WONDERFULLY WRITTEN; A NEW GO-TO-AUTHOR

I was so fully entertained while reading "A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventures", from the cover that draws you right in to the fantastical descriptions throughout the book! There were so many nods to beloved stories of whimsy from Around the World in 80 Days to Alice in Wonderland, to every Beatrix Potter tale, to Jane Austen and more. There was even a nod to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles which I laughed right out loud at! Add a dash of steam-punk and
some unlikely characters, plus such a beautiful interspersing of faith and wisdom that you will be sighing at close of this tale you'll want to revisit again and again.

Tea Quote (& there are plenty - huzzah!): "Clara had tossed and turned, dreaming of teapots steaming with Darjeeling and plates towering with chocolate éclairs."

Quotable: “You’ve given me an idea, Mr. Theodore, and it just might work too. It would employ our individual talents and involve a great deal of absurdity. Are you willing to give it a go?”

I really don't know how Angela Bell can possibly top this book, but I certainly look forward to finding out!!!!

I received an eVersion from the publisher and NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I don’t know if it’s just me but books set in 1800s just don’t do it for me. I had a super hard time getting myself to want to pick this one up. The summary seemed really good but stories set that far back just isn’t my cup of tea.

It didn't take long for me to be drawn in by Bell's whimsical voice. It's tremendous. I so wanted to turn the pages and hear more of her 19th century story world.

Clara Stanton and Theodore Kingsley are marvellous characters, far from perfect but easy to love and cheer on. I especially appreciated how Bell had a male amputee as her hero, even though in my mind, Clara is really the star. Well, perhaps their love story is the star!

Clara has recently broken off her engagement to a treacherous man, who is now desperately pursuing her for future inheritance. Clara's grandfather is an inventor and clockmaker. His inventions keep us amused throughout the story. At times I wondered if I was reading a steampunk novel, the inventions being so other worldly.

Having set off in his marvellous owl flying machine, Grand sends Clara off on a wonderful wacky pursuit across Europe. Accompanying her are Theodore as he holds an essential timepiece that serves to attract Grand's inventions and Mrs Stanton, Clara's mother, who is quite hilarious. Mrs S., as Theodore calls her, is a passionate advocate for animals in general and will pick up stray anything and everything along their travels. Her home is a veritable menagerie and mini-zoo with all the strays she's taken in.

It is a delightful romp through Europe, as the intrepid threesome track down Grand, only to be pursued by Forrester, the dastardly ex-fiance who will do anything to ensure he can get his hands on Grand's wealth or fabulous flying machine.

Clara, initially skeptical of Theodore's intentions taking employment with Grand, resists him. Still hurting from her entanglement with Forrester, she also questions her ability to know a person. Theodore, meanwhile continues to be the charming protector of both ladies. Slowly but surely, his bravery and genuine affection for Clara and her mother, bring Clara around.

I did enjoy Theodore. Struggling with a deep familial pain caused by his father, he believed himself unloveable. Cleverly, Bell uses both Clara and Mrs.'s faith to help Theodore to discover how loved he is by his creator. I felt both ladies and Grand's faiths were very natural and encouraged Theodore to look to God and discover Him afresh.

I really didn't know what to expect when I picked this story up. I'm delighted I did and am so looking forward to Bell's follow-up especially if it involves Clara and Theodore in another thrilling and wacky adventure.

I'm so appreciative that Bethany House approved my Net Galley request for an early ebook copy of this excellent debut. This has had no bearing on my review.

This was such a fun read. It had me laughing from the beginning when we’re introduced to a friendly ermine that pretends to be a stole, and the whimsical story captivated me from start to finish.

I love when a debut is a great and fun read, and this is one of those cases! I can’t wait to read more from Angela Bell in the future!

A Lady’s Guide to Marvels and Misadventure is unlike anything else I’ve come across in Christian fiction. It’s a historical fiction featuring a mysterious scavenger hunt with a steampunk feel. Had I known about the steampunk element, I probably wouldn’t have picked this one up, and that would have been a huge mistake. The themes addressed in this book of trying to control every situation, holding others at arm’s length, and refusing to accept help from others are skillfully addressed while being seamlessly integrated into the story. If you’re looking for a story that has adventure, romance, and humor from an unabashedly Christian point of view, you’ll want to check this one out!

