In Pursuit of Civility by Jen Turano

 

Merriweather Academy for Young Ladies #2

Book two features some very unique personalities. People Society deems unusual, because what they cannot understand must be cast out. So, some hide who they are, like Seth's mother, while others ignore Society. Some get in over their heads, like Norma Jean, a thirteen-year-old delinquent, and all are ready to fight the good fight.
This book is very fast-paced and filled with a menagerie of various animals who seem to understand humans. While the animal aspect had the usual whimsy I've come to enjoy in Jen Turano’s books, this time was surprisingly over the top for me, particularly the "grand gesture" (without giving too much away).
And I am definitely not a fan of A.I. generated book covers.
But the romance between the Inventor and the Animal Activist is quite charming. I particularly liked their honesty with each other. Overall, I recommend this book and plan to purchase the paperback while it's forty percent off from the publisher.
⭐⭐⭐⭐

I received an eVersion from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.


Synopsis: Annaliese Merriweather has been appointed the temporary headmistress of the Merriweather Academy for Young Ladies while her sister is on her honeymoon, but she doesn't feel cut out for the role. Especially after she loses two of her most troublesome students during an outing to a county fair and has to recruit the help of Seth McCormick, an eccentric inventor, to retrieve them.
Soon after, one of those mischievous students disappears again, intent on pursuing a pirate map. Together, Annaliese and Seth set out to find her, accompanied by a menagerie of Annaliese's rescued animal companions. As they stumble from one chaotic situation to the next, sparks fly between Annaliese and Seth. Somehow, they'll need to outwit dangerous individuals also intent on seeking treasure and bring everyone back in one piece--all while deciphering what their hearts desire.

With her trademark voice and witty characters, bestselling author Jen Turano presents a lively tale of hijinks, humor, and romance amid the Merriweather Academy's most tumultuous term yet.

Until next time,
Hugs and a Cup of Tea, Heather Elizabeth

GIVEAWAY A Lesson in Propriety by Jen Turano

Merriweather Academy for Young Ladies #1 A Lesson in Propriety by

Jen Turano

 

I LOVED every bit of this book. Jen Turano definitely stepped up her animal menagerie this time. This tale really leaves plenty of room to build a series upon. There are multiple mysteries in the works, and some wonderful characters. I stopped in the middle of another book the moment I found out I had been approved to read an advanced copy of this one.

QUOTABLE: "even though she was, indeed, one of the most proper ladies he’d ever met, underneath that prim and properness might very well be a lady possessed of a mischievous spirit."

I have read everything Jen has written and delighted in each one.

Thank you to the publishers for sending me an eVersion. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Publisher's Synopsis: 
With her father dead, her fortune stolen, and her fiancé casting her aside, Miss Drusilla Merriweather's privileged life has been upended. She is left with only one option: to provide for her family by opening a finishing school in the allegedly haunted castle she's inherited from her eccentric aunt. However, her plan is immediately threatened by unscrupulous developers keen on claiming the coveted estate for themselves, by any means necessary.

Mr. Rhenick Wittenbecker, a dashing architect with a tendency to charm his way out of trouble, is convinced he can protect Drusilla but is challenged by her fierce independence. Yet when strange occurrences--walking suits of armor and unexpected ghostly visitors--arise within castle grounds, Drusilla must decide whether to risk her family's safety and her school on the gallant architect who seems to have found his way into her heart.

In this entrancing series starter, Turano presents a tale of laugh-out-loud adventure, swoon-worthy romance, and delightful mischief in the Gilded Age.

352 pages, Paperback

Expected publication May 1, 2025

Goodreads has a giveaway posted here:
CLICK HERE THROUGH 5/18/2025

Meeting Her Match byJen Turano

 Fast-paced, action-packed antics of a most entertaining sort. As always, Jen Turano pens a delightful, romantic tale that's hard to put down. Indeed, I stayed up far too late reading about 75% one night and gleefully finishing the rest the next morning.

