Cover Image: Diamond in the Rough

Diamond in the Rough

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Member Reviews

This was another wonderful book by Jen Turano! I love the quick wit and humor her stories are so well know for, and this book was no exception. The plot was great and I loved the twists and turns the story took.

Any problem worthy of the name was bound to find Poppy, and it was interesting to see how each event would play into the larger picture. Her Grandmother was also a very interesting character, adding another layer to an already great story. This was a great book and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes a good story that takes the term adventure in a very unique direction!





I received this book free through NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review. The opinions are my own.

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Where do you go when you want to find a bride who can become part of the Aristocratic British Society? Well, if you are Charles, the Earl of Lonsdale, you take your best friend, and cousin, Reginald and go to America. You come at the time of year when the High Society Families are having, "The Season," when young ladies are being presented into society. This is a prime time to find a woman with a fortune.

Now, there is Poppy Garrison the granddaughter of the Van Rensselar family who are a part of this upper society crowd. Unfortunately Poppy grew up on a horse farm and not in New York as part of society. Her grandmother, Viola, has invited her to come to the city and be introduced into the Society arena.

What happens when a Farm Girl meets British Aristocracy? Well, nothing really good. That's because Poppy is "clumsy" to say the least and not attuned to high society. But while her grandmother thinks she might be able to marry her off to Lord Lonsdale it is his cousin, Reginald that strikes up the friendship.

The book is delightful and follows the misfit Poppy as she struggles to fit in, yet not give in to changing to meet society's formal normal.

Following the tangled story line of "Pride and Prejudice" you can see how this situation is going to pan out.

The story is interesting and joyful. It makes just enough fun of the Aristocrat's to make you smile and yet feel the need for them to come down a notch and become part of normal humanity.

You'll enjoy the ride as Horse Farmer and Aristocrat become enthralled with each other.

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Diamond in the Rough is book two in Jen Turano's American Heiresses series. While the first book- Flights of Fancy- has been sitting in my to be read pile for some time, I must admit that I'd not yet had the chance to read that one before I started this one. Still, you do not have to read the first book to enjoy this one. I cannot say for sure if there is any crossover of characters between the two, but I can say that I certainly didn't feel as I'd missed anything as I was reading. One thing that did become quite clear to me as I read was just WHY I'd heard so many great things about Jen Turano's work... this book was absolutely fantastic.

To be honest, humor is not an attribute that I would typically think of when thinking about historical fiction. Those I've read in the past might have a few moments here and there, but overall were more serious and subdue. Fights of Fancy on the other hand had me laughing right from the very start as we're introduced to Poppy with her tiara snagged on her dance partner's sleeve! One of my favorite books as a teenager was Princess Diaries, and I immediately was reminded of that as I read this one as both feature accident prone girls unaccustomed to the strict mannerisms required in their new settings. As in that beloved book, this leads to some hilarious and often over the top scenarios that tend to shake up the more uptight environment... and I absolutely loved it. I constantly found myself grinning and literally laughing out loud as I followed Poppy on her many misadventures. This was certainly one of those stories that I didn't want to end, as I found myself enjoying it way too much.

Though it was the comedy that I loved most of all, the romance was a close second. I loved the banter between Poppy and Reginald and certainly found myself rooting for them to come together in the end. There was also a bit of a mystery towards the end that added a little something extra to enjoy.

Overall, this was a fantastic read! Not only do I look forward to reading more in the series, I think I've found a new author to add to my growing list of must reads! I am excited to read more in the future.

** I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. All thoughts are 100% my own.

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Yet another entertaining novel from Jen Turano! It may not be my favorite of hers, but it was a delight to read, as expected.

There's a touch of My Fair Lady to this story, but Poppy is no Eliza Doolittle--she might be able to list off all the lessons she's supposed to be learning without issue, but take them to heart she does not. I think Reginald--for all his initial stuffiness and propriety--is the one who changes more over the course of the lessons, opening up to spontaneity and the joys of informality.

The secondary characters were spectacular in this book. While other Jen Turano novels have precocious children and peculiar pets, this one has . . . Murray. Love interest? Nope. Relative? Nope. Dashing and brave brother-like friend? Well, yes, brother-like, and somewhat reluctant friend . . . At first I wondered who this guy was and what he was doing in the story, but he really grew on me. But then, I've known a lot more Murrays than Reginalds, and it was fun to see this one come into his own. Poppy's grandparents also proved much better than first impressions would have led me to expect. Looking forward to Beatrix's story!

Thank you Bethany House and NetGalley for the complimentary e-book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.

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Poppy Garrison has to be one of my most favorite characters, Jen Turano has created! She refuses to follow the rules to the chagrin of her grandmother. All of Poppy's mischief's had me laughing out loud. And poor Reginald! He's tasked with the misfortune of giving Poppy etiquette lessons.