Thanks go to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

What a fun adventure! I really loved the whimsical world that Bell created with this story. Bell has crafted a story that takes readers on an exciting journey and characters that are full of heart and soul. I really loved the play on themes from the Nutcracker, with names like Drosselmeyer and Clara and Theodore's experience as a soldier. I am not religious so that part of the story didn't particularly appeal to me but it wasn't overly done or preachy. Overall, a very well-written, charming book. Bravo, Ms. Bell!

p.s. This Narrator was fantastic!

Clara is sent on a wild scavenger hunt across Europe with her animal-rescuing mother and grandfather’s apprentice. Along the way she learns a lot about herself and explores some truly fascinating places while being pursued by a dastardly ex.

This was such a delightful and surprising read from this debut author. Not surprising in that the author wrote a fascinating and solidly engaging story, but the plotline itself is fresh and engaging. The research is spot on, at least for the places I’ve visited overseas. My favorite secondary character has got to be the Mum and her antics. There is a steady thread of depending on God and his grace and learning from experiences. The violence is very mild combined with a lovely romance that remains sweet.

This book is definitely recommended for those who enjoy historical fiction and are looking for something fresh besides the same tried and true plotlines.

This book is delightful and oh so charming! There were so many great one-liners and I loved the wacky and fun elements. Definitely will read more from Angela in the future.

Thank you to @bethanyhousefiction for the #gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.

Read for:
🕰️ Victorian Adventure & Romance
🕰️ Steampunk-lite
🕰️ Hidden Identity
🕰️ Grumpy Heroine & Charming Hero

Funny, sweet, charming, and full of adventure. I had no idea what to expect exactly before starting this book, but it was a fun ride to go on. Full of quirkiness and heart.

A delightfully whimsical adventure, with a full cast of endearingly original characters, that you won't want to put down!

Set in the Victorian Era tinged with steampunk, this imaginative novel has it all, strong protagonists that you can cheer for all the way through, quirky but endearing characters, along with strong themes of faith, forgiveness, and family. Clara is a spunky and adventurous heroine, who loves her unorthodox family dearly, and is very protective of them. Theodore is a man with a secret that haunts him, looking for acceptance, he is a man true to his word who takes his duties seriously. I admired his never give up attitude, when Clara kept trying to run him off.

I think one of my favorite characters was Clara's mother, a woman unashamed of her convictions with a heart for all of God's creatures, who despite her eccentric tendencies is actually quite wise.

There is so much to love about this whimsically delightful novel, full of humor, faith, lively dialogue, and adventure. Highly enjoyable read that I won't soon forget!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A Lady’s Guide to Marvels and Misadventures is a Christian-based novel that follows Clara and Theodore. She’s been jaded and doesn’t trust anyone to be near her parents or grandfather— people who are as endearing as they are eccentric. Theodore is a lost man who fixes clocks while trying to find his place in the world.

This book is funny and filled with adventure. I loved the time period, the journey, and the human and animal characters. Clara grated on my nerves with how openly rude she was for about the first 40 percent of the book, but she redeemed herself.

I want more books like this. This is definitely a favorite so far this year. I received this ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.

Dear Ms. Bell,
I am wholly and utterly charmed by this delightful book. The entire thing was lovely, from the cast of characters to the personal menagerie, from the exclamations and turns of phrase to the depth and wit. Absolutely delightful.
I loved how you balanced depth and heartache with lightheartedness and fun. The Christian faith-filled elements were inspiring and deep, but not overdone. And I chuckled aloud many times at funny witticisms and quirks of the characters.
The characters in this book have my heart. I loved every single one (save for the villain, who was very much a man one loves to hate, as he was much too cunning and sneaky and ruthless) and I am sad the book is over and I have had to say goodbye to them for now. I will be revisiting this one because i love it so much! Mum is hilarious, with her menagerie and love of animals, but she is also full of depth and love for Clara that is beautiful. Grand’s quirky personality and inventions are delightful (how many times is too many times to say delightful in one review?) and I adore him. I want him to adopt me as his own granddaughter and have mechanical butterflies flutter around my own head.
The character arcs of both Clara and Theodore were perfection. The road wasn’t easy for either of them, and they had to do a lot of faith reconciliation and learning to trust. It’s interesting that they both needed the same things for different reasons, and that they found their way together but not because of being pushed by each other. Also, their little enemies to friends to more progression in their love story was so good. I was absolutely swooning by the end. I’m obsessed with the entirety of chapter 39 and that proposal scene! *swoonswoonswoon*
So many tabs now fill the sides of my book, because I want to remember all the wonderful, charming, funny, *delightful* things I have fallen in love with. As far as I’m concerned, this book deserves alllll the stars and I’ll be telling anyone I know to read it.
Your newest fan,
Jessica
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AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: the audio narrator for this book was fantastic! Her voices and moods were perfect, and on point every single time. She made the book even more delightful and I loved every moment!
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**Many thanks to the publisher @bethanyhousefiction and tour host [author:laurel-ann-nattress] for the copy. A positive review was not required and these thoughts are mine.

