Their past and present collide...

Have you ever started a book just knowing that it would be excellent and then discovered that it was even better than you had anticipated? That was To Steal A Heart for me, well, any Jen Turano book really, but this one in particular. I've been looking forward to the start of The Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency for months now and it more than lived up to my expectations!

As usual, I was into the story right away. How could I not when it pretty much started with a safecracking and a hysterically funny conversation meant to scare off a certain gentleman? Ahh, but then that's classic Jen Turano for you, fun and funny!

To Steal A Heart had a nice mystery thread running through it that I completely enjoyed. Can decades old secrets involve a current crime? And I also loved the way that the cases handled by the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency were interwoven within the story.

The cast of characters in To Steal A Heart are so delightful! Especially the canine characters! I had to laugh out loud many times over the antics of the boardinghouse ladies, the kids, and the two crazy dogs. I was quite tickled to find out that one of my favorite characters will be the heroine Jen Turano's next Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency novel.

If you love historical romance or romantic or just want to spend a few laugh-out-loud hours, have I got the story for you! To Steal A Heart is witty and exquisite, the perfect start to a new series from the very talented Jen Turano.

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

4.5 stars

What do I expect when I read one of Jen Turano's books? Well, one thing for sure is to expect laughter, and laughter I got! Not only was I laughing hard, but there were moments of unlady-like snorting going on. With her signature quirky characters and comedic dialogues, Jen Turano gave The Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency series a refreshing and solid start.

I've always loved the start of the author's series because it introduces me to a slew of characters I usually have some level of reactions to. On a side note, that's also exactly why I love the author's books! Her characters always elicit some level of response from me. There are never one I would just say is doesn't matter if he/she's in the story or not. In To Steal a Heart, there are so many characters I just love. Unsurprisingly, I find myself looking forward to the supporting characters as well as the main protagonists and heroes of the story. In To Steal a Heart, Daphne truly shines from the get go. I'm almost wishing to jump straight into her story right at the close of this one. Add in the patch-wearing dog and a parrot with an affinity to shiny things, first time readers of Jen Turano may not know what hit them.

Jump into our main characters, Gabriella and Nicholas, and we find a well-rounded journey from their childhood to who they are presently in the story. The level of depth in their backstory caught me off guard in the most profound way. Their individual growth coupled with their chemistry and ability to come to terms with their faith in God, gave this book substance that one may find lacking in typical light-hearted readings.

The Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency definitely have this reader wanting to inquire more. Pick up To Steal a Heart and be prepare to find a bit of romance, intrigue, faith and a whole lot of comic relief.



Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.

I really enjoyed Gabriella’s story. This was a fun, light-hearted read. Jen Turano has her witty banter down pat; Daphne kept me in stitches throughout the entire story and now I want to read hers (hint hint)!

I love Nicholas and Gabriella’s friendship. However, their romance was a bit... delayed, and only really occurred in the last fifth of the book. But since I knew they would end up together anyways, I didn’t mind.

Also, this story had long paragraphs of monologue from all characters, and while I don’t usually like to read a dialogue-driven story, this time it was done well. Although it was a bit odd when after multiple paragraphs of plain dialogue, a character in the background popped out to straighten a tie or pull out a pocket watch.

But I enjoyed reading about Gabriella’s background and how she and Nicholas’s paths crossed.. And the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency has a wealth of interesting future heroines!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone.

I have read several of Jen Turano's inspirational, screwball romances before and this was one of the stronger ones. Although her books tend to follow a certain template, I never feel like I'm reading the same book! She always writes unique, strong female characters, and the spiritual message is never heavy-handed. This was a fun, light read that I enjoyed very much.

Solving Cases & Finding Love!

Gabriella (Gabe) and Nicholas grew up with a gang of thieves and pick pockets. Although they had been best friends, fate separated them. Gabe ended up in an orphanage and, as an adult, became a lonely seamstress with little means. Nicholas, because he was adopted by a rich man, became a sought-after member of New York society’s exclusive Four Hundred group.

