Saturday, June 8, 2013

A Change of Fortune by Jen Turano, ©2012

Ladies of Distinction, book 1
   Mrs. Watson released a sigh. "My dear, I don't wish to cause you distress, but quite frankly, you are not the type of woman with whom one wishes to enter into conversation at a dinner party."
   Eliza swallowed a laugh. Apparently her attempt at disguising her appearance and her true identity could be deemed a success.
   --A Change of Fortune, 10-11
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A Ladies of Distinction novella

Free eBook - Gentleman of Her Dreams, a Ladies of Distinction novella by Jen Turano, is free in the Kindle store, NOOK Book, and from Kobo and ChristianBook, courtesy of Christian publisher Bethany House. This novella is a companion to A Change of Fortune, Jen Turano's full-length debut novel.


In 1880 New York, Eliza Sumner has taken a position as governess to the Roger Watson family. She is called into service for the dinner, not serving, but rather as a substitute guest in place of Agatha, the Watsons' eldest indisposed daughter. Mrs. Watson has Eliza seated between Mr. and Mr. Beckett, two brothers who are the guests-of-honor, with the intent of turning the attention of the eldest Beckett to the honor and merit of Agatha. She tells them of the last minute switch, and that she is the family's governess. Instead of the mission she has been assigned, she is informed of other guests around the table, and becomes part of their discussion.

Follow the escapades as Eliza and her new friend, Agatha, take off to retrieve Eliza's treasure and good name. The Mr. and Mr. Beckett are on a venture; will they too join in the intriguing entanglement to assist her in her situation? Speaking of situation, Eliza, through trying circumstances, loses her position. As a damsel in distress, now what will become of her?

This is a delightful story with humor abounding, focusing on the retrieval of Eliza's rightful titled securities. But in the end will their quest become the same?
Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.
   --Proverbs 19:21

A Change of Fortune is the first in a four book series published by Bethany House.
Jen Turano
Photo Credit: Sara Karam Photography


Jen Turano is a graduate of the University of Akron with a degree in Clothing and Textiles. She pursued a career in management for nine years before switching to full-time motherhood after the birth of her son. When she's not writing, Jen can be found watching her teenage son participate in various activities, taking long walks with her husband and dog, socializing with friends, or delving into a good book. She lives in suburban Denver, Colorado. Learn more at jenturano.com.



Lady Eliza Sumner is on a mission. Her fortune was the last thing she had left after losing her father, her fiancé, and her faith. Now, masquerading as Miss Eliza Sumner, governess-at-large, she's determined to find the man who ran off with her fortune, reclaim the money, and head straight back to London.

Mr. Hamilton Beckett, much to his chagrin, is the catch of the season, and all the eyes of New York society—all the female ones, at least—are on him. He has no plans to marry again, especially since his hands are full keeping his business afloat while raising his two children alone.

Eliza's hapless attempts to regain her fortune unexpectedly put her right in Hamilton's path. The discovery of a common nemesis causes them to join forces and, before she knows it, Eliza has a whole retinue of people helping her. Eliza's determination not to trust anyone weakens when everyone's antics and bumbling efforts to assist her make her wonder if there might be more important things than her fortune and independence.

When all of Hamilton's and Eliza's best-laid plans fall by the wayside, it will take a riot of complications for them to realize that God just might have had a better plan in mind all along.


Enjoy the first three chapters!


***Thank you for sending me a copy of Jen Turano's A Change of Fortune: Ladies of Distinction, book 1, from Bethany House Publishers. This review is in my own words. No other compensation was received.***
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May 2013                                                    October 2013

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