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Ladies of Distinction #2
A Most Peculiar Circumstance
Delightful Blend of Love and Laughter
in Turano's Sophomore Novel
Miss Arabella Beckett has one driving to help the downtrodden women of America. Naturally, she supports the women's suffrage movement and eagerly attends rallies and lectures across the country. On her travels, she makes a simple offer of assistance to a young woman in need that goes sadly awry and lands both ladies in more trouble than they can manage. An independent sort, Arabella is loath to admit she needs help and certainly doesn't need help from an arrogant, narrow-minded knight in shining armor.
Mr. Theodore Wilder, private investigator extraordinaire, is on a mission. A mission that began as a favor to his good friend Hamilton Beckett, but swiftly evolved into a merry chase across the country. By the time he finally tracks down Hamilton's sister, Arabella, he is in a less than pleasant mood. When the lady turns out to have radical ideas and a fiercely independent streak, he soon finds himself at his wit's end.
When they return home to New York, circumstances force their paths to continue to cross, but the most peculiar feelings growing between them certainly can't be love. When the trouble Arabella had accidentally stirred up seems to have followed her to New York and threatens her very life, the unlikely couple must face the possibility that they might have landed in the most peculiar circumstance of love.
in Turano's Sophomore Novel
Miss Arabella Beckett has one driving to help the downtrodden women of America. Naturally, she supports the women's suffrage movement and eagerly attends rallies and lectures across the country. On her travels, she makes a simple offer of assistance to a young woman in need that goes sadly awry and lands both ladies in more trouble than they can manage. An independent sort, Arabella is loath to admit she needs help and certainly doesn't need help from an arrogant, narrow-minded knight in shining armor.
Mr. Theodore Wilder, private investigator extraordinaire, is on a mission. A mission that began as a favor to his good friend Hamilton Beckett, but swiftly evolved into a merry chase across the country. By the time he finally tracks down Hamilton's sister, Arabella, he is in a less than pleasant mood. When the lady turns out to have radical ideas and a fiercely independent streak, he soon finds himself at his wit's end.
When they return home to New York, circumstances force their paths to continue to cross, but the most peculiar feelings growing between them certainly can't be love. When the trouble Arabella had accidentally stirred up seems to have followed her to New York and threatens her very life, the unlikely couple must face the possibility that they might have landed in the most peculiar circumstance of love.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2013
109 people are currently reading
1785 people want to read
About the author
Jen Turano
31 books1,986 followersNamed One of the Funniest Voices in Inspirational Romance by Booklist, Jen Turano is a USA Today Best-Selling Author, known for penning quirky historical romances set in the Gilded Age. Her books have earned Publisher Weekly and Booklist starred reviews, top picks from Romantic Times, and praise from Library Journal. She’s been a finalist twice for the RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards and had two of her books listed in the top 100 romances of the past decade from Booklist. When she’s not writing, she spends her time outside of Denver, CO. Readers may find her at www.jenturano.com - https://www.facebook.com/jenturanoaut... , https://www.instagram.com/jenturanoau... or on Twitter at JenTurano@JenTurano.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 383 reviews
May 22, 2015
I thought that nothing could beat the wonderful feel of reading A Change of Fortune, but it seems I was mistaken, because A Most Peculiar Circumstance was even better. The characters were even more engaging, the banter even funnier, the adventures even more unbelievable, and the whole even more loveable. I loved every minute I spent reading that book, and reaching the end made me ache to start book 3, A Talent for Trouble because I cannot get enough of these characters.
Theodore Wilder, the private investigator introduced in the previous book, is the hero of this novel, and oh my goodness, is he ever wonderful! Tall, muscular and jaw-dropping handsome, he has all the ladies swooning over him wherever he goes. Remember the ladies' reaction to him in A Change of Fortune?
Eliza:"...her eyes widened and stayed firmly directed at Mr. Wilder."
Agatha:"'Oh...he is divine,'"
Gloria:"'Good heavens, 'Gloria exclaimed as she fanned her cheeks with a napkin, 'he is divine, isn't he?'".
He has all the women making figures of themselves gazing moonstruck at him...until he opens his mouth.
"He'd always been of the belief that ladies should appreciate their delicate status and the fact that they were not required to provide a living or train for a profession. No, all they were truly required to do was produce children and ease a gentleman's life."
Woops. Mistake. Big one.
Eliza:"[She] has apparently discontinued admiring the gentleman and now appeared as if she wanted to box his ears."
Agatha:"'You are not divine in the least.'"
Gloria:"'To think I was actually musing on an interesting idea just now to put you into direct contact with my darling Arabella,' Gloria said."
And when Arabella meets him...
It was fortunate for him that there were bars separating them."
Are. You. For. Real?!?!
"He was the most obnoxious, chauvinistic, old-fashioned gentleman she'd ever had the misfortune to meet."
Miss Arabella Beckett, a big supporter and influencer amongst the suffragettes, is tough, bold, determined and has no intention of letting anyone -least of all the proud, pompous investigator send after her by her family to bring her back home- tell her what to or how to live her life.
Arabella is as beautiful as Theodore is handsome, and attracts just as much attention as him. Both stubborn and set in their ways, their constant bickering is extremely diverting, and add to that their obvious chemistry and their respective families' commentary and not-so-subtle hints that they should get together, and their relationship is simply hilarious.
"'You look like a deranged actress,' Theodore said. 'I'm certain you attracted more attention than any of the ladies you were trying to emulate.'
'Not one single gentleman even approached me.'
'Is that a note of disappointment I hear in your voice?' Theodore asked.
Her patience was now at and end. 'You are a horrible man, and I don't care to speak with you any longer.'"
When it becomes known that ladies of the night are disappearing near the docks at night, Arabella's good heart leads to lend them her help, and with the help of her good friend Agatha, and Theodore's sister Katherine, they dress up as opera singers and try to mingle with the prostitutes to try to discover something.
Naturally, they all end up in jail, and naturally, Theodore has to bail them out...again. When he learns what's going on, he almost literally explodes.
"'ALL OF YOU NEED A GOOD SPANKING!'"
But Arabella has also had enough.
Enough is enough. There seems to be a crazy madman pursuing her, she is beginning to realize that she is a little too bossy and judgemental, she has landed in jail again, AND she is starting to feel REALLY attracted to Theodore? Nuh-huh! No way!
"'Let me guess, because I support women's rights, I'm not supposed to cry?'
'It seems a little odd, especially since you obviously long to be treated exactly like a gentleman. I've rarely witnessed a gentleman dissolving into tears.'"
Sometimes, even the strongest, most controlled woman just needs a good cry. On a man's shoulder. ;)
And a little help from good-intentioned matchmaking mamas.
"'Someone had to get your life in order for you, dear. Who better to do that than your own mother?'"
I can't even express how funny, wonderful and just plain good fun this book is. It will grab you from the beginning and won't let go, leaving you wanting more at the end and sad that the romp is already over. Fluffy, silly, unpredictable and implausible, A Most Peculiar Circumstance is a treat not to miss. If you're feeling down, or you simply need a sweet, light and pleasant book, this is perfect. You won't regret it.
I mean, come on.
"'Why you felt it was imperative for me to leave my house in a traveling trunk is still beyond me. You did see Zayne and Hamilton drop it, didn't you?'
Violet grinned. 'They told me to tell you that they were very sorry about that.'
'Yes, I could tell they were dreadfully sorry, especially with all the laughter I heard through the one air hole someone considerately remembered to provide.'"
'I THINK GENTLEMEN IN GENERAL ARE DERANGED!!!"
^^such a perfect, accurate statement! ;) :)
But seriously, who can resist Theodore?!?!
