What a fun read! This isn't your typical Regency romance either. Poppy is a bundle of surprises -- always trying to do the right and honorable thing, but finding herself in crazy situations! There's romance, but of the clean variety, and many great historic details woven into the story. Even if you're not usually a fan of this era, you'll probably love the book!

"Any smidgen of hope that her entrance into New York high society would be deemed a rousing success died the moment Miss Poppy Garrison's tiara became firmly attached to the sleeve of her dance partner."

With that opening, we begin the second installment of the American Heiresses series, and find Miss Poppy Garrison in New York City, living with her grandmother, Viola, participating in the Season. Viola is determined to show Poppy that being accepted into high society is desirable, and while Poppy was perfectly content living on a horse farm in Pennsylvania, she discovers that she doesn't hate it. However, mayhem and adventure seem to find her no matter how hard she works on her decorum and poise. Reginald Blackburn, travelling companion to Lord Charles Lonsdale, is charged with teaching Miss Garrison to fit in to this world of heiresses and money, and yet he finds himself admiring her unflappability in the midst of the chaos that follows her.

"I've always felt that misfits are far more interesting than normal folks."

I love that Poppy has such a firm grasp on who she is, and what is valuable in the people around her. The people she is drawn to turn into such rich characters and the relationships that develop throughout the book from such inauspicious connections really made this book great for me. Poppy owns up to her mistakes, but she is never ashamed of who she is or the accidents that befall her. She loves others and has a tender heart to those she learns are living in wretched conditions.

"I think you'll eventually discover that you're delightful just the way God made you, my dear." "You seem to be an original, my dear, so perhaps you won't feel the need to wait so long before you abandon what's expected of you, embracing who you truly are and who God meant you to be, instead of trying to embrace a sense of who others want you to be."

I love that, even with an entirely new set of characters, by using the same setting as a previous series, Ms. Turano is able to sneak in a cameo of a favorite character from past novels and use her to deliver wisdom from the position of experience.

This book was one of those rare finds where you don't want to put the book down, but you also don't want it to end too soon! I loved watching Poppy find herself even more fully, and I enjoyed watching her build up those around her as she did. I always love Ms. Turano's grouping of friends who enjoy being together throughout the mayhem she puts them through, and this cast of characters is among her best. I can't wait to hear Beatrix Waterbury's story in the third book!

I give this book 5 stars. Between Diamond in the Rough and Flights of Fancy, American Heiresses is becoming my favorite Turano series!

I received a digital copy of this book, via NetGalley, from the publisher, in exchange for my honest review.

DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH by JEN TURANO is a delightful read. Taking place in New York in the late 1800's, it is a period novel, reminiscent of Jane Austen. There is romance, intrigue and humour, all wrapped up in the social scene of the New York Four Hundred.
Poppy Garrison is staying with her grandmother Viola for her first New York season, and Viola is fast losing hope that Poppy will ever become a diamond of the first water.
Reginald Blackburn comes to New York from England to help his cousin, Charles, the Earl of Lonsdale, choose a wife amongst the heiresses of New York society. Rather stuffy and tending towards being morose, he is asked by Viola, in desperation on her part, to tutor Poppy in the correct way to behave in society. This leads to him having to turor a string of young ladies who all want to become Charles' countess. I am not going to tell you any more of the story as I do not want to spoil it for you.
I love the characters, especially Poppy, and I love the Christian message of forgiveness and of making something that has eternal value of one's life as opposed to the frivolities of the social set.
It is a really fun book and one I can highly recommend.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

When I think of historical romances that make me laugh out loud (even in public), I think of Jen Turano. This one was no different. Though this is the 2nd book in the American Heiresses series, it could easily be read as stand-alone. Though the main character from the first book is referenced and a couple of minor characters in the first book have appearances in this book, there is enough information given that you're not missing anything if you haven't read "Flights of Fancy". (Though you should read it - it's fantastic!)

This book follows the life of Poppy Garrison, whose parents own Garrison Farms. When the bank calls in their loan early, Poppy chooses to allow her grandmother to bail them out in exchange for debuting in society for a season. Her grandmother desperately wants Poppy to become a "Diamond in the First Water", but Poppy always seems to find herself in the most ridiculous of predicaments, making her more of a "diamond in the rough". This lends to the hilarity of the book and makes the romance aspect that much better. In spite of the frivolity, though, there is a good spiritual thread and a bit of drama included and the characters are well fleshed out and likable as well. This book truly has it all!

