Gentleman of Her Dreams

Ladies of Distinction #0.5

by Jen Turano

When Miss Charlotte Wilson asks God for a husband, she decides He must want her to pursue Mr. Hamilton Beckett, the catch of the season. The only problem? She's never actually met Hamilton. Fortunately, one of her oldest and dearest friends, Mr. Henry St. James--who has returned to New York after a two-year absence--does know Hamilton. Much to Henry's chagrin, Charlotte immediately ropes him into helping her meet Hamilton. However, none of her plans to catch Hamilton's eye go as she expected, and she is even more confused when her old feelings for Henry begin to resurrect themselves. In the midst of the mayhem Charlotte always seems to cause, she wonders if the gentleman of her dreams might be an entirely different man than she thought.This novella is a companion to A Change of Fortune, Jen Turano's full-length debut novel, available fall 2012!

Genres: Romance, Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Christian, Historical, Historical Romance, Fiction

94 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Named 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.

Reviews

[Sarah Grace Grzy · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF

I just can't go any further - it's too painful.

Combine historically inaccurate dialogue and descriptions, cartoon-movie-situations, over-the-top romantic "feels", and a guy who is, of course, incredibly buff and has blue eyes, and you get Gentleman of Her Dreams.

Sorry, Turano fans, this is just not working for me.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally, I have read something by Jen Turano! I had been meaning to try one of her novels for the longest time, and upon learning that this novella took place before her first novel, A Change of Fortune, I decided to read it first. It was great fun and entertained me from beginning to end! Charlotte was sooo funny and her plans to make Mr. Beckett notice her were hilarious, and I laughed out loud many times. I have heard Jen Turano praised to the skies, and if this is a preview of what her style is and what she is capable of, I am already greatly impressed! This short story read super easily, and the wit and humour blended splendidly with the characters. My only complaint is that the ending was too rushed and not romantic enough compared to the rest of the book, and it left me a little dissatisfied at the couple's engagement. But aside that, I am very excited to read something by this author, and cannot wait to read A Change of Fortune!

[R.J. Rodda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

A light breezy read that is enjoyable enough. I did wish the man manned up a bit quicker and that she didn't have so many accidents but if you are looking for a quick romance read this fits the bill.

[Andrea Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

by Andrea Renee Cox

What an adorable story. At first, the leading lady grated on my nerves. Her attitude of wanting to trap a man into marriage just about drove me crazy. However, the character growth that only took five chapters to express won me over. That, and the hunky hero. This was a fun first glimpse at Jen Turano's storytelling. I'm looking forward to reading more of her books soon.

This is my honest review.

[Carol, She's so Novel ꧁꧂ · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5*

A sweet, pleasant bit of fluff. I enjoyed but I didn't feel very engaged by the characters.

Will give this writer another chance since so many of my GR friends think highly of Turano's writing.

[Shannah Mauney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jen Turano's stories always have me in stitches. Her characters are full of life and spunk. I loved this sweet novella, both times I've read it!

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quirky, humorous, and oh so sweet! An adorable novella. ^_^

[Noonecansinkmyship (Tissa) · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

This book is the epitome of we-like-each-other-but-don’t-know-it-so-we’re-just-going-to-suffer-and-make-the-reader-suffer-too.

Honestly disappointed with this read. It reminded me why I’m not a fan of best friend to lovers or even friend to lovers tropes in the first place. Most of the time (although a few books are well done) it’s just people not communicating with each other and we just spend the whole book watching them be dodgy and beat around the bush. So annoying. :/

