Review ~ A Talent for Trouble by Jen Turano

Hello Friends, today I have a sneak peak at a book that will release tomorrow! I received my copy from the publisher, Bethany House, in exchange for a review, but I know I would have bought it anyway. It's just that good! This book is Jen Turano's A Talent for Trouble. It is the third book in her Ladies of Distinction series. You may recall that I reviewed the first book A Change of Fortune earlier this summer.

Summary: Our story begins with a broken heart. You see, Felicia Murdock just knew she was supposed to marry the reverend. Unfortunately, he didn't know that, and married someone else. Broken hearted, and dismayed that EVERYONE seemed to know about her supposedly secret infatuation with him, Felicia decides that it is high time she get back to being herself again, instead of the woman she became to please the reverend. Her mother, meanwhile, is determined to find Felicia a man that is right for her, and decides that Lord Grayson Sumner is just the man for the job. He, along with Felicia's dear friend Agatha, a reporter, are determined to get Felicia out of her funk and into circulation again - well that's Agatha's goal anyway. Grayson is just there to help cheer her up, until his mysterious past from the Far East comes back to endanger them all. Through a myriad of mishaps and adventures, written in the witty, and often downright hilarious style that is Jen Turano, this book will keep you on your toes, and in giggles! From the heights of New York society in 1881 to the slums at the docks (with some misadventures included), A Talent for Trouble is a fantastic read, and it kept me on the edge of my seat - from not just the adventure, but the humor and romance too!


What I liked: First, what a beautiful cover! So eye-catching! I also loved the characters. It was great to get to see Grayson's past. I also appreciated the detail Jen puts into the scenes and costuming of each story. She seems to really know her stuff! Another thing I enjoyed was that she takes the time to show the reader not only what high society looked like, but the slums too. She showed the dangers that these people faced and the struggles they had. It made it real and gave me something to chew on. The details of the opium den and what went on there were heartbreaking. What's worse is that those problems still exist today, and are maybe even worse. Finally, her characters were well developed and entertaining. I can't wait to read what is coming next!


What I didn't care for: While the majority of the book was good, it did have yet another scene where the girls got in trouble down at the docks, and while it fit the book, this is the third time in three books it happened. It didn't really bother me, just stuck out a little bit. It still fit the story and was important to its resolution. Some of the wrap-up with Grayson's past was a bit confusing, but overall was great.

So, if you are looking for a fun read that will keep you guessing and laughing, This is it! It releases tomorrow, October 1, 2013. Yay! Her next book will be about Agatha and Zayne - FINALLY! Hope you enjoy this entertaining historical romantic mystery!

Sarah