There were a few sub-plot stories that tied up a bit TOO neatly for my liking, which is why this one got 4 stars instead of 5, but I still thoroughly enjoyed the story-line and I believe that Poppy and I would have been the the very best of friends.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced E-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to write a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

I adore Jen Turano's writing. She brings the Gilded Age to life and creates remarkable and remember able characters to life. With her second addition to her American Heiress series, Diamond in the Rough, this is no exception. Poppy grew up on a horse farm in Pennsylvania and is having her season in New York. She is completely out of her element and falls, literary, over and over again on her face. She keeps getting into scraps and allowing me to shake my head in laughter as she tries to save her reputation. She transforms by the end of the season but shows her heart by wanting to do good for those less wealthy. On the other hand, Reginald, the hero, keeps his true identity a secret, but is always there to rescue Poppy. There romance appears a little disjointed, but I believe Turano wrote their romance this way on purpose. It made their happily-ever-after a little more sweeter. As for the plot, I really enjoyed spending time with these characters. I got so wrapped up in their lives that I even googled Fifth Avenue mansions during the 1890's to have an idea of how HUGE these little homes actually were. I love this story and can't wait to get my hand on the final installment. Thanks for another wonderful story, Turano.

I received a complimentary copy of a Diamond in the Rough by Jen Turano from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.

Diamond in the Rough by Jen Turano is a delightful Historical fiction novel. Jen Turano is known for her style of romantic humor.

Poppy Garrison is brought to New York by her grandmother in exchange for settling her parents debt. As Poppy tries to make her way into the New York Four Hundred season, the things that trip her up are hilarious. Grandmother wants to shape her into the Diamond of the First Water, and as such hires Reginald Blackburn, cousin to Earl of Lonsdale. to tutor her. The Earl has come to America in search of a rich heiress. Reginald, keeping his own aristocracy hidden, find himself agreeing to tutor Poppy in all things proper. Poppy, independent and spirited, finds herself in more scrapes and a propensity to many funny predicaments. When stuffy Reginald starts to see Poppy in a new light, the romance blooms.

Diamond in the Rough was entertaining and light hearted. An easy read.

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

I always really enjoy Jen Turano's wonderful stories. They are filled with many laugh out loud moments and personal growth for the characters in the story. Diamond in the Rough is no exception. Miss Poppy Garrison has agreed to leave the horse farm where she grew up to have a New York Social Season while residing with her Grandparents. Mr Reginald Blackburn (an undercover English Lord, here to help his cousin find an American Heiress for a bride) agrees to tutor Poppy in all things proper. What could possibly go wrong? It's always positively delightful to take time out life's busyness and enjoy a story from Author Jen Turano.

A hilarious, laugh out loud historical fiction novel in typical Jen Turano style. Readers will love the crazy antics of Poppy Garrison as she reluctantly joins the New York social season at the urging of her society grandmother. She finds herself being given etiquette lessons by Reginald Blackburn, who unbeknownst to her is the second son of a duke. This was an enjoyable novel that fans of Jen Turano will not want to miss. The humorous moments and outrageous predicaments that Poppy found herself in were my favorite parts of the story.

I received a complimentary copy of this book by Bethany House and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

I adore Jen Turano’s spunky heroines! Poppy may be my favorite! She is clumsy and trouble seems to follow her wherever she goes yet she owns it. She is comfortable in her own skin and doesn’t let what society thinks bother her. She keeps her family and love interest on their toes as she tries to navigate her season in New York.
Jen, as always, had me laughing out loud and very engaged with her charming cast of characters. Diamond in the Rough is not only filled with romance and humor but there is plenty of mystery and action as well!
Thanks to Netgalley and Bethany House for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

“Any smidgen of hope that her entrance into New York high society would be deemed a rousing success died the moment Miss Poppy Garrison’s tiara became firmly attached to the sleeve of her dance partner.” - Opening line of Diamond in the Rough by Jen Turano

The second in the American Heiresses series, Diamond in the Rough by Jen Turano is a delight from start to finish! As in her previous novels, Jen’s leading lady, Poppy Garrison, is full of surprises, gusto and independence! Set in the 1880s, these characteristics make her remarkable amongst the New York High Society. Reginald Blackburn, our leading man, is a English aristocrat unaccustomed to a woman like Poppy. He relishes the challenged given by her grandmother to teach her the ways of society.

