Jen Turano knows how to write fun and exciting characters who make you laugh. you immediately jump into the story wishing they were real and you were friends. I thoroughly enjoyed Storing Up Trouble as well as all of Jen Turano's books.

“The truth of the matter was this—she, Miss Beatrix Waterbury, had been banished from New York, and all because she’d had the great misfortune of landing herself in jail…twice” – Storing Up Trouble

I stayed up way too late reading this book. But it was totally worth it! I couldn’t put it down, the story was so much fun! Beatrix was a fun character to get to know. She had a lot sparkle and found herself in all sorts of unique situations. I loved all the different characters. Aunt Gladys, Norman and Theo were very fun to become acquainted with. I espeically liked the interactions between Beatrix and Norman. I had to laugh at all funny situations they got into. Jen Turano blends romance, laughter and fun and creates a story you won’t want to put down.

I highly recommend this story to my family and friends.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. I also purchased a copy for myself. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Most books build on characters with what a person would term normal character traits and then add a quirk or two. Jen Turano does the exact opposite. She builds her characters with quirky traits and then adds a normal trait to that character. This, in my opinion, makes her stories stand out.
The author never fails to bring and theme into her stories, this one was centered on the working girl and the hardships that she must endure just to keep her job. Beatrix takes a job at one of the most upscale clothing stores in Chicago only to be subjected to humiliating and unjust treatment when she had done nothing wrong. It was a nice reminder for women how rough women used to have it.
Beatrix and Norman were the perfect couple. While Norman was your unconventional hero, he was a hero none the less. I like the was the author inserted how Norman would run to stay in top physical health. A sweet notion that while he was a scientific genius, he as no out of shape wimp.
Good characters, great story

Storing Up Trouble by Jen Turano

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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Story Notes

Jen Turano lends her creative mind and delightful writing abilities to a story that offers up interesting characters, sharp wit, hilarious situations and unexpected love.

From the first book of hers given me by my parents, I’ve loved the stories that Jen Turano writes. She has such a refreshing ability to infuse her stories with both depth and light and I am always excited to see what she presents next. This is the third in the “American Heiresses” series and it begins in true Turano style with a crisis that brings hilarity. Beatrix Waterbury is reluctantly making her way to Chicago to reside with her aunt until her parents deem her suitable to return to New York. She doesn’t understand their inability to understand that she didn’t mean to find herself in jail- more than once. And just because she pretended to be in a relationship with her good friend Thomas, doesn’t mean they should have packed her off in punishment. But one doesn’t argue with the Waterburys so here Beatrix is making her slow way to Chicago. What she didn’t expect was to find herself involved in a train heist and soon running for her life. And just who is this Norman Nesbitt who acts so superior but lacks any skill at the common task of riding horses? He is not the one she would have chosen to be making an escape with and clearly, she will have to be the one to get them to the nearest town. Norman is convinced that the heist was meant to steal the plans for his latest invention and given that Beatrix has unfortunately become involved, her life is now threatened as well. He didn’t expect her to be armed and to use her weapon against him. Thankfully he had taken the precaution of wearing a set of steel plates that prevent the bullet from injuring him. Eventually making their way to the nearest town and finally on to Chicago is just the beginning the the adventures that Norman and Beatrix will find themselves involved in. Her aunt Gladys is well known as an eccentric suffragette with a talent for taking in stray persons. Norman is therefore reluctant to let Beatrix live in her aunt’s home, even if it is in a lovely neighborhood. But Beatrix is excited to get to know this aunt and her friends who are so welcoming. Fearing she will find herself in more danger, Norman makes it his mission to ensure her safety while she is in Chicago. He enlists his best friend, Theodosia to help out with the mission but the two of them will get far more than they wanted as they get to know Beatrix better. Beatrix has never been one to stay silent when she sees something wrong. Challenging Norman to take a good look at himself and his treatment of others will inspire him to make some important and necessary changes to his way-too-well-ordered life. Beatrix also challenges Theodosia to stop hiding behind her mind and her practical clothes in order to protect her heart. The multitude of hilarious circumstances that will follow these three around Chicago makes for a wonderful story that readers will find themselves laugh-crying over. And if they are willing to open their hearts, they just might find themselves in love with the most unexpected persons. I so enjoyed every page of this story, from the train heist at the beginning to the fight scene at the end. There was just so much fun happening in each chapter that I was sad when I finished the last page. Norman is such lovable brainiac with little ability to see beyond his research and inventions that he struggles when it comes to protecting someone else. But he is determined to try his best and when he finds himself strangely fascinated with Beatrix, he turns again to research to explain it. I loved that he was willing to see that he was wrong at times and truly sought to make things right. Just because his selfishness was unintentional and he was ignorant of it before did not mean that it didn’t affect others. His determination to put all to right was excellent to see. I also loved Beatrix and her heart to help others. She saw the hurt that snobbish and rude people caused to those in service and trade and sought to bring enlightenment. I laughed so much at her frustration when she wasn’t able to stand up for herself in the face of those who considered themselves above shop workers. But her unwavering desire to help others was admirable and inspired Norman to become better. She was also able to help Theodosia come out of her shyness shell without making her feel bad for having a sharp mind. Theodosia was such a good friend to both Norman and Beatrix and added much sharp wit and hilarity to the story. I will certainly be recommending this story to others in the great hope that they will enjoy it as well. Can’t hardly wait to see what Ms. Turano will release next – it will surely be a good one!

I received this temporary complimentary E-book from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley in order to provide a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

Jen Turano is an author who manages to have me laughing out loud and loving her main characters right from the very start! "Storing Up Trouble" is the third book in her American Heiresses series and I have loved this series as they are filled with quirky characters and a visit to a different time period and how life was for others.
Beatrix, the main character, is strong, independent and finds herself in the midst of humorous situations and escapades. First of all, she is on a train that is a part of a heist and she manages to escape along with Norman. However, that is not the end of Norman's run ins with Beatrix as they meet up when Beatrix begins a new job.
These characters cannot be more different from each other, Norman is pretty oblivious to everything around him, yet he is so smart. Then there is Beatrix who is a go-getter and not afraid of the consequences for standing up and fighting for what she believes in. They find themselves both at risk and in the middle of things never imagined they'd be involved in together.
This book has so many laugh out loud moments and characters that are just so fun to spend time with! I highly recommend this book and the entire series!

Having read some of Jen Turano's books I knew I was in for a treat with Storing Up Trouble. I was not disappointed. This is the third book in American Heiresses series and the author brings to light interesting tidbits about The Gilded Age in Chicago society and the women's suffrage movement, as well as some of the inner workings of Marshall Field's department store as she tells the story of Beatrix. Beatrix is a young woman from the wealthy New York 400 set who's been sent to visit her eccentric aunt in Chicago. The story starts out with a bang as the train Beatrix travels on is held up by robbers and the interest is held to the end with other interesting and sometimes humorous scenarios. The author does a great job with her characters, making them likable, flawed and realistic. A spirited heroine with a pistol purse she's not afraid to use and a sweet professor-like hero make a wonderful pair for the romance even though it takes them a bit to realize it. The secondary characters are quirky and add so much to the story. I really enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more from this author. Readers who like historical romance will not want to miss Storing Up Trouble.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required, and opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.

I had to read this in phases to get my kids through school, but it would have definitely been devoured in a day. This is probably my favorite of the series and that is saying a lot since the other two were amazing. This one had me laughing on nearly every page. Such a fun story of opposites attract!! All the characters came to life in this book-it felt like I was watching a super fun comedy. So good!

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

Norman was adorably naive and nerdy! He had a propensity to do math in his head - not only when necessary to calculate something but to calm himself. He didn't understand social niceties and couldn't ride a horse - he was indeed terrified of them. This poor man still believed the tales his older sisters had told him to scare him when they were children.

In addition to this, Norman was a bit oblivious to his family and friends. He was so caught up in his "work" and attempting to do something marvelous with the tremendous intellect God had given him the rest of the world just didn't matter that much. As Beatrix's influence and rebukes had him acutely aware of this and as he began to change, the reactions of his family were hysterical!

I was laughing when Beatrix and he were trying to escape after what happened on the train and their only option was on horseback so he just flopped himself over the saddle! Can you even imagine that?!

Beatrix was a spinster and determined to remain one. Her focus in life was on rights for women and she ended up banished from New York because of it. Well, because of being thrown in jail twice because of it! She was not afraid to speak her mind! Her eccentric Aunt Gladys came up with the notion that Beatrix should experience firsthand the plight of the working woman and thus required her to take a job at Marshall & Fields department store, the results of which were often humorous.

Once Norman realized his infatuation with Beatrix, his attempts to woo her were such great fun!

I was glad for the insights into the conditions and plight of the women in the Gilded Age that led to the Suffrage movement. I have a much better appreciation for the concerns that led those brave women to work to change the world for the better.