"He was tall, certainly, well over six feet from what she could tell, but his overcoat was tailored at the waist, lending the impression of trimness, while his shoulders...a frisson of something unexpected raced down her spine."
As much as she "hates" him, she definitely could not resist him. (Not that I blame her!)
This is one of the best books ever. Where has Jen Turano been all my life?! I cannot wait to read another book by her. SEQUEL, PLEASE!!!
Theodore Wilder, the private investigator introduced in the previous book, is the hero of this novel, and oh my goodness, is he ever wonderful! Tall, muscular and jaw-dropping handsome, he has all the ladies swooning over him wherever he goes. Remember the ladies' reaction to him in A Change of Fortune?
Eliza:"...her eyes widened and stayed firmly directed at Mr. Wilder."
Agatha:"'Oh...he is divine,'"
Gloria:"'Good heavens, 'Gloria exclaimed as she fanned her cheeks with a napkin, 'he is divine, isn't he?'".
He has all the women making figures of themselves gazing moonstruck at him...until he opens his mouth.
"He'd always been of the belief that ladies should appreciate their delicate status and the fact that they were not required to provide a living or train for a profession. No, all they were truly required to do was produce children and ease a gentleman's life."
Woops. Mistake. Big one.
Eliza:"[She] has apparently discontinued admiring the gentleman and now appeared as if she wanted to box his ears."
Agatha:"'You are not divine in the least.'"
Gloria:"'To think I was actually musing on an interesting idea just now to put you into direct contact with my darling Arabella,' Gloria said."
And when Arabella meets him...
It was fortunate for him that there were bars separating them."
Are. You. For. Real?!?!
"He was the most obnoxious, chauvinistic, old-fashioned gentleman she'd ever had the misfortune to meet."
Miss Arabella Beckett, a big supporter and influencer amongst the suffragettes, is tough, bold, determined and has no intention of letting anyone -least of all the proud, pompous investigator send after her by her family to bring her back home- tell her what to or how to live her life.
Arabella is as beautiful as Theodore is handsome, and attracts just as much attention as him. Both stubborn and set in their ways, their constant bickering is extremely diverting, and add to that their obvious chemistry and their respective families' commentary and not-so-subtle hints that they should get together, and their relationship is simply hilarious.
"'You look like a deranged actress,' Theodore said. 'I'm certain you attracted more attention than any of the ladies you were trying to emulate.'
'Not one single gentleman even approached me.'
'Is that a note of disappointment I hear in your voice?' Theodore asked.
Her patience was now at and end. 'You are a horrible man, and I don't care to speak with you any longer.'"
When it becomes known that ladies of the night are disappearing near the docks at night, Arabella's good heart leads to lend them her help, and with the help of her good friend Agatha, and Theodore's sister Katherine, they dress up as opera singers and try to mingle with the prostitutes to try to discover something.
Naturally, they all end up in jail, and naturally, Theodore has to bail them out...again. When he learns what's going on, he almost literally explodes.
"'ALL OF YOU NEED A GOOD SPANKING!'"
But Arabella has also had enough.
Enough is enough. There seems to be a crazy madman pursuing her, she is beginning to realize that she is a little too bossy and judgemental, she has landed in jail again, AND she is starting to feel REALLY attracted to Theodore? Nuh-huh! No way!
"'Let me guess, because I support women's rights, I'm not supposed to cry?'
'It seems a little odd, especially since you obviously long to be treated exactly like a gentleman. I've rarely witnessed a gentleman dissolving into tears.'"
Sometimes, even the strongest, most controlled woman just needs a good cry. On a man's shoulder. ;)
And a little help from good-intentioned matchmaking mamas.
"'Someone had to get your life in order for you, dear. Who better to do that than your own mother?'"
I can't even express how funny, wonderful and just plain good fun this book is. It will grab you from the beginning and won't let go, leaving you wanting more at the end and sad that the romp is already over. Fluffy, silly, unpredictable and implausible, A Most Peculiar Circumstance is a treat not to miss. If you're feeling down, or you simply need a sweet, light and pleasant book, this is perfect. You won't regret it.
I mean, come on.
"'Why you felt it was imperative for me to leave my house in a traveling trunk is still beyond me. You did see Zayne and Hamilton drop it, didn't you?'
Violet grinned. 'They told me to tell you that they were very sorry about that.'
'Yes, I could tell they were dreadfully sorry, especially with all the laughter I heard through the one air hole someone considerately remembered to provide.'"
'I THINK GENTLEMEN IN GENERAL ARE DERANGED!!!"
^^such a perfect, accurate statement! ;) :)
But seriously, who can resist Theodore?!?!
"He was tall, certainly, well over six feet from what she could tell, but his overcoat was tailored at the waist, lending the impression of trimness, while his shoulders...a frisson of something unexpected raced down her spine."
As much as she "hates" him, she definitely could not resist him. (Not that I blame her!)
This is one of the best books ever. Where has Jen Turano been all my life?! I cannot wait to read another book by her. SEQUEL, PLEASE!!!
March 23, 2019
Jen Turano’s books are always such fun reads for me. One of the things I love about them is how her novels can be read as stand-alones, but the series really does read like one continuing story. I would highly recommend reading the series in order, if you can, simply because I think it would enhance each character’s depth and your own personal enjoyment. Oh, another little tid-bit of information I want to mention is that this story takes place during the blustery and snowy fall time and continues on through Christmas Eve. It isn’t a Christmas book per se, but it did have some of that wintery, Christmasy charm that I often enjoy in a book around the holidays.
January 25, 2020
Delightful tale of Arabella, a supporter of the woman's suffrage movement, and Theodore, a private investigator. Their chemistry was like oil and water and lots of fun. Amidst the humor, there was also a message about trusting God and getting to know those on a personal level you strive to help.
August 6, 2022
This was yet another laugh out loud literally story by this funny author....who has become such a favourite one:) Historical insights to learn about while such a pleasure to read.
June 7, 2025
This book is fun--comedy mystery romance. If it weren't, I'd have hated it because then some of the things that happen and the people would have been annoying; comedy is often like that since to be funny something usually has to have a bit of an edge and/or contain at some thing or things that is/are improbable. If I try to sum up the story/plot it sounds horrendous; I'd have never read based on that or if I hadn't liked the first book in this series. It's a romance, so naturally the ending is predictable, which is why it's more of a fun comfort read. I will say there were some good points in it regarding women's suffrage and lack of opportunities at that time.
January 11, 2021
Arabella Beckett is a pistol toting suffragette who has a hard time staying out of trouble. Theodore Wilder is a no nonsense private investigator who is as chauvinistic as they come. When one of Arabella’s misguided attempts to help someone lands her in jail, covered in mud and accused of shooting a man, she sends up a prayer for a little help. The form that help arrives in, the infuriating Mr. Wilder, is less than appreciated. However, it seems trouble isn’t done with the two of them just yet. Can the two of them sort out their differences long enough to figure out who is behind it all and what they have in store for Arabella?
A Most Peculiar Circumstance is full of chuckle worthy mayhem and characters you cannot help but adore. Arabella is a lively heroine with plenty of attitude that I had no problem getting behind and rooting for. She also experiences a good deal of personal and spiritual growth throughout the novel right alongside our swoon worthy hero Theodore. Their romance starts out the way I like it best. With plenty of quips and barbs! The secondary characters are also very well developed and easy to love.
You'll definitely want to read the series in order, but that's not a hardship. Turano's humor always shines through her stories and the pages fly by amidst her character's antics.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
A Most Peculiar Circumstance is full of chuckle worthy mayhem and characters you cannot help but adore. Arabella is a lively heroine with plenty of attitude that I had no problem getting behind and rooting for. She also experiences a good deal of personal and spiritual growth throughout the novel right alongside our swoon worthy hero Theodore. Their romance starts out the way I like it best. With plenty of quips and barbs! The secondary characters are also very well developed and easy to love.
