Flights of Fancy
by Jen Turano
Bethany House
Bethany House Publishers
Christian
Pub Date 01 Jan 2019


I am reviewing a copy of Flights of Fancy through Bethany House and Netgalley:


Miss Isadora Delafield is a heiress but that does not mean her life is easy or carefree. Her Mother starts to pressure her into marrying an elderly uncouth duke, so she escapes the high society life she was born into, For life as a housekeeper in Pennyslvania.


Ian Mckenzie is known for being a savy buissness man having built both his fortune and reputation on his own merits. When his adopted parents search for a new housekeeper and find Isadora, Ian soon becomes charmed by her unconventional ways.


Isadora and Ian did not expect to find each other so intriguing but after a mysterious incident in the farm and the truth of who Isadora really is threatens those she loves Isadora and Ian will have to set aside all they thought they wanted for a chance of love.


I give Flights of Fancy five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

Jen Turano has again written a wonderful story that has captured me. Flights of Fancy, the first in the American Heiress series, is a delightful story about a young socialite during the late 1800's. Isadora Delafield is one of the wealthiest socialites of her time. Because of her wealth and status, she is much sought after. But her parents continue to pressure her to marry a middle aged duke whose reputation is less than stellar. Izzie runs away from the demands the duke makes on her to marry him. Which finds her seeking employment as a housekeeper. But the problem is, she has never had to run a household before. She doesn't even know how to boil water.

When Ian Mackenzie meets Izzie, he is leary of her lack of references and skill. Yet he is in desperate need of a housekeeper to maintain order while his aunt recuperates and he is away on business. When four orphans come to live with them, the adventures will make you laugh out loud. The story is light hearted and full of fun and adventure.

Such a well written story. One that draws you to the characters and the situations they find themselves in. I've read other books by Ms. Turano, but I think this one is the best so far. Delightful and fun.

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

Flights of Fancy by Jen Turano

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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Story Notes

Jen Turano begins a new series taking place during the Guilded Age with a story that includes a good dose of humor, a lesson in serving others and a cast of very memorable characters.

Jen Turano allows tells lovely stories with enough zip in the dialogue to keep the story from being predictable. She also teaches important Biblical lessons through the misadventures of her main characters that will have readers considering personal beliefs and ideas. Ms. Turano sets off once again to bring her signature style to the Gilded Age with a new series about American Heiresses in search of their happily ever after. Isadora Delafield is a very eligible young woman enjoying the delights of society when her life is interrupted by her mother’s meddling. Hoping to gain a good social position for her daughter, Mrs. Delafield has made arrangements for Isadora to be courted by the Duke of Montrose. However, the condescending attitude of the Duke quickly puts Isadora off and she begins to make plans to avoid this connection. Finding no other recourse, Isadora requests help from the family butler, Mr. Godkin, to make her escape from New York. His contacts give him news that there is a housekeeping position available in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania at a family farm. Taking care to disguise her person, Isadora sets off for Canonsburg, armed with references and determination. But as Isadora has done practically no housework, no cooking and absolutely no dressing of herself in her entire life, she will find this new adventure a bit harder that she imagined. Her new boss, Ian Mackenzie is suspicious of her lack of abilities, given the references she carries, but has no choice but to keep “Izzy” since no one else is willing to do the job. As Izzy and Ian begin to navigate their new positions, they will find that there is more to each other than first believed. And their efforts to protect and care for Ian’s family will bring them together in spite of their differences. When suspicious happenings begin to occur more frequently and point towards Ian’s Uncle Amos as the culprit, they will find a hard situation on their hands. Ian knows that while his uncle might be losing his memory, he is not a mean or hurtful person. Izzy too, has seen that Amos is kind and helpful in spite of his absentmindedness. Solving this mystery will take all their smarts to ponder out and find the real person responsible. And when New York comes to find Izzy, she will have more than enough people on her side to keep her safe. She just might also find love with the man who’s heart is as big as his chest (haha). Ms. Turano’s story took me back to a time when things were simpler but not always better. The issues of labor laws and working hours were hotly contested and often resulted in violence between parties. I was pleased to see her main characters take a stand for those without a voice and seek for better situations for everyone involved. Additionally, while the lot of women has greatly improved in more recent years, by the grace of God, at the time of this book’s plot, there was still much out of their control. I fully believe that God gave both men and women roles that they can succeed in and has given some the ability to succeed in roles not typically held. This does not make either one better if they fall outside of traditional roles, but shows that God has a mind not limited to our standards or strictures. Ms. Turano gives voice to these women who wanted to be viewed as a person first, then as a woman. To those who wanted to opportunity to discuss and learn from others who might have differing opinions. But she does this in a gracious way that ensures that the message is not ignored because of harsh packaging. I love Ms. Turano’s way of wrapping spiritual lessons in the cloak of humor to show readers how to see mistaken ideas or beliefs, confess and correct them, and move on to serving God in the best way possible. Gentle correction is so much nicer for everyone and, often, brings better results. My only issues with this story were lack of pizzazz throughout the story and the overcrowded ending. I think the lack of pizzazz comes because of the setting of the story but I missed the glamour that Ms. Turano usually employees in her stories. Perhaps she will return to this fun inclusion with the next story. I also was a bit annoyed with the ending. I know that his family is important to Ian but the inclusion of them with his declaration of love made that scene a bit shallow. Otherwise I found this book to be great fun. I’m hopeful that the next book in the series will just as fun with a bit more glitz.

