AN UNCONVENTIONAL LADY by SARAH E LADD is a most enjoyable Regency romance with wonderfully portrayed characters, amongst whom are the inevitable villains, and a great deal of suspense.
The story takes place in 1820 between the boys’ school at Keatley Hall in Gillham, and London. We meet Ella Wilde, her father Philip, headmaster and owner of the property, and Mrs Chatterley the housekeeper who has looked after Ella since her mother’s death, making preparations for the annual meeting of the Natural Philosophers Society of London,which they are hosting at Keatley Hall. The speaker is to be world renowned phrenologist Thomas Bauer, much to Ella’s disgust, as this man is responsible for a scathing pamphlet about her mother and herself. Ella has been taught by her mother to “be curious” and is passionate and outspoken. She very badly wants a girls’ school at the Keatley Hall cottage so that other girls may have the same opportunities she had growing up with enlightened parents. Unfortunately, with the problem of there being no male heir she stands to lose her beloved home unless she marries someone she cannot stand. Perhaps it is time for her to decide on her own future, not just fall into line with the one handed down to her……..
Gabriel Rowe, a former pupil at the school and childhood friend of Emma’s, is now a solicitor in London. He also has his reservations about the man that he is investigating for a client………
The story is fast paced and exciting. I am not going to tell you any more in case I spoil things for you.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Tomas Nelson. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

This uses the historical romance element that I was hoping for and enjoyed from this type of book, I thought the use of the characters worked in the storyline and in the time-period. The characters were everything that I was looking for and enjoyed getting into this world and characters. I enjoyed getting to know Ella in this book and finding love in this. Sarah E. Ladd has a strong writing style and was invested in what was happening in this book.

An Unconventional Lady by Sarah E. Ladd is a Regency novel that combines strong elements of romance and mystery. Ella Wilde, an unusually well educated young woman must find a husband before her father dies in order to inherit ownership of Keatley Hall School for Young Men where her father is headmaster. She also intends to discredit Thomas Bauer, a well known Phrenologist coming to speak at a meeting at Keatley Hall. Ella's mother was also a believer in phrenology, but before her death had denounced the movement and the phrenology community reacted by discrediting her. Now Ella sees a chance to clear her mother's name. She is aided by a childhood friend, who soon becomes more than a friend. This is a well written romance with a mystery and a delve into one of the odd movements of the time period.
Recommended for readers of historical romance.

One of my favorite authors of Regency fiction has an upcoming novel that she will publish in the new year. In her novel, An Unconventional Lady, Sarah E. Ladd offers a compelling exploration of women’s roles, rights, and societal expectations in early 19th-century England. Marriage and motherhood went hand-in-hand as acceptable paths for women. Many entered marriages out of necessity or obligation, especially when such unions benefited their families financially. Often, security and social protection were prioritized over romantic love—much like the arrangement between Charlotte Lucas and Mr. Collins in Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice.

The Education & Upbringing of Young Women
In the early 1800s, the education of young women typically revolved around skills considered suitable for managing a household and raising children. They were often taught by governesses who covered essentials like reading, writing, and arithmetic, along with music, art, and needlework—all intended to prepare them for their expected roles as wives and mothers. In contrast, young men received a much broader education, including classical subjects such as the writings of Aristotle and Plato, instruction in Latin and Greek, and exposure to the natural sciences. Their schooling was provided either by private tutors or at boarding institutions.

I provide this context to explain how the heroine Eleanor Wilde, or Ella, stands out as “an unconventional lady.” Consider her upbringing. Ella’s father, Philip, serves as headmaster of Keatley Hall School for Young Men, which also functions as their family home. Philip also is unconventional in that he educated his daughter the same way he would a son—much as Grandfather Keatley had done for Ella’s mother, Leonora. At the start of the novel, the tides are turning for women. They will soon claim public roles and opportunities to teach and contribute to society. Ella is determined to open a school dedicated to the education of young women, but her first major obstacle is winning the approval of the influential Natural Philosophers Society of London at their upcoming annual symposium.