Through a variety of circumstances, they each attempt to break into a safe belonging to one of the pillars of society—and are shocked to run into each other in the process. Despite Gabe’s unhappiness that Nicholas had never tracked her down after they were separated, she realizes the agency she has started would benefit from his help.

This tale follows the two through the rousing exploits they face while working cases. Criticism from society, adventure, danger and humor abound, along with surprising revelations about their families.

The residents of the boarding house where Gabe lives make up the ragtag group of operatives working for her agency. They provide additional comic relief along with some mystery. Faith is part of this 5-star book. I recommend it to those who enjoy romance or period stories with a sprinkle of fun, along with a touch of cloak and dagger.

Bethany House Publishers, through NetGalley, has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, To Steal a Heart, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

To Steal a Heart is true entertainment as only Jen Turano can provide! Part farce, part romantic comedy, the Gilded Age world comes alive with plenty of laughter and even a few swoons.

I need to start by talking about the supporting characters in this book – always important when you’re starting a new series because chances are that several of those secondary characters will become protagonists (or at least play a larger role) as the series progresses. And these delightfully quirky personalities definitely have me eager for more books! Daphne is hands down my favorite character – an eccentric writer with an unfortunate penchant for swooning and/or whipping out her notepad to work out a scene at the most inappropriate times (like when she’s supposed to be the lookout). But a more loyal friend you won’t find … unless it’s Phillip Villard or one of the other residents of Bleecker Street, including our heroine Gabriella.

The opening chapters are a hilarious introduction to Gabriella and her friends and the mayhem that is their dynamic. Not to mention the unexpected reunion with her long lost best friend and fellow former street thief (and our story’s hero) Nicholas. You’ll love Nicholas & Gabriella separately as individual characters but also as friends who have the potential to be so much more. Their chemistry is quite swoony (as is Nicholas) yet not without several hilarious moments as well. I really enjoyed how the author wrote their reconciliation with who they were in the past, who they are now – after everywhere life has taken them over the years – and who they aspire to be in the future. I also loved watching Nicholas pursue Gabriella with a patient intentionality and a tender twinkle in his eye, as though he knows a secret she isn’t yet privy to.

Bottom Line: To Steal a Heart is true entertainment as only Jen Turano can provide! Part farce, part romantic comedy, it brings the Gilded Age world to life with plenty of laughter and even a few swoons. You’ll run into some sweetly tender aspects to this story as well, along with a subtle-but-not-hidden faith message that is organic to these characters and their journeys. Perfect for fans of the author’s other books, P. G. Wodehouse & Georgette Heyer. Can’t wait for Daphne’s story next – To Write a Wrong releases August 2021 (and how am I to wait that long?!?)

(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I purchased for my own collection.)

To Steal a Heart by bestselling author Jen Turano is a Christian historical fiction that readers will enjoy. This is Book One in her new The Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency. I found it delightful.

I was invested in this quirky story from the beginning. There were many odd situations, strange conversations, and just crazy unruliness that I could not wait to see where this story was heading. This book is filled with humor, mystery, intrigue, adventure, and romance.

This is the story of an all woman detective agency set in New York City. What a great concept! The characters are fabulous. Immediately I loved this tale. Gabriella is a spunky lady. Nicholas is someone from her past. The tension between them pops off of the pages when they are reunited to work together.

I enjoy the writing style of this author. This plot was well thought and organized. The pace was even. It did not drag or hurry which made it easy to follow. There are so many layers to this story. It is entertaining and encouraging. Little life lessons are woven throughout it. The characters are all unique and worthy of their own stories.

I highly recommend this book. It is quite the page turner. I rated it 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest words.

To Steal A Heart by Jen Turano

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
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Story Notes

Jen Turano's latest story is a fantastic start for a new series that still has her trademark humor included but also has some more serious tones that other books have included.