I received this E-book free of charge from Bethany House Publisher’s via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation from either company for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

Having come from a childhood of poverty, abuse, and neglect, Ian was determined to make something of himself. To become so well off and have security. He is well on the way as a respected, and even feared, attorney to the industrialists. Next, he feels that he just needs to marry a society woman to accomplish all that he set out to.

Isadora’s mother, Hester, had her heart set on Isadora marrying well. So when a duke showed interest in her, Hester was ecstatic and would brook no argument against the match. So Izzy did what any smart young society woman would do (not!) and ran away to (as she and her friend called it) the wilds of Pennsylvania.

Combining the ridiculous with the very real and serious plight of the steelworkers in the Gilded Age, Flights of Fancy explored the world of orphans and attorneys. Heiresses and hired hands. Selfishness and a servant’s heart.

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The author clearly showed the issues that made the unions necessary at that time – the deplorable working conditions and attitudes of the owners towards their workers.

The image of Pittsburg’s smog being so thick it affected the visibility in an extreme way was fascinating – having grown up in Southern California at the time when smog alerts were not entirely uncommon, I still never experienced smog as terrible as that.

Flights of Fancy begins with a theme from The Taming of the Shrew, and while this was by no means a retelling of that story, the message of a selfish heart needing transformation was woven cleverly throughout the narrative. Thankfully, both Ian and Isadora, when confronted with their attitudes, were quick to seek to change.

It was fun picturing a society lady trying to make herself useful as a housekeeper, knowing she had no practical skills. The situations Izzy got herself into were comical as were the incidents with the orphans, the chickens (especially Elmer), and Buttercup the cow who thought herself to be a house guest.

Flights of Fancy by Jen Turano is the first book in the American Heiresses series and I must say I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series. It is a delightfully captivating story. A young wealthy woman is being coerced into a marriage with an old and rather villainous man who just might even be a murderer. The answer to her dilemma seems to be to hide out in the countryside as a housekeeper and she can barely even manage to dress herself let alone take care of a household which ends consisting of a somewhat confused old man, his laid up wife and four young children from an orphanage, and add to that all the feisty farm animals who always seem to be on the loose--Buttercup, the cow who thinks the house is her stall and Elmer, the chicken who finds its way under Izzy's skirts to peck at her legs. Isadora's adventure into life as an inept house manager has some lessons of faith as characters learn to trust God to care for them and lead them. Lots of witty humor, relatable characters, some mystery, and of course, a lovely romance. Who could ask for more?
I received a complimentary copy of this book via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required and opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.

