A little bit about what you'll find reviewed here

A little bit about what you'll find reviewed on this blog: I believe the best books involve characters you wish you could read more about long after the book is finished. Recently, I've been searching for hidden gems from the past. I read mostly fiction, and I'm a bit of a prude. I don't normally enjoy books with sex or excessive language.

Who I am:
I raised two wonderful girls, and I'm super proud of them. I enjoy reading (of course), sewing, cross stitching, photography and writing. I live in the high desert portion of Washington (which I didn't know existed until my husband and I decided to move here) and have really enjoyed my time out here. I am excited to see what God has next in store for my life!

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

After a Fashion (A Class of Their Own #1) - Jen Turano

Jen Turano is one of the authors I end up anxiously waiting for her next book to come out.  This is the first book in a new series called A Class of Their Own.

Harriet makes hats for a living, but she dreams of having her own shop someday, one where working class women can get a nice dress that’s affordable.  When her boss sends her to deliver some hats at the home of the wealthiest man in town, she’s reluctant to go but has little choice.  Since it’s her birthday, she’s praying for something wonderful, but instead she ends up attacked by a young socialite and losing her job.

Oliver thought he had the right woman lined up to grace his arm during a business deal with a duke, but she ends up being on the dramatic side.  Knowing that Harriet has lost her job, he decides to offer her the position of his companion, but she refuses.  He can’t understand her reluctance, but he’s not really laying on the charm.  Eventually, he offers her enough she’d be able to open up her own shop and she finds herself agreeing.

These two are good together, but their difference in stations makes a relationship seem out of reach.  There’s also the matter of Oliver’s seeming ignorance of the plight of the working class, which irritates Harriet to no end.  She ends up enlightening him on a few occasions and opening his eyes to the world around him.

Turano writes with a wit that never gets old.  Almost every situation Harriet ends up getting herself into ends up in a disaster.  She asked for something wonderful, but only seems to be getting grief in return.  With the appearance of her criminal aunt, she feels that Oliver would be better off without her.  Oliver, on the other hand, is starting to think less of his fortune and more of the unusual woman who’s stealing his heart.

I loved this book.  I found myself smiling more than once and laughing out loud a few times.  To me, this was My Fair Lady turned into a happily-ever-after fairy tale.

You’re set up for the next book, In Good Company, which is about Millie, a soul that’s determined to improve herself.  She’s a bit of a disaster at times as well, but I look forward to more from the author.  In Good Company comes out in July.  Good Book!

*I received a copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.


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