4.5/5 stars (rounded up).

A Lesson in Propriety was a deliciously entertaining read filled with wit, banter, and intrigue—I read not a single dull page!

This is the third book I’ve read by Jen Turano, and I have found that her books have not yet failed to amuse me. That said, this one is most definitely my favourite of hers so far! The plot was a perfect mix of humorous episodes and a riveting mystery. I loved the characters as well as the family dynamics, and thought Drusilla was a great protagonist. I also liked the writing which was engaging and facetious.

In conclusion, I eagerly await the sequel so that I may once again revisit these beloved characters, their “haunted” castle turned young ladies academy, and the escapades their students will undoubtedly create!

I absolutely loved this lighthearted, humorous, delightful book. I know some of book clubs would frown on its lack of meaty topics and heartbreaking issues, but sometimes it is just a relief to read a fun book full of zany adventures. I look forward to reading the next books in the series. My gratitude to the publisher for a complimentary e-copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.

I always enjoy a Jen Turano book, and this book was no different. The main character, Drusilla, starts out the story getting dumped by her fiance of two years. As a result, she uproots her life, alongside her mother and sister, and moves to a castle in Chicago (because don't we all dream of doing just that?). Along the way, she faces mobsters, ghosts, and the horror of possibly falling in love again.

I loved it. It was funny, heartfelt, suspenseful, and a great series opener.

3 1/2 stars

This was a roller coaster ride of humorous situations, eccentric characters, and sweet romance. I liked that Drusilla was the kind of woman who bravely rose to the challenge of taking care of her family. What an interesting storyline to have an allegedly haunted castle for a finishing school. There were a menagerie of animals woven into the story but I must say that these animal stars might be my favorite yet.

Rhenick is drawn to Drusilla right away and I love how he views her especially as he gets to know her. The romance between them gave me warm tingles. The one thing I struggled with in this story was the long conversations which included some witty banter but also a lot of explaining things that had occurred off page.

I received this book complimentary as a member of the author’s launch team. I was not required to give a positive review. All of the opinions I have expressed here are honest and my own.

I absolutely adored this book! I wish I had the words to describe how fun this book read. It was classic Jen Turano fun with lots of shenanigans going on! But so much more! I found myself smiling and laughing through so many of the scenes in the book. The dialogue! So clever and quick.

Drusilla Merriweather finds her life has taken a sudden turn for the worst. As in lose everything you have ever owned and have to leave the state worst. A woman most people have overlooked suddenly has to step up and prove she could take care of herself and her family. And moving to another state, to the castle that her Aunt had left her and her sister seemed liked the perfect plan. Until they got there. And now? It seems more like a horror story complete with a creepy and possibly haunted castle. And ravens. And....goats?

Rhenick Whittenbecker knows women. Not in the way you are thinking! He had been raised with a gaggle of sisters, and female relatives. But that doesn't mean he didn't blunder, big time, his first meeting with Drusilla. In his defense, he did know that she was in danger from some unsavory people. And then there was the rifle pointed at her. And the goats. And a goose. What was he supposed to do but...... Well, let's leave what he did a secret. You are going to have to read the book to figure that out. Just be careful of the ravens.

This was such a fun read and one that had me quickly turning the pages to get more of the story. I am already excited for book 2!

I received a complimentary copy of this book.. I have written an honest review of my thoughts on this book. Highly recommend.

A fast-paced adventure!

I LOVED every bit of this book. Jen Turano definitely stepped up her animal menagerie this time. This tale really leaves plenty of room to build a series upon. There are multiple mysteries in the works, and some wonderful characters. I stopped in the middle of another book the moment I found out I had been approved to read an advanced copy of this one.

QUOTABLE: "even though she was, indeed, one of the most proper ladies he’d ever met, underneath that prim and properness might very well be a lady possessed of a mischievous spirit."

I have read everything Jen has written and delighted in each one.

Thank you to the publishers for sending me an eVersion. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.

Jen Turano is known for her humorous historical fiction, and this book definitely kept me laughing, but what I loved what most about the book was Rhenick and his complete support for women in general and Drusilla in particular. I also liked seeing the women support each other, without a bunch of cattiness and competition like is common in a lot of books.
The plot was a lot of fun--with antics from people and animals alike--and I enjoyed the mystery element. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book in the series and seeing what happens once Merriweather Academy for Young Ladies actually opens!
I've read and enjoyed all of Turano's books, so when I say this is my favorite of all of her books, that's high praise. Not only is this my favorite book of hers, but I'm naming it as one of my picks for the best books of 2025.
5 stars.

