This book. Out of the Ordinary. The title fits it so well. It has fun, out of the ordinary characters.

Gertrude, in spite of living in the day & age when young ladies were expected to do everything a particular way, she did her own thing. She works for a quirky, eccentric older lady, Mrs. Davenport, as a paid companion. She finds herself in all kinds of unusual circumstances.

Like the time when her peculiar bustle, created by Mrs. Davenport herself, out of a large bird cage, comes apart, and she gets caught on a fainting couch in the library (I think) of the Sinclair yacht.

Her good friend Harrison Sinclair. The catch of the year, or decade. Some people keep making hints to one or the other of them that they should get married. But each one persists in continuing in the belief that the other would never dream of such a thing. And the insist they are only friends.

Unpredictable, fun, intriguing, and delightful are only a few of the words I’d use to describe this book.

This book is a wonderful way to pass an hour or two…or more, during these fall days. It’s light-hearted and fun, and will not disappoint!

Jen Turano always does an incredible job weaving her stories into a fun and entertaining read. Readers will fall in love with Miss Gertrude Cadwalader as she works as a paid companion to Mrs. Davenport. Not only is she a charming character, but her innocence and inner beauty is refreshing. Out of the Ordinary is a tale that won't disappoint you.

The hero, Harrison Sinclair, despite having sisters is at a complete loss when it comes to understanding Miss Gertrude. While he calls her a friend, he finds himself more attracted to her than he should be. He conveys both strength and vulnerability in a delightful mix.

Out of the Ordinary is a book you won't want to put down and will be disappointed when it comes to a close. I highly recommend it. I give it a 5 out of 5 for happily-ever-afters.

(This book was provided for free and a favorable review was not required. -2017).

This is one of my favorite authors and her stories are entertaining, fun and I love the suspense of finding out who's behind scenes making mischief! The characters are just that... Characters!! Loved this story!

"Out of the Ordinary" is the 2nd book in the "Apart from the Crowd" series and while it does fill you in on the happenings of the first book in the series, I believe it would be best to read "Behind the Scenes" before reading this book. Having met Harrison Sinclair and Gertrude Cadwalader in the first book, I was thrilled to be able to read their story. I loved Harrison and his unique sense of fashion. He knew what he liked and didn't mind standing out from the fashionable set. Gertrude was also endearing and you want to see her get her happily ever after. There were mysteries and intrigues that kept you guessing as to what exactly was happening. It took me a little bit to get into the language of the book as it is written as if it truly were 1883, but then I didn't want to put it down (even staying up late and neglecting to put away my groceries for a couple of hours--yes refrigerator things, too--because I got so into the story!) I am looking forward to reading Temperance's story.

I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received.

After reading Behind the Scenes, the start of Turano's Apart from the Crowd series, I was greatly anticipating her next installment. Turano continues her homage to "wallflowers" by taking on Gertrude - and does an entertaining job.

The characters sparkled in this one. Harrison is one of my favorite leading men out of all of Turano's works. He's quirky yet confident and his role as only brother to a gaggle of unique sisters helps him shine. Dialogue worked well in this one, particular lines sparkling brightly enough to get me laughing audibly.

Gertrude's defining characteristics were that she was kind and generous. While those characteristics did lead to some of Turano's signature hilarity, there wasn't a whole lot more to Gertrude than that. While a significant backstory to her character was revealed later in the book, it pulled awkwardly. The madcap hilarity was slightly at odds with the incredibly serious history that Gertrude carries. I found it (mildly) hard to oscillate from shock and sadness at her back story to laughter at her current story.

Secondary characters were enjoyable, although the level to which we received information on Mrs. Davenport was a little odd. Usually secondary characters don't get such focused treatment since little time is spent focusing on them in the plot. However, as I said, Gertrude was enjoyable and Harrison completely shined, as did the peaks we got at his sisters.

Overall, however, Out of the Ordinary is another enjoyable novel from Jen Turano. If you've liked her past works, you won't be disappointed in this one. For new readers, know that Turano writes screwball romantic comedy. And this one fits right in that wheelhouse.

Turano delivers a subtle faith message in a universally appealing, inspiring, and delightfully entertaining tale of Gilded Age wallflowers and their dashing gentleman counterparts. 

Gertrude, Harrison, Asher, Permillia and their band of misfit friends, family, and acquaintances keep the story hopping with romance, mystery, and all-out shenanigans! The Apart from the Crowd series is one of the few which my tween daughter (who prefers fantasy and adventure) and I both adore! We highly recommend this story!