Foisting the heroine-matchmaker into the unknown land of West Virginia opened an entire new world to Camilla. Adding a misunderstood gentleman, Owen Chesterfield, in the mix further expands her horizons.
I highly recommend this book and the entire series!
Thanks to the author for an advanced eVersion which was provided without expectation or compensation.
Five stars!!

Until next time, Hugs and a cup of tea!
Heather Elizabeth

To Spark A Match by Jen Turano-Five Stars

HUDSON RIVER VALLEY  1888

Jen always pens an excellent read.

Miss Adelaide Duveen's & Mr. Gideon Abbott's story is the one I was waiting for since the last novel. It did not cease to entertain. As per standard protocol with one of Jen's novels, I absolutely had to read it in it's entirety in one sitting.

Quotable:

"I’m twenty-three years old and have been out in society for five Seasons, both winter and summer. It would be next to impossible to convince anyone I’m anything other than peculiar."

I recommend everything Jen writes!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐=Excellent as always!

I was sent this eBook by  NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher.

All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.

Publisher's Synopsis: 
After five unsuccessful Seasons on the marriage mart, Miss Adelaide Duveen has resigned herself to the notion that she's destined to remain a spinster forever--a rather dismal prospect, but one that will allow her to concentrate on her darling cats and books. However, when she inadvertently stumbles upon Mr. Gideon Abbott engaged in a clandestine activity during a dinner party, Adelaide finds herself thrust into a world of intrigue that resembles the plots in the spy novels she devours.

Former intelligence agent Gideon Abbott feels responsible for Adelaide after society threatens to banish her because of the distraction she caused to save his case. Hoping to return the favor, he turns to a good friend--and one of high society's leaders--to take Adelaide in hand and turn her fashionable.

When danger surrounds them and Adelaide finds herself a target of the criminals in Gideon's case, the spark of love between them threatens to be quenched for good--along with their lives.

This is book 2 in The Matchmakers - 11/14/23

Book 1 was A Match in the Making - Feb 2023

Next up: Meeting Her Match - July 2024

Read Date: 9/16/23

𝓑𝓸𝓸𝓴  76 𝓖𝓸𝓸𝓭𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓼 𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮 📚 2023

Reviews posted to GoodReads, Amzn, BAM, B&N, Kobo, Pinterest & IG & of course my blog. 

Click here for Author's Website

May the blessings of the Thanksgiving season surround you and yours!

A MATCH IN THE MAKING by Jen Turano

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ME! I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH!
Apologies for not posting this sooner.  I thought I had, but apparently not!

The non-stop banter of Miss Gwendolyn Brinley and pretty much anyone she comes in contact with is fantastic! She is no meek debutante to be sure.

In fact, she is something entirely different. 

Walter Townsend is considered the catch of the season and a rather shallow man until Miss Brimley begins to unlock his better traits. 

I devoured this book and because it was "that good" I did not slow down for my usual highlights, except a very few.

Here are a couple:

Regarding Adelaide, who I adore:

"I’m perfectly comfortable with who I am—a bluestocking at heart, who besides loving the written word has a great affection for cats.”“She has sixteen of them,” Phyllis said. “Twenty, Mother. You’re forgetting about those kittens I found at Mrs. Gerry’s picnic.”

“We’ll receive everyone in the parlor, but only after I have Gibbons leave them lingering about in the receiving room for a good ten minutes or so.” 

Not only was it amusing but Gibbons is my maiden name so that was great fun for me! Thank you Jen 💞.

There are both animals and children which are always excellent additions to enhance charm and comedy. There is some light faith as well. Set in Newport Rhode Island, during  "The Summer Season" 1888

Gideon Abbott is most useful and certainly mysterious. I definitely hope he appears in the next book along with Adelaide as they seem to have an unrecognized spark. 😁

I have been part of "The Gilded Gals of Turano Street" (Jen's Street Team) since the beginning. She is a favorite author and everything she writes is fantastic! 

