Flights of Fancy is the first book in the American Heiresses series, and was written by Jen Turano.
Summary: Miss Isadora Delafield is a very wealthy New York heiress, and as such, is pursued quite fervently by the single gentleman in her social circle.  Her mother has her heart set on Isadora marrying a Duke, so when one presents himself willing and able to take Isadora as his wife, her mother's meddling reaches new levels.
In order to escape the persistent Duke (and her mother), Isadora must flee her home and hide.  But where to hide?  Everyone knows who she is, and there isn't anywhere in high society she will be safe.
With help from her friends, Isadora concocts a daring plan-she will apply for a housekeeping job in Pennsylvania.  Having never worked a day in her life, the task seems daunting, but how hard can it really be to order other servants around? She knows how to do that.
Little does she know just how unprepared she is.  But, when Mr. Ian MacKenzie finds himself in desperate need of a housekeeper for his aunt and uncle, he is forced to at least give her a trial run.
Will Isadora be able to keep up the charade, or will she be discovered by the Duke and forced into a loveless marriage after all?
My Thoughts:  This is a great book.  I thoroughly enjoyed the fish-out-of-water experiences that Isadora is exposed to, and the hilarity that ensues.  The deep relationships between the characters, the funny and crazy situations Isadora finds herself in, and the overall drama of her possibly being discovered for her true self, really lend to a fun and fascinating read.  I highly recommend this book-it is worth checking out-so go read it!  :)

Heiress Isadora Delafield is a pawn in her mother's social climbing schemes, her mother is pressuring her to marry an elderly and creepy Duke. Her butler helps her devise a plan to go into hiding as a member of service. Izzie has no experience whatsoever, but she is willing to do anything to get away from her mother's marriage plans.



Ian Mackenzie helps his aging uncle on the farm, Ian is looking for help so that he can balance the farm and housework. He hires Izzie. Amos and Birdie are not his biological aunt and uncle, but they took Ian in when he needed help and now they are family to him, his Aunt Birdie has taken in 4 young orphans as well and could use some help.



Hilarity ensues as Izzie navigates farm life, taking care of an aging couple, a gaggle of orphans, along with the animals.





Jen Turano returns with a brand new series and her signature situational humor and larger than life characters.



Izzie is naive in the ways of farm life and household tasks, raised in high society she has not had an opportunity to learn basic skills. She wants to learn to not be so helpless, she applies herself with diligence and shares her love of reading with the children.



Ian has worked hard to make something of himself, he also wants to return the kindness shown to him by Uncle Amos and Aunt Birdie. He loves them dearly, yet he also wants to raise his social standing so that he will be able to give his family a comfortable living.



Overall, a fun -filled read from beginning to end, I'll admit that the premise wasn't the most believable, but it was an enjoyable read regardless. I loved the quirky characters, and how supportive Izzie's friends are in helping her escape her unwanted suitor. Ian and Izzie connect over their shared love of books, and he is very patient with her. The start of another fantastic series, that Ms. Turano's fans old and new are sure to enjoy!





Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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."

My favorite aspect to Jen Turano’s novels is her awesome sense of humor. I adore the witty banter and the slapstick in Flights of Fancy. This book is filled with excellently hilarious, laugh-out-loud scenes. I actually read about half of this story out loud to my husband so we could laugh together. The hilarity alone makes Flights of Fancy a must-read for 2019!

Turano’s message in this novel that God puts us all on specific paths for very specific reasons really resonated with me. Many, many times in my life I have struggled with my path. I have often worried that I wasn’t where I was supposed to be. All that worry ever did for me was make me hate my job and life in general. When I learned to change my attitude, when I realized a real relationship with Jesus, I learned that God makes NO mistakes and that I am exactly where He wants me to be. I admire Izzie’s courage to step out into God’s plan for her even though she has zero clue where that path will take her. In my experience, trusting God’s path takes time. I found Izzie to be intrepid in the sense that she just goes with it. Watching Izzie try new things that took her out of her comfort zone, consider new ideas, see things from others’ perspectives, and grow in her relationship with God really made Izzie an admirable character. This is definitely a novel I will save for when my daughter is old enough because I think Izzie does a great job of modelling what trusting in God’s plan looks like.

