Cover Image: Diamond in the Rough

Diamond in the Rough

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"Diamond in the Rough" is a romantic comedy set in 1885 in New York City. The characters got into silly situations, mainly involving the spirited heroine trying to learn things like complicated dances and social etiquette. The main characters were kind, caring people who wanted to help others. I cared about what happened to them. The hero and heroine spent a lot of time together and got along well (after an initial misunderstanding and even though keeping up with Poppy was exhausting). There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this humorous novel.

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This is book two in the American Heiresses series, however it is a stand alone book. Jen Turano is one of my favorite authors. Her books are full of history, humor, drama, romance and so much more. I can not wait for the next in this series.

Poppy Garrison is a unique lady, and full of spunk. She finds herself in some sticky situations. Reginald Blackburn is handsome, brooding and in charge of helping Poppy with her etiquette.

I love the writing style of Jen Turano. She has such a fun, spunky sense of humor that make her books so enjoyable to read.

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DNF 25%

As much I wanted to like it, I simply couldn't. The heroine was far too annoying. She is rude even to her grandmother. In the first place, she shouldn't come to her grandmother's for the Society.
And she runs her mouth too much - there's a gentleness in her. Nothing reflects Proverbs.

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Jen Turano writes about girls who are just not the societal norm. Somehow or other they find themselves in one conundrum or another and require the aid of a handsomely dashing hero. The current book I am reading--Diamond in the Rough--is a bit vapid. Poppy Garrison is having a season that her grandmother is sponsoring. Poppy is also in trouble of one sort or another nearly every day and that makes up the whole plot of the book. While her grandmother hires a young Englishman to tutor her into the ways of society and to make her a "Diamond of the First Water." The job is not in any way easy.

I generally enjoy Jen's writings for the most part. The shenanigans the heroines get into are often hilarious and engaging. This book is not quite up to the quality of Jen's writings but is still enjoyable. I often read what I call "fluff," light-hearted books with not a great deal of substance in the plot. This is one of the fluffiest books I've read in a while.

At some time, I wish that Jen would take on some of history's entertaining ladies to write about--like Calamity Jane, Belle Starr, Mae West, even Annie Oakley.

This is a three star book. My thanks go to Bethany House and NetGalley.com for providing the galley I read for this review.

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I absolutely adore reading Jen Turano books! Diamond in the Rough is a whimsical historical fiction book with depth that will keep a grin on your face as you read about the antics of the many characters in the book. There is romance, intrigue, family, wealth, dancing, and just pure FUN in this delightful book filled with friendships that continue to deepen throughout the story. You will keep turning the pages just to find out what adventure and disaster awaits on the next page!

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Jen Turano has crafted a delightful second book in her American Heiresses Series. Diamond in the Rough is certain to entertain and provide hours of reading pleasure. Jen Turano is an extremely gifted author who has an intricate grasp of the era. It's always a pleasure to read her books.

~ While this book was provided for free, I was under no obligation to provide a positive view. The pleasure was mine. (2019)

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Diamond in the Rough is a really funny and very sweet romance. Reginald is hired to teach Poppy proper etiquette in the hopes that she will becoming a proper lady ready for New York society. He quickly finds out he has his work cut out for him. I absolutely adored this book. From the start, I loved Poppy. She was a breath of fresh air. I loved her ability to laugh at herself and how she threw her whole being into whatever she did. The banter between Reginald and Poppy was a lot of fun. Their journey to love was a joy to watch.

Along with Poppy and Reginald's romance, the rest of the story is full of great characters. Murray was my favorite. I loved the friendship that developed between him and Poppy. I would have loved to see his point of view in the wooing of his love interest. The book deals with forgiveness, family and being true to yourself.

I didn't read the book that came before this one, but that was OK It worked very well as a stand alone. I do want to go back and read Flights of Fancy. I would definitely recommend this one to anyone who loves clean historical romances. I would be surprised if you weren't left smiling like I was in the end.

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After rolling on the floor laughing I am now able to collect my thoughts. Poppy is hysterical and so full of life that I would love to be her friend. She has a big task ahead of her to help her family out which proves to be a journey she will never forget.

The opening pages of the book set the tone for the delightful writing talent of the author. She is known for witty and charming characters. Poppy is hands down my favorite and she is written with pure inspiration and charm. I could picture Poppy as she and her dashing partner danced around the room. Leave it to Poppy to make a scene at a gala with important and influential people .

Reginald is a very distinguished gentleman who Poppy's grandmother sets her sights on to help Poppy. Oh what a deal Poppy is getting into because of her grandmother. The banter between Poppy and her grandmother is priceless. Two very determined women trying to get the upper hand on the other. The author has out done herself with this wonderful story filled with laughs, family values and faith.

