Having read some of Jen Turano's books I knew I was in for a treat with To Steal a Heart. I was not disappointed. This is the first book in the Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency series and the author brings to light interesting tidbits about The Gilded Age era and the New York Four Hundred society as she tells the story of Gabriella, a young woman on a mission to clear a falsely accused friend's name. As she completes her mission, she might just find she has found a family, perhaps not of blood-lines, but of an odd assortment of people who she comes to love. The story held my interest from the beginning to the end with interesting and sometimes humorous scenarios. The author does a great job with her characters, making them likable, flawed, and realistic. I really enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more from this author. Readers who like quirky historical romance will not want to miss To Steal a Heart. 
I received a complimentary copy of this book via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required, and opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.

I love Jen Turano books. There’s always fun, laughter and elements of faith-a great combination! 

To Steal a Heart focuses on Gabriella Goodhue and Nicholas Quinn, along with the ladies of The Bleeker Street boarding house, aka The Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency. 

Gabriella and Nicholas knew each other when they were orphaned children but lost touch over the years. Through a series of unique circumstances, they cross each other’s paths again, except this time danger lurks around every corner. 

I loved the ladies of Bleeker Street. They are all such a hoot. The funniest in this story is definitely Daphne! Her “disguises” and antics are sidesplitting! All the ladies’ capers result in bumbling, inept escapades that somehow save the day, even when Pinkerton agents are not able to solve it!!

I always look forward to Jen Turano’s new books and cannot wait for her them. I am so excited To Steal a Heart is book one of a new series. Her stories usually focus on the Gilded Age and feature a strong female protagonist, which creates a great storyline.

Turano’s books are such a joy to read. She, without fail, has a great story from start to finish.

I received To Steal A Heart from Celebrate Lit and NetGalley. However, I was under no obligation to post a review.

Whenever you want to read a fun, unique story, grab one of Jen Turano’s unique historical novels. This first book in her new Gilded Age series offers a delightful romp amid New York City’s upper crust  in 1886, along with some entertaining characters from the lower side of town. The compelling plot often seems to flow along in the background, sometimes overshadowed by the larger-than-life characters, but the engaging tale includes ongoing suspense and plenty of surprises. People from the protagonists’ past reappear in their lives to reveal details and fill in the missing elements of the main characters’ history. Join childhood friends, Nicholas and Gabriella, who were once young thieves, as they navigate the perils and pleasantries of the cream of society. I look forward to more installments of the new Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency, which is run by clever women. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

They were inseparable street urchins, but time and circumstance draw them worlds apart. 

To Steal a Heart by Jen Turano is an adventurous and heartfelt story of two childhood friends who loved each other but were drawn apart by their contrasting upbringing. 

Gabriella and Nicholas were urchins in the streets of New York in the late 1800s. They had to steal for a man that gave them shelter in return.

Gabriella dressed as a boy to avoid unwanted attention, and Nicholas was very protective of her. They were the best of friends.

One day, Gabriella was caught during one of their 'missions' and was sent to an orphanage. She waited and waited for Nicholas to come for her, but he never came.

Several years later, Gabriella and Nicholas met again in a very awkward situation. They were both trespassing on someone's house, trying to open a safe.

Things were not what they seem to be, and Gabriella was surprised to find Nicholas transformed into a wealthy gentleman while she was a mere seamstress living in a boarding house.

The story is lovely. Nicholas is conflicted between his love for Gabriella and his 'uncle's' and society's expectations. Gabriella was still hurt that he never came for her but loved him too deeply to begrudge his good fortune.

Apart from Nick and Gabe's romance, there were some adventurous and enchanting side stories with lovely supporting characters.

The ladies who live in the boarding house with Gabe were charming, particularly Daphne, a shy and observing woman who was actually a very famous writer. 

I love that the ladies decided to use their many talents to open the Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency to help women deal with their troubles. I can't wait to read the next books in the series. I am especially curious to learn what keeps Eunice, the boarding house's young owner, from casting away her mourning attire.

To Steal a Heart is an adventurous, romantic, and inspirational story. Great read!

Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

*This review will be posted on https://lureviewsbooks.com on 12/17/2020*

This was an absolutely delightful read. The first in the new series by Jen Turano. I enjoyed getting to meet this beautiful eccentric group of women. Each of them with their own individual quirks and their love for each other willing to do anything for one another. I had many open mouth moments and laugh out loud situations.
I enjoyed the mystery surrounding the story. It was unique, wondering how they would get out of the bad guys' clutches.
Nicholas and Gabriella's chemistry was also delightful to read about the tension that keeps you turning the pages wanting to know what happens next, Gabriella's animosity towards him at the beginning.
Most of all I loved the message of taking out time to pause and listen, to reflect on what God has done for us.
This was an absolutely delightful read and I'm eager to know what happens in the rest of the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and Celebrate Lit. All opinions expressed are solely mine.

After spending her childhood as a street thief, Gabriella Goodhue thought she’d put her past behind her until a fellow resident at her boardinghouse is unjustly accused of theft. Using her old skills to prove her friend’s innocence, Gabriella unexpectedly encounters Nicholas Quinn, the man she once considered her best friend–until he abandoned her.

After being taken under the wing of a professor who introduced him into society and named him as heir, Nicholas is living far removed from his childhood life of crime. As a favor to a friend, Nicholas agrees to help clear the name of an innocent woman, never imagining he’d be reunited with the girl he thought lost to him forever.

As Gabriella and Nicholas are thrown together into one intrigue after another, their childhood affection grows into more, but their newfound feelings are tested when truths about their past are revealed and danger follows their every step.

 My Thoughts:  In this action-packed novel we are introduced to Gabriella Goodhue, a former thief who is trying to move on in life; until her friend is accused of theft.  Gabriella never thought that she would set her eyes on Nicholas again until she uses her talents to help her friend.  This is a novel that the reader will not be able to put down.   Jen Turano is a wonderful author who brings the characters she creates and the readers together in a wonderful fictional world.   In this novel, there are many twists and turns in the plot that keep the reader in anticipation.  This is a story that is about trust, forgiveness, and believing in one another.  This book will be enjoyed by fans of Jen Turano, for those who like historical romance and for those that like mysteries.  I am looking forward to book #2 in the Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency.

I always love how Jen Turano can make me laugh out loud while reading. This book carries her signature humor.

I did find this particular book surprisingly difficult to engage with at first. I almost felt as if I were being thrown right into the middle of a story and I set the book down and re-started it twice before I was able to immerse myself into Gabi and Nicholas’s world. Once I was engaged, the book flowed and the laughs followed.

If you need some light hearted, humor filled reading I can always recommend Jen Turano. Her brand of ridiculous and extravagant stories are delightful.

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

Oh how I lingered in the first  chapter knowing this was going to be another classic Jen Turano laugh til it hurts story. The banter between Gabriella and Nicholas is pure entertainment. Could two people dislike each other more? Or do they secretly still have feelings for each other and don’t want to admit it? I knew this chapter defined the story and I was ready to catch a ride to an adventure that I will not forget. Having a lookout that faints hardly helps Gabriella in her mission. Nicholas arguing that whatever plan Gabriella schemes up is destined to fail , heightens the intensity of these two characters. So let’s see where we go on this trip. 

I loved the fainting couch and laughed out loud as it seems to be “the thing” to have for women in distress. Of course there is also “vapors” that need to be on hand at all times. My oh my these ladies in the story are so over the top emotional that I couldn’t help snickering as the author uses her dynamic writing skills . I shuddered when one character said, “You’re almost twenty,  Maryanne, and at such an advanced age, you need to marry this Season.” The talk around town is a big event coming up and every unattached female is vying for the attention of a certain man. 

Now I must stop here to talk about my two favorite characters. They are none other than the witty and mischievous  Gabriella and the dashing Nicholas. They once knew each other but something happened for Gabriella to  well how should I put this? Oh yes she doesn’t want to ever see him again or does  she? I loved the idea of them working together and discovering what they really mean to each other. We get a peek at their past and I liked how the author showed us pieces of what it was like as one lived on the streets while the other was taken in  and well cared for. Does Gabriella hold any jealousy toward Nicholas because his life seemed to turn out better than hers?  

