles of Scilly off the coast of Cornwall, England, in 1906. It is a wonderful blend of historical mystery and Christian romance about a bright female botanist, Lady Elizabeth “Libby” Sinclair, and Oliver Tremayne, a gentleman and clergyman.
Seeking a break from pressures, Libby ventures to the Isles of Scilly to explore the flora and fauna of the area. Unexpectedly, she stumbles upon some unnerving secrets left behind by the former occupant of the cottage where she is staying for the summer. That lady, who also happens to be named Elizabeth, has gone missing, and Oliver, her brother, is determined to discover what has become of her. He and Libby work together in the search for Beth, which becomes a wild adventure involving everything from castle ruins to pirate wrecks.
White is a master of character development, and her pacing is perfect in this brilliantly written, highly suspenseful tale. The depth of research she has done to make her story historically accurate is obvious in the rich detail she provides.
I highly recommend The Nature of a Lady to fans of historical Christian fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

What if you were looking for a book with a smart heroine escaping an arranged marriage, beautiful islands with a history of pirates, a handsome clergyman, charming local characters, and a mystery involving a hidden treasure? The Nature of a Lady is all of these and more! Not only is the cover to die for, but the setting, characters, and themes are some of Roseanna M. White’s best.

First, lets talk setting. The Isles of Scilly are a hidden gem off the coast of Cornwall. With a real history of pirates and gorgeous flowers and fauna, I was drawn to this location right away and googled pictures to satisfy my curiosity. The Isles are as gorgeous as described in the book. The time period is 1906 when women were desiring to be more independent and educated.

Second, characters. Lady Elizabeth “Libby” Sinclair is an intelligent woman fascinated by science. She is kind, thoughtful, yet somehow stubborn as well. She’s determined not to go along with her brother’s plan to marry his friend. She struggles with faith, but is open to new knowledge. Oliver Tremayne “Ollie” is a handsome clergyman/gentleman who is funny, caring, yet flawed. He loves nature, like Libby, and appreciates science, but is deeply religious in a friendly, kind way. If he touches your elbow, it is impossible to resist his charms.

There are several other side characters whom I loved. Mamm-wynn, Oliver’s grandmother was one of my favorites! She is uncanny with her ability to know just what to say and what is going to happen. Mabena, Libby’s “maid” is a spitfire. She’s strong and sassy, especially with Casek. Casek is another fun character who is strong, self-assured, and patient with Mabena. He knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to go after it.

Finally, the themes. These are some of my favorite. One of the best themes of this novel was the battle of science vs. religion. As the story progresses, we see how despite Libby’s skepticism, she gradually comes to see that science and religion can compliment each other and don’t need to be in competition.

One of my favorite quotes was “We see only in part. But there is more. More to this physical world than your magnifying lenses can show you. And more still beyond it that we need a spiritual lens to see.”

Another theme was accepting yourself for who you are. Libby is sort of an outcast in society because she isn’t the typical female. Yet, that’s why Oliver loves her. She’s intelligent and curious. She surprises and delights him. Oliver isn’t your typical clergyman. He’s prejudiced against Casek. He races boats every week. Yet, his faith is deep and real and he loves the people whom he serves. The main theme is there’s someone for everyone and you don’t need to be something you’re not to find that someone.

All in all, this book was thoroughly enjoyable to devour. Can’t wait to see what the Isles of Scilly have in store next. I received a complementary copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I was not required to give a positive review.

This first book in Roseanna White’s new series is brought to life through the beautiful setting of the Isles of Scilly. The descriptions of the islands, island life and the residents pulled me into this story. When Lady Elizabeth Sinclair stumbles upon an unplanned adventure, her life becomes very interesting. I kept turning pages as a mystery unfolded which involved looking for pirate treasure! A wonderfully written romance bloomed amidst all the suspense. I also appreciated the faith lessons within this engaging story. I thoroughly enjoyed these new characters and look forward to learning more of their stories. Fans of White’s writing will love this book. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

The Nature of a Lady is the first novel I’ve read by this author, and as it happens, it’s  the first novel in her new series The Secrets of the Isles. I enjoy stories of mistaken identity, and with the addition of a mysterious disappearance, two love stories, a brilliant guidebook to life on the Isles of Scilly, and a strong spiritual theme, the book offers a good read. Although I found the pacing a tad slow in parts, overall, I found the novel enchanting.

