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An Unconventional Lady
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Expected 10 Feb 26In 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.
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.
352 pages, Paperback
Expected publication February 10, 2026
17 people are currently reading
8146 people want to read
About the author
Sarah E. Ladd
22 books3,230 followersI 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
January 31, 2026
An Unconventional Lady
Sarah E. Ladd
3.5 - 4 Stars Rounded Up on Goodreads
Pub Day: February 10th, 2026
Blog Post: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...
This was a clean, regency romance that combines historical romance, science and sweetness all into one. I think if you like a good period drama or books by Julie Klassen, you will enjoy this one!
Ella is our main girl who immediately stands out. She is outspoken, independent and a very refreshing take on your typical regency lead. She was brought up in a home devoted to natural philosophy and with the truth behind the rumors about her late mother... she really wants to clear her mother's name. We see a world of something I had never heard of before "phrenology" and I think that adds a layer of a lesser-known aspect of regency-era science to the book. She meets Gabriel, her childhood friend, who is to find a runaway girl linked to the same phrenologist speaking at the symposium. They go back to Keatley Hall and things unfold as they join forces to expose the phrenologist's fraud.
Phrenology is a now debunked pseudoscience that was popular in the 19th century. It was based on the idea that a person's character, personality traits and mental abilities were based on the shape of their head and bumps of their skull. I found the details around this science interesting, but some of the bits were a bit more on the dry side for me personally, so that's what dropped it down a smidge for me.
Either way, I did like the ending and where it went with the mystery aspect. I also enjoyed the romance.
I think if you want a unique spin on a regency romance, check this out.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson, Uplit Reads and Sarah E. Ladd for a complimentary copy of the book to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Sarah E. Ladd
3.5 - 4 Stars Rounded Up on Goodreads
Pub Day: February 10th, 2026
Blog Post: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...
This was a clean, regency romance that combines historical romance, science and sweetness all into one. I think if you like a good period drama or books by Julie Klassen, you will enjoy this one!
Ella is our main girl who immediately stands out. She is outspoken, independent and a very refreshing take on your typical regency lead. She was brought up in a home devoted to natural philosophy and with the truth behind the rumors about her late mother... she really wants to clear her mother's name. We see a world of something I had never heard of before "phrenology" and I think that adds a layer of a lesser-known aspect of regency-era science to the book. She meets Gabriel, her childhood friend, who is to find a runaway girl linked to the same phrenologist speaking at the symposium. They go back to Keatley Hall and things unfold as they join forces to expose the phrenologist's fraud.
Phrenology is a now debunked pseudoscience that was popular in the 19th century. It was based on the idea that a person's character, personality traits and mental abilities were based on the shape of their head and bumps of their skull. I found the details around this science interesting, but some of the bits were a bit more on the dry side for me personally, so that's what dropped it down a smidge for me.
Either way, I did like the ending and where it went with the mystery aspect. I also enjoyed the romance.
I think if you want a unique spin on a regency romance, check this out.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson, Uplit Reads and Sarah E. Ladd for a complimentary copy of the book to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 25, 2025
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.)
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.)
August 31, 2025
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!
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!
February 6, 2026
I'm always drawn to books written by Sarah E. Ladd. I've been reading her books since her first couple of books. I love the bits of mystery within her stories, the great character development and the sweet love story woven throughout it all.
I enjoyed listening to the audiobook of this one. Fiona Hardingham is the narrator and she did a fantastic job. I kept thinking that her voice sounded familiar so I went searching to see what other books she's narrated. I have listened to a handful of the books she's narrated. Katherine Reay's, Pepper Basham's, Gabrielle Meyer's, and I recognized several other books that she's narrated. I've really enjoyed her style and how she brings the stories to life!
Ella and Gabriel are childhood friends and they are brought back together after many years in trying to find answers to some mysteries they've both encountered. They keep uncovering things that are slowly helping them move forward to solving their questions. They are both questioning the workings of one person and the lies and uncertainties surrounding him. Bring in several other characters and they have to navigate many unknowns and polite society and Ella appeasing her dad in his plans for her future, and Gabriel and Ella are trying to understand the growing feelings between them.
Lots happening that flows together nicely and leads to some shocking revelations! An adventure for sure awaits these characters. Be careful who you trust. Everyone could be a suspect. Ella and Gabriel need to watch their steps and hopefully stay alive!
Content: Clean. Some talk of death. Some mild moments of peril. Nothing more than a few sweet kisses.
I received a digital copy from Thomas Nelson Fiction, and an audiobook copy from Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading & Listening!!!
I enjoyed listening to the audiobook of this one. Fiona Hardingham is the narrator and she did a fantastic job. I kept thinking that her voice sounded familiar so I went searching to see what other books she's narrated. I have listened to a handful of the books she's narrated. Katherine Reay's, Pepper Basham's, Gabrielle Meyer's, and I recognized several other books that she's narrated. I've really enjoyed her style and how she brings the stories to life!
Ella and Gabriel are childhood friends and they are brought back together after many years in trying to find answers to some mysteries they've both encountered. They keep uncovering things that are slowly helping them move forward to solving their questions. They are both questioning the workings of one person and the lies and uncertainties surrounding him. Bring in several other characters and they have to navigate many unknowns and polite society and Ella appeasing her dad in his plans for her future, and Gabriel and Ella are trying to understand the growing feelings between them.
Lots happening that flows together nicely and leads to some shocking revelations! An adventure for sure awaits these characters. Be careful who you trust. Everyone could be a suspect. Ella and Gabriel need to watch their steps and hopefully stay alive!
