To Steal a Heart, by Jen Turano, is the first book in the Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency series. The story takes place in New York in 1886. This is a Christian historical fiction story with strong characters, mystery, suspense and a touch of romance. Jewelry has gone missing and the wrong person is accused of stealing it. Gabriella and her friend are trying to find the real thief when her childhood friend, Nicholas, shows up in the very room they are searching. Since their parting as children, Nicholas has been adopted into higher society and Gabriella lives in a boarding home and works as a seamstress.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It is very well written and easy to envision. This is a nice book to read to just get lost in. As Nicholas is entering the season of having to choose a wife, Gabriella is becoming a strong, independent person. I enjoyed the humor in the story, of Gabriella’s friend and helper who is always writing in a notebook and has tendencies to fainting and of the lady trying to handle the horses driving the coach. I was totally surprised by the mystery surrounding Nicholas’s adoption by a wealthy man.

I received a e-book copy of this book from Bethany Publishing and Celebrate Lit through NetGalley, this is my honest review.

Was This Book Really the Best I’ve Read by This Author?
Yes.  Definitely. To Steal a Heart did something fabulous for me. This book made me a Jen Turano fan.  Look, I’ve enjoyed other books by her, but I’ve never loved a book like this one.  And when you consider a few quibbles that I should have with it, that’s pretty impressive.

Laugh-out-loud funny (no, really. I cracked up all night long while I read it. No joke), the story kicks off as many of Turano’s do… at a party. And what a party it was!

In Turano’s classic style, she’s created some amazing characters.  Gabby–brilliant.  Look, this author took one of my pet peeves and thumbed her nose at it.  I hate it when authors turn all the girls in historical novels into strong, independent women who don’t care about conventions.  But Jen Turano did it again, and again, she made me love what she did with it.  She made the reasons believable even in their wacky improbability.

Did I roll my eyes at a guy from the 1880s telling a young lady to use “pirate speech” with his dog?  Yeah!  It felt insanely modern.  Did I care?  Nope. I was too busy cracking up at the whole scene (and taking a picture of the page and sharing with another author) to bother caring.

And that’s what I’m talking about.
Sometimes, an author is just so good that she can break rules and blow raspberries at all my pet peeves and I don’t even care.  Because see, when you write such a great story with engaging characters and a sweet and subtle message woven in and left unstated in all the subtext, you can get away with that.

When you write a book that readers can’t put down and with characters they can’t wait to see again, you’ve done it. You’ve succeeded at your job. To Steal a Heart is recommended for anyone needing a good laugh, anyone who loves a fun mystery, and everyone who likes their fiction sprinkled with faith that sparks life in their hearts instead of choking the life out of the story.  Not recommended for folks who like to be miserable.  It’s impossible to be miserable while reading To Steal a Heart.

In fact, I’d go so far as to say To Steal a Heart will steal your heart, but come on.  That’s about as cliche as you can get.  (Psst… it will, though!)

To steal a heart is a delightful book. I loved the dogs in the story. I loved how Gabriella had so many disguises. All the different dances they went to were fun too. Gabriella is trying to find out who the thief is to clear the innocent one. Gabriella is such a fun character.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. This book review is my own opinion.

To Steal a Heart by Jen Turano is the first book in The Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency series. And just like her other novels, this story is full of laugh-out-loud fun. The first few chapters had so many weird circumstances, odd conversations, and organized chaos that I think I giggled the entire time (and may have had to explain my sudden giddiness to my co-worker). I loved all the ladies of the Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency and their eccentric personalities. The idea of a hodge-podge group of women helping other women from all walks of life with their troubles was thrilling, adventurous, and downright entertaining. The disguises (I can only imagine!) Safecracking. Window scaling. Ahh--never a dull moment with these ladies. I cannot wait to get to know these ladies further with the rest of the series!
Gabriella and Nicholas have complicated pasts, which I loved delving into as the story progressed. There was always one more layer, one more revelation that twisted the story a little bit more and kept me on my toes. I loved their shared friendship as children, and I loved watching them find each other again as adults. Gabriella is a favorite with her strong and capable personality (and bluntness), but I also loved how Nicholas (ever the gentleman) embraced her independent and stubborn nature and supported her in all her endeavors. 
Any fan of Jen Turano and humor-filled Christian historical fiction will enjoy this story. Be prepared to have the ladies of the Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency confound and astound you. Oh, and be prepared to read using your best pirate accent. ;)
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own.