You'll definitely want to read the series in order, but that's not a hardship. Turano's humor always shines through her stories and the pages fly by amidst her character's antics.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
July 24, 2014
I couldn't really get into the story, which really disappointed me. There was so much promise to the plot, and it seemed to just exist on the surface. I would just begin to feel that I was about to get into some deeper thoughts, and a few pages later, the writing would fluff right back up again. I mainly stayed with the book because of the characters I'd come to love in book one.
What I didn't like:
The mothers that matchmake like crazy....literally
The girls who wear their hearts on their sleeve, so everyone knows who they care for
The young women who tease others about the state of their hearts...a pet peeve of mine in real life, which can be very hurtful
The ending up in jail way too many times, and the flippancy with which everyone regards the law
What I liked:
Katherine coming alive
Theodore's grandmother
Theodore standing up for the ladies
How the girls are always packing heat!
What I didn't like:
The mothers that matchmake like crazy....literally
The girls who wear their hearts on their sleeve, so everyone knows who they care for
The young women who tease others about the state of their hearts...a pet peeve of mine in real life, which can be very hurtful
The ending up in jail way too many times, and the flippancy with which everyone regards the law
What I liked:
Katherine coming alive
Theodore's grandmother
Theodore standing up for the ladies
How the girls are always packing heat!
December 23, 2024
Absurd antics. Silly shenanigans. Comical capers. Jen Turano's Ladies of Distinction series is one-part Gilded Age satire and two parts situation comedy. Readers in need of a literary escape will relish this light-hearted lark of a series certain to evoke smiles and snort-laughs aplenty.
If you're in the mood for fun comfort reads, allow me to introduce the Ladies of Distinction! You're sure to have a delightful time in their company.
📚 Ladies of Distinction series
📖 "A Change of Fortune" (Book 1)
📖 “A Most Peculiar Circumstance" (Book 2)
📖 “A Talent for Trouble" (Book 3)
📖 “A Match of Wits" (Book 4)
If you're in the mood for fun comfort reads, allow me to introduce the Ladies of Distinction! You're sure to have a delightful time in their company.
📚 Ladies of Distinction series
📖 "A Change of Fortune" (Book 1)
📖 “A Most Peculiar Circumstance" (Book 2)
📖 “A Talent for Trouble" (Book 3)
📖 “A Match of Wits" (Book 4)
June 6, 2013
Oy. The first half wasn't horrible. Several times I thought to myself, "Okay, compared to her first book, her writing is getting better; she really has some potential." And then the second half happened and it was so bad that it more than made up for first half being tolerable.
I found nothing about the prostitutes, except maybe one or two of Dot's lines, to be believable- nothing in their characterization nor any other of the other characters' reception of them. And then, when Arabella announces to a bunch of people she just met that none of the prostitutes would "proposition a man in this household because they are honorable," just mere sentences after privately reflecting she'd just heard Sarah quietly speak for the second time ever, I about lost it. The poor characterization isn't even consistent!
Again, I found none of the other character's attitudes or prejudices accurate; there were none. Pretty much everyone is liberal and progressive. If they aren't, they will be shown the light and join up in record time. There is no depth, no flaws to any of them. They were so flat I could easily interchange one for any other.
There is no suspense or mystery in this book. The murder subplot is clearly explained from the very beginning, and then the author kindly reminds you who the culprits are halfway through, in case you might have forgotten that the suspects are limited and have been rather obvious.
Also, it is not normal for everyone to like you. They all loved her. Pretty much immediately. Anyone who didn't was eventually brought to reason. Which, as I said, is not normal, and what's worse, it's boring.
What was with Arabella constantly reflecting that Theodore was "...intriguing," and Theodore going back and forth between thinking she's "...approachable," or "...unapproachable?" Ugh.
And that reminds me, the dialect and the use of Christian names really threw me off.
About 60% through, I was so thoroughly bored that I started skimming. There was no mystery to how this story was going to play out and I really didn't want to ingest anymore sugary sweet exchanges.
I don't even know why anyone would bother to read the following books. The author has made it clear that Zayne ends up with Agatha and Felicia ends up with Grayson. My bet is that it will play out like the first two books: progressive woman + prejudiced man + extreme circumstances + fighting their affections for one another, and then BOOM, the pretenses drop and they're in love. But I probably will read them because, evidently I'm a glutton for punishment.
I found nothing about the prostitutes, except maybe one or two of Dot's lines, to be believable- nothing in their characterization nor any other of the other characters' reception of them. And then, when Arabella announces to a bunch of people she just met that none of the prostitutes would "proposition a man in this household because they are honorable," just mere sentences after privately reflecting she'd just heard Sarah quietly speak for the second time ever, I about lost it. The poor characterization isn't even consistent!
Again, I found none of the other character's attitudes or prejudices accurate; there were none. Pretty much everyone is liberal and progressive. If they aren't, they will be shown the light and join up in record time. There is no depth, no flaws to any of them. They were so flat I could easily interchange one for any other.
There is no suspense or mystery in this book. The murder subplot is clearly explained from the very beginning, and then the author kindly reminds you who the culprits are halfway through, in case you might have forgotten that the suspects are limited and have been rather obvious.
Also, it is not normal for everyone to like you. They all loved her. Pretty much immediately. Anyone who didn't was eventually brought to reason. Which, as I said, is not normal, and what's worse, it's boring.
What was with Arabella constantly reflecting that Theodore was "...intriguing," and Theodore going back and forth between thinking she's "...approachable," or "...unapproachable?" Ugh.
And that reminds me, the dialect and the use of Christian names really threw me off.
About 60% through, I was so thoroughly bored that I started skimming. There was no mystery to how this story was going to play out and I really didn't want to ingest anymore sugary sweet exchanges.
I don't even know why anyone would bother to read the following books. The author has made it clear that Zayne ends up with Agatha and Felicia ends up with Grayson. My bet is that it will play out like the first two books: progressive woman + prejudiced man + extreme circumstances + fighting their affections for one another, and then BOOM, the pretenses drop and they're in love. But I probably will read them because, evidently I'm a glutton for punishment.
June 28, 2022
A Most Peculiar Circumstance, is the second in the
Ladies of Distinction
series by Jen Turano. This is a historical Christian romance/adventure with a touch of humor. For a Christian romance, I think it was light on Christian concepts, which is not what I prefer, but I still found it enjoyable, nonetheless.
Four Stars
I read both the first book (A Change of Fortune) and its companion story (A Change of Fortune) a couple of years ago, and decided Jen Turano wasn't for me. I think I felt her writing skill needed to be developed more, and at the time, I didn't understand that humor was the vibe the author was going for. (I came to realize this after occasionally reading a review by a GR friend for Jen Turano's books.)
A couple of days ago, I was looking for an electronic library book to read and stumbled across this book, the next in the series. I saw that the average rating of almost all of her recent books is above four stars, so I decided to give it a shot. I'm glad I did, because I really enjoyed this one!
The heroine: Arabella Beckett has been off screen in the previous books, but she is front and center in A Most Peculiar Circumstance.
The hero: Theodore Wilder is an investigator who has been charged with locating Arabella and bringing her home to NYC. She's later than expected after speaking at various suffragette rallies, and hasn't been in contact with her family. After a month of searching across the country, he finds her. . . in jail!
He's a chauvinist, and she has invested much time in lobbying for women's voting rights. A peculiar pairing, right?
What I liked:
*Both main characters undergo character development. This is something that I like to see, because everyone is imperfect. I certainly don't like to see one protagonist in a romance portrayed as perfect, while all the needed improvement is on the side of the other protagonist.
What I didn't like:
*I think this book gave too much information about what happened in book #1 for those who haven't read it yet.
I'd recommend this book to fans of historical Christian romance. It is a clean book for sure, but note that some of the characters are prostitutes.
I've put book #3 on my to-read list!
Four Stars
I read both the first book (A Change of Fortune) and its companion story (A Change of Fortune) a couple of years ago, and decided Jen Turano wasn't for me. I think I felt her writing skill needed to be developed more, and at the time, I didn't understand that humor was the vibe the author was going for. (I came to realize this after occasionally reading a review by a GR friend for Jen Turano's books.)
A couple of days ago, I was looking for an electronic library book to read and stumbled across this book, the next in the series. I saw that the average rating of almost all of her recent books is above four stars, so I decided to give it a shot. I'm glad I did, because I really enjoyed this one!
The heroine: Arabella Beckett has been off screen in the previous books, but she is front and center in A Most Peculiar Circumstance.
The hero: Theodore Wilder is an investigator who has been charged with locating Arabella and bringing her home to NYC. She's later than expected after speaking at various suffragette rallies, and hasn't been in contact with her family. After a month of searching across the country, he finds her. . . in jail!
He's a chauvinist, and she has invested much time in lobbying for women's voting rights. A peculiar pairing, right?
What I liked:
*Both main characters undergo character development. This is something that I like to see, because everyone is imperfect. I certainly don't like to see one protagonist in a romance portrayed as perfect, while all the needed improvement is on the side of the other protagonist.
What I didn't like:
*I think this book gave too much information about what happened in book #1 for those who haven't read it yet.
I'd recommend this book to fans of historical Christian romance. It is a clean book for sure, but note that some of the characters are prostitutes.
I've put book #3 on my to-read list!
January 31, 2017
At the beginning of this book, I couldn’t see how the main characters were ever going to end up together! I had to keep reading and find out. Arabella and Theodore were great characters! I enjoyed watching their feelings grow as they learned more about each other. By the end, I loved the idea of them together!
It was fun to see characters from the first book again, and to meet some great new characters as well. Grandpa and Grandma Wilder were my favorites!
I love the ladies of this series! Oh, they make me laugh! They do get into some trouble, but their hearts are so big. They are strong, confident women, yet feminine. I’m looking forward to reading Felicia’s story next!
It was fun to see characters from the first book again, and to meet some great new characters as well. Grandpa and Grandma Wilder were my favorites!
I love the ladies of this series! Oh, they make me laugh! They do get into some trouble, but their hearts are so big. They are strong, confident women, yet feminine. I’m looking forward to reading Felicia’s story next!
February 3, 2019
3 stars for plot, rounding up a star for characters, and doing my best to ignore the "Christian" elements of this book. (God is not a matchmaker or a vending machine!)
I loved Arabella. I suspected I would based on the first book in this series. But I did not realize how much I would love her. Jen Turano once again does an excellent job creating a variety of very strong, very distinct women. I love how they all carry guns.
While Arabella's girliness comes across a bit on the nose at times (she wants the vote but by golly she also loves pink!) and the historical accuracy felt stretched on just about every occasion, I really did like this one for the characters.
I loved Arabella. I suspected I would based on the first book in this series. But I did not realize how much I would love her. Jen Turano once again does an excellent job creating a variety of very strong, very distinct women. I love how they all carry guns.
While Arabella's girliness comes across a bit on the nose at times (she wants the vote but by golly she also loves pink!) and the historical accuracy felt stretched on just about every occasion, I really did like this one for the characters.
July 22, 2013
Entertaining, but . . .
After reading Jen’s debut novel ‘A Change of Fortune’, I knew this woman is able to entertain her readers. I really enjoyed her writing and so I decided to pick up ‘A Most Peculiar Circumstance’ as well.
Although the entertainment in the story is about the same is in ‘A Change of Fortune’, I noticed that once again it is hard to imagine that this story is taking place in the 19th century. Some things just seemed off. I’m not going to mention them, because I don’t want to spoil things.
The characters have an outspoken mind and love to talk. And that is exactly what 80% of this book is—the story line is carried by dialogue and the narration is minimal.
The dialogue is fun, fast, and flowing and that makes a great read for most readers who are looking for a quick and entertaining read.
The story line is somewhat predictable, but that isn’t a real bother. But it would be desirable to see the male characters being more masculine in this author’s future books.
All in all it is an entertaining read. The author has great potential and I look forward to see what she comes up with next.
*Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a review copy through NetGalley.*
After reading Jen’s debut novel ‘A Change of Fortune’, I knew this woman is able to entertain her readers. I really enjoyed her writing and so I decided to pick up ‘A Most Peculiar Circumstance’ as well.
Although the entertainment in the story is about the same is in ‘A Change of Fortune’, I noticed that once again it is hard to imagine that this story is taking place in the 19th century. Some things just seemed off. I’m not going to mention them, because I don’t want to spoil things.
The characters have an outspoken mind and love to talk. And that is exactly what 80% of this book is—the story line is carried by dialogue and the narration is minimal.
The dialogue is fun, fast, and flowing and that makes a great read for most readers who are looking for a quick and entertaining read.
The story line is somewhat predictable, but that isn’t a real bother. But it would be desirable to see the male characters being more masculine in this author’s future books.
All in all it is an entertaining read. The author has great potential and I look forward to see what she comes up with next.
*Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a review copy through NetGalley.*
October 9, 2024
Another fun silly historical with a dash of mystery and action.
Though some things seemed a bit stretched, this book was entertaining and allowed me a few hours of escaping real life.
*I listened to the audiobook on Audible.*
Though some things seemed a bit stretched, this book was entertaining and allowed me a few hours of escaping real life.
*I listened to the audiobook on Audible.*
April 24, 2025
•°o•:*:•.It Has Everything!.•:*:• o°•
Book#2 in The Ladies of Distinction Series has everything…strength of character, amusing comedy, romance, mystery, and Christian values. I could not wait to get my hands on book #2 and Jen Turano really delivers! It was so good, I sped through it in less than a weekend. This author is new to the scene, but she lands right on top as far as I am concerned.
I enjoyed getting to know Theodore better. We were introduced to the chauvinistic private investigator in book #1 “A Change of Fortune”. It seems there is more to him than meets the eye. His grandparents are absolutely delightful as are their résumés. His sister Katherine also becomes involved in the ludicrous antics that ensue, and adds depth to his family history and sense of where he comes from. But she does not linger in the background, but rather we get to know her in her own rite.
In book #1, we learned that Zayne and Hamilton’s sister, Arabella was away touring on behalf of the suffragist movement. Now, we get to meet her in person. She is every bit as strong as Eliza and Agatha from book #1, whom she joins forces with in book#2, and she fits right in with their knack for finding trouble. She buts heads with Theodore constantly, but in a very delightful way to the reader. She does have her sensitive moments, and she finds comfort in a very close relationship to God, which I enjoyed very much. The author does a great job of showing how God is not some distant being, but someone we can intimately share our thoughts with daily. Arabella is a well rounded character.
I love that the characters in book #1, are not left behind in the dust. Grayson returns, although still a bit in the background. He enjoys taunting Theodore, although we do not seem to know why. I am looking forward to finding out more about him in the next book, “A Talent for Trouble”.
Ladies of the night also play an important role in the mysteries of this book. I was happy to get to know a little about several of them and see them portrayed in different lights. We are given a strong lesson in the importance of not judging others, but rather opening our eyes to others circumstances and beliefs in order to have compassion and consideration.
The twists and turns of the story are edge of your seat exciting. The last several chapters are somewhat heart pounding and a bit repulsive at its evil root because these things are happening in the world still (I’m trying not to give anything away directly), and the enemy always seeks to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). But, in the end, of course good triumphs and ultimately I was both happy and satisfied. Theodore devises a very grand gesture which is so sweet for the ending.
