Isadora Delafield is one of the richest heiresses in New York, but her mother will stop at nothing less than a title for her daughter. To avoid the attentions of a lecherous duke twice her age, Izzie flees to the farm country of Pennsylvania and applies for a position as housekeeper on Ian McKenzie's old farm. Little does she know that a rural housekeeper is expected to have many more skills than the ability to order servants around. What follows is a humorous farce as Izzie learns to wash laundry, cook biscuits, chase off goats, and force four orphan children to take an unwanted bath. Determined to become a competent housekeeper and abandon her entitled upbringing, Izzie finds the joys of small town life and discovers that Ian McKenzie, a rising attorney in the Pittsburgh labor scene, might be just the man for her. 

In characteristic Jen Turano fashion, this novel delights in the ridiculous--the tumble down a hill into a pile of soft green leaves that turn out to be poison ivy (twice), the tumble into the lake to save a fearless toddler and drench our main characters' clothes (thrice), the cow named Buttercup who won't stay out of the living room (too many times to count), and a young lady maintaining her disguise by concocting a false identity, wearing the ugliest spectacles imaginable, and taking obscenely large mouthfuls of cake. 

If you're in the mood for a lighthearted laugh, check out this Gilded Age novel, the first in Turano's new series, American Heiresses. 

Disclosure: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I am not a fan of historical fiction but I never miss a chance to read a novel from Turano. I love the wit and humor and the snappy dialogue. I think I have read most of her novels and this may be the best one yet.

What might happen when Isadora, a young heiress to her family's wealth, flees New York society to escape the the advances of a truly lecherous duke from England? Helped by a butler, she manages to travel to rural Pennsylvania to secure a job as a … housekeeper.

Turano has the amazing ability to include wit, humor, and snappy dialogue in a great plot. I laughed out loud. But this is also a sort of coming of age novel. Isadora had been raised with wealth and now is faced with seeing how some people must live without such privilege. She also experiences the warmth and friendship in a small community foreign to her life in high society.

I like that Turano has included some other issues of the time, such as the conditions mill workers endured. It was a time of wealth building for some at the expense of many others.

I highly recommend this novel. You'll get a bit of romance, a good dose of humor, and a thoughtful exploration of one young privileged woman finding out what is really important in life.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

Jen Turano writes historical fiction with a healthy dose of humor. Her heroines tend to find themselves in iffy circumstances, either by their own design or by someone else's plans for their own lives. That's just what happened with Isadora Delafield in Flights of Fancy.

In an effort to get away from the duke her mother wants her to marry, she runs away to Pennsylvania and ends up at Glory Manor applying for a job as a house keeper. Ian MacKenzie decides to take her on a trial basis to help take care of his Aunt Birdie and Uncle Amos, the four foster children they have taken under their wings, and the assortment of animals still living on his farm.

In the meantime, there are several mishaps happening on his farm and spreading to other nearby farms. Ian knows there is someone behind all the shenanigans and that someone is trying to run all the farmers off their land for the mine-able coal.

The more Ian is around Isadora, the more attached he becomes to her. The only thing is she's hiding her true identity, because she's an heiress and she wants to marry for love, not for his love of her money. When he first finds out who she truly is, he feels duped. As he thinks it over, he realizes she may have had her reasons, and now he has things to do.

This is a five star book with two thumbs up and a rescue from a kidnapper.

Bethany House and NetGalley.com provided the galley I read.

This is an entertaining story about a Miss Isadora Delafield, a New York city heiress in the 1880s. Her high society mother wants her to marry a visiting Duke from England but Izzie has heard alarming tales about the deaths of the Duke’s former wives. She accepts help from her best friend and a couple of others who are also alarmed at the prospect of the Duke getting his hands on Izzie and her fortune. Izzie steals away under the guise of answering help wanted ads in Pennsylvania, a prospect of which she is woefully unprepared. Mr. Ian MacKenzie hires her and soon realizes that she is not who her references portrayed her to be. Much occurs after this to include 4 orphaned children, an old couple, and various cows, horses, chickens and assorted other farm animals. This was a fun read!

