A Match of Wits by Jen Turano

Overview: After his departure from New York two years ago to meet up with his almost-fiancée, 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?

ISBN-13: 9780764211270
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Publication date: 7/1/2014
Series:Ladies of Distinction Series , #4
Pages: 352

 My Reviews of the Ladies of Distinction Series: A Change of Fortune | A Most Peculiar Circumstance | A Talent for Trouble

My Review: I absolutely love Jen Turano. Her writing style is entertaining and fun! I have been waiting for Agatha's story since I read the first book, A Change of Fortune, and I was not disappointed. The story was swift, the action and adventure was entertaining, and the dialogue was witty! My only complaint: it ended!!

Agatha is a woman ahead of her time. She is unconventional, independent, stubborn, and someone wants her dead. Her faith is strong, even when she is unsure of the future. Zayne is a compassionate, kind man who is a little bit lost and disheartened in the beginning  of the story. Their connection was immediate, but both were slow to come to terms with their feelings, which made for highly entertaining dialogue. 

The message of the book was simple: God is always there, leading the way for you, even when you can't see Him in your circumstances. Sometimes it takes the help of others to realize this. Family and friends were placed in your life to help you along in your Christian walk, so don't take them for granted!

Overall, this was a highly satisfying conclusion to a fantastic series, and I can't wait for more of Jen Turano's stories.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Bethany House, in exchange for my honest review, which I have given.*

• Learn more about Jen Turano 
• Follow Jen: Facebook

A Talent For Trouble by Jen Turano

Overview: For years, Miss Felicia Murdock's every thought and action have been in pursuit of becoming a minister's wife. When the minister she'd set her sights on has other ideas, she decides something in her life needs to change--and soon--before she wastes any more time pretending to be someone she's not. If that means spreading her wings and embracing a more lively way of life, who's to say nay?

Grayson Sumner, Lord Sefton, has had more than enough of spreading his wings and only hopes to settle into the life of a respectable New York gentleman. Prompted by some friends to lift the spirits of the disappointed-in-love Miss Murdock, he is surprised to encounter an adventurous young lady with an unfortunate knack for stumbling into troublesome situations.

Just as Grayson decides he's had quite enough of her antics, his past comes back to haunt him and his presence in Felicia's life endangers her. As they work together to extricate themselves from this latest complication, will Grayson and Felicia decide they want to spend the rest of their lives keeping one another out of trouble?

My Review: Jen Turano has written another fantastic story! With lovable characters, witty dialogue, and an interesting plot, this story has it all. The story was humorous. The mystery surrounding Grayson's past added excitement to the story.

I loved Felicia's character. A lot of people can relate to her story. She is a strong woman with a deep faith and a "talent for trouble." The circumstances she finds herself in are hysterical. Grayson adds mystery to the story. He is compassionate and gruff at the same time. The romance that blossoms between them is sweet. 

The message of the story is two-fold. Make sure you pray and listen for God's direction in your life. Second, God will forgive all sin, big or small. It's all equal in His eyes. If He forgives you, you can most certainly forgive yourself. 

Overall, I highly enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more!

• Learn more about Jen Turano 
• Follow Jen: Facebook 
• Read my review of A Change of Fortune 
• Read my review of A Most Peculiar Circumstance

A Most Peculiar Circumstance by Jen Turano

Overview: 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 Review: I absolutely loved this book! Jen Turano has such a way with words. This fast-paced book is packed with humor, witty dialogue, and intriguing characters. The mystery and danger surrounding the plot kept me guessing until the very end. The romance between Arabella and Theodore was hilarious to watch as each battled their feelings for the other.  The story is very well written and I could picture the characters as they are interacting with one another and getting into one scrape after another. 

Arabella's character is well-written. The struggle she goes through with her self-worth is very natural, especially for a woman. I could relate to it. Theodore's character is also well-written. The progression of his thoughts and character development felt natural and not rushed. Arabella and Theordore find themselves in one "peculiar" circumstance after another, especially their romance! The secondary characters add depth to the story and also provide humorous side stories of their own.

Arabella has to learn, throughout the story, that sometimes it's hard not to judge another's circumstance. It's one thing to talk about caring for others and trying to help them, it's another thing altogether to feel compassion for them and really get to understand them. God wants us to feel that compassion for one another, especially when He calls us to the work we're doing.

Overall, this story was hilarious, enjoyable, and well-written. I really enjoy this author's writings and definitely look forward to the rest of this series!

• Learn more about Jen Turano 
• Follow Jen: Facebook 
• Read my review of A Change of Fortune
• Purchase A Most Peculiar Circumstance: B&N | Amazon | CBD

A Change of Fortune

A Change of Fortune by Jen Turano

This is the first book I have read by this author, and it was delightful.

Lady Eliza Sumner has travelled to America under the guise of a governess to recover what is rightfully hers.  Agatha Watson's matchmaking mama arranged a dinner party from which Agatha was strangely "ill" and Eliza was forced to step in. Enter Mr. Hamilton Beckett, the handsome man Agatha's mother has decided would suit her daughter, and his brother Mr. Zayne Beckett. Sparks fly the first time Eliza meets Hamilton and things just get crazier and crazier as the story progresses.

The dialogue is fast paced and exciting. There is never a dull moment with Eliza and Agatha.  The character development is wonderful. Jen Turano creates characters you can relate to in a personal way.  You sympathize with Eliza and Hamilton once you hear their stories and you pray and wish the best for both of them because you feel they deserve the best. The plot, while a little unbelievable, is still interesting and the romance between Hamilton and Eliza is sweet, but not overdone.

The theme that runs throughout the story is trust.  Learning to trust yourself, others, and most importantly, learning to trust that God has a purpose for everything and is in control of your life whether you realize it at the time or not.  Both Eliza and Hamilton have been placed in situations where much like we would do, they questioned God's wisdom and authority in their lives.  They have taken the reins from God, so to speak.  The story is about learning to relinquish that control and letting God do what He intended for your life.

Thank you Bethany House Publishers for providing me with a free copy of this book. It is excellent and I look forward to reading more by this author in the future.

Check it out:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-change-of-fortune-jen-turano/1108819090?ean=9780764210181