I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and have been impatiently waiting for Beatrix to finally have her turn to be the heroine! This book did not disappoint. I enjoyed the Chicago setting and especially Beatrix's aunt! Beatrix's aunt was actually my favorite part of the story. I loved how she was living her life in service of those less fortunate, and to be truthful, her little romance almost stole the show! I absolutely loved it!

I also really enjoyed Norman's character arc in this story, but I don't want to give anything away by trying to describe it so I'll just leave that there. I always love a good socially-awkward genius, and this book gave us two, one of each gender, so I thoroughly enjoyed that as well.

My only complaint, which really isn't much of a complaint, is that I missed the New York City people from the previous books. They did get some cameos which was nice, but I wished they could have been more of the story. All in all, a great read! I have really enjoyed this series!

Storing Up Trouble is another delightful book by Jen Turano. Her books are always well researched and full of fun!

The escapades of Beatrix Waterbury and Norman Nesbit, along with Norman’s assistant, Theo, will have you smiling and laughing quite frequently. Add in Beatrix’s eccentric and non-conformist Aunt Gladys and her odd companions, not to mention her 20 cats, and you have a recipe for great entertainment, enjoyment and amusement.

Lest you think it’s all fun and games, let me assure you it’s not. There are very real and important issues covered. Turano addresses inequality in the workplace for women, their inability to vote and society’s cruelty to those they consider inferior. Additionally, there is an element of mystery and suspense, too.

Turano included a small “cameo” featuring Mr. Selfridge, pioneer of the modern department store. I saw a fascinating show highlighting his forward and visionary thinking. Now, I have enjoyed seeing another side to him.

Norman, and later Beatrix’s family seemed to change a little too quickly for my tastes. But that is just a feeling on my part, as I like to see the transformation as it progresses, not after it happens.

Storing Up Trouble is book 3 of the American Heiresses series by Jan Turano. However, it can work as a stand-alone. I read and reviewed book 1 Flights of Fancy.

I received this book from NetGalley. However, I was under no obligation to write a review.

#StoringUpTrouble #NetGalley

Jen Turano never disappoints! Her historical screwball comedies are in a class of their own, Storing Up Trouble is chock full of all the wit, zany antics, and sweet romance Turano's fans have come to expect. Highly recommend!

So I LOVE all of Jen Turano’s books and this one was no exception! This book had me laughing out loud (which of course earned me some funny looks from my siblings) and was SO hard to put down! When I read about Beatrix defending herself from a train robber with a pistol purse, I knew this was going to be a great book. So although this book is part of a series, you can definitely read it as a standalone.

One thing that stood out to me was the characters. First you have Beatrix Waterbury, an independent young women who is very outspoken, but not 100% sure what God wants her to do. She has been involved with the suffrage movement, but because she was privileged and wealthy, she didn’t really understand why it was so important for woman to be able to vote. Then there’s Norman Nesbit, a genius scientist who is super smart in areas of science and math, but is clueless when it comes to any kind of relationship wither friends or family. So when Norman realizes that he might be fond of Beatrix (maybe a bit more then fond), he does what he does best, he researched how to make Beatrix less annoyed with him. Oh I wish I could go into more details and tell you all of the things I’ve bookmarked (there are only 32!), but I don’t want to ruin the story for you and I DEFINITELY don’t want to give any spoilers. So I will give you one of my favorite quotes from Beatrix, just so you can see how hilarious the story is.

“In all honesty, she was beginning to think, what with how often she was suffering demotions, that there might come a day when she was paying the store for the privilege of working there.”

Quote from Storing up Trouble by Jen Turano

So overall, I would say that this is a definite must read if you want a light-hearted story that is both heartwarming and hard to put down – Overall I rate it five out of five stars!

Special thanks to Jen Turano, Netgalley, Bethany House Publishers and Celebrate Lit for letting me read and review this book – all opinions are my own.

Grab some popcorn and settle into a cozy chair. This book reads like a movie with its fast paced plot, rambunctious heroine, and outlandish mishaps.

Beatrix is a high society lady who just can’t seem to stay out of trouble’s way. Banished by her mother on behalf of the high society of New York, she heads to live with her aunt in Chicago. But even a train ride can’t derail trouble from finding her, including being tossed off the train! Despite all of the mishaps, Beatrix really does have the best intentions…even if it doesn’t pan out the way she had hoped.

