"A Talent for Trouble" by Jen Turano

A Talent for Trouble (Oct. 1, 2013) by Jen Turano.*

In New York City in 1881, Miss Felicia Murdock is apparently not on the same page as God when it comes to a choice of husband. Preparing herself to be a minister’s wife may have garnered her high praise from the local congregants, but it didn’t garner her a ministerial husband. Felicia isn’t naturally so demure as her outward actions and personality seem to suggest, though she truly does have a kind heart. She decides to make changes in her life, one of the most noticeable changes centering around her wardrobe (all for the better!). It’s like she’s a whole new person now! She might even go so far as to dress like a man, complete with trousers and a mustachioed upper lip! Does that sound like a demure character to you?

            Felicia’s wardrobe transformation – like an 1881 version of What Not to Wear – doesn’t go unnoticed by Grayson Sumner, formerly Lord Sefton and still Lord Sefton when he feels the situation warrants it. Grayson has a past that he is not proud of; therefore, it wouldn’t be in Felicia’s best interests to be pursued by him. After all, she is all kindness and modesty and proper etiquette. Right? Surely she would never do anything to garner attention of the raised-eyebrow sort. Besides, Grayson has his hands full trying to exude fatherliness to three-year-old Ming. Lately she’s resorted to tantrums and biting, and he has no idea how to handle it.

            As if figuring out parenting isn’t enough, Grayson’s past has caught up to his present. Anyone associated with him could be in grave danger. He doesn’t want any harm to come to Felicia. It’s already said that Felicia has a talent for trouble, but Grayson’s past is dangerously troublesome.

            I love to read of strong female characters. That doesn’t mean they’re superheroes. They can be as demure-seeming as Felicia. She may reside in the latter 1800s and she knows of propriety, but she also knows she has a voice and strength. Her character utilizes this knowledge through bravery and kindness. She doesn’t look down upon the downtrodden. Grayson may have a difficult past, but he’s got an adventurous spirit, and the two are well-suited. Both are whip-smart and quick-tongued at times; they go together like thunder and lightning. Turano creates a landscape that is cleverly written and well-balanced. There is high society and the slums, love and anger, happiness and sadness, faithfulness and a lack of, and an element of danger. Don’t ignore Turano’s books if you enjoy Christian historical fiction!

            Also by Jen Turano: A Most Peculiar Circumstance

* 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.”