If you have not already, be sure to download the FREE e-Novella “Gentleman of Her Dreams”, which introduces Charlotte Wilson. She will return in book #4, according to the author. Jen Turano is delightfully approachable on her FB page!
5 out of 5 stars
Things that are included: *A Lovely dedication to her father. *Discussion Questions at the end. *Sweet acknowledgements – apparently Jen comes from a very big family, which I imagine gives her lots of character qualities to draw inspiration from! :)
I received an early reviewer’s copy free from the Bethany House Publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
Heather aka BlueJeansAndTeacups
May 20, 2013
Reread 04/22&23/2025 Every bit as wonderful as the 1st time.
It still rates an enthusiastic 5 stars!
Book#2 in The Ladies of Distinction Series has everything…strength of character, amusing comedy, romance, mystery, and Christian values. I could not wait to get my hands on book #2 and Jen Turano really delivers! It was so good, I sped through it in less than a weekend. This author is new to the scene, but she lands right on top as far as I am concerned.
I enjoyed getting to know Theodore better. We were introduced to the chauvinistic private investigator in book #1 “A Change of Fortune”. It seems there is more to him than meets the eye. His grandparents are absolutely delightful as are their résumés. His sister Katherine also becomes involved in the ludicrous antics that ensue, and adds depth to his family history and sense of where he comes from. But she does not linger in the background, but rather we get to know her in her own rite.
In book #1, we learned that Zayne and Hamilton’s sister, Arabella was away touring on behalf of the suffragist movement. Now, we get to meet her in person. She is every bit as strong as Eliza and Agatha from book #1, whom she joins forces with in book#2, and she fits right in with their knack for finding trouble. She buts heads with Theodore constantly, but in a very delightful way to the reader. She does have her sensitive moments, and she finds comfort in a very close relationship to God, which I enjoyed very much. The author does a great job of showing how God is not some distant being, but someone we can intimately share our thoughts with daily. Arabella is a well rounded character.
I love that the characters in book #1, are not left behind in the dust. Grayson returns, although still a bit in the background. He enjoys taunting Theodore, although we do not seem to know why. I am looking forward to finding out more about him in the next book, “A Talent for Trouble”.
Ladies of the night also play an important role in the mysteries of this book. I was happy to get to know a little about several of them and see them portrayed in different lights. We are given a strong lesson in the importance of not judging others, but rather opening our eyes to others circumstances and beliefs in order to have compassion and consideration.
The twists and turns of the story are edge of your seat exciting. The last several chapters are somewhat heart pounding and a bit repulsive at its evil root because these things are happening in the world still (I’m trying not to give anything away directly), and the enemy always seeks to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). But, in the end, of course good triumphs and ultimately I was both happy and satisfied. Theodore devises a very grand gesture which is so sweet for the ending.
If you have not already, be sure to download the FREE e-Novella “Gentleman of Her Dreams”, which introduces Charlotte Wilson. She will return in book #4, according to the author. Jen Turano is delightfully approachable on her FB page!
5 out of 5 stars
Things that are included: *A Lovely dedication to her father. *Discussion Questions at the end. *Sweet acknowledgements – apparently Jen comes from a very big family, which I imagine gives her lots of character qualities to draw inspiration from! :)
I received an early reviewer’s copy free from the Bethany House Publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
Heather aka BlueJeansAndTeacups
May 20, 2013
Reread 04/22&23/2025 Every bit as wonderful as the 1st time.
It still rates an enthusiastic 5 stars!
June 28, 2013
A Most Peculiar Circumstance has an excellent beginning, as Miss Arabella Beckett finds herself in jail for the first time in Gilman, Illinois, in November 1880 (I particularly liked the ‘first time’ line—it implied that jail was a surprise, not perhaps not an unexpected one, given her involvement in the women’s suffrage movement and her beliefs around the rights of women (not to mention her habit of travelling without a companion or chaperone).
Arabella prays that God will help her out of this predicament, and almost immediately is visited by a Mr Theodore Wilder. Mr Wilder introduces himself as a friend of her brothers and a private investigator, who has been asked to locate her and return her home to New York, which he does, but the pair argue constantly, even though the reader can see that they share many of the same beliefs. We also see Mr Wilder’s beliefs about rights for women change as the story progresses. Arabella also grows as a character when she gets the opportunity to meet and talk with the women she is trying to reform and protect.
The early scenes were excellent, but things become a bit more confusing when Theodore and Arabella return to New York and we are suddenly introduced to an entire cast of characters that it seemed like I was expected to know—parents, siblings, friends and parents of friends. I assume these are characters from the earlier stories in the series (Gentleman of Her Dreams and A Change of Fortune).
Although we didn’t actually get to see Arabella as an active suffragette, it was good to have this background to her character, and to get an understanding of how long the fight for votes for women took (as an aside, New Zealand was the first country in the world to give women the vote, in 1893, and American women nationally didn’t get the vote until 1920). It was also good to be reminded that some of the ideals we hold as true were not always seen that way… which makes me wonder which of today’s ‘truths’ will be seen as wrong and outdated in the decades to come. I enjoy a novel that can challenge my thinking.
While I enjoyed the story, and particularly the historical, suspense and faith elements, parts of it were difficult to follow because I hadn’t read the earlier book, and I wasn’t entirely convinced by the romance between Arabella and Theodore. Recommended for those who enjoy Christian historical fiction by authors like Karen Witemeyer and Mary Connealy.
Thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
Arabella prays that God will help her out of this predicament, and almost immediately is visited by a Mr Theodore Wilder. Mr Wilder introduces himself as a friend of her brothers and a private investigator, who has been asked to locate her and return her home to New York, which he does, but the pair argue constantly, even though the reader can see that they share many of the same beliefs. We also see Mr Wilder’s beliefs about rights for women change as the story progresses. Arabella also grows as a character when she gets the opportunity to meet and talk with the women she is trying to reform and protect.
The early scenes were excellent, but things become a bit more confusing when Theodore and Arabella return to New York and we are suddenly introduced to an entire cast of characters that it seemed like I was expected to know—parents, siblings, friends and parents of friends. I assume these are characters from the earlier stories in the series (Gentleman of Her Dreams and A Change of Fortune).
Although we didn’t actually get to see Arabella as an active suffragette, it was good to have this background to her character, and to get an understanding of how long the fight for votes for women took (as an aside, New Zealand was the first country in the world to give women the vote, in 1893, and American women nationally didn’t get the vote until 1920). It was also good to be reminded that some of the ideals we hold as true were not always seen that way… which makes me wonder which of today’s ‘truths’ will be seen as wrong and outdated in the decades to come. I enjoy a novel that can challenge my thinking.
While I enjoyed the story, and particularly the historical, suspense and faith elements, parts of it were difficult to follow because I hadn’t read the earlier book, and I wasn’t entirely convinced by the romance between Arabella and Theodore. Recommended for those who enjoy Christian historical fiction by authors like Karen Witemeyer and Mary Connealy.
Thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
January 6, 2015
Review on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/review/RUZRUU2S...
Review on my blog: http://www.christianbookshelfreviews....
A Most Peculiar Circumstance was a fun, quick read. There were many hilarious scenes that had me laughing...I especially loved the first couple chapters! :)
After finding out a little bit about Theodore in A Change of Fortune, it was great to learn even more about him and his family in this story. I also enjoyed Arabella's character. I admit, though, I am most anxious to read Agatha's story (A Match of Wits) - whenever that one becomes available.
I really liked the slight amount of mystery/suspense in A Most Peculiar Circumstance - I was kind of surprised by something that happened towards the end.
