Member Reviews
I just love Jen Turano and her light, witty humor. This was just what I needed as I'm currently abiding week 7 of "staying in" during the Covid-19 pandemic. While this is not by any means a "fluffy" book, there is a lot of wit and banter throughout and had me literally laughing out loud in several parts (and even though I finished this one last night, I was apparently still thinking about it as my husband told me this morning that I'd woken him up in the middle of the night laughing in my sleep!). This is the 3rd book in the American Heiresses series, you could definitely read this one as a stand-alone. Both Izzie and Poppy (main characters from the earlier books) make appearances towards the end of the book and it's nice to know who they are, but there is not any history divulged that would make it an issue to read these out of order. Fans of the series will be happy to see them settled in to their "happily ever afters" though.
This book follows Beatrix Waterbury (who made appearances in the first 2 books as well, which made me excited to see her story!). Though she is among the New York 400, she has determined to support women's suffrage and has found herself bailed out jail twice - so her parents send her to an extended visit with her aunt in Chicago. The train that she's on is robbed at gunpoint and she and a Mr. Norman Nesbit make a getaway. These two opposites have a doozy of a time getting back to catch a new train to Chicago. Upon their arrival, they continue to get into each other's way until they no longer want to. While this story felt in places like a comedy of errors, there were also serious notes about women's rights in that time period and relying on God, even when He doesn't fit what's scientific. I also enjoyed the "opposites attract" trope, as well as noting the ways that Beatrix and Norman made each other "better" along the way. This was a great ending to this trilogy!
I would highly recommend to fans of inspirational romantic suspense, especially those who enjoy humor woven in to the story. Special thanks to NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers for an advanced e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to post a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
When Storing Up Trouble started out with a Frankenau Pistol Purse packing heroine, I knew I was in for a fun read. From the zany supporting characters to the fascinating historical details to the interwoven Spiritual truths …well, this book was just what I needed right now.
So, what were my favorite parts?
I love the hero and heroine, but I also adored the supporting characters. More than one romantic pairing meant more opportunity to root for Happily-Ever-Afters.
The cats. Yes, this book features heroic cats. As a cat lover often saddened by the heroism attributed to dogs that is denied to cats, I appreciated that in Storing Up Trouble cats get the full credit all felines will tell you is their due.
I liked the relationships beyond the romance—siblings, friends, and a man and his mule—to name a few.
I came away grateful that I do not have to wear a bustle, secure 200 buttons on my dress with a buttonhook, or work in a meat-packing plant.
This book is a fun and light-hearted read, but it also includes truths about caring for others, relationships, and finding the path God has for you in life. I highly recommend it.
I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I always look forward to reading Jen Turanos books. I know without fail she will have me laughing out loud and also deliver plenty of romance. I adore her spunky heroines and Beatrix’s story was delightful. Norman and Beatrix’s relationship was so much fun to watch develop and their banter had me cracking up. They are complete opposites that ended up being perfect together. Aunt Gladys’s character is eccentric and such a hoot! There was action/adventure, misunderstandings, romance, and so many fun moments in this gilded age story. A truly enjoyable read. Thanks to Netgalley and Bethany House for sending me a copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Beatrix! My God! I love a woman who is sweetly and correctly opinated and is able to hold down her fort. Beatrix is one of the most fearless and courageous female characters I have ever read about. The banter between her and Norman was the highlight of this story for me. I could listen to them all day and be entertained. Although I did love the honor in which he carried himself. I loved both of them together because they were so different but right for each other.
This story is beautiful exhilarating thrill of love, family, intrigue, mystery all wrapped in a beautiful historical setting. Jen Turano writes an unforgettable tale here.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
While this is not my first Jen Turano book, this is the first in the American Heiresses series I’ve read. However, it stands perfectly well as a stand alone, and feel like you could start here, although I am intrigued to read the previous two books in the series now.
Turano has a few different elements at play: a whimsical, often humorous, writing style, great attention to detail, and a dash of mystery, and all of it comes together, without anything really feeling out of place.
The characters are definitely the best part. Beatrix is a daring heroine, not afraid to take risks due to her suffragist views, and I admired how she was so unconcerned with what society thought.
Norman is also interesting due to his scientific pursuits, and I liked the banter between them as their relationship evolved.
There are some other memorable characters, and my absolute favorite is the silly Aunt Gladys. Her antics with her friends are the best part of the book.
This is a fun, light read, and while it’s not a particularly memorable read, it’s pure fun with a helping of history, which I think can be great once in a while. I recommend this to anyone looking for a good solid historical rom-com.
I’m a huge fan of Jen Turano and her books always make me laugh at loud. She creates memorable characters with a penchant for mishaps and the heroine in this story was no different.
The book starts out action packed and dramatic as Miss Beatrix Waterbury finds herself in a spot of trouble and in need of rescue.