As Poppy matures and becomes more refined I felt she finally realized how loved she was by many. Her grandmother wants her to marry for money. Poppy has admirers but will she do what her grandmother wants? This is one story that I couldn't put down because it was funny yet reminiscent of someone finding their place in life.

As with all her books, the author gives us wonderful characters and leaves us with a wonderful message that stays with you forever. I love the faith elements in the story and reading how a young woman named Poppy learned to believe in herself.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and author. The review is my own opinion.

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Diamond in the Rough
by Jen Turano

Bethany House

Bethany House Publishers

Christian

Pub Date 03 Sep 2019

I am reviewing a copy of Diamond in the Rough through Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley:

In order to settle a debt and prevent her family from going into the poor house. Miss Poppy Garrison accepts an unusual proposition to participate in the New York social season in exchange for her grandmother settling a family loan that has unexpectedly come due. Ill-equipped to handle the intricacies of mingling within the New York Four Hundred. Poppy managed to get into one hilarious fiasco after another. She is doomed to face a huge societal failure of being deemed the diamond of the first water her grandmother longs for her to become.

Reginald Blackburn is the second son of a duke, and he has been forced to come to America to help his cousin. Charles Wynn, who is the Earl of Lonsdale, finds an American Heiress to shore up his family estate that is desperate need of funds. Reginald though has no interest in finding an heiress to marry, but when Poppy’s grandmother asks him to give etiquette lessons to Poppy, he swiftly discovers he may be in for much more than he bargained for.

I found Diamond in the Rough to be a well written novel that is worthy of five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

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If you enjoy historical fiction with humor then you must read Diamond in the Rough. I laughed my way through this book, certain that I need Poppy as a best friend. The characters in this story are so well developed and delightful that you will love them and want to go to a ball with them. However the story is not all humor. There is mystery afoot with an unexpected twist, and of course there is light romance. Something for everyone!

With the underlying thread of hope, forgiveness, and restoration, Turano does a great job of weaving faith into her story without preaching. And when the son of and English duke meets the daughter of an American horse farm owner, watch out. Shenanigans ensue!

Note this is the second book in the American Heiresses series but acts as a stand alone. However, after you read this you’ll want to go back and read Flights of Fancy because author Jen Turano just keeps getting better! Grab a copy of Diamond in the Rough. You’ll love it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

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A fun filled, madcap adventure through a New York social season. You're sure to find many laugh out loud moments!

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To save her family from financial ruin, Miss Poppy Garrison accepts an unusual proposition to participate in the New York social season in exchange for her grandmother settling a family loan that has unexpectedly come due. Ill-equipped to handle the intricacies of mingling within the New York Four Hundred, Poppy becomes embroiled in one hilarious fiasco after another, doomed to suffer a grand societal failure instead of being deemed the diamond of the first water her grandmother longs for her to become.

Reginald Blackburn, second son of a duke, has been forced to travel to America to help his cousin, Charles Wynn, Earl of Lonsdale, find an American heiress to wed in order to shore up his family estate that is in desperate need of funds. Reginald himself has no interest in finding an heiress to marry, but when Poppy's grandmother asks him to give etiquette lessons to Poppy, he swiftly discovers he may be in for much more than he bargained for.

I found this book to be very entertaining. Poppy knows nothing about high society and how she is supposed to act. She's only there so she can save the family farm. She has no desire to snag a titled husband. Reginald is no Duke, but he is very influential in England. He tries to keep his secret so he won't be the target of matchmaking mothers. Poppy's grandmother hires Reginald to help Poppy learn the niceties of society. He grudging accepts and what follows is an adventure for both of them.

This is the second book in the series. I have not read the first book and did not feel lost while reading this book. Although, Diamond in the Rough was so good I want to read the first book. I recommend this book to any one looking for an entertaining read.

I was given this book by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

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Turano always writes fun-filled, page turning, improbable romances that I thoroughly enjoy. It doesn’t really matter that they are far-fetched tales. I am prone to laugh out loud while reading and I end each story with a smile on my face.

While Diamond in the Rough is part of a series and there are connections to the first book, Flights of Fancy, you could read this novel as a stand alone.

If you are looking for a implausible, but comical, light read then I would highly recommend this book. I’m looking forward to the next installment in the series.

I received a free digital copy of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion.

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If any book should be turned into a movie it is this one. Jen Turano took my breath away. She had me laughing out loud and actually giggling in one chapter, and the next I was holding my breath in suspense. There is no possible way to guess where the story was going to go, and I enjoyed every moment of it. How Turano can make such interesting characters I’ll never know. And the dialogue is so funny and ridiculous at times that I can’t imagine how she comes up with them. I need more books like this in my life.