The Popularization of Phrenology in the 1800s
Along with historical insight into education, Sarah also delves into the topic of popular interest during the 1800s: phrenology . Pioneered by physiologist Franz Joseph Gall (1758–1828), phrenologists believed that human personality and behavior could be discerned by examining the shape and size of regions of the skull. Phrenologists focused on the physical aspects of the skull, and they often made sweeping claims about aspects of a person’s character that were beyond the individual’s control. Despite its scientific shortcomings, phrenology gained popularity in select circles for years, until later research proved no correlation existed between skull shape and personal traits.

In the novel, the popularization of phrenology among Society members presented a significant challenge for Ella. Ella’s mother Leonora had been deeply interested in phrenology; in fact, she maintained detailed journals on the subject. She approached her studies with skepticism but also with an open mind. Leonora had been apprehensive about phrenology before her death, and her fears were realized within the novel. It becomes clear that phrenologists often accepted payment to manipulate their findings, allowing people to commission favorable or damaging assessments to bolster reputations or ruin others’ standing in society. Ultimately, phrenology devolved into a practice more akin to astrology or palm reading.

Conflicts in An Unconventional Lady
The story opens seven months after Ella's mother's death in 1810 after the Wildes of Keatley Hall School for Young Men hosted the annual symposium of the Natural Philosophers Society of London. Young Ella overhears a harsh conversation among so-called friends of her late mother. She confronts them for spreading the lie that Leonora had set the fire that took her life alongside two servants. Not long after her death, a damning pamphlet written by phrenologists made the societal rounds. The writers suggested that this fire had been deliberately set. Ella and her father knew differently, but the phrenologists accused Leonora of insanity. They made the claim that they assessed then infant Ella’s skull and she exhibited the same signs of madness. Ella makes it her mission to disprove the men's assertions.

The infamous pamphlet resurfaces years later when Ella became engaged to Nathaniel Rawlston, who was set to succeed her father as headmaster of Keatley Hall. Nathaniel had shown support for Ella’s goal to further her mother's vision of expanding the school to include the education of young women. The defamatory pamphlet had cast a shadow over Ella, damaging her reputation and prospects with him and other suitors. Though he never directly said the cause, Nathaniel called off their engagement.

Ella’s troubles deepen when she learns that her father extended an invitation to one of the key writers who had tarnished her mother's memory. Prominent phrenologist Thomas Bauer would address the 1820 symposium and give demonstrations at the upcoming Natural Philosophers Society gathering. Given their painful history, Ella could not understand her father’s decision to involve Bauer. Ella and her father, Philip, had once shared a close bond rooted in mutual grief. However, after Philip suffered a heart episode, his outlook and intentions for Ella shift dramatically. Their relationship grew tense, leaving his daughter uncertain as to whether she can trust his judgment.

Although Ella remains determined to establish a school for young ladies, her father begins to actively seeking someone to serve both as the school’s headmaster and as Ella’s future husband. To Ella’s disappointment, Philip invites the tall and lanky Abraham Abernathy to Keatley Hall. He encourages his daughter to accept his guidance—a move that echoed the pragmatic, unromantic arrangements reminiscent of P&P's Charlotte Lucas.

Leonora’s former lady’s maid turned housekeeper, Mrs. Chatterly, reminds Ella of her mother’s advice when a challenge presented itself: Be curious and keep a spirit of inquiry about seemingly negative aspects in life. Approach them with curiosity and rationality, gather intel, and collect facts first. Don’t let emotion reign supreme. Inspired by this wisdom, Ella agrees to withhold judgment on Mr. Bauer and Mr. Abernathy until she has gathered all the necessary information.

Before the 1820 annual symposium, Ella receives a letter from Gabriel Rowe, a lawyer and former Keatley Hall student. His message encourages her in that she feels less alone in her discomfiture about including Mr. Bauer as presenter. Gabriel casts doubt on Mr. Bauer's credentials and mentions his financial troubles to Ella. He raises concerns about the phrenologist’s true motives. Accompanied by Mrs. Chatterly as chaperone, Ella visits Gabriel during a trip to see her close friend Phoebe Hawthorne. She invites him to attend the upcoming event. Although uneasy about deceiving her father, Ella conceals Gabriel’s investigative role. She will present him as a visiting Keatley Hall alumnus, rather than as a solicitor who will gather information on Bauer for his employer, Jameson & Co..

