Jen Turano’s latest historical novel Flights of Fancy is a delightful, humorous story that readers will not want to put down. American heiress Miss Isadora Delafield is forced to flee New York to escape from her unwanted suitor the Duke of Montrose. She ends up seeking employment as a housekeeper in rural Pennsylvania and is reluctantly hired by Mr. Ian MacKenzie for a position that she has no experience doing, considering the fact that unbeknownst to him, she is a high society young woman. In true Jen Turano fashion, there were so many moments in the story where I burst out laughing, such as when the goats were eating the clothes and when Izzy was trying to do laundry and got the clothes she was wearing caught in the wringer. I would definitely recommend this book to fans of historical fiction who love a good sense of humor.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

A fun, lighthearted read. I found the book to be a little ridiculous/unbelievable sometimes but I think that was part of this story’s charm. The characters are funny and full of spunk. You will definitely be taken on an interesting ride with this book.

From the outset I took a liking to our leading lady, Isadora, and, as with a Jen Turano novel, there is a playfulness in the writing style which I so enjoy! Her arrival on the farm is now one of my favourite scenes in a novel and the book just gets better from there.

If you’re thinking this is just a historical romance, you’re selling this book short! It has mystery with strange happenings on the farm and a delusional uncle as well as a suspicious Duke and a kidnapping! It explores the meaning of family and a few savvy business moves too. God’s Love is wrapped in and lived out gently, in kindness, forgiveness and grace.

I am excited to see how this series develops and look forward to the next one, it’s a five out of five on the en-JOY-ment scale and highly recommended!

What a hilarious, totally enjoyable book! This book keeps you on the edge of your seat as you wait to see what mishaps will happen next to the main characters. You will laugh and shake your head in disbelief while all the while cheering for the main character, Isadora, who will have you head over heels in love with her from page one. Although a lighthearted read, this book also includes a depth in the characters and their beliefs. Well worth the time it takes to read!!!

Another story from Jen that has all of the perfect amount of a great story. Thank yo to the publishers and NetGalley for a good read.

Authentically quirky and occasionally zany, this heartwarming story proves that you can indeed take the city out of the city girl and with entertaining results! This book is Jen Turano storytelling at its finest, including the irresistible combination of children and animals.

Isadora has a good heart, one open to new perspectives and experiences. Her journey of self-discovery and budding faith is the foundation of this adventure. Ian’s colorful background and eccentric collection of family and friends provide ample levity. His ability to excel in both the business world and the hard work of life on a farm increases his appeal.

Whether readers will finish this story and long for a hobby farm or a butler is a complete toss-up. Turano skillfully crafts a uniquely entertaining and genuinely heartwarming story filled with her trademark humor and suspense. I highly recommend this story, and I’ll be sharing with both my teenage daughter and my grandmother as well.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Isadora Delafield has a problem! She is single, an heiress of a great fortune, and her mother wants her to be married to someone with a Title. Enter the Duke of Montrose, from England, on the American Continent to procure himself a wife. So, what's the problem?

The problem is this, the Duke is an oaf, and also disgusting, and also the most boring man alive. He believes himself a fine catch and "always" gets what he wants. But Isadora is turned off by his lack of manners, his bad breath, his terrible self aggrandizement an just down right unsuitability as a husband as far as she is concerned. But her mother and society will push her to marriage.

Instead, Isadora runs away. She leaves New York to become a housekeeper for an estate in Pennsylvania. The only problem is, it is not an estate but a working farm. So, think of the story like this, Green Acres meets Jane Austen.

Isadora is intrigue with life on the farm. She is intrigued with life in small town America. She falls in love with children, animals and a man who is a true rags to riches American story. Ian MacKenzie has gone from being a poor young man abused by his father to a man possessed of a excellent business mind and one who has climbed the business and social ladders of Pittsburgh. He is wealthy now and well respected by the local elite.

But he owns this farm that his adoptive parents run. He keeps it well maintained because of his love for them. But his desire is to climb higher up the social ladder in Pittsburgh. To do this he needs the correct wife to help him in that endeavor.

