A Lady's Handbook To Gadgets & Guile By Angela Bell

A Lady's Handbook to Gadgets & Guile

by Angela Bell

Publisher: Bethany House Publisher

Series: Daughter's of Genius Society

ISBN:  978-0764242144

Having read A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventures, I was very hopeful this would be just as enjoyable. I can't do the story justice for how fantastic it was! I was so thankful to receive the book for review from the publisher.

A fun little note, Angela used my name in the story! I was so shocked when she told me last summer!

Summary:

Margaret Kingsley's routine revolves around invention not investigation--until her ordered world springs a gasket.

London, England, 1895 
Ambulatory wheelchair user Margaret Kingsley secretly crafts gadgets for the Daughters of Genius Society, a covert team of lady inspectors disguised as harmless bluestocking spinsters. While her fellow inspectors gallivant about London solving crimes, Margaret has been perfectly content assisting from the sidelines--until her expertise is needed to infiltrate the domain of London's most prolific inventor.

Charles Noble sacrificed his career as a musician to support his family after his father's stroke. Now he balances ledgers as a secretary by day and tends to his disabled father by night, but he can't pass up the chance to take a temporary job as event coordinator for a famous inventor commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of his mechanical empire. As strange occurrences cause Charles' event planning to collide with Margaret's case, the pair must unravel a plot of sabotage against the inventor's legacy while also investigating the sparks of attraction between them. 

My Review:

This was an utterly delightful follow up to the author's debut novel! The author's vivid imagination comes to life in A Lady's Handbook to Gadgets & Guile! It's whimsical and enchanting while shining a light on chronic illness and anxiety disorder.

I can only imagine how those with a chronic, invisible illness must feel "seen" when they read this story. Margaret is so well loved by her parents, but it's clear that she feels like a burden to those who love and care for her. Clara and Theodore adore her and have never considered her a burden. I also loved that the DOGS saw her value as well. Margaret isn't always in her wheelchair, but often needs to use it. Expending too much energy can land her in bed for days. You could truly see how challenging life was for her. I love that she enjoys tinkering and inventing like her grandfather!

As Margaret takes the lead on a case, she meets Charles Noble. I thought it was very interesting that the author gave Charles a disorder that so many people can relate to! All of this was so intentionally thought out! I can't imagine another author doing these topics justice like Angela did.

There's also a lot of humor, gadgets, and a love story in the making! One of the funniest scenes in the story is when Margaret panics after meeting Charles and takes off in her wheelchair - literally! I appreciated how the author wove their lives together to create forced-proximity. Charles was such a kind and thoughtful man! I also loved that they saw each other as more than just bits and pieces of themselves, but as the whole person.

You can see Angela's creative side at work from beginning to end. Details such as how Margaret explains how much daily energy she has brings this vibrant and touching story to life! The supporting cast rounded out the story! The ladies who make up D.O.G.S., family, etc all create a delightful story. I thought the premise of the story was such a fun one! Trying to figure out how certain patents are being usurped before they can be approved for individuals. Unraveling this mystery keeps the reader us turning the page!

I could sing praises about A Lady's Handbook to Gadgets and Guile all day long! I can't wait to read the next book in the Daughters of Genius Society!

About the Author:

Angela Bell is a 21st-century lady with 19th-century sensibilities. She resides in Texas with her charming pup, Mr. Bingley Crosby. Her book A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventure was named a Booklist Top 10 Romance Debut. One might categorize her books as historical romance, but Angela likes to describe them as "a cuppa Victorian whimsy." Whenever you need a respite from the 21st-century hustle, you're welcome to visit her imaginary parlor at AuthorAngelaBell.com, where she can be found waiting with a pot of tea and a great book.

Gatorland Visit - Florida

It's been a long time since I did a destination review, but after my son and I visited Gatorland on Sunday, I knew I had to share about our experience! I was surprised to learn that it opened in 1949! I couldn't even wrap my head around that tidbit.

If you're a Florida resident keep an eye out for their deals. We thought we were getting 50% off our tickets. What we didn't realize was, EACH person has to be a resident. My son couldn't buy my ticket with 50% off since I'm not also a resident. That was disappointing, but live and learn!