I’ve been a mom for six years. They’ve been AMAZING six years, and I’m super excited for all the years to come, but being a mom is sometimes really scary. It’s not being a mommy that is scary per se, it’s not knowing what the future holds for my daughter. I would like to be able to steer her onto a path that is the least painful and troublesome if at all possible, but I know that’s unrealistic. One idea that really captured my attention in Flights of Fancy is the notion of mothers and their plans for their daughters. There is no doubt that Izzie’s mother, Hester, loves her daughter. She wants the absolute best for Izzie, which she firmly believes is marriage to a particular gentleman. Hester is so obsessed with Izzie’s “perfect future” that she loses sight of her actual child. Hester’s plan makes her myopic — it’s literally all she lives for. I found this to be a much-needed warning for me to heed. I know myself, and I could easily become a Hester-mother. I could put my plans for my child ahead of my child’s actual best interests. I am not God though. Proverbs 16:9 tells me that only God can establish my daughter’s steps. Hester’s actions, attitudes, and words in Flights of Fancy reminded me that God made me Bella’s mommy so that I can help her on the path God’s put her on, not steamroll her onto the path I think is best for her. This is a really important lesson for me to learn now when my daughter is six so I don’t mess up too hard in her future.

Flights of Fancy is another win for Jen Turano, and I very much look forward to the next installment to this series. If you are looking for a hilarious novel filled with wonderfully unique and endearing characters, and a plot line that is so engaging you will be turning pages well past bedtime, then this is definitely the book for you. I highly, highly recommend this fabulous read!

I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the author via Celebrate Lit through NetGalley. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Don't miss this marvelous story! Starting with a scoundrel, a job she knew nothing about, animals with names and eventually an abuduction this book was impossible to put down until I was finished. This was one of the times I was so glad I was alone when reading, as I laughed out loud a number of times. Izzie just had a way of getting herself into 'hot water'. The children were precious and reminded me of some of the horrors children experienced in the late 1880's.
This fabulous book is my introduction to this author. Needless to say, I have all her books marked as want to read. I received an ARC from Bethany House Publishers and CelebrateLit. This review gives my impressions and opinions.

I just love Jen Turano's books and this was no exception. Jen is able to write so you feel like you are watching what is going on and not just reading. As my grandson once said, "It's like a movie in your head". She brings her characters to life and in an upbeat sort of way.

This book is Christian fiction and both descriptives fit. The book is not preachy but brings God's plan together, especially at the end. It is good, clean fiction.

Even though I read an advanced reader's copy, the editing was very well done. There were very few errors and the final edition should be error-free, at this rate.

I requested a copy of this book to read and review through Netgalley and was granted the opportunity to do so. All opinions are my own and freely given. I rate this 5 out of 5 stars.

Flights of Fancy by Jen Turano is an absolute joy to read! Ms Turano tells the story of an enthusiastic young girl who has to suddenly go into hiding to avoid marrying a dangerous man. The adventure is only beginning at that point! She finds herself in such a delightfully interesting home where cows come inside and the homeowner acts like a chicken...you just have to read it to find out why! Set in Pennsylvania during the Gilded Age, Flights of Fancy takes us back to 1885. A time of heiresses and suitors, of carriage rides and balls, this book has lovely scenery and fascinating characters. I’ve always been fascinated by the Gilded Age and the mansions left behind that tell the tales of that time period. This book brings the Gilded Age fully alive and made me fall in love with the time period all over again. It brings such an interesting take on this time period that is interesting on its own, with its more rural setting. What really sets this book apart is a plot full of danger and hilarious antics. It’s quite a combination and it hooks the reader from the start. I highly recommend this book. I received a digital copy of this book with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

I have been so honored to be a part of Jen Turano's Street Team, "The Guilded Gals of Turano Street" for the launch of her last two books. She sends us the sweetest gifts--I hope you can see the tiny little copy of the book in this image--along with the book copy, and she is so fun to engage with online. So, it is with especial pleasure that I present to you today Jen's latest novel, Flights of Fancy, which is the first in her new American Heiresses series.

Reading for many, including me!, can be an escape from the stresses of ordinary life, a chance to embark on impossible adventures, and an opportunity to step into someone else's shoes. Flights of Fancy is about an heiress who does all of these things...but not while reading a book.

Miss Isadora Delafield finds herself with quite an interesting stressor in her life, a scandolous Duke who sees the young heiress as both a challenge and the answer to his money problems. Unfortunately, he has been known to be quite dangerous...even more unfortunately, Isadora's mother doesn't seem to care because she is too caught up in what a match with a Duke will do for her social status. Fortunately, Isadora's friends, including a few butlers who happen to know first-hand the dangers of the Duke, send her off on a 'flight of fancy' to escape the situation.

They send her off on an impossible adventure--to the wilds of Pennsylvania where she will have to *gasp* find a position. Of course, since she has been raised as an heiress, she has absolutely NO qualifications for any position. Fortunately, she is provided with an advertisement that leads her to a very unlikely place--a farm occupied by a pie-stealing cow, a chicken-loving farmer who seems to be a little addled, and a batch of motherless (and possibly fatherless) children.

Using her chamrs to secure this position, Isadora steps into the shoes of a housekeeper, using the name Mrs. Delmont. Of course, the owner of the house, Mr. Ian MacKenzie, and his astute 'aunt' realize almost immediately that the new housekeeper is woefully lacking in housekeeping skills. BUT she does try very hard.

In the midst of the absolute hilarity that ensues, Ian and Isadora find themselves drawn to each other as they discover more about who they actually are as people and make decisions about who they are meant to be.

I absolutely loved this book! It has everything one could want--a dash of adventure, a sprinkle of romance, a bit of danger, and a healthy helping of laughter--all wrapped in faith. If you are looking for a fun book that will literally make you laugh out loud--Flights of Fancy is for you. :)

Enjoy!

Karen

PS I received a free copy of this book as part of Jen Turano's Street Team in exchange for my honest review.

Flights of Fancy has been an exciting and fun book! Jen Turano always puts a lot of witty banter in her books that I enjoy, but this book was better than some of her books I have read in the past! I enjoyed reading about "Izzie's" first day on the farm, and how she has to learn how to do EVERYTHING as a housekeeper. Wonderful and fun, I will be reading this again!

This right here is the reason I anticipate every new Jen Turano book. There is a lot of laughing on my part when I’m reading them, but these stories also have depth to them. And Flights of Fancy adds even more elements to that winning combination.

When Isadora Delafield goes into hiding, posing as a housekeeper seeking a position, she lands at Glory Manor. And hijinks ensue. Isadora, now known as Izzie, hasn’t the first clue how to keep house. Her endeavors with a washing machine, cooking, and boiling water make for some hilarious scenes.

Add to this, the fact that Glory Manor is, in fact, a farm—one with a hen named Elmer who likes to be held and a cow who prefers to be in the house—there are just more layers to create a most delightful read. If that’s not enough for you, there are four children residing at the farm that are just a perfect fit for this book and they captured me from the start.

But most of all, it’s the journey that Izzie and Ian take to discover who they are meant to be and the lesson that wealth is so much more than money that shoots Flights of Fancy to the top of my favorite reads list.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books 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.