I have enjoyed everything of Jen Turano’s that I have read thus far and highly recommend this book if you want some lively entertainment.

I received a copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley in exchange for a review.

Such a fun book with quirky characters and lots of laughter! Jen Turano always writes books that make me smile, and Flights of Fancy is no exception to this rule. The first in a new series called American Heiresses, Turano takes us into the heart of American life for women in late 19th century, when titles from England mattered a great deal when husband hunting and American mamas were just as desperate for a duke in the family as English mamas. If you thought that all ended once you set sail on the Atlantic, think again! I loved seeing another side to American history, and Jen Turano shows it so well, with a great deal of accuracy.

Miss Isadora Delafield is running from her duke-obsessed mama and the duke who has set his eyes on Izzie's childbearing hips. Raised in the lap of luxury, she must flee to the one place her set would never look for her - a country estate in the Pennsylvania countryside. Disguised as a housekeeper with a vague reference letter from her best friend's household, Izzie takes refuge at Glory Manor, a home that desperately needs assistance after its last housekeeper was run off by its eccentric occupants. Unfortunately, things begin poorly and end up worse, as Izzie realizes her ability to do basic household chores is lacking, and the man of the house, Mr. Ian MacKenzie, is fit to be tied. He is charmed by Izzie's determined nature, but he is suspicious of her background. When secrets are revealed, it's uncertain if their future will be together...or apart.

Izzie was a delight! Even though she was raised with all the luxuries afforded to a woman of extraordinary means, she never complained about her temporarily reduced circumstances. I loved that she dove right into the household chores and wouldn't give up, even though others desperately wanted her. Her antics with the farm animals and her friendliness towards everyone she met made her a lovable and quirky character. Ian was a great fit for as a hero, particularly as he grew to know her more and appreciate her personality. While they got to know each other under false pretenses, and thus ensuring an awkward reveal later on in the book, I felt like they really needed that time to know each other as just Ian and Izzie. After all, Ian needed to be taught that title wasn't everything when it comes to marriage, and Izzie needed to find out who she really was. I was a bit disappointed in how Ian handled things when Izzie's secret was revealed, but of course, this novel has a happily ever after, so everything works out.

I'm excited to continue reading the books in this series! Hopefully Beatrix will get her book next!

I don't know why, but I was quite annoyed by the heroine, Miss Isadora Delafield. I don't know why, but I just couldn't get into her. I kinda like the story, but on the other hand, she just ... annoyed me. She seemed sorta snobby and unrealistic given the era, the expectations, etc.

I did like Ian. He was pretty smart. However, it did seem unreasonable that he would pay so much attention to the housekeeper. I don't care that she's really a rich gal; he doesn't know that ... so it's class-jumping.

But there was nothing else really wrong with this story - I'm probably be far too critical.

I loved this book of Jen's. It is very different than her otheres. There is a surprise around every corner. I will be writing a full review and putting on Goodreads, Amazon, and I will be doing an author review on my new blog in Febuary. I will come back and add those links.

Although I have several of her other books on my TBR pile, this happens to be the first one I've actually read. I must say, it has me wanting to go jump into the others to read more! I thoroughly enjoyed this story and can't wait to see where the author goes with this series. 

First of all, I have to say how much I despised the Duke of Montrose's character. Oh boy did he make my blood boil! It's all as intended though, for an author certainly wouldn't write-in a character who says books are "only suitable for the simpleminded" (Loc 208), if they wanted the readers to like them now would they? I think not! Jen did an amazing job of creating a villain that would be unquestionably disliked.

Now, Ian MacKenzie's character? Whew! I appreciated that while he was easily likable, he was also complicated. There was depth to his character. He had faults that he was aware of and admitted to struggling with, but he also clearly had a big heart. He was grateful to the people in his life who had shown him love when he was abandoned as a child. He gave credit where credit was due. Without a doubt his character was masterfully written.