As with every novel by Jen Turano, this one was a delight, full of quirky characters, crazy circumstances, and--what has become something of a standard--comical critters.

I vastly enjoyed the ladies of the Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency (particularly since the agency was formed in the midst of the case, and lets just say not all the ladies were proficient in their chosen roles, i.e. the getaway driver). It's fun that these ladies were not remotely professionals to start with, yet they get to learn a lot as the story progresses--some even begin to shine in their new profession (though others are still working on it). I'm looking forward to Daphne's story next (and then, dare I hope, Eunice's?).

It's funny how the story tied into the bible study theme we've been studying: how life's interruptions (when things take a different turn than planned) can be God's interventions--such as how Gabriella was arrested as child and placed in a respectable orphanage that kept her fed and safe; it wasn't what she wanted at the time, yet it was the best thing that could happen to the young girl. Funny how things line up that way!

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.

Ladies of society don’t expect love, nor do they expect their hearts to go pitter-patter over their future husbands. - from To Steal a Heart

Oh my gosh!! I would give this story more than 5 stars if I could - the scrapes, twists, turns and laughter didn’t quit until the most surprising end. The author has once again started a new series with a bang, that will most certainly follow through into all subsequent novels.

They tell me what I want to hear, while you tell me what I need to hear. - Nicholas to Gabriella Nicholas and Gabriella, friends since childhood, have a relationship that has spanned the years, even though their lives diverged into two very different paths. A chance encounter brings even more hilarity to this story. 

Between dogs that are particular to certain people or speech patterns, someone forever taking notes when not swooning and ladies totally unfamiliar with their required tasks, the Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency starts off with the reader wondering how they will ever survive their first case. Be ready to chuckle frequently and laugh out loud at other times. This novel is Jen Turano at her best!

I received an ARC through Baker Publishing Group, Bethany House Publishers, NetGalley and CelebrateLit. My impressions, comments and rating were in no way solicited.

This book was a much needed respite during frustrating and anxiety-inducing times.  I always so appreciate Jen Turano’s sense of humor and the crazy antics found in her stories, but seldom have I needed it more so than right now.  With a world in chaos, finding some rest in a fictional world where I know a happy ending is waiting after all the twists and turns . . . it’s a gift.  And I loved every minute of it!
As always, Ms. Turano kept me smiling and laughing throughout the story!  It does have some serious moments and somewhat dark themes at times (cue, the villain), but overall, it’s a fairly lighthearted read and just what this tired mind needed.  I adored getting to know a new cast of characters and am already so excited for the next book!  Gabriella and Nicholas are old friends who lost one another for a time and I greatly enjoyed their reunion.  Daphne is quite a trip and I’m exceedingly curious regarding Eunice’s story, which I’m hoping will be explained more in future books.  The mystery kept me intrigued, though I did have a fairly decent idea of “whodunit,” and I enjoyed reading about some of the cases the Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency took on. 
My only mildly negative comment is that I found a bit of the ending rather superfluous.  But it did tie things up quite nicely, so it worked out in the end. 
Overall, I greatly enjoyed this story and would highly recommend it to anyone who likes zany historical fiction.
 
*My thanks to the publisher for my advanced copy of this book!  I was not required to write a review, positive or otherwise, and have not been compensated for it in any way.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Jen Turano captured my attention on the first page and carried it through all the way to the end. The twists and turns of this mystery held me captive, and I loved how all the different characters found their way into the story.

