"A Most Peculiar Circumstance" by Jen Turano

A Most Peculiar Circumstance (June 1, 2013) by Jen Turano.*

The year is 1880, and Miss Arabella Beckett is a progressive woman of her time. She’s an independent, fiery woman with a beautiful face that people remember, and she doesn’t see herself as a wife who’d sit demurely by and cater to her husband’s every whim. She is a strong supporter of the women’s suffrage movement, but finds herself in a jam that handsome private investigator Mr. Theodore Wilder gets her out of. Their personalities clash, to say the least. Theodore is soon away again on an investigation, while Arabella becomes very interested in the disappearances of ladies of the night. She wants to find the missing and help the night ladies find reputable occupations. She believes that it’s God’s will for her to devote her life to assisting women in need, but she’ll learn in frank conversations that she’s been judgmental. And the truth hurts. But likewise, others have been judgmental of her, and they learn that Arabella isn’t all fire and “masculine” thoughts, but is also full of compassion and feeling. However, it’s her fire that not only gets her in trouble, but steels her when her life is in danger. Will Theodore come to her rescue in time?

            I thoroughly enjoyed this Christian historical romance story. I found Turano to be an entertaining storyteller who combines honest faith, a thrilling plot and delightful humor to create a captivating novel. I definitely plan to read more from this author. Although Arabella has her damsel-in-distress moments, I still found her to be a strong female lead, and even the chauvinist can be chivalrous. Turano shows us in words that love just may be the most peculiar circumstance of all.

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”