True to Ms. Turano's style, and creative humor, Diamond in the Rough is a book full of historical New York society, humor, along with a hero and heroine that are as compatible as macrons and barbecue.

Ms. Turano is very good at bringing the character around to self-discovery. Poppy is all wrapped up in who she is as the daughter of the owner of Garrison Farms. A young woman who loves horses and is quite happy staying out of the formal part of society. But as she goes through different circumstances she begins to learn more about herself. I love how Ms. Turano does this. Especially with all the fun, ridiculous, mishaps she places her characters in.

I've been reading Jen Turano's books since her first book, A Change of Fortune, and each book keeps getting better and better. This book can easily be read as a stand alone, but you will want to read the first book, Flights of Fancy!


I highly recommend this book!

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

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I believe that this has been my favorite book that Jen Turano has ever written. I laughed from start to finish. I would have loved to have a friend like Poppy to go through a season with. Every character was so well written. I can’t wait for book 3 in this series. Though this book still makes you know that you would have wanted money if you lived during these times. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

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This book, Diamond in the Rough, is the second book in the American Heiresses series.

I *think* I liked this book just a teeny bit better than the first one, the heiress is a bit more realistic. The other one was funny, but almost too unbelievably funny. In this one, Poppy is the perfect mix. She's a bit clumsy and has a talent for finding herself in the middle of unexpected mischief and mayhem. This brings nothing but grief to her fancy, high society lady of a grandma. However, Poppy is also down-to-earth and very common-sensical. This is one thing I really appreciated about her.

I enjoyed reading Poppy's story, and seeing how she managed to extricate herself from her predicaments. And of course, as always, there is a bit of romance. It wasn't hard to see which direction this was going to be taking. But she kept me guessing as to how they would actually arrive at it.

I loved the entire book!

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

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Diamond in the Rough is a fun read. It is Turano's second book in her American Heiresses series, and it was nice to become reacquainted with some of the characters from the first book, particularly Beatrix Waterbury. This story centers around Miss Poppy Garrison, granddaughter of Viola Van Rensselaer, who is having her first social season in New York in payment to her grandmother for a loan given to her parents as they expand their horse farm into Kentucky. Mrs. Van Renssselaer is determined to see her clumsy but exuberant granddaughter turned into a diamond of the first water. She has tasked Mr Reginald Blackburn with seeing to it. He is sorely vexed with Poppy's propensity for unusual mishaps, but is not inclined to let a challenge go unmet.

While fun-filled and lighthearted, this book also reminds the reader of our duty as children of God to invest ourselves, not just our resources, in the lives of those less fortunate. I am grateful to have received a copy of this delightful book from Bethany House via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

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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. Ill-equipped to handle the intricacies of mingling within the New York Four Hundred, Poppy becomes embroiled in one hilarious fiasco after another. She is 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.

This is another delightfully funny Jen Turano book. Typical for this author as well as humor you can expect a sweet/clean romance that will keep you guessing what will happen next.
I gave this book 4.45 of 5.0 stars for story line and characterization.
This isn't my first time reading this author's work and it will not be the last.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

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This story is wondrously funny, the word pictures kept me page-turning, and never expecting what is about to happen next.
Talk about putting a square peg into a round hole, well, we take a farm girl and put her into elite society in NY City in the 1880’s. She is soon rubbing, or falling, shoulders with the who’s who in America, along with some British aristocrats.
We have family blackmail, assaults, guns going off, horses in Central Park lake, etc. Could just picture this as a movie, but be aware along with glorious laughs there are a few gasps as we wonder if our Poppy will survive.
A don’t miss delightful read!

I received this book through Net Galley and Bethany House Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review.

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What a delightful novel by Jen Turano! The second book in the American Heiresses is filled with laughs and meaningful romance.
I loved Poppy. She's headstrong and knows her own mind, but she is also a lady, even though she doesn't exactly know how to handle herself in every situation. Reginald is the perfect balance to Poppy's nature, giving level-headed advice and direction, but also finding himself falling for this woman who can't seem to fit in with the society mavens.
Poppy is spunky and a friend that everyone would want to have (as long as you aren't trying to sabotage her). This book delves into more serious topics such as forgiveness, deception, and the meaning of family.
I always adore Ms. Turano's books and this one was perfect for me at this time--light, but with a meaningful messa

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This is a cute, lighthearted, clean historical Romance. If you enjoy Jen Turano's books, you will enjoy this one as well. It's the second in a series, but can be read out of order.