Jen Turano is definitely one of my favorite authors with her ability to tell wonderful stories with sharp wit and subtle humor that make you wish each story was longer to keep reading. This series is going be be a good one if this story is any indication. The Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency is made up of ladies of varied talents who all reside at the same boardinghouse. Gabriella Goodhue is a young seamstress who has found herself in the middle of a case of thievery that involves her good friend Jennette Moore. Someone has framed Jennette for the theft of the famed Linwood Jewels in order to spoil her chances at a marriage to Duncan Linwood and Gabriella is going to prove it. But her quest is interrupted by a childhood friend turned wealthy gentleman, Nicholas Quinn. Nicholas cannot believe that he is seeing his best friend again after so many years. Too bad she doesn't want anything to do with him and his high society ways. But when he rescues Gabriella and her accomplice Daphne from two dangerous instances, she grudgingly agrees to renew their friendship. Very soon, Nicholas decides to ask Gabriella to help him sort through the society ladies to find a woman who would make a good wife. She has a keen eye for character and detail and would be the best help he could find in acquiring a spouse. But while Gabriella initially didn't like Nicholas and his high handed ways, she feels queasy about helping him find a wife. If both she and Nicholas can move beyond their prejudices and see each other for how they really are, they might have a chance at more than friendship. But first they have to find answers about who is targeting Gabriella to frame her with new thefts and keep her away from Nicholas. I loved the entirety of this story. The Characters were wonderfully crafted and excellently voiced. Each was distinct and so well written that you felt that you knew them personally by the end of the book. I also loved that there was a deeper story to be told and plenty of depth added with the search for Gabriella's family. This was certainly not a surface story and one that I will highly recommend to others as a really great read. I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next in the series and am very interested to see what happens to Daphne as she was a favorite from this story.

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.

I really enjoyed getting to know Gabriella Goodhue. She is a remarkably strong woman. She had a very difficult past that is presented throughout the book. I loved meeting her friends, most of whom are her fellow boarders at the boarding house on Bleeker Street.

It was fun getting to know Nicholas Quinn too. I was really amused to see the relationship between Gabriella and Nicholas as it went through many changes over the course of the story.

The cast of characters was large and the personalities were very different. There were a number of them with very different quirks that kept me entertained. The numerous antics came from the four legged characters as much as from the humans.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

New York. The Gilded Age. Best friends separated in their youth...

Nicholas had gone from life as a thief to being accepted as one of the most eligible gentlemen of society's Four Hundred.

And Gabriella had gone from thief to orphanage to respectable seamstress. And novice detective - or inquiry agent to be more correct.

Their reunion was surprising and quite unexpected, not only that it occurred but also the circumstances under which it did. It was fun to watch as they were thrown together again and again, much to Gabriella's chagrin. And Nicholas' pleasure and confusion.

With the humorous circumstances I've come to expect from Jen Turano, and a bunch of quirky characters (not excluding Winston, the mangy dog who loved to be spoken to like a pirate), the ladies of The Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency fumbled around, solving crimes even the skilled Pinkerton agents were unable to.

I enjoyed seeing Nicholas' attitude about marriage get altered as well as his priorities as Gabriella returned to his life. Not that he had a callous heart before this - he just learned some things from his mentor that would have been better ignored.

Daphne, the secret mystery writer who got faint at the hint of trouble, was quite cute! Her penchant for taking notes about everything that could be used in a book made me smile.

A large portion of the story was told using their dialog. While I often appreciate this method of imparting details, this seemed a bit overdone and the conversations felt stilted and awkward.

Some of the seedier sides of life were exposed here. Nicholas and Gabriella's early years were spent in the care of a man who was a little like Fagan from Oliver Twist. Nicholas encouraged Gabriella to dress as a boy to protect her from lecherous men (and boys). The many mentions of the ways little girls were in danger growing up in the Five Points area of New York City were, in my opinion, too much.

To Steal a Heart is a clean historical romance (aside from the unpleasant aspects mentioned above). There is a hint of spiritual matters as Gabriella considered that perhaps God had not abandoned her as she had thought. I would not consider it Christian romance as listed on the retail sites, though.

