I just finished up the delightful new novel by Jen Turano, A Talent for Trouble. This was an incredibly funny and fast-moving novel that I enjoyed very much.
From the first few pages, this book had me laughing out loud. While there are several serious subjects addressed within its pages (prejudice, changing ourselves to suit others and guilt, to name just a few) the overall tone is kept light and cheerful. That is not to say that Ms. Turano glosses over the serious, but the predicaments Felicia and Grayson find themselves in are treated with levity. Truly, some of the situations are downright hilarious, such as when Felicia demonstrates her exaggerated driving skills. When Grayson's perspective is related a few pages later, I found myself unable to keep from laughing, drawing more than a few amused looks from the people at my daughter's gymnastics class!
I found the main character, Felicia, to be wonderful. She is something of a mess when she realizes she has kept her own quirky personality hidden under ruffles and bows for years in the attempt to secure the man she wrongly believes God has sent to her. As she comes to terms with her mistakes, we get to see her true fun-loving personality emerge and join her on her journey of realizing she is wonderful just as God made her, and that He does indeed have a man in mind for Felicia, one He created to be just what she needed. As she says herself, he may not be a prince charming, but he is perfect for her.
While I did receive a promotional copy in exchange for my honest review, I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys inspirational fiction and a romantic comedy. This is a fantastic read!
From the first few pages, this book had me laughing out loud. While there are several serious subjects addressed within its pages (prejudice, changing ourselves to suit others and guilt, to name just a few) the overall tone is kept light and cheerful. That is not to say that Ms. Turano glosses over the serious, but the predicaments Felicia and Grayson find themselves in are treated with levity. Truly, some of the situations are downright hilarious, such as when Felicia demonstrates her exaggerated driving skills. When Grayson's perspective is related a few pages later, I found myself unable to keep from laughing, drawing more than a few amused looks from the people at my daughter's gymnastics class!
I found the main character, Felicia, to be wonderful. She is something of a mess when she realizes she has kept her own quirky personality hidden under ruffles and bows for years in the attempt to secure the man she wrongly believes God has sent to her. As she comes to terms with her mistakes, we get to see her true fun-loving personality emerge and join her on her journey of realizing she is wonderful just as God made her, and that He does indeed have a man in mind for Felicia, one He created to be just what she needed. As she says herself, he may not be a prince charming, but he is perfect for her.
While I did receive a promotional copy in exchange for my honest review, I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys inspirational fiction and a romantic comedy. This is a fantastic read!
Mary N. (maggysue) reviewed A Talent for Trouble (Ladies of Distinction, Bk 3) on + 811 more book reviews
Great series by Jen Turano! "A Talent for Trouble" about the romance between Felicia and Grayson. The story is filled with intrigue, romance and witty conversation between these funny characters. I enjoyed the book very much. Highly recommend!
My Comments
Oh wow, from the MOMENT I saw Jens newest book I knew I had to get a copy! The title and cover alone are worth having on the bookshelf, that mischievous look on the models face as she looks into the camera.you just know there are some fun and crazy things going on in her head and you cant wait to join in from the first page.
Miss Felicia Murdock is terribly disappointed. The man she wanted to marry, Reverend Michael Fraser, married someone else. Felicia genuinely believed that God had selected Fraser for Felicia. After four years of pining for the man, he marries someone else and Felicia is certain that she now she is 24 and has missed out on finding someone, that now shell become a spinster surrounded by cats. By the way, she doesnt like cats AT ALL!
Pg. 44 Shed changed her identity in order to secure the affections of a gentleman. Shed thrown herself into charitable endeavors to please that gentleman, andalthough shed gone to more church services than she could count, shed barely listened to any of the sermons.
Shed been completely ridiculous.
She needed to make amends, and in order to do that, she needed to honestly and quickly help the less fortunatenot in a manner that would draw attention to her actions and have everyone exclaiming how wonderful and selfless she was.
While Felicia is sulking in her room, Grayson Sumner AKA Lord Sefton, has come calling. His sister, Felicias friend, Eliza, has asked Grayson to cheer Felicia up and bring her over to the house for tea. Grayson hasnt always done right by Eliza so its the least he can do and fetching Felicia will be easy enough to accomplish, or so he thinks. Little does he know that the moment he steps into the Murdock household, Felicia has a small moment of insanity and his journey begins.