Isadora Delafield is a beautiful, wealthy young woman. Her family is well-known in the New Yorker high society world of the 1880s. No wonder that an English duke has decided that Isadora shall be his fourth wife, the first three wives having died under mysterious circumstances. Isadora is not interested, but she fears the duke will not take no as an answer. Her mother can’t understand why she would be hesitant to marry the duke. As her father is traveling, Isadora needs to hide until he gets back and can save her from this unwanted marriage. But how does a well-known socialite hide?

With some help, the heiress Isadora turns into the housekeeper Izzie. Glory Manor sounds like a good place to use her wonderful organizing skills. But as it turns out, her new job requires her to perform tasks she had never before imagined, such as boiling water or ironing.

Ian MacKenzie, her new employer, cannot help but see that Izzie is not at all qualified for her new position. But something about her fascinates him, and he can’t stop thinking about her. Coming from a rough background, Uncle Amos and Aunt Birdie adopted him when he was a child. Never wanting to return to poverty, he has spent most of his life achieving his goal to be well-off and recognized by high society.

Amos and Birdie have recently taken in four young children, who were left to fend for themselves. Together with all the beloved animals at Glory Manor, a forgetful uncle and a newbie housekeeper, there are a lot of funny mishaps. But besides all that, someone seems to be trying to harm the residents of Glory Manor.

This delightful book is a fun read. Lots of humorous scenes and unforgettable pets make this book different than your normal historical romance story. While the reader gets a very good picture of the social issues of the time, the fun and lovable characters guarantee an enjoyable read. Both Ian and Isadora search for God’s purpose in their lives, and in that process, they learn more about what is really important in life.

Highly recommended! A story filled with love and laughter, bringing the Gilded Age to life, and exploring questions of faith and purpose.

FLIGHTS OF FANCY by JEN TURANO is a most enjoyable read. Very funny in parts and quite serious in others. The dialogue is clever and witty and the characters interesting. There is a good Christian message in that both Izzie and Ian take a good look at their lives and priorities and feel that the Lord is asking them to choose His way rather than running after riches and the never ending social scene.
The rich and beautiful Isadora Delafield runs away from home when an obnoxious and dangerous English duke is determined to marry her. Disguised as Mrs Delmont, she is employed by the rich and handsome Ian MacKenzie at Glory Manor as a housekeeper, where she valiantly sets out to learn how to run a house.
Add Aunt Birdie and Uncle Amos, four orphan children, Buttercup the cow and Elmer the chicken to the mix and the result is hilarious.
I was given a copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

Isadora Delafield has found herself in a position that many would envy, from the outside. She has caught the attention of a duke, to the delight of her mother. However, when she rebuff's the duke's intentions, she inadvertently places herself in danger, and suddenly becomes part of an insane plan to get her out of harm's way. The plan involves hiding this great American heiress as a servant in an out of the way household in Pennsylvania. The household in question is that of Ian MacKenzie, an industrial attorney who has worked hard to draw himself out of the poverty and abuse of his childhood. Having worked his way into the circles of rich investors and industrial owners, his last goal is to marry up to gain entrance into the social circles of Pittsburgh. However, a strange housekeeper with a distinct lack of housekeeping skills, and growing tension between the laborers and those who profit off of them may have Ian reevaluating his goals in life.

I have long enjoyed Jen Turano's books, but this may be one of my favorites. The characters are delightful, and their journeys of self-discovery are so well intertwined that even though you know where the story is headed, you can't help but enjoy the road to get there. As Isadora, Izzy in her new life, opens her eyes to the world she was always told she was above, she finds out parts of herself that she never knew were there - some good, and some to be left behind with her old life. At one point, she has this realization about herself:
"She'd grown up in the lap of luxury, spoiled by her parents and raised with the expectation that her every whim would be met by people paid to see to her creature comforts. She'd never once considered that her demands cast her in a less-than-pleasant light, but now, after having that brought to her attention, and rather matter-of-factly at that, she really had no choice but to agree that she, Isadora Delafield, was a demanding woman, which then suggested that she might not be very...likeable."
To her credit, Izzy takes this revelation and turns those parts of herself around, becoming not just "likeable," but beloved by everyone around her.