Wow!! This is definitely one of Jen Turano’s best! I loved it so much!
It made me laugh out loud so many times that my belly ached! It was completely hilarious, yet at the same time, there’s a sweetness and charm of the characters that made them endearing to me from page one! It was a sweet and touching romance too!
Gabriella Goodhue, a street thief in her childhood, and after outgrowing the orphanage, is now a decent woman with an honest job. But when a resident from her Boarding House is framed for stealing a family heirloom, she and her friends determine to discover who the real thief is, which ends up with Gabriella disguising as a man at a Ball so she can be able to sneak to the hostess bedroom (their main suspect) to open her safe (hoping her skills are not lost) and see if she’s the real culprit. She’s in for a big surprise as she’s found in the middle of her investigation by Nicholas Quinn, her childhood best friend and partner in thieving, who by the way has snuck up to the room with the same goal of searching the safe for the lost jewels. But their so longed reunion is not a happy one. Besides having to escape in haste, to avoid getting caught, Gabriella -or Gabe as they called her when she was a street urchin- feels betrayed by Nicholas because he never went for her, after she was caught thieving and sent to an orphanage. So, they may have the same interest in liberating Jennette from jail (Nicolas helping a Pinkerton Agent), but Gabriella is surely not partnering with him, less when she discovers that he’s now a rich and well established gentleman in New York Society.
Nicholas has always dreamed with discovering what became of Gabriella, after being told by the police that she was sent far away on an orphan train. In one of his direst moments, a very prestiged Professor takes him under his wing and educates him in every possible way -a career, vocabulary, etiquette- so he can make his own path in the world. Not only that, but Nicholas is now the heir to the Professor’s enormous wealth, so he’s turned into one of the most eligible sought after bachelors in New York Society, the four hundred. So when he discovers Gabriella, he’s thrilled, but surprised at Gabriella’s rejection and accusations of how he’s a different man, and how their social differences are now a great breach between them. But he’s not yet ready to let Gabriella go. And circumstances around the mysteries they have to solve seem to throw them together. The attraction between them is undenyable. Can Gabriella let her walls down and open down to her childhood friend again? Can Nicholas see past society expectations and rules to discover that Gabriella is everything and even more of what he really needs?
I totally loved this New Series! The Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency and its charming and spunky members were so delightful! I can’t wait for the next books to get to know their stories, especially Daphne, omg, she was hilarious!
And I loved Nicholas, although I wanted to shake him a bit at first for being so proper and snobby! But I loved his growth in this story, and I have to say he has a heart of gold! Gabriella was a spunky and strongminded woman, who knew what she wanted in life, and was earning her honest living with hard work. She has some lessons for Nicholas, but she’ll have things to learn in the book as well. I love that Jen Turano’s books are always inspirational and faith inspired. It’s a plus that most Romantic Comedies don’t always have. I’m always smiling or laughing when I read her books!
All in all, this was a delightful book that warmed my heart, and I think this is going to be a blast of a series, just by getting to know the secondary characters that hopefully will have their stories and chance at a Happily Ever After ad well! I definitely recommend this book! Five and more stars! Can’t gush enough about it!
I received a complimentary copy from the Publisher via NetGalley but wasn’t required to post a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

From christianbook.com:

After a childhood as a street thief, Gabriella Goodhue thought she'd put her past behind her until a fellow resident at her boardinghouse is unjustly accused of theft. In the middle of breaking into a safe that holds the proof to prove her friend's innocence, Gabriella is interrupted by Nicholas Quinn, the man she once considered her best friend--until he abandoned her.

After being taken under the wing of a professor who introduced him into society and named him as heir, Nicholas is living far removed from his childhood life of crime. As a favor to a friend, Nicholas agreed to help clear the name of an innocent woman, never imagining he'd be reunited with the girl he thought lost to him forever.

As Gabriella and Nicholas are thrown together into one intrigue after another, their childhood affection grows into more, but their newfound feelings are tested when truths about their past are revealed and danger follows their every step.