I read a DRC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

As we open this read, our girl is with her fiance, and at one of the 400's get together, and as we end this book we are with Drusilla and her fiance in Chicago, Il. The journey between the two is a page turner, filled with chuckles, and a lot of action. Yes, there are some guns and knives, but also ghosts, and other nefarious happenings. Loved the ferrets, and how they acted!
The bad part of this read, was that I have to wait a year for the next book!
If you enjoy a good read with lots of humor, and at times a lot of serious action, this one meets all that and more!
Will this wealthy family get their money back, and in the end I am still waiting for them to find their missing aunt!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.

A Lesson in Propriety by Jen Turano is an adventurous historical romance with non-stop action and hilarity.

We meet Drusilla Merriweather, who has lost her father, fortune, and fiancé. Forced to move into a creepy old castle her aunt left her, she, along with her mother, sister, and a friend, move into the castle. Drusilla is determined to make things work and plans to open an academy on propriety for young ladies. She doesn’t realize that a certain criminal element in Chicago wants to ensure that doesn’t happen.

When she meets Rhenick Wittenbecker, an architect, he immediately realizes the danger she is in and is determined to help her. With strange things happening at the castle, he and his mother and his sisters make sure no harm comes to Drusilla and her family.

Once again, Turano has included a cast of characters with eccentricities that jump off the page. As is usual for Turano novels, hilarity ensues. While there wasn’t much depth to the novel in the way of faith-based elements, the theme of trusting others was clear.

This is a heavy dialogue-based novel, and I felt exhausted keeping up with the conversations, but it was a very enjoyable read. If you enjoy having a good laugh while reading, you will probably love A Lesson in Propriety.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley for my honest review.

What a great start to a new series! Jen Turano has written another fabulous story with laugh-out-loud funny moments, mystery, drama, and romance.

A Lesson in Proprietary, the first book in the Merriweather Academy for Young Ladies Series, is a classic Jen Turano with strong and independent heroines one cannot help but root for. This first story centers around Drusilla Merriweather and Rhenick Wittenbecker, a charming architect she makes a deal with to get her inherited castle ready in order to open her finishing school.

As in all the stories by Turano there is never a dull moment from beginning to end. She writes some of the best banter between her amazingly developed characters adding to the humor. The well crafted mystery adds drama and kept me guessing to the end!

I highly recommend A Lesson in Proprietary, a lighthearted story guaranteed to make you smile and bring joy to your day.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley through Interviews & Reviews. I was not obligated to write a favorable review, and all opinions are my own.

This is book one in the Merriweather Academy for Young Ladies series. A perfect place to sart. I love the writing style of Jen Turano. The characters always have such unique personalities. Her humor and character development are amazing. She always keeps the laughter, the mystery and drama going. This books is just as I would expect from Jen Turano. I can not wait for more in this series. I love when an author has many characters in the series, so we can continue to get to know them all and reconnect with them.
We really get to know the Merriweather and Wittenbecker families. Drusilla is determined to make it on her own after being pushed aside by her so called friends, Rhenick just can't help but putting his foot in his mouth. As they work together to get the academy up and running all while trying to figure out the mysteries of the castle. I was given a copy of this book for my honest opinion.

I loved Jen Turano's Matchmaker series so I was looking forward to reading A Lesson in Propriety. The start of the book was a little slow, but after the first 50 pages, I started to really enjoy it. It is the same style, with humor and quick banter. The plot is a little far fetched and almost gothic - had Northanger Abbey vibes which I really loved. I will look forward to the next in the series because the characters are great and I am sure there will additional entertaining stories to follow. Thank you Net Galley for the advanced copy of this book!

Another hilarious hit from Turano!

I love Jen Turano and this new book is no exception. When Drusilla finds herself recently single, penniless and the new owner of a gothic castle, what is there to do but start a business! Taking inspiration from her now ex-fiancé’s comments about her prim and proper mannerisms, Drusilla plans to use her knowledge of high society to open a school for girls. One problem with that, the castle is in shambles and haunted by animals and ghost like figures. With people out to buy her land and force her family out, can Drusilla lean on a new friend Rhenick to help her? Or like the others, does he too have other motives to get what he wants?

This is a funny romantic story. I really love the characters and I am hoping to see more of them in future stories. The mystery element had me guessing until the end! I would definitely recommend this book to anyone!

