To Spark a Match

 To Spark a Match

by Jen Turano

My Thoughts:

Adelaide Duveen doesn't quite fit the mold of the New York 400. She has always been a bit of a wallflower, and her obsessive love for cats and books doesn't help. In addition, her uncanny ability to get herself into terribly embarrassing situations, such as the time she walked through a dinner party with her skirt tucked into her unusual bloomers, doesn't help. Her mother is beside herself and fears her daughter will never wed. When Adelaide's latest disaster is the result of helping Gideon Abbott while he's trying to uncover a thief, he feels obligated to find a way to help Adelaide return to the good graces of society.

This book is a hoot! But in addition to the hilarious situations, there is a deep aspect about Adelaide's life. She desperately wants to be herself, not the person society wants her to be. The way Jen Turano creates her character, and others, adds a heartfelt element of caring for others in sacrificial ways. I love this book, its characters, and the underlying message.

About the Book (from the back cover):

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 thrurst into to 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 investigation. 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.

About the Author:

Named one of the funniest voices in inspirational romance by Booklist, Jen Turano is a USA Today bestselling author known for penning quirky historical romances set in the Gilded Age. She and her family live outside of Denver, Colorado. Readers can find her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (X), an at jenturano.com.

A Match in the Making

 A Match in the Making

by Jen Turano

My Thoughts:

Jen Turano has once again provided a book full of historical fun and romance. She drops us into the center of the shenanigans of The 400, some of America's wealthiest families during their summer vacations which are anything but relaxing. Balls, parties, and even beach outings are barely disguised activities for finding a suitable mate.

This new series introduces some fun and some annoying new characters -- women who are seeking a different life and those who are only seeking rich husbands. Add some adorable and undisciplined children and the scene is ripe for mishap and adventure.

Turano has a brilliant ability to bring interesting and flawed characters to life in a way that has you rooting for characters who quickly become friends. I can't wait for the second book in this series!

About the Book (from the back cover):

Miss Gwendolyn Brinley accepted a temporary paid companion position for the Newport summer season, believing it would be a lark to spend the summer in America’s most exclusive town. She suddenly finds her summer turning anything but amusing when her employer expects her to take over responsibilities as an assistant matchmaker. Tasked with the daunting prospect of attaining advantageous matches for her clients, Gwendolyn soon finds herself in the company of Mr. Walter Townsend, the catch of the Season, but a gentleman Gwendolyn finds beyond annoying.

Walter is reluctantly in search of a wife for the sake of his unruly motherless children. What he wasn’t expecting was Miss Brinley, who turns his quest for a new wife into a complete and utter debacle.

The more time they spend together throughout the Newport Season, the harder it is for Gwendolyn to find Walter a wife when she realizes his perfect match might be . . . her.

USA Today bestselling author Jen Turano’s trademark wit, sweet romance, and hilarious mischief will keep you turning the pages of this lively Gilded Age tale.

About the Author

Named One of the Funniest Voices in Inspirational Romance by Booklist, Jen Turano is a USA Today Best-Selling Author, known for penning quirky historical romances set in the Gilded Age. Her books have earned Publisher Weekly and Booklist starred reviews, top picks from Romantic Times, and praise from Library Journal. She’s been a finalist twice for the RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards and had two of her books listed in the top 100 romances of the past decade from Booklist. When she’s not writing, she spends her time outside of Denver, CO. Readers may find her
at www.jenturano.com or https://www.facebook.com/jenturanoauthor/or on Twitter at JenTurano @JenTurano.