In Pursuit of Civility by Jen Turano // Celebrate Lit

About the Book

Book: In Pursuit of Civility (Merriweather Academy for Young Ladies Book 2)

Author: Jen Turano

Genre: Christian, Romance, Historical, Gilded Age

Release Date: April 21, 2026

LESSON TWO: Become headmistress and expect to find yourself partnering with an attractive inventor to search for treasure.

Annaliese Merriweather has been appointed the temporary headmistress of the Merriweather Academy for Young Ladies while her sister is on her honeymoon, but she doesn’t feel cut out for the role. Especially after she loses two of her most troublesome students during an outing to a county fair and has to recruit the help of Seth McCormick, an eccentric inventor, to retrieve them.

Soon after, one of those mischievous students disappears again, intent on pursuing a pirate map. Together, Annaliese and Seth set out to find her, accompanied by a menagerie of Annaliese’s rescued animal companions. As they stumble from one chaotic situation to the next, sparks fly between Annaliese and Seth. Somehow, they’ll need to outwit dangerous individuals also intent on seeking the treasure and bring everyone back in one piece—all while deciphering what their hearts desire.

With witty characters and humorous banter, Jen Turano takes readers on a lively tale of hijinks, humor, treasure hunting, and forced proximity in her latest historical rom-com set in Chicago at a finishing school during the Gilded Age.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 Lucie's Review:

An unlikely school mistress, eccentric inventor and his mother bent on chasing down a wayward student who went missing to chase after pirate treasure, in this laugh out loud historical rom-com. 

Annaliese feels out of her depth filling as head mistress while her sister is on her honeymoon, and even more so when a student goes missing. She must rely on Seth McCormick to help her track down his adventurous sister, in this fun-fill read. 

I liked how Seth genuinely took a sincere interest in the things that Annaliese likes, he also has a mechanical mind and love of learning. He is very sweet, supportive and unconventional. Annaliese has a heart for animals, and I admired her willingness and determination to see things through. Mrs. McCormick is a great addition to their crew, typically more reclusive she is pulled to action when her daughter goes missing. I admired her courage and faith. 

A fast paced, humorous adventure, with a full cast of characters, great dialogue, interaction and growth. Highly entertaining adventure! 

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

About the Author

Named one of the funniest voices in inspirational romance by Booklist, Jen Turano is a USA Today bestselling author known for penning quirky historical romances set in the Gilded Age. She and her family live outside of Ormond Beach, Florida.

 

 

More from Jen

Welcome Jen! Why don’t you start off by telling us a little about “In Pursuit of Civility.

1. Thank you so much for hosting me. It’s always exciting to release a new book, and “In Pursuit of Civility” is no exception to that. The short telling of what the book’s about is this – it’s the second installment in the Merriweather Academy for Young Ladies series, and readers will get to travel with Annaliese Merriweather as she tries to adapt to being given the position of temporary headmistress of the academy while her sister goes off on holiday. Clearly, Annaliese is going to have some trouble with this new position, that idea proven when two of her students go missing – and on purpose – and go missing not once, but twice. That right there is exactly why Annaliese finds herself going off with the oh-so-charming Mr. Seth McCormick (and don’t worry, his mother is going off with them to chaperone) to track down her erstwhile students, finding herself involved in quite the adventure, and one that might include a bit of romance.

Annaliese Merriweather is a lady who enjoys saving animals. Any reason why you chose that particular pursuit for her?

1. Years ago, when reading up on John Astor, I was appalled to discover that, while he amassed a fortune that was unheard of back in the nineteenth century, he did so by completely decimating the beaver population. That always stuck with me, as did what happened to the bird population due to overzealous plume hunters during that time, those plume hunters staying in business because ladies wanted to adorn their hats with an overabundance of feathers. I’d been waiting for the right storyline to come up where I could add an animal advocate, and when Annaliese popped to mind when I was crafting the outline for the Merriweather series, I knew she was going to be the lady I was going to use to bring just a little attention to what happened to birds and beavers during the Industrial Revolution.

Were there any parts of this book that gave you trouble?

