Picking up just after Behind the Scenes left off, we rejoin Miss Gertrude Cadwalader, friend of Miss Permilia Griswold, (soon-to-be Mrs. Asher Rutherford), and paid companion to the eccentric Mrs. Davenport. Once again, Gertrude is tasked with keeping track of her quirky employer and covering up for her when things "mysteriously" go missing. Only this time, she has caught the vindictive attention of Miss Clementine Flowerdew, distant cousin of the much more pleasant Miss Temperance Flowerdew. Clementine has set her sights on Mr. Harrison Sinclair, whom Gertrude is just now realizing she has feelings for beyond their blossoming friendship. When there are accusations and suspicious circumstances flying about, can Gertrude and Harrison sort out the truth of both circumstances and their relationship?

There are few authors I anticipate new releases from more than Ms. Turano, especially once a series has begun. I was delighted to become reacquainted with Permilia and Gertrude, and get to know Temperance a bit more through this story. Mrs. Davenport's oddities were finally given reason, and her past combined with Gertrude's own gave their relationship many complexities which both made their relationship work, but also kept it from being what it truly could have been. It was good to see that well-resolved and on its way to being much healthier. Harrison and Gertrude were so cute together in their easy friendship, as they began to realize and or hope for the possibility of more. I loved that they didn't try to change each other, but rather helped the other to see the best in themselves.

This novel also included a full cast of secondary characters, whom I can only hope we see more of in the future. Miss Temperance Flowerdew became a much stronger character, but Harrison's sisters were also intriguing and I would love to see more of them! The Huxley sisters, of course, continue to surprise and delight with their observations and interference into the lives of those around them. As a couple in love, Permilia and Asher were delightfully invested in helping their friends seek out a fufilling relationship for themselves.

In addition to the colorful characters, the thread of seeking God's forgiveness for both imagined and legitimate guilt lent the book a bit more depth. Whether it was the need to let go of anger towards a God who seemed distant, or the weight of bad decisions, the group of characters was able to point each other towards a God who loves and forgives, while acknowledging that there are consequences to our choices.

I give this book 4 stars. I already am looking forward to the next book, and desperately hoping that there will be more than 3 books with this set of characters!

You can find Out of the Ordinary HERE.
You can find the author's website HERE.


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

I can always count on Jen Turano to make me laugh. With Gertrude Cadwalader’s employer’s penchant for swiping jewelry and other possessions of the New York elite, a man who is fairly clueless when it comes to women, and a newly engaged couple who are intent on setting them up, there was no shortage of humor in Out of the Ordinary.
For those who read the first book in the Out of the Ordinary series, you may remember Permilia’s relationship with dancing. There’s a bit more of that to enjoy in this one. But really, what had me completely laughing until I cried was Harrison Sinclair’s attempts at romance. Each one going horribly awry.
While Turano provides humorous moments, she also talented enough to delve into deeper heart issues within those same stories. Gertrude has always felt ordinary, an unseen wallflower. Her history has a lot to do with that. It’s Harrison’s friendship and attention that starts to draw her out a bit more.
With three sisters, one would think Harrison Sinclair would get plenty of advice when it comes to ladies. But with each of their different personalities, he chooses not to go to them. Instead, relying on his friend for pointers.
Both Harrison and Gertrude have some quirks that make them unique but likable characters. From the first chapter, I couldn’t help but root for these two to find their way together—even if it does take some meddling from several of their acquaintances.
With rich historical details, plenty of laughs, a bit of mystery to solve, and a romance to get swept up in, Turano once again delivers a delightful and compelling story sure to make some best of 2017 lists in another couple months.

***I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

I adore Jen Turano's writing. She creates such realistic historical characters that jump off the page. Her heroines are never the typical women of the time period. They enjoy acting out of the societal norms, which I love. Her writing is crisp and clean with abundant descriptions to keep me in the setting. There isn't too much or too less description. Just enough to keep my imagination flowing as the characters move around in the setting. I was really excited to read Out of the Ordinary, and Turano didn't disappoint.

In Out of the Ordinary, I really enjoyed getting to know Gertrude Cadwalader a lot more. She is an unique individual with a personality to match. She is independent and isn't afraid to stand up for what she believes in. The hero, Harrison Sinclair, is a color-blind man who wears horrible non-matching clothes, even by today's standards. But even through the outward appearance he portrays, Gertrude sees past all that and falls in love with the sweet and protective man underneath. Their romance has a friendship base and makes for a great love story.

I have read many reviews where they mention that Turano is a hilarious writer. Usually, I don't find anything funny about her plots, but this time around, she really did make the plot funny. She put Gertrude in a number of different scenarios that made me shake my head and smile. I really enjoyed how toward the end Turano had Harrison take notes from romance novels on how to whoo Gertrude back and they all went horribly wrong. It was funny! I really enjoyed this novel and wanted to read it in a day, but life happened, and I did finish it in four days. I loved this story.

Overall, Out of the Ordinary by Jen Turano is anything but ordinary. There are moments of pure laughter with a delightful cast of characters that had me flipping through the pages to see what other situation they can find themselves in. I truly LOVED this story, and I can't wait for the next installment in this series from Turano. Fans of Lorna Seilstad and Cara Lynn James should pick these books up.

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

I met Jen Turano this summer at the Christian Fiction Reader's Retreat. She is such a fun person to talk to! I enjoyed listening to her talk about her books. It gave me a different perspective on her stories and the character's she is writing about. Out of the Ordinary is a delightfully fun story to read. I smiled and giggled through the whole book. It was hard to put down! Jen Turano has a way of taking ordinary events and turning them into memorable experiences. The bustle scene was one of my favorites! I especially loved all of the character's. Each person had such fun personalities that it was hard to pick a favorite. I liked how Jen Turano presented the Lord's truth of forgiviessness in way that the character and the reader can learn from it.

I highly recommend this book to my family and friends.

I received this book from Celebrate Lit to review and give my honest opinion.