“Discovering Dahlia” by Jennifer Moore

“Discovering Dahlia” is the fifth and final book in Jennifer Moore’s Blue Orchid Society series. I have read the other books in this series and enjoyed them so I was excited to read this final one!

"Discovering Dahlia" is about a promising heiress, whose broken engagement and humiliation All its members ended up finding their match in the next couple of years, and as this story begins, Dahlia feels a little lonely.

One year ago Dahlia suffered a blow she didn't see coming. She was a society darling and almost engaged until her intended Lord Ruben announced his engagement to another, Dahlia's good friend. Embarrassed, ashamed and shunned from high society, Dahlia found herself alone and lost. And worst of all, she lost her good friend, Lord Meredith, a close friend of Lord Ruben.
This scandal led to the creation of the Blue Orchid society with similar-minded ladies. After the scandal, and with her father ill, Dahlia, inherits his shipping company and with the help of her new friends and allies, she ventures into making luxury cruises and becoming an accomplished business woman. One year after her shunning, she invites her friends on the maiden voyage, however, lord Ruben and her former friends secure invites also. All is well until someone tries to sabotage the voyage. Finding herself confiding in Lord Meredith is comforting and a little exciting. Maybe she can find love on this voyage also but first they need to discover who is trying to ruin it.

I was excited to get to read Dalia’s story and see her growth, how she overcome her history and build her confidence and become an independent risk-taking woman. Her Love interest, Lord Meredith, was also a great character. They were a great couple. I also enjoyed seeing the characters from the other books in this wonderful series.

“Discovering Dahlia” is the 5th and final book in the Blue Orchid Society series written by Jennifer Moore. It was a great conclusion to this series. I totally recommend this sweet clean book to all fans of historical romance with some elements of suspense and mystery. It can be read as a standalone but I recommend reading the entire series for more enjoyment.

It has been such a treat to read The Blue Orchid Society and experience these beautiful stories as an ARC reader. I have absolutely loved getting to know these five best friends and seeing them fall in love and become pioneering women in their respective fields.

I have been anticipating Dahlia's story since the beginning of the series and loved getting to know her. In many ways, Dahlia is the reason the Blue Orchid Society comes into existence. When a public announcement of a betrothal does not go as planned, she seeks solitude but finds life altering friendship. Now, she is the president of her family shipping business and has orchestrated a first of it's kind pleasure cruise on the SS Aurora with her friends and members of the ton. I loved seeing Dahlia thrive as the leader of her company and seeing how she connects with her crew and guests. She has a gift for connection and that is on full display in this novel. I admire her strength, patience, and loyalty. Seeing her let Miles back into her life was also beautiful.

Miles has loved Dahlia longer than anyone has known and I loved the support he is able to give her. He sees her more clearly than Ruben or the Darling Debs or even the Blue Orchid Society sees her. To Miles, Dahlia is capable, independent, beautiful, and inspiring. I loved seeing how he seeks to reconnect with her and understand how to help her. While their romance feels impossible at times, Miles and Dahlia are truly right for each other. I loved their first kiss on the castle tower, their embrace in the cave, and how their love shines through when things go unexpectedly and repeatably wrong.

One of my favorite elements in this series is the unique time period that allows for such fascinating stories of women in new roles and careers. The Victorian Era offered so many new opportunities for women and I love seeing those on display in this story. Dahlia is the new president of her company because of a new law that allowed women to inherit such titles. I loved seeing her thrive in this role and see her dear Blue Orchid friends on the cruise. Their skills are needed from medical care to investigative journalism. This story (like the others in this series) is exciting and surprising. The mystery surrounding the mishaps on the cruise is engaging; I felt very invested in the story and in figuring out who was sabotaging the cruise. The twists and turns that reveal who is responsible are well developed and surprising. Just when I thought I figured it all out, a new twist surprised me!