Combining mystery with humor and romance, Storing Up Trouble is a fun historical romantic romp with an element of faith.

This is the 3rd book in the American Heiress series. While this is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. There are so many reasons to love this book. Let's start with the cover. It is beautifully done with such a striking woman in the center. The author is known for quirky, loveable characters. This book is no different. Beatrix might be my most favorite main character as of late. Beatrix Waterbury has been sent to Chicago to stay with her aunt. On this train ride - it is interrupted with a train heist - and due to this Beatrix meets Norman. Beatrix is outspoken and a strong female. Norman and Beatrix butt heads - but the book follows their journey - with many laughs along the way. Jen always writes such amazing, original stories. This is set in 1886 - in a time where women did not have much of a voice. The author always writes memorable characters and storylines. I received a copy of this book through the author -- all thoughts are my own.

Can they see what's right in front them?

Oh, gosh, did I have fun reading this book! But, it's a Jen Turano so could I really do anything else? Probably not. OK, that's more like definitely not! But that doesn't negate my sheer enjoyment of this rollicking good story. Storing Up Trouble captured me from the very first line. I laughed out loud, shook my head at the characters' antics, and did some thinking about the life and faith lessons that Beatrix and Norman must learn.

Speaking of Norman and Beatrix, they were hysterical! Hysterically funny that is! He's such a clueless windbag, too full of himself, and she's an accident prone do-gooder with no idea how difficult it is for lower class women. But, oh boy do they get a clue! And Jen Turano runs them through a little bit of a wringer along the way.

I've enjoyed every bit of the American Heiresses series but I took special delight in Storing Up Trouble. It lived up to my eager anticipation, and more, and I think it may be my favorite in the series. As a conclusion to the series this book was perfect but I'm just sorry to be saying goodbye to the characters that I've come to love. While on the topic of characters, I just have to mention two of my favorites, the stubborn Mort and the inscrutable Phantom. Those two stole any scene they were in!

From a train robbery to a famous department store, from behind jail bars to a dangerous rescue, Storing Up Trouble takes readers on a charming adventure of romance, comedy, and even a dash of suspense. If this spunds like it's up your alley you really shouldn't hesitate to check out the conclusion to Jen Turano's exquisite American Heiresses series...

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

I loved Jen Turano's latest, Storing Up Trouble! The romantic comedies she creates sweep me up into a different world.

Set during the Gilded Age, Storing Up Trouble is rich with gorgeous descriptions, fun characters, and mystery.

Our heroine, Beatrix Waterbury, a member of the suffragist movement, has some delightful and insightful, dialog. Beatrix often finds herself in unusual situations that add slapstick humor to the story. Meanwhile, Norman Nesbit, a scientific fellow, enters the scene and immediately writes off our Beatrix as an old maid--obviously because she's a suffragist.

Of course, despite their initial aversion to each other, life tosses Beatrix and Norman together, and they form an unlikely friendship.

Interesting secondary characters and substance to the plot. Aunt Gladys teaches skills to disadvantaged women, and Theodosia (one of Norman’s scientific friends) creates social experiments. There are other delightful characters that flesh out the story and illustrate issues of the day.

Although this novel is comedic in tone, it also dwells on the inequalities of life during the Gilded Age and shows what kind and caring hearts can do for others.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

First of all, this book was HILARIOUS!! The two main characters, Beatrix Waterbury and Norman Nesbit, bantered SO MUCH, and it was hilarious! I enjoyed that so much. Jen Turano’s books are always witty and fun, but this one is definitely on top of the pile in regards to humor.

Beatrix was absolutely the BEST character, as was her family, especially her aunt and her parents! She was thoughtful, straightforward, and spontaneous, and didn’t pause to stand up for what she stood for. She also wasn’t entitled or snobby, despite being rich. Norman is an inventor who is primarily concerned about his work, until he meets Beatrix, who doesn’t hesitate to tell him his character flaws, whereupon he begins to learn how to become a functioning member of society. The two of them together are hilarious! There is a touch of light romance (a couple mentions of kisses), but nothing very detailed. There are several wonderful mentions of married couples still liking each other and enjoying each others presence after many years of marriage, which I really liked seeing!

The secondary characters are also really great: from, as aforementioned, Beatrix’s family, to Norman’s family (especially Gemma and Oscar! they were adorable) to Aunt Gladys’ band of women, to the animals. It was all a fun time. I also enjoyed seeing the characters from previous books in the series pop up again (if you’ve read any of my reviews, continuity between books in a series is my favorite thing).