I requested the opportunity to read this book through Celebrate Lit. The opinions expressed are my own.

Another winner in the line up of books by Jen Turano! As I've come to expect from her, this book was wonderfully hilarious and warmly romantic. The second book in the Apart From the Crowd series, Out of the Ordinary will keep you entertained all the way through!

One of the things I really liked about Gertrude and Harrison's relationship is that because it is built on a friendship, they have the basis for trusting each other when circumstances would normally have drove them apart. I loved how Harrison stands by Gertrude when things get a little sticky. And how Gertrude accepts him as he is - color blind quirky dress and all. :D Harrison's color blind style and Gertrude's employer forced style were both so wacky that I shuddered and laughed at the same time.

I enjoyed the inclusion of the characters from the first book. It was great to see their story continuing to unfold. I found Harrison's family to be a bit odd and I didn't really care for his mom at first. I wouldn't mind seeing his sisters stories more fleshed out though. They need their own happily ever after...lol.

With her usual style of laugh-out-loud situations (my favorites - the bustle scene and Harrison on a horse scene...LOL), a background mystery, and heartwarming romance, you'll be glad you chose this book!

*Thanks to Celebrate Lit for a complimentary copy of this book. I was not paid nor required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are my own.*

As always this was fantastic. I love the humor in all of her books. The characters were wonderful. I loved to learn more about Gertrude and Harrison and Mrs. Davenport. These were all such fun characters. You do not have to read the first book in this series to enjoy this one but I recommend the first one because it is fantastic also. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

I absolutely love Turano's books. It's the characters that do it. My favorite in this novel is Harrison. He is a fun character. He hasn't a clue when love invades his being. He's always one step behind the women, shaking his head, wondering what he has just missed.

Right up there with the great characters is the dialog. I love the wit and dry humor. And then there all the crazy experiences Gertrude manages to get herself into. There were times I laughed until the tears flowed. I highly recommend this novel.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.

Out of the Ordinary by Jen Turano is fabulous! I've read all her books and I don't know how she does it, but her characters are so incredibly different from one another. These engaging characters make for a fresh and fun read, Out of the Ordinary is no exception.

The romance of Gertrude and Harrison started in a prior book. Out of the Ordinary begins at a ball where the two are in attendance and the romance continues, simmering under the surface. Everyone can tell the two care deeply for one another, except Gertrude is convinced Harrison only likes her as a friend and Harrison doesn't think he wants a romance with anyone, which makes for great romantic tension.

I highly recommend picking up your copy of Out of the Ordinary by Jen Turano today!

This is book two of the series and many characters carry over from the previous book. Book one featured Permilia and Asher with this one featuring their best friends Gertrude and Harrison. Gertrude is the paid companion of Mrs. Davenport and ends up in sticky situations because of Mrs. Davenport’s antics. She has put up with a lot from Mrs. Davenport and just when she finally speaks up she ends up in her worst bind ever. Harrison stands up for her and it is then she realizes her true feelings for him, but he reads her wrong and makes a mess of things. With the help of his best friend Asher they hatch plans to fix it but instead plans go awry making for some entertaining scenes. Not only is Harrison attractive he is also compassionate and sweet. He has his own sense of style that others want to change but Gertrude embraces. She has had a difficult life and always puts aside her feelings for others, she doesn't feel like she is worthy of more than an ordinary life. With the help of her friends she learns that God has much more planned for her.

I personally didn’t like Mrs. Davenport’s character, I felt like she treated Gertrude badly and even when it was explained why she acted like she did I struggled with her. I did enjoy Harrison’s sister Edwina, she was a spunky girl and definitely added some needed spunk to Gertrude’s life. Harrison was a good hero character, he may not always say the right things but his actions spoke louder than his words. I loved that he was willing to 'sneak a peak' at his sisters romance books to try to understand the female mind.

The interactions between Harrison and Gertrude, along with the meddling of their friends made the story entertaining. I laughed many times throughout at the hilarious antics that happened. Mixed in with the humor is a bit of a mystery that needs to be solved. The story wraps together nicely with a very romantic moment that makes it a satisfying read.

(I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley; opinions expressed in this review are my honest opinion and completely my own.)

