First Line:
"Pressing her nose against the glass of the carriage window, Miss Permilia Griswold felt her stomach begin to churn as she took note of the throngs of people lining Fifth Avenue."
~*~*~
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Lauraine - Lauraine's Notes
About the Book
Book: Behind the Scenes
Author: Jen Turano
Genre: Inspirational Historical Romance
Release Date: April, 2017
To order your copy, click here.
Miss Permilia Griswold may have been given the opportunity of a debut into New York high society, but no one warned her she wasn’t guaranteed to “take.” After spending the last six years banished to the wallflower section of the ballroom, she’s finally putting her status on the fringes of society to good use by penning anonymous society gossip columns under the pseudonym “Miss Quill.”
Mr. Asher Rutherford has managed to maintain his status as a reputable gentleman of society despite opening his own department store. While pretending it’s simply a lark to fill his time, he has quite legitimate reasons for needing to make his store the most successful in the country. When Permilia overhears a threat against the estimable Mr. Rutherford, she’s determined to find and warn the man. Disgruntled at a first meeting that goes quite poorly and results in Asher not believing her, she decides to take matters into her own hands, never realizing she’ll end up at risk as well.
As Asher and Permilia are forced to work together and spend time away from the spotlight of society, perhaps there’s more going on behind the scenes than they ever could have anticipated. . . .
My Review
Another laugh-out-loud read!! I don’t always find authors to be humorous, but Jen Turano has it down. I got many strange looks from my family when I just couldn’t hold back a giggle (or ten).
I would say that Behind the Scenes is definitely a character-driven novel. I fell in love with Permilia, Gertrude, and yes, Asher and Harrison (here’s hoping the next in the series is about Gertrude!). All of the characters were very well developed and interesting. I loved how Turano leaked out what they were doing and consistently made changes in their character growth and trust (or distrust) of others.
The plot seemed a little scattered at times because there was SO much going on between the main threat presented, family relationships, etc. It was all very interesting, it just seemed that occasionally the main threat was forgotten for a while (and, seeing as it was dangerous, how could one forget it?).
This was a very clean book. I would say it is Christian, because it definitely speaks of God, but it didn’t strike me as having a solid message woven throughout the entire story—more in the latter half. Also, I’m not 100% sure that I fully endorse some of the thoughts presented (such as, “Follow God, hope for the best”—this is probably me being slightly nit-picky).
There was romance, of course, but it was comical. I didn’t find it to be extremely emotional-driven. There were a few times of flutters and such, but honestly, I don’t remember any extreme detail of emotions and kisses (which is a personal plus here).
Due to the era, there was a bit about the suffrage/progressive movement. I personally don’t fully agree with the movement, but I did find it to add historical accuracy.
All in all, this was a super enjoyable read and I’m looking forward to book two in the series.
*I received this book complimentary of the author and Celebrate Lit, and happily provided my review.*
About the Author
Jen Turano, author of nine books and two novellas, is a graduate of the University of Akron with a degree in clothing and textiles. She is a member of ACFW and lives in a suburb of Denver, Colorado. Visit her website at www.jenturano.com.
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Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Jen is giving away a $25 Barnes and Noble Gift Card and the four books: After a Fashion, In Good Company, Playing the Part, Behind the Scenes!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
http://www.rafflecopter.com/ra
Happy Friday!
ReplyDeleteI have the first line of Tosca Lee's 'Firstborn' on my blog today, but here I'm going to share the first line of "Wings of the Wind" by Connilyn Cossette:
"Forging through the teeming mass of Canaanite soldiers in this vast army camp, I'd never felt more alone."
I enjoyed reading this book also. Great one to share! On my page I'm sharing the first line from Such a Hope by Sondra Kraak. However, here I'm going to share the first line of book on my TBR stack; "The Miracle of the Seventh-day Ox" by Bradley Booth: "Nickolia Panchuk stared at the four walls of the jail cell around him. The cold gray concrete made him feel as if he were in a tomb--cold and frightened and alone."
ReplyDeleteSeptember 1939
ReplyDeleteIf I'd known I was about to meet the man who'd shatter me like bone china on terra-cotta, I would have slept in. ~ Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly
Dinh @Arlene's Book Club
My first line comes from an advance read of a book that will have a permanent home on my "favorite books" shelf. THE ASTONISHING THING by Sandi Ward releases in November. It's so clever and touching...told from the point of view of a cat, Boo, who is trying to solve the disappearance of her human mom and help her family heal. So, so sweet! "Let me tell you about my mother." (Mainstream with references to faith, 99% clean)
ReplyDeleteI really look forward to reading this book!
ReplyDeleteMy first line is from True to You by Becky Wade:
"Finding oneself at the mercy of a crazed gunman isn't all fun and games."
Happy Friday! I loved this book!
ReplyDeleteAwesome! :D
ReplyDeleteThe giveaway thing doesn't work. :(
ReplyDeleteThis is another book on my Kindle waiting to be read. :)
ReplyDeleteI would love to read this book! Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteAlso, there wasn't a chance to earn 9 entries on the rafflecopter widget.
Love
Ashley
Harley Diekerhoff looked up from peeling potatoes to glance out the kitchen window.
ReplyDeleteFrom – Christmas at Cooper Mountain by Jane Porter
This book looks like a great read. Thank You for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteMarilyn
This book was so amusing to me!! Jen is one of those authors that I know I'll enjoy the book!
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your comments!! :) I'm so glad you stopped by. :D
ReplyDelete