The story is filled with excitement as Gabriella finds herself using her “street smarts” to help solve a mystery. I loved the idea of a lady inquiry agency and how so many women were in need of the service. There are a few minor characters in the story that almost steal the show. Their questionable traits are fun to witness as one faints at the drop of a hat, and others who don’t seem to be able to drive a carriage without causing chaos. There is much to endure in this story and I can’t overlook the moments when Nicholas and Gabriella let down their guard and draw close to one anther. 

I can’t wait to see where the author takes us in the next installment of this series. Be sure you notice a certain dog and parrot in the story. They bring more comic moments to add to a story that shines with friendship, faith, intrigue and rekindling relationships. 

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

A delightfully fun, entertaining, witty work of art. I read this while sick in bed and it was the perfect way to pass an afternoon. I laughed out loud and could not put this book down. Gabriella is head strong and too smart for her own good. Thankfully, Nicholas knows this and loves her, exactly as she is, both past and present. Though there are misunderstanding to sort out, the two of them together is pure chemistry. The secondary characters are truly the ones who had me laughing the hardest and I cannot wait to learn more about them in future books. A fun who-done-it, inspirational read that I highly recommend. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own, freely given.

How fun! This book has interesting characters that will make you smile, frown, wonder how snobby can you get and a beautiful romance with ups and downs. Loved how the ladies in a boardinghouse became an investigative agency and the interesting jobs they take on. You can't go wrong with a Jen Turano book!

Turano has given us another good story with this one. Coming from a boarding house, we now get this good new series of women who are working on being an inquiry agency. What a neat name! Gabriella and Nicholas, even Daphine, the characters were all fun to read about. From the historical time frame, to the mystery to solve, to the romance, I enjoyed this tale. It has humor that I love in this author's stories, and frankly, it's just charming. By the end of the book, I think more than one heart was stolen because I'm won over waiting for more books in this series. 

Thanks to Celebrate Lit for my copy of this book. This review is mine, left freely.

Another fun and humorous tale from Jen Turano the queen of historical humor.

My first glimpse of this cover had me convinced that I would absolutely love this story, and I was oh so right!
Jen Turano gives us her classic style tale, but this one has an added punch - it has a mystery mixed in.

Gabe is by no means a society girl. She grew up an orphan, and even learned how to be an excellent thief. But she's come a long way. Now, she's helping other people with her knowledge, and is a founding member of the Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency.

She also runs into her old friend Nicholas, who she hasn't seen in years. Dare she trust him again, after he abandoned her so long ago?

Jen Turano has such a way with words. Her stories always have me chuckling inwardly, and sometimes even out loud. 
Full of mystery, mayhem, and many funny scenes, this is a story you won't want to miss!
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

What a delightful novel!  Let’s be honest, I love everything that Jen Turano writes, but I do think that she continues to get better and better with every fun series!  I love the quirky characters and humorous dialogue, not to mention the hilarious escapades our hero and heroine find themselves in on a regular basis.  This novel also has a bit of mystery as they attempt to solve a crime, which adds additional depth to the story.  I also loved the growth of the characters, both individually and together, and enjoyed the integration of spiritual themes.  I really liked this book and look forward to more in the series!

I received a complimentary ecopy of this book from Celebrate Lit Tours.  Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Can Jen Turano write a bad story?! The answer is an emphatic, “NO! No, she cannot.” To Steal a Heart is fantastic. Here are all the reasons I love this book and why you should purchase a copy ASAP:

***The women at the Bleeker Street boardinghouse. Each one is unique and quirky in her own right, and they all bring the funny. I laughed out loud so many times at their antics I lost count. The best thing about these women though is their loyalty to one another. These women will literally do anything, and I do mean anything, to help each other out. In a day where neighbors are turning on neighbors, it was so refreshing to read a story where a group of women from all walks of life comes together to support rather than tear down.

***The tension — this story is surprisingly tense in so many ways! There’s romantic tension between Gabriella and Nicholas. There’s tension between the classes. There’s tension among the upper elites. There’s tension between men and women. There’s tension between the good guys and the bad guys. There’s even romantic tension between two doggies (I’m not kidding — it’s adorable). The tension is so well written in this novel I could not stop turning pages.

