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| CAUGHT BY SURPRISE - AMAZON LINK |
With some despair, I write this is the final book in the series. I believe it is Jen Turano’s best book yet! I had so many emotions. I was completely hooked from the page one kidnapping of Miss Temperance Flowerdew (Jen does have a way with names) in 1883 – New York.
She is whisked off to Chicago by two bumbling criminals.
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| Pullman Car |
Ch. 2 They were sitting at a small table covered in fine linen, slurping their way through steaming cups of tea held in delicate china teacups. “Forgive me for disrupting your tea, but isn’t it a little unusual for kidnappers to whisk their captives away in a private Pullman car?”
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| Pullman car interior |
Temperance has a propensity for pastries, a determined nature and favors music and art. But, having fallen from the high rungs of society into the lowly wallflower set, she had resigned herself to keep her head down and accept her lot. But that changes when, at age 25, her cousins are no longer forced to care for her and have tossed her out.
Through a series of events, she is reacquainted with her childhood friend, Gilbert Cavendish. He is quite sensible, enjoys order, making lists and following the rules. Having grown up with Temperance he understands her outlandish ways and together they take on danger, engagement balls, dastardly deeds, and memorial services for the dearly departed.
Now, at this point in my review, I’m starting to worry. I have said plenty, but the book is so dang good! Grab a cup of tea and please stay with me (smile).
The supporting cast is superb as always!
Mr. Barclay is a treasure of a dear older gentleman. He has served under two very special spinsters who have money to spare. I adore him! Ch. 8 “Mr. Barclay inclined his head. I’m sure you know I always close my eyes and descend into prayer when you insist on taking the reins, Miss Henrietta.”
He is also feisty and will defend those he cares about both on principal and physically if necessary.
Ch. 8 Gilbert, being a gentleman who noticed whenever something was amiss, rose to his feet, made short shrift of pouring out the tea, then handed the cups all around, smiling ever so slightly when he handed a cup to Mr. Barclay and was rewarded for his efforts with a scowl.
Tobias is recently arrived from London and the fiercely protective valet of Gilbert, yet also adds a bit of whimsy.
There is a fantastic Go-As-You-Please Quadrille, a couple of “I did not see that coming” moments one of which caused me to remove my reading glasses and pause for the sobbing I was doing, and the most adorable of romantic gestures which had me laughing out loud.
Click this link: Beethoven Kreutzer Sonata No.9 if you would like to hear some of the music from the end of the story. It is quite lively and the violinist has wonderful facial expressions!
© July 2018 Bethany House / In exchange for my honest opinion, I received a copy from the author and Bethany House Publ. which I am privileged to provide with no other compensation.
0.5 At Your Request
1. Behind the Scenes April 2017
2. Out of the Ordinary Nov. 2017
3. Caught by Surprise July 2018
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| FREE Amazon Link |
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| Amazon Link |
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| Amazon Link |
