Behind the Scenes by Jen Turano

Miss Permilia Griswold, the wallflower behind "The Quill" gossip column, knows everything that goes on in the ballrooms of New York. When she overhears a threat against the estimable Mr. Asher Rutherford, she's determined to warn him. Away from society's spotlight, Asher and Permilia discover there's more going on behind the scenes than they anticipated.

Bethany House Publishers, 2017

Historical Romance

Apart From the Crowd series, book 1

My Review

Jen Turano is known for her lovable characters and witty banter. Her plots are always complex, yet light-hearted, and include a good mystery. Behind the Scenes was written in true Turano fashion, starring Permilia Griswold, a socialite banned to the wallflower section of society, and Asher Rutherford, an eligible bachelor who owns a department store. With instant chemistry on Asher's end, these characters fall into a comfortable camaraderie from the first page that both charms and delights. Throw in a murder plot and a few unexpected twists, and you have a romance that takes center stage. 

I give this book 3.5 stars! 

Playing the Part by Jen Turano

A Class of Their Own #3

Bethany House Publishers, 2016

Lucetta Plum is an actress on the rise in New York City, but is forced to abandon her starring role when a fan's interest turns threatening. Lucinda's widowed friend, Abigail Hart, is delighted at the opportunity to meddle in Lucetta's life and promptly whisks her away to her grandson's estate to hide out.

Bram Haverstein may appear to simply be a somewhat eccentric gentleman of means, but a mysterious career and a secret fascination with a certain actress mean there's much more to him than society knows.

Lucetta, who has no interest in Abigail's matchmaking machinations, has the best intentions of remaining cordial but coolly distant to Bram. But when she can't ignore the strange and mysterious things going on in his house, it'll take more than good intentions to keep her from trying to discover who Bram is behind the part he plays.

My Review

Playing the Part gives a whole new meaning to a night at the theater. The life of an actress may seem glamorous, but it's anything but for Lucetta Plum. Keeping admirers at bay has always been a nuisance, but when her step-father bargains her while gambling--and loses--a dangerous stalker forces her to flee the city for safety. Lucetta's friend and chaperon, Abigail, suggests hiding out in her grandson's castle. But Bram Haverstein is harboring several secrets of his own, some that include Lucetta. 

With mystery, intrigue, and lots of humor, Playing the Part will keep you entertained. I gave this book 3.5 stars. 

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Jen Turano is a graduate of the University of Akron with a degree in Clothing and Textiles. She pursued a career in management for nine years before switching to full-time motherhood after the birth of her son. When she's not writing, Jen can be found watching her teenage son participate in various activities, taking long walks with her husband and dog, socializing with friends, or delving into a good book. She lives in suburban Denver, Colorado. Learn more atwww.jenturano.com. 

In Good Company by Jen Turano

After growing up as an orphan, Millie Longfellow is determined to become the best nanny the East Coast has ever seen. Unfortunately, her playfulness and enthusiasm aren't always well received and she finds herself dismissed from yet another position.

Everett Mulberry has quite unexpectedly become guardian to three children that scare off every nanny he hires. About to depart for Newport, Rhode Island, for the summer, he’s desperate for competent childcare.

At wit’s end with both Millie and Everett, the employment agency gives them one last chance–with each other. As Millie falls in love with her mischievous charges, Everett focuses on achieving the coveted societal status of the upper echelons. But as he investigates the suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of the children’s parents, will it take the loss of those he loves to learn whose company he truly wants for the rest of his life?


Author: Jen Turano
Publisher: Bethany House, 2015
Cover Design: Paul Higdon
Cover Photography: Brandon Hill Photos


My Review
Jen's characters are always a load of fun. Witty and heart-warming, In Good Company is a pure delight. 

Millie Longfellow needs a nanny job after getting fired yet again. Socialite Everett Mulberry needs a nanny to care for the three mischievous children he's unexpectedly become guardian over. Neither adult believes they'll make a good match, but desperate times call for desperate measures. When the children gang up on Millie in attempt to get rid of her, as well as Everett's fiance, Caroline, they discover they can't outwit this nanny. As Millie's relationship with the children warms, Everett comes to realize Millie quite good at her job after all and enlists Millie's help investigating the mysterious deaths of the children's parents, which angers Caroline. These changes have Everett questioning his place in society, and wondering if he's in good company after all. 

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical romances and/or stories filled humor. I give this book 5 stars! 

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Jen Turano is the author of six books, including the Ladies of Distinction series. She makes her home in Denver, Colorado, with her husband and son. Visit her website at www.jenturano.com.

A Match of Wits by Jen Turano

After his departure from New York two years ago to meet up with his almost-fiancee, Zayne Beckett is the last person Agatha Watson wanted to stumble upon in her travels as a reporter with the New York Tribune. Quite pathetically bedraggled, he clearly needs to be taken in hand and sent back East to his family. Although she no longer has feelings for him, Agatha realizes--by hook or by crook--she'll have to be the one to get the obstinate man home.

Zayne has no desire to be taken anywhere and is prepared to drag his heels all the way home . . . until he finds himself slipping back into the familiar banter of his former friendship with Agatha. Once they arrive in New York, Zayne realizes Agatha's determined nose for news has earned her a few enemies, and he hopes to repay her help with some help of his own. When she rebuffs all his attempts to prove himself a knight in shining armor, the lengths to which they'll go to win this battle of wills lead to some memorable antics.

Everyone else may think them a match, but nothing could be further from the truth--until Agatha finds herself in real trouble. Have these two stubborn, too-smart-for-their-own-good people been meant for each other all along?


Publisher: Bethany House, 2014


My Review
This book was 345 pages of pure fun! In fact, if you're not hooked by the conclusion of the first chapter, you don't have a pulse. Agatha, a strong heroine with a beautiful heart and a destiny for trouble (Anne Shirley on steroids), gets tangled in a wild west adventure with childhood friend, Zayne Beckett--turned reclusive mountain man, a surly bodyguard protecting Agatha from a hitman, a sassy, match-making chaperone, and a pig named Matilda. When disaster strikes--and it usually does when Agatha is involved--the group travels home to New York where more mayhem, and romance, awaits.

I chose this book after reading Gentleman of Her Dreams, a delightful and free ebook introducing this series. The great cover caught my attention but most of all the title. It promised conflict and humor, and, boy, did it deliver!

I gave this book 5 stars!