When a pop princess Margo went on the run to have a few days of freedom for herself, she could not expect that this short trip would change all her life. Starting with a duck hitting her car...meeting a hunky deputy...and uncovering the biggest secret of her life.

This is a modern cozy mystery happening in the Amish country.

Authoress Jen Turano can do fun and sass winningly well! I have certainly enjoyed her delightful heroine Margo, man's man Brock and everyone between (sans killers, but then I rarely enjoy them :)).
I have liked the setup that well combine sweetness and that feel of home with more than a few moments of tongue-in-cheek. Ms Turano can definitely do the dry wit and deadpan answers - and she can deliver the food for thought, too!
And the ducks. Gabby the duck is one strong character. Go, Gabby!

Romance is strong here! These two belong together.

Also I love that Margo is allowed to be and to stay herself, with all of her sass and her music.

From the mystery lover point - This is a cozy mystery with all the pluses and minuses of the genre. The settings are interesting and well mixed with the Amish beliefs. Yet - the bad people and the crimes/crime solutions just pop-up randomly. Also there is no way that that bad people would never cross the line again, that no one would ever confront them in any way.

But all the goodness this novel contains prevail over all of my mystery preferences for sure. I have enjoyed this novel and will follow Ms Turano's work.

I have been a fan of Jen Turano's books for several years now and I love her novels set in the Gilded Age. However, Finding Margo is obviously not a historical novel - it is a contemporary novel and Jen Turano does not disappoint her readers with her latest serving.

Finding Margo was interesting because not only is it contemporary but it mainly takes place amongst the backdrop of the Amish community - and the main character is a pop star! These were all unique elements that contributed to a unique plot. I enjoyed the sense of mystery, but I also loved the soul-searching that takes place in this novel.

I loved the characters, although I found the main characters' dialogue to sound kind of old-fashioned at times, however I still fell in love with them. I loved getting to know Margo and watching her find herself over the course of the novel, as well as reconnect with her Christian faith that she had drifted away from in recent years. Brock was a cool character, and also kind of swoon-worthy. I love how over the course of the novel he also has some lessons to learn about himself and life in general as he tries to help Margo out.

The side characters were good too! I loved Mrs. Hershberger, she came across as this quiet older woman, yet she gets the ball rolling in helping out Margo find out more about herself. I also enjoyed getting to know Ian, Brock's brother-in-law, and how he is still dealing with the grief of his wife's death even a year after the events. Margo's parents were complete pills! They were so awful to each other and Margo, I can't go into too much detail but they were just awful people. And then there was Gabby the duck, yes there is a duck in this book! Gabby the duck was probably one of the best side characters ever, although I think she would be a main character since a lot of the events that take place in the novel are because of her.

I really enjoyed this book, although there were times when the plot seemed to drag on, however a lot happens over the course of the novel that also makes it somewhat fast paced. I loved how there were several major plot twists over the course of the novel, I can't name any because they are spoilers, but they were all connected to each other in the end. This book was very different from what I was expecting it to be but it was so good. I can't wait to read the other books in this series because I need to know more about these character. I am giving this book 4/5 Stars because it was a good read, although it was slow in a few places.

This was a fun story. It has humor, mystery, romance and likable characters...not to mention a hunky hero. Definitely worth a read.

The concept behind Finding Margo intrigued me. It's no secret that I have a low tolerance for Amish fiction, but a pop star living among the Amish? That sounded like something I might enjoy—as long as she didn't decide to convert. (Stories of Englischers becoming Amish bug me to no end. It's just a personal pet peeve.) Fortunately, that's not where Jen Turano decided to take her story :-)

As I started reading Finding Margo, I did struggle to connect with the story. Some of Turano's writing style (like her propensity for using -ing verbs) was hard for me to get used to. Basically, I had a hard time getting into the rhythm of her writing, and that kept me from enjoying the book as much as I might have otherwise.

Still, the plot is quite interesting; while I quickly guessed the secret about Margo, I enjoyed watching how the plot unfolded. Also, Turano inserted humor in places I didn't anticipate, and I often found myself chuckling as I read. Additionally, there's a suspense element that truly kept me guessing throughout the novel, and it wasn't resolved in a way that I anticipated, yet the resolution also made perfect sense.

Overall, I really enjoyed Finding Margo, and I'm definitely interested in reading the next book in the series, which is set up in the epilogue. 3-1/2 stars.

Having only read Jen Turano’s historical fiction, I was interested to see what she would do with a contemporary story. A contemporary story with a “pop princess” and Amish characters, no less.

Now, if you’ve read some of my past reviews of Amish Fiction, you might have noticed that the thing that really hooks me in with one of these books is having characters or situations that I don’t expect to find in the sub-genre. Though I was a bit skeptical about a pop star being the main character, I was happily surprised to find that I started to like Margo Hartman.

