This book was so hilarious. I can always count on a Jen Turano book to put me in a good mood. 
I got hooked from the first page and I was so disappointed when this story was over. 
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is in need of a good, light hearted read.

Turano has created another novel with a serious plot threaded with humor as is her style. Gabriella had gone from street thief to an orphanage then to a respectable seamstress. Now she has taken upon herself to become a novice detective – or inquiry agent to be more correct. This after she forms the The Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency, along with the ladies at the boarding house where she resides. They profess to solve crimes even the skilled Pinkerton agents are unable to. Another street/urchin/best friend, Nicholas had gone from life as a thief to being accepted as one of the most eligible gentlemen of society’s Four Hundred. When they meet up again as adults they cannot deny their astonishment for how the other is living and the story behind how they came to be thus. Also they cannot deny the attraction they feel for each other. To Steal a Heart is a clean historical romance that will hold your interest as you turn the pages…….I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review. All comments and opinions are my own.

I must admit this is my first Jen Turano book and all I have to say is shame on me for waiting this long to read one! I have added the rest of her books to my To Be Read List!! This story hooked me right from the beginning. Right away we meet Gabrielle who is pretending to be a gentleman of society and trying to break into a safe to help her friend who has been accused of stealing. In the process she encounters her best friend from childhood Nicholas trying to do the same! 

Gabrielle is the main character and she is hurting. She grew up on the streets and then in an orphanage. She believes that God has left her and her street family never cared as they left her in that orphanage never looking for her.  When she encounters Nicolas she is somewhat outraged at the fact that he has been put in the good graces of society. Nicholas never knew she was put in an orphanage. Their love story is not quick by any means. She goes to great lengths to keep him at arms length. Nicholas also feels conflicted about his friendship with her as he starts seeing her in a different light. The tension between them is glorious and they are so stubborn they don't admit it for a good long while but when they do it is so sweet!

I loved that this book had such great elements such as mystery, action, romance, suspense and let's not forget comedic moments. There were times I couldn't stop giggling.  It definitely kept you wanting to turn the pages. It also has a great cast of quirky characters. I cannot wait to read the next book and I hope it is all about Daphne! She was one of my favorites I could not stop laughing at her antics. 

Overall I really enjoyed the book and I cannot wait to read more of Ms. Turano's novels while I wait for the next one in this series. If you enjoy historical romances with romance then this might just be the book for you!

To Steal a Heart
by Jen Turano

Though we are still treated to Turano’s signature quirky style of historical romance, which I love, To Steal a Heart isn’t quite like her other novels. There’s still zany humor and sweet romance set in the enchanting Gilded Age of New York, but it is our heroine that sets this apart from the author’s other books. Gabriella was one of my favorite Turano heroines. I feel like she was one of her most original leads, seeing as she was more spice than sugar. There was a depth to this character that resulted in a fresh new story from Turano. I also found Nicholas to be a good hero, and a perfect match for Gabriella.

While most of Turano’s novels have a thread of mystery to keep the pages turning, I feel like the elements of suspense were more pronounced in this novel, further setting it apart from her previous novels and offering her fans a new experience.

Readers new to Christian historical romance will enjoy To Steal a Heart, and veteran Turano fans will relish this new novel by her.

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

Talk about unique characters!  I so easily loved the ladies from the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency.  I am used to being spoiled when reading a book by Jen Turano, but this one knocked it out of the park.  I immensely enjoyed every moment I spent reading this book and am dying to spend more time with the characters in the next installment.  I was transported to another place and time and couldn’t get enough.  Turano had me laughing out loud, and I couldn’t seem to stop reading.  I loved the chemistry between the characters and that they had a past.  This book is a must read for anyone who enjoys Historical Romance.  I can hardly wait to see what Turano does next.  I was blessed to receive a copy of this book and was in no way forced to post a review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Hurrah for another Jen Turano book. If you’re not familiar with her work, each book is a fun jaunt set during the Gilded Age. It’s where society boys and girls get into all sorts of scrapes and hijinks, while sometimes mingling with the masses. Or it’s where young working men and women get into all sorts of scrapes and hijinks while trying to improve themselves, and sometimes mingle with society. To Steal a Heart mostly falls into the second category, although Nicholas has already crossed the divide between the classes and acts as a bridge for Gabriella and her friends.