1. While I would love to say “Of course not,” that just wouldn’t be true because all of my stories give me trouble at some point. This one happened relatively early on because, at first, I had Annaliese rescue a whole mess of animals in the first couple chapters. I knew full-well that I had too many, but you know how I love writing those animal scenes, so…I left all of them in the original draft that I sent to my editors, knowing they’d spot the issue, but then leaving it up to them to suggest which animals I should cut. I’m sad to say that Bart the Bear got the boot. Yes, that’s right. However, because I was so attached to darling Bart, he makes an appearance in the third and final book of the series “A Dash of Decorum.”

What is a question you get asked the most as an author?

1. That’s an easy one because people always ask me if I always dreamed of being a writer, and…nope. I really wanted to be a singer – and yes, I can carry a tune – but I suffer from extreme stage fright and anytime I would get up in front of an audience I would turn all sorts of queasy. That’s why I abandoned that dream and majored in fashion. I just started writing as something fun to do with my son when he was in elementary school, and it turned out that I really enjoyed it. It took me five years and seven manuscripts to secure a literary agent, and then it took her about a year before she sold “A Change of Fortune” for me. I’ve been writing ever since.

If you had to pick a character from your book to be stuck in a haunted academy with – since the Merriweather Academy was rumored to be haunted in book one – who would it be?

1. I’d definitely go with Miss Seraphina Livingston because she has all of those delicious secrets, and secrets that revolve around how she’s capable of wielding a pistol with ease, taking out assailants with a good round-kick to the head, and…she might know a thing or two about how best to use dynamite to get out of a tricky situation.

How has your writing evolved since you began writing?

1. I definitely write a tighter story these days, and I’m also more mindful of making sure my chapters are moving the story along at a rapid pace. Having had the pleasure of working with an editing team for years now, it’s like they’re sitting on my shoulder as I write that first draft, saying things like “Nope, that’s a total distraction from plot,” which is rather annoying, but saves me a lot of time in the end.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

1. To always remember that it’s all about the reader. That means that an author needs to know their audience and write accordingly. Every genre has specific unwritten rules, and the best way to understand those rules is to make sure a writer reads a ton of books in the genre they’re hoping to get published in.

What are you working on now?

1. I recently turned in developmental edits for the third and final book in the Merriweather series, “A Dash of Decorum.” That’s the step where I’ve turned in a first draft – although know that I go through a book seven times before I turn it in – and then my editors send me their suggestions. I then end up rewriting a good portion of the book because of ripple effects, and then turn it in again. I’m now waiting for them to send me copy/line edits, which aren’t all that difficult to do since I’m just making sure that nothing got cut during the editing process that I want to keep in. I also just turned in the first draft of a Christmas story I wrote, but I was really early with that one, so I won’t be seeing developmental edits for a while. And, the reason I turned that in early is because I just signed a new three-book contract and I need to get started on the first book of the Bluestocking series.

Thank you so much for hosting me. I appreciate everyone stopping in to see what I’ve been doing lately.

All the best,

Jen

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 21

Sydney Schmied Books, May 21

Devoted Steps, May 22

Blogging With Carol, May 22

Truth and Grace Homseschool Academy, May 23

For Him and My Family, May 24

Holly’s Book Corner, May 24

Book Holds and Jello Molds, May 25

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 25

Texas Book-aholic, May 26

lakesidelivingsite, May 27

Pause for Tales, May 27

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 28

Devoted To Hope, May 29

Fruitfully Planted, May 30

Labor Not in Vain, May 30

Lily’s Corner, May 31

Cover Lover Book Review, May 31

Book Looks by Lisa, June 1

Mary Hake, June 1

Books You Can Feel Good About, June 2

She Lives to Read, June 3

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, June 3

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jen is giving away the grand prize of a book box with a book box with a copy of “A Lesson in Propriety”, “In Pursuit of Civility” and entire Matchmaker series – “Meeting Her Match” “To Spark a Match” and “A Match in the Making” !!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://gleam.io/YjVmt/in-pursuit-of-civility-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Explorer Bible Dictionary for Kids // Momentum Giveaway

Bring the Bible to life for kids with the award-winning CSB Explorer Bible for Kids &  companion products!

Explore the (yet) unknown with the NEW dictionary & lock in key truths with these fun, NEW Scripture memory cards! 

Shop summer resources! https://bhpub.org/uovhE

The Explorer Bible Dictionary for Kids is intentionally designed to accompany the ECPA award-winning CSB Explorer Bible for Kids. ​​

Within its engaging, full-color pages, kids will interact with over 750 common Bible terms paired with concise definitions to enhance their understanding of the people, places, and things of the Bible. Fascinating images, illustrations, maps, and reconstructions are featured throughout to increase comprehension and help kids apply key terms and truths of the Bible. ​

This unique reference resource is perfect for use at home, church, or school and created to grow with your kids as they grow in Christ.​

My Review: Colorful, fun and informational, The Explorer Bible Dictionary is a great study tool for curious kids, complete with all sorts of helpful information from pictures, pronunciation guides, to the point biographies, all with Scripture references that point you back to the Bible. 

Targeted at elementary aged children, but can be enjoyed by all ages. It is arranged in alphbetical order, with full-color pages. Great for families, Sunday School and more,  put together in a way that makes study material fun and accessible. My favorite part was how every definition has a Scripture reference, and often more than one. 

A great tool to help pique the interest of kids, and help them understand words, people, places, and things in the Bible, for a richer understanding, with ways to enrich and start conversations on Scripture. This Bible dictionary makes for a great resource and gift, for the kids in your life. Well organized and executed in a way that helps make learning fun. It also handles tough topics well, and defines "adultry," "sex," and "virgin," in appropriate ways with a Biblical worldview, but parents may want to review these sections first. Excellent resource, with good Bible based definitions!

#ExplorerBibleDictionaryMIN #explorerbibleforkids #christianstandardbible #EBFK #learningathome #homegrownkids #splashintoscripture #scriptureforsummer

Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

 Giveaway: 1 GRAND PRIZE giveaway of the Explorer Bible for Kids + Toddler Theology Series Bundle (retail value of approx. $149.99) 

 Qualifications: Giveaway winners must be a US resident. 

 To enter: Entrants must fill out THIS FORM (there’s no other way to enter) by 5/6) Bundle contents: 2 copies of the Explorer Bible for Kids, 2 Explorer Bible for Kids Dictionaries, Explorer Bible Stickers, an Explorer Bible Tshirt, and the Toddler Theology Series set (6 books in set).

The Sacred Thread Trailer // Streaming on Angel

About The Sacred Thread 

The Sacred Thread is a cinematic documentary series exploring the Lord’s Prayer through the historical, cultural, geographical, and literary world in which Jesus first spoke it. Hosted by Brad Gray and featuring insights from scholars including N.T. Wright, the series takes viewers across biblical landscapes to uncover the deeper meaning and context behind one of the most well-known prayers in Scripture. 

 Through cinematic storytelling and accessible scholarship, the series invites audiences to see Scripture with fresh eyes and rediscover the richness, depth, and relevance of the Biblical text. 

#TheSacredThreadMIN @streamingonangel

 The Sacred Thread is now available to stream on Angel.

I'm excited for this exciting 7-part series that delves into the background and context of the world's most well known prayer!

The Top of the World by Elizabeth Camden // Review

My Review: 

Torn apart by an impossible choice, two hearts are given a second chance at love.

Holly was forced to make a horrible choice many years ago, and in the years since she has made a good life for herself in the Air Force. Quentin never knew why Holly disappeared from his life so many years ago, but when he finds incriminating paperwork he goes to the top of the world to see if there's still a chance for them.

I liked how Holly grew in her years after Princeton, becoming confident in her strengths. Quentin is a talented man, but I could see why Holly was hesitant about their different mindsets in approaching life, as realistically I would have those same questions! 

I liked how the story wove in life on Thule, and the base. I liked to see Holly and Quentin reconnect and fight for themselves. A heartwarming clean romance set in the cold of Greenland. 

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

A Refuge in Montana by Allie Pleiter // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Forgiveness and second chances on the Three Sister's Rescue Farm. 

Vicky Siden is a widowed vetrinarian with a young son. When her late husband's friend brings a horse and donkey duo to the rescue farm, it stirs up a lot of  emotions. Can they find reconciliation? 

Nick and Vicky end up working together on a fundraising event for the farm, while confronting their past. I liked how they worked together and came to an understanding, Nick is very respectfully of Vicky's boundaries and her young son, Taylor. 

I liked how we also catch up with characters from the previous books and their support and friendship with each other. Heartwarming and emotional, with strong faith, and second chances. A thoroughly enjoyable read.  