Overall, a beautiful novel to finish a beautiful series about achieving big dreams and the power of true friendship.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the author/publisher. All opinions are my own

4.5 stars
This was a sweet historical read. I have read some of the other books and enjoyed it so I was excited to read this one! Discovering Dahlia is the fifth and final book in Jennifer Moore’s Blue Orchid Society series.
I felt so bad for Dahlia as she tried to navigate life and her experiences. She was trying to learn how to deal with the expectations of others and her hopes for the future. She had to grow on me a bit but I ended up understanding her by the end of the story. I liked reading about her growing and becoming more confident. It was sweet to read about her interaction with ther friends and with Meredith.
I adored Meredith. He was just the sweetest and so loyal. He was struggling to figure out how to reach out to Dahlia while still staying loyal to his friend. I liked how he tried to help Dahlia on her own time while still showing her that he cared for her.
The romance was sweet as Dahlia was still healing and Meredith was navgating his friendships and hopes. I loved reading about Dahlia and Meredith reconnecting and falling for each other. Their interactions were cute especially because you can see that they truly cared for each other. The plot was engaging and I liked the hints of mystery added to the book. I was really invested in the story and I didn’t know what the outcome would be. I loved seeing old characters too.
Discovering Dahlia was a wonderful book and I would totally recommend it. The characters were fun and I greatly enjoyed the book. I am so sad to see this series end but I am excited to see what will come next. Discovering the Dahlia is a clean historical romance.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

This is the night - the night Dahlia is going to get engaged . She is thrilled , excited for this next chapter in her life . The announcement stops everyone at the ball because the engagement she expected is announced but not to her but to her best friend . Shocked is an understatement . She runs from the ball scorn and ashamed .

We then see Dahlia one heart later she is now the co-owner of a ship but not any ship a cruise like ship .
She offers a free journey to old friends , those in society and the upper crust so they will then share the news to others .

Lots of people show up last minute on this trip including her old fiance and his wife (her old best friend ) , an old close male friend Lord Meredith, girlfriends , the. Cousin she runs the business with and more .

During this journey there is embarrassment, feelings of pride , humility , anger , love suspense . People are getting sea sick but it’s no normal sea sickness . Someone greases the stairs so people (or maybe just one person ?) will fall and get seriously injured , a stolen piece of jewelry, mishaps and cutthroatness is all alive on this small ships first cruise .
Will dahlia make it through the journey safely and successfully ? Will she and lord Meredith regain their old closeness . Find out by reading this novel.
I love cruises and while this was not the same as a cruise now a days it had elements which made me want to go on a cruise .
I felt like Dahlia and Lord Meredith’s love story was a bit rushed but had all the elements of a good friend to enemy to friend to lover theme .
There were a lot of side characters probably because this was the fifth in the series but stands on its own as well.
I enjoyed the story and the suspense of who was behind all the mishaps and poisoning of the passengers . My only wish was there was a bit more to the love story maybe even more from the past .

Thanks to netgalleu for the copy in exchange for my review .

Discovering Dahlia is an eloquently written novel for romance fans who prefer to read literature that happens to be lighter on the side of romance. Jennifer Moore writes with a fluency that distinguishes her as a masterfully skilled novelist. The front cover art portrays a scene of the main character gazing out at the expanse of the sea, a beautifully created invitation welcoming the reader on the journey that is about to begin.

The novel opens with an introduction of Dahlia Lancaster, at a high society ball, as she delightfully anticipates the announcement of her engagement to her intended suitor. Only, somehow, she finds herself dancing with Lord Miles Meredith and finds herself enjoying waltzing around the room nestled within the security of his arms. Even more surprising, Dahlia stands in bewilderment as her intended suitor announces his engagement to another woman who happens to be one of Dahlia's dearest friends. Dahlia leaves the ball feeling betrayed and victimized and spends a year locking herself away from everyone in society including her dearest friends.

One year later, Dahlia announces the maiden voyage of the SS Aurora and sends invitations out for the cruise aboard this exquisite ship. Once aboard, the passengers find entertainment aboard. as well as fine dining and recreational activities More importantly, the voyage across the sea allows the passengers an opportunity to better acquaint themselves since many have not spoken much after marrying and venturing off on their own courses to have families of their own. Somehow, Lord Meredith finds an opportunity to reimagine that spark of romance which he found with Dahlia years earlier and never allowed him to kindle into anything more.

Surprisingly, while aboard the SS Aurora, a series of fiendish mishaps begins which leaves a member of the crew injured and several passengers taking ill. There does indeed happen to be an inspector aboard and he slowly and meticulously begins working on the case to solve the mystery and discover who happens to be behind this fiendish plot.