Norman Nesbit has his own agenda and is not in the habit of rescuing damsels in distress, or being rescued by them in a turn of circumstance.
They are rather eccentric characters but endearing just the same. As the story progresses they find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other.
I’ll be honest, this book did not keep my attention as other of Ms Turano’s books have. After the promising start, it seemed to slow down and become a tad tedious once Beatrix started working at the store. Ms Turano has a knack for humorous storytelling & I will read more of her books in future.
All opinions in this review are my own, I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Let me start off by saying, I have yet to be steered wrong by a Jen Turano book. Storing Up Trouble was the 7th full length novel I've read by this author, plus I've read one novella. All of them have been amazing. You get some romance, some mystery, some intrigue, and lots of humor. I absolutely jumped at the chance to review this book because I knew, without having even started this specific series, that it was going to be good. In fact, I also read Flights of Fancy and Diamond in the Rough (books 1 and 2 in this series, which you should definitely check out too!) just to feel ready to go for this book.
Beatrix is feisty. She's so independent and, being a fellow redhead, I was super pumped to get a redheaded heroine for this story. I will say Norman was not my favorite male lead of the American Heiresses series (I'm still on Team Reginald from Diamond in the Rough), but I did see a lot of character development in him. I could really picture him as this scruffy scientist guy at the beginning, but then with some TLC, he really came across as a more dapper gentleman at the end. I could also see how Beatrix and Norma complimented each other and could feel the chemistry in a genuine way.
This book could be read as a standalone, but I would highly encourage reading books 1 and 2 for some background and simply because it's a good series. Characters from previous books do appear throughout.
I received a free copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review
Beatrix Waterbury is no stranger to adventure, excitement, and her share of scrapes. Her mother has had enough of her trips to jail (due to her suffrage support) and decided to send her off to Beatrix’s Aunt Gladys in Chicago for a time. Beatrix doesn’t mind. She’s had enough of New York Society for the time being, and especially the spousal hunting game that’s played there. She’s ready for a change of pace. But before she even arrives in Chicago Beatrix finds herself mixed up in a train heist and escaping from armed robbers with a rather annoying scientist, Norman Nesbit. After eventually making it to Chicago, the two never expect to see each other again. But their paths keep crossing, and Norman finds himself increasingly enthralled and distracted from his scientific endeavors by trying to figure out how to not annoy the curious Miss Waterbury. His family starts to worry that he must have learned he’s dying because of his strange new habits. Beatrix meanwhile finds that her Aunt doesn’t exactly have normal ladylike activities in mind for her stay in Chicago. She’s sending her to work at a department store to experience what it is like for working women and better understand their plight. And the robbers from the train are still after both of them, trying to steal papers for Norman’s most recent invention.
Jen Turano sure knows how to whip together a most enjoyable and hilarious romantic comedy. Beatrix is no stranger to those who have read the previous 2 books in the American Heiresses series. She’s been a background character in each one, and I knew going into this that she’d be a very entertaining person to follow around. She’s different from both Izzy or Poppy in that she’s more of an oddball for a socialite (which she comes by honestly you realize when you get to know her family…I loved all of them). And she’s probably the smartest of the bunch of heiresses on top of that. She needed a very unique man to steal her heart, and Norman Nesbit is nothing if not a unique character. He’s the kind of character you usually run into in children’s lit as the eccentric uncle or slightly nutty scientist, but who rarely tiptoes into adult lit. It was most delightful to have him here, though, and a stroke of genius on Turano’s part. Theodosia was a great addition too as Norman’s awkward science-minded friend. She had some great comedic moments as did Norman’s niece Gemma. (I would love to see a story about Gemma as a grown up.) I also liked the way Turano brought to light the injustices faced by the working poor in that time period (a good reminder for today too, there are still people stuck in situations where the whole system seems set against them and need people to speak up for them). Highly recommended to those who enjoy Christian historical fiction and romantic comedies.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content beyond a kiss. Two people are shot and perilous situations are faced, but no one is seriously hurt.
I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 STARS!!!
Wrapping up this delightfully funny series are Beatrix Waterbury and Norman Nesbit. For all their crazy antics, deep down these two need each other but will they discover that in time?
As always, Turano provides a few hours of lighthearted fun, wild shenanigans, and clean romance. I want to pick this authors brain and find out how she comes up with unique story ideas and develops such zany characters.
If you’re looking for an escape during these crazy days, grab a copy of Storing Up Trouble. You’re sure to be entertained!
I received an electronic copy from the author and publisher. No review was required. No compensation received
What a delightful book!
I really needed this book. It helped me forget about being quarantined for a little while. I laughed and giggled and occasionally a snort escaped.
Beatrix has quite the personality. She is full of life and gets herself into the most unexpected predicaments.
