In An Unconventional Lady, her latest sweet Regency romance, Sarah E. Ladd explores the expanding world of science (and pseudoscience) as two childhood friends work together to separate fact from fiction. Perfect for fans of Julie Klassen and BBC dramas.
Ella Wilde is no ordinary young woman. Outspoken, curious, and fiercely independent, she grew up in a world of natural philosophy, encouraged by her scientist parents to question everything. But when her mother dies mysteriously while studying phrenology in Austria, Ella is left with more questions than answers. Especially when a study is released claiming that a phrenological examination of Ella’s mother prior to her death indicated mental instability, calling into question what really happened the night of her death. Years later, at a scientific symposium hosted by her father’s school and focused on phrenology, Ella seizes the chance to clear her mother’s name and debunk phrenology as pseudoscience.
Gabriel Rowe is a barrister with a mission of his own. Tasked with finding a runaway girl linked to the same phrenologist who will be speaking at the symposium, Gabriel’s path leads him back to Keatley Hall–and to Ella, his childhood friend.
As the symposium unfolds, Ella and Gabriel join forces to expose the phrenologist’s fraud. But with the audience enamored by the charlatan’s charm and the stakes rising, they must navigate a web of deceit and danger. When the missing girl is found and the phrenologist vanishes with the symposium’s funds, Ella and Gabriel embark on a thrilling journey to reclaim their reputations and discover the love and acceptance they’ve been seeking.
Travel back to Regency England with An Unconventional Lady by Sarah E. Ladd and learn about little-known parts of history while being completely swept off your feet by a sweet, clean romance.
My Review:
A classic Regency romance steeped in intrigue. And what an interesting subject matter. Phrenology? Ladd brings all the fascinating details to light in this riveting mix of history and mystery….and romance, of course!
I love the refreshing approach the author brings to this genre. Our unconventional lady is part of the upper working class instead of nobility and a house party setting is replaced with an educational symposium. Still lots of opportunity for socializing and banter, just coming from a different angle.
And Ella has something to prove among the elite supporters of the man who has ruined her life. She finds an unlikely champion in a childhood friend who is now a barrister. Gabriel and Ella work together to expose the charlatan, with unexpected results. Intrigue, betrayal, danger….and a healthy dose of romance…combine to make this a compelling Regency read.
Well, listen in my case. I thoroughly enjoyed Fiona Hardingham’s narration. Her voice lends authenticity to the dialogue as she brings a variety of characters to life. I was was completely charmed. Made for a pleasant listening experience.
My thanks to Thomas Nelson, Zondervan Fiction Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio edition of this book.
GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:
US – ebook copy
Canada – ebook or audible copy
International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account
If you would like a chance to win a copy of An Unconventional Lady leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday February 7 2026.
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