Flights of Fancy by Jen Turano takes us back to July of 1885. Isadora Delafield has a mother determined to marry her off to a gentleman with a title. The older Duke of Montrose has set his sights on Isadora and her mother, Hester is thrilled with the match. Isadora is repulsed by the Duke and his reputation sends her running with the aid of those who care for her. Isadora or Izzie finds herself in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania applying for the position as housekeeper at Glory Manor. With a name like Glory Manor, Izzie imagines a large residence where she can direct and organize servants which happens to be her expertise. Mr. Ian MacKenzie was raised by Amos and Birdie Alderson on their farm, Glory Manor. Birdie was injured in a plow incident and Amos has been forgetful lately. Ian needs someone to take care of them while he is managing his business interests in the city. He was unprepared for the four Duffy children that a social worker has put into Birdie’s care. Ian has his doubts about Izzie’s qualifications especially after he must show her how to use the washing machine, but he is in a pinch plus he finds Izzie intriguing. Izzie finds herself adapting to her new situation, but she is concerned by malicious activities happening at Glory Manor and other surrounding farms. Izzie and Ian will need to work together to overcome unexpected challenges. What happens when someone threatens those they love and a promising future?

Flights of Fancy is a delightfully entertaining historical novel. I found the book to be well-written with steady pacing. Isadore Delafield is a great character. She has a controlling mother who wants her daughter to marry a man with a title. The Duke of Montrose fits the bill, but he is twice Isadora’s age. When her best friend’s butler, Mr. Hatfield learns of the Duke’s intentions, he informs Mr. Godkin, the Delafield butler, of the man’s character and what happened to the Duke’s other three wives. The two men come up with a plan to keep Izzie safe. Ian MacKenzie is grateful to Amos and Birdie Alderson for taking him in as a child and making sure he got an education. Ian is now a successful businessman who is determined to marry a society lady. I enjoyed the witty repartee between Izzie and Ian. Izzie has no clue how to perform the most basic of tasks, but she is a whiz at organization and hiring others to accomplish her plans. Add in four rambunctious children, a cow who prefers a house to a barn and a chicken (who really should have been named Nigel). Also, Izzie tends to be long-winded with her unusual explanations (which make Ian forget what he asked in the first place). I found myself laughing from beginning to end while reading Flights of Fancy (I am talking about laugh-out-loud laughing). Jen Turano captured the historical period with her descriptions of the homes (mansions), the beautiful clothing, the attitudes of men and women (especially society mother’s like Harriet Delafield), the transportation utilized, the historical figures mentioned, and the types of businesses run. The Christian element is light but well thought out. Birdie is the character with the strongest faith which she shares with those in her life. My finger was kept busy flipping the virtual pages of my Kindle as I devoured this book. Flights of Fancy is a captivating story with romance, action, rich historical details, suspense, and whimsy.

Flights of Fancy was such a delightful story! I was so excited to start this new series from Jen Turano. Her books never fail to leave me in a good mood and always put a smile on my face. This book was no different. I was literally laughing out loud the entire book. It was so funny and so full of heart. Plus it had a great spiritual message too.

The whole cast of characters were awesome. From the instantly likable main characters of Isadora and Ian to eccentric Uncle Amos and ornery Aunt Birdie to the four precocious orphans living at Glory Manor - Henry, Primrose, Violet, and Daisy. But my absolute favorite characters of all were the farm animals. The laundry-eating goats, the constantly-escaping chickens, and especially Buttercup the cow who's favorite place to be was inside the house and found every opportunity to let herself in. Goodness, they made me laugh so much! I'll be remembering their antics for a long time!

If you're looking for a great romantic comedy, look no further than Flights of Fancy. I highly recommend it and can't wait for the sequel!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

Originally posted on Creative Madness Mama.

If you have been following my reviews in the Christian Historical Fiction genre for a while, you may have noticed that I do not have the time to read quite the quantity of books that I once had. Therefore, the quality of books I read is important to me. It has been a while that I have read a book that I found to be delightful from cover to cover and Jen Turano does not disappoint.

The characters are clever and the witty banter kept me amused and turning one page after another. Every single book that I have read from Jen make me excited to go back and read the ones I missed and eager to look forward to the ones to come next. Isadora and Ian have a creative and fun story with a flare of mystery. I’m very glad to have read this one and cannot wait for more.

Honest opinion, review product.