Gabriella and Nicholas were wonderfully crafted and the execution of their romance made for much laughter and the required moments of “Aww. That’s so sweet.”

It’s always fascinating to journey with a character as they discover the God they’d thought had abandoned them had actually been walking alongside the entire time. We are loved. Something Gabriella had trouble remembering until Nicholas waltzed back into her life.

Excellent historical fiction that’s certain to entertain your funny bone while keeping your love for romance flourishing.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Celebrate Lit. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

I always love Jen Turano books and this is no exception.  I love the stories because of the romance and the laughter.  This story almost had me in stitches.  I did not want to put the book down.  I love that these women work together to help their friend and then others.  There were many twists and turns and we learn a lot about both Gabriella and Nicholas.  I look forward to the next book in this series to learn about more of the women in the boardinghouse.  I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

Jen Turano's quirky characters are always a delight. To Steal a Heart's romance and mystery, set in the Gilded Age, are just plain fun. This lighthearted, feel-good story is perfect for these difficult times. Gabriella Goodhue and Nicholas Quinn, raised together as street children, are now reunited as more reputable adults, but their past is nudging its way into the present. The many secondary characters whose lives are woven into Gabriella's and Nicholas' are key to the story and will embed themselves into readers' hearts, readers who will be thrilled that there are more Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency books to come. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of To Steal a Heart from Bethany House via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Can I just gush for a minute about how enjoyable Jen Turano's books are? I am always a little bit giddy when I pick one up because I know I am in for a treat, and this novel was no exception.

I'm generally not a big historical fiction fan, but the way Turano combines romance, humor, and in this book, a few well thought out mysteries, makes the experience of reading a delight. The 1886 Gilded Age setting among the New York Four Hundred's privileged members provides the perfect backdrop for this enchanting tale.

I loved the characters, particularly headstrong Gabriella and her childhood friend Nicholas. The romantic tension between the two is palpable, yet they cannot and will not admit it, not even to themselves. Both have a great deal to learn about and resolve regarding their pasts before they can confront the future. The start of the Bleaker Street Inquiry Agency is thrilling, the cases that they take and solve during the course of this novel are both fun and clever, and there's so much potential for further installments in the series with the plethora of women running the agency--all with secrets they are hiding. I can't wait to learn more about Daphne and Eunice in upcoming novels.

There's a very subtle faith message in the novel, but it is very approachable for those looking for a clean, enjoyable read. Turano's inclusion of animals in her stories consistently adds to the humor--the pirate dog and the kleptomaniac parrot are just two of the hilarious characters readers will encounter. All in all, this is a thoroughly wonderful book and a very entertaining way to spend time.

To Steal a Heart
by Jen Turano
Back of the Book: “After a 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. In the middle of breaking into a safe that holds the proof to prove her friend's innocence, Gabriella is interrupted by 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 agreed 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.”
Impressions: The story was cozy and sweet but with adventure and mystery throughout. 
Liked: I think this was a well-balanced book. I liked the characters and look forward to reading more of their stories. They each had their own unique personalities and stories that I’m itching to know now that I’ve gotten to know them a bit. The women had grit and wit and made a great team. 
Disliked: After reading some more sobering books this book seemed a bit fluffy. That is purely situational and I think this was a wonderful book. My mind just needed reset as I began reading this.
Learned: I’m not one for formalities but this reminded me that people are people regardless of class. We should respect each other and our accomplishments but that doesn’t mean that we value others differently. 
Quotes: “Intentions don’t count for much when they don’t become actions.” – I am reading James with friends and we were just discussing this topic. Faith without actions is dead, useless. It is a good reminder to be thoughtful but to also take action. 
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

This is another enjoyable historical novel from Turano that includes a dose of humor and a good mystery. I like the idea of a motley collection of women detectives. Other women trusted them so they would investigate issues men would have ignored. These women get it done. The idea of them toting pistols and rifles is something else.

