Fiction Review: A Most Peculiar Circumstance by Jen Turano
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| A Most Peculiar Circumstance (Ladies of Distinction, Bk. 2) by Jen Turano Copyright 2013 ISBN: 9780764210198 |
Miss Arabella Beckett, defender of the down-trodden women of America, is returning from her travels in support of the women's suffrage movement when she makes a simple offer of assistance to a young woman in need. But things go sadly awry, and both ladies soon find themselves in dire need of rescue. Arabella, always loath to admit she needs help, is particularly reluctant to receive assistance from the arrogant, narrow-minded knight in shining armor who shows up just in time.
Private investigator extraordinaire Mr. Theodore Wilder is on an assignment that began as a favor to his good friend Hamilton Beckett, but swiftly evolved into a merry chase across the country. He is already in a less than pleasant mood, and when Hamilton's sister turns out to have radical ideas and a fiercely independent streak, he's at his wit's end.
Much to their chagrin, Theodore and Arabella's paths continue to cross when they return home to New York, but the most unusual feelings beginning to grow between them certainly can't be anything serious. When the trouble Arabella accidentally stirred up in her travels follows her home and threatens her very life, the unlikely couple must face the possibility that they might have landed in the most peculiar circumstance of all: love.
My Thoughts:
A few months ago I had the chance to read the first book in this series, A Change of Fortune, and in spite of some issues, I still enjoyed it. I was hoping that the sophomore book in the series would be a marked improvement, but sadly it was not. That's not saying it wasn't an interesting storyline, I liked the plot, but I did not care for the hero and heroine in the least.
The first few chapters promised fun and excitement, but with two characters whose stubbornness was more annoying than endearing, it was a struggle for me to get through the story. I felt more of a connection with a minor character -- mainly because she put Arabella in her place! I think if Arabella and Theodore realized that they needed to make some changes and leave room to compromise in their lives before the last third of the book, I could have really enjoyed their story.
Still, this wasn't a wholly unenjoyable book. I liked the mystery and the shenanigans of Arabella and her friends while "undercover" in the city. Let's just say there's more than one arrest in this story that results in a few laughs and tears too. A Most Peculiar Circumstance isn't going to make my Book of the Year list this year, but it's something that those who like a light-hearted read may enjoy.
~ My Rating: 2 out of 5 stars ~
To learn more about the author visit her website here:
*I receive complimentary books for review from the publisher. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.*
I'm right there with you on this novel, Renee. It was too much of a contradiction for me to fully enjoy. It's hard to explain but I felt like Arabella embodied too much of what she was fighting against - i.e., women's rights. She desperately wanted to be independent yet seemed more foolish than wise - somewhere between her and Theodore, there was a good balance. :)
ReplyDeleteI just could not get into this one. I think she would have made a better contemporary character if that makes any sense? Thanks for stopping by, always love your insightful comments. :-)
DeleteSorry it didn't work for you but I did enjoy your review. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Juju! You're a peach!
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