Historical Fiction Book Review: Caught by Surprise

Publisher's Description

"Miss Temperance Flowerdew is on her way to work when a stranger suddenly grabs her off the street and sends her on a Chicago-bound train before she can figure out what happened.

When Mr. Gilbert Cavendish is called upon to rescue a missing woman, he follows the trail to Chicago only to discover that the woman is his good friend Temperance. Before they can discover who was behind the abduction, they're seen alone together by a New York society matron, putting their reputations at risk.

Gilbert is willing to propose marriage--except Temperance will have none of it. She's finally stepped out of the shadow of her relations and won't give up her independence. But when it becomes clear the misunderstanding in Chicago has escalated into a threat on her life and followed her to New York, accepting Gilbert's help in solving the mystery may lead to more than she ever could have dreamed."

My Review

Caught by Surprise, by Jen Turano, is the third book in the Apart from the Crowd series though it can easily be read as a stand-alone novel. Brimming with wit and humor, this book is simply a pleasure to read! Ms. Turano truly has a talent for shaping mere words into beautiful sentences that abound with significance and charm. This novel is certainly creative, captivating, and clever!

Aptly titled, Caught by Surprise is enriched by a swiftly paced plot that is infused with scenes of intrigue, adventure, and numerous surprises. It is also a meaningful story of hope, second chances, and new beginnings.

Above all, the characters in this novel sparkle like vibrant sea glass. Unique and multifaceted, the characters are utterly engaging and unforgettable. They possess endearing qualities that make them unconventional yet inspiring. 

Caught by Surprise is a wonderful piece of historical fiction that superbly balances elements of comedy, romance, faith, and suspense, making the story thoroughly readable and wholly entertaining. It is a delightful novel from beginning to end, and I enthusiastically recommend it to all readers. 

My Reflection

How wonderful that even in dramatic scenes full of danger, adventure, and intrigue, a novel can also overflow with faith, forgiveness, and restoration. As the main characters persevere through unexpected trials, they remain steadfast in their hope in God. As they pursue forgiveness and reconciliation, they continue to grow in their faith and find comfort in God’s grace and provision. They learn to recognize that in all things, God’s plans for them are good. I find it encouraging and richly satisfying to read a novel that not only offers entertainment, but also provides an opportunity for nurturing a deeper faith and trust in God.
 

 

About the Author

"Jen Turano is a USA Today Bestselling author, known for her quirky characters and amusing story lines. Her novel, After a Fashion, was a Reviewer's Choice finalist with RT, as well as being named a top ten romance of 2015 from Booklist. Her book, A Most Peculiar Circumstance, was chosen as a top ten romance by Booklist in 2013, and Booklist has called her "One of the funniest voices in the inspirational genre." When she’s not writing, Jen spends her time outside of Denver, CO. She can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jenturanoauthor/ or visit her on the web at www.jenturano.com. She is represented by the Natasha Kern Literary Agency." --Biography from Jen Turano's author page on Amazon.com.

Click her to purchase a copy of this novel for yourself. 

*I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written contains opinions that are entirely my own.