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

Through Each Tomorrow by Gabrielle Meyer // Review

My Review: 

Torn between duty and the desires of the heart timecrossers Charles and his best friend Andrew, bear heavy responsibilities. In 1563 Charles' step-sister Cecily is mourning the loss of her other path, while centuries later in 1883 Charles must secure an investment in his family's horse farm even if it means inpersonating a 1863 version of his identity in 1563.

A riveting adventure, with high stakes and multiple timecrossing characters. I love seeing the little connections to other characters as we progress further and further in the series. I liked how it followed Cecily even though she wasn't still passing back and forth between her 2 lives, showing the emotional toll it had taken on her. I liked how Andrew was a faithful friend to both Charles and Cecily, he is a man who takens his promises seriously. Charles is under a lot of pressure to provide for his family in both eras, but I liked how Evangeline challenges him to see things in a different light. 

Overall, a well done read that bounces between 1863  American new money society, and Queen Elizabeth's court, full of intrigue, and high stakes. Well executed character arcs, solid faith, connections to previous books that brought a smile to my face. Highly recommend, this wonderful addition to this riveting series!

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

C is for Creation by Crystal Bowman, Terri McKinley, illustrated by Jacqueline Nunez // Review

My Review: 

A lovely children's book charmingly illustrated that goes through creation chronologically in rhyming verse through all 26 letters of the alphabet, with accompanying Scripture. 

An enjoyable book, crafted with care and thought to be accurate and fun. I liked how each letter was tied to a passage in the Bible. It is an easy way to teach Biblical truth, through simply laying the foundation with Scripture. 

Wonderful for the young people in your life, great to share, and makes a great read-aloud book. Definitely recommend!

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

Calico Canyon by Mary Connealy // Celebrate Lit

 

About the Book

Book: Calico Canyon (Petticoats and Cowboys Book 2)

Author: Mary Connealy

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: April 28, 2026

From beloved author Mary Connealy comes a delightful Western adventure brimming with danger, laughter, and unexpected romance—a tale of a runaway teacher, a bewildered widower, and five rambunctious boys who need a mother whether they want one or not. Perfect for fans of Tracie Peterson and Karen Witemeyer.

Grace Calhoun never imagined teaching school in Texas would lead to marriage—especially not to the infuriating Daniel Reeves.

When Grace flees her adoptive father’s cruelty by hiding in a stranger’s wagon, the town parson insists on an immediate wedding, leaving Grace trapped in marriage to a stubborn widower with five unruly sons—the very boys who made her teaching job impossible.

Daniel Reeves has no intention of risking his heart—or another wife—to childbirth.

Still grieving the loss of his first wife, Daniel wants nothing to do with the prim schoolmarm forced into his family. He’ll build her a house and provide for her needs, but he’ll keep his distance. His sons need a mother, but he refuses to fall in love again.

Snowed in together for a long Texas winter, walls begin to crumble.

As Grace discovers the courage she thought she’d lost, she transforms from a frightened woman on the run to a fierce protector of her new family. The boys who once tormented her become the children of her heart. And the husband who swore to keep his distance? He’s finding it harder each day to resist his spirited wife.

But when Grace’s dangerous past catches up to her, she must choose between running again or standing firm in the faith that brought her to Calico Canyon—even if it costs her everything.

A tender tale of found family, healing love, and the faithfulness of God in the midst of life’s unexpected turns.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 Lucie's Review: 

An accidental marriage of convenience. 

Grace Calhoun escapes her abusive adoptive father in Daniel Reeves's wagon, but is forced into a marriage of convienience to Daniel Reeves the man who along with his 5 wild sons cost Grace her job. I liked how Grace makes the best of a bad situation, taking time to care for and teach the boys. Daniel is a busy man, who doesn't see a porblem with letting his boys "be boys." But I liked how he sees how Grace isn't strict out of cruelty, but out of care. It was fun getting to know the boys and see their different personalities come through. 

A wild adventure full of faith, humor, action, and romance. A western, unlikely enemies-to-lovers marriage-of-convenience, read with a hilarious set up and likable characters, and strong faith. Great interaction and character growth, I liked how they both really leaned on their faith, and came to see each other in a different light. 

Overall, an engaging read with a lot going on, strong faith, great characters, situational humor, and great interacton. Highly enjoyable read!

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

About the Author

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedies with cowboys and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She is a two time Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist.

