Review of To Disguise the Truth by Jen Turano

 

About the Book ~

When a man arrives at the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency, anxious to hire them to find a missing heiress, Eunice Holbrooke realizes her past has finally caught up with her . . . and that she may no longer be able to hide under the disguise that has kept her safe for so long.

Arthur Livingston's goal in life is to make his mark on the world as a mining industrialist, but after the man who could help him achieve his goal is murdered, Arthur feels compelled to seek justice for the family--but he's left with more questions than answers after the eccentric Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency refuses to take on his case.

Desperate to conceal her real identity and avoid the irritatingly handsome Arthur, Eunice takes on a different case that requires her to go deep undercover and entangles her in one troublesome situation after another. When other secrets come to light, Eunice has no choice but to confront her past, hopeful that it will set her free but knowing it could very well place her life--and the lives of those she loves--in jeopardy.

For more information about Jen Turano and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

To Disguise the Truth by Jen Turano has loads of rollicking fun tucked between its pages!

To Disguise the Truth was absolutely delightful, witty, and romantic! Additionally, I loved the family drama that unfolded like an extended murder mystery party throughout the second half of the story. The characters were layered, and I appreciate how Eunice and her friends break the forced image of what it means to be a woman. I adored the banter -- the dialogue was probably my favorite part! The setting and pacing were different and surprising, and it kept the story moving at a good pace. I also really appreciated how one of those twists led to an asylum, showing some of the horrors of the day. This twist gave representation to a vulnerable portion of our population who continue to need love and support.

Eunice and Arthur had quite the compelling spiritual journey as well! Arthur had to let go of his plans, his pride, and even his well-hidden desire for revenge to discover what he really wanted in life. Meanwhile, Eunice had been battling fear for a long time. When she began to walk in the truth, the heart of freedom God has for us is beautifully on display!

Four Stars ~ To Disguise the Truth by Jen Turano is a delightful, witty romance with an engaging family drama! To Disguise the Truth is the third book in The Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency Series, but it can be read out of order or as a standalone. 

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable little girl. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

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Review of Out of the Ordinary by Jen Turano

From the Back Cover ~

Working as a paid companion may be quite commonplace, but Miss Gertrude Cadwalader's eccentric employer makes her job unpredictable, to say the least. She finds herself carrying out an array of highly unusual tasks, including wearing peculiar outfits and returning items the woman pilfered. But when the wealthy Mrs. Sinclair catches Gertrude sneaking around the Sinclair yacht with some of the missing items in her possession, she immediately jumps to the wrong conclusion.

Shipping magnate Harrison Sinclair is caught in the middle of a misunderstanding between his mother and Gertrude, but he can't help coming to his friend's defense. Even as he hopes their friendship might become something more, Harrison is unprepared for the outlandish escapades that seem to follow the lovely, anything-but-ordinary Gertrude at every turn.

My Thoughts ~

I do believe, without a shadow of a doubt on a dreadfully cloudy day, that this particular novel by one Jen Turano is my favorite thus far.

It's hard not to talk with a little extra flair after reading one of Jen Turano's novels. ;-)

My friends, this novel was so much fun! Hilarious misunderstandings that had me laughing out loud, witty dialogue, poignant faith, and tender romance - what's not to love?!

You will adore Mr. Harrison Sinclair's bumbling efforts at wooing Miss. Gertrude Cadwalader. You will relate to Miss. Gertrude Cadwalader's struggle with forgiving not only others, but herself. The mystery surround the "respectable" Mrs. Davenport will be revealed. Unexpected tears may fall as you also realize that God has not called you to muddle through life, but to live an extraordinary life with Him, especially by giving and receiving love. Indubitably, your heart will soar much like a delightful yacht cuts through the ocean blue on a windy day, which it so happens to be as I write this review. Windy, that is. Although, I suppose there is some soaring.

Hehe. See! I told you it was hard. ;-)

Four and a Half Stars ~ So. Much. Fun! Out of the Ordinary is the second book in the Apart from the Crowd Series by Jen Turano. While you could read Out of the Ordinary as a standalone story, I believe you'll find a more fulfilling story experience if you first read book one, Behind the Scenes.

Last time. ;-)

I received a copy of Out of the Ordinary by Jen Turano from Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer is the author of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is also an avid blogger and co-founder of Snack Time Devotions. In her spare time, Joy is an unprofessional chocolate connoisseur/binger, and she loves acting crazy and drinking coffee with the teens she mentors. When Joy isn’t urging the elves that live in her computer to write, she’s hanging out with her husband, their adorable baby girl, and their socially awkward pets.

Review of Behind the Scenes by Jen Turano

 

 

Description ~

 

After spending the last six years banished to the wallflower section of the ballroom, Miss Permilia Griswold has finally figured out a way to pass the time at all the New York high-society events she attends. Under the pseudonym "Miss Quill," she is the author of society gossip columns filled with tidbits only an insider in society--albeit one on the fringes--would know.

When she overhears a threat against Mr. Asher Rutherford, the owner of one of the most up-and-coming department stores in the city, she's determined to warn him. But the irritatingly handsome man doesn't believe her, leaving her no choice but to take matters into her own hands. What she doesn't anticipate is that she'll end up putting herself at risk in the process--or that she and Mr. Rutherford, a man with secrets of his own, just might end up joining forces after all.

 

For more information about Jen Turano and her books, check out her website here!

 

My Thoughts ~

 

You had me at wallflower. ; ) Who doesn't love a good wallflower story? I think many readers will be able to relate to Miss Permilia Griswold, Mr. Asher Rutherford, and company!

 

I loved that the first third of the story took place at the Vanderbilt ball! It was enchanting, thrilling, and beautifully detailed. Amusing and quirky characters make this a light read despite the murder attempts. ; ) The final scenes brought happy tears to my eyes. What a wonderful resolution!

 

This struck me as a novel of acceptance. Asher learned to accept help from Permilla as well as accepting himself for who he really was. Permilla had to come to terms that her plan was not necessarily God's plan for her life. The poignant truths of this novel are sure to touch many hearts!

 

 Four Stars - A funny and charming story! Behind the Scenes is the first book in Jen Turano's new Apart from the Crowd Series. The next book, Out of the Ordinary, will release on November 7th, 2017. I'm looking forward to Miss Gertrude Cadwalader and Mr. Harrison Sinclair's story!

 



I received a copy of Behind the Scenes by Jen Turano from Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group. All opinions expressed are my own.

God bless you guys! See you next time!

 Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer