After growing up as an orphan, Millie Longfellow is determined to become the best nanny the East Coast has ever seen. Unfortunately, her playfulness and enthusiasm aren't always well received and she finds herself dismissed from yet another position.
Everett Mulberry has quite unexpectedly become guardian to three children that scare off every nanny he hires. About to depart for Newport, Rhode Island, for the summer, he’s desperate for competent childcare.
At wit’s end with both Millie and Everett, the employment agency gives them one last chance–with each other. As Millie falls in love with her mischievous charges, Everett focuses on achieving the coveted societal status of the upper echelons. But as he investigates the suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of the children’s parents, will it take the loss of those he loves to learn whose company he truly wants for the rest of his life?
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.
I had so much fun hanging out with Miss Longfellow and Mr. Mulberry in this historical fiction novel. At first this story reminded me of Mary Poppins professional nanny; who did things a little differently than most. The kids loved her and the parents questioned her methods. Mr. Everett Mulberry says to Miss Longfellow; “Where are the children?”
“They are perfectly fine, Mr. Everett. I’ve tied them up in the nursery.”
“Forgive me, but you didn’t just say you’ve tied up the children, did you?”
“Indeed I did…Oh, I’ve never tied children up before today. Before you dismiss me – something your expression clearly states you long to do – the whole tying-up business was the children’s idea.”
“You would have me believe they wanted you to tie them up?”
“Don’t be silly. If you must know, they insisted on tying me up first; but obviously, since I’m standing in front of you, I was able to free myself…In the spirit of fair play, I convinced them it was their turn to be held captive.”
As the story went along and Miss Longfellow got to know Mr. Everett Mulberry and his 3 wards the story had elements of the Sound of Music. Then near the end the story reminded me of the Cinderella movie titled Ever After with Drew Barrymore. There was an elegant ball and a mystery that needed to be solved. There was so much I enjoyed about this novel. I adored Miss Millie Longfellow; she was creative in interacting with the children, she had spunk and wit. I also enjoyed the authors quirky and love-able secondary characters. Oh, there is someone to dislike too, Caroline. She was just mean.
I also adored the fact that Millie was fascinated by words. She took great delight in discovering a new word and trying to use it properly. One of Millie’s friends Lucetta says to Millie, “What a wonderful use of the word disposed.”
“Millie turned to Lucetta, “I learned it just today – from Mrs. Cutling, of all people – As well as the word abhorrent, but I haven’t yet been able to fit that appropriately into any of my conversations so far.”
This author is creative, and witty, as she sprinkled in plenty of humor, twists and turns and fun dialogue. I was hooked from the first line, “Consider yourself dismissed. Effective…immediately.” I instantly connected with Millie and felt bad about her situation! My heart went out to her as she put her whole-being into whatever she did. She wasn’t a quitter.
I loved hanging out with these larger than life believable characters who maneuvered the rules and manners of rich society. This is the first novel I’ve read by this amazing author, it definitely won’t be the last.
I highly recommend this delightful read for pure fun. It would make a great read for your book club pick as well. There is so much in here. It will leave you wanting more! You'll be searching out the other books this author has written! I know I did!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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”
Simply a delightful read. I am a bit shocked at myself rating such a light read five stars. This is certainly not my typical five star read.
In Good Company was pleasing from the first to the final page. It was filled with humorous quips, characters with warm hearts, characters with cold hearts and a bit of mystery. In addition, there was a parallel to Pride and Prejudice. Very well done.
I highly recommend this novel for those that enjoy romantic comedy. A similarly well done novel was Like a Flower in Bloom by Siri Mitchell.
This book was just what I needed: a light, fun romance with characters I enjoyed. I literally laughed out loud repeatedly as I read it on a car trip. My husband said he loved hearing me laugh. There is enough conflict to keep the romance rolling along in a fun and engaging way. This book is perfect for those who love a romance that will keep them in stitches.
I have tried three times to get into this one, but the immature antics and congregate-in-the-bathroom-while-someone-is-taking-a-bath thing were simply too much nonsense for my reading taste.
After my mediocre encounter with After a Fashion, I entered into In Good Company with considerably lowered expectations. Frankly, it wasn't much better than After a Fashion, but at least this time around I was better prepared, and I really tried to appreciate it more for what it was.
A few things still grated on my nerves (certain expressions and words were repeated A LOT) and some situations were a tad too silly (like anything to do with the peacocks. le what.) but overall I was invested enough to read it through, and really like Millie and Everett together. And okay, a lot of this book IS funny, if you can overlook historical inaccuracies and a general sense of silliness.
Characters are endearing. Dialogue is absolutely hilarious at times. Plot is mostly good fun. It's definitely a good escapist novel, and I'm still interested enough to read the last book of the series. Maybe I'll be in a better frame of mind to really appreciate it for what it is.
Once again, Jen Turano has proven to me that the 2nd books in her series with her incredibly quirky female characters are my favorite!
