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Matronly Misadventures #1
Lady Avely's Guide to Truth and Magic
A Regency widow shouldn’t be hunting spectres all night.
Lady Judith Avely’s magical gift for divining the truth makes her prodigiously good at lying. To absolve a guilty secret, she travels to the exiled Duke of Sargen’s estate, but the last thing she expects is to run into the duke himself, who is lamentably now even more attractive than in his volatile youth.
The duke has his own concerns: he has returned home to a haunted house, with skulls floating about and a footman apparently bashed by a book. Such vulgar circumstances are best avoided, but the duke needs Judith’s unique talents to help uncover the culprit - even if it might put her in the sights of a killer.
With the help of a tiny vampiric acquaintance and a continuous supply of drinking chocolate, Judith should be able to solve the uncanny mystery…if only the duke will stop making improper remarks about her mobcaps.
A lady who can discern lies, the duke who lied to her, and a gothic cosy mystery full of bats, skulls and cocoa.
Lady Avely’s Guide to Truth and Magic features a mid-life heroine, a slow-burn second-chance romance, and a magical version of Regency England.
Lady Judith Avely’s magical gift for divining the truth makes her prodigiously good at lying. To absolve a guilty secret, she travels to the exiled Duke of Sargen’s estate, but the last thing she expects is to run into the duke himself, who is lamentably now even more attractive than in his volatile youth.
The duke has his own concerns: he has returned home to a haunted house, with skulls floating about and a footman apparently bashed by a book. Such vulgar circumstances are best avoided, but the duke needs Judith’s unique talents to help uncover the culprit - even if it might put her in the sights of a killer.
With the help of a tiny vampiric acquaintance and a continuous supply of drinking chocolate, Judith should be able to solve the uncanny mystery…if only the duke will stop making improper remarks about her mobcaps.
A lady who can discern lies, the duke who lied to her, and a gothic cosy mystery full of bats, skulls and cocoa.
Lady Avely’s Guide to Truth and Magic features a mid-life heroine, a slow-burn second-chance romance, and a magical version of Regency England.
367 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 16, 2024
267 people are currently reading
1262 people want to read
About the author
Rosalie Oaks
10 books129 followersRosalie Oaks writes magic and mystery into Regency England, with side servings of jam, jewels, and the occasional naked shapeshifter.
As a child, Rosalie loved conducting home-made theatre productions with her three younger brothers. Now she directs her characters instead, but like her brothers, they don’t always do what she says.
While writing, Rosalie consumes vast quantities of tea and chocolate, and steadfastly ignores the housework.
Join Rosalie’s newsletter to get writing updates, as well as the exclusive prequel novella, A Pendant for Trouble. Find out more at https://rosalieoaks.com
As a child, Rosalie loved conducting home-made theatre productions with her three younger brothers. Now she directs her characters instead, but like her brothers, they don’t always do what she says.
While writing, Rosalie consumes vast quantities of tea and chocolate, and steadfastly ignores the housework.
Join Rosalie’s newsletter to get writing updates, as well as the exclusive prequel novella, A Pendant for Trouble. Find out more at https://rosalieoaks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
April 18, 2025
Lady Avely's Guide to Truth and Magic is a fun enjoyable read following Lady Avely as she gets embroiled in a murder mystery while trying to form a new friendship, and perhaps rekindle an old flame.
The story starts slowly, but picks up enough momentum after the first half for an engaging end. The slow start might just be because of the writing style where the characters muse on people and events that the readers don't know of yet (which I don't really like), and are only revealed later in flashbacks. Other than that, Rosalie Oaks' writing is easy to read with enough homour.
The world-building is just Regency England with some basic magic, though there are some hints thrown in about some rare complexities in the magic system. Again, this might just be because this is the first book by Oaks that I read and the people who enjoyed her earlier series set in the same world might appreciate this one better. We understand Judith and Dacian, the lead characters, quite well by the end of the book, but don't see any serious character arcs for them. There might be more development on these two fronts in the next installment, however!
🌟🌟1/2🌟
Thanks to NetGalley, Parkerville Press and Rosalie Oaks for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. The rating is 2 1/2 stars, rounded up to 3 stars as the book on the whole is a fun and light read.
[Half a star for the premise and the whole book; 1/4 star for the writing; 3/4 star for the story; Half a star for the characters; Half a star for the world-building - Two and a half stars in total.]
The story starts slowly, but picks up enough momentum after the first half for an engaging end. The slow start might just be because of the writing style where the characters muse on people and events that the readers don't know of yet (which I don't really like), and are only revealed later in flashbacks. Other than that, Rosalie Oaks' writing is easy to read with enough homour.
The world-building is just Regency England with some basic magic, though there are some hints thrown in about some rare complexities in the magic system. Again, this might just be because this is the first book by Oaks that I read and the people who enjoyed her earlier series set in the same world might appreciate this one better. We understand Judith and Dacian, the lead characters, quite well by the end of the book, but don't see any serious character arcs for them. There might be more development on these two fronts in the next installment, however!
🌟🌟1/2🌟
Thanks to NetGalley, Parkerville Press and Rosalie Oaks for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. The rating is 2 1/2 stars, rounded up to 3 stars as the book on the whole is a fun and light read.
[Half a star for the premise and the whole book; 1/4 star for the writing; 3/4 star for the story; Half a star for the characters; Half a star for the world-building - Two and a half stars in total.]
February 12, 2024
What an absolute delight this book was! This book has it all. The setting is historical, but with a fantasy/paranormal element.. The aristocracy in England has supernatural abilities - the ability to detect lies, exceptional strength, great memory, etc. Partnering with tiny vampires can help them manage their abilities, which sometimes leave them exhausted and "bemused" (drunk). Our main characters all have abilities, but some of their servants do as well.
The story opens with the female main character traveling to find someone connected to her dead husband. This trip will take her back to where she grew up and she's not expecting to be recognized, but of course she is, which is why we have such an interesting story here. On top of there being a haunted house and a murder, we get a slow burn, second-chance romance between the female main character and a man she was in love with before she got married. They wind up sleuthing together and she constantly questions whether she should let herself become involved with the man or run in the other direction.
The story moves quickly and despite there being a long list of characters, the different personalities are distinct. The tiny vampires are ridiculous and funny.
You don't need to be familiar with the author's other series, which follows the main character's daughter. This is my first taste of the world Rosalie Oaks has created, but I'll be circling back to read those earlier books.
I was given early access in exchange for an honest review.
The story opens with the female main character traveling to find someone connected to her dead husband. This trip will take her back to where she grew up and she's not expecting to be recognized, but of course she is, which is why we have such an interesting story here. On top of there being a haunted house and a murder, we get a slow burn, second-chance romance between the female main character and a man she was in love with before she got married. They wind up sleuthing together and she constantly questions whether she should let herself become involved with the man or run in the other direction.
The story moves quickly and despite there being a long list of characters, the different personalities are distinct. The tiny vampires are ridiculous and funny.
You don't need to be familiar with the author's other series, which follows the main character's daughter. This is my first taste of the world Rosalie Oaks has created, but I'll be circling back to read those earlier books.
I was given early access in exchange for an honest review.
February 4, 2024
Cozy magical murder mystery Regency romp with lots of hot chocolate! If this is your jam, run out and buy! There is Fun to be Had!
Still not convinced? I’ve mentioned before that I have grown a bit jaded with Regency fantasies (I acknowledge that this is a me problem). The thing that set this apart for me and kept me gripped to the end was the midlife protagonist.
Lady Judith Avely is 40 and has put herself firmly on the shelf after 12 years as a widow. Though there may have been some hasty decisions involved in her youthful choice of spouse, she had a lovely marriage and has thrown herself into raising her two (now adult) children, to whom she is close. Lady Avely is a Discernor, which means she has a limited ability to tell whether people are lying, exaggerating, or telling the unvarnished truth. I enjoyed this fantasy element, as it can make relationships and social interactions more complex.
But there is more to her story, and the gradual way her past history with Lord Byronic/Tall Dark and Handsome (sorry, I’ve forgotten his name!) unfolds was one of my favourite parts of the book.
“When she was young, she had been silly enough to think that his unbridled power was a sign of his love for her. Now she knew that his ability to contain himself was a better gauge.” (LOVE THIS)
The romance is clean with a plentiful heaping of sexual tension and some innuendo.