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys always with a strong suspense thread. She is a two-time Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist. She is the bestselling author of 75 books and novellas. She has over a million and a half books in print.

Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero. Visit her website or find her at Petticoats & Pistols!

 

More from Mary

I think of Calico Canyon as my husband’s life growing up.

He is sixth of seven sons. A family of all boys.

His mom, my mother-in-law, was the coolest lady I’ve ever known. That woman could handle everything and never be other than sweet and generous and so funny. She’s gone now but for all the years she was in my life, I’d say she was my best friend.

All those boys! She was the living embodiment of rolling with the punches and not sweating the small stuff.

Those brothers…they are the inspiration for this book but my mother-in-law read it and said, her boys were so much better behaved than those boys in Calico Canyon, and she’s right about that…no boys could be worse than the Reeves boys.

This book is the embodiment of the forced marriage. Two people caught in a completely innocent compromising situation. Nothing will do but immediate marriage after Grace spends the night with Daniel.

But there were five boys in that cave with us!

Not gonna save you, Grace.

Grace is a school marm and those boys have been a torment to her ever since they’d shown up at school. Now, due to Grace needing to hide from her abusive, adoptive father, who has tracked her down to this tiny town in Texas, she’d ended up under a tarp over Daniel’s wagon. He takes her home and she has no choice but to stay quiet under that tarp until it’s too

late to take her back.

The wedding scene from Calico Canyon was, for many years, what I considered the funniest thing I’d ever written. Very hard work to get that scene right. Grace is confused when she’s found with Daniel by the parson. Oh, good. Someone who will give me a ride back to town.

The parson is saying the vows. Grace is happy to take a ride. The parson’s wife is urging the parson to hurry. Daniel is trying to put a stop to it. The boys are all horrified to see their hated teacher.

Mayhem ensues.

It was a lot of fun to get right. Lots of moving parts in that scene.

And then a blizzard snows the gap that leads into their canyon shut and they have to spend the winter trying not to kill each other. And of course, falling in love.

I hope you enjoy Calico Canyon. The fumbling, clueless cowboy. The innocent, befuddled school marm. The unruly boys who don’t see why she can’t cook and why she won’t go home.

The danger, circling the outside of their canyon, waiting for the gap to open so he can avenge himself on the daughter that send him to prison.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, May 5

For Him and My Family, May 6

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 7

Simple Harvest Reads, May 8 (Guest Review from Donna)

Jeanette’s Thoughts , May 9

Fruitfully Planted, May 10

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 10

Books You Can Feel Good About, May 11

Vicky Sluiter, May 12

Sydney Schmied, May 13

Book Looks by Lisa, May 14

Wishful Endings, May 15

Labor Not in Vain , May 16

Mary Hake, May 16

Cover Lover Book Review, May 17

Holly’s Book Corner, May 18

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mary is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://gleam.io/5MQgR/calico-canyon-celebration-tour-giveaway

Survival in the Mountains by Carrie Stuart Parks // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Pulled from a burning Bethany doesn't remember anything but her sister and being run off the road, answer become even more difficult to find when she and Joshua discover that her identity has been erased. With Bethany already in a killer's sights, it's a race against time to find answers. 

A fast-paced thriller that keeps  you guessing, as Joshua and Bethany come to depend on each other, as they try to keep her safe and find out what is going on. Action packed that keeps you hanging on the edge. I liked how Joshua believes her even when no one else will, supporting her and and helping her find answers. 

Overall, a wild ride, set in the mountains of Idaho, with an orginal plot and plenty of great interaction, faith, and suspense. A gripping adventure!

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

Renegade by Susan May Warren // Review

Lucie's Review: 

Sierra is doesn't know what to do when the man she thought she buried comes back, after she's raised their son alone for ten years. Now someone wants her ranch, and will do anything to get her out of the way. 

A fast paced read, full of revelations, with a second chance romance on a Colorado ranch. Sierra won't back down easily, and I admired her grit. An engaging read, with a lot going on, I liked the character interaction as Rowan and Sierra come to trust each other again. Rowan is respectful of Sierra's boundaries, and is ready to step up and help when needed. 

A modern western romance, filled with action, suspense, faith and second chances. Great character growth, faith, and I was cheering for Rowan and Sierra all the way. Highly stakes, satisfying read!

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