If you’re looking for a quick, light-hearted read to whisk you away from current life then this novel, well, truly any of Jen’s novels are what you should read! Every last one of her books are comedic errors of witty adventure all wrapped up in laughter. 🙂

I was graciously provided a free copy of this novel from Jen Turano, Bethany House, and NetGalley.  I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

Storing Up Trouble by Jen Turano is a fantastic read for historical fiction lovers! I absolutely loved everything about this story. And, as usual, the author delivers a story with plenty of opportunities to make you smile and laugh out loud. (My husband even had me read some scenes to him so he could understand why I kept laughing.) The witty banter throughout the story will have you rolling over and over. Trust me!
The characters are superb, and I was beyond giddy when I realized that almost every character was a bit odd, since I consider myself to fit into that category as well. It was fun to be among others whose strengths do not include socializing. And as a self-proclaimed nerd, I loved all the talk of science and experiments as well as the furthering of women’s rights in the workplace and the voting booth. 
I adored the way Beatrix affected Norman. It warmed my heart to see how she set in motion a cascade of awareness in Norman’s mind about his self-centered behavior and how he chose to correct it. He may be an odd, eccentric gentleman, but he is a gentleman of the best kind.
If you enjoy Christian historical fiction with a lighter theme, then you will treasure this book! It was a welcome distraction from the heavier issues of the world, and I enjoyed every word.
I was given a copy of this book by Celebrate Lit with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own.

I always have too much time with Jen Turano's book and this one was no different.
Though Norman is quick to judge Beatrice's aunt as eccentric and untrustworthy, to the point he swifts Beatrice off her feet so they can run for their lives, Norman might be the most eccentric in the book. Seriously! I. Can't. Even.

Full of laughter, witty wanter and also thoughtful, heartfelt friendships, this one is a keeper!

Dare I say this is the funniest book I’ve ever read by Turano? I probably feel that way with every book, but this one had me giggling on almost every page. First of all, how in the world could I fall for a character named Norman? Norman!? But in true Turano fashion, Norman Nesbit quickly become a favorite of mine. I found his cluelessness about women to be endearing at times. His inability to understand his interest in Beatrix was amusing. And I just found him to be kind of charming, in his own way of course.

With a comedic cast of characters, I highly recommend refraining from eating or drinking while reading this book. Beatrix is so spunky, and the things that come out of her mouth just make me smile. But the characters I found the most fascinating with Aunt Gladys. Gladys and her eccentric friends added a fun element to the story. As did Gladys’s scheming (wink wink). And let’s not forget Norman’s “friend” Theo. Although she played a smaller part in the grand scheme of things, I thoroughly enjoyed the scenes she was involved in, and wouldn’t mind seeing her character again in the future.

I’ve never met a Jen Turano book I didn’t thoroughly enjoy, and this one is no exception. With characters I would be honored to call my friends, laughs, some mystery, and an overall good storyline, you can’t go wrong with Storing Up Trouble! I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

What I Enjoyed 

It’s a hilarious tale of opposites attract. Norman and Beatrix were quite different people, so seeing their personalities clash as their lives are thrown together by bizarre circumstances was fun.

The romance was just so awwww. I mean, when Norman read etiquette books just to impress her? So cute. And gosh, so adorable how dedicated he became to winning her heart.

The social justice issues that were conveyed really hit me. I usually read Turano’s books because they are simply light and funny. Yet this one had some great insight on how women suffered before they could vote. Also, customer service apparently stunk as bad in the 1800’s as they do now.

All the zany characters. Turano knows how to bring to life some intriguing characters that you just wish you could truly spend a day with because they are so funny.  They definitely add life to the story. I’d love to give examples, but won’t spoil it for you. 

Didn’t Like…

A couple of spots were slow reading. Felt like some conversations/scenes were unnecessarily long. 

“Storing Up Trouble” is an awesome conclusion to The American Heiresses series. I was thinking this series might be hard to like being about super spoiled rich women, but it was actually a delightful fiction escape.

I give “Storing Up Trouble” by Jen Turani a rating of four and a half.

I can’t tell you how many times I laughed while reading this book. I absolutely loved the characters and story line and will definitely be keeping it on my bookshelf to read again. It was the perfect lighthearted book that I needed to read this week.

Every chapter was filled with humorous, dry comments from Beatrix as she faces her new Chicago life with her aunt. She gets first hand experience what its like to be a working woman and the hardships women faced at that time, especially working class women.