I also thought it was interesting that while Izzie is a victim of her circumstances, she doesn't exactly play that role. While finding employment was deemed the best plan to insure her safety, she appeared to embrace it rather than complain. It was as if she wanted to make the best of her circumstances she was in. Even though her time was intended to be temporary all along, she still felt a desire to succeed and seek the approval of those around her. She was another easily-liked character.

There was so much that I loved about this story, and I highly recommend it to historical fiction fans. I can't wait for the series to continue!

*I received a copy of this book from the author through Celebrate Lit and NetGalley. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.

What a fun and whimsical adventure! Jen Turano has once again transported the reader to another time and place! This story is non-stop humor and surprises! The cast of characters is quirky and memorable while being absolutely lovable! I loved the mixture of ages and personalities in this story. This book kept me on my toes and guessing until the end!

Flights of Fancy is the latest from Jen Turano. Miss Isadora Delafield has been dragged to Newport by her mother to meet an elderly duke who is looking for a young woman to wed. Unfortunately, Isadora has no interest in this man. Right for the moment they first meet, Isadora finds him uncouth; however, when she learns that his previous three wives meet with untimely deaths, Isadora knows she must flee as far from him as possible!

Isadora best friend, Beatrix and her family butler help formulate a plan for her to escape the streets of New York to the rural and less populated area of western Pennsylvania. Isadora, a rich, spoiled heiress, must somehow pretend to be a housekeeper. You will find this tale full of craziness, as Isadora takes a position on a farm owned by Ian Mackenzie, a young businessman who has worked his way to be part of the elite of Pittsburg!

Isadora must keep her identity a secret, especially from Ian, who has a desire to marry into money to help seal his spot in the land of the wealthy he has landed in. As Isadora meets so many characters in this new world she has inserted herself into, she slowly discovers that she is not as drawn to the world that she grew up in. There are many people and a different way of living in this quieter spot of the world, that seem to speak loudly to her spirit. You will be interested to see how all the details come together in Isadora's life!

I think Jen Turano is my favorite writer. She has a beautiful way with words and a delightful sense of humor. In this book much of the humor comes when an American heiress needs to hideout and tries to get a job as a housekeeper, even though she has no practical skills as such. Izzie is a wonderful, warm-hearted woman who quickly learns how much she has taken people and life for granted. Life becomes an adventure. She’s like a flower coming into bloom. The way she and Ian interact made me laugh many times. It was wonderful!
I enjoyed that Turano again includes some animals in prominent roles. In this case, a cow named Buttercup and a chicken named Elmer add to the mishaps and humor.
I’m very excited about this new American Heiresses series. I would highly recommend it. Thank you to Bethany House and Netgalley for providing me with a complimentary e-copy of this book. I was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.

She did it again. I don’t know how she does it, but somehow Jen Turano does. She takes me to another time and place, throws me into the middle of hilarious scenes, and makes me forgot about stressful situations in my current life because I’m so focused on the humorous situations taking place in the book. In her newest book, Flights of Fancy, she took me to a rural farm along with an heiress. She introduced me to a cow named Buttercup, a chicken named Elmer and some adorable children. And while I was there, I fell in love with the characters who had peculiarities that made them captivating. There was intrigue, romance, and a lot of laughing. Dialogues and escapades created humorous moments that I absolutely enjoyed. So, if you are looking for a book to make you laugh with it’s lightheartedness, you should try Flights of Fancy.

I would recommend this book for those who enjoy comedy, romance, and a small amount of adventure.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Jen Turano is one of my favorite go-to writers. With her introduction to her latest series with Flights of Fancy, Turano did not disappoint. From the first chapter, I was drawn into the world of Izzy in New York and wanted to know more about this Duke fellow. Within a couple of chapters, Turano had me laughing out loud as I pictured some of the images she created with her words. She does a wonderful job at coming up with really hilarious scenes, but she allows me to have a moment of breather too. The story moved at a nice pace, and I completely got wrapped up in Izzie and Taylor's life. True to Turano fashion, the romance had me laughing, and I loved how she has the couple connect with a piece of literature, which she has done in a couple of her other books. I love watching the characters interact during this time period. Turano included a quick moment of suspense near the end of the novel, and it didn't feel out of place for me. It seemed to fit right in with what Turano set up in the beginning chapters. Overall, Jen Turano created another hit out of the park with Flights of Fancy. I anxiously await what comes next in this series.