Out of the Ordinary is a book that is true to the name. You have Gertrude who has a job wearing creations made by a kooky woman – some of those designs end up hurting her, but she won't tell her because she doesn't want to hurt her feelings, because the only times she is happy is when she is designing clothes – but there is one major problem, she has a big bad habit that Gertrude has to go behind her and fix – well Gertrude is falling for Mr. Harrison – Mr. Harrison brought them to meet his mother – well Gertrude was caught fixing her bosses habit – Mr. Harrison believes her innocence, Mr. Harrison 's mom doesn't - so they have to go about proving it to her that she is innocent – all the while there were the same things happening all over town – Could everyone believe it is Gertrude ? If so will she be able to prove her innocence? Who is doing it? This is one great mystery .

Get ready for some fun! Author Jen Turano’s characters will keep you chuckling. Jumping from one escapade to another, this book doesn’t get boring. There are also serious moments with forgiveness and acceptance threaded throughout.

The characters are well developed, believable, and colorful. With good historical detail, and a bit of a mystery to keep you guessing, you will enjoy this. While this is Book 2 in the series, it reads fine as a standalone.

Humorous with a sweet, clean romance, I highly recommend Out of the Ordinary.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

"Out of the Ordinary" is a Christian romantic comedy set in June 1883 in New York. It's the second in a series. This book can be read as a stand alone since each book has different main characters. However, Gertrude and Harrison first meet in the previous book, so they refer back to events in that book, and the main characters in the previous novel play a role in this one.

The main characters were nice people with a good sense of humor. They ended up in a series of silly situations during which they got to know and care about each other. There were some phrases that were too modern and some behavior that was improbable for the time, so don't expect high historical accuracy. There wasn't a lot of action in this story. For example, about 25% of the story occurred in one room on a yacht. People exchanged lengthy, humorous dialogue, even when in a hurry.

There was also a long, sad confession by Mrs. Davenport explaining why she acts they way she does. Both Mrs. Davenport and Gertrude feel like they're not worthy of God's love, and Gertrude has stayed as Mrs. Davenport's companion in an attempt to make atonement for her failure to save her mother. Both come to accept God's love. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this humorous novel.

I had never read any books by Jen Turano before, but had heard of her. Someone whose blog I occasionally read said that Turano was one of her favorite authors, so when I found Out of the Ordinary available for review I decided to see what it was like. For those who like romance books, it's great. It is a clean romance with a Christian message, and there are some very funny scenes. I enjoyed the bumbles Harrison Sinclair made, with the help of his friend, in his desire to impress Gertrude. I also felt sorry for Gertrude, as she tried valiantly to right the wrongs of her friend Mrs. Davenport, and was glad when a resolution was reached. On the other hand, I just didn't really enjoy the writing style, and realized again that romance stories are not my favorites.
I received a free ecopy of this book from NetGalley, and chose to write a review.

Jen Turano's  books are on my to be read list...before I even know she has started writing a new book. Not only is she a fabulous author, but she is an even more fabulous woman.

Out of the Ordinary was placed at the very tippy top of my list for one very important reason...Harrison Sinclair! 😍 Gertrude is one lucky lady! No doubt about that. Between his handsome face, his....unique....style, his caring and compassionate heart....Oh! and he is wealthy...Harrison is simply a dreamboat if there ever was one. Gertrude has definitely not had an easy life. From losing her family to working for Mrs. Davenport...It has been one thing after. Mrs. Davenport is, eccentric to say the least, but when you find out a little more of her history, your heart will shift in her favor.

Several times the words jumped right off the page and embedded themselves into my heart. "God doesn't expect His children to live ordinary lives, but extraordinary ones." I never want to settle for the way things "should" be. Why not make life an adventure? Why not step out in faith and follow God's leading on a new (maybe even difficult) path! Trusting in Him to guide and care for us. And when things get bleak in our lives...Do we wall God off? Question His motives? I know I have asked "Why?" too many times to count. But I am learning, that even if we never know the "Why" behind the circumstances we are given, that God will be by our side through every moment. And that along the way, there will be people whose lives are changed for the better because we were put in their lives.

If you enjoy a book that will make you laugh, cry, swoon, and want to set sail on the....big...blue....wet....thing....(Muppet Treasure Island reference)...Then Out of the Ordinary is for YOU! (This is book 2 of a series, but CAN stand alone.) Harrison will sweep you off your feet (and Gertrude will probably push you overboard for it) and take you on a wild adventure filled with humour, mystery, escapades, jewel heists, the Ticklish Water Polka, and you are sure to devour this story in no time.