Content: Clean. Some talk of death. Some mild moments of peril. Nothing more than a few sweet kisses.
I received a digital copy from Thomas Nelson Fiction, and an audiobook copy from Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading & Listening!!!
December 1, 2025
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
4.5 Stars An Unconventional Lady is a clean historical romance with a healthy side of pseudoscience and mystery. The tale hooked me from page one with the much gossiped about phrenology pamphlet to the secret rendezvous in the conservatory until the thrilling conclusion of the mystery. Ella Wilde is a likeable and active protagonist with an equally dislikeable nemesis, Thomas Bauer. Although the setting at the large Keatley Hall was not particularly unique, I found the backdrop of the natural philosopher’s symposium fresh and entertaining. Phrenology (if you don't know about this “science”, you should read this novel) seems so silly today, but was taken entirely differently in the regency era. I recommend this to fans of clean historical romance and fans of Sarah E Ladd’s previous novels.
I received an ARC copy from a Goodreads sweepstakes. My opinions are my own.
I received an ARC copy from a Goodreads sweepstakes. My opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I normally love Sarah Ladd, but this book dragged for me. 😣 I can't pinpoint what I didn't like... characters were fine, setting fine, challenge/obstacle fine... Just didn't click for me.
January 27, 2026
I’m so honored to have been allowed early access to this book by the publisher and NetGalley.
I will tell you up front that I’m not ever going to choose a book that centers around rich, privileged, “royal” characters. That’s just not my thing. I like everyday people doing extraordinary things and having a happy ending. So, going into this book I kept saying “give it a chance”. But I had heard great things and had never read the author so I wanted to give it my all.
I have to say, I was hooked from the beginning. Anytime there is a historical fiction where women are being belittled, ignored or dismissed….I’m all in because this female main character better come out swinging! And OH BABY did this one ever!!!!
The mystery aspect of the book also drew me in. I love a good “who’s the real bad guy” storyline and I got it with this read.
All good things for AN UNCONVENTIONAL LADY by Sarah Ladd!
I will tell you up front that I’m not ever going to choose a book that centers around rich, privileged, “royal” characters. That’s just not my thing. I like everyday people doing extraordinary things and having a happy ending. So, going into this book I kept saying “give it a chance”. But I had heard great things and had never read the author so I wanted to give it my all.
I have to say, I was hooked from the beginning. Anytime there is a historical fiction where women are being belittled, ignored or dismissed….I’m all in because this female main character better come out swinging! And OH BABY did this one ever!!!!
The mystery aspect of the book also drew me in. I love a good “who’s the real bad guy” storyline and I got it with this read.
All good things for AN UNCONVENTIONAL LADY by Sarah Ladd!
October 2, 2025
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."
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."
October 2, 2025
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.
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.
December 4, 2025
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.
I was thankful to receive a complimentary e-copy from Harper Collins Christian Publishing. I was not required to leave a positive review.
December 5, 2025
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Sarah Ladd writes some of the best Regency romance books, and they always end up as some of my favorites. An Unconventional Lady is on that list. It has realistic characters, a beautiful setting, and a well-conceived plot which I adored!
I loved Ella. She was a strong, intelligent, independent woman who knew her own mind and didn’t want to settle for a man she didn’t love. However, she lived in an era where a woman had to get married in order to secure her future and keep her home. Needless to say, Ella’s father was adamant about her finding a husband. I loved Gabriel’s character. He was swoony, strong, protective, and charming. The villains in this novel are very well-written as are the side characters.
The plot was full of romance, intrigue, and had some unexpected twists! I definitely didn’t see some of them coming! If you’re a fan of historical romance with a plot that will keep you turning the pages, I highly recommend this amazing novel.
Content warnings: None
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
I loved Ella. She was a strong, intelligent, independent woman who knew her own mind and didn’t want to settle for a man she didn’t love. However, she lived in an era where a woman had to get married in order to secure her future and keep her home. Needless to say, Ella’s father was adamant about her finding a husband. I loved Gabriel’s character. He was swoony, strong, protective, and charming. The villains in this novel are very well-written as are the side characters.
The plot was full of romance, intrigue, and had some unexpected twists! I definitely didn’t see some of them coming! If you’re a fan of historical romance with a plot that will keep you turning the pages, I highly recommend this amazing novel.
Content warnings: None
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
October 27, 2025
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.
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.
September 13, 2025
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.
Thanks to net galley and Thomas Nelson for an ARC.
December 4, 2025
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.
Releases Feb. 10th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
November 27, 2025
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.
November 12, 2025
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Society would have women conventional, uneducated, meek and dependent upon the men in their lives. However, Ella Wilde comes from a long line of thinkers who founded the Keatley Hall School for Young Men, whose halls are filled thanks to the support of the Natural Philosophers Society of London. Following in her mother's footsteps and being the daughter of the current headmaster, she not only received a thorough education, but her inquiring mind was unfettered by society norms. Unfortunately, Ella's education and confidence in her intellect is not the only issue society has against Ella. When she was a child her mother, a vocal proponent of phrenology, died while abroad in a fire under murky circumstances. The experts in phrenology whom she was studying with immediately created a pamphlet widely circulated declaring her emotional volatility to be the cause of the fire, using as proof a defaming reading of her phrenological traits. Adding to the scandal was the pamphlet's assertion that a phrenological assessment of Ella demonstrated that she too had her mother's failings.
