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Marconi Brides #3
Turn My World Upside Down: Jo's Story
Josefina 'Jo' Marconi's world just shifted out of orbit. Both of her sisters are pregnant, she's facing finals in her quest to at last get her college degree, the man who traumatized her in college is running for a Senate seat, and she has to move back into the family home and watch over the boy whose very existence shattered her nice little world. Ten-year-old Jack is the product of an affair her father had while her mother was dying of cancer. Ever since Jo found out about this, she and her father have been walking a wide berth around each other. As if that wasn't enough complication, Cash Hunter--the man known as "The Woman Whisperer"--has moved back to town. He has a once a woman sleeps with him, she's completely satisfied, and she immediately heads off to save the world. As Jo becomes more and more interested in Cash, she learns that he's determined not to sleep with any woman he wants to stick around--especially not Jo. And Jo becomes just as determined to seduce him and prove that she's the one woman who will stay by his side. Together, Jo and Cash have to teach Jack and each other the true meaning of family and trust.
342 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 2, 2005
22 people are currently reading
205 people want to read
About the author
Maureen Child
1,151 books548 followersUSA Today best selling author Maureen Child is the author of more than ninety romance novels and novellas. Maureen is a five time nominee for the prestigious Rita award from Romance Writers of America.
One of her novels, A Pocketful Of Paradise, was made into a CBS-TV movie called The Soul Collector, starring Melissa Gilbert, Bruce Greenwood and Ossie Davis.
Over the years, she’s written under lots of different names and she prefers the term ‘pseudonym’ to ‘alias’. As Ann Carberry, she wrote western historical romances. As Kathleen Kane, she wrote not only Americana romances, but western paranormal romances as well. As Sarah Hart, she wrote one really spectacular western paranormal that is still one of her favorites. And once, Ann Carberry even wrote a Victorian historical which she absolutely loved doing.
Under her own name, Maureen writes short contemporary novels for Silhouette Desire—books she loves to write because of their fast pace and condensed story telling. Maureen is also writing funny, contemporary paranormal romances for NAL and darker paranormal stories for Silhouette Nocturne.
Maureen writes paranormal romance novels under the pesudonym of Regan Hastings
One of her novels, A Pocketful Of Paradise, was made into a CBS-TV movie called The Soul Collector, starring Melissa Gilbert, Bruce Greenwood and Ossie Davis.
Over the years, she’s written under lots of different names and she prefers the term ‘pseudonym’ to ‘alias’. As Ann Carberry, she wrote western historical romances. As Kathleen Kane, she wrote not only Americana romances, but western paranormal romances as well. As Sarah Hart, she wrote one really spectacular western paranormal that is still one of her favorites. And once, Ann Carberry even wrote a Victorian historical which she absolutely loved doing.
Under her own name, Maureen writes short contemporary novels for Silhouette Desire—books she loves to write because of their fast pace and condensed story telling. Maureen is also writing funny, contemporary paranormal romances for NAL and darker paranormal stories for Silhouette Nocturne.
Maureen writes paranormal romance novels under the pesudonym of Regan Hastings
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 7, 2012
Ahhh...finally, Jo's story! I loved both AND THEN CAME YOU, Sam Marconi's story, and A CRAZY KIND OF LOVE, Mike's story--and TURN MY WORLD UPSIDE DOWN was a perfect ending to this trilogy!
Josephina "Jo" Marconi has had her world turned upside down. She's about to finally finish college, ten years after she first enrolled. She's still struggling to forgive her father, Hank, for his one time of infidelity during her mother's illness. She's attempting to bond with her ten-year-old brother, Jack, the result of that one-time mistake of her father's. And she's trying, without much luck, to avoid Cash Hunter, the Woman Whisperer of Chandler, California.
But then things get complicated. Jo finds out who the Money Fairy is, the person who has been leaving money anonymously for needy members of Chandler . She can't understand how her two both really pregnant sisters forgave their father for his sins so easily. And she most definitely cannot understand how to let go of the secret shame she's been harboring for years--that years ago, as a young college student, she was raped by a man she thought she was in love with.
TURN MY WORLD UPSIDE down is the perfect ending to the winning trilogy by Maureen Child. Ms. Child is known for her well-developed characters and all-too-human story lines, and this book doesn't dissapoint. As Jo comes to grip with her past, she and Cash must learn that trust and love is about more than taking a chance, about more than being worried about what other people might think, and about more than living in fear that the person you love could possibly wind up causing you pain.
I'm sorry to see this series end, but all three books are definitely winners, well worth the time to read!
