Romancing History

Book Review, Storing Up Trouble by Jen Turano & a Giveaway!

Storing Up Trouble

by Jen Turano

 

I just finished the very delightful Storing Up Trouble, book #3 in the American Heiresses series, by the fabulous Jen Turano. Jen has been a guest on Romancing History before so if you’d like to learn a bit more about her and her books, click here to see my author interview with her from last September.

Jen has generously offered to giveaway a paper copy of her latest release Storing Up Trouble to one lucky Romancing History guest. See below for the details of the giveaway.

About the Book


Title: Storing Up Trouble
Series Info: American Heiress, Book #3
Author: Jen Turano
Genre: Historical Romance
Book Info: (Bethany House Publishers, May 5, 2020, 363 pages


Blurb

When Miss Beatrix Waterbury’s Chicago-bound train ride is interrupted by a heist, Mr. Norman Nesbit, a man of science who believes his research was the target of the heist, comes to her aid. Despite the fact that they immediately butt heads, they join forces to make a quick escape.

Upon her arrival in Chicago, Beatrix is surprised to discover her supposedly querulous Aunt Gladys shares her own suffragette passions. Encouraged by Gladys to leave her sheltered world, Beatrix begins working as a salesclerk at the Marshall Field and Company department store. When she again encounters Norman on a shopping expedition, he is quickly swept up in the havoc she always seems to attract.

But when another attempt is made to part Norman from his research papers, and it becomes clear Beatrix’s safety is also at risk, they soon discover the curious way feelings can grow between two very different people in the midst of chaos.

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My Thoughts

Beatrix. Beatrix. Beatrix. She’s been a favorite secondary character of mine throughout the entire American Heiresses series and I can’t deny she’s a simply delightful heroine! Her straight forward, yet optimistic ways endear her to the reader. And, any woman who packs a pistol purse and saves her man during a train heist is Aces in my book!

That brings us to the hero, one Mr. Norman Nesbit. I must admit, this sweet awkward man stole my heart early on. While gifted with intelligence a plenty, Norman struggles with normal every day social graces. And while Beatrix originally is a bit of a thorn in his side, their banter sparks an attraction to her his scientific formulas just can’t explain and he slowly realizes how her influence has made him aware that he’s been more concerned with his own research than people—a situation he determines to rectify.

One of my favorite aspects of Storing Up Trouble was learning about life as a sales girl in a Gilded Age department store. When Beatrix is forced to visit her Aunt Gladys, she is required to get a job at Marshall Field & Company so she can relate to the problems of the working class. Determined to keep her identity as part of the New York Four Hundred under wraps, the Chicago elite make many improper assumptions about Beatrix and she realizes for the first time just how unfair life can be for those not born to a life of privilege.

Turano delights the reader with a trifecta of well-developed characters, lush historical details, and rich, vivid settings. Those familiar with Turano’s writing know they’re in for a comedic romp through the Gilded Age and Storing Up Trouble delivers not only laugh out loud scenes but a sweet romance as well.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.


Favorite Quotes

“Just because he frequently annoys me doesn’t mean I’m not fond of the man.”

“Every time he tried to settle into a relaxing bout of mathematical equations or attempt to draw a diagram of an improved electrical motor, thoughts of Beatrix interrupted his work.”

“Men tend to react better to unexpected news when they’re not suffering from hunger pains.”

“You’ve never had trouble sleeping before, even when you’re on a train, which means . . . you’ve met a man, and one who is giving you trouble if I’m not mistaken.”

“Friends and family made life enjoyable, a notion he’d only begun considering after becoming acquainted with Beatrix.”


Spiritual Takeaway

One of my favorite aspects of Storing Up Trouble is the witty banter between Beatrix and Norman. These two get underneath each other’s skin as it were and remind me of the Biblical proverb, “As iron sharpens iron so one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17) Isn’t that just the truth? It is often when our actions and motives are questioned by those around us that we see our own failings more clearly. Norman, a brilliant scientist, comes to the realization that he doesn’t really know his own family because he spends all of his time in the pursuit of knowledge. It is only when he meets Beatrix that his eyes are opened and he begins in earnest to make amends to those around him. When others can hardly believe the changes in him, he credits the “new Norman” to Beatrix’s influence.

Storing Up Trouble also spoke to the old maxim, “don’t judge a book by its cover.” Because Beatrix kept her identity as an American heiress and member of the elite New York Four Hundred a secret, incorrect assumptions were made about her by most everyone she encountered that she was either struggling financially or an ill-bred member of the working class or both. Despite her ill-treatment at times, Beatrix makes a stand for justice and reminds those around her that the true value of a person doesn’t lie in their wealth or social statues but in the unique person God made them to be despite their circumstances.


Other Books in the American Heiresses Series


Flights of Fancy, American Heiresses Book #1

Flights of Fancy (American Heiresses Book #1) by [Jen Turano]Miss Isadora Delafield may be an heiress, but her life is far from carefree. When her mother begins pressuring her to marry an elderly and uncouth duke, she escapes from the high society world she’s always known and finds herself to be an unlikely candidate for a housekeeper position in rural Pennsylvania.