While I am not required to write a positive review,  I simply cannot help it 🤷🏻‍♀️🤭

Thank you to NetGalley for an eVersion of this book. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.  

Release Date: 2/21/2023

Read 12/15&16/2022

📖 Book 75 GoodReads Reading Challenge 2022

Until next time, hugs & a cup of tea!!

To Disguise the Truth by Jen Turano TEAWARES and Advent

 

Welcome back friends!  I'm ready to kick off the Christmas season. We had a wonderful time in church today, lighting the first Advent candle of the season and singing Christmas worship songs.  I hope you enjoyed a blessed Lord's day as well.

Yesterday was a bit of a difficult day for me as I decided to dramatically downsize my teawares.  I'm at a different stage of life, and most likely need to move soon, so the decision seemed like a wise one.  I'm happy to say my church women's ministry group agreed to accept the donation and my wares will all get new love bestowed on them in the future.

If you're reading this, please say a little prayer for me for strength and direction in this new season.  Thank you!!

To Disguise the Truth by Jen Turano – January 18, 2022

HISTORICAL ROMANTIC COMEDY/MYSTERY-DRAMA

1887, New York. "Considering she'd once shot the man sitting across from her, Eunice Holbrook was beginning to get the sneaking suspicion her past had finally caught up with her." Great opening line and gorgeous cover! Arthur Livingston is a no-nonsense, black and white sort of aristocrat; or at least he thinks so, until he reunites with the one woman who tends to unhinge him.  Eunice co-runs the Bleaker Street Inquiry Agency and is rather headstrong and direct.  These two have several wonderful arguments and join forces to solve a long past murder.  The part of the book where she goes undercover had my gut clenching.  I was rather glad it was not the major focus of the book because the conditions were abysmal.  I enjoyed the twists and turns with her family members and their reuniting.  The amount of money these people had was catastrophic even by today's standards!  I was drawn to Chase Livingston, Arthur's younger brother {"I've always been old for my years, and I spend countless hours counseling men and women when I volunteer at a mission in Five Points."},  as well as their whimsical,  eighty-two-year-old grandfather {"I don't believe I've ever seen a lady flee from you before. I suppose it's not very grandfatherly of me to admit that I found that amusing, but that was very amusing indeed," Lloyd said, his eyes twinkling}.  I hope we hear more of them in a future series. I also enjoyed the star Pinkerton, Agent Cooper who has returned.  I love that he trains the girls in self-defense and that female agents are proficient in firearms. "The pistol was mine. It's a very distinctive pistol, silver with an inlaid handle of mother of pearl and my initials carved into it..." There's also a bit of society and a bit of the old west in the book which was a fun change of scenery.

Very few faith or tea moments this time.  I could always do with more of those! 😉

Very good read, 4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I was gifted a copy of this book for my honest opinion which is mine alone and without compensation or further expectation.

PUBLISHER’S SYNOPSIS: When Arthur Livingston arrives out of the blue at the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency, anxious to hire the agency to seek out a missing heiress, Eunice Holbrooke realizes her past has finally caught up with her.
Having fled from the scene of her grandfather's murder seven years before, Eunice is a lady with secrets--the most important that she is the missing heiress Arthur is seeking. She has no intention of allowing him to learn she's been disguising herself, especially when she has reason to believe Arthur could hold her responsible for her grandfather's death.
In order to avoid Arthur and conceal her real identity, Eunice takes on another case that requires her to go deep undercover. With secrets from the past--and Arthur--appearing wherever she looks, she wonders how she will ever uncover the truth behind her grandfather's murder.

Paperback, 352 pages / Expected publication: January 18th, 2022 by Bethany House Publishers

Series: To Steal a Heart, To Write a Wrong, To Disguise the Truth

https://jenturano.com/

Until next time, hugs and a warm cup of Christmas tea,

TO WRITE A WRONG by MY FAVORITE JEN TURANO - SO SO GOOD!