Pg. 21 She garbed herself in highly unusual fashions, her gowns always dripping with bows and ribbons, but hed realized shortly after making her acquaintance that underneath the yards and yards of fabric draping her form, there resided a lady who possessed the spirit of a hoyden. *Hoyden= A high-spirited, boisterous, or saucy girl.*
This is my fourth time reading Turano and even though this one starts a little slow, the story is no less captivating than her previous works.
Grayson sees Felicia as eccentric, captivating, alluring, enchanting, and compelling. Felicia finds Grayson attractive, irritating, arrogant, far too sure of himself, a grumpy gentleman, and he makes her pulse gallop. There is such chemistry between them that just enhances the story so much. If I had to sit next to them for a meal, Id probably do like their friend, Agatha, and hide behind my menu. Since I get the pleasure of reading about it like someone witnessing a great play, its truly something very pleasing and entertaining!
Grayson has a troubling past and little by little his past is exposed in the story. This brings unexpected danger, but also more fun for Felicia. Will Grayson ever be able to forgive himself and make peace with God? I didnt laugh in this one, but I smiled throughout, had to shake my head a few times, definitely snorted a few times, was utterly touched by the characters, and I truly fell in love with Felicias mother and three brothers (she also a dad but hes away through much of the story so we only get to know about him in the end).theres also characters from the previous books in this one which just adds why this book is such a hit!!!!
This book is FULL of danger, fun, misunderstandings, forgiveness, friendship, one unexpected bodyguard that gets to care for Felicia, intervening mothers who will do anything to see their daughter happily matched, ogling men that approach Felicia, one shady business that brings destruction, a couple of adorable orphans, great dialogue and the heart of a woman longing to find herself when she realizes that God doesnt always give us what we ask for..oh no, He brings us what we need that aligns with His perfect plan for us *BIG smile*
So if theres a job you want that you didnt get, a book you wanted but didnt win, a mate you thought would be perfect for you but he marries someone else, a calling you thought for sure that had your name on it but didnt work out, a pregnancy you waited for that has happened yet, wanting your book to be published but so far every publisher has turned you down or money youve prayed for that still hasnt come.its not that those prayers havent been answered, they are being answered in a much bigger way than we asked for. I have struggled with the exact feelings Felicia dealt with, believing I had wasted my time on the wrong person and what happens next? Her journey is just beginning and it only gets better from here!
I want to thank the author and publisher for sending me a review copy. I was not required to write a positive review (but I always have fun doing so with this author). The opinions expressed are my own.
Discussion Questions
Felicia goes to extraordinary lengths to make herself attractive to Reverend Fraser. Have you ever changed your appearance or personality in order to impress someone?
What resulted from your changing?
Grayson has made a vow to never marry again because of his past. Do you believe that was noble of him or just misguided?
Felicia came to the conclusion that God sent Reverend Fraser to her because of a prayer she prayed, only to come to the realization that shed been greatly mistaken. Have you ever thought God sent you something youd asked for but then learned differently? What was your reaction to that realization?
Oh wow, from the MOMENT I saw Jens newest book I knew I had to get a copy! The title and cover alone are worth having on the bookshelf, that mischievous look on the models face as she looks into the camera.you just know there are some fun and crazy things going on in her head and you cant wait to join in from the first page.
Miss Felicia Murdock is terribly disappointed. The man she wanted to marry, Reverend Michael Fraser, married someone else. Felicia genuinely believed that God had selected Fraser for Felicia. After four years of pining for the man, he marries someone else and Felicia is certain that she now she is 24 and has missed out on finding someone, that now shell become a spinster surrounded by cats. By the way, she doesnt like cats AT ALL!
Pg. 44 Shed changed her identity in order to secure the affections of a gentleman. Shed thrown herself into charitable endeavors to please that gentleman, andalthough shed gone to more church services than she could count, shed barely listened to any of the sermons.
Shed been completely ridiculous.
She needed to make amends, and in order to do that, she needed to honestly and quickly help the less fortunatenot in a manner that would draw attention to her actions and have everyone exclaiming how wonderful and selfless she was.
While Felicia is sulking in her room, Grayson Sumner AKA Lord Sefton, has come calling. His sister, Felicias friend, Eliza, has asked Grayson to cheer Felicia up and bring her over to the house for tea. Grayson hasnt always done right by Eliza so its the least he can do and fetching Felicia will be easy enough to accomplish, or so he thinks. Little does he know that the moment he steps into the Murdock household, Felicia has a small moment of insanity and his journey begins.
Pg. 21 She garbed herself in highly unusual fashions, her gowns always dripping with bows and ribbons, but hed realized shortly after making her acquaintance that underneath the yards and yards of fabric draping her form, there resided a lady who possessed the spirit of a hoyden. *Hoyden= A high-spirited, boisterous, or saucy girl.*
This is my fourth time reading Turano and even though this one starts a little slow, the story is no less captivating than her previous works.
Grayson sees Felicia as eccentric, captivating, alluring, enchanting, and compelling. Felicia finds Grayson attractive, irritating, arrogant, far too sure of himself, a grumpy gentleman, and he makes her pulse gallop. There is such chemistry between them that just enhances the story so much. If I had to sit next to them for a meal, Id probably do like their friend, Agatha, and hide behind my menu. Since I get the pleasure of reading about it like someone witnessing a great play, its truly something very pleasing and entertaining!
Grayson has a troubling past and little by little his past is exposed in the story. This brings unexpected danger, but also more fun for Felicia. Will Grayson ever be able to forgive himself and make peace with God? I didnt laugh in this one, but I smiled throughout, had to shake my head a few times, definitely snorted a few times, was utterly touched by the characters, and I truly fell in love with Felicias mother and three brothers (she also a dad but hes away through much of the story so we only get to know about him in the end).theres also characters from the previous books in this one which just adds why this book is such a hit!!!!
This book is FULL of danger, fun, misunderstandings, forgiveness, friendship, one unexpected bodyguard that gets to care for Felicia, intervening mothers who will do anything to see their daughter happily matched, ogling men that approach Felicia, one shady business that brings destruction, a couple of adorable orphans, great dialogue and the heart of a woman longing to find herself when she realizes that God doesnt always give us what we ask for..oh no, He brings us what we need that aligns with His perfect plan for us *BIG smile*
So if theres a job you want that you didnt get, a book you wanted but didnt win, a mate you thought would be perfect for you but he marries someone else, a calling you thought for sure that had your name on it but didnt work out, a pregnancy you waited for that has happened yet, wanting your book to be published but so far every publisher has turned you down or money youve prayed for that still hasnt come.its not that those prayers havent been answered, they are being answered in a much bigger way than we asked for. I have struggled with the exact feelings Felicia dealt with, believing I had wasted my time on the wrong person and what happens next? Her journey is just beginning and it only gets better from here!
I want to thank the author and publisher for sending me a review copy. I was not required to write a positive review (but I always have fun doing so with this author). The opinions expressed are my own.
Discussion Questions
Felicia goes to extraordinary lengths to make herself attractive to Reverend Fraser. Have you ever changed your appearance or personality in order to impress someone?
What resulted from your changing?
Grayson has made a vow to never marry again because of his past. Do you believe that was noble of him or just misguided?
Felicia came to the conclusion that God sent Reverend Fraser to her because of a prayer she prayed, only to come to the realization that shed been greatly mistaken. Have you ever thought God sent you something youd asked for but then learned differently? What was your reaction to that realization?
Loraine N. (momrain) reviewed A Talent for Trouble (Ladies of Distinction, Bk 3) on + 205 more book reviews
This was a nice story, but as much as I liked Felicia and Grayson, I just was not able to connect with their story. I can't quite put my finger on what didn't work for me because I loved the other books in this series and I love the way that this author writes. That being said, there were times when I did laugh out loud while reading this story which I enjoyed.
LindseyfromBFCG reviewed A Talent for Trouble (Ladies of Distinction, Bk 3) on + 117 more book reviews
About this book:
For years, Miss Felicia Murdock's every thought and action have been in pursuit of becoming a minister's wife. When the minister she'd set her sights on has other ideas, she decides something in her life needs to change--and soon--before she wastes any more time pretending to be someone she's not. If that means spreading her wings and embracing a more lively way of life, who's to say nay?
Grayson Sumner, Lord Sefton, has had his fill of spreading his wings and only hopes to settle into the life of a respectable New York gentleman. Prompted by friends to lift the spirits of the disappointed-in-love Miss Murdock, he is surprised to encounter an adventurous young lady with an unfortunate knack for stumbling into troublesome situations.
Just as Grayson decides he's had quite enough of her antics, his past comes back to haunt him and his presence in Felicia's life endangers her. As they work together to extricate themselves from this latest complication, will Grayson and Felicia decide they want to spend the rest of their lives keeping each other out of trouble?
Series: Book 3 in the Ladies of Distinction series {The novella prologue, Gentleman of Her Dreams, review Here!; Book #1, A Change of Fortune, Here!; and Book #2, A Most Peculiar Circumstance, Here! {I would recommend reading this series in order.}}
Spiritual Content- Felicia has a strong Faith; Prayers; Talks about God, forgiveness, & how He works; Grayson says he doesnt think God can forgive him for what hes done.
Negative Content- Blood parts (not detailed & a semi), Guns get pointed (highest being a semi-detailed), semi-detailed fighting (like physical fighting), and Murder (prior to the book, lightly semi-detailed); Going to a pub & people drinking; Opium (& opium dens) play a major role in this book, but it does not say what opium is except that people were/are smoking it.
Sexual Content- a hag and a hoyd*n; A couple not-detailed kisses; Grayson notices Felicias curves (semi-detailed); Love & Falling in love.
-Felicia Murdock
-Grayson Sumner
P.O.V. switches between them.
Set in 1881
342 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars
I found the parts about China interesting but I did not like how all the Chinese people were either dead, trouble, or mean. A Talent for Troubles wittiness is just in between book #1, A Change of Fortune, and book #2, A Most Peculiar Circumstance. Enjoyed this book but probably best for 15+.
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
For years, Miss Felicia Murdock's every thought and action have been in pursuit of becoming a minister's wife. When the minister she'd set her sights on has other ideas, she decides something in her life needs to change--and soon--before she wastes any more time pretending to be someone she's not. If that means spreading her wings and embracing a more lively way of life, who's to say nay?
Grayson Sumner, Lord Sefton, has had his fill of spreading his wings and only hopes to settle into the life of a respectable New York gentleman. Prompted by friends to lift the spirits of the disappointed-in-love Miss Murdock, he is surprised to encounter an adventurous young lady with an unfortunate knack for stumbling into troublesome situations.
Just as Grayson decides he's had quite enough of her antics, his past comes back to haunt him and his presence in Felicia's life endangers her. As they work together to extricate themselves from this latest complication, will Grayson and Felicia decide they want to spend the rest of their lives keeping each other out of trouble?
Series: Book 3 in the Ladies of Distinction series {The novella prologue, Gentleman of Her Dreams, review Here!; Book #1, A Change of Fortune, Here!; and Book #2, A Most Peculiar Circumstance, Here! {I would recommend reading this series in order.}}
Spiritual Content- Felicia has a strong Faith; Prayers; Talks about God, forgiveness, & how He works; Grayson says he doesnt think God can forgive him for what hes done.
Negative Content- Blood parts (not detailed & a semi), Guns get pointed (highest being a semi-detailed), semi-detailed fighting (like physical fighting), and Murder (prior to the book, lightly semi-detailed); Going to a pub & people drinking; Opium (& opium dens) play a major role in this book, but it does not say what opium is except that people were/are smoking it.
Sexual Content- a hag and a hoyd*n; A couple not-detailed kisses; Grayson notices Felicias curves (semi-detailed); Love & Falling in love.
-Felicia Murdock
-Grayson Sumner
P.O.V. switches between them.
Set in 1881
342 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars
I found the parts about China interesting but I did not like how all the Chinese people were either dead, trouble, or mean. A Talent for Troubles wittiness is just in between book #1, A Change of Fortune, and book #2, A Most Peculiar Circumstance. Enjoyed this book but probably best for 15+.
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