Josephina "Jo" Marconi has had her world turned upside down. She's about to finally finish college, ten years after she first enrolled. She's still struggling to forgive her father, Hank, for his one time of infidelity during her mother's illness. She's attempting to bond with her ten-year-old brother, Jack, the result of that one-time mistake of her father's. And she's trying, without much luck, to avoid Cash Hunter, the Woman Whisperer of Chandler, California.
But then things get complicated. Jo finds out who the Money Fairy is, the person who has been leaving money anonymously for needy members of Chandler . She can't understand how her two both really pregnant sisters forgave their father for his sins so easily. And she most definitely cannot understand how to let go of the secret shame she's been harboring for years--that years ago, as a young college student, she was raped by a man she thought she was in love with.
TURN MY WORLD UPSIDE down is the perfect ending to the winning trilogy by Maureen Child. Ms. Child is known for her well-developed characters and all-too-human story lines, and this book doesn't dissapoint. As Jo comes to grip with her past, she and Cash must learn that trust and love is about more than taking a chance, about more than being worried about what other people might think, and about more than living in fear that the person you love could possibly wind up causing you pain.
I'm sorry to see this series end, but all three books are definitely winners, well worth the time to read!
April 8, 2018
Jo, the oldest Marconi sister, is hiding a big secret of betrayal that prevents her from forgiving her father for his infidelity so many years ago. It also keeps her from succumbing to the flirtations of Cash Hunter, local Casanova who has been turning his attentions towards Jo. Both of them have issues of trust and so neither of them is comfortable with the fact that things are more than just physical. And Cash especially is waiting for the worst to happen now that he's lest Jo close and her little brother, Jack.
So I was kinda disappointed that Cash wasn't the confident, "bad boy" that he's been touted as these past two books. So Jo's secret, that when she was in college, it affects her even more strongly because she's ashamed she didn't fight it and has to prove to herself that she's strong enough to not let it affect her. But it does. And this plays out in Cash and Jo's first time together and I even really like how Cash begins to realize that the way Jo just used him is the way he's been using women his whole life. Cash's issue is that he's used to women leaving him and he's learned that letting people close causes too much pain. Though it was a bit disappointing that he never mentioned his mother to Jo when he was justifying his fears - I mean that's a helluva reason to develop the irrational fear that he has. I did like that all of the angst was relationship angst - between Cash and Jo and them trying to figure this stuff out. That, and Nana were probably my favorite parts of this entire story.
My least favorite parts of the story were the whiny pregnant women. I mean you've got Mike who is pregnant with a miracle, one-off baby who can't stop complaining about her pregnancy and it's limitations. How about some perspective for that girl? Or at least a hallelujah for never having to get pregnant again if she hates it so much. I just...can't stand whiny people. Book characters included. I also didn't care much for the whole Jack situation - I didn't mind him as a character per se, but the convenient situation with his mother, Carol, the one the Marconi girls ganged up on called an adulterer and a bitch (forgetting that their father was just as much to blame), died in a car accident and thus Jack had became a part of the family. And even more unbelievable that the boy's father could up and leave him for 3 weeks when he's only 3 months into his grieving for his mom. And I couldn't believe that he would hand his son over to Jo to be raised so he could travel with his new girlfriend or that Grace would even allow it. To me that didn't seem like much of a happy ending because Jack has essentially been abandoned by his father. And it's kinda clear in hindsight what kind of father Hank must be to him because Jack seeks out Cash as a role model, since he obviously doesn't have one at home. Made it difficult for me to respect and forgive Hank Marconi...
***
Additional thought: it was a trifle disappointing that Jo doesn't publicly name her rapist (and yeah, I get that this was written before the whole #metoo movement). Instead, she and the other woman whose life he's ruined, settle for destroying his career opportunities and threatening to speak to journalists. But this doesn't really get this predator off the streets or warn other women about him, does it? And this is even more disappointing in light of Jo's internal monologue in which she wonders whether her speaking up when the rape had happened might have prevented Melanie (the other woman) from having to go through hell. Well, now their silence may have the same outcome for some other woman in the future. Yeah, they've ended his career, but his status as a sexual predator and abuser is still a secret.
So I was kinda disappointed that Cash wasn't the confident, "bad boy" that he's been touted as these past two books. So Jo's secret, that when she was in college, it affects her even more strongly because she's ashamed she didn't fight it and has to prove to herself that she's strong enough to not let it affect her. But it does. And this plays out in Cash and Jo's first time together and I even really like how Cash begins to realize that the way Jo just used him is the way he's been using women his whole life. Cash's issue is that he's used to women leaving him and he's learned that letting people close causes too much pain. Though it was a bit disappointing that he never mentioned his mother to Jo when he was justifying his fears - I mean that's a helluva reason to develop the irrational fear that he has. I did like that all of the angst was relationship angst - between Cash and Jo and them trying to figure this stuff out. That, and Nana were probably my favorite parts of this entire story.