I may have grown slightly impatient with Judith’s emotional back-and-forth as a 40 year old and the multiple mentions of Lord What’s His Name’s muscular forearms, but the author has her tongue firmly in cheek with this, while imbuing the flashbacks with a surprising poignancy.
Highly recommended if you like cozy fantasy, Regency romps, cozy mysteries, light gothic tropes, or second chance romance.
Still not convinced? I’ve mentioned before that I have grown a bit jaded with Regency fantasies (I acknowledge that this is a me problem). The thing that set this apart for me and kept me gripped to the end was the midlife protagonist.
Lady Judith Avely is 40 and has put herself firmly on the shelf after 12 years as a widow. Though there may have been some hasty decisions involved in her youthful choice of spouse, she had a lovely marriage and has thrown herself into raising her two (now adult) children, to whom she is close. Lady Avely is a Discernor, which means she has a limited ability to tell whether people are lying, exaggerating, or telling the unvarnished truth. I enjoyed this fantasy element, as it can make relationships and social interactions more complex.
But there is more to her story, and the gradual way her past history with Lord Byronic/Tall Dark and Handsome (sorry, I’ve forgotten his name!) unfolds was one of my favourite parts of the book.
“When she was young, she had been silly enough to think that his unbridled power was a sign of his love for her. Now she knew that his ability to contain himself was a better gauge.” (LOVE THIS)
The romance is clean with a plentiful heaping of sexual tension and some innuendo.
I may have grown slightly impatient with Judith’s emotional back-and-forth as a 40 year old and the multiple mentions of Lord What’s His Name’s muscular forearms, but the author has her tongue firmly in cheek with this, while imbuing the flashbacks with a surprising poignancy.
Highly recommended if you like cozy fantasy, Regency romps, cozy mysteries, light gothic tropes, or second chance romance.
February 6, 2024
I'm a bit late to the party. This is my first book by Rosalie Oaks, and I have some catching up to do. This is the the spinoff series, that takes place after the FMC's daughter's series - The Lady Jewel Diviner. Always a delight to experience great writing. Lady Judith has is helping solve a murder that takes place in the household of her former love interest from 23 years ago. Duke Dacian is very swoony. Judith and Dacian both have vampiri, which from how I picture it in my mind - are like familiars. The vampiri - Marigold and Wooten steal the show.
This is a very, VERY SLOW burn romance. On the level of the old 80s TV show moonlighting, or Deanna Raybourn's Veronica and Stoker.
Thank you to netgalley for the ARC.
This is a very, VERY SLOW burn romance. On the level of the old 80s TV show moonlighting, or Deanna Raybourn's Veronica and Stoker.
Thank you to netgalley for the ARC.
February 13, 2024
This is the first in a new series, the Matronly Misadventures, that continues Oaks's signature "cozy Regency mystery with a side of romance oh and there's some magic, too" subgenre. I've been a big fan of hers since her first book, The Lady Jewel Diviner, that focused on Elinor, a debutante who also has the ability to find jewels.
I think this series is going to be even better: it focuses on Judith, Elinor's mother, who is a Truth Diviner. This means she's kind of the perfect amateur sleuth for a cozy mystery. She's also a mature character, who's had two children and has lived a lot of life. As this book opens, she is on a mission to meet a young man who just so happens to be a footman in the household of one of her first loves. (He's a DUKE.)
The mystery is fun and kept me guessing until the end, but what really charmed me about this book was the way the second-chance romance unspooled. Readers know that Judith married another man, so you know very well how the youthful love triangle ended up. This may be my favorite "romance reasons" breakup leading to a later-in-life second chance ever??
Note that there is no HEA or even an HFN, in the vein of a mystery series, but the romance promises only to get better. Although I started with the Lady Jewel Diviner series, a new reader could definitely start here.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
I think this series is going to be even better: it focuses on Judith, Elinor's mother, who is a Truth Diviner. This means she's kind of the perfect amateur sleuth for a cozy mystery. She's also a mature character, who's had two children and has lived a lot of life. As this book opens, she is on a mission to meet a young man who just so happens to be a footman in the household of one of her first loves. (He's a DUKE.)
The mystery is fun and kept me guessing until the end, but what really charmed me about this book was the way the second-chance romance unspooled. Readers know that Judith married another man, so you know very well how the youthful love triangle ended up. This may be my favorite "romance reasons" breakup leading to a later-in-life second chance ever??
Note that there is no HEA or even an HFN, in the vein of a mystery series, but the romance promises only to get better. Although I started with the Lady Jewel Diviner series, a new reader could definitely start here.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
April 1, 2024
This book is the start of a new mystery series. It's a cozy Regency mystery with some magic thrown in. I wasn't really very invested in the mystery, and the reveal was just okay. I think it's possible that because it's the first book and the author was setting up the fantasy and magical elements that the mystery might have been overshadowed a bit. However, I did enjoy the magic and the world building. I also liked the will they or won't they romantic relationship and the characters were likable.
So, even though I had a hard time getting into this one, I'm still interested in continuing with the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
So, even though I had a hard time getting into this one, I'm still interested in continuing with the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
February 1, 2024
My only regret with reading this book is having read it before tons of books in the series are out. I got this as an ARC read through BookSirens, and currently, as of posting this, it hasn't even been released. At least I can read the previous books about Judith's daughter, but...
A must-read for those who like magical romances and/or regency romances. Warning for those who will hate it (but sooooo worth): the slowest of slow burns 🔥 🔥 🔥
A must-read for those who like magical romances and/or regency romances. Warning for those who will hate it (but sooooo worth): the slowest of slow burns 🔥 🔥 🔥
February 6, 2024
A lady who can discern lies, the duke who lied to her, and a gothic cosy mystery full of bats, skulls and cocoa.
With the help of a tiny vampiric acquaintance and a continuous supply of drinking chocolate, Judith should be able to solve the uncanny mystery… if only the duke will stop making improper remarks about her mobcaps.
This is a good book full of paranormal activity.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
With the help of a tiny vampiric acquaintance and a continuous supply of drinking chocolate, Judith should be able to solve the uncanny mystery… if only the duke will stop making improper remarks about her mobcaps.
This is a good book full of paranormal activity.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 8, 2025
Gasp. I liked this book so much more than I initially thought I would have. It’s got everything. Fun, ensemble cast, tiny bit of magic, murder, mystery and romance that isn’t awfully dull
The best part? The FMC is a 42 year old widow and mother of two kids (who are mentioned a lot in this book but I realised it’s because there’s another set of books by the same author that follow the daughter) and I actually like that the kids aren’t a huge part of her life. Too often you see a woman’s worth reduced to her spouse and children and I’m so not a fan of it
Three cheers for the bad ass, smart and brave heroine 🙌
The best part? The FMC is a 42 year old widow and mother of two kids (who are mentioned a lot in this book but I realised it’s because there’s another set of books by the same author that follow the daughter) and I actually like that the kids aren’t a huge part of her life. Too often you see a woman’s worth reduced to her spouse and children and I’m so not a fan of it
Three cheers for the bad ass, smart and brave heroine 🙌
February 16, 2024
Thanks to the author for a copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion.
This is the first book of a news series by Rosalie Oaks that is a paranormal/magical cozy mystery and second chance romance, with a mature main character, Lady Judith Avely, a 40-ish widow. What I was not aware of is that she is the mother of the heroine in the Lady Diviner series by Oaks as well. I have some of those books, but I have not gotten around to reading them yet. While this book references some things in that series with regards to characters and timelines, and it is of that same world, I did not find that I was missing out too much and was able to follow the story quite easily on it's own.
Lady Judith has been widowed and a single mother to her two children for many years. Now she is on her own, and moving forward with her life, including facing some things from her past. This includes facing some disappointments and resolving some issues from her and her dead husband, Nicholas' past relationships. This story at times goes back and forth from Judith's present and events from before her marriage, and shortly after her mourning period. But it lays the groundwork for her current relationships. She has a lot of emotional baggage to deal and it is not all resolved in this one book.
First off, she is the daughter of a vicar, and as a young girl became secretly engaged to her husband. But develops a sense of betrayal and doubts when she discovers his romantic past, and resolves to break things off with Nicholas. During this time, she meets his best friend, Dacian, the current Duke of Sargen, a noted flirt and rogue. Not knowing of her attachment to his friend, he is very attracted to Judith, and while Nicholas is away dealing with business, they develop a flirtation that becomes more. Despite their growing feelings for each other, when he discovers that Nicholas plans on wedding Judith, he cruelly breaks things off, and breaks Judith's heart, and moves as a rake and womanizer.
