Member Reviews

Heroines are brave, unique, and quirky in a Jen Turano's novel. Every time I read one of her novels, I do not think she can make the heroine any more outlandish, but she does. And I enjoy every minute of the story that Turano crafts for readers to devour. With her newest novel, To Disguise the Truth, Turano modeled a unique heroine who knows how to shoot a gun and box, which makes for some pretty interesting scenes where she needs to depend on these skills. If a reader is familiar with Turano's novels, she always pits her heroines up against the funniest foes and situations that make me laugh out loud. Once again, she does this a number of times in this novel, and I loved it. I can't imagine how she keeps coming up with ideas to put heroines in awkward situations. I love the mystery element of the story. A kind of Clue like aspect to the story. The romance was pretty typical of this time period. Of course, if a reader is familiar with Turano's past stories, then the romance should be no surprised. Once again, I thoroughly enjoyed To Disguise the Truth by Jen Turano and can't wait to get my hand on her next series.

I received a complimentary copy of To Disguise the Truth by Jen Turano from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.

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To Disguise the Truth is the third book in The Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency. While I think you might get a full understanding about the various personalities of the women of the agency by reading the previous books in the series, I do believe it could be read just fine as a standalone as well.

In previous books, one character that has always left me quite curious to know her story was Eunice... and in this one, we actually get to dig deeper into her past and hear her story... and boy what a story it is! Filled with secrets and drama and the kind of humor and mischief that I have come to expect from a Jen Turano novel, this was one book that I could not put down. It seems that each book in this series just keeps getting better and better, and I absolutely loved it! Jen Turano does a great job of blending humor, romance, mystery and wit to create these stories that I cannot help but enjoy! If you enjoy historical romance with a good dose of humor, this is one series and book not to be missed!


**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

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To Disguise the Truth is the third book in the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency series and features the owner of the agency, Eunice Holbrooke.

When Arthur Livingston shows up at the Bleeker Street Agency to hire the team to look into a missing person who just happens to be her, the reader knows they're in for some highjinks. The banter between Arthur and Eunice started on page one and just kept getting better.

There was a lot of drama, twists, and turns in this story, some of which I didn't see coming but I enjoyed every one. The characters from books one and two make brief appearances but the focus was on getting to know Eunice, the woman behind the veil.

Readers will be reminded that they can turn their troubles over to God and actually trust Him to take care of them.

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

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'How can you honestly think a woman who shot you is going to want to marry you?'

When Jen Turano began The Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency series, I was so much looking forward to the mysterious Eunice's story. Eunice, who wears widow's weeds and several veils at a time. And Turano does not disappoint.

It seems Eunice has some serious secrets in her past and in one evening, they have turned up to smack her right in the face and she is at a loss as to how to handle it. Eunice, who seems to have an answer for everything.

Turano is the best with her dry wit, let me tell you. Her books never fail to bring me to absolute hilarity! She is completely perfect in her genre. Reading her books bring me such complete joy! Well done!

My thanks to Bethany House Publishers for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The review here is my own opinion.

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If you're in the mood for something more light-hearted these days, it's time to read a book by Jen Turano! I know when I dig into one of her books, it'll always be filled with humor and adventure. Eunice's story is the one I've been eagerly waiting for and it sure did not disappoint! I've loved this series so much. If you like Christian historical fiction that is guaranteed to make you laugh, read Jen's books. If you haven't read the first two in this series, be sure to start with To Steal a Heart and then To Write a Wrong.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publishes 18 January 2022.

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"To Disguise the Truth" is a Christian romance set in 1887 in New York. The humor was mainly from verbal banter and unusual situations (like the heroine using boxing to protect herself). To avoid Arthur, Eunice infiltrated an insane asylum to find a woman who was wrongly committed. When Arthur finally realized who she was, he convinced her to return home to claim her inheritance and uncover whodunit. They asked questions and used a clever ploy to uncover what was going on and whodunit. Some historical details (mainly about clothing and the insane asylum) were woven into the story, but this author doesn't write highly historical novels.

The romance was a hard sell for me. Granted, they intentionally provoked each other in the past because they didn't want to marry, but Arthur seemed clueless about how he was insulting the women at the agency. Over time, though, he did get better and did a good job of working with Eunice and helping her overcome her fears. He wanted good things for her future when he could have just used the situation for his benefit. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this humorous mystery and romance.

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The last person Eunice wanted to see in the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency Office was Arthur Livingston; the last time she saw him, she shot him in the arm. It was only a flesh wound, but still. When she finds out whom he wants to find, she wants to turn down his inquiry immediately. The catch is that Arthur is looking for her! She wore a disguise of widow's weeds and weeping veils. Arthur is not put off by Eunice's initial refusal to take his case, and comes back day after day to convince her to take his case.