I’m giving this one a 2.5 because of that one scene the one where they take a LEAKY boat onto a freaking river and they KNOW there’s a leak and both of them know the girl had at least a 90% chance of drowning because of it idiotic choice of a dress. But nooo being “fashionable” to try and catch a gentleman was more important. Gosh. Eye roll much. And the guy just let her because she “muddled his brain” with her smile??? Seriously? At least they realized how idiotic they were afterward, but the only reason why either of them made it out alive was because this is a book. Otherwise, survival of the fittest would’ve had them kicking the bucket. I’m also giving this a 2.5 because of how the entire plot was just based off of them not communicating. Ugh. I still don’t like the main girl (already forgot her name lol). I’m sorry she’s just so dumb... Like she doesn’t do deep processing/think things through before jumping in with both feet so she’s “adventurous.” And all the way until the end she wanted to run away with her “dignity intact” rather than tell him her true feelings. Bruh 🙄. Seriously. And it was right after she and the guy heard the story from the 70 year old lady about how she missed her opportunity for love with her old best friend back in the day. But nooooo the main girl’s going to go and repeat the same mistake for the sake of her “dignity.” But her dignity isn’t an issue when it comes to using a leaky boat to try and cross the Hudson River. And her dignity wasn’t threatened about how desperate she would appear to go to such lengths, even almost drowning, to get an introduction with someone’s she interested in. But when it’s for the man she’s loved for nearly her whole life?! Nope. Dignity rears it’s ugly head! Oh for crying out loud. Yeesh. Sorry I went on a bit of a rant lol.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

At twenty-one, Charlotte Wilson considers herself a spinster and fears she might never meet the right man to marry. To make sure she meets the gentleman of her dreams, she asks for God’s help and she convinces herself that Mr. Hamilton Beckett is the perfect husband for her. The only problem is that she has never been properly introduced to him! Her only hope to pursue the catch of the season is her best friend Henry St. James, that knows Mr. Beckett and, though reluctantly, accepts to help his dear friend Charlotte.

This novella was so amusing! I had a lot of fun reading it, and I am quite surprised it was so engaging. Usually I am not a fan of short stories, but I cannot say anything bad about this one. It was a refreshing, cute story where we have the chance to meet extremely funny characters. Charlotte and Henry were so endearing, and it was lovely to witness all of their mishaps and misunderstandings. They reminded me of Chloe and Gil from Falling for Chloe by Diane Farr, two friends that knew each other very well, that did not need any words to understand each other, but oddly they could not see how much important they were for each other. I love this kind of books!

If you are looking for a funny quick read, “Gentleman of Her Dreams”, a prequel to the “Lady of Distinction” series, is the right story to pick. I look forward to reading the whole series!

[Kellyn Roth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on Reveries Reviews.

A prequel novella to Ladies of Distinction was both amusing and sweet. I enjoyed the characters (although the leading lady annoyed me a little at the first; I soon became amused and even affection, though) and plot. Again, it was a little ridiculous (as with At Your Request), but not too much. I was impressed with the author’s style.

~Kellyn Roth

[Amber Lemus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this novella! It is a boatload of fun that kept me laughing almost the whole time.

The characters remind me of Anne Shirley and Gilbert Blithe. They are well developed and compelling.

This is the first of Jen's books I have read, but it won't be the last.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is short story which is set just before a Change of Fortune, ending on the scene a Change of Fortune begins. It was a delightful little tale about Miss Charlotte Wilson, one of the many woman in New York who believes Mr Hamilton Beckett is the husband for her.

This is a story of a heroine with an aptitude for inventing schemes which always end her and her best friend Henry, who she manages to drag into all her schemes, in trouble or at the doctors! Charlotte was a great heroine - I could really relate to her as she sounds just as accident prone as I am! Henry was a wonderful hero - dashing, handsome, very gallant and he cares a great deal about Charlotte.

What I found amazing was how in such a short tale I really got into the story and felt I got to know, understand and feel for the characters - Charlotte and Henry, in particular. There are many rather amusing incidents, I mean.... adventures between these two best friends, best friends who both wish they were more than just friends, but both unwilling to believe, hope or realise that their love may be reciprocated, and that for Charlotte the gentleman of her dreams might be right in front of her eyes.

This is a perfect companion to a Change of Fortune, or if you read it first, it will give you a feel for the authoresses style and I am sure will make you want to read her full length novels!

This, along with just having read a Change of Fortune, has made me even more excited for her remaining stories - just 80 pages from this authoress and I am completely wrapped up in the story and the characters, and enjoying every word!

