About the Book
Title: To Write a Wrong
Series Info: Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency Book #2
Author: Jen Turano
Genre:Historical Romance
Book Info: (Bethany House Publishers, August 3rd, 2021, 364 pages
Blurb
Miss Daphne Beekman is a mystery writer by day, inquiry agent by night. Known for her ability to puzzle out plots, she prefers working behind the scenes for the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency, staying well away from danger. However, Daphne soon finds herself in the thick of an attempted murder case she’s determined to solve.
Mr. Herman Henderson is also a mystery writer, but unlike the dashing heroes he pens, he lives a quiet life, determined to avoid the fate of his adventurous parents, who perished on an expedition when he was a child. But when he experiences numerous attempts on his life, he seeks out the services of the eccentric Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency to uncover the culprit. All too soon, Herman finds himself stepping out of the safe haven of his world and into an adventure he never imagined.
As the list of suspects grows and sinister plots are directed Daphne’s way as well, Herman and Daphne must determine who they can trust and if they can risk the greatest adventure of all: love.
My Thoughts
I’ve been looking forward to the second installment of The Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency as soon as I was introduced to Daphne Beekman as a secondary character in the previous book of this series, To Steal a Heart. Daphne is a writer of mysteries who pens her stories as Montague Morland because it was considered quite unseemly for a woman to be a novelist, especially in that genre during the Gilded Age.
Daphne is my kind of heroine. From her typewriter she named Almira (because I name all my cars and other favorite gadgets), to her love of the written word (self-explanatory), not to mention she detests the morning physical fitness routine the inquiry agents are participating in to improve their stamina so they can peruse culprits who might be able to overpower them (I don’t like to sweat). Unlike Daphne, I’m not prone to swooning in the face of danger. Though truth-be-told, I haven’t really been put to the test. I know the wit and cleverness hiding beneath her timid exterior will endear her to every reader.
Turano wrote the perfect hero for Daphne as well. Enter Herman Henderson, a well known writer of adventure stories whose private life is rather dull in his opinion—until he meets Daphne. When Herman hires The Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency to discover who is trying to kill him, Daphne and Herman’s paths become intertwined. Herman wound himself around my heart as soon as he entered the story. He is a quiet, mild-mannered and utterly charming hero who manages to save Daphne from more than one troublesome situation she lands herself in. Herman is a true gentleman that is very worthy of Daphne and the witty banter between the two was engaging and kept me turning the pages.
Like most of Turano’s books, the reader is hit with a subtle yet powerful message about the limited choices women had during the Gilded Age. Several of the female characters, including Daphne, felt powerless against men who believed they could control them. Not family members, but men who insisted on marrying or taking liberties with the ladies, without their consent. Men who thought the ladies should consider themselves lucky to have their attention. I like how Daphne, and the other ladies to a lesser extent, stood up for themselves. They were able to see the facade these men showed the public and refused to be swayed by power, wealth, or position.
As with all Jen Turano books, I smiled, shook my head at the unbelievable antics of her quirky characters, and at times just laughed out loud. To Write a Wrong is another lovely gem in Jen Turano’s crown as the Queen of the Christian historical Rom-Com.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher, but wasn’t required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Favorite Quotes
“You’ve annoyed me several times already and we’ve only just met.”
“My nerves seem to become less questionable when I’m in disguise.”
“Honestly, Daphne, maybe I should consider holding these lessons later in the day because clearly your mind is a scary place to visit first thing in the morning.”
“And here’s when I feel compelled to point out that you do indeed possess an adventurous spirit, because racing after a woman is an adventure if there ever was one.”
“…at times she longed to share her love of the written word with someone who loved words as well, someone who wouldn’t mock her for choosing a profession that wasn’t considered acceptable for women…”
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.
She can be found on Facebook, Instagram or visit her on the web . She is represented by the Natasha Kern Literary Agency.
Giveaway**
**This Giveaway is now closed**
Congratulations to our winner, Rochelle!
I’m giving away a Kindle copy of To Write a Wrong to one lucky Romancing History visitor. Previously, I’ve asked you about your favorite among Jen’s many noteworthy heroines. This time, let’s chat about those heroes. Who stands out as a favorite for you?
Jeanne Crea
I think I would have to say one of my favorites is Reginald Blackburn, who was not looking for love!
Thank you so much for the chance to win I’ve been really wanting to read this latest book by Jen turano. I loved your review and the quotes that you enjoyed from the story.
romancinghistory
Hi Jeanne, Welcome to Romancing History! Reginald is an excellent choice!
Trixi
I haven’t read anything by Jen yet even though I have several of her books on my shelf. There’s just SO many books and SO little time….it’s hard to keep up 🙂
Thanks for the giveaway chance!
romancinghistory
Hi Trixi, Oh yes, I totally understand that. Funny thing, it doesn’t stop me from acquiring more. I seriously need a 12-step program.
Trixi
LOL…..ain’t that the truth? 😂
Karina
Hamilton Beckett from Gentleman of Her Dreams, the first Jen Turano book that I read.
romancinghistory
Hi Karina, Welcome to Romancing History! I often think the hero or heroine from the first book I read from an author stays with me the longest as well. Thanks for visiting today.
Rochelle
I love all of Jen Turano’s heroes but I really love Harrison Sinclair from Out of the Ordinary. Thanks for the opportunity!
romancinghistory
Hi Rochelle, Welcome to Romancing History! I love how Jen makes men that your atypical romance hero totally swoon worthy. Thanks for visiting today!
Rochelle
Thank you so much for this giveaway!
Jenn
Do we get a chance if we haven’t read any of hers?
This book looks great.
romancinghistory
Hi Jenn, Welcome to Romancing History! You bet you get a chance! I think you’ll really enjoy Jen’s books. Thanks for commenting today!
Iris Millett
I haven’t read any of Jen Turano’s books, but a love a Christian romance that makes you laugh.
romancinghistory
Hi Iris, Welcome to Romancing History! Oh, then you are in for a treat. Jen’s characters get into the most unbelievable messes. They are laugh-out-loud funny. Good luck in the drawing!
Betsy Tieperman
Everett Mulberry from In Good Company. Thank you for the opportunity!
romancinghistory
Oh, great choice, Betsy! Thanks for visiting!
Dawn
This book looks great. I’m not familiar with Mrs. Jen’s books. In all honesty a lot of authors are new to me. I’m a adventurous readers, me eye is always on a books journey. The cover overall really catches my eye. I just wanted to share about a recent hero I loved. He was Edward Remington from Jo Grafford “Bride for the Innkeeper” he uses his education and faith. Even though he seemed like a punny city guy I quickly adopted him as a faithful man and hero. Can’t wait to learn more about you and Mrs. Jen books. Thanks so much for the opportunity.
romancinghistory
Hi Dawn, Welcome to Romancing History! I haven’t heard of Jo Gafford. Her books sounds great. I’ll have to check that out. From the sound of Bride for the Innkeeper, I think you’ll like Jen’s books. She has quirky characters and often the heroes are of the gentlemanly class—so not the rough and tumble class but they are always endearing. Thanks for commenting and good luck in the drawing!
JOAN ARNING
Millie Longfellow!
romancinghistory
Hi Joan, Yes Millie was a favorite heroine of mine, too. What about her heroes? Any particular gentleman stand out? What about Everett Mulberry, the hero in In Good Company?
Mary Stalnaker
I don’t think I’ve read any of Jens’ books, but after your review I’m excited to get some and read them. The one you reviewed sounds really good.
romancinghistory
Hi Mary, Thanks for visiting Romancing History today. Oh,yes, they are really funny, and filled with endearing characters. This or the American Heiress series are my favorite so far.