Soon, the two find themselves in the midst of several unusual, and for the reader humourous, situations. The adventure is non-stop and there is full cast of fun characters. Balls, operas, and drives around Central Park set a gorgeous backdrop to this story.

In addition to the light-hearted antics, a deeper, and touching, story of reconciliation and forgiveness unfolds as well as a mystery with a twist! This one has it all and I loved it! It’s highly recommended and it’s five out of five en-JOY-ment.

I absolutely enjoyed Diamond in the Rough!! Jen Turano has an enchanting and enjoyable way of writing that draws the read in and leaves them wanting more. The main character {Poppy} comes from her family's horse farm in Pennsylvania to New York for a season of socializing and balls. It's an arrangement she has made with her maternal grandmother, Viola. Viola is a matron of the set... the uppercrust of society. From the beginning Poppy is entertaining and relatable. With one mishap after another, it seems Poppy's season is doomed-- enter Mr. Reginald Blackburn, a brooding, staunch gentleman that seems to be no fun! While the book is a little predictable, there are definitely parts that are not predictable and the entire book is just enjoyable. It is a quick read that took me away from my day for just a little while, giving me a glimpse of life I will never live.

Full of fun, quirky characters, Diamond in the Rough is an enjoyable read for anyone who enjoys a lot of humor in their romances! And I do, especially when I use my books as an escape from reality. My habit is to highlight (on my tablet) all of the passages I like, usually involving humor or witty remarks. This book has so many highlights, folks. It wasn't just the main characters that brought a fun, lively energy to the story - it was all the main characters as well. Every character in this book lent a bit of themselves to the story to make it a unique read that is unpredictable and fun.

Raised on a horse farm in rural Pennsylvania, Miss Poppy Garrison is the proverbial fish out of water in high society of New York City. With one catastrophe after another occurring whenever she is near, everyone is both horrified and intrigued by her original nature. When she is saved by Mr Reginald Blackburn, the traveling companion of a lord from England, they both are wrangled into an arrangement by Poppy's grandmother - Reginald will teach Poppy the social graces necessary for her to make a good match, and he will pocket a monetary sum for his efforts. While Reginald is at first daunted by the task, he soon finds himself thinking of Poppy every day and defending her to those who would disparage her. Her lack of refinement might be a spectacle to the New York Four Hundred, but to Reginald, it's a breath of fresh air. With Poppy in his life, nothing would ever be boring again...and the idea is quite appealing.

Poppy and Reginald were an interesting match. I didn't really see the chemistry initially, and their relationship was rather slow to build up. However, once they began spending more time together, and Murray joined in along Beatrix, the pair grew closer and closer. Poppy was definitely a singular woman, very unlike anyone else she met, and she was quite strong in the face of much criticism. She approached challenges with a sense of confidence and good humor, and it was no wonder she attracted many who would otherwise be overlooked by the creme of the crop. Reginald was very soft spoken, you could tell that he was going to be the quieter one in the relationship, and that suited them just fine. Poppy never stopped talking, and I think it really enchanted Reginald.

As always, Jen has written a book full of laughs and history. This is not a book to be missed!

**I received a free copy via NetGalley and this is my honest review.**

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

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

Now how is that for an opening line?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#DiamondInTheRough #Netgalley #JenTurano

American Heiresses:

Book 1: Flights of Fancy

Book 2: Diamond In The Rough

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*Clean romance level: sweet kisses

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To save her family from financial ruin, Miss Poppy Garrison accepts an unusual proposition to participate in the New York social season in exchange for her grandmother settling a family loan. Ill-equipped to handle the intricacies of mingling within the New York Four Hundred, Poppy becomes embroiled in one hilarious fiasco after another. She is doomed to suffer a grand societal failure instead of being deemed the diamond of the first water her grandmother longs for her to become.
Reginald Blackburn, second son of a duke, has been forced to travel to America to help his cousin, Charles Wynn, Earl of Lonsdale, find an American heiress to wed in order to shore up his family estate.

