Many readers have a soft spot for historical romances seasoned with a dash of mystery, which is what author Jennifer Moore serves in Book 2 of her Blue Orchid Society series: Inventing Vivian.

Although Book 1, Solving Sophronia, did not make the final cut for a Chronicle review, we liked the premise of a group of brainy young women founding a bluestocking society to support each other. It’s not necessary to read the first book in the series. Each is a standalone, and in Book 2, author Jennifer Moore explains how the Blue Orchid Society came about in a retelling from Vivian’s viewpoint.

Set in 1873, Inventing Vivian is a more rounded and compelling story than its predecessor, with a more engaging romance. Main characters Vivian and Benedict are a believable couple, unlike Sophie and Inspector Graham from Book 1, and their developing romance includes some delightful moments – unfortunately, too few of them to rank among top tier sweet romances.

Vivian Kirby is a likeable character, a would-be inventor with a scientific turn of mind who does not fit the mold for young ladies of her class and era. She fell out with Benedict years earlier, when he slighted her unkindly over her science projects. Their paths cross when he reluctantly returns home from an extended period in China, the death of his older brother having made him a marquess and heir to their father’s dukedom. Chemistry flares between them; I just wished there was more. Benedict, as it turns out, has been acting as a mysterious benefactor who conducts a correspondence with Vivian. She does not realize the man with whom she is so open on paper is the same one who hurt her feelings.

Like any self-respecting Victorian romance hero, Benedict is, as Ms. Moore  tells us “torn between the man he wished to be and the man he was expected to be.” He left England as a “feckless” young noble on a quest of discovery in which he finds himself. His sense of adventure took him to China, where he connects with his conscience and immerses himself in the culture, falling in love with the food, customs, aesthetics and novelty, as Englishmen of his class and era were wont during Victorian and Edwardian times. His growth and increasing regard for others makes him an appealing character and a good match for independent-minded Vivian.

Readers are introduced, early in the story set-up, to Benedict’s ‘friend’ Li Zhang Wei; he’s a familiar trope – the kung fu master brimming with Chinese philosophy. Obviously, he teaches Benedict lessons in humility and ancient wisdom. Some readers will find their interactions charming; others will groan and roll their eyes. But let’s be real; this is is a light romance. Leaning on stereotypes and clichés is a staple of the sub-genre, and not every author has the nuanced craft needed to navigate touchy content successfully. Many accomplished literary writers have explored these themes intelligently. By comparison, Ms. Moore’s handling comes off as a little clunky and occasionally patronizing, however, I’m inclined to give  credit to romance authors who try to write something fresher than the usual fare. In the Blue Orchid Society series Ms. Moore attempts to do so, albeit with mixed success.

One of the biggest favors this author could do herself is to re-think the connection between characters and setting. I don’t know if the Utah clean-romance publishers have designated anachronism as a style requirement of their books, but it’s a common and (for me) irritating characteristic. It’s rare to read a story from these publishers that depicts a Regency or Victorian main character whose dialogue, viewpoint, mannerisms, and behavior mesh authentically with their period setting. For readers who want to be transported back in time by a historical novel, these modernisms are jarring and make the story less believable.

That was a major flaw in Book 1 of the series and the same issues diminish the charm of Book 2. A competent historical fiction editor would help Ms. Moore improve on this aspect of her storytelling. My main criticism of this book, however, was the ham-fisted delivery of the mystery element, which was shoveled into the story like an afterthought: –oops, I was supposed to include a murder mystery, so here it is, 100 pages too late. As a plot element it felt contrived and pointless. Ms. Moore had plenty going on and did not need to throw a  murder into the mix. It added a weak element readers may find redundant at best, and an irritation at worst.

This author has potential. I hope she continues to write and develop this series.

The reviewer purchased a personal copy of Inventing Vivian. Cover image courtesy of Covenant Communications © 2021.  Review by Pam Baker © 2022 The Regency Chronicle.