Mr. Ian MacKenzie is known for his savvy business sense and has built his reputation and fortune completely on his own merits. But when his adopted parents are in need of a new housekeeper and Isadora is thrown into his path, he’s unexpectedly charmed by her unconventional manner.

Neither Isadora nor Ian expected to find the other so intriguing, but when mysterious incidents on the farm and the truth of Isadora’s secret threaten those they love, they’ll have to set aside everything they thought they wanted for a chance at happy-ever-after.

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Diamond in the Rough, American Heiresses Book #2

Diamond in the Rough (American Heiresses Book #2) by [Jen Turano]To save her family from financial ruin, Miss Poppy Garrison accepts an unusual proposition to participate in the New York social season in exchange for her grandmother settling a family loan that has unexpectedly come due. Ill-equipped to handle the intricacies of mingling within the New York Four Hundred, Poppy becomes embroiled in one hilarious fiasco after another, doomed to suffer a grand societal failure instead of being deemed the diamond of the first water her grandmother longs for her to become.

Reginald Blackburn, second son of a duke, has been forced to travel to America to help his cousin, Charles Wynn, Earl of Lonsdale, find an American heiress to wed in order to shore up his family estate that is in desperate need of funds. Reginald himself has no interest in finding an heiress to marry, but when Poppy’s grandmother asks him to give etiquette lessons to Poppy, he swiftly discovers he may be in for much more than he bargained for.

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About the Author

Named One of the Funniest Voices in Inspirational Romance by Booklist, Jen Turano is a USA Today Best-Selling Author, known for penning quirky historical romances set in the Gilded Age. Her books have earned Publisher Weekly and Booklist starred reviews, top picks from Romantic Times, and praise from Library Journal. She’s been a finalist twice for the RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards and had two of her books listed in the top 100 romances of the past decade from Booklist.  When she’s not writing, she spends her time outside of Denver, CO. Readers may find her at www.jenturano.com or on Facebook and Twitter.


Giveaway**

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNER — CATHY!

Jen has graciously agreed to give away one paper copy of Storing Up Trouble to one lucky Romancing History guest. To enter, please leave a comment below and tell us which of Jen’s delightfully quirky heroines is your favorite and why?

 

 **Giveaway open to US Residents only and ends at midnight on Sunday, 5/24/20.

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53 Comments

  1. Shonda

    Love Jan’s book!

    • romancinghistory

      Me too, Shonda! Good luck in the drawing!

  2. Eva Reimer

    I happen to love all of Jen’s books. The first book I read was “The Gentleman of her Dreams.” Miss Charlotte Wilson’s charm led me to read all of her books. I can’t wait to read all her new books!

    • romancinghistory

      Hi Eva, I think that’s often true. The book that made me fall in love with a particular author’s books is usually my favorite one, too!

  3. Donna Moorhead

    There is no way I can choose one, lol. I love all of Jen’s books and her funny heroines.

    • romancinghistory

      There’s a lot of truth in that comment, Donna! Good luck in the drawing!

  4. Megan

    I actually haven’t read any of her books yet, but this one sounds so good! Thank you for the chance to win!

    • romancinghistory

      Hi Megan, Thanks for visiting the blog today! Oh Jen’s books are laugh out loud funny! I hope you get a chance to read them!

  5. Kathleen

    I just loved Miss Gertrude Cadwalader from Out of the Ordinary, all she so graciously put up with, but my favorite laugh out loud quirky hero is now Jack Daggett from Grand Encounters. Oh, I laughed so hard I had to put the book down. She can sure weave a story!

    • romancinghistory

      Hi Kathleen, Oh Jack Daggett is the best! Now I wish I’d flipped the question and asked about favorite heroes from Jen’s books. Sigh, I guess there’s always next time!

  6. Arletta

    I think Isadora speaks to me most – I’d do almost anything to get away from an undesirable man, no matter his age! She sounds spunky.

    • romancinghistory

      Hi Arletta, Isadora…we can’t forget her and yes, spunky, is most a appropriate way to describe her! Good luck in the drawing!

  7. Amanda Robertson

    I adore all of her books! They provide a wonderful, funny, romantic and whimsical escape from my ems and/or funeral home jobs! I’m so ready to read this next one.

    • romancinghistory

      Hi Amanda, Oh wow, it definitely sounds like you need some funny when you read! Good luck in the drawing!

  8. Steph J.

    My favorite is Gertrude from Out of the Ordinary. The book was so funny and Gertrude was a very fun and interesting character.

    • romancinghistory

      Hi Steph, Out of the Ordinary is one of my favorite of Jen’s books. Thanks for visiting Romancing History and good luck in the drawing!

  9. Looks like a great story, one I’d like to read a (print) copy of! Thanks for the opportunity! Would love to win a print copy! Lual Krautter krautter41120AToutlookDOTcom

    • romancinghistory

      Hi Lual, Thanks for stopping by! Good luck in the drawing!

  10. Lisa Garrity

    I am new to Jen’s books but they sound great! I’ll have to check out the heroines listed by the others–I love books that make me laugh!! Can these books in this series be read as stand-alone novels? Thanks!