In chapter 1 she is introduced to socially awkward but brilliant man Mr. Norman on the train. Together they  experience Chicago, fight for womens rights, and try to figure out who is trying to steal his research papers.

I loved reading about Norman and Theo and their transition to become more “socially acceptable” and their pursuits for love.

Funny, clean christian fiction book that I would highly recommend reading!

I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

Are you ready for some trouble? If it's the kind of trouble that includes reading Jen Turano's latest American Heiress title, Storing Up Trouble, then yes - a million yeses. Let me tell you the reasons why.

1. The hero. - Norman Nesbit is definitely the first. He is quirky, eccentric, imperfectly perfect for readers to adore, smile at and root for. He entertains me to no end with his brilliant mind, his unconventionally awkwardness and peculiar train of thought. He may actually be my favorite hero to date. Yes, that says a lot.

2. The heroine. - Beatrix Waterbury is what you call tumultuous in many ways, but she's full of life and love a good adventure. She's smart, compassionate and opinionated. She's just born in the wrong era for others to take her seriously, and that's what makes her fabulous! Plus she gets my (ahem) I mean the hero, Norman like no other.

3. The dialogue. - It's been some time since I read the words of a book that jumps to life like it does with the characters' dialogues with each other. It's like I'm right there with them, listening to them bicker, discuss or just plain conversing, and can't help but laugh. (I may or may not have responded to them at times too as if they really could respond to me.) Honestly, this might need to move to reason number 1 and scoot the other two down, because the dialogue makes these characters.

4. Theodosia. - This character deserves some recognition. She's the female version of Norman, so are you surprised that she makes this list? She is smart but doesn't have any clue to the etiquette of society which makes her uniquely awesome and indefinably someone that makes a great heroine herself. Honorable mention includes Aunt Gladys and Edgar. Those two have some great highlights in the story that are such a great complement.

5. The pets. - Mort, the mule steals every scene he's in. Then there's Phantom who honestly is a ninja cat that scares me if she's real, but totally got mind-reading skills that rival any psychologist.

6. The unexpected. - Granted, I knew the "villain" from the start, but there were some hiccups along the way for even this season reader to be pleasantly and unexpectedly surprised.

7. The message. - Jen Turano does not include a message blatantly, but how her stories played out reveals a message that either soothes the soul or enlighten the mind. In Storing Up Trouble, it's one that perfectly timed that makes it even more special.

8. The cover. - How could one not love the detail in that cover? Add in the perfect representation of Beatrix by the cover model and that expression, I'd say it's flawless. (On a side note, every one of the American Heiress covers is exemplary for its representation. All her covers are, but this series really ties in well with each of the story.)

In all, Storing Up Trouble warrants not only a read, but to be counted as one of my favorites. With comedic mayhem and insightful truths, it touches the hearts and minds of its readers.



Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.

From start to finish this book was entertaining.  Beatrix and Norman were destined to meet and meet they did in many uncanny ways.  Invited to leave New York by her own mother, Beatrix headed to Chicago to stay with an aunt whom she knows nothing about.  Aunt Gladys, unconventional and happy to be so, is rumored to be such a bad sort that Norman, who got saddled with Beatrix in a foiled robbery attempt can't bear to abandon Beatrix on that woman's doorstep alone.  Little did anyone know  that this is where the rest of their madcap adventure would begin.


Enticed by the thought of being unknown in Chicago, Beatrix enjoys the thought of having a job as a shop girl to gain the pulse of societal norms.  As a rich young heiress with a lot of time on her hands, she is challenged by her aunt to not just embrace the idea of being a suffragette but learn why she would want to be a suffragette.  Little did she know how much she had to learn about the inner workings of the society she lived in, both on and off the clock.


I enjoyed seeing how many aha moments Beatrix and Norman had as they navigated the world outside of their comfort zones.  I couldn't help but root for them both, although the story was a bit predictable, but fun nevertheless!  If you are looking for some entertainment, I recommend adding Storing Up Trouble, by Jen Turano to your reading list.