This book was a blast to read and kept me turning the pages. I was so sad to see it end. The main characters are quirky but lovable and all are well ahead of their time in what they believe in. This story was a great combination of themes , think "Around the World in 80 Days" & "The Nutcracker" and was so well written. I really enjoyed the dialogue as well as both the main characters growth through out. I highly recommend this book!




I received a free E-ARC from Bethany House, Bethany House Publishers & NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

“My dear Miss Stanton, I’d much rather be absurd with you than normal with anyone else.”

What a refreshingly unique novel!

I absolutely adored Clara’s Grandfather, the endearing clockmaker with an affinity for constructing intricate machines and automatons, including a flying conveyance in the likeness of an owl. These play a significant role in the story, and I loved every minute of this subplot. While my own grandfather was not a clockmaker, he did have an affection for inventing gadgets and gizmos and I felt an instant connection to Clara’s Grand. I also loved his loving, kind heart and his ready friendship with Theodore/Arthur – another character I immediately liked. He’s a different sort of romantic hero at first glance… and yet ultimately he’s perhaps one of the most heroic I’ve met on the page in a while. And though Clara would certainly disagree with me for a good chunk of the book, he’s also exactly the sort of hero – and friend – that she needs.

“What-ifs are not acquainted with what-is, and they spread horrid falsehoods about what will-be, so why bother entertaining them?”

Clara had to grow on me, to be honest, though it’s probably because we’re more alike than I’d care to admit. Both of us have a tendency to shoulder anxious burdens we were never intended to carry, and both of us are reluctant to believe anyone can bear those burdens better than we can. Her early treatment of Theodore is pretty harsh, but I understand the fear driving it and I really enjoyed watching her begin to warm up to him on their shared journey. The author also does a wonderful job of showing in Clara’s words, actions, and concerns how much she loves her quirky family, including her endearingly-and-exasperatingly eccentric mother who would make my hair fall out overnight from stress, I suspect. Don’t get me wrong – I loved Mrs. Stanton but if I’d had to go around the world with her and an ever-increasing menagerie of misfit creatures I might very well end up in those asylums Clara is trying to keep her family out of. Haha!

Bottom Line: A Lady’s Guide to Marvels and Misadventure by Angela Bell is such a delightfully unexpected historical romance! With its eccentric characters (of the 2 and 4 legged variety), steampunk vibes, Victorian time period, European scavenger hunt, sweet romance, dash of danger, meaningful themes, and nods to The Nutcracker, Around the World in 80 Days, and even Heidi, it entertains as well as inspires. The reminder that we are in God’s hands, that He wants to bear our burdens, that He wants us to enjoy life and all that He has created – including love – touched my heart more than once over the course of the novel. I laughed, I swooned, I nearly pulled out my hair… and I enjoyed it all! A great choice for fans of Jen Turano, Jules Verne, and Morgan L. Busse!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

I didn’t know what to think of this book from the cover alone. I wasn’t sure what kind of misadventure I was about to embark on. In a way, this book reminds me a little of Jen Turano, and Pepper Basham. Both authors are witty, funny, and write about strong women and their misadventures.

I was surprised by how imaginative and enjoyable the author's scavenger hunt was. I had no idea that Clara and Theodore would meet so many endearing and eccentric people while searching for clues on the Drosselmeyer's trail. I enjoyed this incredible journey that often had me giggle. I liked the sweet, and uplifting romance in this charming Victorian steampunk type story.

