Another great romp by Turano. One of the most delightfully surprising things about this novel is that its summary (the accidental kidnapping of the wrong person) does not actually take over the book. Rather, it is used as a springboard for the story. While this one isn't one of my favorite of Turano's, it was an entertaining read that made me chuckle. And that is something I can seem to ALWAYS count on Jen Turano for.

In this third installment of the Apart from the Crowd series, Temperance Flowerdew comes front and center. We learn that she's been kicked out of her distant cousin's, Wayne Flowerdew, house, after having lived there as basically a servant since her parents died. She has recently decided, however, that she is done being the meek, servantile, poor relation, and is reclaiming her spunk and creative spark, thanks in no small part to the reappearance of her childhood friend, Gilbert Cavendish. This newfound zest will serve her well as she and Gilbert encounter one strange situation after another. With the whole city thinking that they are engaged, after being caught in what appeared to be a compromising position, can they salvage their reputations and escape gracefully, or will they even want to?

I adore Jen Turano, and her witty, spunky, clever female characters. Temperance is just another in a growing list of Ms. Turano's heroines who have made me laugh out loud while following their stories. Temperance and Gilbert's friendship is so precious; I loved how well they knew each other and looked out for each other. I was glad to see the previous characters from this series making their appearances as well, both Temperance's friends Gertrude and Permilia, as well as their fiances and Gilbert's friends Harrison and Asher. I feel like this trio of couples would be highly entertaining to spend an evening with.

Characters aside, however, this installment felt a little over the top for me. The "twists" in the plot had a bit of a soap opera feel, with zany characters and dramatic turns that didn't fit the rest of the series' tone. Perhaps if you approach the book expecting comedic drama, you'll be able to enjoy it from that point of view.

I give this book 3 stars, based on my enjoyment of the characters themselves, and leaning heavily on the previous books in the series to give this finale a bit more weight than it might deserve.

I received a digital copy of this book, via NetGalley, from the publisher, in exchange for my honest review.

I couldn't get into this book as much I thought I was going to. I actually enjoyed the previous book better. I will probably not be continuing this series.

What a delightful book! Full of quirky characters, action, romance, murder attempts, Pinkerton Agents, and SO much fun, this book keeps you laughing as you can't wait to find out what will happen next. Characters have a depth not often found in light-hearted romantic comedies. Fantastic read!!!

I say it every time but I LOVE Jen Turano’s books. I like how, in this series, the “wallflowers” of society seem to get the best men. The fact that these men see these “wallflowers” for who they really are and recognize their worth shows that they truly are the best men. The women, in this case Temperance Flowerdew, are wonderfully quirky and always do the unexpected. It’s delightful.
When Temperance and Gilbert are caught in a highly ironic, compromising position, Gilbert decides they should get married. The trouble is that Temperance wants a fairy tale romance while Gilbert thinks of marriage as a business arrangement. He proposes and Temperance turns him down. They have a very interesting friendship. Temperance lands herself in trouble quite often and Gilbert has years of experience coming to her rescue. Add to this some bumbling criminals, dramatic twists, crazy adventures, and danger all around and it makes for a rip-roaring good read.
It seems like this may be the last of this series and I am sad to see it end. The characters have been so unique and colorful. I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing the three main men counsel each other in how to win a woman’s heart. Gilbert’s plans had me laughing out loud. The women are so creative in their problem solving and in their independence. The dialogue is funny and the situations are outlandish. It’s completely wonderful. I’d highly recommend this book and this whole series.
Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with an e-copy of this book. I was not required to leave to a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Apart From the Crowd series:
Novella: At Your Request
Book 1: Behind the Scenes
Book 2: Out of the Ordinary
Book 3: Caught by Surprise

Jen Turano has an uncanny habit of taking the most unusual heroines and putting them in uncharacteristic situations that lead them on a pot-hole filled road to love and romance.

In our latest breaking news, Temperance Flowerdew has been asked to vacate the residence where she is living with distant cousins. Miss Flowerdew, can you tell us where you are going to find lodging for tonight?

Miss Flowerdew: I planned to go to Miss Snook's school for young ladies. I teach art and music there, and I really must be on my way.

Two ugly thugs with a carriage approach Miss Flowerdew and roughly push her into the carriage.

Did you see that? Miss Flowerdew has been kidnapped right off the street!!!! Quick, let's follow the carriage to see where they taking her. Oh no! We've lost them. Well, This has been Action Jackson News.

This is where EVERYONE is Caught by Surprise--the characters and the readers alike. Missing people keep showing up unexpectedly, dead people show up in the middle of funerals being held for them.

No matter where Temperance and her rescuer, Gilbert, go, someone tries to take their lives.

This is a rollicking, roller coaster ride of a read. It's important to realize the reader needs to keep his/her feet on the floor. Five Stars, Two Thumbs Up, and the last wallflower who wants to come to your party.

Bethany House and NetGalley.com provided the galley I read. All opinions are solely my own.