I love Poppy. She is so much fun to watch, and one can never guess what ruckuss she is going to get into next. There is just something about her complete honesty that is so refreshing. I loved watching the way her and Reginald interacted and how she exasperated him constantly. The secondary characters were so fun to get to know, and I was not ready to say goodbye. I can’t wait to see what Turano does next! I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read. The Historical aspect was so fun to imagine, and I felt like I was on an awesome adventure. I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and was in no way forced to post a review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

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First met Jen Turano when I read "Flights of fancy" and I knew this was an author I wanted to read more of her books. Romance and humor are for me a great combination. So when I got the opportunity to read Diamond in the rough I jumped at it. And it was just as funny as I expected. Loved the characters in the book. they were all memorable. Poppy's has been blackmailed by her estranged and hopeful grandmother who wants her to debut in New York high society. Poppy is however a free spirit very aware that she is unlikely to be a success in the high society and is very much at peace with who she is. However she is willing to try for her grandmother's sake. but despite it, all does not go as planned. Blackburn who is in New York to help his cousin find a wife crosses path with Poppy and so begins a hilarious roller coaster ride. Along the way we meet a great cast of secondary and very interesting characters but this does not detract from the story of Poppy and Blackburn. We follow Poppy as she meets new friends and helps them along the way with a lot of help from Blackburn. We feel Blackburn's horror when he meets Poppy's grandfather and realizes his secret was in danger of exposure. There really was no dull moment in this book.

I thought the beginning was a little over the top. I also didn't like that the end used the same kidnapping device found in flights of fancy. So that is why I will be giving this four stars. Otherwise this is a great read that I heartily recommend.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bethany house for the opportunity to read this. This is my honest review of the book.

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I devoured this book! There is nothing like a historical romance to dive into to keep reality away. I love the main character Poppy. She is not a typical New York Elite Heiress. She is clumsy, forthright, and see things differently than others. This is because Poppy did not grow up in New York, she grew up on a horse farm far away from city. However, she is determined to please her grandmother. So while all the others girls are looking for love and husbands, Poppy just wants to experience life. Yet, there is something or someone lurking in plain sight that has different plans for Poppy. I'm not saying more since I don't give spoilers. I can say is that this is a great book that I couldn't put down! I love how relatable Poppy and the other characters are.

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I adore Jen Turano and her fabulously fun gilded age stories. Diamond in the Rough is another unforgettable, knee-slapping, giggle-inducing romp through New York high society.

Mayhem finds Poppy Garrison—a fact of life she’s come to accept as her reality. This is apparent by the end of the first sentence of this new releases. Reginald Blackburn is everything you’d expect the son of an English noble to be. So, of course, when Poppy’s grandmother strikes a deal with him to properly educated Poppy in decorum, hilarity ensues.

Yet, behind all the silly and quite memorable situations (come on, Poppy makes a list of all her society faux pas for Reginald), Poppy has a heart of gold. She values family, friendship, and honesty over appearances and gossip. Is it any wonder Reginald, who is horrified upon first meeting Poppy, becomes enamored with her as he spends time with her and sees the beauty of her heart?

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.

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I love books by Jen Turano and this is no exception. Her books are well written and light-hearted, laugh out loud, fun.
The main characters were well developed and interesting. They were interesting and kept the flow going well.
This is a Christian book but not preachy at all, in fact, it is a little lighter in this area than her other books.
The one thing I did find wrong was that it was not as well-edited as her other books, but I was given an advanced reader's copy and hopefully, the final book will have the errors taken care of.
I highly recommend this book. I give it 5 out of 5 stars, even with the errors.

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There are times in life when you need a book to make you giggle and laugh. This book did that for me. And not only did it do that, but it challenged me also! There were nuggets of wisdom scattered throughout the pages filled with humor and antics. Snails flying across the room hitting men at fancy dinners is just a sampling of what goes on within the pages. I adored this book. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All views stated here are my own.

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Turano's trademark wit comes out in full force, not only in the banter between the main characters Poppy Garrison and Reginald Blackburn but also in Poppy's interactions with friends Murray and Beatrix. The dialogue had me laughing out loud as well as the antics of Poppy's lovable group of friends.
The only downside to this book was that I'm not quite sure I bought the crazy villain. Her motivation was a bit odd to me, but everything else about this novel was amazing. I'm excited to see what Jen Turano has in store for us next. I'm hoping Beatrix will get a turn. I'll just sit here and try to wait patiently until the next book comes out.

(Blog post review goes live on Friday, Sept. 6 at 5:00 PM)

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