In Good Company (By: Jen Turano)

In Good Company

By: Jen Turano

Storyline
After growing up in an orphanage, Millie Longfellow strives to be the best nanny she can be. But unfortunately, she has been fired from every position she has held. Everett Mulberry is guardian to three children and has no idea what he has gotten himself into. The three little angels (ahem) have driven away every nanny the agency has sent his way! Fed up with both Everett and Millie, the employment agency gives them each one last chance, working together. 

Millie sets out to prove herself as the sought after nanny she claims to be, and though Everett has his doubts, he is desperate. As they reside in Newport for the summer, Everett tries to maintain upstanding status among the elite upper class as he courts Caroline - a woman who expects more from their relationship by the summers end. But the more Everett and Millie interact, the more their respect for each other grows - and the more Everett's eyes are opened to what is expected from his place in society. Will he be brave enough to break the mold, or will he succumb to the pressures of the elite and their expectations?

Depth

This novel is a mix of romance, mystery and some humorous banter to keep it lighthearted. Jen Turano does a great job keeping the readers interest and it would be hard not to fall in love with the characters. Millie is fun, loving and prone to finding herself in comical situations. The three children she is in charge of will grab your hearts and you'll long to find out what truly happened to their parents. Everett is on a path of self-discovery and not an easy one at times. We liked how author Jen didn't change him overnight, but took him searching down a realistic path of what he truly longs for. The story flows well and the journey is sweet and thoroughly enjoyable.

Faith

Faith is evident in the story, but not a huge part of character development. Faith plays the biggest role in the lives of Millie and one of her charges, Elizabeth. Both question why their parents were taken from them as children, and we enjoy great dialogue around it. Small prayers are consistent throughout, and there is a strong theme of family and belonging.

Squeal Factor

The relationship between Millie and Everett blossoms nicely and they have several cute scenes together. Their interactions maintain good boundaries while Everett is courting Caroline, but we could not wait to see what would happen if Everett could just wake up and see what is right in front of him! You'll definitely long to see these two together, but what must take place in order for that to develop? Enjoy experiencing their journey together!

Overall

Jen Turano has yet again written a very entertaining novel. We look forward to the third book in the series and have great expectations that she will deliver once again as she has with this one!

Find it on Amazon: In Good Company

Note: We were given this book in exchange for our honest review 

A Change of Fortune (By: Jen Turano)

A Change of Fortune
By: Jen Turano

Hello friends! Do you have a list of books that are waiting to be read? We sure do - it seems there are just too many books and too little time! 

I (Michelle) have a list of books under "must read" on my kindle, but the list has grown so long I often don't know where to start. The last few times I scrolled through the list, one in particular kept staring at me: A Change of Fortune by Jen Turano. Finally, I sat down and started reading, and knew it could go either way as this particular book is her debut novel. Would it be worthy, or one we could easily pass on? 

Well I was about to find out. Not even 5% in and to my delight, I was hooked! It had my attention, but more importantly, would author Jen keep it? Oh yes, she did! The book was a hit and I ended up loving it. Before I even was through with the book, I visited my library's website and put a hold on book two in the series so it would be ready when I finished book one. A Change of Fortune is the first in the Ladies of Distinction four-part series.

Storyline

Lady Eliza Sumner has lost everything: faith, family, fiancé and now, someone has stolen her fortune. She is determined to find the perpetrator, and as she travels to New York seeking this man, she disguises herself as a governess. Once there, Hamilton Beckett enters the scene, who she must work together with to retrieve her fortune. Hamilton is not looking for romance, and neither is Eliza, who has been hurt from a fiancé who left her. In fact she has one mission: find her fortune and return to her life London. But the sparks fly with these two and they may just have to reevaluate what they "want." Author Jen Turano's writing is fabulous. She is very comical, to the point you will find yourself laughing out loud. She creates characters you will grow to love!

Depth

Eliza has lost so much and no longer trusts others or God. She has much to learn. Hamilton has his own hurts as he has lost his wife, but is trying to keep his business strong and raise two young children. Many themes are prevalent in this story: revenge, betrayal, danger, friendship and more. We have the privilege of watching each character respond to each situation. .

Faith

Faith is present in the book but not overly so. We could have used more of it at the beginning and middle. Towards the end though, we loved finding out that God had a plan all along, even through the heartaches. Can you see only hardship in your trials, or can you sense the blessings in disguise? Do you know that He was ever present and actually had your best interest at heart? Eliza came to see this clearly and we loved sharing the experience with her.

Squeal Factor

Jen Turano did something new: made us believers that an author can save a kiss between the two main characters until late in the story, yet still have squeal factor! She did a great job conveying how the characters felt, how they interacted with each other, and we were given a front row seat to their inner thoughts! We loved the chemistry between Hamilton and Eliza, and the banter between two supporting characters. You will feel all giddy inside and won't want to put the book down. Hats off to you Jen, for making us believers!

Overall

You won't regret reading this star debut novel! It was completely entertaining and we can't wait to read the rest of the series. No doubt there are more late nights for us to come. Happy reading!