If you adore how this surprising team approaches this extraordinary mission if you enjoy this genre, quirky characters, and Victorian adventures. You'll enjoy this debut novel. You won't want to put down.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by the publisher and NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

A new all time favorite for me. I want to stay here and continue to see their inventions, travels and marvels. I was captivated. Thoroughly. London, England, 1860. All seems teetering on the edge for Clara and her family, with threats of the family's eccentricities being exposed unless she marries a ruthless suitor so he can have access to their funds. Theodore wandered into her Grandfather's clockwork shop and all things flew into motion. This story would be fabulous on the screen with the automatons and with the lessons of Christian faith. Beyond fabulous read. I think I'll always picture the miniature bee and butterfly automatons in her Grandfather's hair.

I received this book free from the author, publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#ALadysGuidetoMarvelsandMisadventure #NetGalley #BethanyHouse #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #ChristianHistoricalFiction #FiveStarBooks #AngelaBell

One word: brilliant!

More words: I am endlessly excited when I discover a new author with a pitch-perfect voice and a storytelling talent that shines. Angela Bell's A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventure is such a delight! I adored the humor, the unique plotline and just the sense of whimsy and wonder that was threaded throughout the whole story. There's a lovely romance and touching emotional growth for the main characters, and the steampunk slant just adds another layer of fun. Charming all around!

I just really, really loved this and can't wait to see what Angela writes next!

We humans can be a complicated lot. Many of us have been damaged emotionally, and we take those injuries into all corners of our lives. Because of hurtful words from others, we might come to believe that we are “less than” or “unworthy” of success, strength or even love. On the other hand, many of us are determined to be strong and self-sufficient, never showing weakness or the need for assistance. In either scenario, hearts can become closed off. We don’t allow ourselves to be truly seen and loved, either because we feel unworthy, or because we could be seen as weak. When this happens, our lives become smaller. We try to maintain control over what is actually uncontrollable, and we reject the love that will soothe our aching souls.

The lead characters in A Lady’s Guide to Marvels and Misadventure by Angela Bell exhibit these same tendencies. Clara Marie Stanton has been hurt by a former fiancé. Not only has she vowed to never be hurt in matters of romance ever again, but she also feels a strong compulsion to control her environment as much as possible. This includes shouldering the burden of protecting and providing for her family as much as she is able. The compulsion is so strong, that her grandfather refers to her as her “Little Atlas”, as she tries to bear the weight of the world on her shoulders.

Clara comes to know Theodore Kingsley, an apprentice of her grandfather’s who is adept in clock repair. His heart is closed as well, but due to reasons of insecurity rather than self-sufficiency. Rejected by his family and a failure as a soldier, he feels unworthy of love. Due to his service on the battlefield, he is an amputee, and his injury also manifests itself emotionally as he sees himself as “damaged goods.” He struggles to determine his place in the world, almost like a broken cog that needs mending and purpose.

Clara and Theodore find themselves on a fantastic journey, not only on a whirlwind scavenger hunt laid out by her grandfather, but also in a race to outwit a cunning adversary who would do anything to acquire important assets of the Stanton family. Along the way they learn lessons about human self-sufficiency (or lack thereof) as well as the inherent worthiness that we carry to be loved by others and by God.

A Lady’s Guide to Marvels and Misadventure was such a joyful novel. Much like Jules Verne’s Around the World in Eighty Days, Angela Bell’s tale takes her readers to wondrous locations around the globe. There is a bit of a steampunk feel to the story, as certain elements would certainly have been impossible (or certainly not invented yet) in 19th century Europe. If readers can buy into the notion of a huge, flying automaton owl and similar creatures, then this story is a wonder to behold. Bell’s descriptions of the many mechanical creatures are lush and bring the whimsical items to life. I thoroughly enjoyed playing along with Drosselmeyer’s inventions and adventures.

Readers of classic fiction will find many winks to some of our favorite novels. Of course there are many tips of the hat to The Nutcracker, given Clara Marie’s name, her grandfather Drosselmeyer, the great Owl and other elements. I also spotted acknowledgements of Jane Austen, C. S. Lewis, Beatrix Potter, Clement Moore, Dumas, and King Arthur. The modern Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles even have a cameo with one particular character. This was especially amusing.