Enter Isadora. She is pretty, she is smart, she is a hired servant! How can he fall in love with her? She will not help his social standing. For her part she meets Ian and he is handsome, kind, generous and a man to love, but he is a farmer.

The story is well written. It is fun. It is laughable. It is intriguing. I must admit that at first I wasn't sure whether I would like it or not. But then, the story unravels, and being a Jane Austen fan, I fell in love with the American Heiress and Ian MacKenzie. Once you start the story you won't be able to put it down.

Jen Turano is a wonderful writer who weaves a beautiful story along with countless concepts of society, love, expectations and, well, just how love wins out in the end.

Enjoy!

Rachel’s Back Talk:
5 – award winning covers

What a hysterical book! I always know that I’m in for a treat with Jen’s book and this one was no different. It’s always fun to start a new series with the only exception of having to wait for the second one. 😉

I loved Isadora’s character! She had such a fun wit about her and a determination that she could accomplish anything. She thought she had her whole life figured out — but then she finds out that her mother is making her marrying a detestable man, she decides to flee. And let’s just say, given her upbringing, it’s understandable that she doesn’t quite know what she’s getting herself into.

And Ian was awesome! I loved how though he was skeptical of Isadora at first but then realized he had no choice except to hire her as his “household manager” (even though no one really knows what it means!!). And even though he may have jumped to conclusions, it’s what he does next that really matters.

I can’t wait to see what the next book holds!

I received a free copy from the author. No review, positive or otherwise, was required — all opinions are my own.

WHY I CHOOSE THIS BOOK

I pretty much decided Jen Turano's books weren't for me a few years back because they're silly - like to the point where my personality didn't find them fun anymore because they are so unrealistic. I realize lots of people really like this style of book and that's great, I just don't. 

And then today came. And I'm fighting off the flu so I didn't feel well. I had a stack of books just waiting to be read, but instead, I wanted something that would be exceedingly lighthearted and easy to read. I've heard various other book bloggers talk about this book recently, so I decided to give it a go. Also, I think the cover's really pretty. ;) 

WHAT I THOUGHT ABOUT THIS BOOK

This book was more enjoyable than I expected. I read it all afternoon and although I did skim in parts, it kept my attention and made me wonder what was going to happen next. It's kinda like a Hallmark movie, just not quite so predictable. 

To make this easy, I'm just going to go with a few pros and cons that I came up with while reading the book. And please, keep in mind that this isn't the style of book that I normally read - so if you've read any of Jen Turano books in the past and liked them, then you'll probably really like this one. It's my favorite of hers that I've read. (I think I've read two or three before.) 

Pros: I liked the main character. She was realistic most of the time, she didn't annoy me, and she was amusing. Plus, even though she wasn't telling the truth about her life, she basically told them that she wasn't telling the truth. Which that sounds weird, but it worked well in the book and was actually a big selling point for me. Also, the book was well written and easy to follow which isn't always the case for me when there are dukes and such involved.

Cons: It was exceedingly silly - which is both a good thing and a bad thing. A good thing because it was amusing, a bad thing because it was kinda eye-rolly with how often "bad" stuff happened. Like rolling down hills, landing in mud, etc... Also, the main character was always being picked up and carried by the main guy when she had gotten hurt, etc... I mean, really though? I'm fairly certain that wouldn't have happened and so that type of thing bothers me a lot. 

The book starts with the main character being at a ball with a duke, and the duke's not a cool guy and he's not being nice with how he treats the main character. He's just kinda leering at her, so it's not detailed or anything. Also, later in the book, there were a few things that happened that weren't "bad" but I wouldn't consider proper. 

CONCLUSION

I'm glad I gave this book a try because it was what I was looking for today (silly, light-hearted, and not needing much brainpower), but not my normal read at all. 

RATING

I’m giving Flights of Fancy 3 out of 5 stars.

((I got this ebook from NetGalley in exchange for me reviewing it, all thoughts and opinions are my own.))

This is book one in the American Heiresses series, what a great place to start. Jen Turano is one of my favorite authors. Her books are full of history, humor, Drama, Romance and so much more. I can't wait for book two.