Judith ends up marrying Nicholas, when he convinces her that he loves her and his past is in the past. Later she finds out though, that he has fathered a child with his first love, and arranges for his friend, Dacian take care of his bastard son. Nicholas dies, in service to his country, before revealing this to Judith, and she has to deal with her anger and disappointment in her husband alone, posthumously. When she comes out of mourning, there appears to be a point where she and Dacian may have another chance, but further drama occurs causing Dacian to quit Britain and runs off to the Continent again, breaking off all communication with Judith and leaving the Dukedom to be run by others for nine years, breaking her heart again.
Time goes on, and Judith resolves herself to her past and as her circumstances change, including a new title and estate being awarded to her husband posthumously, she decides to set aside some of her past, including reaching out to her husband's son, who is working for the Sargen estate.
As she travels there, she hears rumours of hauntings and a murder on the estate, raising her curiosity and worries. But what she did not expect was that her former infatuation and nemesis, Dacian would also hear of them and return as well, crossing paths with Judith. Together, they join forces to deal with the mystery of the grizzly hauntings and murder, while facing their unresolved past together, and discovering that things are not always as they appear.
Oh yes, did I also mention that this was also a story about magic? Judith, Dacian, and various other characters in this story have magical capabilities with both help and complicate the story line. There are magical creatures as well, so this is set in an alternative historical world (which if I had read the other series, I would know more about).
I found this to be a charming story, enjoying the more mature heroine and romantic interest. I enjoyed their give and take in terms of romantic drama, but also the teasing humour and a comedic undertone at times. Dacian comes across as a darkly brooding character, but frequently shows a more lighthearted, teasing side, such as when he tweaks Judith about her mobcaps. As they work together, Judith and Dacian find they are still very attracted to each other, and Dacian makes overtures to Judith, while Judith fights hard against her feelings, not wanting to have her heart broken again. As they work out the murder mystery and winnow out various truths around them, they also find out that various truths about their past, including about each other. Even when the current mystery is solved, they stumble upon the fact that their second break from each other, nine years prior, was based on what appears to be a lie targeting the two of them and perhaps forcing Dacian to commit an impulsive act that lead to the death of another man - leaving this story on a cliffhanger.
I really enjoyed the magical elements of the story, and the murder mystery. They were interesting and, and the cast of characters quirky and quite enjoyable. But the main course for me was the meaty slow burn, second chance romance between Dacian and Judith, as they work out their past hurts, leading them to the conclusion that there is more to their future, but someone obviously was working against them and keeping them apart... but that appears to be another story in the making...
I hate cliffhangers, but darn it, I want to know where this leads the two of them...
4.25 stars out of 5
This is the first book of a news series by Rosalie Oaks that is a paranormal/magical cozy mystery and second chance romance, with a mature main character, Lady Judith Avely, a 40-ish widow. What I was not aware of is that she is the mother of the heroine in the Lady Diviner series by Oaks as well. I have some of those books, but I have not gotten around to reading them yet. While this book references some things in that series with regards to characters and timelines, and it is of that same world, I did not find that I was missing out too much and was able to follow the story quite easily on it's own.
Lady Judith has been widowed and a single mother to her two children for many years. Now she is on her own, and moving forward with her life, including facing some things from her past. This includes facing some disappointments and resolving some issues from her and her dead husband, Nicholas' past relationships. This story at times goes back and forth from Judith's present and events from before her marriage, and shortly after her mourning period. But it lays the groundwork for her current relationships. She has a lot of emotional baggage to deal and it is not all resolved in this one book.
First off, she is the daughter of a vicar, and as a young girl became secretly engaged to her husband. But develops a sense of betrayal and doubts when she discovers his romantic past, and resolves to break things off with Nicholas. During this time, she meets his best friend, Dacian, the current Duke of Sargen, a noted flirt and rogue. Not knowing of her attachment to his friend, he is very attracted to Judith, and while Nicholas is away dealing with business, they develop a flirtation that becomes more. Despite their growing feelings for each other, when he discovers that Nicholas plans on wedding Judith, he cruelly breaks things off, and breaks Judith's heart, and moves as a rake and womanizer.
Judith ends up marrying Nicholas, when he convinces her that he loves her and his past is in the past. Later she finds out though, that he has fathered a child with his first love, and arranges for his friend, Dacian take care of his bastard son. Nicholas dies, in service to his country, before revealing this to Judith, and she has to deal with her anger and disappointment in her husband alone, posthumously. When she comes out of mourning, there appears to be a point where she and Dacian may have another chance, but further drama occurs causing Dacian to quit Britain and runs off to the Continent again, breaking off all communication with Judith and leaving the Dukedom to be run by others for nine years, breaking her heart again.
Time goes on, and Judith resolves herself to her past and as her circumstances change, including a new title and estate being awarded to her husband posthumously, she decides to set aside some of her past, including reaching out to her husband's son, who is working for the Sargen estate.
As she travels there, she hears rumours of hauntings and a murder on the estate, raising her curiosity and worries. But what she did not expect was that her former infatuation and nemesis, Dacian would also hear of them and return as well, crossing paths with Judith. Together, they join forces to deal with the mystery of the grizzly hauntings and murder, while facing their unresolved past together, and discovering that things are not always as they appear.
Oh yes, did I also mention that this was also a story about magic? Judith, Dacian, and various other characters in this story have magical capabilities with both help and complicate the story line. There are magical creatures as well, so this is set in an alternative historical world (which if I had read the other series, I would know more about).
I found this to be a charming story, enjoying the more mature heroine and romantic interest. I enjoyed their give and take in terms of romantic drama, but also the teasing humour and a comedic undertone at times. Dacian comes across as a darkly brooding character, but frequently shows a more lighthearted, teasing side, such as when he tweaks Judith about her mobcaps. As they work together, Judith and Dacian find they are still very attracted to each other, and Dacian makes overtures to Judith, while Judith fights hard against her feelings, not wanting to have her heart broken again. As they work out the murder mystery and winnow out various truths around them, they also find out that various truths about their past, including about each other. Even when the current mystery is solved, they stumble upon the fact that their second break from each other, nine years prior, was based on what appears to be a lie targeting the two of them and perhaps forcing Dacian to commit an impulsive act that lead to the death of another man - leaving this story on a cliffhanger.
I really enjoyed the magical elements of the story, and the murder mystery. They were interesting and, and the cast of characters quirky and quite enjoyable. But the main course for me was the meaty slow burn, second chance romance between Dacian and Judith, as they work out their past hurts, leading them to the conclusion that there is more to their future, but someone obviously was working against them and keeping them apart... but that appears to be another story in the making...
I hate cliffhangers, but darn it, I want to know where this leads the two of them...
4.25 stars out of 5
March 8, 2024
This just didn’t pull me in. There is a dual timeline which can work really well in many books but in this one felt more like a back and forth tennis match.
Ultimately there was just too much going on and the plot speed was glacial.
Ultimately there was just too much going on and the plot speed was glacial.
February 13, 2024
This is one of the very rare ARCs that I accepted in exchange for an honest review. (However, that does not in any way influence my review.) I'm really glad I did, though! This book was a ton of fun to read, and the humor really hit the spot at a moment when I needed a pick-me-up.
I really like the inclusion of the flashbacks in the early part of the book to give us some history of what happened between these characters. Since the flashbacks are all in their own chapters, it was easy for me to keep track of when in time we were for each section, and I never got confused between what was present and what was past.
My biggest complaint, I think, is that I didn't really get a good feel for a couple of the characters, most notably Lady Agatha or Lady Mary. Perhaps that is because I had mentally discounted them as not interesting (because compared to their brother / brother-in-law the duke they aren't as interesting) but for whatever reason they were background characters to me.
The rest of the cast of characters, however, were a lot of fun to get to know! I look forward to seeing whichever of them show up in the sequel, since we have already been assured that there is a sequel. (It has a title and release year laid out in the end material, never fear.) This book does end on a cliffhanger, but it is more of an indication of where the series is going than anything to do with this book specifically. The book's plot is nicely wrapped up in this volume, and the cliffhanger serves mostly as an indicator of where the series plot will be taking us.