Jen Turano writes interesting historical fiction with quite a humorous twist, She mixes in social justice, a bit of mystery, and, of course, romance. This series is entertaining to read and the characters are "real characters," who make the book so much fun. There are laugh out loud moments, grace moments, forgiveness moments, and poignant moments. There were a few moments when I thought things got a little bit silly, but overall, this was a great read and one I would read again if in need of a rom-com in the historical fiction genre. One of the most important things this book has is that the characters' faith is lived out in a way that puts their money where their mouth is. That was heartwarming to see.

Four strong stars.

Bethany House and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

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Another fun read from the delightful Jen Turano. I've been waiting to know Eunice's story, and this book is a fun ready that includes so many of the characters I've come to know and love in the series. A book Jen's fans will thoroughly enjoy.

The mystery that interlays this story is compelling and there's enough twists that every time I thought I'd identified whodunit, I second-guessed. Ultimately I was right, but I never sank into that fact. The romance was sweet and tension-filled. It was a delight to be reunited with so many characters that I enjoyed and to see the finale of their stories.

Jen is an author I can depend on for a wonderful read!

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HISTORICAL ROMANTIC COMEDY/MYSTERY-DRAMA
1887, New York. "Considering she'd once shot the man sitting across from her, Eunice Holbrook was beginning to get the sneaking suspicion her past had finally caught up with her." Great opening line and gorgeous cover! Arthur Livingston is a no-nonsense, black and white sort of aristocrat; or at least he thinks so, until he reunites with the one woman who tends to unhinge him. Eunice co-runs the Bleaker Street Inquiry Agency and is rather headstrong and direct. These two have several wonderful arguments and join forces to solve a long past murder. The part of the book where she goes undercover in had my gut clenching. I was rather glad it was not the major focus of the book because the conditions were abysmal. I enjoyed the twists and turns with her family members and their reuniting. The amount of money these people had was catastrophic even by today's standards! I was drawn to Chase Livingston, Arthur's younger brother {"I've always been old for my years, and I spend countless hours counseling men and women when I volunteer at a mission in Five Points."}, as well as their whimsical, eighty-two-year-old grandfather {"I don't believe I've ever seen a lady flee from you before. I suppose it's not very grandfatherly of me to admit that I found that amusing, but that was very amusing indeed," Lloyd said, his eyes twinkling}. I hope we hear more of them in a future series. I also enjoyed the star Pinkerton, Agent Cooper who has returned. I love that he trains the girls in self-defense and that female agents are proficient in firearms. "The pistol was mine. It's a very distinctive pistol, silver with an inlaid handle of mother of pearl and my initials carved into it..." There's also a bit of society and a bit of the old west in the book which was a fun change of scenery.
Very few faith or tea moments this time. I could always do with more of those! ;)
Very good read, 4 stars
I was gifted a copy of this book for my honest opinion which is mine alone and without compensation or further expectation.

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I have been waiting for this book since the series started and it did not disappoint. Jen Turano is my favourite historical author because her characters are always well written and interesting. This book, like her others included her signature humour, mystery and romance and I loved every minute of it. This is definitely one of my favourite books of the year (after all, It's super hard to choose a favourite especially considering this is not the only book that Jen Turano has released onto NetGalley this year.

I got this book in exchange for an honest review. It's part of the Bleeker series. While it probably could be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the whole series. This provides texture to the story and for such a great series, it's totally worth it.

I loved this book and am definitely a fan of the author. As a result, this will be making an appearance in my library.

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TO DISGUISE THE TRUTH is another delightful novel by JEN TURANO featuring the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency and the unusual group of agents who are led by Mrs Eunice Holbrooke, disguised by her widow’s weeds and thick veils.
When Arthur Livingston comes to the agency in order for them to find the:missing Miss Eugenia Howland, he does not have any success in getting them to take his case as the ladies, for some reason, find him arrogant and, except for Judith Donovan who wants to sketch his high cheekbones, seem anxious for him to leave. Eunice is desperate to hide her true identity as she is afraid of being charged with her wealthy grandfather’s murder. She takes an undercover assignment to get Mrs Clement Mills out of the Blackwell Island Insane Asylum, but finds this is not enuugh to keep the irritating Arthur Livingstone away. He is determined to find the elusive Miss Howland and honour his promise to her deceased grandfather.
I love the way the book is written and I love the very clever banter amongst the unforgettable characters. The story is fast paced and full of intrigue, with some charming romance, together with a great Christian message on the importance of truth.
I absolutely loved the novel and highly recommend it as a most enjoyable and inspirational read.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

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