The beautiful Miss Isadora Delafield learns a lot about herself, things she must change and things she must learn to embrace.

Mr. Ian MacKenzie too will learn things about himself that he must embrace or change. Ian and Isadora are quite the pair. I love the sparks hat fly between them and the growth in both of them.

Isadora Delafield is one of the most eligible heiresses in America (in other words, she has a very large dowry and is beautiful). Her mother is delighted when the Duke of Montrose becomes enamored with Isadora, but Isadora finds the man slimy and despicable. When he refuses to stop pursuing her hand even after she gives him the cut direct very publicly things get more serious. Because Isadora finds out that the man never gives up when he sets his mind that he wants something and that his past three wives all died under mysterious circumstances. Her best friend and two servants come up with a plan to save Isadora. She must go to the countryside and hide out as a servant until her father can get back and deal with the Duke. Isadora, soon to be Izzie Delmont agrees. How hard can being a housekeeper in the backwoods of Pennsylvania be?

This book starts off rather serious, but once Izzie gets to the farm in Pennsylvania where she’s applying to be a housekeeper it turns downright hilarious. I laughed out loud numerous times over the scrapes she gets into. It was great comedic writing. And then you get to know the family, an older couple and the four orphans that she’s ended up with, and they just steal the show and reader’s hearts. Of course, there’s also the young and upcoming Pittsburgh attorney who owns the farm and who was also taken in and raised by the older couple to provide a love interest. You can see a mile away what is going to happen with all the characters involved but that doesn’t matter. Watching it all unfold and enjoying the ride is the main point. And Ms Turano has made it a most enjoyable ride. I have heard that she’s a wonderfully entertaining and funny writer before but this is the first time I’ve actually read one of her books. I must now purchase not only this one for our library but hunt down more of her work because that read was both suspenseful and fun and tender, a great mix. Highly recommended to readers who are looking for a read that provides a mixture of genres, cute clean romance fans, humor fans, and Christian historical romance fans (there are some Christian beliefs espoused by a few characters that works into the story naturally).

Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content beyond a kiss (though it is conveyed that the duke is sizing up Isadora with his eyes and is a slimy guy, nothing happens). A gory death in a steel mill is somewhat described.

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

Miss Isadora has run from an undesirable suitor and has applied to be a housekeeper and cook when she has never cooked or kept house. The antics on the farm kept me smiling as she struggles through the seriousness of hiding her true identity and from the unwanted suitor. This author always makes me smile and her stories are just a delight to read. You can't go wrong with a Jen Turano book!
I was gifted a copy, no review was required. My review is voluntary..

Honestly, I could go on and on about my love for Jen Turano's writing until Buttercup came home. She is my favorite historical author. I know that some people have a hard time with the ridiculousness of her stories, but honestly, they make me laugh so hard. They are always the perfect mix of comedy, romance, drama, and inspirational all wrapped into one enjoyable book sized package.

This might have been her most ridiculous story yet and that is saying something since I distinctly remember a problem with peacocks in In Good Company. But I think that the chickens beat out the peacocks.

Ian and Izzie were both extremely interesting characters, I loved how Turano showed a little bit more of the business aspect in this story instead of just the upper class.

This isn't my favorite of her works, but I was still filled with such a nostalgia after I finished this one. I wished that I hadn't because I missed it.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, all opinions, however, are my own.

This book! It's an absolute hoot!! But then, that's what I've come to expect from Jen Turano's books.

The main character captured my attention immediately. Her spunk. Her humor. Her adventurous spirit....I just loved her.

There is also a bit of mystery involved in this story....and I also loved that part of it.

Isadora, the main character, was your typical strong-willed, a bit spoiled, 1800s rich heiress. Then she leaves all that behind and finds herself having to learn how to do actual work. And here's what makes it so interesting--she's trying to convince a prospective employer that she's good enough at it, capable enough, that he should hire her. And then she tries to boil water...and fails!

Ian seemed a bit harder to me to grasp. I liked him. But I'm not sure he felt completely realistic to me (maybe this is because I found Isadora so very relateable).

