An Unconventional Lady

by Sarah E. Ladd

In An Unconventional Lady, her latest sweet Regency romance, Sarah E. Ladd explores the expanding world of science (and pseudoscience) as two childhood friends work together to separate fact from fiction. Perfect for fans of Julie Klassen and BBC dramas.

Ella Wilde is no ordinary young woman. Outspoken, curious, and fiercely independent, she grew up in a world of natural philosophy, encouraged by her scientist parents to question everything. But when her mother dies mysteriously while studying phrenology in Austria, Ella is left with more questions than answers. Especially when a study is released claiming that a phrenological examination of Ella's mother prior to her death indicated mental instability, calling into question what really happened the night of her death. Years later, at a scientific symposium hosted by her father's school and focused on phrenology, Ella seizes the chance to clear her mother's name and debunk phrenology as pseudoscience.

Gabriel Rowe is a barrister with a mission of his own. Tasked with finding a runaway girl linked to the same phrenologist who will be speaking at the symposium, Gabriel's path leads him back to Keatley Hall--and to Ella, his childhood friend.

As the symposium unfolds, Ella and Gabriel join forces to expose the phrenologist's fraud. But with the audience enamored by the charlatan's charm and the stakes rising, they must navigate a web of deceit and danger. When the missing girl is found and the phrenologist vanishes with the symposium's funds, Ella and Gabriel embark on a thrilling journey to reclaim their reputations and discover the love and acceptance they've been seeking.

Travel back to Regency England with An Unconventional Lady by Sarah E. Ladd and learn about little-known parts of history while being completely swept off your feet by a sweet, clean romance.

Genres: Romance, Regency, Clean Romance, Science, Historical Romance, Suspense, Regency Romance

352 pages, Paperback

Expected publication February 10, 2026

About the author

I would love to connect with you on Facebook and talk about all things Regency! Be sure to like my page for updates: http://www.facebook.com/SarahLaddAuthor

Reviews

[Karen R · Rating 5 out of 5]

An engaging Regency era story with mystery and a clean romance. Set at an old estate turned school for boys in 1820 England, the main characters find themselves racing against the clock to investigate a suspicious man who may hold the keys to a past crime.
A likeable pair, Ella and Gabriel had me rooting for them, especially towards the end as the danger increases. The pace picks up later with some peril, suspense, and surprise plot twists. The romance is sweet and clean, based on mutual respect, building on a past friendship.
Ella seems at first to want to please everyone, especially her father, and has to make hard decisions on how to help her friend. She is a good, strong young woman who finds her way to the truth without compromising what she knows is right, relying on what her mother taught her, to "be curious". No overt faith elements other than how to be a true friend, which involves forgiveness, seeking their best, and speaking the truth in love.
Readers who enjoy clean historical romances with mystery may like this one. 4.5 stars

(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)

[Natalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adored this one! Its refreshing to find a Historical Romance that doesn’t fall within the stereotypical Historical Romance tropes. It was also fascinating to read about phrenology, and the science behind the thought that personality traits were determined by the bumps and contours of a persons skull!

Ella was intelligent, headstrong and determined and Gabriel was charming, confident and supportive. Together they set off to prove that Thomas Bauer, a phrenologist with a serious debt problem, was up to no good, and ended up falling for each other along the way. The romance was more of a secondary plot to unraveling the mystery around Mr. Bauer, but it was swoon worthy nonetheless. It was also twisty, I wasnt expecting as many twists as the mystery unfolded!

The only thing I missed was the spice. The romance was top notch, but I wanted more than just a few kisses. However, if you’re one who prefers no spice in your regency romances, then this one for you!

Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the ARC!

[Ivonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story!!! A unique clean regency romance you’ll be delighted to read. The title says it all. You won’t find your typical regency era lady, Ella is truly an unconventional lady, and I love her much more because of it 😊 This description of her is true to her character: “truth and facts were the backbone of everything she did — not emotions and sentiment.”

The story has enough tension, twists and turns, and secrets, to occupy your attention from beginning to end. The concept of phrenology explored and discussed throughout is a fascinating one. I’ve never read a regency story so unique and different. I love when authors take their time to research interesting historical topics to incorporate in their stories making them much more appealing than “boy meets girl/girl meets boy” and fall in love. I like stories that explore engaging or curious topics not known much of, or at least new to me.