For her entire life the shadow of the pamphlet has haunted her steps, but she clung to realizing her mother's dream of creating a school for girls on the grounds. She only needed two things to make this dream a reality, the support of the Society and a marriage before her ailing father passes so that her family manor, which houses the school, does not pass to a distant relation. When her attractive fiancé abruptly severs the attachment via letter the gossips and the pamphlet's words hinder any hope of another eligible man to ask for her hand. These hopes are held to by an even smaller thread when the head of the Society, who happens to be the father of her only friend, decides to appoint Thomas Bauer one of the authors of the pamphlet, to be the speaker at the annual symposium held at Keatley Hall. If she vocally opposes his inclusion she will lose the Society's support for her dream.
Ella finds herself under immense pressure and chooses to meet it head-on by vowing to clear her mother's name, her name and prove phrenology a hoax. Unknowingly, Ella's endeavors are intersected by a former student of her father's, Gabriel Rowe. The trajectory of Gabriel's life was altered when he championed his sister through a devastating situation and now, he finds himself a solicitor with often unusual clients. One of whom has contracted Gabriel to protect their financial interests from being swindled by Bauer. A chance meeting at a ball has Ella inviting Gabriel to her home for the symposium to partner in their joined cause. However, their mutual attraction serves as a constant distraction to Ella's father's matchmaking efforts to his unappealing assistant and Gabriel's desire to focus solely on the business at hand.
This novel has everything you want in a regency romance with strict social rules, the tension between marital expectations and follow your heart and enjoyable dialogue. It is paired with everything you want from a fast-paced crime drama with investigation, deception and danger. Reading this will have you eagerly turning pages, holding your breath and feeling so many emotions you’ll think they are a ringing xylophone. While Ella is in several and varying distressing situations, she is by no means a damsel in distress. She has a refreshing candor and unique vulnerability that makes you want to befriend her. Gabriel is a swoon-worthy and respectable gentleman who values her entirely as she is and marvels at how no one else can see the exceptional qualities he does. Just when you think your heart can settle and the story will go about in a predictable manner, it tears off into a knuckle-biter of a twist. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and I thank Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for the opportunity to devour such an "unconventional" read.
For her entire life the shadow of the pamphlet has haunted her steps, but she clung to realizing her mother's dream of creating a school for girls on the grounds. She only needed two things to make this dream a reality, the support of the Society and a marriage before her ailing father passes so that her family manor, which houses the school, does not pass to a distant relation. When her attractive fiancé abruptly severs the attachment via letter the gossips and the pamphlet's words hinder any hope of another eligible man to ask for her hand. These hopes are held to by an even smaller thread when the head of the Society, who happens to be the father of her only friend, decides to appoint Thomas Bauer one of the authors of the pamphlet, to be the speaker at the annual symposium held at Keatley Hall. If she vocally opposes his inclusion she will lose the Society's support for her dream.
Ella finds herself under immense pressure and chooses to meet it head-on by vowing to clear her mother's name, her name and prove phrenology a hoax. Unknowingly, Ella's endeavors are intersected by a former student of her father's, Gabriel Rowe. The trajectory of Gabriel's life was altered when he championed his sister through a devastating situation and now, he finds himself a solicitor with often unusual clients. One of whom has contracted Gabriel to protect their financial interests from being swindled by Bauer. A chance meeting at a ball has Ella inviting Gabriel to her home for the symposium to partner in their joined cause. However, their mutual attraction serves as a constant distraction to Ella's father's matchmaking efforts to his unappealing assistant and Gabriel's desire to focus solely on the business at hand.
This novel has everything you want in a regency romance with strict social rules, the tension between marital expectations and follow your heart and enjoyable dialogue. It is paired with everything you want from a fast-paced crime drama with investigation, deception and danger. Reading this will have you eagerly turning pages, holding your breath and feeling so many emotions you’ll think they are a ringing xylophone. While Ella is in several and varying distressing situations, she is by no means a damsel in distress. She has a refreshing candor and unique vulnerability that makes you want to befriend her. Gabriel is a swoon-worthy and respectable gentleman who values her entirely as she is and marvels at how no one else can see the exceptional qualities he does. Just when you think your heart can settle and the story will go about in a predictable manner, it tears off into a knuckle-biter of a twist. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and I thank Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for the opportunity to devour such an "unconventional" read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I’ll be honest, I did not wake up expecting to be deeply invested in the scandalous politics of phrenology, but here we are. An Unconventional Lady had me muttering “you go, girl” under my breath like I was cheering on a Regency-era Elle Woods. This book is what happens when you toss scientific fraud, a crumbling estate, forced marriage proposals, and a dangerously competent woman into a bonnet and shake it, and I was into it.
Ella Wilde is that rare breed of historical heroine who is neither quirky-for-the-sake-of-it nor just modern values in a corset. She’s sharp, emotionally anchored, and trying to un-wreck her family’s legacy while all the men around her are busy making terrible decisions. Like, Sir, your skull measurements are not giving what you think they're giving. Meanwhile, her late mother got posthumously defamed by the same phrenology clown car that’s now setting up shop at Ella’s childhood home, and Ella’s like, “Cool, time to science my way out of this mess.”
Enter Gabriel Rowe. Solicitor. Reformed rake? (Maybe not, but I like the energy.) He’s competent, low-key dreamy, and most importantly, not a condescending man-baby like literally every other eligible dude circling this woman like Victorian vultures. Gabriel shows up for what’s basically a Regency sting operation and somehow manages to be both suave and supportive. He treats Ella like a person with a brain and not just an inconvenient uterus, which should be the bare minimum but, you know, 1820s.