As Ian tries to figure out exactly why he's drawn to this oddly bespectacled house manager of his, "house manager" being a position he didn't realize existed, he also finds that perhaps he has let his new position in society cloud his view of the life he has been so desperate to escape. With Izzy worming her way under his skin, and his Aunt and Uncle taking in orphans that will need his care, and his discomfort with his side of negotiations in the factory disputes, Ian also realizes he may need to make some changes.

Between Izzy and Ian's life-changing journeys, Aunt Birdie and Uncle Amos, the four Duffy children who come to live with them, and the animals on the farm who have such distinct personalities as to be their own characters in the book (including a cow who likes to come indoors), this book is filled with enjoyable characters and relationships. There are, of course, several unsavory characters to drive the plot, but as hateful as they are, they provide a sharp contrast to the loving and God-seeking lives of the main characters.

I give this book 5 stars; it was such a delighful read, and I cannot wait to see what the rest of the series holds!

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

I thought it was fabulous! I think Flights of Fancy is one of my favorite books by Jen Turano. The story was engaging and fun. I giggled a lot. I really liked the cast of character's in this story.  Each day was an adventure and I had a hard time putting this story down. I had to find out what was going to happen next especially with Isadora and Ian. I especially love Buttercup and Elmer.  Jen Turano's regency romances will keep you entertained and smiling long after you've finished.

I recommend this book to my family and friends.

I received this book from the publisher to read and give my honest review.

What a fun start to a new series! Flights of Fancy was a cute romantic read with relatable characters and witty dialogue. This book was an entertaining, easy read.

It was impossible for me to not like the two main characters of the book. The author creates a wonderful scene at the beginning of the book to draw readers to Isadora, or Izzie, and make them instantly sympathize with and like her. Ian is equally as instantly likable and the two together are so much fun. It was nice seeing them form a friendship and then seeing a sweet romance blossom. Besides the two main characters, there are several secondary characters that add to the mayhem that takes place within the pages of the book.

This was a well-written story and moves along at a pace that kept the story interesting. There is plenty of humor and light-hearted banter keeping the story a light read. After reading this book I'm wondering why the author isn't higher on my must-read list. I like her writing style and the way she creates down-to-earth, real characters that are easy to relate to.

I definitely recommend this book for fans of historical fiction. It's an easy read and one that will have you looking for more from this author. I'm anxious to see what happens in the next book in the series. I can't wait for more from these characters.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was not obligated to write a review. All opinions are mine.

Oh to see this on the silver screen! Movies today aren't what they used to be, so this would be an excellent comeback. A full, rich story about poised Isadora, a society girl who ran away to be a housekeeper when her life was put in danger. Since it was the most unexpected thing for her to do, she should have been safe. But then she was expecting a Manor to run, not a farm, and of course she didn't really seem at first to fit in. I love the tomboy skills she has that are allowed to shine. Ian is a social climber looking to increase his fortune after being raised at Glory Manor. He was not expecting quite the disruptions that kept him in the country running the farm and out of the city where his best connections would be. In typical Jen Turano style, it's filled to the top with hilarious, rolling misevents and tender loving moments. Deeply satisfying to the end, which you won't want to happen. Don't you just love the cover? Honestly I think they need to allow 10 stars for some books.
I've said it before: Cheer up! Read a Jen Turano book!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

This is an absolutely hilarious historical romantic comedy!

This wonderful book is filled with laugh-out-loud moments. There were times I laughed so hard I was crying. Anytime you take a character that lives at one end of the social scale and drop them in a position near the other end there are plenty of opportunities to laugh. Then throw in an eccentric elderly person and a group of children under 10 years old and the possibilities are multiplied.

I love all of the characters, obviously except for the villains, they are so incredibly well developed. I just plain loved to hate the villains.

