After reading many of Jen's historical fiction novels, I was intrigued to find a contemporary novel written by her. In her unique undeniable Jen Turano style - she writes true to form. Skilled at developing a plot in which there are elements that are predictable - however, for the large majority I had no idea in the direction we would be taken.

This story, on finding your true 'home', with a mix of rediscovery of self and relationship with God, is one in which I couldn't put down. You couldn't get a bigger of a contrast to Amish life than multi millionaire Californian Pop star, Margo Hartman. Margo has completed a National Tour, and in need of a break away from her music and her overpowering Mother, finds herself in rural Ohio. An incident with a duck of all things (usual quirky throwing of odd animal escapades seems to be something we see in Jen's writing), puts her on a path no one could have predicted. Brock Moore is an FBI agent on hiatus in order to work within the local PD, where he is struggling, but searching to find the truth behind the death of his sister. Labeled as a suicide, something just doesn't sit right with him or her husband Ian, his brother in law. Their paths cross at the Vet Clinic Margo takes the injured duck to. A glimpse into the lives of the Amish, and how they as a community have handled the tragic abduction of 3 of their children over 20 years ago, will leave you with plenty of heart piercing emotions. I have so much respect for the choices this community chooses to live their lives. Their outlook in the face of tragedy never fails to amaze me. In the final few pages tears fell in what was a beautifully written moment. Not sure how I feel about the giant cliff hanger! So excited to read the next one! Fabulous fantastic read. Five easy stars.

Thanks to Netgalley & Gilead Publishing for the complimentary copy. This is my honest review.

In a departure from her trademark historical fiction books, Jen Turano takes us on wild ride with her contemporary romantic suspense novel, Finding Margo. Pop star Margo Hartman finds more than she bargained for when her get-away-from-it-all trip turns into a crazy romp. Margo, the pop star turned tourist, and Brock, the FBI agent turned sheriff’s deputy, kept each other amused and confused with their witty banter and crazy exploits. Filled with quirky characters (including a duck named Gabby), charming settings, and sometimes crazy situations, this book will tickle your funny bone and leave you wanting more.

Finding Margo was so much fun to read. I have read several books by Jen Turano and enjoyed every one of them. Turano makes you laugh, cry, and sit on the edge of your seat. The best things a book can do. I enjoyed trying to figure out the mystery and couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. This is the first book in the Finding Home series and I can't wait to read more! Finding Margo follows Margo and Brock as they both try to discover who they really are, and what they are meant to do.

Margo is a pop star. While there are benefits to being Americas Pop Princess, there are also many downfalls. Not having any privacy, and having decisions made for you being a couple of them. Deciding to run away for a while Margo takes off and ends up in Ohio. It seems the moment she gets there strange things start happening. She was just planning on driving through, but something seems to be keeping her there. The cute sheriff deputy intrigues her, even if he can tell she is hiding something. The town has a weirdness about it, but it's also charming in its own way. Will Margo be safe surrounded by the Amish? Or are her troubles just beginning?

Brock is on a mission. He is visiting his brother in law, and has some mysteries of his own. He can't seem to find a lead anywhere, but he's not ready to give up yet. Meeting Margo has been anything but boring. He knows she's hiding something, but doesn't know how to get her to confide in him. Danger seems to be following her. But the who and why are a total mystery. Can he figure out the mystery before she really gets hurt? Or is he just meant to fail when it comes to being a protector?

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a book that is hard to put down. My interest was kept the entire time, and I couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen. I am dying to read the next book in this series. I received a copy of this book from Gilead Publishing in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.

Thoughts:

FINDING MARGO (Finding Home Book 1) is first in a series by Jen Turano, and I'm looking forward to Book 2!

This read is a best-selling, historical author's first published title inside the contemporary market. With a hard act to follow from her previous quirky characters, she meets that challenge and surpasses the goal all the while adding mystery to her contemporary repertoire.

Margo Hartman is an international Pop Star on the lam. She is finding her celebrity, burnout inducing lifestyle trying and exhausting, and her tyrant stage mother is excessive and burdensome. Margo needs a change to recharge, to review, and to rediscover her. Somewhere under all the glitz that is glamor, Margo hides. She is young and vibrant but not ready for another tour. She loves singing, but she does not enjoy the theatrics of the press.

Outrunning family, paid help, bodyguards, and paparazzi, she manages to get herself in a country living experiment. A city-bred well to do should not be enjoying the ride, but Margo can breathe here. Despite this enjoyment, her lack of recent driving experience catches her in some trouble. On an Amish county road, she hits a duck, makes a friend, and uncovers the dangers of being without a bodyguard!

If a camera shot appears in the tabloids or a press hound is her only problem, she would be safe, but she wouldn't have met a Sheriff’s deputy. However, he doesn't seem to believe a word she says.

Brock Moore is a temporary deputy pursuing a case that means too much to let go. The tricky part of this undercover, FBI assignment comes once a woman walks in wearing a laundry list of high-priced merchandise while trying to portray herself as just passing by. However, her name is something she will not reveal, but then she matches a famed cartoon character. How does she not understand this alone would make anyone suspicious?

Cute and funny only go so far when a car accident leaves a victim and a shooter targets this same person. A stalled case and a new crime meet up in a town where secrets are still hiding!

***This opinion is my own.***

Preview:

FINDING MARGO (Finding Home Book 1) by Jen Turano reveals the price of fame, the penalty of a media spotlight, and pondering if it's all even worth it.

When Margo Hartman takes an unscheduled vacation, she does it with her telephone off and a little planning. Her tour is over, and the handler of this International Pop Star is abusing her privilege. Unfortunately, Margo can fire talent, but she can't terminate a mother status. Carolyn Hartman does not understand the meaning of no in money, interviews, concerts, tours, and Margo's time. She's relentless and will buy off anyone in her way. Since Margo is making the money, she can't buy her, but she does pay her staff to do her "favors". This last debacle was a road never taken before, and it won't be taken now.

All is going along fine, until an accident, a duck, and a police deputy run into Margo. It happens when doing right can bring out something wrong and life can go crazy fast.

Brock Moore finds the newest visitor attractive, but her mode of dress and her comic strip name lends plenty of suspicions. However, it is the town stories that really seal the deal, and he begins to follow her. His being around tends to make her nervous, but once the sound of a bullet explodes, this case comes dangerously close.

From strangers to inseparable, the mystery deepens as these two get closer to the secrets hidden in this small town.

This book was okay. The mystery part was interesting and the only reason I kept reading, but I won't be reading the rest, mainly because of the amish/religious aspect.