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

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

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

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

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

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

I loved the entire book!

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

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

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

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

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

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


I highly recommend this book!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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





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

Turano's trademark wit comes out in full force, not only in the banter between the main characters Poppy Garrison and Reginald Blackburn but also in Poppy's interactions with friends Murray and Beatrix. The dialogue had me laughing out loud as well as the antics of Poppy's lovable group of friends.
The only downside to this book was that I'm not quite sure I bought the crazy villain. Her motivation was a bit odd to me, but everything else about this novel was amazing. I'm excited to see what Jen Turano has in store for us next. I'm hoping Beatrix will get a turn. I'll just sit here and try to wait patiently until the next book comes out.

(Blog post review goes live on Friday, Sept. 6 at 5:00 PM)

There are times in life when you need a book to make you giggle and laugh. This book did that for me. And not only did it do that, but it challenged me also! There were nuggets of wisdom scattered throughout the pages filled with humor and antics. Snails flying across the room hitting men at fancy dinners is just a sampling of what goes on within the pages. I adored this book. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All views stated here are my own.

I love books by Jen Turano and this is no exception. Her books are well written and light-hearted, laugh out loud, fun.
The main characters were well developed and interesting. They were interesting and kept the flow going well.
This is a Christian book but not preachy at all, in fact, it is a little lighter in this area than her other books.
The one thing I did find wrong was that it was not as well-edited as her other books, but I was given an advanced reader's copy and hopefully, the final book will have the errors taken care of.
I highly recommend this book. I give it 5 out of 5 stars, even with the errors.

I adore Jen Turano and her fabulously fun gilded age stories. Diamond in the Rough is another unforgettable, knee-slapping, giggle-inducing romp through New York high society.

Mayhem finds Poppy Garrison—a fact of life she’s come to accept as her reality. This is apparent by the end of the first sentence of this new releases. Reginald Blackburn is everything you’d expect the son of an English noble to be. So, of course, when Poppy’s grandmother strikes a deal with him to properly educated Poppy in decorum, hilarity ensues.

Yet, behind all the silly and quite memorable situations (come on, Poppy makes a list of all her society faux pas for Reginald), Poppy has a heart of gold. She values family, friendship, and honesty over appearances and gossip. Is it any wonder Reginald, who is horrified upon first meeting Poppy, becomes enamored with her as he spends time with her and sees the beauty of her heart?

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

I devoured this book! There is nothing like a historical romance to dive into to keep reality away. I love the main character Poppy. She is not a typical New York Elite Heiress. She is clumsy, forthright, and see things differently than others. This is because Poppy did not grow up in New York, she grew up on a horse farm far away from city. However, she is determined to please her grandmother. So while all the others girls are looking for love and husbands, Poppy just wants to experience life. Yet, there is something or someone lurking in plain sight that has different plans for Poppy. I'm not saying more since I don't give spoilers. I can say is that this is a great book that I couldn't put down! I love how relatable Poppy and the other characters are.

If any book should be turned into a movie it is this one. Jen Turano took my breath away. She had me laughing out loud and actually giggling in one chapter, and the next I was holding my breath in suspense. There is no possible way to guess where the story was going to go, and I enjoyed every moment of it. How Turano can make such interesting characters I’ll never know. And the dialogue is so funny and ridiculous at times that I can’t imagine how she comes up with them. I need more books like this in my life.

I love Poppy. She is so much fun to watch, and one can never guess what ruckuss she is going to get into next. There is just something about her complete honesty that is so refreshing. I loved watching the way her and Reginald interacted and how she exasperated him constantly. The secondary characters were so fun to get to know, and I was not ready to say goodbye. I can’t wait to see what Turano does next! I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read. The Historical aspect was so fun to imagine, and I felt like I was on an awesome adventure. I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and was in no way forced to post a review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

Turano always writes fun-filled, page turning, improbable romances that I thoroughly enjoy. It doesn’t really matter that they are far-fetched tales. I am prone to laugh out loud while reading and I end each story with a smile on my face.

While Diamond in the Rough is part of a series and there are connections to the first book, Flights of Fancy, you could read this novel as a stand alone.