I also liked how Turano gave us an exploration of the social levels of the day. We are taken into the world of high society in New York. Appearance and reputation are so very important. They have no problems with ignoring and even shunning the poor. Turano sets up several situations that breach the barriers the wealthy set up to protect themselves.

There is not as much humor in this novel as there has been in earlier ones by Turano. Nonetheless, it was a delight to read. I was fascinated by this group of women detectives and will be watching for the next in the series.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.

Reliably enjoyable read!

This intro to Jen Turano's newest series has all the hallmarks of her slightly zany historical romance style, though it is perhaps a little less madcap than some of her previous works, and I actually like it better for that.  Gabriella is a very sympathetic character, and it was not difficult to relate to her feelings even when they were off the mark.  She's flawed, but passionate.  

Nicholas is a bit different.  He's a very good hero in all the check-the-box sort of ways, but maybe too good that way because he didn't seem all that believable. And while the story was quite entertaining, having a hero that was a little too biddable made for a romance that was a little too flat.  

The plot and story are well done and entertaining.  The book's description made it sound like the story would be about clearing the friend's name, but it's actually just the beginning of the Inquiry Agency and - not to give too much away - let's just say that the overarching plot is something that encompasses the whole setting.

An enjoyable read, and I'm looking forward to Daphne's story!

*Romance level:  sweet kisses, nothing graphic

*Religion:  Christian, low key & organic to the story

"Another bizarre turn to what is becoming a very strange night."

What a fun and surprisingly unique book! I was totally expecting a well-written, hilarious historical fiction set in the Gilded Age of America (which the author is known for), but this book was so much more. Filled with intrigue, mystery, a group of secondary characters who are absolutely ridiculous and lovable, and a wonderful theme of looking at the heart and not the outside of a person, this book clearly demonstrates why Jen Turano is such a beloved author of historical fiction.

I enjoyed getting to know Gabriella, a reformed thief who is sassy, impulsive, headstrong, temperamental but also loving and loyal. Nicholas is her former partner in crime and best friend who is now a high society gentleman of means and his gentle sweetness and protectiveness are endearing. Though they start off on the wrong foot during an unexpected reunion, they keep getting thrown together. As Gabriella and her housemates form Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency to solve mysteries and grievances throughout NYC, Nicholas and his friends become further and further involved in the welfare of the ladies of the Agency. There is plenty of humor and adventure from the start and the plot moves at a quick pace with quite a few surprises thrown along the way. A jewelry thief, plotting and vicious society matrons, and questions about Gabriella and Nicholas' parentage will have you scrambling to figure out the pieces of this fantastic puzzle. It's a great start to her new series and I can't wait to see what the author has in store for the next book.

I received a copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

Jen Turano is known for her humorous, historical romances, and her newest debut series begins with a book that doesn't disappoint.  Gabriella Goodhue grew up on the streets stealing to make her way through life;  but now in the late 1880's she is a seamstress living in a boardinghouse with a group of women.   She loves to solve mysteries and help women who are having problems.  But the Knickerbocker Bandit may put a stop to her future unless a friend from her childhood can help her out.  

Gabriella was so strong and independent, and I loved all her disguises that helped her find solutions to mysteries/problems.  Her friend, Daphne, kept me in stitches between her constant note taking for her books and her continual fainting spells.  Nicholas was definitely the perfect hero and learns that not all women want to be pampered and have choices made for them.  Windsor, the one eyed dog who only answered when you spoke Pirate, the feisty, gem stealing parrot, and Precious, the poodle were humorous additions to the cast.  