Author Angela Bell weaves a delightful tale of adventure, romance, whimsy, and redemption. Her worldview is unmistakably Christian, as God’s saving grace is mentioned on numerous occasions. It is especially applicable in the lives of Clara and Theodore. Clara is so self-reliant, her heart is closed to the possibility of romance, and she struggles with trusting God with the many obstacles she faces. She must come to learn that we need each other as well as our Heavenly Father in order to flourish in this life. Theodore’s lessons lie in understanding God’s love for him. Clara’s mother says to him, “Don’t confuse the character of your heavenly Father with the voice of your earthly one.” This is a difficult truth for Theodore, as he believed the lie that he was broken and worthless. Watching the development of Clara and Theodore, both as individuals and as partners in a grand escapade was as enriching as it was entertaining.

Given the perspective of the author, the content of A Lady’s Guide is decidedly family-friendly, but there are moments when Bell does not shy away from difficult issues. On more than one occasion Theodore recalls moments of abuse and trauma from his past. I found one scene in particular to be difficult to read, in fact. This type of material isn’t pervasive, but if the reader finds family conflict to be triggering, I would proceed with caution. That said, the darker material was handled very carefully and could have been far more graphic and troubling. The scenes that are shared merely illustrate the depth at which Theordore’s pain has reached, and it also therefore demonstrates the levels to which he can be healed.

As a debut author, Angela Bell has produced a strong and enchanting first novel. A Lady’s Guide to Marvels and Misadventure seems primed for the possibility of a sequel. Given the richness of the narrative and the possibilities inherent in Bell’s steampunkian world, the options are really almost endless. My hope is that A Lady’s Guide takes off to grand success, and readers are treated to yet another international, spectacular adventure with her delightful characters.

I enjoyed this book. I love quirky characters and this one has a gem in Mrs. Stanton. She is an extreme animal activist and can regularly be found rescuing animals or protesting outside of hat stores. She tries to convince her daughter..."'Each little bird that sings,' why don't you pipe in with a convicting chant such as 'They sing no more, dead in your store?' That will ruffle some feathers of conscience (location 69)." She sneaks animals into places they ought not be and that adds to the mayhem in the book. It was delightful.

Clara has long felt she needed to protect her family from those who might declare their eccentricities insanity. When her grandfather forces her on a scavenger hunt spanning Europe with his new apprentice, she is not happy. The allure of the beauty and the grand things she sees have a softening affect. Theodore carries his own shame. One of my favorite parts of the book was watching Clara and Theodore interact and seeing them both be set free from a lot of weight they carried inside. It was beautiful.

There are some incredible marvels and adventures to be had in this book. I wish I could have seen the owl and the carousel horse and the other automatons. It was a fun, unique read. I'd recommend it.

Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventure - Angela Bell 🦉🌍 ✨

"Just as Grand would never expect a clock to mend its own windings, God would never expect us to mend our own hearts."

🦉🌍 ✨What a fun, whimsical story with great quirky characters that go on an adventure together! This is a Christian Historical Romance that has some steampunk-ish vibes and is a great read for lovers of The Nutcracker or Around the World in 80 Days! 4 stars!

This book starts off with our main character of Clara Stanton trying to protect her family from her ex-fiancé's schemes and society's prejudice about them because they are very different! Her Grandfather brings on an apprentice with a mechanical leg and boy do things get wild from here!

We see Theodore Kingsley, the apprentice who repairs clocks, desperate for a fresh start from his disappointed father who wants nothing to do with him and declared him dead. When Clara's Grandfather disappears in his secret flying owl machine, he leaves a note behind and she goes on an quite the adventure/scavenger hunt with Theodore...

I had a fun time reading this one! It made me laugh several times throughout the story and the premise is such a unique one that I haven't seen before in the Christian Fiction market! While the first 40% took me a little bit to warm up to Clara as she was very hesitant to trust anyone, including Theodore and had quite a bit of sass with him, once she started opening up and realizing she misjudged him, I really liked her character arc and where things went, especially in the faith developments. While I am not the biggest enemies to lovers person, the ending of this was very well done and I really appreciate the romance and faith elements in the end.

Grand was also absolutely precious and chapter 27 was probably my favorite. I think anyone who loves a fun, whimsical story with unique characters, great historical background and beautiful faith content will enjoy this one! Excited to see what Angela comes up with next!

Thank you to the publisher for a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.