***The relationship between Gabriella and Nicholas. The chemistry between these two characters is evident from their first interaction. When they first meet it has been many, many years since they last saw one another, and, boy, do they have a lot to learn about each other. I very much enjoyed their journey back to friendship. And, I love how their old friendship blossoms into new friendship into a very sweet romance. To me, it is all very realistic and just perfect! The fun interplay between Gabriella and Nicholas had me smiling the whole time.

***The bad guy is BAD. I’m talking skin-crawling bad. I was captivated by the chapters he’s in because I needed to know how Gabriella and Nicholas were going to get out of his grips. This bad guy may be one of the best bad guys I’ve ever read.

***The message. Sometimes it feels like God is a million miles away. Sometimes it seems like He works a lot in some people’s lives but neglects others. Of course, this is not true. Feelings can be deceptive. Gabriella has had a lot of bad in her life. It 100% feels like God isn’t around for her. But when she looks back on her past and the path she’s taken it’s very clear God has been there the whole time. We, humans, get so caught up in the NOW that we often forget to pause, take a breath, and reflect. I find that when I do reflect on my own past I can clearly see God in every step I’ve ever taken. This is a great reminder for all of us!

There really is so much to love about To Steal a Heart. I could go on and on with my praise! Jen Turano hit this one out of the park. I highly, highly recommend this outstanding Historical Rom-Com.

I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the author, Jen Turano, via Celebrate Lit. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I was so excited when I found out that Jen Turano was releasing a new series called The Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency. I was even more so when I had the opportunity to read the first installment, To Steal a Heart. It is exactly what I would expect from Jen. It was so much fun with lots of laughs and delight. I was entertained with Gabriella and Nicholas from start to finish. This is such a sweet and clean romance with a touch of mystery and suspense. This one is among my favorites I have read by this author.

To Steal a Heart is getting a very well deserved five plus stars from me. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy historical romance. I look forward to the next installment from The Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency series, To Write a Wrong.

I received To Steal a Heart from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion

To Steal a Heart
by Jen Turano
Book 1 in the Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency series
Rating: 4.5/5
Release date: November 17, 2020

Wow! I never stop laughing when I read any of Jen Turano's books. I'm always excited to dig into her world and see what shenanigans her characters are up to. The combination of quirky but strong-willed female characters always makes for entertaining stories that you won't want to stop reading.

Gabriella "Gabe" Goodhue has not had the easiest life but she is a strong, independent woman living in a boarding house with a job as a seamstress. Having grown up on the streets of the Lower East Side of London, Gabe dressed as a boy and got into trouble with Nicholas Quinn until she got caught and was sent to an orphanage. She's surprised to see Nicholas again while attempting to break into a safe after thinking he abandoned her all those years ago. This chance meeting has Nicholas floored that Gabe is back in his life and although he's learned to be a society gentleman, he still wants Gabe to understand what happened. The mysterious Knickerbocker Bandit is still at large and Gabriella is on the case to solve the mystery. Together Gabriella and Nicholas embark on an adventure to discover the truth about their pasts and what it means for their future.

As always, Jen Turano can weave a ridiculously funny story that still has romance, drama, and mystery. Her main characters are lovely and have a past that has made them who they are. I love being part of their journey to find out who they really are and I loved all the other characters too. As a big fan, I've read all of Jen Turano's books and enjoyed reading about places/characters from some of her previous series. The other supporting characters bring much needed intrigue and hilarity to an already fun script.

Highly recommend if you enjoy historical fiction that has humor, romance and mystery.

My thanks to the author and CelebrateLit for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.

Such a fun read! In a way it reminded me of the old stories by Horacio Alger. I’m a little surprised the publisher didn’t split this into two stories, it feels like the second half of the book is a sequel instead of a continuation of the same book. On the other hand, I liked the second half better , I’m not totally sure why. 
The first half is definitely a “fluffier” read, but the whole book is a fun, light, story.

Have I said yet in any of my reviews that you can't go wrong with a Jen Turano book? Because if I haven't, I'll say it now. You can't go wrong with a Jen Turano book. To Steal a Heart has one of the best opening lines of any books that I've ever read. You're immediately introduced to Gabriella and how she used to be thief. And on top of that, there's mention of being arrested after she snuck into a high society costume ball. If that doesn't catch your attention, I don't know what will.