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Diamond in the Rough
By Jen Turano
Diamond in the Rough was reminiscent of Jane Austin’s’ Pride and Prejudice. Although the characters were true to themselves, the mishaps that the main heroine encountered were a bit unbelievable. Although it was easy to read, I can’t say that this will be on my favorites list. I have enjoyed Jen Turano's books in the past but this one fell short with unbelievable happenings from the character's behavior to their situations.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. For more book reviews visit: https://simplyannehere.wordpress.com

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This latest installment of Jen Turanos book has made feel like I was at an Opera play except without the Orchestra laughing at all the right places.
Poppy has had me laughing because of her quirks and she says some amusing things at the most inopportune times. I think in this way I can relate to Poppy lol
I used to do it and still do it just irritate my family members lol!!
Really wish I could meet Poppy in real life! I know I'd just love her. I also really don't envy her a bit except when comes to horses. I love horses!!
I feel sorry for Reginold. Im sure training Poppy wasnt what he had in mind when he came to the states.
Murry os a person I belive I'd want to be friends with.
I snickered when I imagined him and Poppy dancing together!! I think that is my favorite scene!!
Her grandmother scares me!! She almost reminds me of Cinderellas step mother!!
I strongly recommend this book if you want a good laugh.
My thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book NO compensations were received and all opinions are my own!!

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Diamond In The Rough, by Jen Turano, is another winner. But don’t just take my word for it, read it!

Poppy Garrison is a delightful character. If you’ve read any of Turano’s books, you’ll know there is always a quirky character and mayhem. Just what I love. Turano’s books are a wonderful stress reliever if you need a laugh out loud adventure. Reginald Blackburn matches Poppy, stride for stride, although the poor man gets a run for his money, so to speak. We all know what it’s like to feel the pressure to live up to expectations and both these characters wrestle with this concept in their own ways.

I think Murray quickly became one of my favorite characters in the book. Be warned, you may laugh out loud or dissolve into a fit of giggles while reading this book. So really, it’s good for your mental health. The societal norms of the day lend themselves to all sorts of shenanigans and seeing Poppy challenge those norms is hilarious.

I always look forward to Jen Turano’s books because they entertain and they transport me to another era. Diamond in the Rough was no different.

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley, my opinion is my own.

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“The oddest things happen when I least expect them.”-stated by Poppy Garrison, heroine of “Diamond in the Rough”, at a dance in 1885 for the New York elite, after her tiara gets stuck on her partner’s jacket while dancing a difficult Quadrille.

Jen Turano’s books can always make me laugh, and I think I giggled and laughed out loud throughout most of this book. Poppy Garrison is a heroine like no other. She’s strong, compassionate, and impulsive. She would seem to be the perfect “American Heiress” for a titled British gentlemen looking for a beautiful, sweet bride with a comfortable inheritance. But, as Poppy says, odd things happen to her. (I mean, who else would a duck fly into and knock her off her horse?) Poppy’s grandmother persuades Reginald Blackburn, the second son of a Duke, to give Poppy lessons in fitting in the New York society and become a “diamond of the first water.” It’s a learning curve for both Poppy and Reginald and their story is a sweet one.

All the characters in this book held my interest and I cared about all of them finding their “happily-ever-after”. There’s even a touch of suspense that makes the ending that much better.

I love a book that makes me laugh, yet still has a sweet spirit to it. I think this may be my favorite Jen Turano book I’ve read. This “American Heiress” series will be a fun one to follow.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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(4.5 stars) – even funner & funnier than the first

[The 2nd in Jen Turano’s American Heiress series. This does have some characters from the 1st book, but stands alone easily]

If you’re new to Turano’s books, accept now that the humor at times borders on the ridiculous, but it isn’t cringeworthy – it’s reminiscent of the madcap comedies of the 40s.

Poppy is a delightful character, full of life and liveliness. Reginald is somewhat opposite – it seems he has a reputation for brooding, lol.

Reginald is formal & polished, where Poppy is relaxed and easy-going. Poppy’s grandmother wants Reginald to help Poppy not only fit in with the debs but to actually surpass them as “a diamond of the first water” & snag an aristocratic husband (Reginald’s cousin, in fact).

Reginald is reluctantly coerced into attempting it, and then the true fun begins. The secondary characters enrich & enhance the story. I particularly enjoyed watching Murray’s development.

Besides the expected mean girl manipulations & sabotage as they all compete to be Charles’ pick, there are plots & secrets, and everything is headed toward a unusual climactic conclusion! It was frequently laugh out loud entertaining.

*Clean romance level: sweet kisses

*Religion: generically Christian but not even remotely preachy, only an anti-christian would be bothered by it

[Review to be posted on release date on blog, Amazon/GoodReads, BN, ChristianBook & social media]

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Jen Turano is my favorite author. Her books always make me laugh and smile. The characters are quirky and get into ridiculous situations. They remind me of my sister and my daughter who tend to get into odd situations frequently. HA. The writing is always witty and delightful. This book is another fabulous read.

