Another great book by Jen Turano! I loved the characters and the storyline. The main character reminded myself of me and that made the book very interesting. ( )

3 1/2 stars. Suspend your disbelief and it's a fun read. ( )

This book was definitely an improvement over the last two. The first 5 chapters or so were really engaging- interesting, fairly well written and funny. But things quickly went downhill after that. It was so hard to slog through that it took me 3 months to get through 75% of it, before deciding that it had dragged on long enough and life is too short to waste time reading books that hold zero interest for me. I'm sure I could predict every major plot wrap-up anyway.

The writing style was almost constantly distracting. Each and every sentence was too wordy, stuffed to the brim with the same 10-15 adverbs, such as entirely, slightly, disturbingly, rather, quite etc. and phrases like "clearly evident."

The plot was transparent immediately, but it was more the way that it was stretched out that bothered me. Felicia's story would have kept my interest longer if it had started earlier, with more of her pursuit of the reverend being covered. The shenanigans she'd have gotten into and her obliviousness to her feelings being widely known could have been very entertaining. And it would have given time for Grayson to develop real feelings, being present, though not front and center until the middle/end.

I'd have liked to then see Grayson make a stand for her (it would have been so much better than the whole, "she'll never love me, I don't deserve her" self pity reminiscent of Twilight. So unattractive), and her learn to trust and love a man with a past over time. There could have a been a great Christian message there. While Ms. Turano does acknowledge these themes, they are only challenges for the blink of an eye, before the heroine senses from God that she is being judgemental and should forgive Grayson. The rapidity of tehe switch was nrealistic and unrelatable.

I thought she missed the point with Eliza and Grayson's talk. It started well, but went downhill when in response to Grayson's comment that God couldn't or wouldn't forgive his level of sin, Eliza was decides to talk Grayson out of taking as much responsibility as he did and feeling the levels of guilt that went along with it. What? I think the message should have been, God, the creator of the universe and every cell in your body is capable of forgiving any level of sin. And to harbor guilt after asking for forgiveness is to hold disbelief of His power in your heart. Ask Him for forgiveness, give your guilt over to Him and ask Him to help you start fresh. Because He can and He will if you will only come to Him.


I like Ms. Turano's humorous approach and I still think she has potential, but I think she misses opportunities for better stories when pursuing the cheap and tired storyline. ( )

Where I got the book: review copy provided by publisher. This review first appeared on the Historical Novel Society website and in the May 2014 issue of the Historical Novels Review.

This inspirational romance takes place in New York City in 1881. Felicia Murdock has spent the last four years suppressing her natural taste for adventure to act the demure maiden in the hope of snaring the affections of the minister at her church. When he marries someone else, Felicia rediscovers her old self; she also discovers Grayson Sumner, a British aristocrat with a murky past.

This fast-paced story could be best described as a cheerful romp with a side helping of high-stakes adventure. Grayson’s past is murky indeed, and the New York underworld intrudes satisfactorily into a society setting that Felicia is clearly trying to make more exciting. At first Felicia comes across as closer to fourteen than twenty-four, but as the novel proceeds she settles down into a feisty, appealing heroine who accepts her own flaws and prefers other people to see the reality behind her well-bred beauty.

There are times at which the dialogue seems a little too twenty-first century, with phrases such as “I must be up-front with you” and “come again?” pulling the reader out of the nineteenth-century environment. Yet the overall quality of the writing, the author’s ability to spring surprises on the reader and her easy, non-intrusive handling of the characters’ spiritual journey make for a pleasant read which should delight fans of lighthearted romance. ( )

A TALENT FOR TROUBLE by Jen Turano is another wonderful Inspirational Historical Fiction set in 1881 New York City. #3 in the "Ladies of Distinction" but can be read as a stand alone. See,"A Change of Fortune", and "A Most Peculiar Circumstance".

This is the tale of Miss Felicia Murdock and Grayson Sumner, Lord Sefton and what a tale. Fast paced. Filled with faith, healing, forgiveness, adventure, romance, trouble, danger, and love.

With strong characters and an interesting storyline, you will not be disappointed with "A Talent for Trouble".

Received as a gift.

RATING: 4

HEAT RATING: SWEET

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More ( )