Book Review

Synopsis:~

Ladies of London’s High Society are known for their social graces and poise. Vivian Kirby boasts neither of these enviable qualities, though she does offer impressive conversation on chemical compositions. Unfortunately, it appears that not many men want a brilliant wife. So it is that Vivian finds kinship with a group of young women who embrace each other’s differences: The Blue Orchid Society.

After an extended stay in China, Lord Benedict has returned transformed to his family’s estate, where an encounter with Vivian, whose scientific knowledge he once undermined, leaves him determined to make amends. He arranges to help forward her research—anonymously, of course. Through letters, Vivian establishes a warm friendship with her secret benefactor, even as she’s unexpectedly drawn into a murder investigation that forces her to work alongside Benedict to unearth the truth. Soon, Vivian fears she may be falling in love with two men, never suspecting that they are one and the same.

My take:~

Inventing Vivian is my first introduction to Jennifer Moore, and what a delightful introduction it was. The premise (intelligent woman destined for spinsterhood as Regency era males avoid a smart woman like the plague), and the characters (hark, there is one Regency male eschewing their bias against brains, plus our heroine has a cohort of equally daring and clever friends) are both warmly familiar, yet Moore puts her own stamp on both trope and protagonists, making for a fun and engaging read.

Benedict has returned from a long stay in China, reformed, sensitive, and hoping for more than the expectations placed on him by his father and the ton. Accompanied by his dear friend and mentor, Zhang Wei, trouble soon follows. Fascinated by Vivian’s clever mind and secretly supports her desire to exhibit her latest invention.

The story enables Moore to explore the attitudes of the era towards women, Chinese immigrants, child labour, and the abhorrent working conditions in manufacturing. The ease with which these challenges are resolved, while improbable for the time, provides a happily ever after tale sure to satisfy readers who devour sweet Regency romances. Inventing Vivian has piqued my interest in the Blue Orchid Society ladies and their adventures!

With thanks to Prism Book Tours and Covenant Communications for my review copy. My opinions remain my own.

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Excerpt

Zhang Wei stepped up beside Benedict and watched with him as their two visitors left through the gate. “The woman does not like you, Jīns.”

Benedict could hear the smile in his friend’s voice as he used the nickname the village children had called him. The word meant golden hair. “Indeed, she does not,” he answered. “I was very rude to her when we were young.”

Zhang Wei nodded. His smile remained, but his eyes were thoughtful.

He was not being flippant or teasing. It was simply his way. It had taken Benedict time to become used to his friend’s mannerisms. “And now your path has led you back to . . . make it right?”

“I don’t know if that is possible.”

“Water can wear down mountains and earth, just as kindness can soften the hurt given to an old friend. It takes time.”

Other Books in the Series

Solving Sophronia

(The Blue Orchid Society #1)

Lady Sophronia Bremerton is a far cry from the typical debutante, but she’s the toast of London’s upper class for one simple reason: she’s a society columnist for the London Illustrated News, and the gentry loves seeing their exploits printed in the gossip pages. But Sophie has bigger plans – she aspires to be an investigative reporter. When a stuffy ballroom at yet another Season proves to be nothing more than the usual rumor mill, Sophie seeks respite in the library alongside four other young women who, for their own reasons, are also looking for escape. As the conversation turns to their secret ambitions, the women form a sisterhood and a bold plan: they will make their dreams a reality, no matter the obstacles. Thus begins the Blue Orchid Society.

Hearing of a murder in a London rookery, Sophie seizes the opportunity to prove her skills. Detective Jonathan Graham doesn’t believe a civilian, a noblewoman at that, should be anywhere near a murder investigation, but Sophie insists on helping bring the killer to justice. Her investigative prowess doesn’t go unnoticed by the police, especially Jonathan, who can’t decide whether this intrepid reporter is a thorn in his side or the woman of his dreams. But as the case grows more complicated and dangerous, their very lives – and their hearts – may be at risk.

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Jennifer Moore is a passionate reader and writer of all things romance due to the need to balance the rest of her world that includes a perpetually traveling husband and four active sons, who create heaps of laundry that are anything but romantic. She suffers from an acute addiction to 18th and 19th century military history and literature. Jennifer has a B.A. in Linguistics from the University of Utah and is a Guitar Hero champion. She lives in northern Utah with her family, but most of the time wishes she was on board a frigate during the Age of Sail.

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One winner will receive a print copy of Inventing Vivian by Jennifer Moore and a $25 Amazon gift card. (US addresses only)

Ends July 21, 2021