Out of the Ordinary by Jen Turano

Out of the Ordinary

Apart From The Crowd #2
Bethany House, A Baker Publishing Group
November 2017
9780764217951

Miss Gertrude Cadwalader hoped her position as the paid companion to Mrs. Davenport would be easy. But as she becomes acquainted with her employer, she realizes the wealthy Mrs. Davenport has a strange tendency to be a bit light-fingered with other people’s trinkets. Gertrude is relieved when Mrs. Davenport decides to have a quiet summer away from the social scene–until the woman changes her mind in order to help a young socialite launch into society.

When Gertrude is caught in the act of trying to return one of the trinkets by Mrs. Sinclair, the mother of shipping magnate Harrison Sinclair, the woman jumps to an unfortunate conclusion. Harrison is determined to mend fences with Miss Cadwalader, but he’s unprepared for the escapades a friendship with her will entail.

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My Review: I was so, so, so, so, SO excited when this story came out! I have been eagerly awaiting Gertrude's story since I was introduced to her in the first book, Behind the Scenes. It was everything I imagined it would be and more!

Gertrude's life with Mrs. Davenport is never dull. Gertrude is smart and funny. Her willingness to assist Mrs. Davenport in her many crazy endevears with fashion is most amusing. Harrison Sinclair is a strong male character. He is sure of himself and doesn't care what people think about him (or his crazy fashion sense). Their friendship is endearing. I love how clueless they both are about their feelings for each other. Watching them discover themselves and each other was sweet and amusing (as is Jen's customary style).

The message of the book is clear. As Gertrude and the others discover throughout the book, "God doesn't expect His children to live ordinary lives, but extraordinary ones." She also learned that you have to be "willing to give up living an ordinary life" and hand it over to God who can make that life extraordinary if we trust Him with it.

Overall, Jen Turano delivers another hilarious adventure, full of faith, fun, and a little romance. I highly recommend this book to anyone to loves a good clean book that will have you laughing til the very end.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.*

A USA Today Best-Selling Author, Jen Turano has written the critically acclaimed Ladies of Distinction series, and A Class of Their Own series, published through Bethany House Publishers. Her novel, After a Fashion, was chosen as a top pick from Romantic Times, as well as being named a top ten romance of 2015 from Booklist. It is also a nominee for Romantic Times 2015 Reviewers’ Choice Award. Her book, A Most Peculiar Circumstance, was chosen as a top ten romance by Booklist in 2013. Her seventh book, Playing the Part, released in the spring of 2016, and will be followed by a new four-book series, Apart from the Crowd. When she’s not writing, Jen spends her time outside of Denver with her husband and neurotic Cattle Dog, enjoying herself as an empty-nester since her son recently abandoned her for the college life. She can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jenturanoauthor/ or visit her on the web at www.jenturano.com. She is represented by the Natasha Kern Literary Agency. Her books may be found in fine bookstores, or follow the Baker House Publishing link to find additional places to purchase her work – http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/authors/jen-turano/1761

Blind Spot by Dani Pettrey

Blind Spot

Chesapeake Valor Series, #3
Bethany House, Baker Publishing Group
10/3/2017
ISBN-13: 9780764212963

FBI agent Declan Grey is in the chase of his life–but isn’t sure exactly what he’s chasing after. Threatened by a terrorist that “the wrath is coming,” Grey fears something horrible is about to be unleashed on American soil. When his investigation leads him to a closed immigrant community, he turns to Tanner Shaw to help him. She’s sought justice for refugees and the hurting around the world, and if there’s anyone who can help him, it’s Tanner.

Tanner Shaw has joined the FBI as a crisis counselor . . . meaning she now has more opportunity to butt heads with Declan. But that tension also includes a spark she can’t deny, and she’s pretty sure Declan feels the same. But before anything can develop between them, they discover evidence of a terror cell–and soon are in a race against the clock to stop the coming “wrath” that could cost thousands their lives.

Check out Dani's page for more fun: http://danipettrey.com/blind-spot/

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My Review: I have never been disappointed with Dani's works. This book is no exception. I absolutely loved Blind Spot from beginning to end. I was quickly and completely wrapped up in the story and would have read it in one sitting if I didn't have a newborn to take care of!

I absolutely loved jumping back into the lives of Declan and Tanner. Seeing their relationship change and grow in the first two books, I was certainly eager to find out what happened in their own story. The tension between the two characters is undeniable. I loved learning more about each character and was surprised by some of the things I learned. It definitely made for a more interesting story. Their faith, though, was inspiring. Both characters have a firm grasp on the role God plays in their lives. I wish, oh how I wish I had that kind of faith!

The story is laid out masterfully. I was fully engaged throughout the entire story and hated getting to the end. I wanted more! I love how Dani also incorporates characters from her other stories in a way that allows us to stay connected to them, but still focuses on the main characters and plot. And talk about SHOCK FACTOR and CLIFF HANGER in the EXTREME! No, I won't tell you what happened.. I don't want to spoil it for you! But I honestly never saw it coming. Now, I have to patiently wait for the next book to come out!

Overall, I loved this book, as I knew I would. Dani Pettrey books are full of suspense, romance, and a hefty dose of faith. If that's what you're looking for in a story, you can't go wrong with any of Dani's works. I highly recommend you add Blind Spot to your reading list!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.*

Dani Pettrey is a wife, mom, grandma, and the author of Cold Shot, the first book in the Chesapeake Valor series, and the Alaskan Courage romantic suspense series, which includes her bestselling novels Submerged, Shattered, Stranded, Silenced, and Sabotaged. Her books have been honored with the Daphne du Maurier award, two HOLT Medallions, a Christy Award nomination, two National Readers’ Choice Awards, the Gail Wilson Award of Excellence, and Christian Retailing’s Best Award, among others.

She feels blessed to write inspirational romantic suspense because it incorporates so many things she loves—the thrill of adventure, nail-biting suspense, the deepening of her characters’ faith, and plenty of romance. She and her husband reside in Maryland, where they enjoy time with their two daughters, a son-in-law, and a super adorable grandson.

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