We arrived about an hour after they opened and it wasn't too busy! We opted for the Greater Gator experience, which was only $42. With that you get: all-day admission, unlimited train rides, gator chow, and meet-a-gator. The "gator" above used to be the original entrance!

Of course, the first thing you see when you enter Gatorland is ALL of the alligators in the Jumparoo area. It looked like you could feed the alligators with a fishing pole, but we didn't wander too far into that area because there were a lot of people there. I played a little game with myself... do I die or live? Wandering around Gatorland, there are crocs and gators at every turn. Oftentimes, I wouldn't notice them and I would say, "I'm dead," after Jacob pointed them out.

There's an alligator that's missing its top jaw. Jawlene was rescued in 2023 and seems to be doing great. She gets to share space with an albino red-eared slider turtle named Nellie Wafer! They're kind of the perfect pairing because they are close in size! lol

While we could've taken the park train at some point, we never did because it was pretty easy to walk around and see each of the animals spots. I was actually surprised to see that they had more than just alligators, crocodile, and reptiles! Believe it or not, they have giant tortoises, a bobcat, a cougar, a variety of birds, a petting area (mostly goats from what we saw), and capybara. 

If you have children, there's a splash pad area for them to cool off. I may have tried to cool off by dipping my toes into the water. Lemme tell you, it was a crazy, hot day! Towards the end of our day it started raining. And I mean downpour! Thankfully, Gatorland has a lot of covered walkways and spots to take shelter in. We happened to be ready to eat so we took the time to grab some food, which was affordable and good portions!

We went to the afternoon show of meet-a-gator. A gator wrangler (not sure what the technical term would be) is in an arena with a small, watery moat around him. They try to use different alligators for the show and the meet-a-gator so they have rest periods. The show taught us more about alligators and then we got in line to meet one. We each "sat" over the alligator (which had its mouth taped shut) and had the photo snapped. Honestly, it goes so fast (for the humans) that it's over and done with before you have a chance to truly "experience" the moment. Not a complaint at all, but it just happens really fast.

When you get your gator chow, you realize it's 5 large pellets that are black and sorta stinky! They're rather large and you can feed any of the alligators throughout Gatorland. It's so interesting to watch after you throw the food to them. I think because their eyes are on the top of their head, they can't always see where it lands. You almost have to throw it into their mouth for it to be eaten immediately. Otherwise, it'll float for a bit before it's found! 

There are opportunities to hold critters and have photos taken with them at an extra cost. You can go ziplining over crocodiles as well as rock climb. There's an opportunity to go off-roading in a monster vehicle for 15 minutes! You can sign up to be a trainer for a day or do a nighttime visit. I didn't realize you could have an encounter (for $15) with a capybara! We watched for a few minutes and it didn't look like you really got to interact with it, so we passed. They're SO much bigger in person than I expected.

While we were there, a family had booked an Adventure Hour. Things took a turn when one of the alligators, I think it's name is Bite Tyson or something like that, snatched Savannah Boan's fanny pack. She and a couple of guys were tracking him for a couple of hours in the breeding marsh trying to get it back. He wasn't having it. He had a prize and was keeping it. At one point, probably over an hour into trying to get the fanny pack back, he wandered over to the trail where we were able to actually see the fanny pack. We also heard the crunch that was more than likely her phone! He then swam away with it. We don't know if she ever got it back.

If you want some peace and quiet (for the most part) I would highly suggest the swamp walk! It's an untouched part of Gatorland. It takes about 10 minutes to walk it and it's completely worth it. There are several different spots to stop and read a fact or detail about the area.

One might think that you won't spend a lot of time at Gatorland. I'm here to tell you that's not the case, especially if you have little kids. I mean, everything takes a long time with little ones, but there's plenty to keep their attention to make the tickets completely worthwhile! Also, be prepared to take a LOT of photos. I was shocked at how many I took. There were just some really cool things to see and experience at Gatorland!

The Robber and the Witness By Danielle Grandinetti + GIVE AWAY

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Robber and the Witness by Danielle Grandinetti, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! I am LOVING the covers of Danielle's novellas. They're just so beautiful. She's also one of the sweetest people I've ever met! Check out her guest post below, and don't forget to enter the giveaway!