Ella ❤️ Gabriel

Gabriel Rowe with his “alluring energy and vibrant confidence” gave Ella the confidence she needed when things got a little too much to bear. And with Ella’s determination and desire for the truth they embark “in a journey” together with one goal in mind, exposing the concept of phrenology for the falsehood it was, and through “their journey” they come to realize they’re perfect for each other. Through the story they encountered many turns they did not expect and so is the reader. With revelations that ultimately leads to the happily ever after the reader expects but not before coming across so much more than imagined. That climax was outstandingly done by author Ladd!


And the romance, soft and beautiful…
“If we are to speak of hearts, then allow me to say that my heart, and everything I am, belongs to you if you will have it. Whether you knew it or not, you took possession of it weeks ago. In fact, when I was faced with the thought that I might lose you forever, I came to realize… that I love you.” (Sigh)


Mrs. Chatterly was a favorite character of mine, so kind and sweet just like a mother 🥹 Mr. Keatley was another great character as well, always a loving and supportive father.

And I loved what Ella’s mother wanted for all the students, “to see the world as she did: as a marvel to be studied and a treasure to be discovered.” The desire of my heart for my grandchildren ❤️


And I can’t end this review without sharing some quotes I loved…

“The fear of a thing is sometimes worse than the actual event. We build things up in our minds, but rarely do they meet our expectations.”

“You can’t change opinions, but you also can’t permit them to hold you captive.”

“Don’t give away your future happiness to fulfill another’s expectations. One day you’ll be faced with the consequences of your decisions, and no one wants to live with regrets.”

“There is no greater respect a man can give a woman than to encourage her to be the person she truly is, not what society tells her she should be.”

For this reason, if you like clean regency romance with secrets, mysteries and many twists and turns you will enjoy this book. Happy reading!

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

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ella Wilde was raised to think for herself and to value education in a time when neither was appreciated in and for young women. After her mother's death and with the decline of her father's health, a broken engagement leaves her father scrambling for an appropriate suitor for Ella for fear that he will die before securing a marriage for her and that their beloved Keatley Hall School for Young Men will be inherited by a distant cousin rather than by Ella. If that happens, not only will she lose her family's legacy, but she will also lose her dream of opening a school for girls.

However, a broken engagement is not the only stigma hanging over Ella. A pamphlet that scandalized both the stability of her mother's mental health and Ella's was published after her mother exposed the fraudulent scientific practice of phrenology of which she had once been a strong proponent.

When former Keatley student Gabriel Rowe contacts Ella regarding his own suspicions of fraud surrounding a famous phrenologist who is set to present lectures on the subject at Keatley Hall, Ella invites him to attend in an effort to expose once and for all the fraud of phrenology and to clear both her mother's and her tainted reputations.

As Gabriel and Ella work together, will they successfully expose not only the fraudulent practice of phrenology but also that of its most famous phrenologist? Will Ella be able to marry her father's choice of a suitor who could help her save both Keatley Hall and her dream of a school for girls or will her growing feelings for Gabriel bring yet another threat to both? And who can Ella truly trust, including Gabriel, as she scrambles to expose the fraud and clear her mother's name?

I highly recommend this gripping story by author Sarah E. Ladd.

I received a complimentary e-book copy from Thomas Nelson Fiction. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Regency_Fan_ Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarah Ladd’s 'An Unconventional Lady' is a charming, slow-paced romance that brings Ella and Gabriel together as they work to solve an intriguing case. I really enjoyed the mystery aspect, as they sensed something was wrong but couldn’t quite identify what. I liked how they supported and protected each other through every twist and turn. Ella is a character who stays strong and true to her values, even when others disapprove or misunderstand her, especially regarding her mother. The story also delves into the fascinating and controversial pseudoscience of phrenology, which is the main focus.

I was thankful to receive a complimentary e-copy from Harper Collins Christian Publishing. I was not required to leave a positive review.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Unconventional Lady is a clean Regency romance in which a smart young woman tries to disprove the pseudoscience of phrenology while dealing with pressure from her father to marry a man she does not like.

Ella lives with her widowed father at Keatley Hall. The estate also serves as a school for young men. Ella dreams of starting a similar school to educate young women. Her father is in poor health; he frets that she needs to marry soon or the school will pass to a distant relative. If she marries Mr. Abernathy, a teacher at the school, she will inherit and he can continue the school. The problem is that Mr. Abernathy has no regard for Ella and her “willful” ways and ideas.