Discovering Dahlia is that type of romance novel which literature scholars tend to love and cherish. The writing is impeccably displayed as the narrative unfolds. The characters are well formed and believable. The female characters are strong, assertive, and bold. Dahlia, the main female character, is driven, successful, and described throughout the book as being more than a housewife-- as a woman who has career goals and aspirations and has accomplished what she intended to.

I love the comraderie of the women in the Blue Orchid Society series. This was a fun culminating novel with all the heroines from past books and their heroes having opportunity to be seen, comfortable in their shoes and unique approaches to life. There was a little mystery involved and I was delighted by a slight plot twist that surprised me.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

I love Jennifer Moore's Blue Orchid Series! And it was so wonderful to get to read Dahlia's story. Lord Meredith is absolutely incredible for Dahlia. I loved how they were once friends and then trying to renew that relationship, but Miles has definitely always wished for more. Dahlia doesn't trust him considering his friendship with Lord Ruben who betrayed her in the past. But Miles continually proves his worth throughout their journey. He's just that awesome...
The luxury cruise that she introduces to her friends and acquaintances of high society is so fascinating! I loved how this provided such a perfect setting for both the romance and the mystery. Moore created such a compelling and intriguing novel. I could hardly put it down!

Book Review: The Aurora by [Author's Name]
In Discovering Dahlia, we follow the inspiring journey of Dahlia Lancaster, a woman who triumphs over adversity after facing a painful public humiliation that leaves her heartbroken and isolated from London Society. Instead of succumbing to despair, Dahlia channels her energy into her unconventional inheritance: a steamship company. Her determination leads to the launch of The Aurora, a luxurious ocean liner that aims to revolutionize travel.
The author skillfully crafts a narrative that showcases Dahlia’s resilience and ambition. The exclusive invitation list for the ship's launch includes her closest friends from the Blue Orchid Society, alongside a few influential figures from her past, highlighting the blend of old and new relationships. This dynamic adds depth to the story, as not everyone has Dahlia's best interests at heart.
A romantic thread weaves through the plot as Lord Meredith, who has harbored feelings for Dahlia since their first encounter, finally receives an invitation to join her on The Aurora. Their tentative rekindling of friendship brings warmth to the narrative, and readers will root for their connection to flourish amidst the challenges they face.
As the launch unfolds, the story takes an exciting turn with mischievous dealings that spiral into a gripping conflict. The tension builds as it becomes clear that someone is determined to humiliate Dahlia once again. However, her unwavering spirit and resilience shine through, proving that she will not be easily defeated.
This a story of empowerment, friendship, and the courage to rise above challenges. The author’s engaging prose and well-developed characters make this novel a captivating read. Dahlia's journey from heartbreak to triumph is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, and it will leave readers inspired and eager for more. Highly recommended for those who enjoy tales of resilience and adventure! #netgalley

"Discovering Dahlia" is a romance set in 1874 in England. This was the 5th book in the series, but it can be read without first reading the previous books. This was not a mystery but a denial. Every time something happened, Dahlia dismissed it, even when--like the grease on a step--it was pretty obviously not an accident. This meant that Lord Meredith had to spend his time protecting her because she didn't believe herself to be in any danger. It's only when the detective (a friend on the cruise) was finally feeling better that her friends quickly solved the mystery and saved her ship's reputation.

The historical details were off, sometimes in important ways. Since Dahlia was going to inherit her father's successful business and a nobleman's heir proposed marriage to her, their fathers would have gotten together to work out a marriage settlement before making any public announcement. They didn't. The author referred to the English law of primogeniture, but Dahlia would have inherited her father's property under that. While it was unusual for Dahlia to run her father's business, it wasn't odd for the sole child to inherit.

Anyway. Dahlia seemed quite competent in running the company and had a useful, supportive assistant. Lord Meredith admired her and was very supportive of her. He didn't expect her to give up running the company (as he certainly didn't want to) if they married. However, it was never resolved what his father would say about his heir marrying a business woman. Lord Meredith had responsibilities, but he didn't feel up to doing them. The story kind of left things like he would travel with Dahlia and play at being a sailor while she did the real work.

He never seemed realistic. He hated being hot, yet he shoved coal into the ship's steam engines for hours, kept up with the regular workers, and only suffered a 'pleasant ache' in his muscles. He ought to have admired how hard they worked, but somehow he was instantly good at everything, including climbing ropes faster than a man could run up stairs.