This book was my introduction to Rosalie Oaks' writing, but it won't be the last book of hers that I read. Beyond the sequel to this book, I also plan to pick up the linked Lady Jewel Diviner series, which features the daughter of this book's titular Lady Avely as its main character.
I really like the inclusion of the flashbacks in the early part of the book to give us some history of what happened between these characters. Since the flashbacks are all in their own chapters, it was easy for me to keep track of when in time we were for each section, and I never got confused between what was present and what was past.
My biggest complaint, I think, is that I didn't really get a good feel for a couple of the characters, most notably Lady Agatha or Lady Mary. Perhaps that is because I had mentally discounted them as not interesting (because compared to their brother / brother-in-law the duke they aren't as interesting) but for whatever reason they were background characters to me.
The rest of the cast of characters, however, were a lot of fun to get to know! I look forward to seeing whichever of them show up in the sequel, since we have already been assured that there is a sequel. (It has a title and release year laid out in the end material, never fear.) This book does end on a cliffhanger, but it is more of an indication of where the series is going than anything to do with this book specifically. The book's plot is nicely wrapped up in this volume, and the cliffhanger serves mostly as an indicator of where the series plot will be taking us.
This book was my introduction to Rosalie Oaks' writing, but it won't be the last book of hers that I read. Beyond the sequel to this book, I also plan to pick up the linked Lady Jewel Diviner series, which features the daughter of this book's titular Lady Avely as its main character.
March 1, 2024
This book really had a little bit of everything - cosy fantasy, murder mystery, magical world building, romance and vampires. So much so that I struggle to catageorize it! That said I really enjoyed it.
The writing style was gentle (despite some floating skulls!) and the Regency setting nicely developed. It was a pleasant and easy read.
I found the main character, Judith, to be likeable. She is a widow of 12 years looking to right a family wrong. The first half of the book contains various flashbacks which were great and really helped to build an understanding of Judith and the male lead in the book, Dacian.
One of the premises of the book is that some magical skills can be passed down aristocratic blood lines. I felt that the explanations of these powers were quite basic in places and I would have loved for there to have been more focus on these. I am aware that this is the first book in a series and I hope that we learn more about these powers and the different ways they can be used in the next book. Because these skills are not the main focus of the book this would be a great introduction for someone not sure if they would like cosy fantasy.
The interactions between the various generations in the book were really well written and showed the pain and loss that can be experienced due to feeling that one must do their duty. There were touching moments around this theme.
I will definitely read the next book in the series when published. I very much hope that it contains more of Miss Cultor who was one of my favourite characters due to sparky sass!
3.75 stars from me.
I have provided this honest review having received a free electronic copy of the book.
The writing style was gentle (despite some floating skulls!) and the Regency setting nicely developed. It was a pleasant and easy read.
I found the main character, Judith, to be likeable. She is a widow of 12 years looking to right a family wrong. The first half of the book contains various flashbacks which were great and really helped to build an understanding of Judith and the male lead in the book, Dacian.
One of the premises of the book is that some magical skills can be passed down aristocratic blood lines. I felt that the explanations of these powers were quite basic in places and I would have loved for there to have been more focus on these. I am aware that this is the first book in a series and I hope that we learn more about these powers and the different ways they can be used in the next book. Because these skills are not the main focus of the book this would be a great introduction for someone not sure if they would like cosy fantasy.
The interactions between the various generations in the book were really well written and showed the pain and loss that can be experienced due to feeling that one must do their duty. There were touching moments around this theme.
I will definitely read the next book in the series when published. I very much hope that it contains more of Miss Cultor who was one of my favourite characters due to sparky sass!
3.75 stars from me.
I have provided this honest review having received a free electronic copy of the book.
February 8, 2024
3.75 stars
This book feels a bit like a 1999 Toyota corolla. Is it a masterpiece? No, but it got me there and felt super solid and dependable. A great mix of regency romance and cozy mystery. I blow through this book and would say if you like Soulless or Amelia Peabody vibes and want something familiar and comforting in style this is the book for you.. I would definitely read the next one.
I think more books should feature older heroes, because it leads to some fun new perspectives and wonderful jokes about mobcaps. There was great romantic tension between the leads, BUT I think it is important to note that the tension is not resolved by the end of the book. There is no spice or kiss and a cliff-hanger for the next one. The lack of payoff on the build was a real let down for me, but I can understand what the author has in mind, definitely good for readers to know going in though.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC of this book.
This book feels a bit like a 1999 Toyota corolla. Is it a masterpiece? No, but it got me there and felt super solid and dependable. A great mix of regency romance and cozy mystery. I blow through this book and would say if you like Soulless or Amelia Peabody vibes and want something familiar and comforting in style this is the book for you.. I would definitely read the next one.
I think more books should feature older heroes, because it leads to some fun new perspectives and wonderful jokes about mobcaps. There was great romantic tension between the leads, BUT I think it is important to note that the tension is not resolved by the end of the book. There is no spice or kiss and a cliff-hanger for the next one. The lack of payoff on the build was a real let down for me, but I can understand what the author has in mind, definitely good for readers to know going in though.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC of this book.
February 25, 2024
First, my thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
In short, this book was great. This is the first book that I have read by Rosalie Oaks but it certainly won’t be the last. The story is set in a magical version of Regency England where the wealthy/nobility have magical gifts like memory, strength, diplomacy, and discernment in telling truth from lies. The story follows a widow with a magical gift of discernment who travels to a supposedly haunted estate in order to meet someone that was dear to her belated husband. Once she get there, not only does she get pulled in to solving the mystery surrounding why the estate became haunted after a murder took place but also runs into the Duke of Sargen who just so happens to be her old love interest.
It was quite refreshing to read a story in this setting where the main characters are in their 40s-50s and are written as fully fleshed out individuals that are more than just their roles as parents. The story is very, very much a slow-burn romance but Oaks does a good job of balancing out the romance with solving the mysteries within the house. I felt satisfied by the end of the story.
It should be noted that this book is a spinoff from her “Lady Diviner” series which I did not know about going into this. There were several times in which I felt that elements of the magic system or characters mentioned were not fully explained and I just had to end up “trusting the process” so to speak and just accept those things as fact. Was I able to follow the story well enough? Absolutely. Do I think one should maybe read the books in the “lady Diviner” series first? It’s possible.
Overall, I give this book a 4.5/5 but rounding down to 4 on GoodReads. This book was filled to the brim with slow-burn yearning, floating skulls, bleeding wallpaper, murders, magic, and mystery. This is a series that I would absolutely recommend to anyone and I certainly look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
In short, this book was great. This is the first book that I have read by Rosalie Oaks but it certainly won’t be the last. The story is set in a magical version of Regency England where the wealthy/nobility have magical gifts like memory, strength, diplomacy, and discernment in telling truth from lies. The story follows a widow with a magical gift of discernment who travels to a supposedly haunted estate in order to meet someone that was dear to her belated husband. Once she get there, not only does she get pulled in to solving the mystery surrounding why the estate became haunted after a murder took place but also runs into the Duke of Sargen who just so happens to be her old love interest.
It was quite refreshing to read a story in this setting where the main characters are in their 40s-50s and are written as fully fleshed out individuals that are more than just their roles as parents. The story is very, very much a slow-burn romance but Oaks does a good job of balancing out the romance with solving the mysteries within the house. I felt satisfied by the end of the story.
It should be noted that this book is a spinoff from her “Lady Diviner” series which I did not know about going into this. There were several times in which I felt that elements of the magic system or characters mentioned were not fully explained and I just had to end up “trusting the process” so to speak and just accept those things as fact. Was I able to follow the story well enough? Absolutely. Do I think one should maybe read the books in the “lady Diviner” series first? It’s possible.
Overall, I give this book a 4.5/5 but rounding down to 4 on GoodReads. This book was filled to the brim with slow-burn yearning, floating skulls, bleeding wallpaper, murders, magic, and mystery. This is a series that I would absolutely recommend to anyone and I certainly look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
November 30, 2024
Lady Judith Avely helps an old love the Duke of Sargen to determine who killed one of his servants. She uses her magical gift, which allows her to determine when someone is lying.
She convinces a vampiri to help her out, and helps the Duke question all his servants. At the same time, Judith is dealing with her hurts: her deceased husband's illegitimate child is working for the Duke, and she still harbours feelings for him, even though he rejected her years earlier.