If you are looking for a implausible, but comical, light read then I would highly recommend this book. I’m looking forward to the next installment in the series.

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

To save her family from financial ruin, Miss Poppy Garrison accepts an unusual proposition to participate in the New York social season in exchange for her grandmother settling a family loan that has unexpectedly come due. Ill-equipped to handle the intricacies of mingling within the New York Four Hundred, Poppy becomes embroiled in one hilarious fiasco after another, doomed to suffer a grand societal failure instead of being deemed the diamond of the first water her grandmother longs for her to become.

Reginald Blackburn, second son of a duke, has been forced to travel to America to help his cousin, Charles Wynn, Earl of Lonsdale, find an American heiress to wed in order to shore up his family estate that is in desperate need of funds. Reginald himself has no interest in finding an heiress to marry, but when Poppy's grandmother asks him to give etiquette lessons to Poppy, he swiftly discovers he may be in for much more than he bargained for.

I found this book to be very entertaining. Poppy knows nothing about high society and how she is supposed to act. She's only there so she can save the family farm. She has no desire to snag a titled husband. Reginald is no Duke, but he is very influential in England. He tries to keep his secret so he won't be the target of matchmaking mothers. Poppy's grandmother hires Reginald to help Poppy learn the niceties of society. He grudging accepts and what follows is an adventure for both of them.

This is the second book in the series. I have not read the first book and did not feel lost while reading this book. Although, Diamond in the Rough was so good I want to read the first book. I recommend this book to any one looking for an entertaining read.

I was given this book by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

A fun filled, madcap adventure through a New York social season. You're sure to find many laugh out loud moments!

If you enjoy historical fiction with humor then you must read Diamond in the Rough. I laughed my way through this book, certain that I need Poppy as a best friend. The characters in this story are so well developed and delightful that you will love them and want to go to a ball with them. However the story is not all humor. There is mystery afoot with an unexpected twist, and of course there is light romance. Something for everyone!

With the underlying thread of hope, forgiveness, and restoration, Turano does a great job of weaving faith into her story without preaching. And when the son of and English duke meets the daughter of an American horse farm owner, watch out. Shenanigans ensue!

Note this is the second book in the American Heiresses series but acts as a stand alone. However, after you read this you’ll want to go back and read Flights of Fancy because author Jen Turano just keeps getting better! Grab a copy of Diamond in the Rough. You’ll love it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

Diamond in the Rough
by Jen Turano

Bethany House

Bethany House Publishers

Christian

Pub Date 03 Sep 2019

I am reviewing a copy of Diamond in the Rough through Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley:

In order to settle a debt and prevent her family from going into the poor house. Miss Poppy Garrison accepts an unusual proposition to participate in the New York social season in exchange for her grandmother settling a family loan that has unexpectedly come due. Ill-equipped to handle the intricacies of mingling within the New York Four Hundred. Poppy managed to get into one hilarious fiasco after another. She is doomed to face a huge societal failure of being deemed the diamond of the first water her grandmother longs for her to become.

Reginald Blackburn is the second son of a duke, and he has been forced to come to America to help his cousin. Charles Wynn, who is the Earl of Lonsdale, finds an American Heiress to shore up his family estate that is desperate need of funds. Reginald though has no interest in finding an heiress to marry, but when Poppy’s grandmother asks him to give etiquette lessons to Poppy, he swiftly discovers he may be in for much more than he bargained for.

I found Diamond in the Rough to be a well written novel that is worthy of five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

After rolling on the floor laughing I am now able to collect my thoughts. Poppy is hysterical and so full of life that I would love to be her friend. She has a big task ahead of her to help her family out which proves to be a journey she will never forget.

The opening pages of the book set the tone for the delightful writing talent of the author. She is known for witty and charming characters. Poppy is hands down my favorite and she is written with pure inspiration and charm. I could picture Poppy as she and her dashing partner danced around the room. Leave it to Poppy to make a scene at a gala with important and influential people .

Reginald is a very distinguished gentleman who Poppy's grandmother sets her sights on to help Poppy. Oh what a deal Poppy is getting into because of her grandmother. The banter between Poppy and her grandmother is priceless. Two very determined women trying to get the upper hand on the other. The author has out done herself with this wonderful story filled with laughs, family values and faith.