Ella’s dead mother was also spirited and intelligent. There are rumors that she was mad when she died, and that Ella will follow a similar path. Her mother was interested in phrenology, a pseudoscience around the belief that a person’s skull reveals traits about and abilities of the person.

A symposium is to be held at the school featuring a famous phrenologist – the same phrenologist who cast doubt on Ella’s mother’s sanity. Fortunately, a former student at the school, now a lawyer, has an interest in the phrenologist, and soon he has an interest in Ella as well.

I like when a historical romance brings in real societal issues of the times. I also like when circumstances keeping a romance from blooming between the hero and heroine are believable. The romance in this book moves forward steadily without miscommunications or manufactured obstacles.

I read an advance reader copy of An Unconventional Lady. It is scheduled to be published on February 10.

[Bronwyn Lea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oooh! A completely different premise to a regency story! Really enjoyed being invited into a time when phrenology was a hot topic socially. Ella makes a beautiful main character, living with her ailing headmaster father and eager to secure a future education for girls against a backdrop of defending her mother’s legacy. And Gabriel Rowe, who joins her in the hunt to expose charlatans makes a great counterpart. Sweet, clean, fun and interesting.

Thanks to net galley and Thomas Nelson for an ARC.

[Vicki F · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Unconventional Lady by Sarah E. Ladd began as a slow read for me but picked up in intensity about halfway through. Then it became a rapid page-turner. The FMC Ella was a strong outspoken young lady far ahead of her time. Gabe, the MMC, was a champion for women's rights and contributions. Finding the truth by working together in spite of the danger, Ella and Gabe wondered could there be more than friendship between them. Great character development.

Releases Feb. 10th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Sydney Schmied · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an interesting read! Behavioral Science in the regency era is not what it is today. I enjoyed the unique plot( and the twist!), but I think I was expecting more of a murder mystery direction. The cover of this book is beautiful, too! I recommend this sweet regency read.

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah Ladd was a regency fiction author that I discovered last year and let me tell you that I really enjoyed her books! An Unconventional Lady is truly an exciting book to look forward to next year. The characters and the plot are truly amazing and I enjoyed every moment of this book. It goes to show that a woman will do just about anything to help those of her gender get equal rights.

We are introduced to Ella who was always had a deep love for learning. Ever since the death of her mother she desires to expose a fraudulent educated man of labeling her mother as "mad". However, she has other problems of her own as well. Unless she finds a man to marry she will be left destitute. However, she enlists the help of his old crush Gabriel who is not only a solicitor to help with her current living situation but also to bring down the rival who labeled her mother "mad".

I received an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.

[Gracie Schlabach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall rating 3.5 stars out of 5. The beginning lagged for me, but once the story got going it was interesting and felt pretty original. I also bring down my rating when abduction is in the story and this story unfortunately had that. Of the 4 stories in the yorkshire series, I'd place them as: book 1 loved, book 4 liked, book 2 liked, book 3 meh. Thank you netgalley and publisher for my ARC, this is my honest review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, I love this story! The setting is classic, yet the characters are so fresh and fun. Ella is a force to be reckoned with and when she runs into Gabriel it makes for a superb mystery solving duo. The main topic that this book revolves around is phrenology. Wait. What? I had no idea what that meant or that it was a popular study from history. Basically it was thought that the shape of the head determined a person's character traits. I was totally fascinated with the whole idea and the author does an excellent job at not making it boring and weaving it into the mystery side of things. The romance is so well written and sweet, it really adds to the plot. It isn't the central focus but it makes a delightful addition. I also love how the ending took a few turns that were unexpected as all good mysteries must do. So for me this book had it all and I think is one of the best that Sarah E. Ladd has written. I highly recommend!

Five Stars.


"I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

[Ang · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this ARC from NetGalley in return for my honest review. I had been waiting a long time for this book, and I absolutely loved it, and give it 5 stars!!! Sarah Ladd has been one of my favorite authors, and I own all her books, and this one rates as one of my favorite reads this year!