The plot was fantastic. I was thrilled with the journeys that both Isadora and Ian took to figure out what purpose God had for them and what was truly important to them. This is the type of journey that we all need to take so it was easy to relate to.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and through NetGalley. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.

I was not ready for this story to end. I easily fell in love with the characters who were so unlike any I’ve read before. Turano is the only author I can say with out a doubt that I will laugh out loud several times while reading one of her books. Flights of Fancy was a blast to read. I can’t wait to see what story she comes up with next. This story is set in 1885 in America, and takes us to several different cities along the way. I loved getting to know Izzie and Ian, and those that they call family. It was fun getting to watch Izzie as she leaves the life she knows for one that is so completely different. Adjusting to a life of labor after being given every luxury couldn’t have been an easy task. Yet she had the most fun can-do attitude, even if she wasn’t capable of completing what it was she set out to do. And of course that made me love her all the more. Ian had such a great heart and attitude and made the perfect hero. I sincerely hope this isn’t the last we’ll see of these two.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance. It was so fun watching Izzie learn about who she really is, and who God created her to be. The other characters in the story charmed me and I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to them either. This book will give you hours of enjoyment, and I have no doubt you will enjoy every minute of it. I was blessed to receive a copy of this book and was in no way forced to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I really enjoyed this book. Both characters were likeable without trying too hard. There were some amusing scenes, the romance 80% of the book was sweet, and the plot was pretty good. However, I didn’t like that the children and secondary characters were forced on the end scene. I think the hero and heroine should have had a private moment without involving a complicated cast in their dialogue. That took away the romance between the characters. The cast should have been on a brief epilogue.

I am a BIG fan of Jen Turano. She writes about one of my favorite historical eras – the Gilded Age – and she keeps a reader entertained with the antics of young socialites. Her books follow a formula but are always different. There is a group of bright young things who usually have time on their hands, elderly eccentric spinsters who humor, hinder, or help them, menservants who also humor and/or help, and an encounter with local police.

Flights of Fancy starts in the same vein, during the summer season in Newport, Rhode Island. It is implied that Miss Delafield’s mother might be a member of “the four hundred” as she name drops the man who coined that term, Ward McAllister. Miss Delafield is the very definition of the American heiresses whose parents sought to marry them off to cash-poor yet land-rich members of the British gentry. Mother Delafield’s choice for her daughter is a suspect British duke who may or may not have disposed of his three previous wives. And so, two butlers conspire to remove Miss Delafield from New York society for her own safety.

This is where the narrative departs from the tried and true formula. Instead of the action taking place in the city, it happens in a small town in western Pennsylvania. (There are a couple of scenes in Pittsburgh.) Miss Delafield’s companions for the majority of the story consist of four children, a chicken called Elmer, and a cow named Buttercup. Her best friend from society appears only at the beginning and the end. It’s a fish out of water tale with fewer hijinks than one would expect in a Turano novel. It also has a grittier, darker feel than her previous releases.

As a Turano fan, I was a little disappointed with this book because I felt it lacked her signature style. It felt, dare I say it, ordinary. But, I’m also a casual student of both the Gilded Age and western Pennsylvania history. I loved the look at 19th century Pittsburgh with its industry and perpetual smog, and it was great to see how ordinary people might’ve lived during a time of such excess. This is the first in a series called American Heiresses and I can guess that the next book might involve the society best friend. But where it will be set, who knows? And, as much as I love Turano’s New York City, part of me also hopes it will take place in western Pennsylvania.

Thank you to Bethany House for my complimentary electronic copy of Flights of Fancy.

Delightful! I found myself laughing out loud often. The characters from hero to heroine to children and animals were wonderful. Ian is a wonderful hero and I adore the way that Isadora rises to the occasion when thrust into circumstances so far outside her realm of reality.

