To Steal a Heart is a humorous Christian historical romance set in late nineteenth century America among the east-coast elite.

As with all of Jen Turano’s novels, To Steal a Heart was a charming historical romance with lots of laughs and absurd situations. This one features characters who had a previous lives as thieves and street urchins but who gained great opportunities and left it all behind ... until helping solve a case for an unjustly accused friend throws them back into it — and into each other.

I enjoyed the story very much. It was cute and fun, and hits my sense of humor on the spot. I appreciated watching the characters grow and seeing how they begin to forgive each other from past hurt.

One thing I noticed was that the male character seemed to have many flaws while the woman had few, and I didn’t appreciate that. It seemed a little bit like the woman is always in the right while the man is always in the wrong. That isn’t true for real life, and I don’t want to gain a habit of thinking of men that way by reading novels, especially since the author’s last novel had a similar theme.

Other than that, the story was delightful, and I greatly recommend it.

I received a complementary copy of this book. All opinions are my own, and I was not obligated to provide a positive review.

This book was so much fun to read! Gabriella is a terrific leading lady and totally relatable; she's been hurt in the past so she has distanced herself from others, but as she sets out to help clear her acquaintance's name, she finds herself thrown together with other residents of the boardinghouse, as well as Nicholas, and ends up realizing that maybe letting people in isn't so bad after all. Nicholas is both endearing and frustrating at the outset; he obviously cares about Gabriella and is good to employ those who need a helping hand, but he has learned to be a bit high-minded and too set in following society's ways. Seeing him change throughout the book was very gratifying. While the book is definitely funny, there are also some serious issues addressed that add depth to it (and would make it a good choice for book clubs). It's really interesting to consider how women weren't taken seriously by men and therefore might need an investigation agency comprised of women to listen to them and help them; it's also really neat to see how sometimes women's skills and opportunities were precisely what was needed to solve a crime or mystery. The way high society treated those they deemed beneath them was appalling but also makes for an interesting discussion topic.
Some of the antic throughout the book might seem a little over the top if you were to list them off, and yet, Turano makes them work and provides a highly appealing book with romance, mystery, humor, and more.
5 stars.
I read a copy of the book provided by the publisher via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

When one of the ladies in Mrs. Eunice Holbrooke’s boarding house is accused of stealing jewels from her fiancé’s family and being the notorious thief that has stolen jewels from numerous upper crust families in New York City of late, the rest of her friends rally to help her get justice. They are going to find out who really stole the jewels. Gabriella is their main hope because although she’s a respectable young woman now with a job as a seamstress, in her childhood she was a street rat and thief. Their mission will have unexpected consequences with Gabriella having to confront issues from her past, most notably Nicholas, who was her thieving partner as a child, deserted her for jail all those years ago, and whom she runs into at a society event and finds out he’s now wealthy and the biggest catch of the season in NYC. The boarding house ladies also discover that there are many other women in the city who need advocates to uncover answers to questions and bring justice to wrongs that the police and the Pinkertons won’t take seriously.

Turano is always reliable for spinning a great tale and writing a nice feel good story to curl up with. This one wasn’t quite as funny as some of her American Heiress books were, but it still had moments that will make you smile or even chuckle. The rather eclectic collection of women in the boarding house and how they bumble along in their investigations is very entertaining. And thanks to the investigative focus of the boarding house ladies, in this story Turano has found tactful ways to look at some of the weaknesses of upper crust society in turn of the century New York City and how those without as much of a voice in upper and lower crusts were suffering. The way the relationship between Gabriella and Nicholas builds and how they both grow through that was well done, and I liked them together. I'm looking forward to spending more time with the Bleaker Street Inquiry Agency in the future. This one's got heart, humor, mystery, and a feel good love story. Recommended to those who enjoy clean romance, Christian fiction, historical fiction, and light-hearted mysteries.

Notes on content [based on the ARC]: No language issues. There are some extramarital affairs that are exposed as the ladies do their investigating, but no sexual details, and all of them show how such relationships can have far-reaching damaging affects. It is mentioned how some girls on the street are in danger of being purchased by the lady who runs the brothel. Again, no graphic details. There are a couple instances when the good guys have confrontations with bad guys. One of those results in someone being fatally shot. Mostly it is just bumps and bruises.