I received a complimentary copy of Jen Turano's Flights of Fancy from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.

Turano is a master of the comedic Regency novel. Her latest is the start of what looks to be a promising new series. The book includes a bit of everything: drama, danger, faith, and humor. The cast of characters is strong, including the secondary ones. The personalities are just delightful, as usual, and the dialogue flows beautifully. If you’re looking for a quick, lighthearted tale, this one fits the bill.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.

•*• Romantic Dramedy that ticks ALL the Boxes •*•
I really don’t know how Jen Turano can wield a pen rather like a magic wand and hit every box I hope for from Romance to Drama to Comedy to Danger to Faith to Historic Charm to Interesting Characters – including wonderful animals (Oh, the animals) and adorable children. And she does it all inside ONE BOOK! She truly never disappoints and remains number 1 on my go-to authors list!

1885 Newport, NY –
Part of the New York Four Hundred, Isadora Delafield has been groomed since birth to flawlessly comport herself at every social affair with the hopes of her mother that she will acquire only the most elite of husbands. Much to her mother’s delight and her own horror, a vile duke with a questionable past begins pursuing her.
“What a wonderful sense of humor you have, darling, but do know that you might want to allow the duke more time to become better acquainted with you before you bring out that humor again. We wouldn’t want him to conclude you have a sarcastic side, would we?”

With no time to waste, decisions are made to help Isadora escape where no one would ever think to look for her. “Beatrix narrowed her eyes. “How in the world did your family butler, Mr. Godkin, and my family butler, Mr. Hatfield, get involved in what I’m going to assume is some type of outlandish plan?””

Canonsburg, PA
Ian MacKenzie is a self-made businessman, who has been able to climb the ladder of success with the help of his charming Aunt Birdie and Uncle Amos. As all manner of chaos descends on Glory Manor, his horrified housekeeper up and quits leaving him in desperate need of a new one. Ian has a big heart, and ahem, a big chest. While he tries to be all business, he has trouble maintaining that side around the newly arrived Izzie.

TEA MOMENT: “We were about to get some tea.” “Then I’ve arrived just in time.” As Ian took her arm and Jonathon walked on the other side of her, Isadora soon found herself seated at the best table in the tearoom.

(Humorous) FAITH MOMENT: Aunt Birdie glanced to the oven, then turned back to Isadora, reaching out to place a hand on Isadora’s arm. “My dear, it’s always been my belief that God gives all of us certain gifts. You, I’m confident in saying, have not been given a gift as pertains to anything involving a stove.”

This book definitely hooked me and I cannot wait for book 2!

American Heiresses Series:
Flights of Fancy – book 1 Jan 1, 2019
Diamond in the Rough – book 2 coming soon

I received a complimentary book in the hopes of a favorable review, with no further compensation.

This is a quick read, and one that fans of Regency fiction will enjoy! It is clean, with moral lessons. The characters live such disparate lives and come from backgrounds that make it seem impossible for them to come together, but they do just that. Their lives are thrown together through a series of misfortunes, and they struggle to work toward their futures, only to find that those futures end up intertwining. This isn't a deep or serious book, but one that will warm a cold, winter afternoon!

We are on the search for more new Christian Fiction novels by the minute and Flights of Fancy did not disappoint. We think members of our community can relate to Isadora and Ian and how their lives are so different from one another but they end up crossing paths, meeting each other and then end up falling for each other in the end making it the ultimate love story and how they are thankful for fate and all their blessings. Such a heartwarming story that will not make you put the book down.

Thank you Netgalley and Bethany House for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. We will definitely consider this for our Christian Fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.