Divisive Characters & Budding Romances
When Ella visits her bestie Phoebe in London, she learns her dear friend has formed an attachment to none other than Mr. Bauer. Great. Despite knowing how the pamphlet hurt Ella’s reputation, Phoebe minimizes its impact. Ella feels conflicted but chooses not to challenge her friend for the sake of their relationship. Later, when Phoebe and her father, Richard Hawthorne, arrive for the symposium, they bring with them a beautiful lady, Miss Louisa Sutton. Ella welcomes the extra feminine energy during this male-dominated meeting...until Miss Sutton throws a sizeable wedge between the two friends. She encourages the romantic entanglement that I’ll call “Team Thoebe.” And anytime Ella expresses reservations about Mr. Bauer, Phoebe is defensive. She even tries to dissuade Ella from attending the lectures as she has always done in the past. Phoebe appears to prefer Miss Sutton’s company instead. Privately, Miss Sutton implores Ella to support Phoebe and Mr. Bauer – even though the guy is two decades older. She hints about her own plans for Mr. Hawthorne, saying that Phoebe will want to manage her own household. Ella soon finds herself estranged from Phoebe and isolated amid the crowded house.

Ella’s father’s choice for headmaster and husband, Abraham Abernathy, is insufferable. Oh, my word! – The man is worse than Mr. Collins in Pride & Prejudice. And I pictured him as Disney’s 1949 Ichabod Crane from The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Initially, Mr. Abernathy presents himself as courteous, reserved, and modest. But over time, he shows his true colors. Ella feels completely trapped.

Mr. Abernathy cannot compare to the delightful Mr. Rowe. As the story unfolds, Gabriel and Ella develop a deep, mutual affection. Their meetings often take place in Ella’s sanctuary, the Conservatory, her mother filled with flowers and plants. She finds peace and solace through her love of gardening. The space gives readers a botanical study within An Unconventional Lady. Unlike other men, Gabriel genuinely listens to Ella's thoughts and wholeheartedly supports her ambitions, never belittling her dreams. He encourages her to advocate for herself, and as they work together to uncover the truth, their bond and attraction intensify. Despite his growing feelings, Gabriel feels he must complete his assignment.

Gabriel and Ella go where the clues lead, and soon they realize this isn't solely about phrenology or exposing Mr. Bauer. A cunning individual is orchestrating a scheme for revenge, rooted in a fabricated tale.  

Final Thoughts
Sarah skillfully weaves together elements of romance, mystery, and suspense, while also including well-researched historical details. She excels at crafting narratives that I want to speed-read through, but I don’t because she has these setups and payoffs that keep me turning pages - or swiping left. I’m emotionally involved by the end of her prologue, and she thankfully gives her readers the epilogue we most desire. She also offers just enough detail to set the scene and hint at her characters’ appearances, but she avoids excessive elaboration so that we can cast our own mental stage of actors and actresses in our own mind’s theatre.

Throughout the narrative, Sarah strategically places subtle clues and presents open questions for the reader to consider. For example, the story opens with a scandalous rumor about how Mrs. Wilde died. She's accused of murder because two maids died in the fire as well. This mystery immediately draws the reader into the story. The duplicitous Mr. Bauer presented another layer of mystery. What is his true motivation? Does he intend to marry Miss Hawthorne? Is this how Bauer will resolve those financial troubles? Could there be some merit to phrenology? For example, might this information be helpful when it comes to detecting criminal activity before it happens? As new information is revealed, I felt like Holmes and Watson on CBS’ Elementary with their evidence board. The two sleuths, who worked with the NYC police dept., would assemble evidence to piece together their theories as they uncovered the truth. An Unconventional Lady then is not just a Regency romance. It's a well-crafted tale of mystery and intrigue. Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the opportunity to read and review An Unconventional Lady.

It took some time for me to get interested in this book.but I eventually loved it.
I loved Ella Wilde, Gabriel Rawlings and visiting Keatley Hall. The imaginary the author so eloquently described made me feel like I was there meeting the guests and enjoying the beautiful gardens.

I was unfamiliar with phrenology, but found the topic interesting. The added mystery and romance added to my overall enjoyment of this novel. Ms Ladd has long been one of my favorite authors and after reading this novel, she still is.

I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley. Opinions are my own.

Oh my goodness, I love this story! The setting is classic, yet the characters are so fresh and fun. Ella is a force to be reckoned with and when she runs into Gabriel it makes for a superb mystery solving duo. The main topic that this book revolves around is phrenology. Wait. What? I had no idea what that meant or that it was a popular study from history. Basically it was thought that the shape of the head determined a person's character traits. I was totally fascinated with the whole idea and the author does an excellent job at not making it boring and weaving it into the mystery side of things. The romance is so well written and sweet, it really adds to the plot. It isn't the central focus but it makes a delightful addition. I also love how the ending took a few turns that were unexpected as all good mysteries must do. So for me this book had it all and I think is one of the best that Sarah E. Ladd has written. I highly recommend!

Five Stars.


"I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

Sarah Ladd was a regency fiction author that I discovered last year and let me tell you that I really enjoyed her books! An Unconventional Lady is truly an exciting book to look forward to next year. The characters and the plot are truly amazing and I enjoyed every moment of this book. It goes to show that a woman will do just about anything to help those of her gender get equal rights.

We are introduced to Ella who was always had a deep love for learning. Ever since the death of her mother she desires to expose a fraudulent educated man of labeling her mother as "mad". However, she has other problems of her own as well. Unless she finds a man to marry she will be left destitute. However, she enlists the help of his old crush Gabriel who is not only a solicitor to help with her current living situation but also to bring down the rival who labeled her mother "mad".

I received an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.

It took me a while to get into this book, as it seemed (to me) to be slow in developing. But maybe that was because I was not much familiar with phrenology. I had only heard of it and only had a mild understanding of it.
Once I got into the book, I was glad I stayed with it. It became more compelling with each chapter.
The mystery and suspense about Mr. Bauer continually built. It was not easy to guess what was going on, or what would happen next - which was great!!
I enjoyed the budding romance between Ella and Gabriel. It was clean, with mild kissing.
There were several suspenseful moments in this book.
All characters were well written, several playing significant rolls in the plot, which overall was great!
I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tomas Nelson for the copy of this book. The opinions stated in this review are my own!
💜 💜

I had not read a book by Sarah E. Ladd previously. When I finished this book, I added more to my library.
I have not always been fond of Regency style books, once again my mind has been changed.
Mystery, suspense, romance and historical fiction in one book, what more could you want. Ella was
such a strong character, always wanting women to succeed and to able to be educated on the same
level as the men. But on the other hand, she loved her father and wanted to please him so much that it included
a marriage proposal to a man she didn't love.
I was so glad to find out more about Gabriel's past from his sister, Mary. He wanted what was right and was a very
good lawyer/detective.
I really enjoyed this book.
Thank you NetGalley for the arc.

Sarah Ladd has woven a tale full of intrigue with characters who have depth and strengths to discover. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and it's messages. The empowerment and education of women in a time where society looked down on it leaves me feeling stronger and bolder!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

ARC read on NetGalley: I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

That being said, this book could possibly become a new Regency favourite! It has fast pacing, a dynamic plot, and unconventional characters. I liked the main characters a lot and how they were described. We get layers upon layers of different feelings, all wrapped up so well — I really enjoyed reading about them. The dialogues are often reflective, and the characters themselves seem quite smart.

I also liked the crime aspect of this book, as it gave the main characters their purpose and a good reason to interact with each other. Every character was intentionally introduced, and this really paid off in the end. The book was wrapped up really well. But what is Ella doing in London now?

Gabriel was such a cutie from the start — he’s such a green flag!

What is a phrenologist? Read on to find out!
Science has changed over the centuries as we learn new things but there is always the opportunity for deceit, ill gotten gain, and worse from those who pose knowledge in twisted ways.
The characters are well formed. I love strong women standing up for themselves in a world of male domination.
I was engaged from beginning to end and there is some suspense towards the end.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

Sarah Ladd's "An Unconventional Lady" is a compelling novel full of mystery, deceptive characters, and fulfilling romance. The subject of phrenology features extensively here. Unlike bloodletting (NOT modern phlebotomy) which actually caused fatalities, this illogical pseudoscience could nevertheless ruin lives. The educated Ella Wilde and Gabriel Rowe join forces to pursue the truth and expose phrenology for the scam it is. Along the way, their romance develops, and it's believable and fulfilling. However, betrayal and suspicious motives affect everyone, as uncovering the truth becomes dangerous. There is more than one surprising twist in store for the reader.