This story was an interesting combination of class perspectives. I especially loved Nicholas's contradictory character of trying to fit into society to please his adoptive uncle, while also caring so strongly for those from his former life, and having a heart for those from the life he'd managed to escape. I liked that while many of the former criminals Nicholas and Gabriella had associated with were reformed and striving for better lives, it wasn't true of all of them. While some of that was merely to serve as a plot device, it rang true - some people are going to continue to make bad choices and will despise those who find a better way.

I enjoyed the characters and their growth over the book. I am excited for this series to continue, and hopefully not only get the rest of the boarding house ladies' stories, but continue to revisit the characters we meet in this one.

I give this book 4 stars. I always enjoy Ms. Turano's humorous stories and characters.

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

This book was so hilarious. I can always count on a Jen Turano book to put me in a good mood.
I got hooked from the first page and I was so disappointed when this story was over.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is in need of a good, light hearted read.

Turano has created another novel with a serious plot threaded with humor as is her style. Gabriella had gone from street thief to an orphanage then to a respectable seamstress. Now she has taken upon herself to become a novice detective – or inquiry agent to be more correct. This after she forms the The Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency, along with the ladies at the boarding house where she resides. They profess to solve crimes even the skilled Pinkerton agents are unable to. Another street/urchin/best friend, Nicholas had gone from life as a thief to being accepted as one of the most eligible gentlemen of society’s Four Hundred. When they meet up again as adults they cannot deny their astonishment for how the other is living and the story behind how they came to be thus. Also they cannot deny the attraction they feel for each other. To Steal a Heart is a clean historical romance that will hold your interest as you turn the pages…….I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review. All comments and opinions are my own.

I must admit this is my first Jen Turano book and all I have to say is shame on me for waiting this long to read one! I have added the rest of her books to my To Be Read List!! This story hooked me right from the beginning. Right away we meet Gabrielle who is pretending to be a gentleman of society and trying to break into a safe to help her friend who has been accused of stealing. In the process she encounters her best friend from childhood Nicholas trying to do the same!

Gabrielle is the main character and she is hurting. She grew up on the streets and then in an orphanage. She believes that God has left her and her street family never cared as they left her in that orphanage never looking for her. When she encounters Nicolas she is somewhat outraged at the fact that he has been put in the good graces of society. Nicholas never knew she was put in an orphanage. Their love story is not quick by any means. She goes to great lengths to keep him at arms length. Nicholas also feels conflicted about his friendship with her as he starts seeing her in a different light. The tension between them is glorious and they are so stubborn they don't admit it for a good long while but when they do it is so sweet!

I loved that this book had such great elements such as mystery, action, romance, suspense and let's not forget comedic moments. There were times I couldn't stop giggling. It definitely kept you wanting to turn the pages. It also has a great cast of quirky characters. I cannot wait to read the next book and I hope it is all about Daphne! She was one of my favorites I could not stop laughing at her antics.

Overall I really enjoyed the book and I cannot wait to read more of Ms. Turano's novels while I wait for the next one in this series. If you enjoy historical romances with romance then this might just be the book for you!

To Steal a Heart
by Jen Turano

Though we are still treated to Turano’s signature quirky style of historical romance, which I love, To Steal a Heart isn’t quite like her other novels. There’s still zany humor and sweet romance set in the enchanting Gilded Age of New York, but it is our heroine that sets this apart from the author’s other books. Gabriella was one of my favorite Turano heroines. I feel like she was one of her most original leads, seeing as she was more spice than sugar. There was a depth to this character that resulted in a fresh new story from Turano. I also found Nicholas to be a good hero, and a perfect match for Gabriella.

While most of Turano’s novels have a thread of mystery to keep the pages turning, I feel like the elements of suspense were more pronounced in this novel, further setting it apart from her previous novels and offering her fans a new experience.

