Book One: A Change of Fortune by Jen Turano Lady Eliza Sumner has come to America to find the scoundrel who took her fortune after her father passed away. She masquerades at a governess under Miss Eliza Sumner. Unfortunately, before any progress is made in her case, she lands in a quagmire. Her identify is uncovered, she foils the plans of the Beckett brothers, and she looses her governess position.
Hamilton Beckett offers Eliza assistance to help find her fortune if she will stay out of trouble. He also needs someone to watch over his young children. It would work well, but Eliza wasn't so headstrong to uncover the truth herself!
Quite a rambunctious romp through New York society! Turano wrote a very active story with mysteries, investigators, independent ladies, and finding faith. The characters were so much fun and how they played off each other was exciting to read. Eliza was the outsider, but she quickly gained friends and loyalties as well as some disgruntled individuals. The Becketts are a great family that readers will want to hear more about in further stories. Finally, add in socialite and writer Agatha Watson and private investigator Theodore Wilder. It's a very good read that is fast-paced, humorous, and wanting more. Looking forward to book two: A Most Peculiar Circumstance.
Time Period: 1880's
Location: New York, United States
Reviewed from a library copy.
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Book Two: A Most Peculiar Circumstance by Jen TuranoIf you have read, A Change of Fortune, you'll be able to pick this up and jump into a new Beckett family story. If you selected A Most Peculiar Circumstance to read before A Change of Fortune, I would recommend beginning with book one. It will add beautiful layers to this story.
Turano picks up where book one left off, but with different main characters. Instead of Eliza and Hamilton, readers will enjoy the outrageous antics of Arabella Beckett and Theodore Wilder. Opposite personalities, but both dear to the Beckett family. Theodore is sent to find the missing Arabella and he find more than he bargained for - jail, mysterious circumstances, and a suffragette. Arabella is thankful for the rescue, but her mission to help ladies won't be stopped!
Again, another riotous read! Being familiar with Theodore from the previous novel, this was a fun adventure to see more about his background, his faith, and his dealings with the outspoken Arabella. Arabella was absent in the first novel, so reading her story was also very enjoyable. She wants to help woman, but helping others leads her into more trouble. Characters from the first story also return for more adventure, mystery, and faith - the Becketts and the Watsons. I am looking forward to book three: A Talent for Trouble.
Time Period: 1880's
Location: Gilman, Illinois and New York, United States
Reviewed from a NetGalley copy. Thank you, Bethany House!