About the Book

Title: The Robber and the Witness 
Series: Christmas Cabin Historical Romance Novellas #3 
Author: Danielle Grandinetti 
Publisher: Hearth Spot Press 
Release Date: July 21, 2026 
Genre: Christmas Historical Romance/Mystery

Christmas … a time of reunions and unexpected surprises.  

A simple favor, a best friend's promise, and the end of the line. 

Wisconsin, 1931—When Gideon Lundgren agrees to escort his best friend's sister to Manitowish Waters, plans go awry when she witnesses a robbery. He thinks he's merely escorting the girl he once knew, but she's grown into a charming beauty. 

Evangeline Whitaker's older brother always warned that her kind heart would be the death of her. It might at that. First, when she's an unwitting accomplice to a robber. Second, when her childhood crush becomes her bodyguard. 

With a robber on their trail and a tangle of emotions between them, Evangeline and Gideon detour to his boss's cabin to wait out the ensuing manhunt. However, Evangeline's Christmas spirit might be the death of them both. 

One cabin in the Northwoods … a decade of Christmas miracles.  

A sweet 1931 Christmas mystery featuring a closed-door romance between a protective bodyguard and the woman who witnessed too much.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Buy from the Author | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

More in This Series

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Guest Post

1. What are the challenges of writing a novella compared to a full-length novel?
 
I love this question because I hear so much about the challenges, but for me, novellas are easier to write than full-length novels.

I got my start by writing short stories, in fact, I had over half a dozen, or more, published short stories before I ever signed my first novel contract. I still love writing short stories. They’re fun and ... snackable.
Novellas let me build more world-building into what could be a short story. I can include multiple points of view and chase the mystery threads better. They also allow me to slow a short story down to explore the depth of characters and plot.

While a lot of authors, I suspect, think of a novella as a shortened novel, I come from the opposite perspective. Novellas are an intense immersion into a story rather than a shortening of a story.

I think the best analogy lies in track and field. Novellas are like running the 400 meters. Long-distance runners (novelists) can compete in the 400 meters, but they won’t have the speed of a sprinter. However, sprinters (short-story authors) might not have the endurance to win a 400 meters. Though both long-distance and short-distance runners can compete in the 400 meters, their opposite specialties and failings tend to level the racing field.

However, sprinters tend to be a bit better at the 400 meters than long-distance runners. Take Team USA’s own Quincy Hall, the reigning Olympic gold medalist in the 400 meters. He’s a sprinter, but he dug deep in his last 100 meters to win gold. It’s an incredible story.

The other part of writing novellas that I appreciate is the more frequent wins. Writing a novel takes longer, therefore, one cannot write as many in the same amount of time as an author could write multiple novellas. When writing gets hard, those wins boost an author’s confidence.

While novellas have their own set of challenges, one of the biggest hurdles is how to view them as an author. My hope is that my readers can disappear into one of my novellas for an evening, not returning to the real world until they reach the end.

About the Author

Danielle Grandinetti writes award-winning 1930s historical romantic mystery and suspense. She is the 2026 Holt Medallion winner and a second-generation Italian-American. Fueled by tea and nature, she crafts hope-filled historical romance novels exploring immigrant heritage, found family, and cozy Midwest traditions. Find her at daniellegrandinetti.com.

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a signed paperback of The Robber and the Witness, a notebook/pen set, and a wooden ornament!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 22, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 29, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Moms of the Bible by Rhonda Stoppe + GIVE AWAY

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Moms of the Bible by Rhonda Stoppe, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! I think that moms of the Bible have so much to teach us. I know this book will be so beneficial to women who are going through motherhood with children at home! I'm going to be gifting my copy to my daughter. Thanks to JustRead and the author for sending me a print copy. Don't miss my author Q & A below and then be sure to enter the giveaway.

About the Book

Title: Moms of the Bible: Life-Changing Lessons from the Fearless, Flawed, and Faithful 
Author: Rhonda Stoppe 
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers 
Release Date: March 10, 2026 
Genre: Christian Non-Fiction/Parenting

Biblical Encouragement for Everyday Motherhood 

Have you ever whispered to yourself, I’ll be a better mom tomorrow…but tomorrow never comes? Maybe you’re comparing yourself to other moms and feel you aren’t measuring up. But don’t lose hope. Just as moms in Scripture learned from life’s ups and downs, with God’s help, you can become the mom you long to be.  