    • romancinghistory

      Hi Lisa, Yes, Jen’s books can be read as stand alone’s. Good luck in the drawing!

  11. Frances Sniatecki

    Poppy was a real hoot.

    • romancinghistory

      Hi Frances, I didn’t think anything could top Poppy but when Beatrix produces a pistol purse….well, let’s just say mayhem abounds! Good luck in the drawing!

  12. Anna B.

    It’s so hard to choose a favorite! They all feel like dear friends! But there’s something special about Millie Longfellow (In Good Company) that warms my heart. She tries to hard, but bless her, she never quite gets it right. And yet, she always does!

    • romancinghistory

      Hi Anna, I love what you wrote about Millie. I haven’t read In Good Company, but you’re the second person giving a shout out to Millie so I’m looking forward to reading her story. Good luck in the drawing!

  13. Desiree Bates

    Love this author!!!!

    • romancinghistory

      Hi Desiree, oh me, too! So much to love about her stories! Good luck in the drawing!

  14. Maryann

    I loved Agatha Watson from A Match of Wits. She was never afraid to speak her mind. She had to deal with Zayne Beckett and her feelings for him while her life was constantly in danger. Her pet pig Matilda added humor to the story. My favorite scene was when Agatha was in the store when mayhem occurred.

    • Diane Estrella

      I loved her first book and being introduced to her humor. Every one is unique!!!

      • romancinghistory

        Hi Diane, I would love to know if Jen experiences all the same kind of mishaps that her heroines do. LOL! Good luck in the drawing!

  15. Trudy

    I love Permilia!!! Part is her name, and part is her personality!!

    • romancinghistory

      Hi Trudy, I think the names Jen picks are so perfect for her characters!! Thanks for visiting Romancing History and good luck in the drawing!

  16. Alyssa Tillett

    My favorite is Miss Gertrude Cadwalader from Out of the Ordinary. But I love all the characters!

    All of Jen Tuano’s books make me laugh. Out of the Ordinary was the first book I picked up after my grandpa passed away. I needed a good laugh and that book had me laughing out loud. I’m pretty sure my husband thought I had lost my mind.

    • romancinghistory

      Hi Alyssa, Oh that is so funny! My husband often looks at me that way. Then I make him listen to the scene and he ends up laughing, too!

  17. Amy

    Choose?! All are so delightfully witty!!

    • romancinghistory

      Hi Amy, I know, right? Good luck in the drawing!

    • romancinghistory

      Hi Amy, Quite mean of me to make you choose, right? Good luck in the drawing!

  18. Haven’t read her books would like to.

    • romancinghistory

      Hi Billie, Oh, please do! You won’t be sorry! Good luck in the drawing!

  19. April Morin

    I also love Gertrude from Out of the Ordinary. It was the first of Jen’s books I read and I remember laughing over Gertie’s clumsiness and awkwardness. She’s one of my favorite authors.

    • romancinghistory

      Hi April, three cheers for Gertrude! Out of the Ordinary is one of my favorite all time books! Good luck in the drawing!

  20. I’ve actually never read any of Jen Turano’s books, so I don’t have a favorite character, but I know I love books set in American history, and this one sounds fascinating! I’d definitely like to read it.

    • romancinghistory

      Hi Priscilla, I know you’d love any of Jen’s books. They will tickle your funny bone for sure! Good luck in the drawing!

  21. Miss Permilia Griswold from Behind the Scenes is definitely one of my favorites. She made me laugh so many times and she’s so endearing. I love how her wallflower status was the perfect cover for her job!

    • romancinghistory

      Hi Kimberly, I do remember quite a few laughing fits reading Permilia’s story. Good luck in the drawing!

  22. Jenny

    My favorite is Permilia Griswold. Love the “wallflower” series of books.

    • romancinghistory

      Hi Jenny, Permilia is a hoot and a half! Good choice! Good luck in the drawing!

  23. Vesna Dan

    I’d love to read this , you are a new to me author. Thanks for the chance.

    • romancinghistory

      Hi Vesna, Oh I know you’ll love any of her books. Good luck in the drawing!

  24. Perrianne Askew

    My favorite is Mis Gertrude Cadwalader from Out of the Ordinary. Gertruce had to put up with Mrs. Davenport and her “sticky fingered” messes which is enough to drive anyone crazy. Harrison’s mother and sisters were an interesting lot as well. I like this one the best because it seems like there was so mich good that came out of it in the end.

    • Jennifer

      I love all of Jen’s books. A Match of Wits is still my all time favorite! It is laugh out loud funny, like many of her other books! This new one is so good! I’m not finished with it but I love the chemistry between Beatrix and Norman! I

      • romancinghistory

        Hi Jennifer, Oh yes I adore Norman! He’s so endearing and he just can’t help sticking his foot in his mouth! Good luck in the drawing!

  25. Staci Mitchell

    Shes a new to me author so i simply dont know but would love to win a book to read of hers

    • romancinghistory

      Hi Staci, It’s so much fun to discover a new author and fall in love with all their stories! I know you’ll love any of Jen’s books! Good luck in the drawing!

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