England,1810. Ella Wilde, a headstrong, but very smart, and incredibly beautiful, finds herself being told by her father that she must find a husband, or she will lose everything. Her father is the headmaster of Keatley School for Young Men, and Ella has worked alongside him since the passing of her mother. Ella's mother was introduced to phrenology, which is a belief that a person's character can be determined by the shape of their head. Ella's mother bought into phrenology for a while, but began to question it, and changed her views, she ended up being labeled "crazy", and even "dangerous ", by the public who bought into it as a science. Ella's mother dies, and Ella is determined to clear her mother's name, and expose phrenology as the parlour trick she has found it to be, but one person is standing in her way, Thomas Bauer.

Thomas Bauer has been invited by the society who supports the Keatley School, to come and give a demonstration as the society meets for a conference at Keatley Hall. Ella sees her opportunity to expose Mr. Bauer, and also clear her mom's name, but her father still isn't convinced he is a fake because he had been asked by the society,so to give a demonstration, and if they speak against the society's speaker, they could lose their funding for the school! But Ella ends up with an ally, Mr. Gabriel Rowe, a former student of their school! Gabriel is now a lawyer, who is also a thief-taker, and has been sent to Keatley Hall to investigate Mr. Bauer as well! So Gabriel and Ella must work together to find the truth about Mr. Bauer, phrenology, and Ella's mother!

This book kept me turning the pages! I had heard of phrenology, but there was a lot I didn't know, so this was so interesting to me, plus I really enjoyed how Ella knew her own mind, and didn't let society dictate her life choices, but she and Gabriel just wanted to truth to come out! I was completely surprised, in a good way, as the storyline was completely unpredictable, and as I closed the book, I thought, "Wow, this goes on my favorite books of 2025 list!" I can't recommend it enough!!!

[Ifeanyi Omoike · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was enlightening and surprisingly informative, especially around the topic of phrenology. It was sad at first to read about the death of Ella’s mother, Leonora Wilde—the scandal surrounding her life and death, and the stigma that followed Ella because of it.

But Ella truly lived up to the title—she was an unconventional lady in every sense. She refused to let the expectations and gossip of society define her, and I admired the way she kept pushing back and standing up for herself, even when it would have been easier to stay quiet.

I loved the chemistry between Ella and Gabriel. Even with Abraham in the picture, I found myself rooting for Ella and Gabriel the whole way through. Their romance was heartwarming, quietly sizzling, and memorable. I also appreciated the way Gabriel stood up for her and protected her—masculine, steady, yet deeply tender.

It’s clear Sarah E. Ladd did extensive research on phrenology. I found those aspects highly informative and fascinating. It was surprising to see how strongly people once believed such concepts, and it made me think about how we, too, sometimes choose to believe what we want until we’re confronted with the truth.

The mystery and suspense surrounding Thomas Bauer were also very well done, and I honestly didn’t see the plot twists coming.

This is my first book by Sarah E. Ladd, and it definitely won’t be my last.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

[LA · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an interesting foray into phrenology! This “science” used to be the rage in Europe – the ability to determine one’s personality merely by the shape of their head.

The heroine, Eleanor Wilde, is determined to expose the fallacy that phrenology is, especially since her family estate is hosting a symposium of the natural sciences with the leading expert on the “science”. Gabriel Rowe, a former student of the Wilde family’s School for Boys, is a solicitor, fulfilling a request from a client to make sure the leading expert pays his debts. What ensues is a fantastic mystery with some didn’t-see-that-coming-twist.

Ella is a sweet heroine who only has her family’s interests at heart. Gabriel is a noble hero, fighting for justice and being the voice of those who can’t speak for themselves. What started as a friendship long ago turns into a slow-burn romance, despite Ella’s father’s determination to find a suitable husband for her.

The cast of characters are as varied as they are colourful. The narrative pulls readers in from the first page, creating a Regency world easily pictured. There are some intense moments that some readers may have difficulty reading (death, abuse, kidnapping), but readers are spared graphic detail.

I quite enjoyed this regency romance.

I received an ecopy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

[ElinorsBookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ella thought her life was all planned out. She was going to marry a teacher at her father’s school and open a school for girls. But her fiancé has run off and her father is pushing her towards another. Plus, the school is hosting a symposium on phrenology, a “science” that Ella doesn’t agree with. She reaches out to Gabriel, a solicitor and former student at the school in their younger years, for help in investigating the pseudoscience.

(Phrenology is the belief that your personality and traits can be determined by the shape and size of your head. I had heard of this before and found the whole crazy theory a bit fascinating.)