Moms of the Bible explores timeless life lessons from Bible moms of all types, revealing how their stories of failure, faith, and hope can help you fulfill your own calling with confidence. From the redeemed Rehab to the horrible Herodias, each story unveils eye-opening insights and powerful applications that can help you as you seek to raise up children who impact their generation with fearless faith. 

Author Rhonda Stoppe engages you with the warmth and wisdom of a trusted friend who’s been there herself. For mothers of all ages and stages―including step, adoptive, foster, and grandmothers raising their grandkids―this uplifting look at the moms of Scripture will empower you to influence the culture in profound ways through your sacred ministry of motherhood. 

 PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Harvest House | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub

Also Available

  

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Author Q & A

1. How did you determine what lessons to apply to each mother you used as an example?

Here’s what I found over and over as I wrote Moms of the Bible––these fearless and faithful women were not remarkable because they were perfect. They were remarkable because they were available and faithful. They kept showing up, even in the hard and scary days that made absolutely no sense. The life-lessons from their courageous stories clearly surfaced and almost wrote themselves. 

As I researched and wrote about each mom in the Bible, I was drawn to surprisingly unusual insights from their lives. Rather than simply relying on the familiar stories I knew about mothers in scripture I took deep dives into their stories, found not only in the Bible but also from biblically sound commentaries. Each life-lesson clearly surfaced as I considered how their story could encourage, uplift or inspire my readers.

2. What made you decide to use some not-so-stellar moms as examples? 

I get asked this question more than any other when people hear about this book. Because when most people think about a book called Moms of the Bible, they picture the highlight reel of faithful, heroic moms. You know, the moms who got it right. And while I also included those moms in the book, I made a deliberate decision, if I was going to create a book that is going to be a resource that actually helps real women in the highs and lows of their motherhood journey I could not leave out the hard stories.

I didn’t just want to write the highlight reel of the stellar moms in the Bible. Because I feel like most of us as moms need also to read about flawed mothers we can relate to. I wanted to discover insights from some of the flawed mothers like Eve, Lot’s Wife and Herodias. Oh wow did I find relatable stories. Some of us struggle with feelings of mom guilt––longing to do better. Others of us were raised by “bad moms” and we don’t want to repeat the same destructive habits with which we were brought up. These chapters offer help and hope for change.

3. How do you hope young moms will apply these stories to the way they raise their children? Motherhood is not a consolation prize for women who have nothing else to offer. It is not what you do until you discover your real purpose. Motherhood is one of the most strategically significant, and eternally impactful callings that exists in all the earth.

Being a mom is one of the most important callings upon a woman’s life. Culture tends to discount the value of motherhood. And as a young mom it’s easy to lose yourself in the new role of motherhood. I remember feeling frumpy and less-than as I compared myself to the mothers who seemed to have it all together. This book inspires moms to realize that God will help them in their vital role. And to understand how mothers who partner with God in this ministry of motherhood will not only influence her generation but generations to follow long after she is gone. Down through the ages, God has chosen mothers to influence the world for His Kingdom. “The first Bible teachers of world-changers in history were not theologians but their mothers.”

4. We know that the role of a mom is so important, why do you think the Lord used so many mom's to teach lessons in the Bible?

Oh I love this question. And it’s honestly one that just wrecks me about God’s ways––in the best possible way.

From the beginning, God has chosen to partner with moms to carry out His redemptive plan. Consider that for a moment. The God of the universe––who spoke the world into existence, parted the red sea and raised the dead to life––chose ordinary, imperfect, and sometimes terrified moms as vessels He would use to change the world.

I think God used so many moms in Scripture so moms so that every mother––in every generation––would relate to their stories, and see herself. I believe young mom who feels invisible and alone can look at Hanna’s story and know God sees her tears. And for the mother who is terrified about the world in which her children are growing up can look at Jochebed and know the same God who watched over Moses in that basket is watching over her babies too. 