My least favorite parts of the story were the whiny pregnant women. I mean you've got Mike who is pregnant with a miracle, one-off baby who can't stop complaining about her pregnancy and it's limitations. How about some perspective for that girl? Or at least a hallelujah for never having to get pregnant again if she hates it so much. I just...can't stand whiny people. Book characters included. I also didn't care much for the whole Jack situation - I didn't mind him as a character per se, but the convenient situation with his mother, Carol, the one the Marconi girls ganged up on called an adulterer and a bitch (forgetting that their father was just as much to blame), died in a car accident and thus Jack had became a part of the family. And even more unbelievable that the boy's father could up and leave him for 3 weeks when he's only 3 months into his grieving for his mom. And I couldn't believe that he would hand his son over to Jo to be raised so he could travel with his new girlfriend or that Grace would even allow it. To me that didn't seem like much of a happy ending because Jack has essentially been abandoned by his father. And it's kinda clear in hindsight what kind of father Hank must be to him because Jack seeks out Cash as a role model, since he obviously doesn't have one at home. Made it difficult for me to respect and forgive Hank Marconi...
***
Additional thought: it was a trifle disappointing that Jo doesn't publicly name her rapist (and yeah, I get that this was written before the whole #metoo movement). Instead, she and the other woman whose life he's ruined, settle for destroying his career opportunities and threatening to speak to journalists. But this doesn't really get this predator off the streets or warn other women about him, does it? And this is even more disappointing in light of Jo's internal monologue in which she wonders whether her speaking up when the rape had happened might have prevented Melanie (the other woman) from having to go through hell. Well, now their silence may have the same outcome for some other woman in the future. Yeah, they've ended his career, but his status as a sexual predator and abuser is still a secret.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2017
sometimes you just need a little feel good love
September 8, 2021
Love love loved it. A few laugh out loud moments. A tear right at the end
July 8, 2013
Originally posted on Sarahsbookshelf.com:
I’ve been making my way through Maureen Child’s backlist this summer and having a great time getting to know this fabulous author. Although Child is Irish herself, she writes these fabulous Italian families where you truly feel like you are in the middle of it all. This story wraps up her Marconi series, which was basically an off-shoot of the Candellano series.
Jo Marconi, the eldest sister of the three, is the organized and independent one. She’s managed to keep the family business afloat, amid many secrets that she’s held inside for many years. Cash Hunter (hate the name!) is the gentleman from both series that is like the neighborhood bicycle, except after everyone’s ride they leave town and do philanthropic work overseas. It’s a fun storyline, but we see some of the reasons why Cash has kept his relationships superficial and simple.
The Marconi family is one of my favorite novel families because they are raw and ugly, but at the same time sharing an unconditional love that only family can share. The two other sisters, Mike and Sam, are both super-pregnant, so the dialogue with these characters is filled with pregnancy griping (realistic stuff, too).
Despite the terrible name for the hero, this book was fabulous. As I mentioned earlier, the family scenes alone will have you laughing-out-loud. They are realistic and hilarious! Besides the laughter, Jo was a deep and interesting heroine. We find out some of the reasons that she’s been so private with her attending night school, as well as why she’s made the choice to stay geographically close to family. A complex character, Jo would be very easy to hate, but Child does an excellent job of making you see the forest for the trees. Excellent book for summer reading and just kicking back for fun.
I’ve been making my way through Maureen Child’s backlist this summer and having a great time getting to know this fabulous author. Although Child is Irish herself, she writes these fabulous Italian families where you truly feel like you are in the middle of it all. This story wraps up her Marconi series, which was basically an off-shoot of the Candellano series.
Jo Marconi, the eldest sister of the three, is the organized and independent one. She’s managed to keep the family business afloat, amid many secrets that she’s held inside for many years. Cash Hunter (hate the name!) is the gentleman from both series that is like the neighborhood bicycle, except after everyone’s ride they leave town and do philanthropic work overseas. It’s a fun storyline, but we see some of the reasons why Cash has kept his relationships superficial and simple.
The Marconi family is one of my favorite novel families because they are raw and ugly, but at the same time sharing an unconditional love that only family can share. The two other sisters, Mike and Sam, are both super-pregnant, so the dialogue with these characters is filled with pregnancy griping (realistic stuff, too).