I enjoyed the relationship between the two main characters. I liked the layers of Ella’s personality – the struggles of her dreams and plans verses what her father wants for her life and what society sees as “appropriate.” I liked Gabriel too, although I feel we got to see a bit more of the inner thoughts and feelings of Ella.

Overall, a very nice clean, historical romance with great leading characters and a touch of mystery.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for this advanced copy.

[EVANGELIA MARAGKOPOULOU · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet cozy and mysterious story . Ella Wilde is an extraordinary young lady thanks to the way both her parents and mostly her mother raised her . She had the great opportunity to study algebra biology . When her mother died in a fire when she was thirteen years old everyone claimed that she was crazy but she for the next 10 years is trying to clear her mother's name after an article that was published from a phrenologist . Now that famous phrenologist is at Keatley Hall her home to give a lecture and she is not very happy . She is also very sad seeing her father trying to find her a husband so when he dies the Keatley Hall will continue to be a school for young boys and she will be able to make her dream come true , create a school that teaches girls what until now didn't . Gabriel Rowe is a barrister but years ago was a young student at Keatley Hall and his mission is to catch the phrenologist because he own money to his client . Together Gabriel & Ella working to expose the fraud and reveal the truth .
I received this book from netgalley , the author and the publisher as an ARC . Thank you . All thoughts and opinions are my own .

[Patti Wolff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah Ladd's "An Unconventional Lady" is a compelling novel full of mystery, deceptive characters, and fulfilling romance. The subject of phrenology features extensively here. Unlike bloodletting (NOT modern phlebotomy) which actually caused fatalities, this illogical pseudoscience could nevertheless ruin lives. The educated Ella Wilde and Gabriel Rowe join forces to pursue the truth and expose phrenology for the scam it is. Along the way, their romance develops, and it's believable and fulfilling. However, betrayal and suspicious motives affect everyone, as uncovering the truth becomes dangerous. There is more than one surprising twist in store for the reader.

Sarah Ladd's prose is lovely and descriptive. This is Christian fiction and as such, there are no explicit scenes or gruesome violence. Be they good or bad, her characters really come to life, and they all play important roles. Forgiveness is an important theme. This was an intriguing read, and I look forward to the author's next work.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for an ARC of this riveting novel.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was SO looking forward to a new Sarah E Ladd book. The cover is gorgeous and brings to mind some of her other books that I’ve read over and over again.

As Ella is forced to put up with the man who once encouraged malicious rumors of her departed mother, she must decide if it’s time to put her unique ways to the side or to embrace her less-than-conventional self. With her family’s home and business at risk of being lost to a distant relative, Ella turns to the only one who seems to truly see her - a solicitor and old friend named Gabriel.

Unfortunately, An Unconventional Lady didn’t quite hit the spot for me. The beginning was confusing and a bit convoluted and the pace of the story never really picked up.

While An Unconventional Lady wasn’t my favorite of Ladd’s stories, it wasn’t the worst book in the world either. All said and done, it was just an okay book. For now, I’ll stick to rereading some of my other favorites by Ladd instead.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Sanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. It felt so refreshing to slip into a Regency-era romance that doesn’t follow all the familiar patterns.

Ella is sharp, bold, and uncompromising, while Gabriel brings an easy charm and a quiet confidence that steadies her in the best way. Their connection felt genuine, and I loved how Gabriel truly listened to her, supported her, and met her with the same trust and respect she offered him. Their bond grows quickly, yet it never feels rushed, just two people finding their rhythm together.

As they work to uncover what Thomas Bauer, a deeply indebted phrenologist with questionable intentions, is really plotting, their feelings slowly deepen. The romance moves gently in the background while the mystery takes center stage, but the moments they share are warm, tender, and completely satisfying. And that twist was so well done!

If you enjoy your Regency romances sweet and clean, with closed-door intimacy and a focus on emotional depth, this one is a perfect pick.

4.25 stars. Thanks so much for the e-ARC!