There are confusing motives, jealousies, and secrets to reveal, and lots of hot chocolate to drink.
This is my first book by Rosalie Oaks, so I was a little confused by how the magic worked (e.g., why, even though the vampiri is helping her, was Judith so easily Bemused?) but this is a pleasant story with an older woman getting a second chance at love.
The pacing is a little on the slow side, but I did like that Judith was such a fan of hot chocolate.
She convinces a vampiri to help her out, and helps the Duke question all his servants. At the same time, Judith is dealing with her hurts: her deceased husband's illegitimate child is working for the Duke, and she still harbours feelings for him, even though he rejected her years earlier.
There are confusing motives, jealousies, and secrets to reveal, and lots of hot chocolate to drink.
This is my first book by Rosalie Oaks, so I was a little confused by how the magic worked (e.g., why, even though the vampiri is helping her, was Judith so easily Bemused?) but this is a pleasant story with an older woman getting a second chance at love.
The pacing is a little on the slow side, but I did like that Judith was such a fan of hot chocolate.
October 27, 2024
Ooooo the cliffhanger!!! Made me so mad but mostly because why isn’t the next one out.
I do think that something I understand and wish wasn’t true was that the nature of writing more of a period piece is the elbows length it can make between me and the characters. Nonetheless I really like Judith and the Duke, and the boys as well. It’s cool that even though you could guess a little bit at the mystery it still felt twisty and turny enough.
It’s also a good tangle of everyone’s involved somehow that mimics real life.
I do think that something I understand and wish wasn’t true was that the nature of writing more of a period piece is the elbows length it can make between me and the characters. Nonetheless I really like Judith and the Duke, and the boys as well. It’s cool that even though you could guess a little bit at the mystery it still felt twisty and turny enough.
It’s also a good tangle of everyone’s involved somehow that mimics real life.
July 4, 2024
A magical, cozy, mystery, regency romance…what more could I ask for? It was delightful.
February 22, 2025
I liked the plot with some people having unusual skills, a long lost love and odd deaths. But I gradully lost interest, as these magical people kept running out of magic. Just OK.
July 3, 2024
3.5! another random desk read turns into something actually good! i love when old people fall in love
February 16, 2024
I found Lady Avely's Guide to Truth and Magic a serviceable mystery. It has the romance and fantasy of Gail Carriger's Soulless series, with the mystery of Genevieve Cogman's The Invisible Library Novels 8 Books Set. Unfortunately, it is not as strongly focused as either of those two series.
Where there are similarities, they can be found in the writing of dialogue, the back and forth between the romantic leads, and the articulation of the manners and rules of Oaks' Regency period. Where this book differed is in its introduction and conclusion. Unlike the previously mentioned series where the magic and supernatural elements were clearly and cohesively articulated at the outset, this introduction does not provide a clear introduction to the supernatural of the world.
A second problem is the conclusion, this book feels unfinished. Where the story ends is more of a pause than a conclusion and without access to the next tale in the series it is an unsatisfying ending. I believe this could be remedied by releasing both books together but baring that I would recommend interested readers wait until the conclusion is published and pick up both at the same time. I think this is a huge problem, as I do not know that I will want to read the sequel. While the book was mildly entertaining, given the wait I may forget about it and move on to other books.
For me this means the book was largely forgettable and exists in the shadow of other series. It is not bad, but I will not seek out this author in the future. If you are looking for romance/mysteries in this genre this would not be my first recommendation.
Finally, thank you to #NetGalley for allowing me to read the ARC of Lady Avely's Guide to Truth and Magic by Rosalie Oaks in return for this honest review.
Where there are similarities, they can be found in the writing of dialogue, the back and forth between the romantic leads, and the articulation of the manners and rules of Oaks' Regency period. Where this book differed is in its introduction and conclusion. Unlike the previously mentioned series where the magic and supernatural elements were clearly and cohesively articulated at the outset, this introduction does not provide a clear introduction to the supernatural of the world.
A second problem is the conclusion, this book feels unfinished. Where the story ends is more of a pause than a conclusion and without access to the next tale in the series it is an unsatisfying ending. I believe this could be remedied by releasing both books together but baring that I would recommend interested readers wait until the conclusion is published and pick up both at the same time. I think this is a huge problem, as I do not know that I will want to read the sequel. While the book was mildly entertaining, given the wait I may forget about it and move on to other books.
For me this means the book was largely forgettable and exists in the shadow of other series. It is not bad, but I will not seek out this author in the future. If you are looking for romance/mysteries in this genre this would not be my first recommendation.
Finally, thank you to #NetGalley for allowing me to read the ARC of Lady Avely's Guide to Truth and Magic by Rosalie Oaks in return for this honest review.
May 30, 2024
I liked the Lady Diviner books, but this? This I enjoyed. I prefer the maturity of Lady Avely to Elinor's and Peregrine's youthfulness.
I even liked the almost slapsticky humour in the scene in Mary's bedroom, something I usually put in the minus column for a book.
I didn't quite like the iterludes, I would have prefered to have the history between the MCs out of the way at the beginning of the book, but I appreciated that the author didn't make me read through expositioal dialoge of the same.
I even liked the almost slapsticky humour in the scene in Mary's bedroom, something I usually put in the minus column for a book.
I didn't quite like the iterludes, I would have prefered to have the history between the MCs out of the way at the beginning of the book, but I appreciated that the author didn't make me read through expositioal dialoge of the same.
May 13, 2024
Magic, Mystery, and 40-something Romance? Yes Please!
I’m usually not a fantasy fan, but I was wholly charmed by this book! The titular (and newly-minted) Lady Avely is Judith, a 40-something self-deprecating widow possessed of a magical ability to know when someone isn’t being truthful. On her way to her childhood home, where she plans to right a wrong created by her late husband, she hears about an allegedly supernatural murder at her destination. Enter, unexpectedly, Dacian, Duke of Sargon , lord of the manor , newly returned to England after fleeing to the Continent under a cloud of misdeeds a decade prior. Judith and Dacian are both in transition, adapting to new ways of living and shouldering new responsibilities - plus facing unresolved emotional entanglements from their past with each other and characters living and dead.
The main characters are both Musers, possessed of magical powers to be used in the service of a parallel history Georgian Crown, and as such have tiny familiars called Vampiri. Early in the book we meet Marigold, a Vampiri with a penchant for nudity, through her tiny snores. She’s a fun and canny creature - look out for her hilarious “Whee!” during a tense scene - who has more information about the murder to be solved than she realizes. Dacian’s talent involves anger-based telekinesis, which has led him into exile but also proves to be useful later on. His dapper and officious Vampiri, Wooten, was a late but enriching addition to the plot, and has a few hilarious exchanges with Marigold. I look forward to seeing more of them in later books.
“Lady Avely’s Guide to Truth and Magic” was a fast read. The plot moved smoothly, and while many of the developments and circumstances were absurd, within Oakes’ universe, they seemed wholly plausible. The murder mystery itself was solid with no dropped threads, several potential villains, and I did not have an inkling as to who the perp was until the big reveal. What I especially enjoyed was the burgeoning second-chance romance between two middle-aged characters - Judith in her early 40’s, Dacian in his late forties and unwed. So refreshing to show a realistic romance between two people of like age.
The supporting characters were cleverly introduced, including a few junior members of the Earl’s family who are coming into their own Musor strengths. It’s also clearly a set-up for subsequent novels but every character had a purpose - no set dressing here!
I’m new to the genre of Gaslamp Fantasy, but I look forward to reading the next book in this series as well as those in The Lady Diviner the YA collection which Matronly Misadventures stems from . Judith, is Elinor, the Lady Diviner’s, mother.
As an aside, presenting the Musor’s gifts as something that is draining - and best performed in community with assistants (the Vampiri) and other similarly talented folk was an interesting take. I’m a medium, though my focus is on the living and their Guides, and it’s often amusing or frustrating in equal measure to see how people with developed intuitive senses are portrayed.