Overall, A Most Peculiar Circumstance was a very enjoyable, fun read! I'm now reading A Talent for Trouble (book three) and recommend A Most Peculiar Circumstance for fans of historical romance. You'll probably want to read book one first, though.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
Review on my blog: http://www.christianbookshelfreviews....
A Most Peculiar Circumstance was a fun, quick read. There were many hilarious scenes that had me laughing...I especially loved the first couple chapters! :)
After finding out a little bit about Theodore in A Change of Fortune, it was great to learn even more about him and his family in this story. I also enjoyed Arabella's character. I admit, though, I am most anxious to read Agatha's story (A Match of Wits) - whenever that one becomes available.
I really liked the slight amount of mystery/suspense in A Most Peculiar Circumstance - I was kind of surprised by something that happened towards the end.
Overall, A Most Peculiar Circumstance was a very enjoyable, fun read! I'm now reading A Talent for Trouble (book three) and recommend A Most Peculiar Circumstance for fans of historical romance. You'll probably want to read book one first, though.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
August 4, 2013
Somewhere in the first chapter of this book, I became thoroughly enchanted with these characters and with the writing style of Jen Turano. I had heard good things about this book before reading it, however, I expected just a fun read and did not expect deep characters that I would become attached to! The author has such a creative way of inserting humor throughout the book without lessoning the seriousness of the issues at hand.
Arabella and Theodore do not meet under the best of circumstances and sparks fly immediately as they get to know each other. The fact that Arabella considers whacking Theodore on the head with her parasol a couple of times early on in the story just had me giggling. In fact, I truly enjoyed laughing out loud multiple times throughout this book! But through it all, there is quite the serious situation going on with these characters and the author is very good at showing that the characters have real emotions and feelings.
This is the second book in the series and I made sure to buy the first book and download the free novella currently available on my Kindle. I plan to read every book that comes out by this author. I was blessed to receive this book for free from Bethany House Publishers during a Book Banter event that they held. I am so glad I did.
Arabella and Theodore do not meet under the best of circumstances and sparks fly immediately as they get to know each other. The fact that Arabella considers whacking Theodore on the head with her parasol a couple of times early on in the story just had me giggling. In fact, I truly enjoyed laughing out loud multiple times throughout this book! But through it all, there is quite the serious situation going on with these characters and the author is very good at showing that the characters have real emotions and feelings.
This is the second book in the series and I made sure to buy the first book and download the free novella currently available on my Kindle. I plan to read every book that comes out by this author. I was blessed to receive this book for free from Bethany House Publishers during a Book Banter event that they held. I am so glad I did.
July 24, 2013
A warm entertaining read, with snappy dialogue!
I don't always like characters who infuriate each other, but with Arabella and Theodore I simply couldn't refuse! Their pairing was fun and definitely entertaining, I loved watching them match wits in their witty discussions.
While this is the second book in a series, reading the first book isn't a requirement, though I would strongly suggest reading it simply because of how amazing it is!
I loved the chemistry between the characters and how they both came from two different extremes for the times, with Theodore being more traditional and Arabella being a staunch feminist.
There was mystery and adventure, and tons of fun. I loved seeing Eliza back in this story and seeing how happy she and Hamilton are now. And now I can't wait for Grayson and Felicia's story!
Overall a fun tale with an upbeat feel to it, definitely a fun relaxing read.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
I don't always like characters who infuriate each other, but with Arabella and Theodore I simply couldn't refuse! Their pairing was fun and definitely entertaining, I loved watching them match wits in their witty discussions.
While this is the second book in a series, reading the first book isn't a requirement, though I would strongly suggest reading it simply because of how amazing it is!
I loved the chemistry between the characters and how they both came from two different extremes for the times, with Theodore being more traditional and Arabella being a staunch feminist.
There was mystery and adventure, and tons of fun. I loved seeing Eliza back in this story and seeing how happy she and Hamilton are now. And now I can't wait for Grayson and Felicia's story!
Overall a fun tale with an upbeat feel to it, definitely a fun relaxing read.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
July 11, 2013
Just the right amount of wit, romance, and great plot to keep you more than satisfied. The two main characters both have passionate personalities that at first clash, but soon both find they are intrigued by each other. I can't wait till the third one, it will be a must read!
May 31, 2017
I absolutely loved this book! Jen Turano has such a way with words. This fast-paced book is packed with humor, witty dialogue, and intriguing characters. Read my full review here.
April 14, 2020
About this book:
“Miss Arabella Beckett has one driving passion: to help the downtrodden women of America. Naturally, she supports the women's suffrage movement and eagerly attends rallies and lectures across the country. On her travels, she makes a simple offer of assistance to a young woman in need that goes sadly awry and lands both ladies in more trouble than they can manage. An independent sort, Arabella is loath to admit she needs help and certainly doesn't need help from an arrogant, narrow-minded knight in shining armor.
Mr. Theodore Wilder, private investigator extraordinaire, is on a mission. A mission that began as a favor to his good friend Hamilton Beckett, but swiftly evolved into a merry chase across the country. By the time he finally tracks down Hamilton's sister, Arabella, he is in a less than pleasant mood. When the lady turns out to have radical ideas and a fiercely independent streak, he soon finds himself at his wit's end.
When they return home to New York, circumstances force their paths to continue to cross, but the most peculiar feelings growing between them certainly can't be love. When the trouble Arabella had accidentally stirred up seems to have followed her to New York and threatens her very life, the unlikely couple must face the possibility that they might have landed in the most peculiar circumstance of all: love.”
Series: Book 2 in the “Ladies of Distinction” series {The novella prologue, “Gentleman of Her Dreams”, reviewed Here! and Book #1 “A Change of Fortune”, Here! {I would recommend reading this series in order.}}
Spiritual Content- Prayers & Thanking God; Talks about God, His plans, & faiths; ‘H’s are capitalized when referring to God; Theodore believes in God, but says he does not enjoy a close relationship with Him and is uncomfortable discussing God; Theodore is inspired by Arabella’s faith and says he’s faith has grown; Later in the story, he becomes mad/upset at God but asks God to forgive him; Mentions of God, Bibles, & Scriptures; Mentions of prayers, praying, & thanking God; Mentions of churches, church going, services, & a reverend; Mentions of faiths; A few mentions of being blessed with a talent;
*Note: An insane man believes God wants him to punish prostitutes for their sins; A few mentions of encountering evil; A mention of a man acting like a caveman.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: six ‘idiot’s; Sarcasm & Eye rolling; Being abducted, being hit, being shot, pain, blood/bleeding, & threatened (up to semi-detailed); Fighting & injuries (up to semi-detailed); Aiming guns; All about many mentions of women disappearing, a killer/kidnapper on the loose, women being tied-up, being (physically) threatened with weapons, & dead bodies; Many mentions of jail, arrests, criminals/thieves, & stealing; Mentions of guns being aimed, gunfire, shooting, being shot, injuries, & blood; Mentions of criminals hitting women; Mentions of blackmail; Mentions of liars & lying; Mentions of gossip & eavesdropping; Mentions of alcohol, drinking, drunks, & pubs; A few mentions of smugglers; A few mentions of violence; A few mentions of spankings; A few mentions of hunting; A couple mentions of cigars; A couple mentions of throwing up.