As Poppy matures and becomes more refined I felt she finally realized how loved she was by many. Her grandmother wants her to marry for money. Poppy has admirers but will she do what her grandmother wants? This is one story that I couldn't put down because it was funny yet reminiscent of someone finding their place in life.

As with all her books, the author gives us wonderful characters and leaves us with a wonderful message that stays with you forever. I love the faith elements in the story and reading how a young woman named Poppy learned to believe in herself.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and author. The review is my own opinion.

Diamond in the Rough is a really funny and very sweet romance. Reginald is hired to teach Poppy proper etiquette in the hopes that she will becoming a proper lady ready for New York society. He quickly finds out he has his work cut out for him. I absolutely adored this book. From the start, I loved Poppy. She was a breath of fresh air. I loved her ability to laugh at herself and how she threw her whole being into whatever she did. The banter between Reginald and Poppy was a lot of fun. Their journey to love was a joy to watch.

Along with Poppy and Reginald's romance, the rest of the story is full of great characters. Murray was my favorite. I loved the friendship that developed between him and Poppy. I would have loved to see his point of view in the wooing of his love interest. The book deals with forgiveness, family and being true to yourself.

I didn't read the book that came before this one, but that was OK It worked very well as a stand alone. I do want to go back and read Flights of Fancy. I would definitely recommend this one to anyone who loves clean historical romances. I would be surprised if you weren't left smiling like I was in the end.

Jen Turano has crafted a delightful second book in her American Heiresses Series. Diamond in the Rough is certain to entertain and provide hours of reading pleasure. Jen Turano is an extremely gifted author who has an intricate grasp of the era. It's always a pleasure to read her books.

~ While this book was provided for free, I was under no obligation to provide a positive view. The pleasure was mine. (2019)

I absolutely adore reading Jen Turano books! Diamond in the Rough is a whimsical historical fiction book with depth that will keep a grin on your face as you read about the antics of the many characters in the book. There is romance, intrigue, family, wealth, dancing, and just pure FUN in this delightful book filled with friendships that continue to deepen throughout the story. You will keep turning the pages just to find out what adventure and disaster awaits on the next page!

Jen Turano writes about girls who are just not the societal norm. Somehow or other they find themselves in one conundrum or another and require the aid of a handsomely dashing hero. The current book I am reading--Diamond in the Rough--is a bit vapid. Poppy Garrison is having a season that her grandmother is sponsoring. Poppy is also in trouble of one sort or another nearly every day and that makes up the whole plot of the book. While her grandmother hires a young Englishman to tutor her into the ways of society and to make her a "Diamond of the First Water." The job is not in any way easy.

I generally enjoy Jen's writings for the most part. The shenanigans the heroines get into are often hilarious and engaging. This book is not quite up to the quality of Jen's writings but is still enjoyable. I often read what I call "fluff," light-hearted books with not a great deal of substance in the plot. This is one of the fluffiest books I've read in a while.

At some time, I wish that Jen would take on some of history's entertaining ladies to write about--like Calamity Jane, Belle Starr, Mae West, even Annie Oakley.

This is a three star book. My thanks go to Bethany House and NetGalley.com for providing the galley I read for this review.

This is book two in the American Heiresses series, however it is a stand alone book. Jen Turano is one of my favorite authors. Her books are full of history, humor, drama, romance and so much more. I can not wait for the next in this series.

Poppy Garrison is a unique lady, and full of spunk. She finds herself in some sticky situations. Reginald Blackburn is handsome, brooding and in charge of helping Poppy with her etiquette.

I love the writing style of Jen Turano. She has such a fun, spunky sense of humor that make her books so enjoyable to read.

"Diamond in the Rough" is a romantic comedy set in 1885 in New York City. The characters got into silly situations, mainly involving the spirited heroine trying to learn things like complicated dances and social etiquette. The main characters were kind, caring people who wanted to help others. I cared about what happened to them. The hero and heroine spent a lot of time together and got along well (after an initial misunderstanding and even though keeping up with Poppy was exhausting). There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this humorous novel.