I highly recommend! 4.5*/5 and am looking forward to the next installment. My advance review copy was gratefully received via Book Sirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I’m usually not a fantasy fan, but I was wholly charmed by this book! The titular (and newly-minted) Lady Avely is Judith, a 40-something self-deprecating widow possessed of a magical ability to know when someone isn’t being truthful. On her way to her childhood home, where she plans to right a wrong created by her late husband, she hears about an allegedly supernatural murder at her destination. Enter, unexpectedly, Dacian, Duke of Sargon , lord of the manor , newly returned to England after fleeing to the Continent under a cloud of misdeeds a decade prior. Judith and Dacian are both in transition, adapting to new ways of living and shouldering new responsibilities - plus facing unresolved emotional entanglements from their past with each other and characters living and dead.
The main characters are both Musers, possessed of magical powers to be used in the service of a parallel history Georgian Crown, and as such have tiny familiars called Vampiri. Early in the book we meet Marigold, a Vampiri with a penchant for nudity, through her tiny snores. She’s a fun and canny creature - look out for her hilarious “Whee!” during a tense scene - who has more information about the murder to be solved than she realizes. Dacian’s talent involves anger-based telekinesis, which has led him into exile but also proves to be useful later on. His dapper and officious Vampiri, Wooten, was a late but enriching addition to the plot, and has a few hilarious exchanges with Marigold. I look forward to seeing more of them in later books.
“Lady Avely’s Guide to Truth and Magic” was a fast read. The plot moved smoothly, and while many of the developments and circumstances were absurd, within Oakes’ universe, they seemed wholly plausible. The murder mystery itself was solid with no dropped threads, several potential villains, and I did not have an inkling as to who the perp was until the big reveal. What I especially enjoyed was the burgeoning second-chance romance between two middle-aged characters - Judith in her early 40’s, Dacian in his late forties and unwed. So refreshing to show a realistic romance between two people of like age.
The supporting characters were cleverly introduced, including a few junior members of the Earl’s family who are coming into their own Musor strengths. It’s also clearly a set-up for subsequent novels but every character had a purpose - no set dressing here!
I’m new to the genre of Gaslamp Fantasy, but I look forward to reading the next book in this series as well as those in The Lady Diviner the YA collection which Matronly Misadventures stems from . Judith, is Elinor, the Lady Diviner’s, mother.
As an aside, presenting the Musor’s gifts as something that is draining - and best performed in community with assistants (the Vampiri) and other similarly talented folk was an interesting take. I’m a medium, though my focus is on the living and their Guides, and it’s often amusing or frustrating in equal measure to see how people with developed intuitive senses are portrayed.
I highly recommend! 4.5*/5 and am looking forward to the next installment. My advance review copy was gratefully received via Book Sirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 18, 2024
This book was wonderful! It has everything I love - Regency era romance, interesting magic, murder mystery, humor, and lovely writing. Judith was a wonderful protagonist, I love that she's older and trying to be matronly. She is flawed but in such a believable and sympathetic way that you can't help but feel bad for her even as you know she's screwing things up. The mystery was very well done, and I absolutely love the magic system and magical creatures - bemusement is a hilarious limitation, and the vampiri are adorable. I can't wait for the next one to come out!
World: I love the magic system and creatures. They are woven very smoothly into the Regency setting. The little historical details about how the Edicts came to be were nicely done. The only issue I had was the incorrect use of titles - a younger brother of a duke would not likely have his own separate title, and if he did somehow get granted one he would be Lord Triven not Lord John. His wife would be Lady Triven, not Lady Mary. I assume the author inaccurately thought that any heir will use the duke's lesser title as a courtesy, but this is only the case for the duke's eldest son. Even if his brother is the heir presumptive, he does not get to use the duke's lessor title as courtesy, he is just Lord John Lastname. In that case his wife is still not Lady Mary but Lady John Lastname. Only unmarried daughters of earls and above are Lady Firstname, and they only keep this title after marriage if they marry a baronet or lower.
Plot: Interesting and well-paced, kept me reading straight through. The mystery unraveled at just the right speed to keep the reader intrigued but uncertain. There were so many layers of lies that I didn't figure it out before it was revealed. The romance is quite slow-paced and doesn't really get anywhere in this book, but that feels right since it's a series. I did feel at times like Judith was being a bit *too* obtuse about the past for the purpose of slowing down their relationship, but she seemed to have decent reasons for her stubbornness, especially with the final cliffhanger reveal at the end.
Characters: So refreshing to have older main characters! Judith's personality was very lovable and believable. Dacian is a bit more complex than your standard reformed rake trope, which is nice. Though we didn't fully get a picture of him in this book, but it seems clear his issues will be a focus in the next. The only small issue I had was that the "bad guy" seemed to have a completely different character than how they were portrayed throughout the book. Sure, they could be an exceptional actor, but it's far less satisfying for the reader to see the truth if there were absolutely no hints of it along the way.
Writing: Really nice writing style - very easy to read, but also some beautiful descriptions. The prose does not get in the way of the story, it serves it. I saw only a couple small typographical errors, nothing distracting.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
World: I love the magic system and creatures. They are woven very smoothly into the Regency setting. The little historical details about how the Edicts came to be were nicely done. The only issue I had was the incorrect use of titles - a younger brother of a duke would not likely have his own separate title, and if he did somehow get granted one he would be Lord Triven not Lord John. His wife would be Lady Triven, not Lady Mary. I assume the author inaccurately thought that any heir will use the duke's lesser title as a courtesy, but this is only the case for the duke's eldest son. Even if his brother is the heir presumptive, he does not get to use the duke's lessor title as courtesy, he is just Lord John Lastname. In that case his wife is still not Lady Mary but Lady John Lastname. Only unmarried daughters of earls and above are Lady Firstname, and they only keep this title after marriage if they marry a baronet or lower.
Plot: Interesting and well-paced, kept me reading straight through. The mystery unraveled at just the right speed to keep the reader intrigued but uncertain. There were so many layers of lies that I didn't figure it out before it was revealed. The romance is quite slow-paced and doesn't really get anywhere in this book, but that feels right since it's a series. I did feel at times like Judith was being a bit *too* obtuse about the past for the purpose of slowing down their relationship, but she seemed to have decent reasons for her stubbornness, especially with the final cliffhanger reveal at the end.
Characters: So refreshing to have older main characters! Judith's personality was very lovable and believable. Dacian is a bit more complex than your standard reformed rake trope, which is nice. Though we didn't fully get a picture of him in this book, but it seems clear his issues will be a focus in the next. The only small issue I had was that the "bad guy" seemed to have a completely different character than how they were portrayed throughout the book. Sure, they could be an exceptional actor, but it's far less satisfying for the reader to see the truth if there were absolutely no hints of it along the way.
Writing: Really nice writing style - very easy to read, but also some beautiful descriptions. The prose does not get in the way of the story, it serves it. I saw only a couple small typographical errors, nothing distracting.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 19, 2024
I was surprised how much I enjoyed this book. It has everything; Skulls, murder, magic, Greek/Roman literature and vampires. Lady Avely and the Duke's flirtatious bickering while looking for a murderer had me reading on well through the night. I will admit, it does take a lot for me to scream from excitement at the end of a book. Needless to say, this book had me screaming so loud I woke up my three dogs.
I love the character of Lady Avely/Judith. She is not the usual late teens/early-mid twenties you see in most mystery novels. Judith is 40, a widow, and has two grown children that have left the home. She has recently been appointed a title, money, as well as a property. Because of her recent change in status and monetary gains, she wants to do what is right and tie up things that have been weighing heavy on her since her husband’s death over a decade ago. On the way to her destination to the Sargent estate, she hears that one of the staff has been murdered and there are sightings of a floating skull that has everyone at the estate terrified. Given her ability to tell if someone is telling a lie (I will get into that in a bit) she feels she needs to solve this mystery alongside Duke of Sargent, Dacien, regardless of their history and how they left things 9 years ago.
This book is a definite slow-burn when it comes to the romance, but with a crime to be solved, I can understand the need of good buildup especially with how the book end. There are many characters throughout the book but the one who stood out for me was Robert. I would like to know a bit more about Robert as a character, and possibly his upbringing and his friendship with Lewis. Hopefully, we are able to learn more about them throughout the rest of the series.
Not sure if I should’ve read some of the author’s previous novels prior to this one, but I felt that there should've been more information about the character's magical abilities. I feel that if I knew the specifics of each gift and the origins/history of them, as well as their relationship with the vampiri, I would’ve given this 5 stars.
It’s left on a slight cliffhanger, hence the screaming at 1am, but it can be read as a standalone. The author’s writing is witty and she’s able to write Avely’s emotions towards the Duke so well that at certain points I was getting misty eyed. Looking forward to reading the second in the series that will be released later in the year and I already have a hold for the first three volumes of the Lady Diviner series at my local library.
This book would be perfect for readers of Deanna Rayburn, India Holton and Manda Collins.
I received an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review
I love the character of Lady Avely/Judith. She is not the usual late teens/early-mid twenties you see in most mystery novels. Judith is 40, a widow, and has two grown children that have left the home. She has recently been appointed a title, money, as well as a property. Because of her recent change in status and monetary gains, she wants to do what is right and tie up things that have been weighing heavy on her since her husband’s death over a decade ago. On the way to her destination to the Sargent estate, she hears that one of the staff has been murdered and there are sightings of a floating skull that has everyone at the estate terrified. Given her ability to tell if someone is telling a lie (I will get into that in a bit) she feels she needs to solve this mystery alongside Duke of Sargent, Dacien, regardless of their history and how they left things 9 years ago.
This book is a definite slow-burn when it comes to the romance, but with a crime to be solved, I can understand the need of good buildup especially with how the book end. There are many characters throughout the book but the one who stood out for me was Robert. I would like to know a bit more about Robert as a character, and possibly his upbringing and his friendship with Lewis. Hopefully, we are able to learn more about them throughout the rest of the series.
Not sure if I should’ve read some of the author’s previous novels prior to this one, but I felt that there should've been more information about the character's magical abilities. I feel that if I knew the specifics of each gift and the origins/history of them, as well as their relationship with the vampiri, I would’ve given this 5 stars.
It’s left on a slight cliffhanger, hence the screaming at 1am, but it can be read as a standalone. The author’s writing is witty and she’s able to write Avely’s emotions towards the Duke so well that at certain points I was getting misty eyed. Looking forward to reading the second in the series that will be released later in the year and I already have a hold for the first three volumes of the Lady Diviner series at my local library.
This book would be perfect for readers of Deanna Rayburn, India Holton and Manda Collins.
I received an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review
February 7, 2024
An excellent Regency cozy mystery with gothic vibes - and cute mini-vampires
I absolutely loved this book and devoured it in three days (it hooked me since the very beginning and I could hardly put it down). Easy to read, entertaining, with an interesting approach on magic, delightful and well-shaped characters, and a mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end.
Lady Judith Avely returns to the Sargenet estate after many years, on personal business, to mend some past wrongs she wants righted. Only that what she thinks it will be a short stay turns into a more ghastly affair involving skeletons haunting the manor house, and a footman murdered in a most peculiar way. On top of this, Judith must also cope with the unexpected return of the Duke of Sargen, who also happens to be the man she used to love (or rather, she still loves). As skulls fly about the estate and family secrets are revealed, Judith embarks upon a quest to find the murderer together with the duke, whom she helps using her gift as a Truth Discernor.
Now a matron with a considerable collection of mobcaps and drab frocks, Judith sees her return to the place where she spent her youth as a good opportunity for her to reminiscence and revisit old aches and misguided decisions, whilst slowly rekindling her awkward relationship with the duke, whom she has yet to forgive for a hasty departure and a 9-year long period of complete silence.
Past and present intermingle brilliantly in two separate narrative lines, creating a solid story that reveals a set of characters with a complex set of strengths and weaknesses, who rediscover each other after a long absence. I like how the relationship between Judith and Dacian (re)develop, how they learn to gradually understand each other, and, perhaps most of all, how he genuinely cares for her since the very beginning - a love that manifests in the form of generous doses of spicy drinking chocolate and constant mobcap-teasing. Though marred by untruths, misunderstandings, and bad decisions, I loved how strong their relationship actually is.
Oh, and let’s not forget about their tiny little vampiric helpers, Marigold and Wooten. They are a delight, I promise!
I absolutely loved this book and devoured it in three days (it hooked me since the very beginning and I could hardly put it down). Easy to read, entertaining, with an interesting approach on magic, delightful and well-shaped characters, and a mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end.
Lady Judith Avely returns to the Sargenet estate after many years, on personal business, to mend some past wrongs she wants righted. Only that what she thinks it will be a short stay turns into a more ghastly affair involving skeletons haunting the manor house, and a footman murdered in a most peculiar way. On top of this, Judith must also cope with the unexpected return of the Duke of Sargen, who also happens to be the man she used to love (or rather, she still loves). As skulls fly about the estate and family secrets are revealed, Judith embarks upon a quest to find the murderer together with the duke, whom she helps using her gift as a Truth Discernor.
Now a matron with a considerable collection of mobcaps and drab frocks, Judith sees her return to the place where she spent her youth as a good opportunity for her to reminiscence and revisit old aches and misguided decisions, whilst slowly rekindling her awkward relationship with the duke, whom she has yet to forgive for a hasty departure and a 9-year long period of complete silence.
Past and present intermingle brilliantly in two separate narrative lines, creating a solid story that reveals a set of characters with a complex set of strengths and weaknesses, who rediscover each other after a long absence. I like how the relationship between Judith and Dacian (re)develop, how they learn to gradually understand each other, and, perhaps most of all, how he genuinely cares for her since the very beginning - a love that manifests in the form of generous doses of spicy drinking chocolate and constant mobcap-teasing. Though marred by untruths, misunderstandings, and bad decisions, I loved how strong their relationship actually is.
Oh, and let’s not forget about their tiny little vampiric helpers, Marigold and Wooten. They are a delight, I promise!
February 17, 2024
Lady Avely's Guide to Truth and Magic (Matronly Adventures Book #1)
By Rosalie Oaks- never read author
Rating: 5/5
📃 Page Count: 370
🌎Setting: England
Publication 2/16/24, Read 2/16/24
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Parkerville Press for this ARC 💜 ! I voluntarily give an honest review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Genre:
*Regency Romance
*Mystery/Thriller
*Sci Fi
*Gaslamp Fantasy
Tropes:
*2nd chance romance
*slow burn romance
*magic/Gifted" : Discernor-can detect lies, Illusor-can create illusions, Impactor-very violent/strong
*gothic mansion-Sargenet
*vampiri-need a blood companion, can fly/turn into bats
Summary: Lady Judith Avely is travelling to Sargen to reconcile her guilt over a long held secret. The Duke of Sargen (Dacian) is her deceased husband (Nicholas) best friend, and someone who broke her heart. While at this rumored haunted house, a footman is murdered. The duke asks Judith to use her Gift of Discernment to find out who did it.
The characters:
FMC Lady Judith Avely-mid 40s, widowed 12 years ago but was married for 20 years, has 2 adult children Elinor and Peregrine. She has the gift of discernment and can tell a person is lying when they talk. She has a sorted past w/ the duke and her husband. Marigold Cultor is her blood companion and vampiri.
MMC Duke of Sargen/Dacian-48, just returned after 9 years away. Had to flee the country after killing someone. He is an Impactor and can kill people very easily and violently. He flirts with Judith, bringing back memories from 23 years ago between them. Wooten is his blood companion and vampiri.
Lord John and wife Lady Mary +their 3 sons-Lord John is Dacian's younger brother
Lady Agatha-The Duke's sister
Robert- a "special" footman
Lewis- a "special" steward
Miss Atkinson-the Governess for the boys
My Thoughts: I got this strictly for it's cover which is so beautiful. I was happily surprised by this mystery, regency, romance. The chapters flip back and forth from the present and the past when Judith, Nicholas, and Dacian all met -23 years ago. I loved the love triangle, secret hookups, and spooky atmosphere. From bleeding walls, deadly books, and skulls it's a great ride!
By Rosalie Oaks- never read author
Rating: 5/5
📃 Page Count: 370
🌎Setting: England
Publication 2/16/24, Read 2/16/24
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Parkerville Press for this ARC 💜 ! I voluntarily give an honest review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Genre:
*Regency Romance
*Mystery/Thriller
*Sci Fi
*Gaslamp Fantasy
Tropes:
*2nd chance romance
*slow burn romance
*magic/Gifted" : Discernor-can detect lies, Illusor-can create illusions, Impactor-very violent/strong
*gothic mansion-Sargenet
*vampiri-need a blood companion, can fly/turn into bats
Summary: Lady Judith Avely is travelling to Sargen to reconcile her guilt over a long held secret. The Duke of Sargen (Dacian) is her deceased husband (Nicholas) best friend, and someone who broke her heart. While at this rumored haunted house, a footman is murdered. The duke asks Judith to use her Gift of Discernment to find out who did it.
The characters:
FMC Lady Judith Avely-mid 40s, widowed 12 years ago but was married for 20 years, has 2 adult children Elinor and Peregrine. She has the gift of discernment and can tell a person is lying when they talk. She has a sorted past w/ the duke and her husband. Marigold Cultor is her blood companion and vampiri.
MMC Duke of Sargen/Dacian-48, just returned after 9 years away. Had to flee the country after killing someone. He is an Impactor and can kill people very easily and violently. He flirts with Judith, bringing back memories from 23 years ago between them. Wooten is his blood companion and vampiri.
Lord John and wife Lady Mary +their 3 sons-Lord John is Dacian's younger brother
Lady Agatha-The Duke's sister
Robert- a "special" footman
Lewis- a "special" steward
Miss Atkinson-the Governess for the boys
My Thoughts: I got this strictly for it's cover which is so beautiful. I was happily surprised by this mystery, regency, romance. The chapters flip back and forth from the present and the past when Judith, Nicholas, and Dacian all met -23 years ago. I loved the love triangle, secret hookups, and spooky atmosphere. From bleeding walls, deadly books, and skulls it's a great ride!
August 1, 2024
¡4.75 estrellas! Excelente historia. Teniendo en cuenta que forma parte de una trilogía, me pareció una gran introducción. No voy a negar que en general me quedé con ganas de más, pero yo sola me metí en esto al haberlo elegido a sabiendas de que no tiene ni nombre ni fecha de publicación el libro que le sigue 🫣. De igual manera, me gustó el hecho de que el nudo principal se haya presentado y desenvuelto dentro de este primer libro: no lo dejó en suspenso, sino que luego sumó otro para continuar en la secuela. De esta manera, al menos en el momento te quedas con un par de preguntas respondidas juas. La trama tiene el balance perfecto entre romance y misterio sumándole también aspectos mágicos. Durante la primera parte de la historia, hay un ir y venir en el tiempo que logra que tengamos un mejor panorama de los protagonistas y su relación en el pasado. Me hubiese gustado que fuesen un poco más extensas para entender mejor aquellas problemáticas que tuvieron y no se sintieran rápidamente resueltas. Aún así, es la cantidad justa para ver como reflorece (súper) lento y pausado una segunda oportunidad romántica. La tensión que te hacen acumular los personajes para esperar un simple beso es impresionante y estresante al mismo tiempo. ¡¡Yo ya quería ver ardiendo el fuego del amor!! Pero admito que vale la pena la espera y el tiempo de las distintas etapas de su reconciliación y reencuentro. Por otro lado, el desarrollo del misterio la verdad que me sorprendió muy para bien. No soy de leer mucho historias de ese tipo, pero no me imaginé que iba a profundizarse tanto como para mantenerme así de intrigada. Te sentís llevado por los secretos que se desvelan y los descubrimientos que conllevan. Me sentía en la misma posición del personaje ya que no tenía ni la más pálida idea de a dónde iba a parar y cambiaba reiteradamente de parecer respecto a los sospechosos. De alguna manera u otra, el factor sorpresa tenía que llegar al final y tal cual así sucedió, aún mejor de lo que mi mente podía tratar de deducir de tantos conjuntos de información. Por lo que, si buscan entretenerse de lleno en este combo de géneros, es la opción ideal para devorar más que fácilmente 💋
February 8, 2024
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Rosalie Oaks for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Lady Avely's Guide to Truth and Magic coming out February 16, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Lady Judith Avely’s magical gift for divining the truth makes her prodigiously good at lying. To absolve a guilty secret, she travels to the exiled Duke of Sargen’s estate, but the last thing she expects is to run into the duke himself, who is lamentably now even more attractive than in his volatile youth.
The duke has his own concerns: he has returned home to a haunted house, with skulls floating about and a footman apparently bashed by a book. Such vulgar circumstances are best avoided, but the duke needs Judith’s unique talents to help uncover the culprit - even if it might put her in the sights of a killer.
With the help of a tiny vampiric acquaintance and a continuous supply of drinking chocolate, Judith should be able to solve the uncanny mystery…if only the duke will stop making improper remarks about her mobcaps.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I love Regency and cozy mysteries. I think this book was a perfect blend of Regency romance and cozy mystery. The writing was fun I really loved that Judith was an older heroine. I think it made her a little more mature, and she knew more about the world. However, there were some ways that she was naïve. I think she had made some mistakes in her past, but I think they were good experiences in the end. The few misunderstandings weren’t my favorite. I would’ve liked to see that handled a different way, or with more of an explanation of why they made the choices they made. It was a little slow to begin with, but I think things really picked up halfway through the book and I loved it! Judging by the ending, it sounds like this will be a series. I am definitely interested in checking out more books by this author.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Regency, romance and cozy mysteries!
Lady Judith Avely’s magical gift for divining the truth makes her prodigiously good at lying. To absolve a guilty secret, she travels to the exiled Duke of Sargen’s estate, but the last thing she expects is to run into the duke himself, who is lamentably now even more attractive than in his volatile youth.
The duke has his own concerns: he has returned home to a haunted house, with skulls floating about and a footman apparently bashed by a book. Such vulgar circumstances are best avoided, but the duke needs Judith’s unique talents to help uncover the culprit - even if it might put her in the sights of a killer.
With the help of a tiny vampiric acquaintance and a continuous supply of drinking chocolate, Judith should be able to solve the uncanny mystery…if only the duke will stop making improper remarks about her mobcaps.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I love Regency and cozy mysteries. I think this book was a perfect blend of Regency romance and cozy mystery. The writing was fun I really loved that Judith was an older heroine. I think it made her a little more mature, and she knew more about the world. However, there were some ways that she was naïve. I think she had made some mistakes in her past, but I think they were good experiences in the end. The few misunderstandings weren’t my favorite. I would’ve liked to see that handled a different way, or with more of an explanation of why they made the choices they made. It was a little slow to begin with, but I think things really picked up halfway through the book and I loved it! Judging by the ending, it sounds like this will be a series. I am definitely interested in checking out more books by this author.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Regency, romance and cozy mysteries!
February 21, 2024
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Lady Avely's Guide to Truth and Magic is a delightfully engaging historical fantasy mystery series starter by Rosalie Oaks. Released 16th Feb 2024, it's 370 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.
It's always a joy to find a fresh, engaging, clear voice in a favorite genre. This indie author was not previously on my radar (and should've been). It's set in the late Regency period with a fantasy/paranormal world element. Lady Avely is gifted with a "lie detector" ability which makes her quite useful at unraveling mysteries. There are a number of restrictions and social and legal mores bound up in the use of magical abilities, and she's still coming to grips with a recently recognized change in social status. She's been a widow for more than a decade, with two adult children (not featured in this book), as well as entanglements from her long ago past history.
There -is- a strong romance element, but it delightfully doesn't overpower either the mystery or magical elements in the very well told story. The sequel is due out in 4th quarter 2024. Definitely one to pick up. It's an indie pub and likely not on most library acquisition lists. It's available independently from retailers as well as the author and would be a great addition for public library acquisition, home use, or a buddy read.
Four and a half stars. A true delight.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Lady Avely's Guide to Truth and Magic is a delightfully engaging historical fantasy mystery series starter by Rosalie Oaks. Released 16th Feb 2024, it's 370 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.
It's always a joy to find a fresh, engaging, clear voice in a favorite genre. This indie author was not previously on my radar (and should've been). It's set in the late Regency period with a fantasy/paranormal world element. Lady Avely is gifted with a "lie detector" ability which makes her quite useful at unraveling mysteries. There are a number of restrictions and social and legal mores bound up in the use of magical abilities, and she's still coming to grips with a recently recognized change in social status. She's been a widow for more than a decade, with two adult children (not featured in this book), as well as entanglements from her long ago past history.
There -is- a strong romance element, but it delightfully doesn't overpower either the mystery or magical elements in the very well told story. The sequel is due out in 4th quarter 2024. Definitely one to pick up. It's an indie pub and likely not on most library acquisition lists. It's available independently from retailers as well as the author and would be a great addition for public library acquisition, home use, or a buddy read.
Four and a half stars. A true delight.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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