Sexual Content- A barely-above-not-detailed kiss and a semi-detailed kiss; Touches & Hand holding (barely-above-not-detailed); Blushes; Noticing (including noticing muscles and curves) & Smelling (barely-above-not-detailed); Arabella says she found Miss James tied up and that she got trick into (almost) being forced into a prostitution ring (nothing happen to Miss James); Arabella and a couple other ladies go undercover at a place where prostitutes have gone missing (one of the ladies receives an offer from a man); *Spoiler* *End of Spoiler*; Arabella & Theodore greatly disagree (and debate) about the women’s suffrage movement; All about many mentions of prostitution, a prostitution ring, women being tricked/lured in, helping women get out of it (the word ‘harlot’ is used a handful of times), prostitutes disappearing, men who solicit their services, an insane man collecting women, & a man in a foreign country who has women becoming his slaves; Many mentions of matchmaking; Mentions of “ladies of the night”, being mistaken as one, & propositions; Mentions of married couples being affectionate & their affection ensuring another grandbaby soon; Mentions of kisses, kissing, & mistletoe; Mentions of hand & cheek kisses; Mentions of flirting & flirts; Mentions of blushes; Mentions of jealousy; Mentions of romance novels; A few mentions of crushes; A mention of Theodore commenting (at the beginning of the book) that women are truly only required to produce children (as opposed to working outside of the house); Love, falling in love, & the emotions;
*Note: Women are called ‘wench’; A few mentions of women stashing money down their bodices; A couple mentions of being frisked.
-Arabella Beckett, age 24
-Theodore Wilder
P.O.V. switches between them
Set in 1880
339 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Two Stars (and a half)
I feel bad giving book #2 such a low rating compared to #1, “A Change of Fortune”…but as I’ve said before I do not like reading about prostitution & abductions; I don’t think we should fill our minds with that (Philippians 4:8!) so I didn’t like those parts of this book—which is basically the whole plot-line besides Arabella being a big supporter of the women’s suffrage movement. I do love her name though! It’s very pretty. I really liked Arabella and Theodore’s banter in the beginning and found them to be a fun couple, but I wasn’t the biggest fan of the ending. I’ve mentioned before that I really do not like seeing/reading about those who twist Scriptures for evil doings. That really affected my rating along with the prostitution mentions. I do appreciate that nothing was detailed (especially in regards to prostitution), but this wasn’t my favorite book in the series.
Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
“Miss Arabella Beckett has one driving passion: to help the downtrodden women of America. Naturally, she supports the women's suffrage movement and eagerly attends rallies and lectures across the country. On her travels, she makes a simple offer of assistance to a young woman in need that goes sadly awry and lands both ladies in more trouble than they can manage. An independent sort, Arabella is loath to admit she needs help and certainly doesn't need help from an arrogant, narrow-minded knight in shining armor.
Mr. Theodore Wilder, private investigator extraordinaire, is on a mission. A mission that began as a favor to his good friend Hamilton Beckett, but swiftly evolved into a merry chase across the country. By the time he finally tracks down Hamilton's sister, Arabella, he is in a less than pleasant mood. When the lady turns out to have radical ideas and a fiercely independent streak, he soon finds himself at his wit's end.
When they return home to New York, circumstances force their paths to continue to cross, but the most peculiar feelings growing between them certainly can't be love. When the trouble Arabella had accidentally stirred up seems to have followed her to New York and threatens her very life, the unlikely couple must face the possibility that they might have landed in the most peculiar circumstance of all: love.”
Series: Book 2 in the “Ladies of Distinction” series {The novella prologue, “Gentleman of Her Dreams”, reviewed Here! and Book #1 “A Change of Fortune”, Here! {I would recommend reading this series in order.}}
Spiritual Content- Prayers & Thanking God; Talks about God, His plans, & faiths; ‘H’s are capitalized when referring to God; Theodore believes in God, but says he does not enjoy a close relationship with Him and is uncomfortable discussing God; Theodore is inspired by Arabella’s faith and says he’s faith has grown; Later in the story, he becomes mad/upset at God but asks God to forgive him; Mentions of God, Bibles, & Scriptures; Mentions of prayers, praying, & thanking God; Mentions of churches, church going, services, & a reverend; Mentions of faiths; A few mentions of being blessed with a talent;
*Note: An insane man believes God wants him to punish prostitutes for their sins; A few mentions of encountering evil; A mention of a man acting like a caveman.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: six ‘idiot’s; Sarcasm & Eye rolling; Being abducted, being hit, being shot, pain, blood/bleeding, & threatened (up to semi-detailed); Fighting & injuries (up to semi-detailed); Aiming guns; All about many mentions of women disappearing, a killer/kidnapper on the loose, women being tied-up, being (physically) threatened with weapons, & dead bodies; Many mentions of jail, arrests, criminals/thieves, & stealing; Mentions of guns being aimed, gunfire, shooting, being shot, injuries, & blood; Mentions of criminals hitting women; Mentions of blackmail; Mentions of liars & lying; Mentions of gossip & eavesdropping; Mentions of alcohol, drinking, drunks, & pubs; A few mentions of smugglers; A few mentions of violence; A few mentions of spankings; A few mentions of hunting; A couple mentions of cigars; A couple mentions of throwing up.
Sexual Content- A barely-above-not-detailed kiss and a semi-detailed kiss; Touches & Hand holding (barely-above-not-detailed); Blushes; Noticing (including noticing muscles and curves) & Smelling (barely-above-not-detailed); Arabella says she found Miss James tied up and that she got trick into (almost) being forced into a prostitution ring (nothing happen to Miss James); Arabella and a couple other ladies go undercover at a place where prostitutes have gone missing (one of the ladies receives an offer from a man); *Spoiler* *End of Spoiler*; Arabella & Theodore greatly disagree (and debate) about the women’s suffrage movement; All about many mentions of prostitution, a prostitution ring, women being tricked/lured in, helping women get out of it (the word ‘harlot’ is used a handful of times), prostitutes disappearing, men who solicit their services, an insane man collecting women, & a man in a foreign country who has women becoming his slaves; Many mentions of matchmaking; Mentions of “ladies of the night”, being mistaken as one, & propositions; Mentions of married couples being affectionate & their affection ensuring another grandbaby soon; Mentions of kisses, kissing, & mistletoe; Mentions of hand & cheek kisses; Mentions of flirting & flirts; Mentions of blushes; Mentions of jealousy; Mentions of romance novels; A few mentions of crushes; A mention of Theodore commenting (at the beginning of the book) that women are truly only required to produce children (as opposed to working outside of the house); Love, falling in love, & the emotions;
*Note: Women are called ‘wench’; A few mentions of women stashing money down their bodices; A couple mentions of being frisked.
-Arabella Beckett, age 24
-Theodore Wilder
P.O.V. switches between them
Set in 1880
339 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Two Stars (and a half)
I feel bad giving book #2 such a low rating compared to #1, “A Change of Fortune”…but as I’ve said before I do not like reading about prostitution & abductions; I don’t think we should fill our minds with that (Philippians 4:8!) so I didn’t like those parts of this book—which is basically the whole plot-line besides Arabella being a big supporter of the women’s suffrage movement. I do love her name though! It’s very pretty. I really liked Arabella and Theodore’s banter in the beginning and found them to be a fun couple, but I wasn’t the biggest fan of the ending. I’ve mentioned before that I really do not like seeing/reading about those who twist Scriptures for evil doings. That really affected my rating along with the prostitution mentions. I do appreciate that nothing was detailed (especially in regards to prostitution), but this wasn’t my favorite book in the series.
Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
May 31, 2017
This book tugged my heart strings. Saving those women from their lifestyle and just the industry that was involved. Wow. I have a heart for women in that industry and this book is definitely one that I recommend reading. I recommend only if you're not scared of that stuff.
July 4, 2018
This book was so much fun. I loved it. The characters were hilarious and so likable, the romance was adorable (enemies to lovers is one of my favorite tropes), and I found the plot quite interesting. I'm not usually one to read romance novels, but I kind of love this series.