Readers new to Christian historical romance will enjoy To Steal a Heart, and veteran Turano fans will relish this new novel by her.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Talk about unique characters! I so easily loved the ladies from the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency. I am used to being spoiled when reading a book by Jen Turano, but this one knocked it out of the park. I immensely enjoyed every moment I spent reading this book and am dying to spend more time with the characters in the next installment. I was transported to another place and time and couldn’t get enough. Turano had me laughing out loud, and I couldn’t seem to stop reading. I loved the chemistry between the characters and that they had a past. This book is a must read for anyone who enjoys Historical Romance. I can hardly wait to see what Turano does next. I was blessed to receive a copy of this book and was in no way forced to post a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Hurrah for another Jen Turano book. If you’re not familiar with her work, each book is a fun jaunt set during the Gilded Age. It’s where society boys and girls get into all sorts of scrapes and hijinks, while sometimes mingling with the masses. Or it’s where young working men and women get into all sorts of scrapes and hijinks while trying to improve themselves, and sometimes mingle with society. To Steal a Heart mostly falls into the second category, although Nicholas has already crossed the divide between the classes and acts as a bridge for Gabriella and her friends.

The first title of the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency series explores the founding of the Agency after Gabriella helps prove a singular woman’s innocence in a jewel theft. Nicholas and his motley crew of household staff assist the ladies when muscle is perhaps needed more than brains, although he could lose his standing as a member of The Four Hundred if his activities were discovered. Mixed in with the mystery of multiple jewelry thefts is Nicholas’ search for a bride, Gabriella’s decision to assist him, and revelations regarding their parentage. (Don’t worry, there are two sets of parents. This isn’t the Original Star Wars trilogy. We’d never have the required happy ending if that were the case!) There’s enough to keep a reader guessing until the end when the final secrets are revealed. And even then, I had a couple of questions regarding secondary characters.

Turano’s cast members stand out with their distinct personalities – including Winston the pirate dog – and there are multiple witty quickfire exchanges between the two leads. While maybe not my favorite of her novels, To Steal a Heart is a wonderful way to pass the time and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series, To Write a Wrong, which is scheduled for release in August 2021.

Disclaimer: Although I received an electronic copy of this book from the publisher, the words and opinions above are my own.

Fans of Jen Turano will definitely want to add To Steal A Heart to their TBR piles. Filled with Ms. Turano’s signature style of humor, To Steal A Heart will delight readers, especially considering the cast of characters.

Ms. Turano does a great job at each character adding to the story and I could imagine this as a play or a murder mystery type movie. I liked that Gabrielle wasn’t your typical heroine, and for that fact, neither was Nicholas.

The twists and turns in the story will keep the reader turning the page until the end.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. My review was not required nor influenced.

I am super excited about this new series by Jen Turano. "To Steal a heart" is the first book in the Bleeker Inquiry agency series. In this book we meet Gabriella Goodhue, a former thief who is trying to move on in life. She is convinced that she will never have to return to her own life. However, her friend is accused of theft - she knows that she has to pull her old skills together and help prove her innocence. However she is stopped in her tracks when she runs into her former childhood friend, Nicholas that abandoned her. In the opening chapters you can feel the tension when they run into each other again. Daphne was one of my favorite characters - she is feisty, stubborn and clumsy - a GREAT combination if you ask me. I hope to see her in the next book.

I loved how much research and detail is in this book. The author has done such a great job dropping so many breadcrumbs into the mix so that while you are reading, and trying to figure out the mystery there are some twists and turns that are thrown in. I love that this focuses on a female inquiry agency. I did my master thesis on the use of women and African Americans as spies during the Revolutionary and Civil War. So anything along those lines is right up my alley

Reading the tension that Nicholas and Gabriella face through the book was fun - however she will need to use some of his skills to prove her friend's innocence. These two made me smile throughout the entire book.

Well written, comical, real feeling characters. Lots of research went into this to present the story to fit into real 1886 New York City back drop. I cannot wait until the next book.

I received a copy of this book through the author and Celebrate Lit blogging program -- all thoughts are my own.