In Pursuit of Civility

Turano (A Lesson in Propriety) returns to Gilded Age Chicago with her energetic second installment in the Merriweather Academy for Young Ladies series. Devoted animal rescuer Annaliese Merriweather inherits the temporary role of headmistress at Chicago’s Merriweather Academy for Young Ladies when her sister, the school’s headmistress, goes on her honeymoon. Plagued by self-doubt but determined to keep the school afloat, Annaliese throws herself into her new duties while continuing to rescue animals from fur traders. When two headstrong students disappear during a visit to the county fair, Annaliese enlists one of their older brothers—the attractive, offbeat inventor Seth McCormick—to help find them. As Seth and Annaliese plunge into a chaotic search involving a bear wrangler, a monkey handler, and a less-than-ethical illusionist, they find unexpected comfort in one another and sparks fly. But when the same two students disappear again, the stakes rise, putting Annaliese’s—and the school’s—reputation on the line and the students’ lives in real danger. Turano adeptly balances heart and hijinks as Seth and Annaliese navigate the bustling city, grappling with their own faith and a possible romance along the way. The result is a high-spirited historical with charm to spare. (Apr.)