October 11, 2013
This book was incredible! Brilliant! Hilarious! I laughed so hard I cried and and wound up exhausted! I could not put it down - I read all day yesterday! haha
I loved that all the minor characters from the last book didn't change at all - I really can't stand when the heroine from the last book is boring in the second, just because now she's married and is no longer in the spotlight. I loved Eliza's parts in this story!
The hero and heroine in this story were so awesome! I LOVED all the back and forth banter and witticisms. :D
The plot was really good, didn't lag at all, and was realistic. (The guy at the end was seriously creepy! This is the second book I've read in the space of two weeks with a crazy person in it! But he added to the story and gave it another level of depth and singularity.)
Jen Turano offers a clean, fun, mostly-lighthearted, fast paced, Christian fiction story with great- yet simple- spiritual principles we all need to hear more often about trusting in God, giving our lives to Him, and being willing to do His will rather than our own.
I was a little nervous that the story would be filled with feminist views and a who-needs-men mentality, but even though Arabella is definitely a member of the suffrage movement and is fighting for women's right to vote, I never felt like she was trying to dumb down the men around her or imply that the world would be better without them. That was a nice change. :P
Zayne and Theodore's grandparents were definitely my favorite characters (along with Arabella and Theodore, of course. ;)).
This is definitely a new favorite and I can see myself re-reading this and A Chang of Fortune in the not-too-far future - which I don't usually do. ;)
I loved that all the minor characters from the last book didn't change at all - I really can't stand when the heroine from the last book is boring in the second, just because now she's married and is no longer in the spotlight. I loved Eliza's parts in this story!
The hero and heroine in this story were so awesome! I LOVED all the back and forth banter and witticisms. :D
The plot was really good, didn't lag at all, and was realistic. (The guy at the end was seriously creepy! This is the second book I've read in the space of two weeks with a crazy person in it! But he added to the story and gave it another level of depth and singularity.)
Jen Turano offers a clean, fun, mostly-lighthearted, fast paced, Christian fiction story with great- yet simple- spiritual principles we all need to hear more often about trusting in God, giving our lives to Him, and being willing to do His will rather than our own.
I was a little nervous that the story would be filled with feminist views and a who-needs-men mentality, but even though Arabella is definitely a member of the suffrage movement and is fighting for women's right to vote, I never felt like she was trying to dumb down the men around her or imply that the world would be better without them. That was a nice change. :P
Zayne and Theodore's grandparents were definitely my favorite characters (along with Arabella and Theodore, of course. ;)).
This is definitely a new favorite and I can see myself re-reading this and A Chang of Fortune in the not-too-far future - which I don't usually do. ;)
May 27, 2013
Another entertaining read from Jen Turano. It's the second book in the Ladies of Distinction series, as if you didn't already know that.
I found it to be pleasant and light. A very warm read. Romance, with a dash of suspense. Not much, though. Just a little sprinkle around the edges.
It was interesting. This is Arabella's story, Hamilton's sister. She's intelligent, witty, and out to save everyone, all while battling for women's rights. In other words, she's all Theodore, the private investigator, disagrees with in a woman. They most certainly loath each other.
Or do they?
As they are forced to spend more and more time near each other, their loathing softens and they decide they can be sort-of friends. It works out well, for a bit. Until Arabella gets into more and more trouble, requiring more and more of Theodore's attention.
It's a fun and simple read for any Historical Christian Fiction fan. It's filled with humor, wit, romance, and suspense to keep you entertained.
I found it to be pleasant and light. A very warm read. Romance, with a dash of suspense. Not much, though. Just a little sprinkle around the edges.
It was interesting. This is Arabella's story, Hamilton's sister. She's intelligent, witty, and out to save everyone, all while battling for women's rights. In other words, she's all Theodore, the private investigator, disagrees with in a woman. They most certainly loath each other.
Or do they?
As they are forced to spend more and more time near each other, their loathing softens and they decide they can be sort-of friends. It works out well, for a bit. Until Arabella gets into more and more trouble, requiring more and more of Theodore's attention.
It's a fun and simple read for any Historical Christian Fiction fan. It's filled with humor, wit, romance, and suspense to keep you entertained.
April 28, 2016
I loved Jen's first book A Change of Fortune so I was very excited to read this new book! I was not disappointed. Arabella is a delightful character that made me laugh many times as she interacted with others. I honestly can't imagine growing up in such a prominent family during a time when women were only meant to have children and cook and clean. Arabella clearly pushes the envelope and lands herself in jail a couple of times, which the author laces with humor. Jen Turano is such a funny author, she is so good at including small hilarious details. I'm sure if I go back and re-read her books I will notice new details I didn't the first time.
You don't have to read the first book to enjoy this one, but there are the same characters in both so I was glad that I had read the first book.
I highly recommend this book for some history on women's rights and if you need a laugh.
"I received this book from Bethany House and the author for free in exchange for an honest review."
You don't have to read the first book to enjoy this one, but there are the same characters in both so I was glad that I had read the first book.
I highly recommend this book for some history on women's rights and if you need a laugh.
"I received this book from Bethany House and the author for free in exchange for an honest review."
August 14, 2014
A Most Peculiar Circumstance takes us back to a place in history during the Women's Suffrage movement, in which we find Arabella Beckett working on behalf of women everywhere. Our heroine is a woman full of spunk and whit not willing to sit and watch life pass her by, but instead she sets out to leave her mark in this world.
From the very beginning Arabella's antics will amuse you, as we find her in jail matching whits with the investigator Theodore Wilder, who her family has sent to find her. Sparks continue to fly as they travel home to their families and are thrown together time and time again due to various circumstances. Arabella's life becomes endangered and it's up to Theodore to not only protect her from unseen danger, but also to protect her from herself and her habit of heading straight for trouble.
Jen Turrano does a wonderful job building a complex plot full of danger, humor and of course love and I am anxious to read the rest of the stories in this series.
From the very beginning Arabella's antics will amuse you, as we find her in jail matching whits with the investigator Theodore Wilder, who her family has sent to find her. Sparks continue to fly as they travel home to their families and are thrown together time and time again due to various circumstances. Arabella's life becomes endangered and it's up to Theodore to not only protect her from unseen danger, but also to protect her from herself and her habit of heading straight for trouble.
Jen Turrano does a wonderful job building a complex plot full of danger, humor and of course love and I am anxious to read the rest of the stories in this series.
June 28, 2015
A Most Peculiar Circumstance by Jen Turano was a great, entertaining and heart-warming read from start to finish. Arabella had me laughing from the start with her witty comments and exciting adventures. Her relationship with Theodore was certainly evident but not in an overwhelming way. Each character shined with distinct personalities making you feel as if you actually know them. The plot was fantastic as well. It had the mystery and excitement without overshadowing the delightful personalities of the characters. Overall I would definitely recommend this book to anyone!
A special thanks to Bethany House for providing me the ARC.
A special thanks to Bethany House for providing me the ARC.
December 20, 2016
Arabella zieht Ärger förmlich an. Die mutige Streiterin für die Rechte der Frauen, sitzt in der Klemme oder besser gesagt im Gefängnis. Zu ihrer Rettung erscheint der Privatdetektiv Theodor, der sie auf Wunsch ihrer Familie schon eine ganze Weile verfolgt, sollte er sie doch zur Hochzeit ihres Bruders bringen. Nun hat er die eigenwillige Schönheit am Hals und mit ihr jede Menge Aufregung.
Ich habe mich beim Lesen oftmals amüsiert, allerdings störte mich die betont christliche Botschaft, die sich durch das ganze Buch zog. Kaum hatte sie gebetet, nahte die Rettung.
Ich habe mich beim Lesen oftmals amüsiert, allerdings störte mich die betont christliche Botschaft, die sich durch das ganze Buch zog. Kaum hatte sie gebetet, nahte die Rettung.
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