A Nice Debut Novel: A Change of Fortune by Jen Turano

A Change of Fortune
by Jen Turano
Copyright 2012
Bethany House Publishers
ISBN: 9780764210181
About the book:
Lady Eliza Sumner is on a mission. After losing her family, her fiancé, and her faith, the disappearance of her fortune is the last straw. Now, masquerading as Miss Eliza Sumner, governess-at-large, she's determined to find the man who ran off with her fortune, reclaim the money, and head straight back to London. 

Much to Mr. Hamilton Beckett's chagrin, all the eyes of New York society--all the female ones, at least--are on him. Unfortunately for all the matchmaking mothers and eligible daughters, he has no plans to marry again, especially with his hands full keeping his business afloat and raising his two children alone.

When Eliza's hapless attempts to regain her fortune put her right in Hamilton's path, sparks instantly begin to fly. The discovery of a common nemesis causes them to join forces, but with all their plans falling by the wayside and their enemies getting the better of them, it will take a riot of complications for Hamilton and Eliza to realize that God just might have had a better plan in mind all along.

When all of Hamilton's and Eliza's best-laid plans fall by the wayside, it will take a riot of complications for them to realize that God just might have had a better plan in mind all along.


My Thoughts:
Every once in a while an author comes along who changes the way you look at your favorite genre. My favorite genre, historical romance was knocked of kilter when Mary Connealy came on the scene ten or so years ago. With her sassy and hilarious heroines the way I looked at romance was forever changed. With her debut, A Change of Fortune, Jen Turano is well on her way to doing the same thing where Victorian-set romances are concerned.

While not the best book I've read I immediately fell in love with the characters, especially Eliza whose desire for revenge turns into a somewhat dizzying adventure. She's impulsive and more than a bit reckless as she dives into her plans without much forethought. I absolutely adored Hamilton Beckett. With his brooding personality and his almost immediate unflagging devotion to Eliza he endeared himself to me right away. It will be very interesting to see what happens with his sister Arabella in A Most Peculiar Circumstance and Eliza's brother Grayson in A Talent for Trouble! This story reminded me of a Disney Channel TV series where the characters might dress in period costumes--characters climbing over garden walls, getting mistakenly arrested etc. It definitely had a very modern vibe, especially some of the dialogue, but even still it was enjoyable.

Overall A Change of Fortune was a good debut. I'm glad to see more authors writing stories with a sense of humor in the Christian fiction market. If you want a quick read to pass the day and don't mind that there isn't much historical content definitely give this book a try.

Order a copy HERE.

To learn more about the author visit her WEBSITE.

~ My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars ~

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.*

Happy Reading!





Comments

  1. UnknownMarch 21, 2013 at 2:29 PM

    Good review! I still need to make time to even read the short story Turano released prior to this book's release!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Renee (BlacknGoldGirlsBookSpot)March 21, 2013 at 6:35 PM

    I saw that today! I guess I'm not the only one who needs an 8 day week just to get her reading done! ;-)

    xoxo,
    Renee

    ReplyDelete
  3. RissiMarch 21, 2013 at 8:47 PM

    This one has been sitting on my shelf for an age, Renee! One of these days I'll dust it off and read it as it looks adorable and I want to read the other books by Jen also. :)

    Great review.

    ReplyDelete
  4. SukoMarch 22, 2013 at 5:23 PM

    Terrific review, Renee! I'm glad you enjoyed this one. The characters sound wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Holly (2 Kids and Tired)March 24, 2013 at 5:53 PM

    I thought this one was a terrific debut as well. Such awesome characters.

    ReplyDelete

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