This book is by far Jen Turano’s best to date!
Caught by Surprise is one of the funniest reads I’ve read this year, and I’ve been reading quite a bit lately! I love everything about this story – our funny and quirky heroine Temperance Flowerdew, the serious orderly hero Gilbert Cavendish; crazy twists and unexpected turns; supporting cast members who all have their own quirks and memorable moments. It’s a story of mistaken identity, scheming family members, attempted murders, stolen money, mystery, intrigue and romance, as well as a whole bunch of other things. This was a page turner!
It’s such an easy, delightful, and funny read.
One can’t help but love Temperance and her determination to get to the bottom of whatever is going on. Gilbert - who wouldn’t love his devotion to his lifelong friend to help her solve several mysteries that have cropped up when he reappears in her life after a long absence?
I have to admit that I totally didn’t see what was coming in the last quarter of the book (it was a moment that made me say, “what?!” out loud). It was quite clever but I won’t spoil it here.
This is book is one from the series Apart from the Crowd but one doesn't need to read the other books to enjoy this one.
Go read the book! You’ll be happy you did – especially when it leaves a smile on your face more than once.
I received an ecopy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Jen Turano does a fabulous job at creating hilarious tales of woe during the Gilded Age. I have loved and looked forward to all her writings. Her latest creating, Caught by Surprise, is really no surprise. It is a fabulous conclusion to the series. I have enjoyed this book and can't wait to see what the next series includes.
Turano creates a cast of characters worthy of any sitcom. They are unique, boastful, and proud to right the wrong in their lives. While in most romances, it is the girl who falls in love first and then has to practically drag the man to fall in love with her, Turano flips the story on its head and allows the women to be the ones that can't imagine following in love with these men who are interested in them. A number of times, she had me laughing at why the women weren't impressed by the men who obviously did outlandish things to try to impress them. It was nice to see the previous two wallflowers, who tell their stories in Behind the Scenes and Out of the Ordinary come back to support Temperance in her story.
It was nice to finally get to know and understand Temperance, the last girl of the wallflowers. She blossomed on the page, even though she was determined not to fall in love with her childhood friend, Gilbert Cavendish. Opposite Temperance is Gilbert, the hero who could have someone wanting him dead too. He protected Temperance like a true hero does and keeps begging for her to marry him.
The plot is funny and moves at a rapid pace. I wish I could spend more time with Turano's characters. The novel is comforting and a great way to spend a couple of hours. I truly enjoyed this whole series. I think I might return and re-read them from the start again.
Overall, Jen Turano's Caught by Surprise is a fabulous, yet surprising story filled with guns, knife fights, paint, and romance all set during the Gilded Age. I couldn't read through the novel fast enough. I anxiously await her next series to see what new characters and what trouble Turano allows them to get into.
I received a complimentary copy of Caught by Surprise by Jen Turano from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.

Miss Temperance Flowerdew becomes a victim of mistaken identity when she is kidnapped and put on a train headed for Chicago.



Mr. Gilbert Cavendish is hired to rescue Miss Flowerdew, but when he finally catches up to her in Chicago, they are seen alone together damaging her reputation. Gilbert proposes, but Temperance is done with being the victim and wants to get to the bottom of the kidnapping scheme once and for all.



Will Gilbert and Temperance be able to untangle the mystery, and get to the bottom of their feelings or each other?



I love Jen Turano's books, and this one was no exception. Fun from the start with Ms. Turano's signature larger than life characters, this was fast paced read that I didn't want to put down.



Temperance was a character in the two previous book sin the series, and she has really started to come out of her shell and into her own. Temperance is clever and creative, and doesn't like the rich lifestyle that she came from. She loves teaching music, and she appreciates the ladies at the school who have become like a family to her.



Gilbert is a man used to strict schedules and protocols, he is very determined, intelligent, and gallant. I like how Gilbert wants to come to Temperance's rescue, he has good friends and isn't afraid to ask for advice. There is a lot of good interaction between him and Temperance as they get reacquainted.



Overall, this is a fun-packed hilarious adventure, with great characters. I liked the mystery, and that Temperance and Gilbert are people of faith who see God working in their lives. The dialog can be a bit wordy sometimes. This book is engaging, entertaining, and I loved revisiting favorite characters from past books! Fantastic read, with a great ending!



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

This is a cute, turn-of-the-century story about a crime gone awry....but it unravels into so much more. Without spoiling anything, there are several romantic partnerships, a commentary on social status and helping those less fortunate, and a series of mysteries that all point back in one direction. Plus, at the end, there are some huge surprises! Definitely a good read.

I'm hesitant about ever giving 5 stars, but this book kept me guessing and smiling. The intrigue, mystery and endearing moments are deserving. Caught by Surprise just might be my favorite of the three. There's so much going on in this one and so many of the characters are fantastic. I love books about camraderie, childhood friendships and community. I liked how the two sisters and Mrs. Devenport looked after the girls and the trusty Mr. Barclay (the butler). I especially enjoy how faith and things working out in God's time comes into the story. This is a book I'd happily recommend and read again. It's truly a great feel good page turner with intrigue.