Viola Doyle by Amy Lynn Spitzley

Viola Doyle is an unconventional girl who lives in what seems to be Victorian-era England (but with a Queen Olivia). Sure, her grandad is (in)famous, but her mother seems determined to make sure that she behaves like a proper lady. Unfortunately for mom, Viola comes into possession of a mysterious pin (or rather, the pin chooses her), and in finding out the history of the pin, life is going to change for Viola.

In a way, this could have been a cliched book. I mean, unconventional protagonist, chafing at the constraints of society, finds a mysterious and possibly magical object and falls in love along the way. But, what this book did right was to have likable protagonists that could carry the story.

Of course, one of the protagonists would be the titular Viola, who doesn't want to be a lady. I enjoyed reading about her 'fights' with the stuck up Maxwell Simpson, who has a crush on her (by wanting to make her admit men are superior). Her love interest is the quiet and scholarly Mikhail, who's a good match for her in every way except socially. Thankfully, she has a supportive and unconventional grandmother.

And there's the dragon. Yes, dragons will appear in this story, although the dragon and Viola won't meet till the very end. I was hoping that they would be one of those lovable wise-cracking duos, but it was not to be. Perhaps in the next book, since the mystery of the pin and the Family has only begun.

Oh, and I found out that the author also wrote Scrapbook of My Revolution, which I read and enjoyed last year. Last year around this time as well, if I remember correctly.

All in all, this is an enjoyable book. If you like strong female protagonists, some mystery and a love story that does not become the main focus of the book, you'll probably enjoy this.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Curiosity Quills via NetGalley in exchange for a free and honest review.