Put the two together...and yeah, because this is a romance, you know right away that there is going to be something happening there...anyway. Enough about that!

If you are looking for a fun, light-hearted read, then definitely give this one a try!

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

What a grand read! From animals to children, romance, and suspense, it's all in these pages. This book is well titled in more ways than one. It's full of history and fun. This story tickled my fancy and I loved its message. I had a great time following the plans God had for this couple as they unfolded in this book.

Isadora, an American Heiress, finds herself the unwilling recipient of a Duke’s marriage proposal. Fearing for her life, she decides to hide herself in service at a farm in rural Pennsylvania. Ian macKenzie, the owner of the farm, agrees to hire Izzie temporarily as his housekeeper, and he two become friends.

I loved this book. It was just light and fluffy enough to be enjoyable. I thought their happily-ever-after was fun and sweet.

Can I just say, I LOVE Jen Turano’s books? I have always enjoyed historical and humorous fiction. When you mix those two together…well, you get a Jen Turano book!

Flights of Fancy is Turano’s newest book, the first in her American Heiresses series. True to her typical style, there are lots of laugh out loud moments garnered from the situation Isadora “Izzie” Delafield, American heiress, finds herself in. However, not everything is “hunky-dory” in her life.

Fleeing from a precarious situation involving a dastardly Duke her mother wants her to marry, Izzie finds herself at the Glory Manor. Glory Manor is home to a menagerie of animals and people, including cows and chickens that prefer the indoors and four adorable orphans.

Between the “normal” goings on at Glory Manor, there are undercurrents of menace, too. As the characters begin to learn more about each other, they also learn more about themselves and their purpose in life.

Flights of Fancy doesn’t have as much of the Gilded Age as most of Turano’s books have; nonetheless, it is still very enjoyable. She has a way of interweaving valuable life lessons and Biblical insights into her stories that leave you thinking about your own life.

I received the book from NetGalley and Celebrate Lit through Bethany House Publishers. However, I was under no obligation to post a review.

Ms. Turano has written quite the start to her new series American Heiresses. Within the pages of this novel is laugh out loud antics, animals galore, and imagery that makes you feel apart of the story.

Besides the fun that Ms. Turano is known for in her stories she out does herself in her latest novel adding not only fun animals like a cow that roams the house, and a chicken named Elmer, but she adds the most adorable children to the mix that will just melt your heart.

The romance isn't without incident both Isadora and Ian learn that honesty is truly the best policy. There is swoon worthy romance that will enchant romantics everywhere. As with all Jen Turano's novels the historical element is well researched.

I had the best time reading this novel and found myself laughing out loud a LOT as well as shaking my head with the antics of every character, mainly Isadora.

Here's just one of my favorite quotes . . .

"And you thought it wise to provide a woman who'd gotten herself stuck in the wringer of a washing machine with a rifle and bullets?"

I highly recommend this book!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via the publisher in association with Jen Turano's Street Team. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Amazing. This book was wonderful. Ian is totally swoon-worthy, Izzie is endearing, Uncle Amos and Aunt Birdie are a hoot and the 4 kiddos are heart-stealing. Jen literally pens stories that leap off the page and this one was a fun story that had me in stitches nearly from the word go. Add in Elmer the chicken and Buttercup the cow, and you can see why the antics in this story were completely entertaining. I couldn’t put it down and was sorry to see it end. I am counting the days till her next one!

I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Jen Turano offers fun and intriguing characters to follow through their adventures. This novel is no different. I like the twist on the heiress theme in Flights of Fancy. Apparently, some rich women did go off on such “flights” at that time. Rather than focus on superficial things or seeking wealth, this protagonist, Isadora Delafield, wants to escape a forced marriage to nobility and find her own way in life. Her journey takes her far from the pampered life she’s known, but she learns and grows along the way, and her future may turn out far different than expected. Throw in some farm animals and dear children along with a great guy who has worked for all he has, and you have the making for a rollicking American tale. The people seem truly alive and irrepressible. The settings provide great backgrounds for the story. I look forward to the rest of the books in this series. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.