Jen Turano excels in putting her characters through the comical wringer, and this book is no exception. Soon after running away from her mother and her agent, both having overstepped their bounds one too many times, Margo finds herself stranded in Millersburg, Ohio. Mix in a duck, a handsome FBI agent temporarily acting as a Sheriff’s Deputy, a community with secrets, an Amish women turned Mennonite who decides to meddle, the 20 year old disappearance of three Amish children, and a very present threat to Margo’s life and Turano has delivered something delightful and unexpected with a touch of suspense.

While none of the individual elements of the story are new (well, maybe this particular duck and her introduction), this particular combination of them with the author’s signature humor had me amused, entertained, and anxious to follow the story arcs of the threats to Margo’s life and Brock’s investigation into his sister’s supposed suicide to the very end.

The ending left me satisfied but anxious to continue what I was happy to find is to be a trilogy. Unfortunately, the second book (with just enough of a teaser chapter to hook you into it) has not yet been published though the end papers state that it was scheduled for “Fall 2017.” Definitely a book that I will be keeping my eye out for.

Highly recommended if you enjoy clean romance with a faith element, a bit of danger and mystery, and a good dose of humor as well as tall, attractive heroes and sassy, strong heroines who somewhat graciously deal with whatever the author throws at them. Being a fan of Amish Fiction is not required, though those who are will most likely love this feel good, pop princess in peril combination as well.

This review refers to the paperback edition borrowed off the shelf at my local library.  I previously received an e-galley for review purposes through NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Margo Hartman is a world famous pop music star who has just finished a whirlwind concert tour. Her mother and agent are pushing her to prepare for an international tour and she has had enough. She needs a break, so she runs. She ends up in a small town in Ohio, in Amish country. No one will think to look for her there, right?

Brock Moore is a deputy sheriff who is taking a leave of absence from his real job with the FBI to find his sister's killer. Her death was ruled a suicide, but he isn't convinced that is the truth and he wants to catch the murderer. Through some crazy circumstances he ends up protecting Margo from someone who wants to hurt her. Will he be able to protect her even though he wasn't able to protect his sister? There are lots of secrets in this small town and some secrets are deadly . . .

I was given an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was suspenseful, romantic, sweet and a clean read. There was no sex or foul language and it held my interest all the way through. Nice job!

With Finding Margo, Jen Turano has waded into the waters of contemporary romance/suspense and delivered one highly entertaining novel! The era might be different, but the writing is not. I loved everything about this story and could have identified Jen as the author even if I hadn’t seen her name on the cover.

Finding Margo is fresh. It’s filled with Jen’s laugh-out-loud humor. It has a quirky feel to it and blends together several elements – a cold-case child abduction, mystery, romance, a touch of the Amish/Mennonite community, and witty dialogue. Margo and Brock are unique, very appealing characters with hidden depth, and their sweet romance is well balanced with the suspense elements. And then there’s the duck, which delivers one of the most delightful animal themes I’ve ever come across.

I appreciated the spiritual theme that we are more than the expectations family and culture might put upon us – and that God never leaves or stops loving us, but is always working to fulfill His plans and purposes for our lives.

An epilogue beautifully sets up book #2, to be released in fall of 2017. Not to wish the passing of time, but I’m eager for this!

Highly recommended.

Finding Margo is a decent enough mystery although it’s definitely written through a black and white filter. For instance, the only discernible differences in dialogue are among the mean people and/or bad guys. Everyone else has interchangeable diction from the old lady to the 23-year-old pop star. The kidnapper has difficulty using the word “leverage.”

The 23-year-old main character sounds like she’s forty-something and she’s supposed to be a pop star. Her characterization tested credibility.

The writing is verbose and sometimes meandering, especially for this reader who disdains heavy-handed prose. For instance: “Settling into the cushy seat, Margo rubbed at the throbbing that had begun at her temples.” Why not: Margo rubbed her throbbing temples? This wasn’t the worst case, just the first case.

There wasn’t any chemistry between Margo and Brock so it was a ho-hum romance.

There was a duck. I loved the duck.

So who is this book for? People who like squeaky clean romances with black and white arrows pointing to good and bad.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Still chuckling over this. What a different take on an Amish or is it Contemporary read. 😜 The duck is the star of the show. I love Jen Turano's sense of humor while still having believable characters and situations. Humor, romance, faith, mystery, suspense, cultural difference, all play a part in keeping you reading to the last and wishing for more. This book is a great example of God having a hand in things happening for a reason. I didn't want to put this book down, as it had me guessing how all would play out. This is a must read. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I was provided a copy by Celebrate Lit. The opinions are my own in this review and not required.

This was an interesting book. I thought the story line was good but fairly predictable. I liked Margo's character. Whenever books involve children, I find it harder to read. This was not as difficult to read. I didn't find it as humorous as some of her other books.

Somewhat on the subject of Karen Kingsbury's Fifteen Minutes, this is a contemporary novel with the quirky writing that only Turano can bring to a story.

Jen Turano writes with a sense of humor that always has me giggling out loud. Throw romance, a bit of intrigue and suspense, and you have the makings of a memorable read. Showing a fair understanding of several cultures in one great story, Turano created great story, one that I look forward to reading more in the next book in this series.

Finding Margo by Jen Turano is a suspenseful romance that is certainly full of twists and turns. Margo, pop-singer diva, takes a much-needed break from her hectic, mother and agent-driven life. The impulsive road trip in her Mini-Cooper ends her in the lake in the middle of Amish country, many miles from her California lifestyle. Can it be that in running away Margo will find her faith, a family, and home? Twenty-year-old mysteries, murder, and a life-saving duck, named Gabby, make for an intriguing and entertaining story. The author does a great job with her characters, making them likable, flawed and realistic. The story builds to an exciting climax, with edge of the seat action. Cannot wait for the second book in Finding Home series.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. A positive review was not required and the opinions are my own.

Loved this book!! It was as fun as Jens other books!! I love the romance and the laugh out loud moments

I loved this story!!
This is the first contemporary book I have read by this author, Jen Turano, but I can assure you it won't be the last. She brings us a story that has a wonderful plot centered around Margo Hartman. It has elements of suspense, mystery, romance, forgiveness, small town intrigue and humor.
As the story opens we meet Margo Hartman who just happens to be a famous singer. Her mother is overbearing and has controlled her career for years. Margo has just reached the point of exhaustion with all her appearances and tour dates. She makes a decision to just escape it all and get some breathing room so she heads out from California. Unfortunately she arrives just outside of Millerburg to have her car struck by a duck which actually lands in her front seat. Feeling bad about possibly hurting the duck she heads into the town to get it treatment and life as she knows it is about to change.
Her arrival in Millerburg was somewhat strange because she kept having feelings of de`javu, but she didn't understand why because she didn't remember ever being in this town. One thing was certain she didn't want to be recognized as Margo and that turned out to not be a problem at the moment because everyone kept telling her she looked exactly like a local Amish woman. Unfortunately if the press go word of her being in town they would arrive in masses. Deputy Brock Moore suggest they hide her withing the community, but something just doesn't feel right about that.
This is a wonderful story filled with lots of mystery and humor that pulled me in from the very first page. You know it's a great story when you are literally laughing out loud one minute and trying to solve a mystery the next. The characters are strong and well developed. I found myself cheering for Margo every time she was faced with another obstacle. This is a book I would recommend to anyone.
I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I became a lifelong fan of Jen Turano before I finished her very first book. I loved her unique style with its quirky characters, laugh-out-loud scenes, a good dose of suspense or mystery, and of course a swoon worthy romance, all of which is well balanced by a strong spiritual theme. When I saw that her latest novel was a departure from her usual genre, I wondered if I would like it as well. Never fear, Jen’s distinctive voice is quite clear in “Finding Margo” and I will definitely want to read the entire series.

I was intrigued by the concept of the three missing Amish children and how it played into Margo’s personal story. Margo was a great character. I loved how her true personality was so different than the one cultivated by her mother for her career as a pop star. Can we just say the polished fashionista was actually a disaster waiting to happen?

It was clear fairly early how Margo and the missing children would be connected but what fun and suspense were in store as I watched her story play out! The developing romance between Margo and Deputy Brock Moore was perfect – no love at first sight there. Once again Jen Turano has made me a happy reader. I hope others will give “Finding Margo” a try also.

I loved this book. It's quirky, fun and quite unexpected. Oh sure, there were things we knew right away about 'the mystery'. I'm guessing Ms. Turano wrote it that way. Yet, I truly didn't know what would come out of our heroine's mouth next. Witty banter was taken to a whole new level.
I loved both our hero and heroine. The duck was AWESOME! The colorful cast of characters was immensely enjoyable. Welcome to contemporary romance. Love this new series. I can't wait for the next installment.

Rating: 5 Stars
Content: minor religious, kissing, mild violence
Source: Netgalley

Sometimes I want a chick flick style book. Finding Margo fit the bill perfectly. And, there was no real inclusion of sex that some mainstream romance titles toss into the mix.

Margo is living a life many dream of having...she's a rock star still on the rise. Yet, life on the road has left her exhausted. Upon learning her mother and agent have booked her solid during a period of downtime she was eagerly anticipating, she decides to run away from her life.

Fate brings her to an Amish community where people look at her strangely and comment how much she looks like another member of the community.

Tension is found through attempts on Margo's life and an attraction to a deputy. What they uncover shocks many...

I really wish I had realized going into this book that it was full of religion, for that reason alone, I'll not be able to give a fair review since I did not finish this book. But the writing was good of what I did read and maybe this type of story is exactly what you are looking for. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for a honest review.

I don’t generally enjoy fiction with Amish themes – just a personal preference, like not enjoying a lot of sci-fi. So when I discovered that Jen Turano‘s latest novel blends a little Amish culture into a contemporary inspirational story, I was hesitant to try it. But I’m so glad I did!

I loved this story! With this being the author’s first foray into contemporary fiction, I was afraid I’d miss all the unique historical touches of her previous books, but she managed to create the same effect here. Finding Margo still feels like a Jen Turano book – charming characters, humorous animals, quirky plots that draw you in from the first chapters.

If you love Jen’s historical novels, you’ll love Finding Margo, too!