[Aerykah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty good quick read that I finished in a couple hours.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so much fun to read! Humorous and witty with unique characters. I loved it! I can’t wait to read more of Jen Turano’s books. :D

[Angela Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

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
📖 "Gentleman of her Dreams" (Prequel Novella)
📖 "A Change of Fortune" (Book 1)
📖 “A Most Peculiar Circumstance" (Book 2)
📖 “A Talent for Trouble" (Book 3)
📖 “A Match of Wits" (Book 4)

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 3 out of 5]

About this book:

“When Miss Charlotte Wilson asks God for a husband, she decides He must want her to pursue Mr. Hamilton Beckett, the catch of the season. The only problem? She's never actually met Hamilton. Fortunately, one of her oldest and dearest friends, Mr. Henry St. James—who has returned to New York after a two-year absence—does know Hamilton. Much to Henry's chagrin, Charlotte immediately ropes him into helping her meet Hamilton. However, none of her plans to catch Hamilton's eye go as she expected, and she is even more confused when her old feelings for Henry begin to resurrect themselves. In the midst of the mayhem Charlotte always seems to cause, she wonders if the gentleman of her dreams might be an entirely different man than she thought.”


Series: This is a novella and #0.5 in the “Ladies of Distinction” series. {I’ll be reviewing all the other four books in this series next week.}


Spiritual Content- Prayers are said; Charlotte prayed for God “to send her the gentleman of her dreams” and she’s certain she’ll get her man because God had “never failed to grant her requests before.”


Negative Content- N/A

Sexual Content- A not-detailed kiss; Henry wishes he could kiss Charlotte & studies her lips (barely above not-detailed); Love & Falling in.

-Charlotte Wlison

-Henry St. James
P.O.V. switches between them.

Set in 1880
81 pages

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens-
New Teens- Two Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars

“Gentleman of Her Dreams”’s ending is about a chapter or so in to “A Change of Fortune”’s storyline; it would be helpful to read this novella before reading book one, “A Change of Fortune” (review on Monday!). I thought “Gentleman of Her Dreams” was probably one of the best novellas I’ve ever read—it wasn’t too short and was just long enough.

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.

[Lady Alexandrine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet! It was a funny novella about romantic adventures of Charlotte and Henry. They made a nice couple. The plot was bursting with crazy ideas and misunderstandings. All in all, it was a fast, heartwarming read. My only complaint is that the novella was a little too sweat at times and at the end everything fell too neatly into place.

[Bekah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novella is exactly that. It is very short which doesn't allow for much depth of story. However, it is enjoyable, and a pleasant introduction to the Ladies of Distinction series.

It is (or was) a free kindle novella so there is absolutely no reason not to read it. It is pleasant when reading the later books to see the nods in this one but it can be stand alone.

I enjoyed it, but there was very little too it. However, it was an enjoyable hours read.

[Bess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it more the second time around!!

This is the 3rd time I've read this. And it never fails to make me smile. After the arduous journey through Plenilune, this is just what is needed for a quick, quirky, sweet, funny read!!

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved, loved, loved this book! Funny, romantic, and just all-around a great novella! Looking forward to reading A Change of Fortune soon! :)

[AlegnaB † · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.4 -- This story was delightful and humorous. After finishing this story, I immediately started on the next one in the series, which starts where this one ends.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlotte considers herself a spinster. She feels it is time to get married, and that God has sent her that man. Only, he isn't who she thinks. The story begins with Charlotte's childhood friend Henry returning to town after being gone for two years. He has changed a lot, Henry is much more muscular than she remembers him. Henry eventually learns she is getting married, but the man is not yet her fiance. He reluctantly agrees to help her get the attention of that man, his name is Hamilton Beckett. Henry and Charlotte have misadventures while trying to get Hamilton Beckett to notice her. The story ends with them at a party at a lavish home and Charlotte figures out she is not the one for Hamilton Beckett. She is still in love with Henry, but doesn't believe he has the same feelings for her. Little does she know Henry is madly in love with her. She sees him with a group of other women, so she joins a group of young men. She gets pulled away from her conversations by Henry. He takes her away and tells her that he loves her. He proposes and Charlotte accepts. This novella ends with Henry and Charlotte embracing in a kiss.