5. Is there a mom you wanted to highlight, but didn’t. 

I would liked to have devoted a chapter in the book to Deborah. She was called a “Mother in Israel” who woke up––and woke others up! She bolstered the courage of Barak by going with him into battle. Sometimes being a warrior for Christ isn’t so much about raising our own sword to fight, but rather it is to wake up people in our generation who God is calling to fight for His Truth. My prayer is that my book, Moms of the Bible will do just that, wake mothers up and bolster their courage.

6. What's something that surprised you as you were researching these moms?

What surprised me was how much my heart connected with each of the moms I studied and wrote about. It felt like I was spending time with these women. Along side of them I felt what the regrets they must have felt, cried the tears they must have cried, and celebrated the way they must have celebrated when God showed up and used them in their frailty for His greatest good in their stories.

What also surprised me was the story of Queen Esther whose influence as Artexerxes step mom likely gave him a heart that was tender toward her Hebrew people, which in turn caused Artexerxes to allow the Jews to go back to their homeland and rebuild their walls.

7. What's something that's stayed the same from generation to generation of moms that you found as you wrote this book? 

What stayed the same was how God’s providence is all throughout scripture. He always has a plan. He raises up moms in His perfect time in history to do through them exceedingly and abundantly above all they could ask or imagine. And for the hopeless people who refused to bow to The Lord, He used sovereignly used them to bring about His plan too––even if they were in rebellion to Him. Because God’s plans will not be thwarted. Not then. Not now. And not in the future.

About the Author

Rhonda Stoppe is a biblically sound speaker and host of the award-winning podcast Old Ladies Know Stuff. A trusted voice in the Christian living community, she is the best-selling author of 7 popular books and a frequent guest on Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk and Focus on the Family. Rhonda has been joyfully married to her pastor-husband, Steve, for 45 years. They have 4 children and 15 grandchildren. Connect with Rhonda at NoRegretsWoman.com.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 14, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 21, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Ribbons of Guilt By Laura Thomas + GIVE AWAY

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Ribbons of Guilt by Laura Thomas, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! As a HUGE fan of Christian romantic suspense, I was excited to host today's tour. Be sure to check out the book excerpt below (because you know it'll draw you in) and then enter the giveaway!

About the Book

Title: Ribbons of Guilt 
Series: Bite of Betrayal #3 
Author: Laura Thomas 
Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink 
Release Date: July 5, 2026 
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

A marriage in crisis. A betrayer in the wings. A life at stake. 

Harriet Duval has it all—a handsome French husband, a delightful young daughter, a successful career as a professional ballerina behind her, and a beautiful future in a charming village in the English countryside. Even her beloved sisters can’t see the painful truth she hides beneath her perfect mask… 

Successful businessman Leo Duval is at a breaking point physically, emotionally, and spiritually as he is forced to harbor secrets in Paris while his marriage in England dissolves before his very eyes. 

The magnetic pull of Harriet’s old dancing life and the shocking murder of a Swan Lake ballerina causes her to question everything: faith, future, family. When the killer begins targeting the Duval family, Leo and Harriet’s vulnerable marriage is tested by an unimaginable traumatic event. Will the guilt they carry divide them when they need each other most?  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

More in This Series

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Book Excerpt

“Leo, do you trust me?”

His forehead wrinkled. “I do.”

“Remember when we first met and you said I was born for the stage?”

“Yes.”

“When you used to say I was a performer who could play any part and dance whatever was required of me?” 

“Absolutely.”

Her pulse quickened as she devised a plan. Betray the betrayer.

Leo tucked her windswept hair behind her ears and nodded. “I used to tell you that all the time. I’m glad you still remember. You were amazing. Always.” 

“Thanks.” Harriet stretched her spine as long as possible and lengthened her neck. “It’s time.”

“Time for what?”

 “I need to put the mask in place for the performance of my life.”

About the Author

A multi-award-winning Christian author, Laura Thomas writes heartwarming encouragement for your soul—especially in her numerous romantic suspense novels, Christmas novellas, teen fiction and children’s books, as well as her non-fiction writing.

Laura is a certified writing coach, a book-loving chocoholic mom and nanny, and is married to her high school sweetheart. Originally from the UK, they now live the empty nest life in Kelowna, British Columbia, with their French bulldog! 

Connect with Laura by visiting laurathomasauthor.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card and an ebook copy of Captured in Frame!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 13, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 20, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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