"Behind the Scenes" by Jen Turano

My review...

Miss Permilia Griswold is viewed as a wallflower, so no one would guess she was actually a gossip columnist who knows everything about everyone important in New York. She overhears a murder plot, and she is determined to warn Asher Rutherford that his life is in danger. He finds Permilia unlike anyone else he knows, as she does not seem to be intimidated by his position. Can she convince him she is telling the truth, or will she have to take matters into her own hands?

This is the beginning of the “Apart from the Crowd” series. In typical Turano fashion, it is an entertaining read, complete with delightful characters, excellent descriptions, and a bit of mystery. However, it is a bit slower to engage than some of her others. Occasionally the main threat seems to be pushed aside, and there is some predictability. This may have worked better as a novella. Permilia is a no-nonsense heroine, but Asher can be a bit annoying at times. While this was not my favorite Turano book, it is an enjoyable read overall.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, but I was not required to leave a positive review.

Amazon link for purchase

About Jen...

Jen Turano is the best-selling, critically acclaimed author of The Ladies of Distinction series and A Class of Their Own series, published through Bethany House Publishers. Her novel, After a Fashion, was chosen as a top pick from Romantic Times, as well as being named a top 10 romance of 2015 from Booklist. Her book, A Most Peculiar Circumstance, was chosen as a top 10 romance by Booklist in 2013. Playing the Part, her latest release, will be followed by a new four-book series, The Wallflowers. When she's not writing, Jen spends her time outside of Denver with her husband and neurotic Cattle Dog, enjoying life as an empty-nester because her son recently abandoned her for the college life.  She can be found at www.facebook.com/jenturano/author/ or visit her on the web at www.jenturano.com. She is represented by Susan Brower of the Natasha Kern Literary Agency.

"Playing the Part" by Jen Turano (Litfuse Blog Tour)

My Review...

New York City actress Lucetta Plum is forced to go into hiding after a fan’s interest turns threatening. Her widowed, elderly friend Abigail Hart offers to help her out by hiding her at Ravenwood Castle, the home of Abigail’s eccentric grandson Bram Haverstein. Lucetta has no time for matchmaking and plans to keep her distance from Bram. She has been self-sufficient since she was 13 and sees no reason why that should change now. Bram has admired her from a distance for some time and can hardly believe she is at his castle. Lucetta will be in for an adventure when strange events start happening at Ravenwood. She is determined to get to the bottom of things. Will Bram come to see that Lucetta is not all he expected? Is it possible for them to realize that they are exactly what the other needs?

This is the third and final book in Turano’s “A Class of Their Own” series. Turano’s signature humor, mystery, and romance combine. The zany scenes and fun characters are distinctive traits of the author. There is not as much spiritual element as some may expect to find in this lighthearted historical romance, but it is neatly woven throughout the story. The reader will likely be chuckling at many points in the book. It is best to read the books in order to fully appreciate this charming series.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy from the publisher and Litfuse in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase a copy...

 http://bit.ly/1RQM4QD

Litfuse tour landing page...

http://litfusegroup.com/author/JTurano

About Jen...

Jen Turano is the best-selling, critically acclaimed author of The Ladies of Distinction series and A Class of Their Own series, published through Bethany House Publishers. Her novel, After a Fashion, was chosen as a top pick from Romantic Times, as well as being named a top 10 romance of 2015 from Booklist. Her book, A Most Peculiar Circumstance, was chosen as a top 10 romance by Booklist in 2013. Playing the Part, her latest release, will be followed by a new four-book series, The Wallflowers. When she's not writing, Jen spends her time outside of Denver with her husband and neurotic Cattle Dog, enjoying life as an empty-nester because her son recently abandoned her for the college life.  She can be found at www.facebook.com/jenturano/author/ or visit her on the web at www.jenturano.com. She is represented by Susan Brower of the Natasha Kern Literary Agency.

Friday Reads: In Good Company by Jen Turano (And a GIVEAWAY!)

This Friday, I'm reading and reviewing "In Good Company" by Jen Turano, which will be released on July 7, 2015. 

Jen has graciously agreed to give away a hard copy book to one lucky person (US only). To enter, see the Rafflecopter box at the bottom of the post. Good luck! (Contest ends June 30, 2015.)

My Review...

Millie Longfellow grew up an orphan and now works as a nanny. However, she has a hard time keeping a job, as many employers find her to be a bit too spirited.

            Everett Mulberry just became guardian to three kids, and he needs a lot of help. He is unable to keep a nanny employed due to the mischievousness of the young children.

            Millie and Everett cross paths at the employment agency. The agency determines them to be a perfect match for each other. Everett is familiar with Millie’s track record and is leery to have her around the children, who recently lost their parents under suspicious circumstances. They come to an arrangement to work together for the summer until something more permanent can be decided.

            Everett’s intended, Miss Caroline Dixon, is less than thrilled to learn that Everett has hired Millie. Caroline sets her sights on getting rid of Millie and the children. With her high society standing, Caroline has no place in her life for anyone but Everett. Will Caroline succeed with her plans? Will Millie and Everett learn to work together? Or will the children outsmart them all?

            Millie is a truly endearing character. As a lover of words and books, I was able to easily identify with her. I love the fact that she travels with a bag full of books, as do I the same thing! There are some scenes that may remind the reader of Maria and her charges in The Sound of Music. Turano writes with such flourish, and there is a wonderful rapport between the characters. Numerous comedic scenes are woven together in Turano’s latest, complete with a bit of mystery surrounding the death of the children’s parents. This is the first book I have read by Turano, but it will definitely not be the last! 

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Here's the Amazon link for purchase:

 http://www.amazon.com/In-Good-Company-Jen-Turano/dp/0764212761

a Rafflecopter giveaway