The time period was also super interesting: Beatrix was a suffragette, although since she was wealthy, she didn’t have the same experience as other suffragettes had (at least, according to the books I’ve read).. The whole time period was super interesting, as well as the fact that she was an heiress.

Aside from the romance part and the historical part, the suspense aspect to the book was also really interesting! A train heist occurs at the beginning of the book, and throughout, the question of what the heist was about propagates, especially as other attacks occur.

There wasn’t a ton of Christian content in the book, which I actually enjoyed. Although faith could have been more explicit, such as praying, the times where bible verses were included in the book felt genuine and not forced, which I really like in a Christian fiction book (sometimes there are just . . . pieces of ‘Christian content’ inserted into Christian fiction books that just don’t belong and are super awkward to read. This book wasn’t like that at all!).

Overall, if you couldn’t tell by my effusive praise, I loved this book! It was clean and witty and was overall a delight. I definitely recommend this book, even if you haven’t read the first two books in the series: it’s a great time!

Jen Turano is a long-time favorite author of mine because she can write such hilarious scenes and characters without sacrificing historical details or great character depth and development. This book was a great ending to another fantastic series! I liked the sprinkle of mystery in the novel, which kept the plot interesting. It is a captivating story and I had trouble putting it down! I also enjoyed how feisty and independent Beatrix is and liked the historical facts about women’s suffrage woven throughout the story. There are also great relatable spiritual truths. The romance is full of witty banter and is clean and heartwarming. I definitely recommend this book!

I received a complimentary ecopy of this book for the Celebrate Lit tours. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

This book is filled with quirky and eccentric characters, witty banter, sweet-swoon worthy romance and slight touch of mystery. There's plenty of adventure and a few giggles to explore in this story. All while focusing on some deeper issues.

A delightful way to end this trip to the Gilded age with some fun quirky characters. I highly recommend the entire American Heiress series.

How about a romance story between a scientist and a socialite girl? If that isn’t enough to pique your curiosity, I don’t know what will, AHHHHH!! 😍❤️💕

The amount of layers and detail this book has is incredible. From the very beginning, you can notice the amount of research that has gone into this book and the author’s thoroughness to present an almost ”touchable” world.

The story is fast-paced, but I feel it complements the nature of the book wonderfully. I am a reader that gets easily distracted with historical fiction books, but this one was anything but lacking. Even though sometimes the plot felt without a definite ‘direction’, as there were some parts I didn’t really know where the story was going, it ended up being really refreshing. I immensely enjoyed the character’s dialogues, and interactions surely got me hooked.

I love that Norman (ok, isn’t that name the cutest for a dorky, super-intelligent, scientist who loves doing divisions by three, lol?!) has a girl pal! And she’s a scientist, too! A chemist loving tomboy, to be precise. Speaking of characters, I loved how each one had its unique voice. They perfectly complemented each other, and their quirks brought sides of each other that were nothing short of special.

I also liked how the story is not limited to one place. The author brings you to places I was fascinated reading about AND the fact that we get an insight into how, for example, working-class women were perceived back then. The realities and contrasts of socialites and middle-class families.

Beatrix was also a wonderful MC. Sassy yet intelligent and down to earth. She was a lady not to be trifled with. Even though she was a young woman of means, she was down to earth and adventurous.

Sprinkle a little bit of Aunt Gladys in there, and an explosion of adventure, love, and science will come to life. I genuinely loved this book. It is clean and has all the elements a good book should have:)

I just like this series more and more. This one has plenty of Turano's humor built into it. Norman is a ton of fun. He's a fantastic blend of Science, hero, and nerd. This book has plenty of small twists that make it such a pleasure to read. The romance is not overworked or underplayed. The story is a page-turner. Beatrix is so opposite of Norman, and they fit so perfectly. Aunt Gladys and her many cats are fantastic and I can't leave out the mule because I love animals in my books. Add all that to the fact that this story is set while dealing with women's suffrage; from New York City to Chicago; back in the days when they were places filled with opportunities and you have yet another amazing book by this author.

Thanks to Celebrate Lit for my copy of this book. This review is my own, left freely. A positive review was not required.

Storing Up Trouble is the third book in the American Heiresses series, and Turano does not disappoint with snappy dialogue and strong characters. Beatrix Waterbury is headed to Chicago to stay with her Aunt Gladys. Her pleasant train ride is interrupted by a heist where she meets an incorrigible scientist, Norman Nesbit, who suspects his research was the reason for the heist. Once in Chicago, Beatrix decides to leave behind high society and takes a job at Marshall Field and Company. to see what life is like for the working class. Beatrix is learning the ropes of her new job when she encounters Norman on a shopping trip,. In the store, Norman is again targeted, and it becomes obvious that Norman is in danger. Join Beatrix and Norman on a quest to discover who is behind the attempts filled with humor, intrigue, and a little romance!