In the upper crust of English society, Lady Elizabeth Sinclair just doesn’t fit. She’d rather lie on her stomach in a garden sketching new insects, peer through her microscope at the unseen world, or read up on a newly discovered plant than take part in the social events required of a woman of her station. Libby chafes at the restraints and wonders at a God who would plant one of His creations in such a mismatched situation. When her brother, the Earl of Telford, begins to arrange a marriage for her with his best friend, Libby has had enough. Her maid, Mabena Moon, suggests that Libby summer in Mabena’s homeland, the Isles of Scilly, twenty miles off the coast of Cornwall. Mabena can visit family while Libby can give the prospective groom some time to discard her brother’s idea.

The two women arrive on St. Mary’s to learn they have rented a cottage which had previously been let to a young lady, also named Elizabeth, who vanished unexpectedly. As they settle in, they find the other Elizabeth’s clothes and books still in place. A copy of Treasure Island has been marred with extensive hand-written notes including a peculiar poem that talks of faeries and the sea. Over the next few days, Libby is approached by men who address her as “Elizabeth” and hand over notes, an eighteen-pound cannonball, and money. No explanation arises until another man arrives on their doorstep demanding to know “Where’s my sister?”

After two weeks with no letters from his sister Beth, Oliver Tremayne is worried. Her silence and his grandmother’s fretting that “Beth isn’t where she ought to be” have his nerves on edge. Now he’s facing two women, one of whom he knows very well - Mabena Moon, a close friend from the Isles - the other one he briefly met two years before, Elizabeth, the Earl of Telford’s sister. The mystery blossoms as the three would-be detectives begin to piece together clues from tales of pirates and buried treasure, artifacts, and even a treasure map, all the while continuing to look for the missing Beth. The author displays a deft touch in interweaving the romance storylines through the detective work and the discovery of criminals active in the Isles.

There’s a phrase of encouragement I’ve sometimes heard: ‘Bloom where you’re planted.’ Despite the location or circumstances in which you might find yourself, look for a way to thrive. The novel suggests that in some cases, a person might need to move to another location to bloom properly. As Libby struggles with her feeling of being out of place, she doubts that the God of her upbringing has a plan for her until she visits Scilly. Living as close to nature as the locals do, they intuit that God’s love and presence are bigger than what the traditional church might describe. Oliver’s grandmother, with her strengthening sight “across the veil” into the divine realm beyond provides more evidence of the breadth of God’s presence. Libby’s time with Oliver, his grandmother, and the bountiful creation in Scilly shows her a broader way to embrace the Divine.

The Nature of a Lady also sets up the islands as the location for the next books in the series. The descriptions are lush and set among interactions between characters, the romances, the unravelling mysteries, and spiritual theme. The one thing that kept me from rating this book a DIK was the slow pace in some sections where I wanted less island description and more attention on the mystery and romances. Nonetheless, The Nature of a Lady is an enjoyable read, with a thoughtful discussion of the nature of God.

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I thoroughly enjoyed The Nature of a Lady. The adventure plot was engaging and pleasingly twisty, and kept me wondering what was going on. The romance was sweet and gentle, and the friendships and secondary characters were fantastic. I loved the story’s passionate defense of science, and its loving, generous approach to faith.

But most of all, I loved the story’s delight in the beauties of the natural world. This book left me with a profound desire to visit the Isles of Scilly, to look for water birds, explore the botanical gardens and investigate the ruined castles (pirate treasure optional). By the end of the story, I was beginning to feel homesick for a place that I’ve never even visited.

If you like a story with plenty of adventure, a beautiful setting, and interesting characters, and you don’t mind a bit of theology in your romance, I think you’ll really enjoy this one.

My full review will appear on Smart Bitches, Trashy Books closer to the publication date.