Hello friends. Friday night I was able to go out with my sister to a "Surviving Summer" ladies night out event with my church; the 1st opportunity I've had to do something like that in a good long while!  It was so wonderful to enjoy sweet fellowship, a meal, play games, make new friends and listen to praise reports and testimonies of God's amazing favor and love.  It left me smiling ear to ear & with my soul refreshed.

 You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all. And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. [2Co 3:2-4 ESV]

Then, I happened to check NetGalley & found out my favorite author's next book had shown up! Yippy-skippy!

 ***OH MY GRACIOUS! SO, SO GOOD!! ***

I think every time a chapter ended I couldn't believe how good the ending was! Why can't everyone write so well? ;)

Tea Moment: Taking a sip of tea that had long gone cold, she grimaced and set aside the cup before she flexed her fingers. Placing them over the keys of her Remington typewriter, affectionately named Almira...fervently hoped that something of worth would spring to mind to write."             

Quotable: "Herman's brows drew together. "I'm a fiction writer, Miss Beekman.  And even though I write murder mysteries, those murders, as well as the heroes who vanquish the villains in the end, are merely a figment of my imagination.  I'm far too responsible to go traipsing off to investigate an unknown noise because that could have gotten me murdered in my own house, or worse, seen the members of my staff put in harm's way."”

"Whatever else he'd been about to say got stuck on the tip of his tongue when a large painting hanging over one of the buffet tables suddenly swung open. A second after that, Daphne plunged through the large opening... tumbled head over heels...landing right on top of the buffet table..."

"...at times she longed to share her love of the written word with someone who loved words as well, someone who wouldn't mock her for choosing a profession that wasn't considered acceptable for women..."

I love how in the heat of a crucial moment, the author takes time to add nuance and zingers! I laughed so many times! ;) "Cooper rolled his eyes before he muttered something about Daphne being obstinate, although he didn't mention anything about Ann being obstinate, then strode forward and out of the trees."

Happy to see the author used the correct wording of "champing at the bit" instead of chomping. Well done!

Faith moment: …God had never ignored her prayers for courage and that He'd continued to answer them to this day.

Daphne's mind is constantly in motion, solving problems and puzzling things out.  Sometimes it spills out from her mouth and it's fun to hear and see how others perceive her.  Herman gets caught up in her process and as they are both writers, enjoys it immensely. They fit so well together and are a delight to read about, as is the entire mystery with its many twists.

I always have trouble summarizing Jen's books because there is just SO MUCH goodness to share!  Buy it, read it, enjoy! :) 

I was gifted a book from the author, in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are my own without compensation or further expectation.

((5 Stars))

((MY STARS)) 1= Did not like it, 2= It was ok, 3=Liked It, 4= Really liked it, 5=It was amazing

Bethany House Publ. (c) 8/3/2021 - 352 pages

Author: Jen Turano can be found on
social media and at www.JenTurano.com

SERIES:

To Steal a Heart – 11/2020

To Write a Wrong – 8/2021

To Disguise the Truth – 1/2022

PLACES TO BUY:

AMAZON -         CLICK HERE

BARNES AND NOBLE – CLICK HERE

BAKER BOOK HOUSE – 40% OFF  PREORDERS + free shipping CLICK HERE

CHRISTIANBOOK - CLICK HERE

PUBLISHERS SYNOPSIS:  Miss Daphne Beekman is a mystery writer by day, inquiry agent by night. Known for her ability to puzzle out plots, she happily works behind the scenes for the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency, staying well away from danger. However, when Mr. Herman Henderson arrives on the doorstep of the agency, desperate for someone to investigate numerous attempts on his life, Daphne soon finds herself in the thick of a case she's determined to solve.

Mr. Herman Henderson is also a mystery writer, but unlike the dashing heroes he pens, he prefers living a quiet life, determined to avoid the fate of his adventurous parents, who perished while searching for the Lost City of Gold.

