This was my first time reading anything by Angela Bell outside of her contributions to some great novella collections. I think A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventurethis is her full length novel debut?? And I'm hooked!

Here are the highlights:

1. Victorian era with a touch of steampunk.

2. Strong feisty young lady with a passion (obsession?) for protecting her family from the world--most specifically her ex-fiancé who wants them all committed to the insane asylum so he can take their fortune by forcing her to marry him.

3. Jilted fiancé out for revenge...in his canary yellow waistcoat.

4. Quirky genius grandfather who makes almost magical machines and automatons...including a...flying owl machine? Oh and he has white whiskers and wears brown flying goggles.

5. An eccentric mother who passionately defends God's animal creatures from humanity...including the ermine named Fred who she has trained to pretend to be dead and just an ermine collar...even sticks his tongue out. A one-woman PETA member. But touch her family and she will wish she had a gun to shoot you so you "can't reproduce".

6. A young tormented by PTSD veteran amputee running from his past and nightmares until he finds peace working in the grandfather's shop and a passion for carrying for this one-of-a-kind family...did I mention grandfather makes him an automaton leg? And that Clara is sure he's a spy?

7. An Around the World in 80 Days-ish scavenger hunt allowing you to see and taste cities in Europe.

8. Nods to the classic novel Heidi scattered throughout the book.

And the most important...

9. A gut wrenching faith message that will have you stop and read and re-read whole pages. Highlighting every word. As you wipe the leaks coming from your eyes.

So, please. Go right now and pre-order this delightful, inspiring book. The author will take you on a journey with these lovable quirky God-fearing characters as grandfather endeavors to use the scavenger hunt to teach Clara how relinquish control of the uncontrollable and trust in the arms of her Savoir and God.

**I received this ARC from the publishers and NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions are (obviously) 100% my own!

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.