A fun new arrival to the world of Christian fiction: My review of "A Change of Fortune"by Jen Turano

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.

my review....

Debut author Jen Turano is a fun new arrival to the world of Christian fiction, writing with an entertaining hand that literally had me laughing out loud at several scenes! Lady Eliza Sumner is a delightful character, full of life and daring deeds, and willing to risk her reputation in order to regain her fortune and achieve justice. The relationship that develops between Eliza and Hamilton unfolds at a swift pace, beginning with one of the funniest opening chapters that I've read all year. I loved the addition of Hamilton’s children to the equation, contributing to the humorous moments but also adding to the complexity of their relationship. The heroics that Eliza undertakes at the end of the novel may not be the most realistic (you will see what I mean when you read the story), but I thoroughly bought into the story and was willing to suspend judgment by that point. I am certainly looking forward to what Jen has up her sleeve next, and will plan on tuning into her next novel, A Most Peculiar Circumstance, which follows the story of Hamilton’s sister, Arabella, and a supporting character introduced in A Change of Fortune as well, private investigator Theodore. After you read about Theodore and his chauvinistic ways, you will agree that the sparks are sure to fly between Theodore and Arabella, with her commitment to the suffrage movement, which I’m positive will provide further fun and laughter as with this debut novel.

A Change of Fortune is not one of those books that will leave you in deep contemplative thought. However, if you are looking for a light read that will at a very minimum have you smiling if not outright laughing as in my case, then this is the book for you! I give this book a solid recommendation and 4 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

about the author...

Jen Turano is a graduate of the University of Akron with a degree in Clothing and Textiles. She pursued a career in management for nine years before switching to full-time motherhood after the birth of her son. When she's not writing, Jen can be found watching her teenage son participate in various activities, taking long walks with her husband and dog, socializing with friends, or delving into a good book. She lives in suburban Denver, Colorado. Learn more at www.jenturano.com.

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