In Pursuit of Civility

By Jen Turano

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

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

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

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

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0764243861
• ISBN13: 9780764243868
• Release Date: April 2026
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 0.66 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.5" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Fun and Quirky

If you are looking for a fun quirky read then look no farther as the antics of the characters and animals will keep you smiling from beginning to end. Although this is book two in the Merriweather Academy For Young Ladies series I easily read it as standalone. I found the characters unusual and fun and I loved the progressive thinking of some of the ladies especially Annalise whose love of animals puts her in some interesting circumstances. I loved the originality of the storyline and the antics of Norma Jean and her cohorts. I found this book to be entertaining and it left me with a smile. It contains a lot of changing circumstances so you have to stay on your toes to keep everything straight. This is a fun read that I found enjoyable for something different. I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit/Bethany House Publishing. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

Romantic Suspense

In Pursuit of Civility by Jen Turano is the second book in her Merriweather Academy for Young Ladies series. Becoming headmistress of the Merriweather Academy is no easy task for Annaliese Merriweather. On an outing to the county fair, she loses two of her charges. She seeks the help of Seth McCormick to find them. When one of the girls goes chasing pirate gold, Annaliese and Seth must team up again to find her. But they’re not the only ones looking for treasure. Can they outwit the bad guys and bring everyone home safe? I received this book from Celebrate-Lit for my honest review.

Witty and Romantic

Jen Turano knows how to write a story! from start to finish I loved Pursuit of Civility. The characters are lively and full of such personality that it feels like I know them. Jen's humor keeps me giggling all the way through. I am a huge fan of all of Jen turano's books because they balance a lighthearted story with humor and intruige and it is enough to keep me hooked from the first chapter. If you want a swoon worthy read, where you will giggle and snort with laughter at random times, pick up a Jen Turano Book becuase she never dissapoints! I receive a copy of the book form the author but my thoughts are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review.