As the list of suspects grows and sinister plots are directed at Daphne, the situation quickly deteriorates, and a revealed secret jeopardizes their newfound affection. Only time will tell if Daphne will be able to regain Herman's trust and save both their lives.

WONDERFUL CHARACTERS FRAME THIS FUN & MYSTERIOUS STORY

My cat Max >^..^<

 November 1866, New York City

OPENING LINE "It was becoming evident that she, Miss Gabriella Goodhue, might very well be arrested in the not-too-distant future, and all because she'd convinced herself that sneaking into a high-society costume ball would be a relatively easy feat, given her past life as a street thief."

Tea Quote: "Perhaps we'll spread it about that Mrs. Kaffenburgh is taking tea at Rutherford & Company. I've heard the tearoom there is quite lovely, and it's a place many ladies seek out after a day of shopping."

This story is full of laugh-out-loud humor. "I'd decided to take off my spectacles after remembering that they hardly suit my Cleopatra costume. I'm afraid to say I landed in the gentlemen's retiring room instead of the ladies'."

"As they ate, Nicholas found he couldn't remember a meal he'd enjoyed more.  Conversations ran rampant around the table, but the topics weren't confined to matters of fashion or the weather. Talk revolved around the latest articles in the newspapers, and then politics, but not for long since no one could agree on that topic, and then little tidbits that had happened to everyone throughout the day."

"Do you believe that God might not have abandoned me after all?"

Very well-written story and highly recommended. I enjoyed the many characters who each seem to have a story of their own to share.  Book 1 really lends itself to future stories and a plethora of interesting people (and animals) to write about.

I was gifted a book, in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are my own without compensation or further expectation.

Bethany House Publishing, 368 Pages, (c) 2020, The Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency Book 1

((5 Stars))

((MY STARS)) 1= Did not like it, 2= It was ok, 3=Liked It, 4= Really liked it, 5=It was amazing

Connect with Jen Turano Here

Storing Up Trouble by Jen Turano 5 Star Read

•*• Loved Every Minute •*•

1886, Chicago

“Miss Beatrix Waterbury had been banished from New York, and all because she’d had the great misfortune of landing herself in jail… twice.” Another great opening line.

A train, a robbery, a scientist, a suffragist,  Pinkertons, Chicago’s Marshall Field & Co., a butler named Lurch – but not really (ha ha), a wacky, cat-loving aunt with keen insight and a helpful nature, a stubborn mule named Mort, a houseful of ladies in training, and a host of other characters. 

“You’re very tenacious – which is not a compliment, if you’re wondering-” – Norman Nesbit

“I always find it best to gather pertinent information about one’s nemesis because you never know when such information might be useful.” – Aunt Gladys

TEA MOMENT:  “I’m of the belief that a nice cup of tea, paired with an even nicer meal, does wonders for clearing a person’s head.” –Norman Nesbit

FAITH MOMENT:  Knowing God, who’d always been by her side, would be walking beside her, giving her his blessing… I loved this very sweet moment.

I enjoy everything Jen Turano writes and this is no exception. Another 5 star read.
I received a complimentary eBook through Netgalley and the Publisher for an honest review. All opinions are my own without further compensation or expectation.

Publisher’s Synopsis:

When Beatrix Waterbury's train is disrupted by a heist, scientist Norman Nesbit comes to her aid. After another encounter, he is swept up in the havoc she always seems to attract--including the attention of the men trying to steal his research--and they'll soon discover the curious way feelings can grow between two very different people in the midst of chaos.

Bethany House Publishing - American Heiresses Series:

Flights of Fancy – book 1 Jan 1, 2019

Diamond in the Rough – book 2 Sept 3, 2019

Storing Up Trouble – book 3 coming May, 2020

Connect with my favorite author at:  JenTurano.com

Until Next time,

STORING UP TROUBLE by Jen Turano 5 Stars

Storing Up Trouble – American Heiresses Series Book 3 by Jen Turano

•*• Loved Every Minute •*•

1886, Chicago

“Miss Beatrix Waterbury had been banished from New York, and all because she’d had the great misfortune of landing herself in jail… twice.” Another great opening line.