I received a complimentary copy of Out of the Ordinary from the Publishers through this Celebrate Lit Tour. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Out Of The Ordinary by Jen Turano is a most delightful and fun Christian historical mystery romance. It is the second book in the Apart From The Crowd series but can be read as a stand-alone.
Out Of The Ordinary is a wonderful light hearted read that will have you laughing out loud at many of the antics. I think my favourite (of which there were many) is very reminiscent of a scene from The Vicar Of Dibley television series where the heroine meant to step in a puddle but disappears into a hole! It is a fun read that will brighten any day.
The characters are an eclectic mix and all wonderfully drawn - from the matriarch with light fingers to the heroine with a big heart and a protective nature.
God is very much present throughout. Circumstances mean a character is angry with God. She "abandoned the idea God was ... loving and compassionate... He was a distant deity." God is never distant, if He feels far away it is because we have moved. Our attitude pushes Him away. Our hurt and pain means we erect walls that need demolishing.
God does not call us to live an ordinary life. He wants us to live an extraordinary life for Him.
God is the God of restoration. He will repay the years the locusts have taken.
There are some wonderful, ahead of their time, forward thinking female characters. These modern misses cause great constellation for their peers but cause the reader to smile.
I adored Out Of The Ordinary. It was such a fun read. I can highly recommend it.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

Gertrude Cadwalader is a companion to Mrs. Davenport, a society woman with a tendency to take things that don't belong to her--and then send Gertrude to return them. When Harrison Sinclair, a wealthy and handsome shipping tycoon, hosts an engagement party for his and Gertrude's mutual friends, Permilia Griswold and Asher Rutherford, Mrs. Davenport is up to her old tricks. When Gertrude has to return to Harrison's ship to set things to rights, his mother catches her and thinks that Gertrude is a thief. While Harrison is all too willing to believe in and even defend Gertrude, it soon becomes apparent that someone besides Mrs. Davenport is stealing things and that Mrs. Davenport's issues go deeper than Gertrude thought. As Gertrude and Harrison work together, Gertrude can't help falling for him, even though she knows that he's out of her league.

Jen Turano's books are always a hoot, guaranteed to make the reader laugh out loud, and this book was no exception. There were a few times when some of the behaviors of the characters seemed almost unbelievable, but the first book in the series helped set the tone for the absurdities of a colorful collection of eccentric characters. Harrison was a great romantic lead--handsome and kind and good--and willing to sneak a peak at his sisters' romance novels to try to understand women better. Gertrude's back story and how she ended a poor paid companion was so sad, and her determination to stand by her rather trying employer was admirable. The book is quirky and fun and another great read from Turano.

Every book I have read by Jan Turano has literally made me laugh out loud. I love to laugh, and can’t think of many authors that are accomplished at consistently making that happen. The characters are delightful and completely original. I couldn’t wait to dive in. I was blessed to read the first book in this series and couldn’t wait to hear Gertrude’s story. Behind the Scenes was a blast to read, but if you haven’t read it, this book is also a great stand alone. That being said, read the first one if you have the time because it was great. Out of the Ordinary follows Gertrude and Harrison as they end up in the most random and funny situations.

Gertrude has a very big heart. Her employer expects more than what your average paid companion usually does. Gertrude finds herself dressed very different than your average lady, and her hair is sometimes far from normal. But seeing the joy such things brings her employer, she is more than happy to try these supposed new trends. If only that was all her employer Mrs. Davenport required of her. Gertrude quickly learns that being employed by Mrs. Davenport also requires returning items that don’t belong to her. Mrs. Davenport has fun sneaking around and getting into things she shouldn’t. When Gertrude is caught returning something, Harrison comes to her rescue, but can he be the alibi she needs?

I can not tell you to read this book enough. I loved seeing what Gertrude would get into next and how her friends would react in the circumstances. I also enjoyed picturing Harrison’s unique style and how it drove Asher crazy. I can’t wait to see what Turano comes up with next. If this is your first book by her, be prepared to be a fan for life. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading. It was set in a fun historical setting, but I believe contemporary fans would enjoy this book as well. I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and was in no way forced to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Out of the Ordinary is the second installment from Jen Turano's fun series, Apart From the Crowd. If a reader has not read anything by Miss Turano yet, they do not know what they are missing. Every one of her stories are full of laugh out loud moments. Moments where the reader would embarrass themselves if they read out in public. Out of the Ordinary is no different. I loved this book. Gertrude Cadwalader is an enjoyable and likeable character. Even more so when Harrison Sinclair enters the scene. In addition to the humor, the story has a small element of suspense and mystery. Just a great heartwarming and light read.
Out of the Ordinary has become my new favorite by Jen Turano and can not wait to read to see what happens next in the Apart From the Crowd series. I give this fabulous book a well deserved 5 plus stars.
Highly recommended.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.