It took a few pages to grab my interest, mostly because I was not familiar with the term phrenology. That pseudoscience was long ago debunked. It claimed there was a way to determine ones intellect, morality, and personality traits by the shape of their head/skull. I am sure there are many criminologists and detectives who would like for it to be a true science. It certainly would be easier to determine who was likely to commit a crime, to lie, or to be unfaithful.
As always, the Regency Romance was set in the early 1800's when women were not given very much independence. This book was also unique in that sense because the main character was encouraged by her parents to be educated, to think for herself, and to really consider a subject instead of just accepting it as presented.
It also offered a unique setting by taking place at Keatley Hall School for Young Men, which was established by Ella Wilde's grandfather. Her grandfather was the first headmaster. He was succeeded by Ella's father even though her mother was her grandfather's daughter. With this decision, it was established that the daughter's husband would be the next headmaster. Selecting a headmaster was paramount to selecting Ella's husband, and Ella was not fond of her father's choice.
Synopsis of An Unconventional Lady
An Unconventional Lady: A Low-Spice Regency RomanceCheck PriceElla is faced with several issues all at once. First, she wasn't keen on the man her father had chosen as her husband and the next headmaster for the school. Second, she would soon be required to serve as hostess for the upcoming symposium on Phrenology, a theory she could not logically embrace. And last, her mother had been "analyzed" and the results had been documented in an unflattering published pamphlet. Unfortunately, her mother had died and was unable to defend herself. Plus, how she died in a fire allowed a lot of speculation on the cause of the fire. Some thought her mother must have been responsible.
When Ella encounters Gabriel Rowe, a previous Keatley Hall School student, she is immediately drawn to him. The fact that he is loyal to Keatley Hall makes him even more attractive to her.
Gabriel is a London solicitor who has been hired to investigate the speaker at the upcoming symposium. Ella personally invites him to Keatley Hall and the symposium so he has a way to investigate Thomas Bauer, the phrenologist speaker and demonstrator, without drawing suspicion.
The events that follow, as well as the discovery of past truths, make this an intriguing book to read. The touch of mystery and suspense, coupled with the budding romance between Ella and Gabriel, make the perfect combination for a great book.
I think I once heard the term 'phrenology'. It sounds as though you have found a fun romantic story/cum mystery with this book. I will have to check it out, mystery fan that I am. :) Thanks for letting me know about this book via your interesting review.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds very interesting. Thanks for the recommendation
ReplyDeleteAs a fellow Regency romance fan, I’m sure I would enjoy this book, despite the entire notion of phrenology being deeply distasteful to me. Thanks so much for your review and recommendation!
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