4.7 Stars Out Of 5
4.7 out of 5
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Meets Expectations:
4.3 out Of 5
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Displaying items 11-15 of 63
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  1. Little Miss Bookworm
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    A Fun Story with Quirky Characters
    July 30, 2015
    Little Miss Bookworm
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    This review was written for After a Fashion.
    Jen Turano is one of my favorite historical romance authors who focuses on the rich and the working class during the Gilded Age. Her research into the time period combined with quirky characters and unique plots like the one found in After a Fashion, make each novel a must read.

    Set in 1882 New York, After a Fashion sets the stage for Turano's new series A Class of Their Own. Throughout history, there has always been an invisible barrier between the less unfortunate and the wealthy. The Gilded Age is one period of time that really highlights the separation between the two on the social ladder. I loved how the plot of the story seems to cross that barrier and blur the lines a little. A millinery shop girl + wealthy gentleman = a test of social boundaries and a lot of problems.

    Turano has a writing style that really separates her from other historical romance authors. She mixes a combination of unique humor, drama and suspense to really draw a reader in. After a Fashion, like each previous novel comes across as a screwball comedy. As such, the setting of the story really comes to life with vivid descriptions that make you feel like you're standing right next to Miss Harriet Peabody, experiencing everything she does. Miss Harriet Peabody seems to find herself in a lot of awkward situations with hilarious endings to them. Despite her many insecurities, she possesses an independent spirit and enjoys the simpler things in life.

    Guilt motivates Mr. Oliver Addleshaw into helping Harriet in the beginning, but as he spends time with her during their fake courtship, Oliver finds himself becoming attached. However, his opulent lifestyle creates a lot of tension between the pair and even threatens their budding friendship. Harriet's realistic beliefs and Oliver's determination to break the social norm is woven nicely throughout the story. Even the secondary characters were fleshed out with quirky personalities and flaws that make each one endearing.

    After a Fashion is a fast paced historical comedy with every element of the story blending nicely together. I found myself captivated from the first line until the last. I loved the chemistry between Oliver and Harriet. I loved the suspense. I loved the plot twist at the end . . . one that I didn't expect. I can't wait to read the next book in the series, In Good Company.

    I give After a Fashion by Jen Turano 5 Stars.



    *I received a copy of this book from the author through Bethany House, in return for an honest review. My opinions are my own and are not influenced by any outside source.
  2. Thereadmaster
    Davenport,Iowa
    Age: 45-54
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    wit and suspense
    June 26, 2015
    Thereadmaster
    Davenport,Iowa
    Age: 45-54
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    This review was written for After a Fashion.
    This was fantastic as always. There is always such wit and humor. Then you get romance and a little suspense. I love Harriet Peabody and Oliver Addleshaw. They work so well together. It was so much fun to read. I received a copy of this book from the author and from the Book Club Network. I so look forward to her next book.
  3. Mrs ARS
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    A One Sitting Read (yes that good)
    June 5, 2015
    Mrs ARS
    Quality: 5
    Value: 0
    Meets Expectations: 5
    This review was written for After a Fashion.
    If you need a cute rom- com story I think Jen Turano is the go to author for that. In her book After a Fashion, she had me laughing out loud and reading with pleasure about the antics of the characters and the ridiculous circumstances they found themselves in. This story is a little bit of My Fair Lady with a touch of Sleeping Beauty and a dash of The Importance of Being Earnest- you will just have to read the book to know what I mean. This was a hard to put down book for me due to its whimsical nature and the thread of danger and deceit that was just lurking in the background. Capturing my attention from the very first page, including a surprising twist I did not see coming, this book is a favorite for 2015. I look forward to the next book in this series after the very cute epilogue. I received a copy for an honest review from The Book Club Network, Inc. (TBCN) and the opinions are my own.
  4. tickmenot
    Kansas City
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Happy Birthday?
    May 28, 2015
    tickmenot
    Kansas City
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    This review was written for After a Fashion.
    Harriet Peabody has made it a practice to say a special prayer to God on her birthday. This year, instead of asking for something specific, she left the choice completely up to the Almighty. She just asks Him to give her something she would find wonderful.

    At first, it seems God has done the opposite, because her life starts to fall apart--and it all begins on her birthday. She is assaulted by a bratty member of high society, and then loses her job because of it. Even though it wasn't a very good job, it provided enough money to pay her portion of the rent for the shabby apartment she shares with her two friends, Lucetta and Millie .

    An offer you can't refuse.

    Next, she becomes acquainted with the rich, handsome and completely frustrating Oliver Addleshaw. He wants to hire her to pretend, for a short time, to be his fiance. Her job would be to help him host business dinners along with society functions. He offers her more money than she could make in years. She thinks he must be quite mad.

    Of course, an offer like this opens up all types of ways for things to go wrong--along with a lot of ways for things to go right, too. We are introduced to Oliver's charming grandfather, Archibald; her gentle and caring Pastor, Reverend Gilmore; along with the snobby high society of New York City in 1882. Also revealed is Harriet's dream of designing a new type of dress bustle, as well as, opening a dress shop where she creates fashionable, affordable gowns for women of modest means.

    After the "engagement" takes place, strong-willed Mrs. Abigail Hart, a rich widow, declares herself Harriet's chaperone. She demands that Harriet, along with her friends Lucetta and Millie, move in with her immediately. Harriet's estranged Aunt Jane, who is constantly running confidence schemes, also makes an appearance. She attempts to blackmail Harriet into introducing her into high society so she can pull off a really big caper.

    Now for something you'll really like....

    What can be the result when all these diverse characters and their stories are mixed together? An absolutely great tale! I haven't read a book I liked this much in a long time, and give this story six stars instead of the normal limit of five.

    This is a well written work with lots of interesting characters and a great story-line. Actually, it is a screwball comedy in book form, with a completely satisfying and happy ending. I highly recommend it to anyone who would like an escape, at least for a while, to a world made up of fascinating people living out a great story--with some laughs thrown in along the way.

    The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through Bethany House Publishing for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. Despite my receiving the book free, it has not influenced my judgment.

  5. homesteading
    Hampton Roads -- VA
    Age: 55-65
    Gender: Female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Highly entertaining!
    April 29, 2015
    homesteading
    Hampton Roads -- VA
    Age: 55-65
    Gender: Female
    Quality: 0
    Value: 0
    Meets Expectations: 0
    This review was written for After a Fashion.
    With a trademark style all her own, Jen Turano has written a witty and fast-paced story set between opulence and despair in 1880s New York City.

    One of the best things about a Turano book is the dialogue. Honestly, Im not sure where she comes up with this stuff but it is never flagging. Its always pushing along at breakneck speed, capturing the excitement and rush of the big city in conversation. I like that because it means I am never bored or mentally exhausted with minute details.

    Miss Harriet Peabody and Mr Oliver Addleshaw cant be more incompatible, or so it seems. I chuckled often when reading about their antics, and actually felt as if I was right there on the pages of the story with them. Now that makes a great book!

    I hope that with the introduction of some of the supporting characters that I am seeing the next two books that will be coming along. There are certainly a few characters that need could use their own stories. Thats another plus about Jens books. They arent overwhelming with people and places. They have just the right mix and that causes me to anticipate and envisage what is to come.

    I highly recommend After a Fashion to anyone who enjoys fun, clean historical fiction with an underlying faith theme. Jen Turano delivers every time!

    I was gifted a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review. No monetary compensation has been received.
Displaying items 11-15 of 63
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