 Author: Jen Turano Genre: Historical Romance Series: Merriweather Academy for Young Ladies #1 Pages: 352 Release Date: May 20, 2025 Publisher: Bethany House Publishers LESSON ONE: Stand in the way of the Windy City's criminal world and expect a most improper proposal from an eligible gentleman in return. With her father dead, her fortune stolen, and her fiancé casting her aside, Miss Drusilla Merriweather's privileged life has been upended. She is left with only one option: to provide for her family by opening a finishing school in the allegedly haunted castle she's inherited from her eccentric aunt. However, her plan is immediately threatened by unscrupulous developers keen on claiming the coveted estate for themselves by any means necessary. Mr. Rhenick Wittenbecker, a dashing architect with a tendency to charm his way out of trouble, is convinced he can protect Drusilla but is challenged by her fierce independence. Yet when strange occurrences--walking suits of armor and unexpected ghostly visitors--arise within the castle's grounds, Drusilla must decide whether to risk her family's safety and her school on the gallant architect who seems to have found his way into her heart.
 Reviewer: Diana Varela I do not recall ever reading a book by Jen Turano, but she is someone I would definitely want to read again. Jen Turano shows rather than tells. She provides a very vivid description of the surroundings, leaving nothing up to the imagination. There was a lot of dialogue, which was natural and believable. Many chapters consisted of the same scene and at times from different points of view. There were many side characters, whom I can totally see in different books about them. I look forward to seeing if they will get a book. This is considered a historical romance. However, it was more of a historical mystery. It had me flipping the pages to see the end. I like the positive messages in this book. They are about not settling, being yourself, and never doing something someone wants you to do, especially when you do not want to do it. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own. Reviewer: Laura J. Davis A Lesson in Propriety by Jen Turano is an adventurous historical romance with non-stop action and hilarity. We meet Drusilla Merriweather, who has lost her father, fortune, and fiancé. Forced to move into a creepy old castle her aunt left her, she, along with her mother, sister, and a friend, move into the castle. Drusilla is determined to make things work and plans to open an academy on propriety for young ladies. She doesn’t realize that a certain criminal element in Chicago wants to ensure that doesn’t happen. When she meets Rhenick Wittenbecker, an architect, he immediately realizes the danger she is in and is determined to help her. With strange things happening at the castle, he and his mother and his sisters make sure no harm comes to Drusilla and her family. Once again, Turano has included a cast of characters with eccentricities that jump off the page. As is usual for Turano novels, hilarity ensues. While there wasn’t much depth to the novel in the way of faith-based elements, the theme of trusting others was clear. This is a heavy dialogue-based novel, and I felt exhausted keeping up with the conversations, but it was a very enjoyable read. If you enjoy having a good laugh while reading, you will probably love A Lesson in Propriety. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley for my honest review.  Reviewer: Adriann Harris What a great start to a new series! Jen Turano has written another fabulous story with laugh-out-loud funny moments, mystery, drama, and romance. A Lesson in Proprietary, the first book in the Merriweather Academy for Young Ladies Series, is a classic Jen Turano with strong and independent heroines one cannot help but root for. This first story centers around Drusilla Merriweather and Rhenick Wittenbecker, a charming architect she makes a deal with to get her inherited castle ready in order to open her finishing school. As in all the stories by Turano, there is never a dull moment from beginning to end. She writes some of the best banter between her amazingly developed characters, adding to the humor. The well crafted mystery adds drama and kept me guessing to the end! I highly recommend A Lesson in Proprietary, a lighthearted story guaranteed to make you smile and bring joy to your day. A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley through Interviews & Reviews. I was not obligated to write a favorable review, and all opinions are my own. Reviewer: Elizabeth Eckmeyer
Drusilla comes from the upper class four hundred in New York. Her well-to-do family falls on hard times, even her father passed away and the solicitor steals their fortune. Her fiancee leaves her due to her lack of dowry. Her only hope is a property her aunt left to her and her sister in Chicago. When they arrive, not everything is as it seems and the castle appears to be haunted. Rhenick has been the backbone of his family. His mother and sisters depend on him to take care of their needs physically and mentally. The moment Rhenick lays his eyes on Drusilla, he is in love. The problem is Drusilla has vowed she will never marry Regardless of how they feel about each other, they work as a team to get the castle ready to open a school to teach manners and propriety to upper-class girls. Mystery and romance are just around every edge of this story. I highly recommend it! A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews via NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone. Leave a Reply. |
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