First in a brand new series comes a cute and fun read Jen Turano style.
This new story has all the ingredients that a reader can want.
Mystery, romance and humor
Wonderful characters that I enjoyed in getting to know and a fun plot that I won't soon forget.
I finished this story in one evening because it was so good that I couldn't put it down.
I did find myself laughing at Drusilla at times. She made my day.
5 stars for a job well done! I highly recommend
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

Omg this book cracked me UP. I seriously LOL through the whole book. What a Great way to start a series. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

Hysterical.
Laugh Out Loud Funny.
Seriously. That is how I'd describe the latest book from the fabulous Jen Turano as she starts a new series. I cannot wait to see what mischief Drusilla, Anneliese, and Seraphina get into as they open their new school.

I don't know if I loved the attack ferrets or the herd of watch-goats more. But they were both spectacularly incorporated.

You will fall in love with Rhenick--the lone man in a whole extended family family of females. Drusilla--oh she gives that fiancé of hers a glorious setdown and I love how she's able to use her EXTENSIVE knowledge of social propriety to get herself out of a lot of situations.

I'm eager to see the man that captures Anneliese's heart and what Seraphina's story is. Maybe Mama Merriweather will find love too?!

this is such a lovely and lighthearted book to bring a smile to your face and joy to your heart. And the message of being loved for all your uniqueness shown loud and clear. The message of men treasuring their wives warmed my heart.

5 Stars

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC of this book. All opinions are 100% my own.

I adore Jen Turano. Her books are always laugh-out-loud funny and they put me in such a good mood. A Lesson in Propriety is no exception. We get a brief glimpse into "high society" (or maybe not...) in Chicago rather than the New York Four Hundred and the Knickerbockers. While Rhenick and Drusilla are your classic Turano couple with a hilarious, yet sweet romance, the actual memorable characters for me were her secondary characters. Jen Turano has written supporting characters that are quirky and go against the societal grain. This might be one of my favorite books of Turano's. I hope it becomes an audiobook because the dialogue in this novel is so good that it needs to be read aloud.

A special thank you to Bethany House and NetGalley for this complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own.

Jen Turano has written another historical fiction novel. A Lesson in Propriety is the first in the Merriweather Academy for Young Ladies series. And it is sure to be a fun and entertaining read.

In 1885 Drusilla Merriweather is left with a broken engagement when a trusted friend of her fathers absconds with the family fortune. Her Aunt Ollitie has left Drusilla and her sister a castle in Chicago. Having nothing left in New York, Drusilla packs up her mother and sister and forge ahead to move into the castle. Until she learns that it is haunted. But is it really?

Ms Turano's humor is defined when her characters meet up with a ghost, suits of armor, and the underworld of crime. Needless to say the array of animals that house the castle leave you laughing at their antics. Mr. Rhenick Whittenbecker adds a fun match as he tries to help Drusilla start her Academy.

This is a clean historical romance novel that I am sure you would enjoy as much as her other novels. The story was slow moving at first but Turano's trademark humor and interesting situations kept the story moving.

I received a complimentary ebook copy from the publisher, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A LESSON IN PROPRIETY is the first novel in the Merriweather Academy for Young Ladies’ series by JEN TURANO. It is an entertaining and exciting read with delightful characters, and some not so delightful villains!
The story takes place in 1885, with Miss Drusilla Merriweather, who has Knickerbocker heritage on both sides of her family and is member of the 400, being unceremoniously dropped by her pompous fiance, due to her family’s loss of fortune.
With her Aunt Ottilie’s gift to her and her sister of a castle in Chicago, and her decision to run a finishing school for girls, she moves there with her family and her friend Miss Seraphina Livingston, who has troubles of her own…….
Mt Rhenick Whittenbecker has four lively sisters and many female cousins but he has never met a woman quite like the feisty and determined Drusilla…….
With members of the Chicago underworld, persistent ravens, goats, an angry goose, ferrets, ghosts and moving suits of armour, it seems as though Drusilla’s dream of starting her school will have to wait until they get to the bottom of the mystery surrounding the castle……
I cannot recommend this charming and most amusing book highly enough.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

Only three months in and I can already tell that this is one of my most favourite books of the year. I love the quirky characters, the strong women characters, the flame thrower... Need I say more? The first in a new series ("Merriweather Academy for Young Ladies"), is definitely a must read and I can't wait to read the rest of the series.

Jen Turano is known for her humour and this book is no exception with ferrets, goats and a goose involved. The villain/s of the piece are well written - If I say anything else, it's a spoiler so I'll stop there. There is an ongoing mystery left over from the book which I can't wait to see the outcome of. Read this and enjoy it? I suggest reading her other series - all of which I loved.

I receive complimentary books for various sources, including Netgalley, Authors, and other such sources. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received compensation.