Norman is a hoot. So serious and somber, but not afraid to admit his failings and try to do better.
Aunt Gladys and her friends add more than a few comical scenes.
I thought it was so cool that a famous historical figure was included in the story too.
Beatrix's parents were not what I expected at all.
I know it sounds like I'm just teasing with with little tidbits of information...I do apologize, I just don't want to give anything away and spoil it for you.
I loved this book!
If you enjoy a comical, clean mystery... you will enjoy this book as much as I did.
I was blessed to receive an advance copy of this novel from the publisher, through NetGalley.
I am happy to share my thoughts on this book with you.
“...you’re an opinionated and impulsive woman, traits that gentlemen find less then appealing in a woman they might be considering marrying.”
Famous last words huh Norman?
This book was an absolute pleasure to read. Watching Norman transform from a man who only worried about himself and his inventions to a man who realized just how self centered he was and start to open up and show how much he cared for his family and his friend, was such a delight. Beatrix was her charming self we got glimpses of in the other two books in the series and boy would I love to be her friend. I loved that we not only got one love story but three. Yes you read that right THREE love stories in one book.
I adore Theo!! The friendship her and Norman share had me busting out laughing on several occasions.
Also Mort is my spirit animal.
*i was given an arc of this story. My opinions are purely my own*
This is typical Turano! The cast is eclectic, and some of the antics will have the reader chuckling, which is something I definitely appreciated, as I read it during the pandemic/stay-at-home orders.
Beatrix and Norman are an unlikely pair, but an enjoyable one. Turano's trademark humor shines through in this lighthearted read. There's a bit of mystery thrown in to keep the reader guessing.
This is the third installment in the series, but it's not necessary to read the books in order.
Miss Beatrix Waterbury has been sent to Chicago on a train to stay with her aunt Gladys and before she gets there, the shenanigans start when she meets Mr. Norman Nesbit.
I loved seeing Nesbit's reaction to Beatrix and how at first they are at odds with each other. What a satisfying journey for these two characters and also such a wonderful conclusion to the series. The last chapters perfectly tied everything up and I turned the last page with a sigh of happiness. I do have to say that Nesbit's mule, Mort, almost stole the show. Loved him.
Aunt Gladys provides a wonderful and quirky character and you never know what she'll be up to next. This book is full of adventure, skullduggery, and romance. Everything I love in a book, with laugh out loud moments that are the cherry on the top. The cover is an absolutely perfect representation of this wonderful story. You just can't go wrong with a Jen Turano novel.
I received an ARC copy of this book on Netgalley from the publisher. My opinions are my own.
Ridiculously fun, laugh out loud antics:
This is a fun, light hearted read. I found the beginning rather wordy but the pacing and dialogue settled into a good rhythm as the book progressed.
Norman is utterly clueless when it comes to social situations and woman in particular and it was fun watching him bumble along as he interacted with those around him and then in his pursuit of Beatrix. I enjoyed witnessing the personal growth of the main characters and their friends.
It isn't a book that you can take too seriously as most of it is over the top, however I liked the mystery aspect that was woven through the background and also appreciated that it brought up issues surrounding the suffragette movement, the mistreatment of women and working conditions.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
I get giddy with excitement when I start reading a book by Jan Turano because I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that it’s going to be amusing and hard to put down. In Storing Up Trouble, Miss Beatrix Waterbury is on a train to Chicago to stay with her eccentric aunt when she encounters robbers but thanks to her refusal to hand over a cherished possession and assistance from a fellow passenger named Norman Nesbitt, they are able to thwart this most dangerous not to mention inconvenient situation.
Norman is a sheltered gentleman, he’s great with math equations but sorely lacking in other skills such as small talk and horseback riding as Beatrix soon learns when they hop off of the train to escape the robbers who are trying to steal Normans research. No worries though because Beatrix is there to help him maneuver the things he needs help with. The description of him riding a horse had me laughing so loud that I woke my cat up. Speaking of cats there are a lot of cats in the storyline which is another humorous and clever aspect.
We all need a pleasant diversion these days and I cannot think of a better one right now than reading this book by Ms. Turano. I absolutely adored Beatrix, Norman and every other character in this book. The story flows at a perfect pace, there’s a bit of mystery with hilarious situations all blended perfectly in this must-read novel. Jen Turano is a masterful storyteller and one of my must-read authors. This is the third book in the series but can be read as a standalone but I recommend reading all three because they are truly fantastic.
I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley. All opinions are completely my own.