I also got tired of Dahlia being unwilling to forgive Lord Meredith, her friend who tried to stay her friend, but he wouldn't drop his friendship with the man who rejected her. On the other hand, the female 'best' friend who triumphantly stole her betrothed, Dahlia forgave at once. Hmm. There was no sex or bad language.

I absolutely loved Dahlia's character and how she handled SO much adversity!
The storyline progresses smoothly and constantly adds to the level of mystery and suspense.
Miles is a wonderful 'hero' with his calm, gentle manner, and gives Dahlia the support she needs without suffocating her.
I enjoyed the cruise setting. It was well written. The author gives a lot of nice details without it being overwhelming.
I highly recommend this book, as well as the others in the series. It would be best to read them in the order they were published.
All of the main characters from the previous books are in this one as well, so they all feel very familiar.
Great addition to the series, and probably my favorite!

This is the last of the orchid society books. I have really enjoyed these books. It all started when Dahlia is humiliated at a ball and then is ostracized by high society. I feel like this story brings the books full circle. The setting is a maiden voyage cruise of Dahlia’s family company ship line. There is friendship, romance and mystery.

Jennifer Moore concludes her engaging Blue Orchid Society series with "Discovering Dahlia". The reader is finally treated to Dahlia Lancaster's story; after all, her humiliation was the impetus behind the formation of the Blue Orchid Society.

This finely crafted tale does not disappoint. Not one to wallow in self-pity, Dahlia Lancaster launches (figuratively and literally) a luxury cruise liner business. Her Society friends, a few of their grandmothers, and various aristocrats join her gratis for the maiden voyage. While Miles Ashcroft, Lord Meredith, is a welcome guest, Lord Ruben and Lady Lorene are unpleasant additions.

This story is a wonderful blend of romance, friendship, and mystery. Unexplained events threaten to ruin Dahlia's new venture, and some are designed to kill her. There is no lack of suspects, whose motives vary. The characters are an intriguing blend of friends and foes. Lord Meredith has been waiting in the wings (inferred from previous installments), and part of his backstory is a complete surprise. Lord Ruben is rude to his wife, and I *almost* felt bad for her. Forgiveness is an important theme.

Moore has done impeccable research on early steamships, as she's done with early 19th century vessels featured in some of her Regency novels. Her prose is crisp and evocative, and her characters are well-drawn. Technically this is a stand-alone novel. However, I read the entire series in order, including the novella "Emmeline", which features Sophronia's grandmother. I recommend doing so, as it enriches the reading experience.

Thanks to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for an ARC of this thoroughly enjoyable work.

I loved Discovering Dahlia by Jennifer Moore. A sweet historical fiction.

Set in the late 1800's Dahlia is shunned by her peers after being rejected from a highly sought after engagement. A year later Dahlia decides to build a luxury ocean liner through her steamship company. She invites her friends, and enemies, on the maiden voyage. However someone tries to sabotage the trip with what appears to be accidents. But when someone ends up being poisoned, it's clear that Dahlia's life is in danger. Lord Miles Meredith, a close friend of Dahlia's former fiancé, works together with Dahlia to find out who is trying to destroy her business.

Great characters and storyline. Well written with a bit of a mystery and a long time coming romance. Although a part of a series, it is a stand alone story. I would highly recommend it.

Thanks to Net Galley and Covenant Communications for a complementary e-copy. The review and comments are my own.

A story of a young woman that the London Society has overlooked. A wonderful mystery and love story. I enjoyed it very much. I look forward to more of Jennifer Moore books.

What a wonderful story, finishing all the women of the Blue Orchid Society. I will miss these women, their strength and their fortitude.

Dahlia was humiliated at a ball, her reputation tattered by a cancelled engagement announcement. But through that event, she met a wonderful group of women. A group of women who encouraged and supported, who did not try to be better than each other. She then grew and made herself into something new, running a steamship company.

Miles had loved Dahlia for years, but the stars had never aligned. He tried to show her support after the event, but she was in a dark place. Now is his chance.

This book has romance, intrigue, suspense, and lovely scenery. The characters are well developed, and loveable.