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a while to get into this book, as it seemed (to me) to be slow in developing. But maybe that was because I was not much familiar with phrenology. I had only heard of it and only had a mild understanding of it.
Once I got into the book, I was glad I stayed with it. It became more compelling with each chapter.
The mystery and suspense about Mr. Bauer continually built. It was not easy to guess what was going on, or what would happen next - which was great!!
I enjoyed the budding romance between Ella and Gabriel. It was clean, with mild kissing.
There were several suspenseful moments in this book.
All characters were well written, several playing significant rolls in the plot, which overall was great!
I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tomas Nelson for the copy of this book. The opinions stated in this review are my own!
💜 💜

[M. K. Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars: I guess it's my fault for not reading the title, but I was expecting this to fall more under a traditional Regency romance umbrella rather than a lawyer fighting corruption with a daughter saving her mother's legacy by discounting phrenology. I liked the story and enjoyed the read overall, but the focus was sometimes too heavy on the crime and not enough on developing the relationships for me. I wanted to see more of Ella's complicated relationship with her father, especially later, for example, and Gabriel and his sister. Still, the core narratives and arcs were satisfying! This was a fun read and I also really like the cover.

I received an ARC ebook from Netgalley; all opinions are my own.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet regency romance about a young woman who is full of independence and well educated with a close relationship with her father. The history of the phrenology, which was a scientific study of people’s personalities and minds based on the shape of their head, was an interesting as part of the historical aspect of this book..

This is a sweet romance with a little bit of mystery and romance that keeps it above board. I really enjoy Sara Ladd’s books and plan to read more in the future but this one was definitely a five star for me.

Thank you NetGailey and the publisher, Thomas Nelson for the great read. The opinions here are my own and a honest review of my enjoyment of this book.

[Amy Renaud · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Unconventional Lady’s story line was so original, so fascinating, and it had me on the edge of my seat. I really loved Ladd’s descriptions, bringing the regency era alive as well as her fantastic characters. A swoony hero from a blemished family, and a strong heroine branded by her mother’s reputation … and their chemistry on the page was *chefs kiss* spot on. Plus, mystery, suspense, secrets, historical setting, adventure, and tension so intense you just don’t know if the characters are ever going to get out of the dilemmas they face … I truly couldn’t put this novel down.

Thank you to the publisher for my copy of the book - all opinions in this review are my own.

[Brooke796 ☼]

To be perfectly frank, 3 stars is generous. The first 2/3 of the book is very slow and repetitive. While Ella finds herself in a difficult situation, I never felt the urgency the author intended to convey. I attribute this to the the "tellyiness" of the writing instead of showing. My other complaint is that the "issue" was very blase. It didn't set itself apart from any other Regency book. The storyline is so completely predictable that it was boring.

While the topic of phrenology was interesting, I felt like it could have been fleshed out much more and added to the intensity of the story.

My thanks to NetGalleyfor the ebook was provided by the publisher.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this story. There were times where it seemed a little too slow paced for me but overall it was great. I loved the “unconventional” regency story line, especially the science. I enjoyed the characters and found Ella to be very relatable. I also loved her intelligence and strong willpower. I loved that she was not wilting flower of a female character. I also love a good mystery, who-done-it and why story and this one succeeded. Sarah Ladd must have done a ton of research and it definitely shows in her writing. I will be coming back for more stories from Sarah!

This book was provided to me as a free ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this an enjoyable read. The mystery was a slow burn, starting subtly but gaining in intensity as the story progressed. I also really liked the two main characters. I found Ella immediately sympathetic, and the fact that she lacked support even from those closest to her had me rooting extra hard for her. It also helped me to take an immediate liking to Gabriel. The ending was quite different from what I expected, and I found it satisfying.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the early read.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! I’m really, really hoping this is a series please!

A young woman lost her mother and a scandal was created to distract people from the truth. A lot that comes out is everything is not what you seem. She has friends that don’t help her- but they all keep their friendship together.

Great read and I hope more characters get their own story. There is so much more that can be told!

[Candice Valdez · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the premise of this and learning the background of phrenology, which I had never heard of before. The two main characters were great, but I didn't feel much connection with them. I felt like the chemistry was lacking. The mystery was interesting, but I had figured out who all was involved pretty early on.
I love books by Sarah Ladd, but this one wasn't my favorite.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Rabia · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent blend of romance and mystery. Reading the blurb, I thought the book might get too technical and in depth with phrenology, but the author strikes just the right balance without boring the readers, The romance develops very naturally in the book, but I would say that the mystery element was stronger and held me spell bound.

I received an ARC of the book, and all opinions are my own.