I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a fast paced and exciting romantic comedy with a dash of mystery. It’s the perfect read for those looking for a quick and fun reprieve from the concerns of real life. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Thank you NetGalley for a chance to read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

As you begin this book you are about to go too balls and mingle with the 400, not don't get too comfortable or dazzled, these people, for the most are snobs.
Kind of a Robin Hood going on here, but these are former pick pockets as children, and you are going to see how they act as adults. Keep reading secrets and bombshells begin falling, and we are there to watch them drop.
An entertaining read for sure, and if you've read this author before, she doesn't disappoint!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.

This book was delightful and fun! I adored the plot of this book and the characters were witty and entertaining!!! There was a perfect balance of humor and light mystery! I always love a friends to romance story and this one was charming! The cast of side characters in this book was eclectic and endearing and I cannot wait to see who will be featured in future novels in this series! This book was the perfect introduction to the Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency! I had suspicions throughout this story as to who was behind the crimes, but there were a few twists that I did not see coming! This book was such a fun read and I cannot wait for the rest of this series!!!

If you ever need a laugh or smile and a great read any of Jen Turano’s books will help you out! This book is no exception! You will not be able to put this book down. The characters will bring out so many emotions. The storyline keeps you reading. You will be left with a smile and a desire to get your hands on her next book!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

I usually enjoy any books by this author. So, I'm not exactly sure why this one fell short. Maybe I just wasn't remembering what happened in the book before this one. But it seemed to dump you in head first with not a lot of context.

Gabriella is in the middle  of breaking into a safe when she is reunited with her childhood friend Nicholas who wants to break into the same safe. I know, it's a hilarious premise and the fun continues from there.

The characters get into so many scrapes --many of which had me laughing out loud--it was not hard to fall in love with them.

Know God--the faith element was faint in this book but there was the reminder that God does not abandon us. The things we sometimes believe will break us, instead strengthen us and God remains present throughout.

Know yourself--there were a lot of characters with secrets which begs an answer to the question, if you don't know who your parents are do you truly know who you are? The answer is yes. It has a lot to do with character. What boundaries are you willing to cross and to which ones will you hold firm?

As Christians, this is even more true for us. Regardless of our heritage or our parentage, we have a Heavenly Father who calls us to live with integrity and love.

Run your race--each of the characters in this book had to choose a path. Some had similar experiences but different ends because they chose to respond to their circumstances in a different way. Like the characters in To Steal A Heart, we each have to decide what we will make of our circumstances.

I received an advanced reader's copy from the publishers through Celebrate Lit and NetGalley; a positive review was not required.

To Steal a Heart is a story of mystery, love, and wit.
Gabriella Goodhue and Nicholas Quinn have put their days of being street thieves far behind them... until their shared pasts brings them back together.
Two childhood friends find themselves reunited as they get involved in clearing the name of one innocent woman. As they are forced to work on the case together, will misunderstanding and their new lives in society hold them back from sharing their future?

I really enjoyed this story! I found the beginning a bit confusing but once I got all of the characters straight and got into the story, it was really enjoyable.

I love how unique each of the characters are. They all have distinct personalities and differences which makes it easier to remember them.
My favorite character has got to be Daphne so I am SO excited that the next book is about her! *happy dance* She was hilarious! And such a great sidekick.

The plot line was slightly slow sometimes but I actually enjoyed that for a change. While that’s true, there was also quite a bit of action which keeps things moving! Either way, the characters kept me invested.
The fake identities and solving crime was just really fun (and funny) to read about!

And as usual, the humor was wonderful. I snickered and laughed several times. I just love Jen Turano’s writing. It’s so unique and witty!

So as a conclusion, it’s a story that has mystery, wit, humor, friendship, and love.
And one I’d recommend!

*I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

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.

If you haven’t read a Jen Turano mystery romance, you’ve been missing out! “To Steal a Heart”, the first in the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency series, is a great addition to her body of work! Quintessential Jen, it is full of witty dialogue, interesting mystery, wonderful characters and big heart!

Gabriella gave up a life of crime years ago but finds herself drawing on old skills to help a friend falsely accused of theft! Mid-investigation, she comes face-to-face with her former partner, Nicholas, only to find out he, too, has gotten out and is now working for the good of others.

Past hurts threaten to get between the two working together until they realise just how big this case is and how much they need each other to solve it. Whilst I love both our leads, it was the broader cast of characters who bring this novel to life and fill it with laugher!

Jen works wisely through difficult topics like adoption, forgiveness and worth whilst keeping the novel light and fun. If you are looking for an adventure, be sure to pick this one up. It’s a five out of five on the enJOYment scale and highly recommended!

I have been a fan of Jen Turano since her very first book and each year eagerly look forward to her new book. She begins a new series with 'To Steal a Heart', one that promises to bring her fans a delightful read with each book in said series.

Turano is a master at creating ridiculously funny stories. The conversations between her characters will have you practically rolling the the floor laughing. I always find myself bursting out laughing numerous times during the reading of a Jen Turano book. Seriously, I've laughed so hard I've scared my little dog and he ran. Her books are just so much FUN to read! The predicaments she gets her characters into are crazy and completely enjoyable to the reader. I am a forever fan! Highly recommended.

*My thanks to the Bethany House Publishers for a copy of this book via Net Galley. I was not compensated in any way and the opinions in this review are entirely my own.

This book was such fun to read. Set in New York City near the turn of the century, Gabriella was a thief as a child, who was then abandoned to an orphanage. Now she is a seamstress who has to use her thieving skills to help a friend who's been falsely accused of a crime. With the "help" of her roommates at a boarding house, she tries to solve the crimes, but isn't prepared to have to work with the man who she believes abandoned her as a child. This story is filled with humor, romance, and the hint of more stories to come. I loved it!

Gabriella Goodhue has put her past as a pickpocket and safecracker behind her. Or so she thought. But when a fellow resident of the Bleeker St. Boardinghouse gets unjustly accused of stealing a priceless jewel collection from her fiancé’s parents, Gabriella has no choice but to help prove her friend’s innocence. Despite the motley group of lookouts, coachmen, and companions, Gabriella feels she’s well on her way to finding the true thief. Until she discovers the boy who abandoned her in the same bedroom, trying to crack the same safe.

Nicholas Quinn grew up on the streets, learning the nefarious trades of one of the toughest gangs in New York City. When a professor takes Nicholas under his wing as part of an experiment to see if he can turn a street urchin into a gentleman, Nicholas’s life takes a dramatic turn. The only thing he regrets about leaving his life of crime is his former partner and best friend. After her arrest, she gets sent out west on an orphan train—out of reach and lost to the unknown.

While trying to help a friend, Pinkerton agent Cooper Clifton, discover who really stole the Linwood Sapphires, he runs into his companion of old trying to crack a safe during a Society event.

Gabriella, now a gainfully employed seamstress, wants nothing to do with the boy-turn-society-man who abandoned her during her darkest out. But Nicholas keeps popping up at the most (in)opportune times. Will their friendship survive their changed circumstances? AS the two start collaborating, they discover their feelings of friendship have turned into something more. But can true love find a way when he lives in a mansion and she resides in a boardinghouse?

Why I Love This Book

Turano reigns as queen of witty dialogue and fast-paced action. I laughed out loud a time or two and giggled in between. Don’t mistake her books for pure fluff, though, Turano’s books pack a punch of self-discovery. Especially in today’s contentious, divisive climate, readers will appreciate how characters work together to find common ground and follow their consciouses. If you love historical fiction, you’ll adore To Steal a Heart, a must-read novel set in the Gilded Age.

Gabriella Goodhue works for a dressmaker and lives in a boarding house. When she was a child she and her housemates at the time were street thieves managed by a man who gave a home to them. When she decides to help out a friend at the boarding house who is being framed, she uses her street knowledge to do some investigative work. In the process, she comes across Nicholas Quinn, one of her former accomplices. He seems to have done alright for himself but now is engaged in much the same pursuit that she is and they are instantly suspicious of each other. This is the story of how they solved the case, resolved some issues from their childhood and helped many people in the process. This is a fun story.

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

I am setting this one aside until I get a paperback, eeep, it is so good and I love the cover, so we'll see when I get my *full* review up, just wait for this wonderfulness!!!

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. The descriptions were gripping and true to life in that era. It reminded me of the sadness I feel at all the segregation between people for whatever reason. It was wonderful to see how people from such different backgrounds can work together serving others.

Jen Turano is a master in combining humor in her inspirational romance stories. This story is another excellent story from Turano. The characters are funny and you want to be friends with them. The dynamic of two friends who had grown up as thieves in the bad part of town but were separated and were put on different paths – one trying to fit in with society and the other of the working class – played out beautifully and made you wonder if they would be able to fit in each other’s worlds. This book was a delightfully enjoyable book that made me laugh and smile constantly.

This is yet again a book about high society in New York in the late 1800s. You would think it would get old, but Jen Turano builds delightful characters and inserts humorous situations throughout the book. To Steal a Heart is the first book in a new series by Jen Turano and I look forward to reading more about the Bleaker Street Inquiry Agency!

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