The first title of the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency series explores the founding of the Agency after Gabriella helps prove a singular woman’s innocence in a jewel theft. Nicholas and his motley crew of household staff assist the ladies when muscle is perhaps needed more than brains, although he could lose his standing as a member of The Four Hundred if his activities were discovered. Mixed in with the mystery of multiple jewelry thefts is Nicholas’ search for a bride, Gabriella’s decision to assist him, and revelations regarding their parentage. (Don’t worry, there are two sets of parents. This isn’t the Original Star Wars trilogy. We’d never have the required happy ending if that were the case!) There’s enough to keep a reader guessing until the end when the final secrets are revealed. And even then, I had a couple of questions regarding secondary characters.

Turano’s cast members stand out with their distinct personalities – including Winston the pirate dog – and there are multiple witty quickfire exchanges between the two leads. While maybe not my favorite of her novels, To Steal a Heart is a wonderful way to pass the time and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series, To Write a Wrong, which is scheduled for release in August 2021.

Disclaimer: Although I received an electronic copy of this book from the publisher, the words and opinions above are my own.

Fans of Jen Turano will definitely want to add To Steal A Heart to their TBR piles. Filled with Ms. Turano’s signature style of humor, To Steal A Heart will delight readers, especially considering the cast of characters.

Ms. Turano does a great job at each character adding to the story and I could imagine this as a play or a murder mystery type movie. I liked that Gabrielle wasn’t your typical heroine, and for that fact, neither was Nicholas.

The twists and turns in the story will keep the reader turning the page until the end.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. My review was not required nor influenced.

I am super excited about this new series by Jen Turano. "To Steal a heart" is the first book in the Bleeker Inquiry agency series. In this book we meet  Gabriella Goodhue, a former thief who is trying to move on in life. She is convinced that she will never have to return to her own life. However, her friend is accused of theft - she knows that she has to pull her old skills together and help prove her innocence. However she is stopped in her tracks when she runs into her former childhood friend, Nicholas that abandoned her. In the opening chapters you can feel the tension when they run into each other again. Daphne was one of my favorite characters - she is feisty, stubborn and clumsy - a GREAT combination if you ask me. I hope to see her in the next book. 

I loved how much research and detail is in this book. The author has done such a great job dropping so many breadcrumbs into the mix so that while you are reading, and trying to figure out the mystery there are some twists and turns that are thrown in. I love that this focuses on a female inquiry agency. I did my master thesis on the use of women and African Americans as spies during the Revolutionary and Civil War. So anything along those lines is right up my alley

Reading the tension that Nicholas and Gabriella face through the book was fun - however she will need to use some of his skills to prove her friend's innocence. These two made me smile throughout the entire book. 

Well written, comical, real feeling characters. Lots of research went into this to present the story to fit into real 1886 New York City back drop. I cannot wait until the next book. 

I received a copy of this book through the author and Celebrate Lit blogging program -- all thoughts are my own.

To Steal a Heart by Jen Turano is the first book in The Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency and you definitely don't want to miss reading it if you love inspirational historical romances with a little suspense added in.
After leaving a childhood life of crime behind Gabriella and Nicholas are reunited when Gabriella is caught breaking into a safe that proves a friend of hers is innocent of theft, but their reunion isn't all fun and games because their secrets from the past are being revealed and danger is all around them.
I'm definitely looking forward to reading more books in this wonderful series!

I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.

Oh my gosh, this story was AMAZING! As a reader, you know from the first page that this is going to be such a fun book. lol Things are going to go amiss and we're all just along for the ride.

And once again, Jen Turano does NOT disappoint! To Steal a Heart had me in stitches. Gabriella is just trying to help one of the gals at her boarding house find out what really happened to some jewels. Unfortunately, her sidekick/lookout/partner, Daphne isn't quite suited to detective work. hahaha You find out why rather quickly!

Not only that, we meet Nicholas almost as quickly! In one evening, the lives of so many people are dashed off into a new direction and we're all in for quite a bit of excitement. It was actually rather fun seeing how The Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency gets its start. I love how the ladies all come together for common goals.

We also start to see the different layers of Gabriella. We start to see where she's come from and how she got to where she is now. And the supporting cast of this story is also SO much apart of unfolding who she is. And I ADORE the extra characters: Eunice (please, Jen, let us know more about her), Daphne, Monsieur Villard, Rookwood, and so many more. And honestly, that's just skimming the surface because there are a lot of vital characters in this story!!

I loved how the story flowed as we follow Gabriella and Daphne on their inquiry trails. As they take up the causes of women around them, it's a battle of wits! Of course, Nicholas finds himself joining in and it only makes the events even more fun!

