A Lesson in Propriety by Jen Turano

A Lesson in Propriety
by Jen Turano

ISBN-13: 9780764243851
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Released: May 20, 2025

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
With her father dead, her fortune stolen, and her fiancé casting her aside, Miss Drusilla Merriweather's privileged life has been upended. She is left with only one option: to provide for her family by opening a finishing school in the allegedly haunted castle she's inherited from her eccentric aunt. However, her plan is immediately threatened by unscrupulous developers keen on claiming the coveted estate for themselves, by any means necessary.

Mr. Rhenick Wittenbecker, a dashing architect with a tendency to charm his way out of trouble, is convinced he can protect Drusilla but is challenged by her fierce independence. Yet when strange occurrences--walking suits of armor and unexpected ghostly visitors--arise within castle grounds, Drusilla must decide whether to risk her family's safety and her school on the gallant architect who seems to have found his way into her heart.


My Review:
A Lesson in Propriety is a romantic comedy set in 1885, mostly in Chicago. Drusilla has learned to be extremely proper in matters of etiquette, so much so that her 'friends' have said that she reminded them of a finishing school teacher. Her ex-fiancé was always more interested in other women, too, making it hard for her to accept that Rhenick is immediately smitten with her beauty, courage, and willingness to be practical rather than proper. It's just not how she sees herself (even if he's seeing the truth). He helped her get the inherited castle remade into a finishing school and backed her up when she needed friends to stand against those who wanted to buy the property (and weren't afraid to use tricks and bullying to get it).

The characters were nice people with interesting personalities. The comedy was mainly silly situations that Drusilla and her family (and friends) had to deal with. Drusilla and Rhenick got along well, respected each other, and I understood why they were attracted to each other. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this fun romantic comedy.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.