Flights of Fancy is the first in Jen Turano's new series, American Heiresses, and it certainly starts off the series with a bang (or I guess as Elmer would say, with a cluck). Izzie has always been a proper but intelligent daughter of a wealthy family who knows she will marry well but intent on marrying the right person. When her mother tries to set her up with a man rumored to have down away his previous wives, Isadora takes the only option she can think of...run away to be a housekeeper in the country. The following escapades and disasters that occur are exceedingly entertaining...who knew doing laundry could be so dangerous... and the lessons that Izzie learns along the way, extremely valuable. The other more minor characters, such as Aunt Bertha and Uncle Amos, add their own wonderful quirks and advice to the story, and the four young orphans that Ian finds in his homes are adorable, rambunctious, and all too willing to help Buttercup learn to climb stairs and to open doors (yes, Buttercup is a cow).

I heartily enjoyed the adventures that both Isadora and Ian found themselves in the middle of, their hilarious dialogue and interactions, and the growth that both main characters experienced as they learned to let go of selfish plans and to be willing to grow their goals to meet the needs of others as well. The ending of the novel was simultaneously amusing (Elmer really leaves no other option) and heartwarming, and I cannot wait to see which American Heiress is next (my fingers are crossed for Isadora's best friend)!

I received this novel from Jen Turano and Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

Flights of Fancy
By Jen Turano
“What’s been planned for her seems to be an adventure of impressive proportions.”
I have a soft spot for romances of spunky women. Perhaps it is because I see myself in them. I like a good adventure and in this story that is what I found. Miss Isadora Delafield is not as accustom to adventure but that did not stop her as her life now depends on it. Threatened by a rejected Duke, Isadora finds herself in disguise from Isadora to Izzie and American heiress to “Household Manager” on a farm. Izzie finds she is suited to adventure quite well, finding that there is so much more in the world beyond her sheltered life of privilege worth knowing, including love.

I always love Jen Turano’s books and this was no exception. I laughed and I cried but mostly laughed. These books are always very funny. I also love the history and the romance. I like that this was written about Pittsburgh. I think this was the first book I have read that told about Pittsburgh. I can’t wait to read the next book in the American Heiresses series. I love all the crazy farm animals in this one also. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

Isadora Delafield, one of the most sought-after heiresses in New York's high society, has been raised to be the perfect lady. When a disgusting and dangerous duke decides he will have Isadora as his wife at any cost, Isadora has to get away. With help from her butler, she sets out for Pennsylvania, posing as a servant looking for a position as a housekeeper. When she heads for Glory Manor, she thinks it sounds like a fancy house--and is therefore surprised to find it's a country home, complete with poison ivy, attacking chickens, and cows that try to enter the house. It doesn't take her long to realize she's not at all qualified to be the housekeeper, but she also finds herself drawn to the home and the people there. Determined to stay, she makes Ian MacKenzie a deal he can't refuse so that he'll hire her, even if it's only on a temporary basis.
Ian MacKenzie, a lawyer in high demand as he negotiates between the wealthy industrialists and their works, is busy with his work in Pittsburg. He needs to hire someone to help his aging adopted parents with the farm and with the four orphans they've recently taken in so he can get back to Pittsburg, and while he isn't sure "Izzie Delmont" will even manage to keep the house standing, he also finds himself completely fascinated by her and gives her a chance--and in so doing finds that maybe the path he's been on--to acquire wealth and marry into high society--isn't the right one for him after all.

Jen Turano is the master at humorous Christian romances. If you need a book to make you laugh out loud, look no further. There are so many things to laugh at, and if I listed them all out, it would probably sound absurd, and yet, that's the beauty of Turano's writing--these incidents that should seem over the top actually totally fit into the story and are completely believable with the characters she has created. Wrapped up in all that humor, though, there are also spiritual messages about changing, growing, and find God's path, along with terrific chemistry between Izzie and Ian, both of whom are totally endearing characters. I loved watching them fall in love with each other as well as watching them fall in love with the four orphans, who are so completely heart-stealing that I wish they were real so I could hug them. This was just a delightful read from start to finish, and I cannot wait for the next book in the series!

I read an ARC from the publisher via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.