And Fiona Hardingham’s narration? Chef’s kiss. She brings this whole slow-burn chaos to life with the kind of elegant precision that makes you forget you're listening to people argue about skull bumps. She gives Ella this cool, steady confidence, then flips into quiet vulnerability without losing her edge. Gabriel’s voice is warm and grounded, which is exactly the kind of energy you want from a romantic lead who is also, occasionally, investigating fraudulent scientists.
Plot-wise, it takes a second to get going, like a genteel carriage ride before it turns into a runaway mystery wagon, but once things click into place, it’s juicy. There are lectures and secret letters and men with shady debt problems and ONE particularly delicious twist that had me going, “Ohhh okay, now I see why we kept measuring everyone’s skulls for 200 pages.” Is the mystery the most complex thing I’ve ever read? No. But it’s clever enough to keep you guessing and grounded enough to make you care.
The romance simmers more than it scorches, but that slow burn actually works here. Gabriel and Ella feel like a team first, lovers second, and I was genuinely rooting for them to make it work, not because they had electric chemistry (they do), but because they respected each other enough to fight together. Honestly, give me more historical romances where the main couple fights pseudoscience instead of each other.
It’s sweet. It’s smart. It’s sneakily feminist in the way that makes your Regency-loving heart happy. And it’s got just enough danger to keep you clutching your earbuds at the end of a chapter going, “Wait... what did Thomas Bauer just DO?”
Solid 4.5 stars for the message and for being one of the few historical romances that dares to say what if women were educated, men weren’t idiots, and skull-measuring was a scam?
And a big, possibly skull-shaped thank you to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio and NetGalley for the ALC. You handed me a Regency romance with scientific fraud and a soft-spoken dreamboat with a law degree and said, “Here, have fun,” and you were absolutely right.
Ella Wilde is that rare breed of historical heroine who is neither quirky-for-the-sake-of-it nor just modern values in a corset. She’s sharp, emotionally anchored, and trying to un-wreck her family’s legacy while all the men around her are busy making terrible decisions. Like, Sir, your skull measurements are not giving what you think they're giving. Meanwhile, her late mother got posthumously defamed by the same phrenology clown car that’s now setting up shop at Ella’s childhood home, and Ella’s like, “Cool, time to science my way out of this mess.”
Enter Gabriel Rowe. Solicitor. Reformed rake? (Maybe not, but I like the energy.) He’s competent, low-key dreamy, and most importantly, not a condescending man-baby like literally every other eligible dude circling this woman like Victorian vultures. Gabriel shows up for what’s basically a Regency sting operation and somehow manages to be both suave and supportive. He treats Ella like a person with a brain and not just an inconvenient uterus, which should be the bare minimum but, you know, 1820s.
And Fiona Hardingham’s narration? Chef’s kiss. She brings this whole slow-burn chaos to life with the kind of elegant precision that makes you forget you're listening to people argue about skull bumps. She gives Ella this cool, steady confidence, then flips into quiet vulnerability without losing her edge. Gabriel’s voice is warm and grounded, which is exactly the kind of energy you want from a romantic lead who is also, occasionally, investigating fraudulent scientists.
Plot-wise, it takes a second to get going, like a genteel carriage ride before it turns into a runaway mystery wagon, but once things click into place, it’s juicy. There are lectures and secret letters and men with shady debt problems and ONE particularly delicious twist that had me going, “Ohhh okay, now I see why we kept measuring everyone’s skulls for 200 pages.” Is the mystery the most complex thing I’ve ever read? No. But it’s clever enough to keep you guessing and grounded enough to make you care.
The romance simmers more than it scorches, but that slow burn actually works here. Gabriel and Ella feel like a team first, lovers second, and I was genuinely rooting for them to make it work, not because they had electric chemistry (they do), but because they respected each other enough to fight together. Honestly, give me more historical romances where the main couple fights pseudoscience instead of each other.
It’s sweet. It’s smart. It’s sneakily feminist in the way that makes your Regency-loving heart happy. And it’s got just enough danger to keep you clutching your earbuds at the end of a chapter going, “Wait... what did Thomas Bauer just DO?”
Solid 4.5 stars for the message and for being one of the few historical romances that dares to say what if women were educated, men weren’t idiots, and skull-measuring was a scam?
And a big, possibly skull-shaped thank you to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio and NetGalley for the ALC. You handed me a Regency romance with scientific fraud and a soft-spoken dreamboat with a law degree and said, “Here, have fun,” and you were absolutely right.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Too much tell, not enough show.
I've read some really good clean historical mysteries and romances where the author allows you to use your mind and participate too (Julie Klassen has some good ones). Where instead of telling you things black and white, they show you what is happening and allow you to think and draw conclusions from what was presented on page. Unfortunately this book was heavy on the tell with very little show.
What I mean by this is that the writer explained everything to the reader without leaving much room for mental or emotional involvement by said reader. So one does not empathize during the up and down, or calm and heavy portions of the story. This left one feeling thoroughly uninvested in the story and truthfully waiting for it to end. I say that last part because I signed up to read this for review via Netgalley and I was truly continuing with it simply because I gave my word to read it to the end and give an honest review.
I did appreciate though that the story was based off of debunking a new upcoming "science" from the time period. I had never heard of it before and it was interesting to read about. I haven't seen this before in historical fiction and loved it's uniqueness.
I also loved that the lead female character was no wilting willow and that she was strong smart and determined. I just wished the writer would have allowed us to enjoy that about her more. The leading man was confident (this came through quite a bit) and had a cheekiness about him that I liked. I only wish we got to enjoy his playfulness more though.
The investigating sadly was not fun or delightfully clever for most of the book. The author continually kept telling us about the internal thoughts of the characters (especially the female lead) instead of allowing us to experience the brilliance that was continually being talked up of them having. This went on for about 70% of the book. But thankfully at that point it got a bit exciting and we got to enjoy some excitement and concern for their cause for a little bit.
The ML and FL got to spend considerable on page time together but there wasn't much loveliness that passed between them during these periods. So when they finally did get together I did not feel the weight of the strong feelings they professed for each other. Their romance was not warm or endearing enough to move me as a reader.
I should also add that I listened to the audio book version. The narrator did a good job with the acting-especially for the female voices. She however did quite a bit of shouting particularly while doing the male voices and seemed to struggle at times to bring out the emotions of the men.
If you are coming into this expecting this to be an exciting mystery that draws you in with intrigue and keeps you involved and in high stakes then I would advise you to lower those expectations. Not only was it lacking in much excitement but it was also lacking in humor, in clever conversation, in clever investigating and even in heart warming romance. It was an okay read.
I've read some really good clean historical mysteries and romances where the author allows you to use your mind and participate too (Julie Klassen has some good ones). Where instead of telling you things black and white, they show you what is happening and allow you to think and draw conclusions from what was presented on page. Unfortunately this book was heavy on the tell with very little show.
What I mean by this is that the writer explained everything to the reader without leaving much room for mental or emotional involvement by said reader. So one does not empathize during the up and down, or calm and heavy portions of the story. This left one feeling thoroughly uninvested in the story and truthfully waiting for it to end. I say that last part because I signed up to read this for review via Netgalley and I was truly continuing with it simply because I gave my word to read it to the end and give an honest review.
I did appreciate though that the story was based off of debunking a new upcoming "science" from the time period. I had never heard of it before and it was interesting to read about. I haven't seen this before in historical fiction and loved it's uniqueness.
I also loved that the lead female character was no wilting willow and that she was strong smart and determined. I just wished the writer would have allowed us to enjoy that about her more. The leading man was confident (this came through quite a bit) and had a cheekiness about him that I liked. I only wish we got to enjoy his playfulness more though.
The investigating sadly was not fun or delightfully clever for most of the book. The author continually kept telling us about the internal thoughts of the characters (especially the female lead) instead of allowing us to experience the brilliance that was continually being talked up of them having. This went on for about 70% of the book. But thankfully at that point it got a bit exciting and we got to enjoy some excitement and concern for their cause for a little bit.
The ML and FL got to spend considerable on page time together but there wasn't much loveliness that passed between them during these periods. So when they finally did get together I did not feel the weight of the strong feelings they professed for each other. Their romance was not warm or endearing enough to move me as a reader.
I should also add that I listened to the audio book version. The narrator did a good job with the acting-especially for the female voices. She however did quite a bit of shouting particularly while doing the male voices and seemed to struggle at times to bring out the emotions of the men.
If you are coming into this expecting this to be an exciting mystery that draws you in with intrigue and keeps you involved and in high stakes then I would advise you to lower those expectations. Not only was it lacking in much excitement but it was also lacking in humor, in clever conversation, in clever investigating and even in heart warming romance. It was an okay read.
October 30, 2025
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!!!
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!!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I have been a fan of Sarah E. Ladd since The Heiress of Winterwood, her very first published novel. I am definitely invested in Ladd’s body of work, which is why it pains me to say that I struggled reading An Unconventional Lady. I’ve been wracking my brain for the last couple of days trying to figure out why I had such a hard time with this story. I mean, the pacing of the story is perfect and it kept me turning pages well into the night. I enjoyed the sweet relationship between Ella and Gabriel. In fact, what I loved the most about Ella and Gabriel is how their relationship goes from friendship to “us vs. the whole world.” Their chemistry and their evolving friendship-to-lovers timeline felt super realistic to me. But the rest of the cast of characters bothered me tremendously. Phoebe, Ella’s best friend, made me want to flick her in the forehead and roll my eyes multiple times. Ella’s father made me want to shake him. And Ella’s forced-upon-her beau made me want to run screaming for the hills. What a weenie milquetoast! The villains are also a point of contention for me. And this, I believe, is why I struggled with the book as much as I did — I called the “mystery” very early on. So, while the writing is excellent, the pacing kept me turning pages, and the main characters endeared themselves to me, I found the mystery and suspense neither mysterious nor suspenseful. I had the villains and their schemes figured out very early on, which left the majority of the book feeling like I was just waiting for the characters to catch up to what I had already surmised. I think what really frustrated me is that all of the characters in this story are part of a scientific Society. No one in this scientific Society could figure this mystery out?! Perhaps this is intentional on the author’s part. Perhaps Ladd is making a statement regarding the pride of people who THINK they are so smart. And that is a very good thematic idea for us all to contemplate and self-reflect upon.
If you enjoy Regency Romances that are well-written, historically sound, and excellently paced, then An Unconventional Lady is definitely a story I would recommend you check out.
I received a copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, Thomas Nelson Fiction, via NetGalley, in order to review. I am under no obligation to leave a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
If you enjoy Regency Romances that are well-written, historically sound, and excellently paced, then An Unconventional Lady is definitely a story I would recommend you check out.
I received a copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, Thomas Nelson Fiction, via NetGalley, in order to review. I am under no obligation to leave a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“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.”
This forced proximity story has a wonderful mystery! It’s full of suspense, twists, danger, and a sweet romance. I found the dive into the “science” of phrenology interesting.
Ella is strong, intelligent, and determined. I loved that she stuck to her values and beliefs even when faced with disapproval and criticism. I loved that she trusted her gut about her future and about Gabriel. I enjoyed seeing Ella making the hard choice of how to support her friend. I loved seeing the forgiveness and restoration there as well. Mrs. Chatterly is the perfect addition to Ella’s story, she is a strong support and encouragement. I loved her! Gabriel is charming, confident, resourceful, and supportive. I absolutely loved how he asked Ella what she thought or what she wanted and listened to her answers. I loved that he brought her in on his “job” and that they supported and protected one another. Their’s was a slowww romance but it was romantic and sweet. The epilogue was so cute!
A few more quotes:
“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.”
“You’ve captivated me. I don’t know what the future holds, but I will promise that I’ll return as soon as I am able, if you’ll allow me.”
“I think—no, I know—my feelings for you have far surpassed mere friendship. I fear, Gabriel Rowe, that my heart is now hopelessly involved.”
This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.
This forced proximity story has a wonderful mystery! It’s full of suspense, twists, danger, and a sweet romance. I found the dive into the “science” of phrenology interesting.
Ella is strong, intelligent, and determined. I loved that she stuck to her values and beliefs even when faced with disapproval and criticism. I loved that she trusted her gut about her future and about Gabriel. I enjoyed seeing Ella making the hard choice of how to support her friend. I loved seeing the forgiveness and restoration there as well. Mrs. Chatterly is the perfect addition to Ella’s story, she is a strong support and encouragement. I loved her! Gabriel is charming, confident, resourceful, and supportive. I absolutely loved how he asked Ella what she thought or what she wanted and listened to her answers. I loved that he brought her in on his “job” and that they supported and protected one another. Their’s was a slowww romance but it was romantic and sweet. The epilogue was so cute!
A few more quotes:
“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.”
“You’ve captivated me. I don’t know what the future holds, but I will promise that I’ll return as soon as I am able, if you’ll allow me.”
“I think—no, I know—my feelings for you have far surpassed mere friendship. I fear, Gabriel Rowe, that my heart is now hopelessly involved.”
This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Keatley Hall - 1820
Ella Wilde’s home has been a boys school for many years. Her grandfather was the original headmaster and now her father is headmaster. Her mother passed away some 10 years ago and she misses her so much. Her father wants her to marry and the man she marries will then become the new headmaster after her father passes away. The men he has chosen for her are not anyone she would want to marry.
Keatley Hall hosts the annual Natural Philosophies Society of London Symposium. This year will feature Thomas Bauer, a phrenologist, who is a man who believes you can learn one’s personality traits by examining the size and bumps of their head. Years ago, Ella's mother believed in this but by the time she died, she had become skeptical. Bauer has written a pamphlet alluding to the woman as being insane. Ella is a total non-believer and does not trust Mr. Bauer. Her dream is to expose him for a fraud.
Gabriel Rowe is a past student at Keatley Hall and is now working as a solicitor. Ella encourages him to come to the symposium as he is pursuing the man for money he owes someone.
Ella has been educated at the school herself and is very intelligent. Her dream is to open another school that will teach girls the same courses that the boys are learning.
As the story builds, so does the tension. Elle is trying to help her friend who has become enamored by Bauer and save the young woman from doing something rash.
As Ella and Gabriel work together to expose Bauer, they find themselves attracted to one another. Can they achieve their aim and find love together?
I have read so many book by Sarah Ladd and loved them all. One ting that sets her aside from many other historical romance authors is the way she centers the story around something unusual - in this case phrenology. Lots of adventure here and a sweet love story. Enjoy!
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Ella Wilde’s home has been a boys school for many years. Her grandfather was the original headmaster and now her father is headmaster. Her mother passed away some 10 years ago and she misses her so much. Her father wants her to marry and the man she marries will then become the new headmaster after her father passes away. The men he has chosen for her are not anyone she would want to marry.
Keatley Hall hosts the annual Natural Philosophies Society of London Symposium. This year will feature Thomas Bauer, a phrenologist, who is a man who believes you can learn one’s personality traits by examining the size and bumps of their head. Years ago, Ella's mother believed in this but by the time she died, she had become skeptical. Bauer has written a pamphlet alluding to the woman as being insane. Ella is a total non-believer and does not trust Mr. Bauer. Her dream is to expose him for a fraud.
Gabriel Rowe is a past student at Keatley Hall and is now working as a solicitor. Ella encourages him to come to the symposium as he is pursuing the man for money he owes someone.
Ella has been educated at the school herself and is very intelligent. Her dream is to open another school that will teach girls the same courses that the boys are learning.
As the story builds, so does the tension. Elle is trying to help her friend who has become enamored by Bauer and save the young woman from doing something rash.
As Ella and Gabriel work together to expose Bauer, they find themselves attracted to one another. Can they achieve their aim and find love together?
I have read so many book by Sarah Ladd and loved them all. One ting that sets her aside from many other historical romance authors is the way she centers the story around something unusual - in this case phrenology. Lots of adventure here and a sweet love story. Enjoy!
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"An Unconventional Lady" by Sarah E. Ladd is another wonderful regency romance mystery. I lost track of time reading this one last night and my husband had to remind me it was bedtime! I finished it earlier today, and wow, did I like this one a lot!
Ella Wilde is a strong, educated woman which means she's "unconventional" for her time. Her parents raised her to be educated the same as men and to be able to study anything that interested her. She lost her mother in a mysterious fire incident years before. Both Ella and her mother had been cast as "unstable" women and a pamphlet was published to that effect, haunting her years later, as Ella now needs to find a husband so her family's estate doesn't get passed to a distant cousin.
Part of the plot revolves around the study of "phrenology" which was a 19th century "science" that believed that the shape and bumps on the head determined personality traits and mental abilities. Ella is suspicious of the phrenologist, Thomas Bauer that will be speaking at an annual event hosted at her home, so she teams up with childhood friend Gabriel who a lawyer is pursuing the phrenologist for one of his clients.
This book has mystery, danger and intrigue as well as a sweet and clean romance. Ella is a steady and rational character throughout the story and I liked that she wasn't a damsel in distress! She's smart, clear headed and knows how to speak her mind. Gabriel is a true hero and one of the good guys. I found myself rooting for these two even though Ella's father wants her to marry someone else.
I've always enjoyed Sarah's writing and this is another solid book by her. I recommend this book for fans of sweet and clean regency romance and other readers that have enjoyed Sarah's other books.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Ella Wilde is a strong, educated woman which means she's "unconventional" for her time. Her parents raised her to be educated the same as men and to be able to study anything that interested her. She lost her mother in a mysterious fire incident years before. Both Ella and her mother had been cast as "unstable" women and a pamphlet was published to that effect, haunting her years later, as Ella now needs to find a husband so her family's estate doesn't get passed to a distant cousin.
Part of the plot revolves around the study of "phrenology" which was a 19th century "science" that believed that the shape and bumps on the head determined personality traits and mental abilities. Ella is suspicious of the phrenologist, Thomas Bauer that will be speaking at an annual event hosted at her home, so she teams up with childhood friend Gabriel who a lawyer is pursuing the phrenologist for one of his clients.
This book has mystery, danger and intrigue as well as a sweet and clean romance. Ella is a steady and rational character throughout the story and I liked that she wasn't a damsel in distress! She's smart, clear headed and knows how to speak her mind. Gabriel is a true hero and one of the good guys. I found myself rooting for these two even though Ella's father wants her to marry someone else.
I've always enjoyed Sarah's writing and this is another solid book by her. I recommend this book for fans of sweet and clean regency romance and other readers that have enjoyed Sarah's other books.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I’ve read all of Sarah Ladd’s books so far, so I was excited to read her latest, An Unconventional Lady. Ella, our leading lady, is certainly unconventional for her time, having been highly educated by her parents during the Regency period when that wasn’t the norm for young ladies. In fact, Ella wants to make sure that other young women have the same opportunities by expanding her parents’ school for boys to include girls. However, now that her mother is deceased and her father is unwell, she must marry well in order to keep ownership of the school. I admired Ella’s fighting spirit and knew that she wouldn’t have a successful relationship unless her future husband respected and followed through on her unconventional wishes.
Another plotline in the book involved phrenology, a popular “movement” during this time when so-called phrenologists claimed to determine a person’s personality and fate by examining the shape and surface of the head. Before she died, Ella’s mother, a former believer in phrenology, discovered that it was fake science, which she was determined to prove. Ella is determined to carry on her mother’s mission to expose the quacks in this movement and clear her mother’s name of accusations hurled at her by phrenologists.
Fortunately, headstrong Ella makes contact with Gabriel, an attorney, who agrees to join Ella in her quest to expose the phrenologists, while eventually solving her other problem of a potential marriage of convenience by falling in love with her.
An Unconventional Lady is a very unique story with an original storyline and well-drawn characters that will capture your attention and your heart, as well as provide you with some fascinating Regency history.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Another plotline in the book involved phrenology, a popular “movement” during this time when so-called phrenologists claimed to determine a person’s personality and fate by examining the shape and surface of the head. Before she died, Ella’s mother, a former believer in phrenology, discovered that it was fake science, which she was determined to prove. Ella is determined to carry on her mother’s mission to expose the quacks in this movement and clear her mother’s name of accusations hurled at her by phrenologists.
Fortunately, headstrong Ella makes contact with Gabriel, an attorney, who agrees to join Ella in her quest to expose the phrenologists, while eventually solving her other problem of a potential marriage of convenience by falling in love with her.
An Unconventional Lady is a very unique story with an original storyline and well-drawn characters that will capture your attention and your heart, as well as provide you with some fascinating Regency history.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Title: An Unconventional Lady
By: Sarah E. Ladd
Pub. Day: Feb. 10, 2026
Genre:
Fiction, Romance, Regency, Suspense
Red Flags:
None
Recommended Age:
Suitable for Younger Teenage Readers
What I loved:
*Refreshing Clean Romance
*Private Attachment
*Scholarly Shared Pursuit
*Regency Era
What I wanted more of:
*Unpredictability
Balanced Breakdown:
As an avid reader of Sarah E. Eden, An Unconventional Lady met my expectations! I loved it!
Ella is the main character who desires to bring justice to her mother’s name. She is an unconventional lady, candid, transparent, and refreshingly honest. These qualities are rarely seen from a lady during the Regency era. Admirable qualities which engage the reader into a deeply woven plotline, filled with emotional twists and turns, which draws the reader into the narrative.
Gabriel, a solicitor, has fond school memories of childhood with Ella, and is suspicious of the upcoming conference to be held at Keatley Hall. His character is skeptical, perceptive, yet quite endearing. Gabriel believes this Phrenology conference could put Keatley Hall in danger, so he sends a direct message to Ella right away.
So begins the journey through the pages of secrets of Keatley Hall. An Unconventional Lady is a low spice, fast paced narrative, which offers the reader added insight into Phrenology. A part of science and history that I had little knowledge of, and the role women were allowed to play during this time period. I loved the overarching themes of quiet strength found in rekindled friendships, the benefits of honesty, genuine hope, and sincere love.
Thank you to Sarah E. Eden, Thomas Nelson, and NetGalley for the opportunity of an Advanced Readers Copy. I am voluntarily leaving my personal review.
Similar Authors:
Julie Klassen
Karen Witemeyer
Tamera Alexander
#SarahELadd
#ThomasNelson
#Advancedreadercopies
#ReluctantReaderReads
#NetGalley
#ARC
By: Sarah E. Ladd
Pub. Day: Feb. 10, 2026
Genre:
Fiction, Romance, Regency, Suspense
Red Flags:
None
Recommended Age:
Suitable for Younger Teenage Readers
What I loved:
*Refreshing Clean Romance
*Private Attachment
*Scholarly Shared Pursuit
*Regency Era
What I wanted more of:
*Unpredictability
Balanced Breakdown:
As an avid reader of Sarah E. Eden, An Unconventional Lady met my expectations! I loved it!
Ella is the main character who desires to bring justice to her mother’s name. She is an unconventional lady, candid, transparent, and refreshingly honest. These qualities are rarely seen from a lady during the Regency era. Admirable qualities which engage the reader into a deeply woven plotline, filled with emotional twists and turns, which draws the reader into the narrative.
Gabriel, a solicitor, has fond school memories of childhood with Ella, and is suspicious of the upcoming conference to be held at Keatley Hall. His character is skeptical, perceptive, yet quite endearing. Gabriel believes this Phrenology conference could put Keatley Hall in danger, so he sends a direct message to Ella right away.
So begins the journey through the pages of secrets of Keatley Hall. An Unconventional Lady is a low spice, fast paced narrative, which offers the reader added insight into Phrenology. A part of science and history that I had little knowledge of, and the role women were allowed to play during this time period. I loved the overarching themes of quiet strength found in rekindled friendships, the benefits of honesty, genuine hope, and sincere love.
Thank you to Sarah E. Eden, Thomas Nelson, and NetGalley for the opportunity of an Advanced Readers Copy. I am voluntarily leaving my personal review.
Similar Authors:
Julie Klassen
Karen Witemeyer
Tamera Alexander
#SarahELadd
#ThomasNelson
#Advancedreadercopies
#ReluctantReaderReads
#NetGalley
#ARC
February 8, 2026
Historical Romance with Intrigue
An Unconventional Lady by Sarah Ladd is a standalone historical romance set in 1820s England, told in third person from dual perspectives. While it fits comfortably within the genre, it stands out by incorporating themes of science, justice, and women challenging societal expectations.
Ella Wilde has grown up knowing that Keatley Hall, her family home and a school for boys, will only remain hers if she marries. Marriage would secure her future, but Ella is headstrong, outspoken, and unafraid to challenge convention. Those qualities, paired with a past scandal involving her mother and her recent broken engagement make her an unconventional prospect in a society that values compliance over conviction. When a controversial speaker connected to her mother’s scandal is invited to the school, Ella is determined to stop him, armed with journals that question the validity of phrenology.
Gabriel Rowe, a solicitor committed to righting injustices, is investigating the same man on behalf of his client. A former student of Keatley Hall, Gabriel wants to protect both the Wilde family and the reputation of the Natural Philosophers Society. Though they initially do not trust each other, Ella and Gabriel soon join forces.
Their shared investigation brings steady tension, engaging twists, and a natural, well-developed chemistry. The pacing is strong, and the blend of romance and mystery makes this an enjoyable and satisfying read for fans of the genre.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the free digital advance reader copy. All opinions are my own and based on the ARC, which may differ from the final published version.
An Unconventional Lady by Sarah Ladd is a standalone historical romance set in 1820s England, told in third person from dual perspectives. While it fits comfortably within the genre, it stands out by incorporating themes of science, justice, and women challenging societal expectations.
Ella Wilde has grown up knowing that Keatley Hall, her family home and a school for boys, will only remain hers if she marries. Marriage would secure her future, but Ella is headstrong, outspoken, and unafraid to challenge convention. Those qualities, paired with a past scandal involving her mother and her recent broken engagement make her an unconventional prospect in a society that values compliance over conviction. When a controversial speaker connected to her mother’s scandal is invited to the school, Ella is determined to stop him, armed with journals that question the validity of phrenology.
Gabriel Rowe, a solicitor committed to righting injustices, is investigating the same man on behalf of his client. A former student of Keatley Hall, Gabriel wants to protect both the Wilde family and the reputation of the Natural Philosophers Society. Though they initially do not trust each other, Ella and Gabriel soon join forces.
Their shared investigation brings steady tension, engaging twists, and a natural, well-developed chemistry. The pacing is strong, and the blend of romance and mystery makes this an enjoyable and satisfying read for fans of the genre.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the free digital advance reader copy. All opinions are my own and based on the ARC, which may differ from the final published version.
November 19, 2025
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.
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.
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