I LOVED Poppy, even her name is fun. She is a beautiful person inside and out. She is less concerned with meeting all the rules of high society and more concerned with helping other people. When she sees a need, she thinks about how she can help meet it, whether it’s helping a young man develop confidence or aiding a street urchin.

Reginald has been given the daunting task of turning Poppy into a “Diamond of the First Water.” Although Poppy is everything he ISN’T looking for, he can’t help but feel alive as he rescues her from scrapes. They’re a great team.

Thank you to Bethany House for providing me a free e-copy of this book. It was delightful. All opinions are my own.

#DiamondInTheRough #Netgalley #JenTurano

American Heiresses:

Book 1: Flights of Fancy

Book 2: Diamond In The Rough

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•*• Author Wields Comedy Like a Sword! •*•
I could not stop smiling & laughing. This is her best book yet & the cover is to die for!

1885, New York, NY –
“Any smidgen of hope that her entrance into New York high society would be deemed a rousing success died the moment Miss Poppy Garrison’s tiara became firmly attached to the sleeve of her dance partner.”

Now how is that for an opening line?

Poppy has left her family’s Kentucky horse farm to come to New York at the request, or rather insistence of her excessively wealthy grandmother to experience her first “Season”. She tends to say and do the first thing that pops into her head often to the horror of her grandmother and those of the elite NY 400. Disaster tends to follow her, but since she is quite used to that she simply rolls with it. “Do you know that I once got knocked straight off a horse because a duck flew into me?”

The Earl of Lonsdale and his cousin, Reginald Blackburn have traveled from England to find an American heiress to marry, effectively rescuing the Earl from financial ruin. However, they are determined to find someone of good character. Something Reginald is certain Miss Garrison certainly is not from the unusual way her dance partner twirled her away, crashing directly into himself and her less than demure commentary to the perturbed host of the ballroom. Then later, finding her crawling on all fours in search of something. “Reginald was of the firm belief that always maintaining the proprieties was exactly what separated true ladies and gentlemen from the masses.” No, Miss Poppy Garrison was certainly not the type of woman he would approve of for his cousin. But when disaster and mystery follow Poppy around like a bad penny, Reginald finds himself caught up in her world, most unexpectedly. As does the meek mannered Mr. Middleton whom Poppy quickly befriends. I really enjoyed the dynamic of her relationship with both men who are distinctly different. Watching Murray Middleton grow and come into his own as the story progressed was a delight. The “snail scene” was hilarious. Very “Pretty Woman”. Just like in real life, the supporting characters take an active role and add so much to the story.

TEA MOMENT: Ok, so I was so excited by the tea-themed cover of this novel, months before it was even close to release. So imagine my surprise when Poppy is at the tearoom in Rutherford & Co. and this happens, “They do offer an impressive assortment of teas, but…” She looked up. “Will you find me quite beyond the pale if I admit I don’t actually care for tea, preferring coffee instead?” “You don’t care for tea?” “Shocking, I know.” “Scandalous more like.” But, my little heart attack was quickly diminished by the hilarious scone and clotted cream scene.
“Adele frowned, “You said you were savoring clotted cream when I first arrived.”
“Savoring, detesting,” Poppy said with a wave of her hand. …
“It was a riveting battle if Reginald had ever seen one, although one where clotted cream, jam, and scones were the weapons, instead of the usual pistols, swords, or knives.”

FAITH MOMENT: “Family matters. Friends matter. Embracing a relationship with God matters. And it’s past time I rectify that.”

MYSTERY NOTE: I genuinely thought I knew who the culprit of the story was, smiling to myself that I had figured it out. Boy was I wrong! The breadcrumbs that led me to my choice unexpectedly did NOT lead to who I thought they would. Naturally, that made the story even more exciting. While there is a bit of danger, there is not any gore or undue stress to the reader.

I am so smitten with this book, I may have to forego my To-Be-Read pile in favor of re-reading older Jen Turano novels again!

American Heiresses Series (Bethany House Publishing):
Flights of Fancy – book 1 Jan 1, 2019
Diamond in the Rough – book 2 Sept 3, 2019
Storing Up Trouble – book 3 tba

I received a complimentary book in the hopes of a favorable review, with no further compensation. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

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As usual, Jen Turano has written a lively and fun story! I enjoyed this story of Poppy, a girl raised on a horse farm that is trying to fit in New York high society. At the same time, there are two men from England, one looking for a wife, the other a son of a duke, traveling as a companion to the other. It's a fun and wonderfully written story I enjoyed very much!

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