As with any Jen Turano book there's also the more serious side of the book where relationships are tested and villains are brought to light. I loved Nicholas and Gabriella working their way through him finding a wife while they try to iron out their past, which surprisingly uncovers more in the present. I'm telling you, this story keeps you turning the page to find out what mess they've gotten themselves into as well as reading their banter!

I'm already over the moon for Daphne's story and I've only seen the cover of it!! I can't wait!

What an ingenious way to introduce a whole slew of new characters and all their possible stories. To Steal a Heart is the first in the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency which begins with a group of boarding house ladies that all have secrets. Throw in a couple of men to help them get around and be the muscle and you have a very unique agency that addresses the needs that ladies from all walks of life can come too. Especially when no one believes their complaints. 

This first story centers more on Gabriella, a former child street thief, who runs into her former street urchin partner, Nicholas Quinn who is now quite a gentleman. One horrible night separates these two and has them following very different paths until they converge again in adulthood. Gabriella is now the know how for this up and coming new agency. 

Rife with author Turano's trademark humor, these two again renew their friendship, Gabriella reluctantly, and sets them on the path to love. I liked the way Gabriella opens Nicholas's eyes to just how snobbish society still is. Especially since he seems to have forgotten his beginnings.

This story had adventure, funny disguises, mystery, evil men, true love, and a whole host of new characters that are just a little bit off, if I might say. And I look forward to reading everyone of their stories and uncovering their secrets.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

This fun read deserves 5 stars and more!
I loved this read because it made me laugh out loud in various places.
I love Turano's sense of humor and it shows through her writing to make us readers laugh out loud and enjoy her characters' adventures.
Gabriella is a delightful character and has a determined personality that readers will come to love just as I have.
If any of you are late night readers then you'll know what I'm talking about. This is definitely a stay up all night read. This book is so good that I wanted to finish Gabriella and Nicholas's story. It's so worth the read!
I love history especially the 1800's but the setting here is 1886. I love learning about how things get started and how Turano brings it to life. I like seeing how life was like in 1886.
She does an excellent job in drawing people into her stories
It enables me to escape today's world.
This book offers our characters' hope through the book. 
I love how Turano reminds us and her people in the stories that she writes that God has not left us in vain. She reminds also that He has a plan for each one of us and is watching over us. 
I highly recommend this book. You'll be delighted to meet up with Gabriella and Nicholas.
I so can't wait for the next book!
I'm now a forever fan of Turano's books!
My thanks for an ecopy of this book.
I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own

The book begins dark and mysterious but doesn’t stay that way long as Gabriella finds herself with an unlikely partner in crime.  Instead of committing the crime like she had done long ago, Gabriella is helping solve a crime.  To her surprise, a friend from the past appears and makes her face her past she thought was long past.  

Once again, Turano has mixed humor on every page while solving mysteries and getting to the heart of forgiveness and moving forward from past hurts.   She uses twists to make the book unpredictable.  As always, this book was entertaining and hard to put down.  

As the first in the series, I can’t wait to see what else will come to the Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency.  With a plethora of dynamic characters, it is hard to pick a favorite, but I really enjoyed Daphne.  She was an unlikely partner in crime but always pulled off her part.  I loved her always carrying a notebook to use in her next novel. 

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

I've been dealing with a sore throat and laryngitis for the past three days, but that did not stop me from laughing (sometimes out loud - well, in a whisper) and being riveted by this book!  It is delightfully funny and I was amused the whole way through.  The characters are fresh, unique, and believable without being silly.  I also enjoyed the repartee and conversations - again, funny and believable.  Even the animals were funny!!  There were enough drama and intrigue to keep my interest, especially finding out Gabriella's and Nicholas' pasts.  It ended like it should have and leaves room for more stories.  I do hope the next books in the series come quickly.  Although God was mentioned, it was not very often (not a bad thing - just don't expect much).  Gabriella's change from skeptical disdain to realizing that God had a hand in her life was somewhat subtle in that when she did acknowledge His working in her life, it was somewhat surprising to read.  The story is not quite 5 stars (although I will give it 5 stars because it's definitely more than 4 stars), but really really close, and I definitely want to read more of this series and by this author.

What a great book!  I love this author and everything that Jen Turano has ever written has been wonderful.  Her books are always on my must-read shelf.  I may have read it as soon as it arrived actually.  

Gabriella is a super independent and yet also very fun character.  She cares about the less fortunate and wants to help fight injustice.  A bit of a far cry from her thieving ways as a child.  Or is she?  Because what is she doing trying to steal jewelry?  Well of course she’s just trying to find it and give it back to the right owner so her friend can be cleared of wrongdoing. 