Gabriella has left behind a childhood of crime. She was out on the streets at a young age and was a thief to survive. Nicholas was her closest friend and "partner in crime." That is, until they were caught, Gabriella went to an orphanage, Nicholas got away, and she never heard from him again. Now they're both adults and run into each other while both trying to solve the same mystery, unbeknownst to the other. Then they are constantly thrown together as Gabriella works cases for her inquiry agency among high society women where Nicholas spends quite a lot of time having been rescued from his life of crime and raised in that same high society. She doesn't want to let him back in and give him the power to hurt her again. But will he?

I will say that I felt like I had a harder time getting into the story at first. But I have been trying to break out of a reading slump which may be to blame for that slow start and not the author or plot line of the book. Once I was able to really dig into this book, I was hooked. There were some twists I saw coming, some I kind of saw coming but wasn't 100% correct on, and others I didn't see coming at all. There's always a good bit of intrigue in Jen Turano's books without being over the top suspenseful.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and I'm leaving an honest and voluntary review.

To Steal a Heart by Jen Turano is the first entertaining installment The Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency series.  We go back in time to November of 1886 in New York City where Gabriella Goodhue is working to prove the innocence of friend and housemate, Miss Jennette Moore.  She thought her days of skullduggery and thieving were behind her, but Gabriella’s skills are needed.  Gabriella soon finds that there is another party working the case and it is none other than her old thieving partner, Nicholas Quinn.  Gabriella is none to happy to see the person who abandoned her nor is she willing to team up with him.  Fate seems to have other plans as the pair are thrown together in one situation after another.  Friendship is rekindled and new feelings begin to bloom.  I laughed so often while reading To steal a Heart.  There are a variety of quirky characters with Daphne, a female mystery writer who finds herself in unusual situations and tends to swoon frequently, standing out.  I did find the beginning of the story confusing until the explanations began and characters were identified.  Once I understood what was happening, I just kept reading.  I did not want to put down my book.  I thought the author captured the time-period with the language, attitudes, conveyances, fashions, etc.  I also enjoyed the descriptions of the opulent homes, balls, parties, and New York City.  The pacing varied in the story, but there was so much going on that I tended not to notice. The mystery was fun.  There was one bit of information early on that gave me a clue as the guilty parties’ identity and I was eager to see if I was correct.  It was a riot following Nicholas and the ladies of The Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency as they worked the case.   I chuckled, giggled, and outright laughed my way through this engaging historical novel.  The ending was delightful.  To Steal a Heart has faith, humor, intrigue, love, and mystery.  I am eager for Daphne’s story in To Write a Wrong.  To Steal a Heart is a lively historical novel with a one-eyed pirate loving pooch, a gawky writer, curious costumes, matchmaking mamas, missing gemstones, gossip galore, and messy skullduggery.

To Steal a Heart is a fun, light-hearted romance with a hint of mystery. Anyone who is familiar with Jen Turano’s work will expect a cast of endearing (and somewhat crazy) characters who get into all sorts of hilarious situations. They will most certainly not be disappointed! 
While I really enjoyed the quirky characters that make up the Bleaker Street Inquiry Agency, I did hope that the mystery element would be a bit more prominent. It seemed to stay in the background for most of the book. 
The main characters—while having all the necessary requirements of good main characters—failed to captivate me. It’s most likely due to my own personal taste, and I’m sure that many other readers will adore them (they were very likeable as main characters). For me, two supporting characters (namely Daphne and Eunice) completely stole the show! Between Daphne’s hysterical quirks and Eunice’s mysterious past, I was intrigued as I was entertained during every scene they were in. 
The romance was handled wonderfully. While it developed a little slower than a typical historical romance, I thought it worked perfectly with the personalities of Gabriella and Nicholas. It was sweet and felt natural.
As book one in a series, I’d say it has successfully done its job in setting the stage for more funny, historical romances with a dash of intrigue. I cannot wait to read To Write a Wrong (Daphne’s book), which releases next year.  
I’d recommend To Steal a Heart to fans of light, humorous romance, and historical romance set in the 1880s.
(I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Tours for review purposes. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.)