Despite the terrible name for the hero, this book was fabulous. As I mentioned earlier, the family scenes alone will have you laughing-out-loud. They are realistic and hilarious! Besides the laughter, Jo was a deep and interesting heroine. We find out some of the reasons that she’s been so private with her attending night school, as well as why she’s made the choice to stay geographically close to family. A complex character, Jo would be very easy to hate, but Child does an excellent job of making you see the forest for the trees. Excellent book for summer reading and just kicking back for fun.
May 28, 2014
I have to admit I was a bit worried about reading Jo's book because reading the blurb Cash didn't seem the least bit appealing (woman whisperer???) but I have to give it to Child. Despite a few problems I really enjoyed reading this. In fact it may well be my favourite.
There was a lot going on in this story. Jo's past for one. We finally find out what happened to her that shaped he in who she is today and it is not pretty. While I cheered when she finally dealt with it I am not sure all that bonding is totally believable.
That she is the way she is is what keeps her from forgiving her father as fast as her sisters and what keeps a barrier between her and her half brother Jack. I did like it when she finally addresses those situations and feels free to move on.
Seeing as Jo had so many baggage I really don't think we needed a hero with the same amount of problems but there you go, that what Cash was. I loved how he bonded with Jack and how despite their sparring he and Jo manage a friendships of sorts over the boy. That he was there to support her when she needed was really well done and while I think it took him almost to long to see reason it didn't bother me too much because I knew he would turn up eventually.
I read somewhere that Child is Irish. That is funny because these books feature a very loud and proud Italian family. Sometimes I felt they were a bit too loud and proud but, not being Italian, I hesitate to say if it's overdone or not. That they love each other and fight with and alongside each is a wonderful testament to any family and I couldn't help appreciating that.
Grade: 4/5
There was a lot going on in this story. Jo's past for one. We finally find out what happened to her that shaped he in who she is today and it is not pretty. While I cheered when she finally dealt with it I am not sure all that bonding is totally believable.
That she is the way she is is what keeps her from forgiving her father as fast as her sisters and what keeps a barrier between her and her half brother Jack. I did like it when she finally addresses those situations and feels free to move on.
Seeing as Jo had so many baggage I really don't think we needed a hero with the same amount of problems but there you go, that what Cash was. I loved how he bonded with Jack and how despite their sparring he and Jo manage a friendships of sorts over the boy. That he was there to support her when she needed was really well done and while I think it took him almost to long to see reason it didn't bother me too much because I knew he would turn up eventually.
I read somewhere that Child is Irish. That is funny because these books feature a very loud and proud Italian family. Sometimes I felt they were a bit too loud and proud but, not being Italian, I hesitate to say if it's overdone or not. That they love each other and fight with and alongside each is a wonderful testament to any family and I couldn't help appreciating that.
Grade: 4/5
August 3, 2017
This is the final book in the trilogy. Like the first two books, this is not just a romance novel it also depicts the harsh realities, such as betrayal and rape. Mike & Sam were both endearing, but I felt more connected to Jo. I see bits of myself in her when she was trying to figure out what to do with her life. I can see why Jo had a harder time forgiving her father’s infidelity. She was betrayed once and I felt like she considered all betrayals are equal, no matter who committed the act. I admire her for finally facing her demons, both past and present. Albeit the more somber tone, this book is a winner. Rating: A trophy/crown because this one’s definitely a winner.
January 17, 2015
I don't know why this book was just wasn't it. I loved the first book of the trilogy. And I liked Mike's story as well, Jo, she just made me angry a lot. The book just couldn't capture my interest. The only reason I finished the book was because of Sam, Mike and Nana. They had me cracking up. I didn't know Italians could be like that.. so much drama..
September 23, 2007
I read this book first because i was drawn to the story line. It is a really good book except that it is the 3rd of a trilogy about 3 sisters so I recommend reading the other 2 first. they are Crazy kind of love and And then came you.
September 5, 2008
I had trouble getting into this book for some reason. It was the book I was reading when Hurricane Gustav came to town. Maybe there was just too much distraction because of that. I definitely didn't enjoy it as much as the first 2 in the series.
December 20, 2009
Good read!
May 19, 2014
fabulous book! Loved it.
January 7, 2016
Good read, very good story
February 16, 2016
Romantic
True romance with lots of ups and downs. And jack what a surprise. Grace and Hank a charming surprise of love.
True romance with lots of ups and downs. And jack what a surprise. Grace and Hank a charming surprise of love.
November 19, 2016
Read the series
Thoroughly enjoyed The Marconi series and wished it was not over. What are the chances of the story line continuing
Thoroughly enjoyed The Marconi series and wished it was not over. What are the chances of the story line continuing
February 6, 2020
didn't read
Read
April 18, 2017Trashy romance novel. But not as good as Anne Gracie or Jennifer Crusie. Totally bothered me that the girls had guys' names.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews