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Arguments Against the Cultivation of Female Curiosity
441 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 21, 2026
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30 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 9, 2026
The second book in the series is beautifully written with a great sense of humour. The continuation of the story starts five years after the end of book one and I really enjoyed catching up with Thea and finding out where life has taken her, along with whether her hopes of seeing Martha again would be fulfilled.
I loved some of the new characters, especially Frankie the gardener, and enjoyed catching up with some characters we’d already met. The plot played out nicely, and Dr Moss’s obvious expertise in the horticultural subject matter comes across really well without being obtrusive.
If you liked the first book I would definitely recommend picking this one up (although please take note of the trigger warnings provided at the back of the book, as it does contain some challenging subject matter at times).
Wonderful!
I loved some of the new characters, especially Frankie the gardener, and enjoyed catching up with some characters we’d already met. The plot played out nicely, and Dr Moss’s obvious expertise in the horticultural subject matter comes across really well without being obtrusive.
If you liked the first book I would definitely recommend picking this one up (although please take note of the trigger warnings provided at the back of the book, as it does contain some challenging subject matter at times).
Wonderful!
March 21, 2026
Great start. I read the first book over 3 years ago, and although that I loved it, stayed with me, I cannot for the life of me remember how it ended. I had forgotten enough that there were parts of the start of this one that surprised. I remembered it amused me and gave me food for thought, I didn’t remember that much plot wise from the first book. Which means I don’t really know what is going on, which means I am in the same situation as one of the mains. Genius! There are lines I love, reminders that this is set in the past, but that Moss, the writer has great phraseology!!
Things settle down and the book settles down more as I read. I did reread my review of the first book, one comment I made was that in reading it I had no idea how things could possibly end well, and that I couldn’t wait for the next book….. Well I did wait and I still cannot imagine how things will end well. There is a lot of humour and subtle highlights of views of things that have changed. The role of the husband is totalitarian. Irritating to me, never mind the wife…. Or her lover!
60% in and there is a plot twist, and I sincerely hope there is justice!
79% in, and things are coming to a crescendo. It is a very long time since I have been tempted to skip to the ending to see if and how things work out. (to ease my stress!) I also have a sore jaw from clenching my teeth in disgust at the male attitude….. or rather the husbands attitude, perhaps of it’s time but only because it was allowed to….. not because it was right….. or to coin a more modern phrase, not all men. There are decent men in this book, unfortunately none of the married ones!
Hurrah for the dowager duchess!
Hurrah for Team Thea!
Hurrah for Sue Moss who has produced another fresh, informative and amusing book…….. The baddy was bad but the goodies were better. 4.5, up to 5.
Things settle down and the book settles down more as I read. I did reread my review of the first book, one comment I made was that in reading it I had no idea how things could possibly end well, and that I couldn’t wait for the next book….. Well I did wait and I still cannot imagine how things will end well. There is a lot of humour and subtle highlights of views of things that have changed. The role of the husband is totalitarian. Irritating to me, never mind the wife…. Or her lover!
60% in and there is a plot twist, and I sincerely hope there is justice!
79% in, and things are coming to a crescendo. It is a very long time since I have been tempted to skip to the ending to see if and how things work out. (to ease my stress!) I also have a sore jaw from clenching my teeth in disgust at the male attitude….. or rather the husbands attitude, perhaps of it’s time but only because it was allowed to….. not because it was right….. or to coin a more modern phrase, not all men. There are decent men in this book, unfortunately none of the married ones!
Hurrah for the dowager duchess!
Hurrah for Team Thea!
Hurrah for Sue Moss who has produced another fresh, informative and amusing book…….. The baddy was bad but the goodies were better. 4.5, up to 5.
March 22, 2026
I was fortunate to read an ARC copy. Was surprised and happy to get the email announcing that Arguments Against the Cultivation of Female Curiosity (book 2 of the series)was available.
Immediately stopped the book I was reading and loved getting an update of characters and new plots twists. Historical fiction is my favorite to read. The author has a style that describes the depressing times it was for women in general but with a sense of humor that makes it a joy to read. It is a series, so recommend starting with Observations on the Danger of Female Curiosity.
Immediately stopped the book I was reading and loved getting an update of characters and new plots twists. Historical fiction is my favorite to read. The author has a style that describes the depressing times it was for women in general but with a sense of humor that makes it a joy to read. It is a series, so recommend starting with Observations on the Danger of Female Curiosity.
March 30, 2026
I am so glad Suzanne Moss found the time to give us the sequel to Thea and Martha's story, and what interesting developments this new book brings to light.
There is a lot to unpack, but I don't want to spoil the plot to anyone. It was a pleasure to meet again some old characters and a nice discovery to find out about new ones. For sure, I would love to know more about Frankie; she really stole the scene several times.
Bear in mind that this book contains several triggers, considering the historical setting and the role and rights of women back then. But they are treated in a way that manages to be gentler on the low-angst level reader. But there will be characters you might want to punch in the face or...
Everything I said for the first book stands also for this one. The passion for nature, knowledge and nurturing curiosity to develop one's mind, such as the one of women. What strong and at the same time fragile characters, resilient in their fight for equality, not only for themselves but for all the causes they deem valuable.
An alliance of women, an irresistible and unstoppable force of will. Mothers, friends, lovers, acquaitances, joined in claiming their voice in society; a family of its own.
A second chance. A misunderstanding. Two lovers kept apart. Who is the wrongdoer? Can there be justice? Can the unstoppable force of love run its course and bloom again? It's an ever burning flame that will rise again from the ashes.
It left me with a smirk on my face.
"Well done. I would have probably done the same."
Women allying with Nature... that's a dangerous business for men.
ps. to the lovers of nature, get ready to google so much and learn so many different types of plants, flowers.... and much more. A feast of colors and perfumes. As many as all the beautiful differences that make each woman a rare flower of her own.
There is a lot to unpack, but I don't want to spoil the plot to anyone. It was a pleasure to meet again some old characters and a nice discovery to find out about new ones. For sure, I would love to know more about Frankie; she really stole the scene several times.
Bear in mind that this book contains several triggers, considering the historical setting and the role and rights of women back then. But they are treated in a way that manages to be gentler on the low-angst level reader. But there will be characters you might want to punch in the face or...
Everything I said for the first book stands also for this one. The passion for nature, knowledge and nurturing curiosity to develop one's mind, such as the one of women. What strong and at the same time fragile characters, resilient in their fight for equality, not only for themselves but for all the causes they deem valuable.
An alliance of women, an irresistible and unstoppable force of will. Mothers, friends, lovers, acquaitances, joined in claiming their voice in society; a family of its own.
A second chance. A misunderstanding. Two lovers kept apart. Who is the wrongdoer? Can there be justice? Can the unstoppable force of love run its course and bloom again? It's an ever burning flame that will rise again from the ashes.
It left me with a smirk on my face.
"Well done. I would have probably done the same."
Women allying with Nature... that's a dangerous business for men.
ps. to the lovers of nature, get ready to google so much and learn so many different types of plants, flowers.... and much more. A feast of colors and perfumes. As many as all the beautiful differences that make each woman a rare flower of her own.
March 22, 2026
Received an advanced copy from the author.
Worth the wait! I absolutely loved it, just as much if not more than the first. I love how the characters keep evolving and growing into themselves. As always, I swoon when I read the main relationship of the book, they're so well written and I am always happy to see how they each respect their intellect and their goals. I am crossing my fingers there is room for a third one because I can't get enough of this series.
Worth the wait! I absolutely loved it, just as much if not more than the first. I love how the characters keep evolving and growing into themselves. As always, I swoon when I read the main relationship of the book, they're so well written and I am always happy to see how they each respect their intellect and their goals. I am crossing my fingers there is room for a third one because I can't get enough of this series.
March 21, 2026
I was lucky enough to read an ARC copy of Arguments Against the Cultivation of Female Curiosity before it was released. It is a wonderful continuation of the story begun in Observations on the Danger of Female Curiosity. There are cameos of some of the characters from the first book, references to Martha’s Voyage (one of two short stories available free from Suzanne Moss’ website), perhaps some hope for Harriet (A Defense of Astronomical Curiosity for Ladies, the other free story).
As a student of women’s history, I know all too well the powerlessness of women in the 18th century, their almost total lack of legal protection, the very real threat of being involuntarily committed to an institution or of losing their children. These are the dangers Thea faced as a wife and mother. All was not doom and dread however! An unfortunate event with shades of the Orient Express had me laughing out loud.
Will Thea face another challenge like the Protea? Is there a future for Frankie and Joan? Will Martha feel the need to go traveling again? Can Emma hold to her resolution? I can’t wait for the next installment, however long it may be.
As a student of women’s history, I know all too well the powerlessness of women in the 18th century, their almost total lack of legal protection, the very real threat of being involuntarily committed to an institution or of losing their children. These are the dangers Thea faced as a wife and mother. All was not doom and dread however! An unfortunate event with shades of the Orient Express had me laughing out loud.
Will Thea face another challenge like the Protea? Is there a future for Frankie and Joan? Will Martha feel the need to go traveling again? Can Emma hold to her resolution? I can’t wait for the next installment, however long it may be.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Set in 1700 England with all of the Class hierarchy of the time makes for a whole interesting range of ‘case senarios.’ And, carrying on from Suzannes previous novels, she lays it bare (all warts and boils!).
With the ‘gap’ between the previous two books, I found that I had to reach back a bit to recollect some background. The plot centering around the ‘Sciences’ creates another dynamic to the bigotary of women in those days. (Not only restricted to those times either and still prevalent in some circles today).
Emotions run high at every turn; frustrations, apprehension, sympathy, anger, love. These emotions are so strong at times, that you have to have a ‘break,’ and tear yourself away from reading to compose yourself, and get a cup of tea! (Kangra?!)
Gripping right to the end.
Five Stars please and, curiously, can hardly wait for more of ‘Female Curiosity.’
With the ‘gap’ between the previous two books, I found that I had to reach back a bit to recollect some background. The plot centering around the ‘Sciences’ creates another dynamic to the bigotary of women in those days. (Not only restricted to those times either and still prevalent in some circles today).
Emotions run high at every turn; frustrations, apprehension, sympathy, anger, love. These emotions are so strong at times, that you have to have a ‘break,’ and tear yourself away from reading to compose yourself, and get a cup of tea! (Kangra?!)
Gripping right to the end.
Five Stars please and, curiously, can hardly wait for more of ‘Female Curiosity.’
Review of advance copy received from Author
(ARC REVIEW)
I couldn’t wait for the sequel to drop and it didn’t disappoint at all. Reading and experiencing Thea’s growth into herself and her understanding of her role in society and in the lives of those she loved was beautiful to witness. Martha’s strength and unwavering love and loyalty for Thea never ceases to amaze; I would be thrilled to see another book explore their relationship even further. Beautifully written sequel with lovable old and new characters and I hope we get to see them all in another book sooner rather than later.
I couldn’t wait for the sequel to drop and it didn’t disappoint at all. Reading and experiencing Thea’s growth into herself and her understanding of her role in society and in the lives of those she loved was beautiful to witness. Martha’s strength and unwavering love and loyalty for Thea never ceases to amaze; I would be thrilled to see another book explore their relationship even further. Beautifully written sequel with lovable old and new characters and I hope we get to see them all in another book sooner rather than later.
March 30, 2026
Esse livro é tão perfeito quanto o primeiro, a angústia da Thea e tbm a da Martha, o ódio que eu senti do George, as peças se encaixando de forma inesperada ao longo da história, todas as mulheres do livro com sua força e coragem, uma obra prima, perfeito... Parece que a história das duas continuará a ser contada, particularmente fico muito feliz e ansiosa para a próxima aventuras de Martha e Thea ❤️
March 29, 2026
This is a preliminary review, because I'm only halfway so far, but I really enjoy this book so far.
It is really nice revisiting Thea. I'm looking forward to finding out where this goes.
It is really nice revisiting Thea. I'm looking forward to finding out where this goes.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews