This is a thoroughly enjoyable book by a debut author. Her depictions of the places traveled, and the people encountered are just delectable. The story is amusing and original. The lead characters are refreshing with their repartee and engaging in their struggles and self-doubts. The manner in which the story unfolds, step by thrilling step, is akin to how God continuously draws us to Himself—showing us, through our trials and successes, that we can trust Him and His love to get us through any circumstance or situation. I will follow this author and read anything she writes! ( )

DNF. Good premise and I loved the steampunk aspect and Clara and "Arthur" together. BUT, I did not know going in that this was Christian fiction so I didn't expect quite so many references to God and Christianity; they definitely pulled me out of enjoying the narrative. And her family bugged the heck out of me. I felt sympathy for poor Clara, thinking she was responsible for her family, although I get why she felt that way given her family's history and the very real threats from her ex-fiance. But then her own mother (who was ridiculously impulsive) telling Clara to stop worrying and put the family in God's hands, saying that by thinking she had to be the family's caretaker it meant she was thinking she was as good as God? Implying that Clara's sense of duty to her family bordered on arrogance, instead of coming from a place of love and very real concern. That ticked me off a bit, it felt very unfair to Clara although it fit with her mother's generally clueless nature. I definitely agree that Clara would have been much better off not shouldering the burden of watching over her adult relatives. I was so aggravated by her mother that I couldn't finish the book after making it 50 percent of the way through. I was enjoying the evolution of both Clara and Arthur/Theodore, both as individuals and in their relationship, but my simmering frustration with her family members boiled over and I just didn't want to keep going. ( )

A delightfully whimsical adventure, with a full cast of endearingly original characters, that you won't want to put down!

Set in the Victorian Era tinged with steampunk, this imaginative novel has it all, strong protagonists that you can cheer for all the way through, quirky but endearing characters, along with strong themes of faith, forgiveness, and family. Clara is a spunky and adventurous heroine, who loves her unorthodox family dearly, and is very protective of them. Theodore is a man with a secret that haunts him, looking for acceptance, he is a man true to his word who takes his duties seriously. I admired his never give up attitude, when Clara kept trying to run him off.

I think one of my favorite characters was Clara's mother, a woman unashamed of her convictions with a heart for all of God's creatures, who despite her eccentric tendencies is actually quite wise.

There is so much to love about this whimsically delightful novel, full of humor, faith, lively dialogue, and adventure. Highly enjoyable read that I won't soon forget!

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

Dear Ms. Bell,
I am wholly and utterly charmed by this delightful book. The entire thing was lovely, from the cast of characters to the personal menagerie, from the exclamations and turns of phrase to the depth and wit. Absolutely delightful.
I loved how you balanced depth and heartache with lightheartedness and fun. The Christian faith-filled elements were inspiring and deep, but not overdone. And I chuckled aloud many times at funny witticisms and quirks of the characters.
The characters in this book have my heart. I loved every single one (save for the villain, who was very much a man one loves to hate, as he was much too cunning and sneaky and ruthless) and I am sad the book is over and I have had to say goodbye to them for now. I will be revisiting this one because i love it so much! Mum is hilarious, with her menagerie and love of animals, but she is also full of depth and love for Clara that is beautiful. Grand’s quirky personality and inventions are delightful (how many times is too many times to say delightful in one review?) and I adore him. I want him to adopt me as his own granddaughter and have mechanical butterflies flutter around my own head.
The character arcs of both Clara and Theodore were perfection. The road wasn’t easy for either of them, and they had to do a lot of faith reconciliation and learning to trust. It’s interesting that they both needed the same things for different reasons, and that they found their way together but not because of being pushed by each other. Also, their little enemies to friends to more progression in their love story was so good. I was absolutely swooning by the end. I’m obsessed with the entirety of chapter 39 and that proposal scene! *swoonswoonswoon*
So many tabs now fill the sides of my book, because I want to remember all the wonderful, charming, funny, *delightful* things I have fallen in love with. As far as I’m concerned, this book deserves alllll the stars and I’ll be telling anyone I know to read it.
Your newest fan,
Jessica
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AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: the audio narrator for this book was fantastic! Her voices and moods were perfect, and on point every single time. She made the book even more delightful and I loved every moment!
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**Many thanks to the publisher @bethanyhousefiction and tour host @austenprose for the copy. A positive review was not required and these thoughts are mine. ( )

I didn’t know what to think of this book from the cover alone. I wasn’t sure what kind of misadventures I was about to embark on. In a way, this book reminds me a little of Jen Turano, and Pepper Basham. Both authors are witty, funny, and write about strong women and their misadventures.

I was surprised by how imaginative and enjoyable the author's scavenger hunt was. I had no idea that Clara and Theodore would meet so many endearing and eccentric people while searching for clues on the Drosselmeyer's trail. I enjoyed this incredible journey that often had me giggle. I liked the sweet, and uplifting romance in this charming Victorian steampunk type story.

If you adore how this surprising team approaches this extraordinary mission if you enjoy this genre, quirky characters, and Victorian adventures. You'll enjoy this debut novel. You won't want to put it down.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by the publisher and NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/ ( )