I enjoyed seeing all the Characters from previous books included in this 5th and final book in The Blue Orchid Society, both friend and foe. I liked seeing Dahlia so confident and having a direction after she was betrayed so horribly.

There are no swears, brief mentions of alcohol consumption, and level 1 non-descriptive kisses only.

What an amazing book! It is safe to say that I have a new favorite by Jennifer Moore. I have enjoyed the entire Blue Orchid Society Series and this was the perfect story to end it with.
After a broken engagement which results in Dahlia being shunned from Society she decides to open a luxury ocean liner through her steamship company. The success of her luxury liner rests in the hands of her friends and many members of the high society that shunned her only the year previously as they embarked on the ships first luxury journey. The trip isn’t smooth sailing as someone is trying to sabotage the trip and Dahlia’s life is in danger. Along the way Dahlia must rely on others for help including Lord Meredith. As Lord Meredith tries to figure out with the rest of Dahlia’s friends who the culprit is the pair slowly come to realize how much they mean to each other.

Overall I would highly recommend the whole Blue Orchid Society series including this riveting conclusion. Thanks to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I loved the "Blue Orchid Society" series, so it was bittersweet to open this last book, five years after I'd first fallen under the spell of the Blue Orchid ladies.

"Discovering Dahlia" is about a promising heiress, whose broken engagement and humiliation led to the creation of the Blue Orchid society with similar-minded ladies. All its members ended up finding their match in the next couple of years, and as this story begins, Dahlia feels a little lonely, as she doesn't have anyone to share her challenges, doubts and ultimately future with. While I think this is rather relatable, I was a little sad to find that the ladies' friendship was impacted by their respective marriages/engagements. It would have been interesting if this book had happened a few years later when Dahlia had truly had time to become well-established in her profession, and when the weight of loneliness burdened her even more but when her doubts about getting married were even stronger.

Dahlia, as a rich heiress, doesn't want to fall prey to a fortune hunter and has decided to carve her own path. She just opened a luxury ocean liner with her steamship company, inviting her friends and enemies (God knows why!) to join her on the maiden journey. While her former fiancé's presence and his wife's were explained, that of Dahlia's former friends remained a mystery! Especially as this first journey was so important for the reputation of the company... When illness and accidents befall several passengers, Dahlia and her old friend Miles Meredith must investigate. I found Miles and Dahlia's romance a little rushed — they did know each other years before, but they rekindled their friendship very quickly, in just a few days and without much chemistry between them. I wish there were more meaningful dialogues between them and thoughts about the implications of their courtship. The mystery was easily solved by the reader before the culprit was revealed, so while I wasn't expecting to read an Agatha Christie's book, I was a little disappointed to find out what happened so easily.

A book happening in a closed space is always interesting — I liked discovering the descriptions of the ship, its engine room, etc. The different places the ship stopped really added something to the story and I wish we got to explore more of these places.

Overall, it was still a cute story, as it was nice to see characters from the series make an appearance, but I feel like there were some loose ends and the romance was a little lukewarm. I still enjoyed this last book in the Blue Orchid series, and look forward to discovering more books by this author.

This story had it all - friends to enemies, romance, love, mystery, strong female lead, friends to lovers, and more. It really had it all! The entire time I was reading, I was on the edge of my seat. One year ago Dahlia suffered a blow she didn't see coming. She was a society darling and almost engaged until her intended Lord Ruben announced his engagement to another, Dahlia's good friend. Embarrassed, ashamed and shunned from high society, Dahlia found herself alone and lost. And worst of all, she lost her good friend, Lord Meredith, a close friend of Lord Ruben. After the scandal, and with her father ill, Dahlia, inherits his shipping company and with the help of her new friends and allies, she ventures into making luxury cruises and becoming an accomplished business woman. One year after her shunning, she invites her friends on the maiden voyage, however, lord Ruben and her former friends secure invites also. All is well ,until someone tries to sabotage the voyage. Finding herself confiding in Lord Meredith is comforting and a little exciting. Maybe she can find love on this voyage also but first they need to discover who is trying to ruin it.

This is a lovely conclusion to the series. I loved seeing Dahlia overcome her history and build her confidence. She knows her worth, and learns a supportive partner can be a wonderful addition to her life. And Miles is everything you want a MMC to be. Thanks to Covenant Communications for the ARC.