But as Gabriella searches she finds herself face to face with her best friend from childhood.  She’s sure he and their whole group abandoned her when she was caught.  No one from their group has had contact with her since that day and she went to an orphanage and then was cast out to find a job.  

Can she clear her friend and keep her heart safe from the boy she gave it to as a child who is now a full-grown man of great social standing? And how did he get that social standing?  He was a street thief just like she was.  

The book reads fast and furious.  You’re going to want to block out some time to read the whole thing straight through.  I loved it and cannot wait until the next book in the series comes out and I can revisit Bleecker Street.  

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

I'm sorry to say that I was unable to read the digital copy of this book. The every chapter was missing two to three pages. There were some digital glitched in some of the other remaining pages which made it impossible to read. I adore this author and her books. I'm sad not to be able to read this book.

I'll be reporting this news to the publisher in publisher notes.
I read the by by this author published earlier this year. it was  about women's suffrage. It was WONDERFUL! I know this book would most likely be the same. The stars reflect the book I read this year by this author.

To Steal a Heart was my first time reading a book by Jen Turano and It was a very enjoyable experience. I have heard from friends that her books are good for a long time but just never picked one up, but the synopsis on this one just sounded too good to not read it. It is the first book in a series.

Gabriella and Nicholas had great character interaction right from the start. Their easy comradery was fun to read and made me smile. I thought both characters had good character growth through the story, and I felt like I really got to know them as characters by the time the story was over (I do hope we get to see glimpses of them in future books too!). The secondary characters added some interesting layers and comedic relief in certain areas that were a perfect addition to the story. 

Overall, I loved the setting of this book, the time period is always fascinating. I loved the mystery/intrigue interwoven with this story. I also enjoyed Jen Turano's vivid scene descriptions they really helped me to envision the scene as the characters saw it. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars for the great characters, fantastic humor, and for sucking me onto the story. 

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.

For various reasons I found myself with very little time to read this book before my assigned review date and numerous distractions made it difficult to concentrate. How I wish I had had more time to savor this fun and entertaining tale that was exactly what I have come to expect from the talented Jen Turano. Her quirky sense of humor never fails to make me laugh and is especially welcomed during this difficult time in our nation.

To Steal A Heart is book one in Turano’s latest series,The Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency which features a diverse group of young women who have decided that they have a unique ability to obtain answers to problems experienced by other women that men tend to ignore. This particular tale centers around Gabriella Goodhue whose past as a child street thief equipped her with skills that made her the perfect person to carry out certain activities required to solve mysteries. Of course there has to be a man to add a bit of aggravation and romance to Gabriella’s life. This role is perfectly filled by her long lost childhood friend Nicholas Quinn who is now a member of society.

To Steal A Heart may well be Turano’s best novel yet with its convoluted yet brilliant plot, delightfully quirky characters, and so many twists and turns plus a surprise or two. Within the story are several other potential romantic stories  for future books involving other characters and I look forward to reading them all. I particularly expect Daphne’s tale to be particularly fun. I am definitely looking forward to the rest of the series.

This harkened back to the early Jen Turano and I absolutely loved it! I have been a fan of her’s since she debuted but for me the last couple series have been heading a little bit too far down the over the top side of things. They’ve still been fun reads but I wasn’t loving them as much. So I was so excited to start this one and see that it was a lot more like her first books! I loved that Gabriella and Nicholas were both intelligent types and were both pretty straightforward. They didn’t have a lot of blundering about with each other and I loved seeing that their connection stayed strong despite the many years they were separated. They may have just been children when last they saw each other but they had a tight bond and it allowed them to pick right back up (after clearing a few things up) where they’d left off. Their romance wasn’t all that prominent, it was more of a friendship that suddenly realized they wanted more and I actually liked it and thought it worked well for these characters.
There was a large cast of supporting characters that I enjoyed (a certain one annoyed me a little at the start but I got over it) and I liked seeing all the different personalities come together. 
The mysteries were fun to follow along with and there were definitely some twists. 
This book was everything that caused me to fall in love with Turano’s writing in the first place and I hope she keeps it up!

Jen Turano created quirky, fun characters that pull you into To Steal a Heart and longing for more. Her most recent book is a delight to read. It's one you won't want to miss. Yet again, Jen Turano has written a book that is sure to please readers.

~ While I was given a book for free, I was under no obligation to provide a positive review. The pleasure is mine. (2020)