Angela Bell
https://authorangelabell.com/
Author of A Lady’s Handbook to Gadgets and Guile
T4JYM: Your book, A Lady’s Handbook to Gadgets and Guile, releases today. Can you tell our readers what they can expect from it?
AB: Absolutely! Thank you so much for having me here today.
Inspired by Little Women and Inspector Gadget, A Lady’s Handbook to Gadgets and Guile revolves around a found sisterhood known as the Daughters of Genius Society—an elite team of lady inspectors disguised as a club for bluestocking spinsters. Recruited for their astute intelligence and aristocratic lineage, the D.O.G.S. covertly investigate crimes committed by members of London’s high society in the late Victorian Era. In the novel, readers can expect light academia vibes, a he-falls-first romance (appropriate for teen readers), whimsical steampunk gadgetry, women in STEM, humorous shenanigans, investigative adventure, themes of faith, and disability representation. And if they’ve read my debut novel, A Lady’s Guide to Marvels and Misadventure, they can also expect to see some familiar faces amongst the new cast of eccentric and endearing characters.
T4JYM: Let’s have a little fun… What is your favorite: Food? Drink? Color? TV show? Musician/Band? Hobby? Movie? Book of the Bible? Bible Verse? Worship Song?
AB: Oooh, I do so love a little fun! Therefore, as Julie Andrews would sing…these are a few of my favorite things! Food: Pizza, all sorts! Drink: Tea, iced or hot but always extra sweet. Color: Blue, every shade and hue. TV Show: Currently…All Creatures Great and Small on PBS. Band: Needtobreathe. Hobby: That would be a tie between embroidery and letter writing. Movie: Since I previously referenced the practically perfect in every way Julie Andrews, I’ll go with Disney’s original Mary Poppins from 1964. Book of the Bible: Psalms. Bible Verse: Again, we have a tie as I can’t choose between Psalm 46:10 and Psalm 16:8. Worship Song: I’m partial to the hymns . . . Abide with Me, It is Well with My Soul, I Need Thee Every Hour, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Blessed Assurance, etc.
T4JYM: If you could have just 10 minutes with any person in the Bible, other than God, what would it look like?
AB: This is such a great question! I think I’d enjoy a chat with Martha. As an eldest daughter, I’ve always related to Martha’s desire to take care of others and the overwhelm that too easily ensues from that desire when one forgets to be still at the feet of Jesus. I’ve been especially fascinated with Martha ever since I read a historical fiction novel called “Up from Dust” by Heather Kaufman, which explores Martha’s story from a sympathetic viewpoint instead of taking the negative stance often favored in sermons. Instead of portraying Martha as a one dimensional character whose sole purpose is as a cautionary tale of what not to do, Kaufman digs deep into the biblical narrative and depicts Martha as a nuanced woman who demonstrates how faith can develop and grow as we spend more time with Christ.
T4JYM: What was your last five star read?
AB: “Perplexity” by Chawna Schroeder, the second addition to The Scepter & the Stylus trilogy from Enclave Publishing. This imaginative series combines elements of the biblical story of Joseph and the classic novel “A Little Princess” by Frances Hodgson Burnett and sets it in an enchanting story world that illuminates the imagination with wonder. Each book features a harrowing quest, endearing characters, and an array of fascinating puzzles! Fans of Jules Verne will delight in the fantasy world’s Victorian flair and steampunk gadgetry while readers of Sharon Hinck will be drawn to the heart-stirring faith themes explored through lyrical prose. If you’re searching for a story you won’t want to end, I highly recommend starting with book one in the series, Illuminary.
T4JYM: What do you like to do in your down time?
AB: Aside from writing letters, or embroidering while listening to a riveting audiobook, one of my absolute favorite things to do is go thrifting with a friend. Even if I don’t buy anything, I love the treasure-hunt aspect, never knowing what gem or deal you’re going to stumble upon. To me, wandering through a thrift store feels like walking through the pages of a musty history book…every vintage handkerchief and antique rocking chair has a story, and I love imagining what those stories might have been.
And if I happen to find a whimsical brooch or a cute set of note cards as I wander about imagining . . . that’s just extra icing on the cake!
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