Another madcap adventure from Turano which has small elements of “My Fair Lady”. Poppy is one of a kind and matches or exhausts (same thing) Reginald, brooding cousin to the lord all the single ladies seem to want marry. He is employed to teach Poppy the “right way” to act in society, but of course because this is a Turano novel, lessons were often extraordinary. The original characters have adventures in different settings and will leave readers chuckling and shaking their heads. Parts of the ending were a little dark, but all is resolved and happy for most of the characters in the end. This is number two in the series, but can be read alone.

Thanks to the publisher for an e-galley to review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Jen has done it again! There is a reason Jen is one of my absolute favorite authors, because her books have the perfect ratio of romance, humor, a bit of mystery and characters I love. I have yet to read one of her historical books that I didn’t adore (and I have read them all!), and Diamond In The Rough is no exception. The escapades that Poppy somehow manages get tangled up in kept me in stitches and I loved the new characters we met in this story, especially Murray. He was adorable and I loved seeing his growth in the book. If you love to laugh, I HIGHLY recommend this book. As for me, this book has more than earned its place on my keeper shelf next to the rest of Jen’s lovelies.

I received this book from NetGalley and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Recently I have been completely hooked on sweet historical romances. I burned through Mimi Matthews books and was eager to fill the void with an author who could encapsulate a sweet romance with some humor.

When I read the summary of this one, my first thought that this could be the author to fill that void in my TBR list. I have been absolutely craving more sweet romances and this book sounded like it would be able to satisfy my sweet tooth..This book came across at the perfect time and I couldn’t wait to sink my teeth into it. This book is from Christian publisher, Bethany House, but for me it read less like a Christian romance with obvious religions references and more like a proper, chaste, sweet romance which was exactly what I was hoping for..

This is the second in a series but it could easily be read as a stand alone book and for me that’s exactly what it was, a stand alone. But I would be open to reading the other book in the series because the characters were a hoot and I loved each person I encountered.

Summary

To save her family from financial ruin, Miss Poppy Garrison accepts an unusual proposition to participate in the New York social season in exchange for her grandmother settling a family loan that has unexpectedly come due. Ill-equipped to handle the intricacies of mingling within the New York Four Hundred, Poppy becomes embroiled in one hilarious fiasco after another, doomed to suffer a grand societal failure instead of being deemed the diamond of the first water her grandmother longs for her to become.

Reginald Blackburn, second son of a duke, has been forced to travel to America to help his cousin, Charles Wynn, Earl of Lonsdale, find an American heiress to wed in order to shore up his family estate that is in desperate need of funds. Reginald himself has no interest in finding an heiress to marry, but when Poppy’s grandmother asks him to give etiquette lessons to Poppy, he swiftly discovers he may be in for much more than he bargained for (summary from Goodreads).

Review

What in the world did I just read? I say that with a laugh on my lips and a smile because this book was so much fun and unexpected. I was hoping that it would be a fun read on par with Mimi Matthews, but what I found was an author with her own unique voice and talent. I smiled and laughed my way through this novel and throughly enjoyed every single chapter! Turano is a truly gifted story teller and I eagerly look forward to reading more books by her! In fact, I ordered the first book in this series immediately following this one!

Turno has written a number of other books and series and that experience shows in this novel. While I have only read this one book, I am eager to explore her other books and series because her talent is undeniable and I couldn’t get enough of this book!

The thing that stands out in this book for me is Poppy. She is an incredible character—witty, razor sharp, and she knows who she is. I absolutely love her and want to hang out with her. She is unique and refreshing. In a sea of classic heroines, Poppy stand out like a beacon and I love her! She made this book for me with her humor.

Once I started this one I couldn’t put it down and breezed through it which left me wanting more from Turno. The setting was enjoyable but it’s the banter and characters that make this book. The romance was more of a slow building one rather than an instant attraction. If this book hadn’t been so charming and funny, I don’t know that I would have appreciated the slow burn romance, but since it was so charming and funny, I thought the slow burn romance worked just fine indeed.

If you love sweet romances with a strong, humorous heroine then this book needs to be on your radar! I absolutely loved this book and can’t wait to read more by Turno in the future!

Book Info and Rating

Kindle Edition, 354 pages
Published September 3rd 2019 by Bethany House Publishers
ASIN B07PYXVMY4
Free review copy provided by publisher, Bethany House in partnership with TLC Book Tours, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and in no way influenced.
Rating: 5 stars
Genre: historical romance, christian fiction, romance