A young woman from New York society has been sent to live with her eccentric aunt in Chicago in this rousing historical novel. The fun story shows the discrepancy between the well-off and the not so wealthy. Working at a popular department store to better understand what the working woman faces, Beatrix Waterbury’s life opens to others as she experiences the trials and discrimination of the less fortunate. Troubles and danger lurk in the shadows, but this self-sufficient gal faces all challenges with boldness and strength. I enjoyed the story and the humorous tidbits thrown in, such as calling a butler Lurch and a turtle Franklin. Readers get a glimpse into nineteenth-century society and fashion, along with some developing science since the main male character, Norman Nesbit, is an inventor. The book, with all its surprises, can firmly stand alone, but there are connections to others with characters she has written about in the past. It makes me want to go read all the others again. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

A book has the power to take you to a different place and transform your day.  This book took me to a lighthearted story about Miss Beatrix Waterbury, an American heiress, makes her way in the world.  It was so comical and I had a smile on my face almost the entire book.  It was just what I needed to escape the heavy things going on around me.

Miss Beatrix Waterbury has played a role in each of the previous books in the American Heiress series but in this book she is the main character.  She goes on a journey to see the plight of the working woman in order to know how she can better fight for their rights.  She has an eye opening experience and makes friends along the way.

The characters were realistic and the circumstances were comical.  I enjoyed the light heartedness and adventures that take place.  I was hooked from the beginning scene and had a hard time putting down the book.  I had not read the other books in the series and did not feel like I was missing out on key information.  I have since gone back to read books 1 and 2 and still feel as if I had not missed out on anything.  I have enjoyed Jen Turano’s books and look forward to reading more!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review.

Storing Up Trouble is a charming historical novel with quirky characters, impeccable wit and non-stop hilarity. 

As a loyal friend and likeable secondary character throughout the series, I was so excited to finally read Beatrix's story. Beatrix was a wonderful heroine - independent, outspoken and compassionate. I loved her humility and willingness to understand the trials of the working class as a grand heiress by taking on a position as a salesgirl for a department store. 

I also loved Norman and really enjoyed his character arc as he learns that relationships with his friends and family make life meaningful. Although I regarded his early remarks to Beatrix as abrasive, he quickly won me over with his efforts to see Beatrix again and woo her; as an unusual hero, his quirkiness and intelligence gave him an offbeat charm that I found endearing and oh-so sweet. 

The banter between Norman and Beatrix was fantastically witty and made me smile; I loved how the author made these two opposites attract. I also enjoyed the secondary characters, especially Theodosia, and their characters arcs as well as romances. 

All in all, Storing Up Trouble is a lighthearted read that I would definitely say was more than "merely pleasant" and more along the lines of an absolute delight! I highly recommend this book!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Jen Turano knows how to write fun and exciting characters who make you laugh. you immediately jump into the story wishing they were real and you were friends. I thoroughly enjoyed Storing Up Trouble as well as all of Jen Turano's books.

“The truth of the matter was this—she, Miss Beatrix Waterbury, had been banished from New York, and all because she’d had the great misfortune of landing herself in jail…twice” – Storing Up Trouble

I stayed up way too late reading this book. But it was totally worth it! I couldn’t put it down, the story was so much fun!  Beatrix was a fun character to get to know. She had a lot sparkle and found herself in all sorts of unique situations. I loved all the different characters. Aunt Gladys, Norman and Theo were very fun to become acquainted with.  I espeically liked the interactions between Beatrix and Norman. I had to laugh at all funny situations they got into. Jen Turano blends romance, laughter and fun and creates a story you won’t want to put down.

I highly recommend this story to my family and friends.

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

A comical conclusion to the American Heiresses series.

Beatrix may be an American heiress, but she’s headed for an experience she’ll never forget! Sent to visit her aunt in Chicago, Beatrix runs into one complication after another, all beginning with an unusual scientist by the name of Norman–whose life seems to take similar unusual turns upon meeting Beatrix.

Storing Up Trouble is a crazy series of events, coupled with characters who are equally crazy and yet lovable because of their eccentricities. While the overall story is rather predictable, Storing Up Trouble is a fun read because of its lighthearted humor.

This conclusion to the American Heiresses series can be read alone. The previous heroines do make an appearance, but their stories are independently understandable. However, you’ll want to enjoy Flights of Fancy and Diamond in the Rough, too. If you need an escape with shake-your-head humor, you’ll want to check out all three!