Sarah Ladd's prose is lovely and descriptive. This is Christian fiction and as such, there are no explicit scenes or gruesome violence. Be they good or bad, her characters really come to life, and they all play important roles. Forgiveness is an important theme. This was an intriguing read, and I look forward to the author's next work.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for an ARC of this riveting novel.

Historical fiction from the 1800's interests me very much. And as this narrative is set in that time frame I really enjoyed this story. The dynamics of women having to marry for convenience to set up alliances with another family or to secure an inheritance or legacy are issues explored in this book.

Phrenology, a pseudoscience, that was discussed, dissected and explored in those days, features largely in this tale. Repercussions, lies and deceit snarl around Ella, her father, Gabriel Rowe, Phoebe and the Society. I'm also happy when an author addresses abuse of women, which Sarah E. Ladd has done in this book.

Overall, I found the story to be pleasant and I was favorably satisfied with the storyline.

~ Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger ~

November 2025

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are honest and completely my own.

An Unconventional Lady’s story line was so original, so fascinating, and it had me on the edge of my seat. I really loved Ladd’s descriptions, bringing the regency era alive as well as her fantastic characters. A swoony hero from a blemished family, and a strong heroine branded by her mother’s reputation … and their chemistry on the page was *chefs kiss* spot on.

Plus, mystery, suspense, secrets, historical setting, adventure, and tension so intense you just don’t know if the characters are ever going to get out of the dilemmas they face … I truly couldn’t put this novel down.

While this novel is categorized as Christian Fiction, no obvious faith thread jumped out to me. But it was clean (kisses only) and a novel I’d recommend for my own teenage niece.

5 glowing stars from me!

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for my copy. All opinions in this review are my own.

This novel is a captivating blend of historical intrigue, romance, and social commentary that truly shines. Ella Wilde’s fierce determination to create a school for girls and challenge outdated beliefs is inspiring and refreshingly modern. The exploration of phrenology and its impact on Ella and her family adds a fascinating layer of depth and tension. Gabriel Rowe is a perfect complement to Ella—ambitious, charming, and equally committed to justice. Their partnership and growing romance feel authentic and beautifully developed. With richly drawn characters, clever plot twists, and a vivid setting,
#netgalley #anunconventionallady

This is a review of Sarah Ladd's upcoming release on Feb. 10, 2026 titled "An Unconventional Lady". I received this ARC from NetGalley in return for my honest review. I had been waiting a long time for this book, and I absolutely loved it, and give it 5 stars!!! Sarah Ladd has been one of my favorite authors, and I own all her books, and this one rates as one of my favorite reads this year!

England,1810. Ella Wilde, a headstrong, but very smart, and incredibly beautiful, finds herself being told by her father that she must find a husband, or she will lose everything. Her father is the headmaster of Keatley School for Young Men, and Ella has worked alongside him since the passing of her mother. Ella's mother was introduced to phrenology, which is a belief that a person's character can be determined by the shape of their head. Ella's mother bought into phrenology for a while, but began to question it, and changed her views, she ended up being labeled "crazy", and even "dangerous ", by the public who bought into it as a science. Ella's mother dies, and Ella is determined to clear her mother's name, and expose phrenology as the parlour trick she has found it to be, but one person is standing in her way, Thomas Bauer.

Thomas Bauer has been invited by the society who supports the Keatley School, to come and give a demonstration as the society meets for a conference at Keatley Hall. Ella sees her opportunity to expose Mr. Bauer, and also clear her mom's name, but her father still isn't convinced he is a fake because he had been asked by the society,so to give a demonstration, and if they speak against the society's speaker, they could lose their funding for the school! But Ella ends up with an ally, Mr. Gabriel Rowe, a former student of their school! Gabriel is now a lawyer, who is also a thief-taker, and has been sent to Keatley Hall to investigate Mr. Bauer as well! So Gabriel and Ella must work together to find the truth about Mr. Bauer, phrenology, and Ella's mother!

This book kept me turning the pages! I had heard of phrenology, but there was a lot I didn't know, so this was so interesting to me, plus I really enjoyed how Ella knew her own mind, and didn't let society dictate her life choices, but she and Gabriel just wanted to truth to come out! I was completely surprised, in a good way, as the storyline was completely unpredictable, and as I closed the book, I thought, "Wow, this goes on my favorite books of 2025 list!" I can't recommend it enough!!!

#sarahladd #anunconventionallady #netgalley

AN UNCONVENTIONAL LADY is another winner from Sarah Ladd. This is a wonderfully entertaining historical mystery with a lot of drama and some romance as well. Ella is a strong protagonist, and I enjoyed following along her journey. I sympathized with her not wanting to disappoint her father but also wanting to be educated. Gabriel and Mary are sympathetic characters as well. The historical details are just right in terms of setting the scene and immersing the reader; thankfully the author does not let her research get in the way of the narrative. The pacing is a tiny bit uneven so that is my one minor complaint; I think some readers may wish for a faster pace at the beginning. Overall, the pacing issue did not impact my enjoyment of the novel, and I look forward to Ladd's next work.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-galley; all opinions in my review are 100% my own.

I loved Sarah E Ladd's newest novel An Unconventional Lady! I read it in two evenings! It has all the makings of a good story; smart heroine, dashing hero, and a villain worthy of Disney.

Ella Wilde has lived her entire life at Keatley Hall School for young men. She was educated like a boy by her very smart and vivacious mother who sadly passed away. During a school break, Keatley Hall hosts an annual meeting of the Natural Philosopher's Society. Many rich and important members of high society gather to exchange ideas and theories of the Regency times. This year, the Society has invited the famous Thomas Bauer. He is a doctor of phrenology, which is the study of the shape of a person's head. Phrenologists believe that you can tell a person's good and bad character by their head's ridges, lines, and dimples. Before she died, Ella's mother also studied phrenology and eventually concluded it to be false. In retaliation, someone in the phrenology world published Ella's mother's head study to be that she is hysterical, insane, and that her daughter will be the same. Ella has grown up in the shadow of this study and the whispers of society that believe she will become insane. When a former student of Keatley Hall, Gabriel Rowe, shows up with secret intel on Thomas Bauer, Ella invites him to the week long event to keep an eye on the good doctor. As more and more clues arise that prove that phrenology is a scam, Ella and Gabriel push deeper and deeper to discover who Dr. Bauer really is and what his plans are.

There really is so much more to the plot that I couldn't list is all. There are side characters and sub plots that make this a very good story. Gabriel and Ella are likable characters, the villain is evil, and it has a satisfying ending. It is light on Christianity and romance. I thought the book started a out a bit slow, but keep reading because it's really good!

Her grandmother raised Cath. Cath didn't know her father, and her mother flirted from one place to another searching for romance. When mom died, Cath discovered that her mom had booked them for a "murder week" in a small village in England, and Cath decides to go, since it was already paid for. The murder was a fake one, some of the villagers were participations in the mystery, and there was a prize for the team that discovered who did it. Cath is teamed with Wyatt, a gay man, and Amity, a divorced romance writer. If you are a cosy mystery fan it is fun to follow Cath and her team following clues to discover who did it. In addition, there is the question of why Cath's mother was so anxious for the two of them to do such a thing. The characters were interesting, and there was the obligatory romantic attraction to a local pub owner. If you like cosy mysteries, it is fun to travel with the team as they follow the clues. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc with no pressure for a positive review..

Thank you net galley for the advanced reader copy of this novel. Sarah Ladds no so was everything you would expect from this writer. Sweet and clean romance and a good topic, phrenology, that doesn't get a lot of traction. Loved the novel!

This is a captivating story about a subject that I knew nothing about - phrenology. There was nothing dull and dusty about this book. It was full of intrigue and mystery and adventure. Highly recommend if you would like to read a different type of regency romance about a very unique heroine.

An Unconventional Lady was exactly the kind of cozy, sweet historical romance I love. Ella is such an easy character to root for, smart, determined, and totally done with society’s expectations. Her dream of creating a school for girls felt so modern and inspiring, and I loved watching her stand up for herself and her mother.
The mystery surrounding the phrenologist added just enough intrigue to keep me hooked without ever feeling heavy. And Gabriel? The perfect supportive, quietly swoony childhood-friend-turned-love-interest. Their chemistry is gentle but undeniable, and I couldn’t stop smiling whenever they were together.
Overall, it’s a warm, feel-good story with heart, a bit of suspense, and a romance that made me melt. I absolutely loved it!

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of An Unconventional Lady by Sarah E. Ladd

Ella is no ordinary Regency heroine—she’s bold, curious, and determined to carve her place in a man’s world. Inspired by her mother’s fearless spirit, she embodies the very definition of an unconventional lady. What makes Sarah E. Ladd’s storytelling shine is her ability to keep the narrative authentic to its time period, weaving Ella’s defiance seamlessly within the strict confines of society. It feels real, possible, and utterly captivating.
The supporting cast is just as compelling. Gabriel, the love interest, balances Ella’s daring nature with quiet charm, creating a romance that thrives on emotional connection rather than scandal. Their bond is tender, genuine, and deeply satisfying. Add in the fascinating backdrop of phrenology—a detail that fuels Ella’s questioning mind—and the world-building becomes as rich as the romance itself.
While the story is sweet and wholesome (kisses only), the chemistry between Ella and Gabriel is undeniable. Their emotional intimacy builds a foundation that makes every moment resonate.
An Unconventional Lady is a standout Regency romance—heartfelt, intelligent, and beautifully written. I devoured it in one sitting and happily awarded it five stars.

Ella Wilde was raised to think for herself and to value education in a time when neither was appreciated in and for young women. After her mother's death and with the decline of her father's health, a broken engagement leaves her father scrambling for an appropriate suitor for Ella for fear that he will die before securing a marriage for her and that their beloved Keatley Hall School for Young Men will be inherited by a distant cousin rather than by Ella. If that happens, not only will she lose her family's legacy, but she will also lose her dream of opening a school for girls.

However, a broken engagement is not the only stigma hanging over Ella. A pamphlet that scandalized both the stability of her mother's mental health and Ella's was published after her mother exposed the fraudulent scientific practice of phrenology of which she had once been a strong proponent.

When former Keatley student Gabriel Rowe contacts Ella regarding his own suspicions of fraud surrounding a famous phrenologist who is set to present lectures on the subject at Keatley Hall, Ella invites him to attend in an effort to expose once and for all the fraud of phrenology and to clear both her mother's and her tainted reputations.

As Gabriel and Ella work together, will they successfully expose not only the fraudulent practice of phrenology but also that of its most famous phrenologist? Will Ella be able to marry her father's choice of a suitor who could help her save both Keatley Hall and her dream of a school for girls or will her growing feelings for Gabriel bring yet another threat to both? And who can Ella truly trust, including Gabriel, as she scrambles to expose the fraud and clear her mother's name?

I highly recommend this gripping story by author Sarah E. Ladd.

I received a complimentary e-book copy from Thomas Nelson Fiction. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is such a good, clean romance. I love a historical romance story with a bit of mystery in it! The characters really mended together beautifully and the story flowed well because of their chemistry!

This was such a sweet regency romance about a young woman who is full of independence and well educated with a close relationship with her father. The history of the phrenology, which was a scientific study of people’s personalities and minds based on the shape of their head, was interesting as part of the historical aspect of this book..

This is a sweet romance with a little bit of mystery and romance that keeps it above board. I really enjoy Sara Ladd’s books and plan to read more in the future but this one was definitely a five star for me..

Thank you NetGailey, and the publisher. Thomas Nelson for the great read. The opinions here are my own and a honest review of my enjoyment of this book.

“An Unconventional Lady” by Sarah E. Ladd draws the reader in from the very beginning of the book, and you will be turning pages in an effort to find out what happens next. For sure. My heart was so touched by Ella and the way she had been treated and the horrible things that people said about her from their own so-called science. When Gabriel arrived on the scene, I was sure that he would be the answer to Ella’s dilemma. But, things get very complicated when the phrenology symposium begins at Keatley Hall. Mr. Thomas Bauer, the biggest thorn in Ella’s side and a major proponent of phrenology is a main speaker at the symposium, so he is right there in Ella’s home. But, Ella and Gabriel have found some inconsistencies and their suspicions on this man’s qualifications and integrity are becoming quite strong, and even have some proof. Things get quite uncomfortable, and even Ella’s dearest friend turns against her. Danger is imminent!
The author wove an intricate plot filled with intriguing characters, exciting twists, shocking conflicts, and well-thought resolutions. I was riveted to the story, and I highly recommend this book. Lovers of historical fiction will love this book. Lovers of mystery will also enjoy this book. Grab a cozy blanket, a beverage, and a comfy seat, because you will not want to put this story down.