Another wonderful gem from Jen Turana, and I can't wait until the next book releases.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book  from the publisher through NetGalley.  Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

I didn't think it was possible for me to read a Jen Turano book and not completely love it, but this book proved me wrong.  Usually Jen Turano has a way of drawing the reader in, making me love the characters, the story, the romance...but this time, I was so bored.  There was so much going on without a lot of explanation, and I had a hard time really understanding the plot and where it was going.  First we have this mystery of who stole some jewels, but then that was resolved fairly quickly and then we're on to the next mystery.  I figured the book would follow the one mystery, but nope - it jumps from one to the next while the main characters fall in love.  Except...I didn't really feel the romance at all.  There was zero chemistry between the hero and heroine, and it kept getting shoved in the reader's face about how the hero has gotten so high up in station and is now looking for a bride of status.  I didn't feel the emotion I expected from both main characters as they moved through the story.  

Overall, it's not a terrible book, but it wasn't one I want to recommend to friends or read again.  I'm hoping the next book in the series will be more interesting.

Jen Turano's To Steal a Heart is a humorous piece of historical fiction.  One of the best things about these stories is seeing how "proper" society has such difficulty adjusting to those who buck the trends.  It is so laughable to imagine the characters shaking things up amongst the elites or elite wannabes. 

Gabriella is an interesting character.  Some of the best parts of the story involve the relationships she has made with her employer and those who dwell in her boarding house.  Many characters have interesting stories and personalities, and they all flow together into an interesting mix of people.

The thing that makes this story so appealing is the absolute silliness and unlikeliness of some of the circumstances.  One can get lost in the light-hearted fun and still find room for some budding romances.  Enjoy the lark and smile at the antics.  Sometimes real life can be too intense and this book provides a nice diversion.

To Steal A Heart by Jen Turano is an exciting Christian historical novel that will certainly entertain the reader. It is the first book in The Bleaker Street Inquiry Agency series which promises to be fabulous.
The novel has some highly amusing scenes as we follow some very modern and forward thinking women in 1880’s New York. They are far from conventional as they disguise themselves to solve crimes. The reader is delighted by their antics.
A couple of pooches and a parrot with a fetish for shiny things all add to our entertainment.
The basis of the novel is from Genesis 50. What others meant for harm, God used for good. We may feel far from God at times but He is never far from us. He watches over our every movement protecting us from harm.
There is the theme of fathers. In God we have our perfect father. Even if our earthly fathers abandon us, our heavenly Father will never leave us nor forsake us. To Him, we are never an ‘inconvenience’. We are His and we are loved.
New York City in the nineteenth century was a city of two halves – the very wealthy and the very poor. Poor decisions were made by those driven by wealth and status. In contrast those with a heart for the poor and vulnerable were delightful to witness them opening their homes to those in need.
Guilt can cripple us. We need to confess our sins to God, receive His forgiveness and live in His freedom and love.
Jen Turano always writes such delightfully fun novels, even though she has serious themes. I always love her tales. I am entertained and amused. What better way to spend a gloomy autumnal afternoon than in the company of To Steal A Heart.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

With her typical humor, To Steal a Heart is another winner from Jen Turano. 

Turano always managers to write great banter and witty dialogue. From the moment Nicholas and Gabriella reunite, their banter had me laughing out loud. I love a good friends-to-lovers story, and this story was perfect.

But even though Nicholas and Gabriella were my favorite, I loved the interactions between all the characters. While some are wacky and eccentric, they’re still lovable. Turnao did a great job fleshing out the supporting cast. I’m looking forward to the next books in this series.

The romance was great, but I have to admit, the mystery intrigued me the most. The characters try to help a friend who’s been framed. And then they have their own personal mysteries to solve. Just when things calms down, Turano throws another curveball that had me anxious to reach the end.

I also loved the spiritual aspects of the novel. There are some great conversations about God’s sovereignty and His will for our lives. While the spiritual aspects aren’t as overt as some other Christian novels, the conversations provide some great food for thought. And they encourage readers to evaluate their own relationship with God.

Overall, To Steal a Heart is a well written romance that have you laughing even as you swoon.

(Note: I received a complimentary copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)