Most books build on characters with what a person would term normal character traits and then add a quirk or two. Jen Turano does the exact opposite. She builds her characters with quirky traits and then adds a normal trait to that character. This, in my opinion, makes her stories stand out.
The author never fails to bring and theme into her stories, this one was centered on the working girl and the hardships that she must endure just to keep her job. Beatrix takes a job at one of the most upscale clothing stores in Chicago only to be subjected to humiliating and unjust treatment when she had done nothing wrong.  It was a nice reminder for women how rough women used to have it.
Beatrix and Norman were the perfect couple. While Norman was your unconventional hero, he was a hero none the less.  I like the was the author inserted how Norman would run to stay in top physical health.  A sweet notion that while he was a scientific genius, he as no out of shape wimp. 
Good characters, great story

Storing Up Trouble by Jen Turano

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

______________________________________________________________________________

Story Notes

Jen Turano lends her creative mind and delightful writing abilities to a story that offers up interesting characters, sharp wit, hilarious situations and unexpected love.

From the first book of hers given me by my parents, I’ve loved the stories that Jen Turano writes. She has such a refreshing ability to infuse her stories with both depth and light and I am always excited to see what she presents next. This is the third in the “American Heiresses” series and it begins in true Turano style with a crisis that brings hilarity. Beatrix Waterbury is reluctantly making her way to Chicago to reside with her aunt until her parents deem her suitable to return to New York. She doesn’t understand their inability to understand that she didn’t mean to find herself in jail- more than once. And just because she pretended to be in a relationship with her good friend Thomas, doesn’t mean they should have packed her off in punishment. But one doesn’t argue with the Waterburys so here Beatrix is making her slow way to Chicago. What she didn’t expect was to find herself involved in a train heist and soon running for her life. And just who is this Norman Nesbitt who acts so superior but lacks any skill at the common task of riding horses? He is not the one she would have chosen to be making an escape with and clearly, she will have to be the one to get them to the nearest town. Norman is convinced that the heist was meant to steal the plans for his latest invention and given that Beatrix has unfortunately become involved, her life is now threatened as well. He didn’t expect her to be armed and to use her weapon against him. Thankfully he had taken the precaution of wearing a set of steel plates that prevent the bullet from injuring him. Eventually making their way to the nearest town and finally on to Chicago is just the beginning the the adventures that Norman and Beatrix will find themselves involved in. Her aunt Gladys is well known as an eccentric suffragette with a talent for taking in stray persons. Norman is therefore reluctant to let Beatrix live in her aunt’s home, even if it is in a lovely neighborhood. But Beatrix is excited to get to know this aunt and her friends who are so welcoming. Fearing she will find herself in more danger, Norman makes it his mission to ensure her safety while she is in Chicago. He enlists his best friend, Theodosia to help out with the mission but the two of them will get far more than they wanted as they get to know Beatrix better. Beatrix has never been one to stay silent when she sees something wrong. Challenging Norman to take a good look at himself and his treatment of others will inspire him to make some important and necessary changes to his way-too-well-ordered life. Beatrix also challenges Theodosia to stop hiding behind her mind and her practical clothes in order to protect her heart. The multitude of hilarious circumstances that will follow these three around Chicago makes for a wonderful story that readers will find themselves laugh-crying over. And if they are willing to open their hearts, they just might find themselves in love with the most unexpected persons. I so enjoyed every page of this story, from the train heist at the beginning to the fight scene at the end. There was just so much fun happening in each chapter that I was sad when I finished the last page. Norman is such lovable brainiac with little ability to see beyond his research and inventions that he struggles when it comes to protecting someone else. But he is determined to try his best and when he finds himself strangely fascinated with Beatrix, he turns again to research to explain it. I loved that he was willing to see that he was wrong at times and truly sought to make things right. Just because his selfishness was unintentional and he was ignorant of it before did not mean that it didn’t affect others. His determination to put all to right was excellent to see. I also loved Beatrix and her heart to help others. She saw the hurt that snobbish and rude people caused to those in service and trade and sought to bring enlightenment. I laughed so much at her frustration when she wasn’t able to stand up for herself in the face of those who considered themselves above shop workers. But her unwavering desire to help others was admirable and inspired Norman to become better. She was also able to help Theodosia come out of her shyness shell without making her feel bad for having a sharp mind. Theodosia was such a good friend to both Norman and Beatrix and added much sharp wit and hilarity to the story. I will certainly be recommending this story to others in the great hope that they will enjoy it as well. Can’t hardly wait to see what Ms. Turano will release next – it will surely be a good one!

I received this temporary complimentary E-book from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley in order to provide a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.