Book Review >> The Nature of a Lady

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THE NATURE OF A LADY
The Secrets of the Isles #1
Roseanna M. White

Bethany House | May 2th, 2021

Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Clean Romance

1906
Lady Elizabeth "Libby" Sinclair, with her love of microscopes and nature, isn't favored in society. She flees to the beautiful Isles of Scilly for the summer and stumbles into the dangerous secrets left behind by her holiday cottage's former occupant, also named Elizabeth, who mysteriously vanished.

Oliver Tremayne--gentleman and clergyman--is determined to discover what happened to his sister, and he's happy to accept the help of the girl now living in what should have been Beth's summer cottage . . . especially when he realizes it's the curious young lady he met briefly two years ago, who shares his love of botany and biology. But the hunt for his sister involves far more than nature walks, and he can't quite believe all the secrets Beth had been keeping from him.

As Libby and Oliver work together, they find ancient legends, pirate wrecks, betrayal, and the most mysterious phenomenon of all: love.

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I was provided with a complimentary copy thanks to Bethany House, in exchange for my honest review.

WARNING: Possible Spoilers!

THE BASICS

I LOVED the setting of this novel---the era, the places, the culture---all of it! And I really enjoyed the characters. They felt well fleshed out, real, and relatable. And GUYS, it's a historical fiction, yes! but there's a mystery of pirate treasure!! But overall, it was the islands & how visually descriptive the author was in showing the beauty of this setting I've never heard of beforehand that drew me & kept me hooked. I TOTALLY wanna visit the Scillies now. XD

VIOLENCE

A woman is assaulted as a warning on her solitary walk to a party down the way---but no harm comes to her. The man grabs her from behind & covers her mouth to keep her from screaming before proceeding to share his threats.

Several people are actually conked on the head---an older man, an elderly woman, and a young woman are all knocked out at one point or another.

A young boy was said to have been killed in a tragic drowning when he was out on his own, but some people are not convinced it was an accident.

At least one person is shot by a gun. Some scuffles here and there. Nothing too bloody or gory.

SPIRITUAL CONTENT

Christian fiction! One of the main characters is a vicar on one of the islands, and he often travels to visit his parishioners, studies for his sermons, and preaches in the chapel. He seems exceptionally wise beyond his years, but still relies on the wisdom of others, especially his grandmother who seems to have a special connection to the spiritual side of things. She often appears to know what's going on before it even happens.

Scriptures are referenced. Prayers are prayed. Thoughts & hearts are drawn to the God who made them. With her intelligent, scientifically-minded brain, Libby struggles to give her all in believing there is a God & that He does the miraculous. She tends to rely on the facts before her instead, but eventually comes around. :] She reflects on God & who He has made her to be. There's mention of how she doesn't see creatures "in need of a guide to form every claw and beak and feathers and dictate to them how they must work. But sees creatures capable of adaptation---creatures that evolved to fit whatever environment they were in"... (Some things seemed kinda questionable in regards to evolution vs. creation, but nothing too serious.) Someone encourages her that "Science and Faith do not need to be at odds."

LANGUAGE // ALCOHOL & DRUGS

None. Some uses of "blast it" and "blast & drat."

Rum is mentioned at least once. Champagne is served at a party; one girl appears to have had one too many, and you can tell it in her eyes & open speech. A man has a pipe.

ROMANTIC CONTENT

Both Libby & Oliver are attracted by each other---not simply for appearances, of course, but for each other's character, as well. At least one kiss, I think...

Mention of how talk of "mating" & reproduction (in a scientific sense) is highly frowned upon as spoken of by a woman, but that men could do so freely in regards to talk of breeding horses and dogs, etc. but that ladies were never to speak of such matters. (Libby comes from a learning fascination point of view.)

CONCLUSION

This was SUCH a sweet, clean, mystery, romance novel that I absolutely LOVED. And for all the reasons listed above, with the lure of the Scillies at the top. :D If you are looking for an easy read filled with action & adventure, some slow-burn romance, pirate-y mysteries, and a beautiful island culture/setting, THIS IS FOR YOU. :DDD

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5 OUT OF 5 STARS