The historical tidbits in this book are incredible!

I have loved each and every book I have read from Jen Turano since I found her a couple of years ago, even though I have yet to read a paperback of hers until now–I won a copy in a giveaway after signing up to review it.

Can we talk about the cover first? Yes? Great! I didn’t know what to think of the cover when I saw it up close, because I wasn’t sure why there was so much focus on the gloves … And as rare as it is for me to think a cover is absolutely perfect for a book, this one fits Storing Up Love perfectly! And the look? Yeah, that is a look that Beatrix would make.

Content-wise, I was pleased. There were kisses, more than I prefer, but there was not overly affectionate content that made me want to throw the book out the door. There was not as much spiritual content as I would have liked but at least I didn’t disagree with it.

Every time I pick up one of Jen Turano’s books I am surprised at her ability to weave together a story of historical humor, sweet romance, cute kids, and crazy shenanigans.

The lessons both the hero and the heroine learned were portrayed in a way that showed you their faults yet you still enjoyed following along with their story. As much as I don’t love reading about the suffragette movement in Jen Turano’s books I don’t hate it. 😉 I love the little historical things that are embedded in “Storing Up Trouble.”

I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Reading Storing Up Trouble by Jen Turano was delightful. Hands down, it’s the funniest historical romance book I’ve read. I laughed many times as I turned the pages. While it felt heavy on dialogue, the interactions served up plenty of laughs and kept the plot moving.

I enjoyed all the unique characters in Storing Up Trouble. Norman, a conservative scientist, and Beatrix, an heiress who supports progressive ideas, are an unlikely match, but they pair up in a lovely manner. Some of the supporting characters were so cute and quirky that I liked them just as much as I liked Norman and Beatrix. Character development was limited, but I did like the process of Beatrix finding her purpose and cause to support.

Although Storing Up Trouble stands as the third novel in Jen Turano’s American Heiresses series, it worked fine as a stand-alone. Characters from other books do have small cameos, but I haven’t read their stories and I wasn’t confused by anything. I’m looking forward to reading more books by this author.

I recommend Storing Up Trouble by Jen Turano to readers who enjoy Christian historical romances and want a fun, humorous read. 4 Stars!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Turano’s American Heiresses series has a lot of ‘faves’ for me – all 3 covers are my favorites out of all of her books (and that’s saying a lot because her covers are always fab), Flights of Fancy is *almost* my favorite of her books (In Good Company still retains top billing but just barely), and Storing Up Trouble‘s Norman Nesbit may just be my very fave of her heroes.

Norman is an endearing mix of Sheldon Cooper and The Absent-Minded Professor, and he experiences the most character growth of any of Turano’s heroes, to my recollection. The same Norman you’re fondly rolling your eyes at in the first part of the book is the same Norman you’ll be cheering for by the end (and yes, still fondly rolling your eyes at too lol). Mort, his faithful mule, is a scene-stealer – as are Aunt Gladys & her hodgepodge of unorthodox friends. Norman’s quirky friend Theodosia and her story arc were another highlight for me in Storing Up Trouble.

Honestly, though, I’m not sure I would have liked (or disliked, for that matter) Beatrix one way or the other without Norman. I had a harder time connecting with her & her story arc than I did with the characters I mentioned above. There wasn’t anything wrong with her, per se, but she simply didn’t stand out to me as much as other Turano heroines have. However, the combination of her personality & Norman’s is romantic comedy gold.

The inside peek at Marshall Field’s department store was fascinating and gave somber insight into the treatment of the non-elite class by society. No one should EVER think that another group of people (whether the differences are ethnic, religious or economic) is beneath them, and we should always remember Jesus’ instruction to love our neighbor as ourselves. Turano uses the socio-economic dynamics of the setting to gently remind us of this still-timely truth.

Bottom Line: Anyone who has ever read a book by Jen Turano knows you can expect an almost continuous comedy of errors and madcap mayhem at highly entertaining levels, along with a sweet message or two lightly faith-related. Storing Up Trouble delivers all of that against the backdrop of Gilded Age Chicago, the suffrage movement, and scientific inventions. Humor, heart, a dash of suspense, and a dose of more than one sweet romance – plus the author’s unique style – make this a delightful read.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)