Just when I think Jen Turano can’t come up with any fresh ideas for her hilarious historic comedies, she proves me wrong again. I loved the spirit of adventure and positivity that Isadora (“Izzie”) possesses. The Duke of Montrose sounded like a “monstrosity” of a man and nuisance. On the other hand, how many readers will find themselves enthralled with Ian and his love for his fellow man (well, his looks COULD play into the picture.) Uncle Amos and Aunt Birdie are pure strokes of literary genius and the four children are beyond lovable. Now I can’t wait for the next books in this series.
Some favorite quotes:
“...God occasionally throws obstacles our way so we’re forced to grow into the people he wants us to be.”
“...what with how often people forget to show kindness to those most vulnerable. I imagine it must pain God no small amount when He witnesses us ignoring those in need.”
During the time I was reading this, I heard, “Good, Good Father” by Chris Tomlin on the radio. Somehow it seemed very apropos to the book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit and NetGalley. All opinions are my own and no positive review was required.

Jen Turano knocks it out of the park with her delightful new release Flights of Fancy. Miss Isadora Delafield, an American heiress without the usually wish for marrying a man with a foreign title, finds herself in deep water when her beauty (and dowry) catch the eye of an English Duke. Her faithful butler (and his fellow butler friend) plot an escape plan that sends the sweet (but undeniably spoiled) Isadora to a country estate in the wilds of Pennsylvania to seek employment as a housekeeper. A job for which Izzy is woefully unqualified.

When a bespectacled (but beautiful) young woman shows up in answer to his advertisement for a housekeeper, Ian MacKenzie thinks she might be an answer to prayer (since his previous housekeeper left in a huff on the last train out of town). Her letter of recommendation seems a bit suspect, and she seems a tad demanding—just because his Uncle Amos chases her with a rifle, causing her to tumble through a patch of poison ivy doesn’t give her the right to ring a cowbell incessantly. Glory Manor (despite its genteel name) is short of help and filled with people who need it—including his elderly adopted aunt and uncle and four orphaned children.

Will Ian discover his true calling and identity before he makes a cake of himself? Can Isadora learn to adapt when she’s out of her natural environment? Her very life could depend on her ability to adapt.

Readers will fall in love with the cast of characters found at Glory Manor and in the nearby town of Canonsburg (including Buttercup the cow and Elmer the hen). Flights of Fancy, the first in the American Heiress series, has the perfect recipe of humor, romance, witty dialogue, deep truths, and endearing characters.

Oh goodness, where do I begin with this one? I suppose, first off, I should say that the characters were delightful. Even when we begin with Isadora Delafield at the beginning of the book, she shows a wonderful sense of independence. When she becomes Izzie, you can practically see her bloom into the woman she was meant to be.

Ian is strong and sure, exactly what we want in a hero. His character flaws were well-developed with a backstory that accentuated his need to achieve greatness. The meet-cute between Ian and Izzie has probably become my favorite of all time. (I won't spoil it, but I can assure you, it will have you smiling and maybe even laughing out loud.)

The plotline moved well, with plenty of action at Glory Manor or with Ian when he returns to Pittsburg for business. I found those moments quite interesting as we begin to see the business side of Ian. While at Glory Manor, we see the more relaxed and content side.

Ian and Izzie's mutual journey toward love sends them on a merry chase that includes cows who don't realize they should stay outside the house, four children in need of love and parenting, and their own hang-ups in what they consider an acceptable match.

There were a few laugh-out-loud moments that were balanced by the seriousness of Izzie's situation with the Duke. The banter between Izzie and Ian was fantastic. I could read conversations between those two all day long.

Favorite Quote: "My dear, it has been my experience that God occasionally throws obstacles our way so that we're forced to grow into the people He wants us to be." This is something that has been on my mind a bit lately so it was nice to see the idea so well represented in a book. God knows what is headed our way, and He tries to prepare us for it. Sometimes, those paths are fraught with danger, but He is always by our side.

I received a copy of this book from the Celebrate Lit team via NetGalley. I was not required to leave a review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

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.