Beatrix Waterbury is on the train heading for Chicago and her Aunt Gladys when they are stopped. Finding herself in a sticky situation a fellow passenger helps her out of, he then greatly encourages her the trip needs to change. She and Norman Nesbit exit the train and find other transportation. The story continues with Beatrix working to control her tongue at times, if not her thoughts and Norman trying to figure some things out, and realizing he has some responsibilities he’d neglected. Aunt Gladys and her lady friends she’s helping, along with her butler Edgar are a lot of fun, as is Theo. Arthur and Annie Waterbury, Izzy and Ian, Poppy and Reginald also come in to the story briefly. Phantom is a super fun critter I’d be remiss in not mentioning him, along with Mort. This story grabs you and doesn’t let go. Some mystery, along with this author’s typical humor make for another great story with fun and quirky characters.
A complimentary copy was provided by Bethany House via NetGalley A positive review was not required and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Beatrix Waterbury is sent to Chicago to spend time with her aunt. The story she's told is that because she had been arrested twice and was way too involved in the suffragist movement she would be sent to her mother's older sister for a while.
But of course, trouble follows Beatrix. Before she even gets to her aunt's house she is involved in a series of misfortunes starting with the train robbery.
She is thrust into the company of Norman Nesbit a man completely unlike any she had ever met before. He is studious and not fawning over her. In fact, he annoys her more than anything but because they are drawn into each other's company by the circumstances surrounding them, she gets a chance to see other parts of his personality.
Parts of this book were laugh-out-loud funny and the cast of characters was engaging and entertaining.
Still, there were parts of the novel where the author chose to show rather than tell which caused the pace to lag a bit. But for the most part, I enjoyed this book. I was especially intrigued by the bits of history that were woven into the plot.
Storing Up Trouble was an intriguing look at what the suffragist movement may have looked like from the perspective of a rich heiress. I also enjoyed the romance between Beatrix and Norman.
On the surface, their relationship shouldn't have worked but they were good for each other. I liked how Norman smoothed away her rough edges whereas Beatrix forced Norman to open his eyes to the relationships he'd been missing out on.
I received an advanced reader's copy of Storing Up Trouble form the publishers courtesy of Celebrate Lit and Net Galley; a positive review was not required.
Nineteenth Century department store owner Edward Filene once called his store an “Adam-less Eden,” but for Beatrix Waterbury, an unexpected career as a Marshall Field & Company salesgirl is neither of those things. It’s certainly no paradise for the young heiress to endure snooty customers and tyrannical managers, but it does help her understand the plight of the women whose causes she champions. There is also no shortage of gentlemen...at least one bright, eccentric, and occasionally infuriating gentleman whose life keeps getting inexplicably tangled up with hers. She could disentangle herself fast, if she could just figure out who is trying to steal his important scientific papers. But does she want to be free of him?
One of the best parts about Storing Up Trouble is that there is not a single predictable character in the whole story. From the clueless yet brilliant Norman Nesbitt, to the benevolently scheming and turban wearing Aunt Gladys, to the sweet but opinionated Beatrix herself, the entire cast is so energetic that the characters seem to leap off the page.
What is more, Beatrix and Norman each have a dynamic character arc, with Beatrix finding a focus for her activism and Norman learning to be considerate of other people. Accompanying them on this journey is as uplifting as it is entertaining.
In addition to the well developed characters, Storing Up Trouble shines thanks to the sumptuous Gilded Age setting, comic situations and dialogue that are trademark Turano, and the charming, unique romance. I definitely recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not obliged to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.
I absolutely LOVED Storing Up Trouble! Dare I say I think it is the best in the trilogy?!?! You’ve got stubborn mules, cats galore, Pinkerton Agents, lovable characters....I just loved Beatrix and Norman! My attention was grabbed from the moment I read the first words on the page to the last word. There was not a dull moment at all! I very rarely give a 5 rating but Storing Up Trouble earned a 10!!!!
I am so very thankful to Bethany House Publishers for the Net Galley copy of the book. The opinion in my review are entirely my own!
I was excited to see another book by Jen Turano on NetGalley. I was very excited when I was approved by NetGalley and Bethany House Publishing to read and review this ARC.
The story starts with a bang and I wish I could say it keeps building, but that is not the case. It is more like a roller-coaster, ups and downs. I did enjoy this book and I would recommend it, but it is not the best of Jen Turano.
The story flowed well, but at times it was slow. The characters were fairly well developed. The main characters quite well developed and possibly believable, though I don't think Ms Turano means for them to be real, that's the fun in her books.
The book is listed as a Christian book, but there is not much about God in this book. It is a good, clean read, but not exactly what I think of when I think of a Christian book.
This is an ARC that I read and the editing for the most part was well done. I did have issues with the ball that was part of the story, sometimes it was called the Potter ball and other times the Palmer ball. At one point, the owner of the hotel was called Palmer Potter. The other thing about the editing was that towards the end of the book it was like the editor/proof-reader just gave up and a lot more errors showed up.
Overall, I do recommend this book and I give it a 3 out of 5 star review. Three stars is your average, good book.
This review is my own opinion and freely given.