I really enjoyed Jen Turano's novella. It has some humor, of course plenty of romance for all you hopeless romantics, like myself. Pick up this book, you will enjoy it, I guarantee it!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute, fun, easy read. Short and sweet and just what I was in the mood for. For anyone planning on reading this book, be aware that it is a novella. I knew that before I started reading so I was more prepared for the fast-paced storyline.

There were only two minor things that I didn't care for. I thought the ending was too rushed. One moment the guy and girl were confessing their feelings for one another and the next the guy was proposing and they were in each others arms. I wished that the author had taken just a bit more time closing out the story.

I also felt like the two main characters feelings/thoughts throughout this novella were too similar. They both thought the other only considered them a friend, then they were both convincing themselves of that false fact, then they were both annoyed with one another that they couldn't take a hint... I just wished their emotions hadn't been so similar. It was like, they were both having the "exact" same feelings. Kind of a bit irritating.

Those two things aside, I loved this novella and would read it again probably when I just wanted something short and fun. It's a feel good story. Lots of laughing and adorable scenes. Picture Anne Shirley's fiasco of nearly "drowning" at the footbridge with Gilbert saving her, except... intentional. ;)

[Nancy Brady · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this short story from the author in connection with a Shelf Awareness giveaway.
Star-crossed lovers, or actually more like two very good friends at cross purposes, define the relationship of these two people, Henry and and Charlotte. Charlotte is willful and independent (and fearing impending spinsterhood) and has set her sights on Hamilton Beckett while the man she loves thinks of her only as a friend, or so she thinks. The same is true for Henry. He loves her, but thinks she thinks of him as a friend only. Will they ever realize it? And speak their minds (aloud)?

It's a cute romance, but a bit unhistorical in the facts department, it seemed. Word usage and authenticity seemed a bit flawed. Hudson Bay...is there one in and around New York? I know of the one in northern Canada. Ready-to-wear or off-the-rack clothing shoppes during this timeframe? I thought most things needed fittings. Backup plan...is that within the vernacular at the time? These things bothered me, and it made me question so much.

[Shantelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gentleman of Her Dreams was a quick, sweet, and very humorous tale, :-)

I fell into the story at once, and read all through it almost without delay. Quite delightful and charming. I laughed at Miss Charlotte Wilson, sighed over Mr. Henry St. James, and felt some pity for Mr. Hamilton Beckett and all others caught up in Charlotte's schemes... :D

If you're looking for an easy read with refreshing humor and captivating quality, then do try out Gentlemen of Her Dreams and the novels that follow it! :-)

Sweet romance... one kiss or so. No violence. A slightly intense scene. A simple faith theme to tie in with the story.

I look forward to A Change of Fortune!!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a free novella. It was a short, quick read with comic relief. It took place in New York during 1880. The humorous style of writing reminded me of an "I Love Lucy" show with Lucille Ball. The main female character was always plotting something only to find herself in trouble or in some sort of accident where someone was having to "rescue her." If you enjoy the type of humor portrayed on the I Love Lucy show, i think you would enjoy this authors style of writing.

[Jeannette Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella was really cute. I think just from reading this, I would love the full length novel. I thought the writing was well executed as well as the character development... for such a short book. I loved the story between Charlotte and Henry... so typical of best friends to be that oblivious.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute prequel. Hopefully there will be more with these characters in A Change of Fortune - I really liked them!

[Sydney · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was short, sweet, and very well written.
If you are contemplating reading one of Ms. Turano's books, this is a good one to get a feel for how she writes and if you like her style of writing/time setting {Which I did:)}. I will definitely be reading more of her books.

[Charity U · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun book, and easy to read in one evening. Also currently free on Amazon Kindle! If you've enjoyed others by Jen, try this one.