A train, a robbery, a scientist, a suffragist,  Pinkertons, Chicago’s Marshall Field & Co., a butler named Lurch – but not really (ha ha), a wacky, cat-loving aunt with keen insight and a helpful nature, a stubborn mule named Mort, a houseful of ladies in training, and a host of other characters. 

“You’re very tenacious – which is not a compliment, if you’re wondering-” – Norman Nesbit

“I always find it best to gather pertinent information about one’s nemesis because you never know when such information might be useful.” – Aunt Gladys

TEA MOMENT:  “I’m of the belief that a nice cup of tea, paired with an even nicer meal, does wonders for clearing a person’s head.” –Norman Nesbit

FAITH MOMENT:  Knowing God, who’d always been by her side, would be walking beside her, giving her his blessing… I loved this very sweet moment.

I enjoy everything Jen Turano writes and this is no exception. Another 5 star read.

Bethany House Publishing - American Heiresses Series:

Flights of Fancy – book 1 Jan 1, 2019

Diamond in the Rough – book 2 Sept 3, 2019

Storing Up Trouble – book 3 coming May 5, 2020 (dependent upon COVID-19 delays)

I received a complimentary eBook through Netgalley and the Publisher for an honest review. All opinions are my own without further compensation or expectation.

Publisher’s Synopsis:

When Beatrix Waterbury's train is disrupted by a heist, scientist Norman Nesbit comes to her aid. After another encounter, he is swept up in the havoc she always seems to attract--including the attention of the men trying to steal his research--and they'll soon discover the curious way feelings can grow between two very different people in the midst of chaos.

Serving Up Love 4 in 1 Harvey House Brides Collection

Serving Up Love – Four (unrelated) Harvey House Brides Novellas

    

A Flood of Love, Novella by Tracie Peterson •*•Great Ending •*•

[OPENING] August 1929  

Gretchen Gottsacker stepped from the train and looked around at the tiny town of San Marcial, New Mexico. (5 stars)

More Than A Pretty Face, a Patchwork Family Novella by Karen Witemeyer •*• Book 1.5 I loved It!  •*• [OPENING] Gainsesville, TX, 1902

“I’m not going to marry her, Mother.” Caleb Durrington bit the inside of his cheek to keep the rest of the words piling up on his tongue from escaping. (5 stars)

Intrigue al la Mode, a Novella by Regina Jennings •*• Good mystery which is hard to do in a novella •*• [OPENING] Emporia, Kansas, 1898

The breakfast rush had ended, and Willow Kentworth had already reset her station. There was nothing to do now except patrol her table and guard against horseflies dying on the starched tablecloth… (5 stars - Loved the cousin! She needs her own story!)

A Grand Encounter, a Novella by Jen Turano •*•All the wonderful shenanigans one has come to expect from a Jen Turano story! •*•

[OPENING] El Tovar Hotel, Grand Canyon, AZ, 1908

“I know you mentioned you’ve sworn off gentlemen forever, but Mr. Tall, Dark, and – need I say Delicious is here again, and, unsurprisingly, he’s sitting in your section.” (5 stars I would give it 10 stars if I could!)

I don’t often find a novella collection where all the stories are 5 stars, so this was a great surprise!

Bethany House Publishing © 11/5/2019

Click for Karen's Site

Karen Witemeyer kindly sent me a complimentary book in the hopes of a favorable review, with no further compensation. All opinions are mine alone.

Click for Tracie's Site

Click for Regina's Site

  

Click for Jen's Site

& wherever books are sold.
Click Here for Amazon Link

Until next time, Hugs and a Cup of Tea ~