Millie is an absolute kick in the pants. Her with her dictionary couldn't get any more funny! If anyone is misunderstood in their chosen profession, it's definitely her. Millie's way of thinking cracks me up!
Everett is still detached from the children who have come into his care. The fact that he HAS to get a nanny asap because high and mighty Caroline is requiring him to because of her disdain for the children. And speaking of those children, they are NOT prepared for Millie and I loved it! How Millie "cares" for the kids is a hoot. And she does it with such innocence. On the flip side, Caroline is a horrendous, uppity snob who tries to paint Millie in the worst light every chance she gets.
I enjoyed seeing Everett's feelings grow and change towards Millie as he spends so much time with her as she takes care of the children his best friend left in his care. It goes to show that we shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, but what's between the pages.
Absolutely enjoyed this story and so far this entire series! Not to be missed if you like to laugh out loud throughout the entire thing!
An incredibly cute and funny story! I just loved Everett and Millie's relationship, and I think I actually like this book better than the first one. I now need to read Lucetta's story. And every other Jen Turano book I can get my hands on :P
“After spending her childhood in an orphanage, Millie Longfellow is determined to become the best nanny the East Coast has ever seen. Unfortunately, her playfulness and enthusiasm tend to bring about situations that have employers looking askance at her methods. After her most recent dismissal, Millie is forced to return yet again to an employment agency. Everett Mulberry has suddenly and quite unexpectedly found himself responsible for three children he’s never met. Attempting fatherhood while also pacifying the less-than-thrilled socialite he intends to marry is made even more complicated when the children scare off every nanny he hires. About to depart for Newport, Rhode Island, for the summer, he’s desperate for competent childcare. At wit’s end with both Millie and Everett, the employment agency gives them one last chance–with each other. Everett is wary of Millie’s penchant for disaster, and she’s not entirely keen on another snobby, grumpy employer, but they’re both out of options. As Millie falls in love with her mischievous charges and tries to stay one step ahead of them, Everett is more focused on achieving the coveted status of society’s upper echelons. As he investigates the suspicious circumstances surrounding the children’s parents’ death, will it take the loss of those he loves to learn whose company he truly wants for the rest of his life?”
Series: Book #2 in the “A Class of Their Own” series. (Book #1’s review Here!)
Spiritual Content- Talks about God & our purpose here; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Elizabeth is mad at God from taking her parents (discusses about that); Prayers & mentions of praying; Mentions of Church going. (Both Millie and Everett grow in their faiths by the end.)
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: three ‘shut up’s and six ‘idiot’s; Brawls, fighting & bruises (barely-above-not-detailed); Champagne is served at a ball; Mentions of gambling; Mentions of children being slapped.
Sexual Content- two barely-above-not-detailed kisses, a semi-detailed kiss and a detailed kiss; Hand kisses; Wanting to kiss; Noticing & Hearts beating fast (semi-detailed); Touches & Embraces (barely-above-not-detailed to semi-detailed); A mention of adding stuffing to a lady’s bodice area to get a man’s attention; A mention of someone thinking that actresses have questionable reputes; Mentions of men saying rude things to Lucetta; Hints about having affairs after a couple is married; Love, falling in love, & the emotions. *Note: A mention of unmentionables; A mention of a neckline that isn’t too modest but doesn’t show so much skin.
-Millie Longfellow -Everett Mulberry P.O.V. switches between them. (With the Epilogue in the Reverend’s) Set in 1882 347 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Pre Teens- One Star New Teens- One Star (and a half) Early High School Teens- Three Stars Older High School Teens- Four Stars My personal Rating- Four Stars Oh goodness! I was so excited to read this novel! Jen Turano has such funny books and “In Good Company” was no exception. ;) I loved reading about Millie and the kiddos (but Everett could have been whacked with a croquet ball a couple times…kidding! I’m kidding! ;) )
*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. *I received this book for free from the Publisher (Bethany House) for this review.
What would happen if Pride & Prejudice (without all the eloping) met The Sound of Music (without all the songs)? Throw in the hilariously entertaining writing style of Jen Turano, and you have a book that will from now on sit firmly at the top of my favorites list!
I adore Millie. She’s totally without guile, she’s sweet and spunky, and to top it all off… she’s a bookworm! Even if I hadn’t already loved her (which I did), she would have won me over with her description of what she had packed in her essentials bag: a few of her fave dictionaries, a thesaurus, her Bible, several of Shakespeare’s works, and two books by Jane Austen. Then she got around to shoving in some clothes. And bless her heart, she still hasn’t quite mastered her words yet. I laughed out loud once when Everett told her to spend some more time in the D’s since those words seemed to be giving her the most trouble that day.
The rest of the characters are just as lively! Our returning characters from After A Fashion get more page time – Everett (dreamy sigh), Mrs. Hart, Reverend Gilmore, Lucetta Plum, and sadly Caroline Dixon (who’s even…peachier… than she was in the first book, let me tell you). The children (and their various animals and antics – the peacocks!!!!) very often steal the show, however. I thought Jen Turano did a fantastic job of writing the three kids – depicting their sibling loyalty and aggravation as well as the deeper reasons behind their behaviors. She also did a fantastic job of writing the truly annoying (and then some) Caroline Dixon. I cringed every time she appeared on the page and sorta read with one eye closed during her scenes, almost as though my subconscious knew already it would be wincing and wanted to get a jump start on the expression. I also have to say that Reverend Gilmore and Abigail Hart are just becoming dearer and dearer to me as the series progresses.
This is truly zany mischief at its best, and there were very few scenes where I was not at least grinning and at most giggling out loud! (Those less humorous scenes were usually monopolized by Caroline the cantankerous, though some of her scenes had their moments too.) From little quirks to out-and-out hilarity, this book will bring joy into your life for sure!
But beyond the humor, there is also an underlying current of “sweet” that swims throughout the story. Warm affection toward children who have lost everything will tug at your heart, and watching the little family adapt to each other will make you want to go give out some hugs of your own. (Just make sure you actually know the children you are hugging. That could prove problematic otherwise.)
Bottom Line: In Good Company is a fun, sweet, breathless (from both laughter and swooning) romance with just the right amounts of suspense & villainy & faith thrown into the plot. You will giggle, cry, get angry, and cheer as these endearing characters parade through the Newport social scene with their own sense of class and style. If you love historical fiction and you have a soft spot for Mr. Darcy, don’t miss this book!
(I received a copy of this book from Bethany House as well as Netgalley in exchange for only my honest review.)
After growing up as an orphan, Millie Longfellow is determined to become the best nanny the East Coast has ever seen. Unfortunately, her playfulness and enthusiasm aren't always well received and she finds herself dismissed from yet another position.
Everett Mulberry has quite unexpectedly become guardian to three children that scare off every nanny he hires. About to depart for Newport, Rhode Island, for the summer, he’s desperate for competent childcare.
At wit’s end with both Millie and Everett, the employment agency gives them one last chance–with each other. As Millie falls in love with her mischievous charges, Everett focuses on achieving the coveted societal status of the upper echelons. But as he investigates the suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of the children’s parents, will it take the loss of those he loves to learn whose company he truly wants for the rest of his life?
This is the second book in the series A Class of Their Own by Jen Turano and I'm loving following the stories of these three friends whose lives are being changed by love! :)
Millie appears somewhat ditzy but she's knows what she's talking about when it comes to her natural gift with children. The only problem is that she's unconventional with her methods and that causes her to lose more than one position. When Everett gets desperate enough to hire her and then desperate enough to keep her on even after the first fiasco ...well things just go downhill and uphill at the same time! LOL
I didn't immediately fall in love with these two just because Millie's character was a little different and Everett was so set on his social status. But that's not a bad thing because as I read the book I was able to see how they grew and changed. And in the end I loved them as a couple as much as I did Oliver & Harriet from the first book, After A Fashion.
This book wasn't as funny as the first book was but there were several times when I had to laugh at some of the stuff that happens with the three kids. And the secondary characters were great! I love Abigail and Rev. Gilmore! Abigail has taken on the three friends as her wards and uses all her resources to "interfere" and push them into finding true love. Rev. Gilmore prays urgently for each girl and then becomes Abigail's accomplice.
As always, another great book from Jen Turano! I can't wait for the third one! :)
*Thanks to Bethany House for the complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions stated are my own.*
This was Millie and Everett's story. It had themes of learning to cherish children, to openly grow in the Lord and to respect people for who they are, not their social status.
This also had a parallel theme with Pride and Prejudice, which was very fun and well done. I found this to be a gratifying read and I think many would enjoy it's wholesome feel. I borrowed this book from the library, but plan on purchasing a one of my own:)
Favorite Quote: “Were you just… praying?” Everett asked.
“I always pray before I proceed with life-threatening situations.”
“Does it help?”
“I’m still alive, aren’t I?”
Age Range: 15+ for romance.
5/5
My Thoughts:
This was my first book by Jen Turano, and I can’t wait to read another one! All of her characters were unique and her writing pulled me into their world.
The main character, Millie, had me laughing so much! She isn’t the normal proper nanny most people expect. Her discipline methods include tying children to chairs and dumping water on their heads. No, she doesn’t torture them ;)
The main male character, Everett, inherits three children after the death of a dear friend and doesn’t know what to do with them. That’s where Millie comes in. He is courting a very snobby society lady, Caroline, not due to genuine attraction but because it will benefit both of them. I really enjoyed his character, even if he was a little oblivious sometimes. I did dislike Caroline with a passion. There aren’t many characters I hate but she grated on my nerves immensely! I think that was the point ;)
OVERALL: I loved this book and will definitely be coming back to visit these characters again.
I received this book for free from The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review
I’m disappointed in this really. I was enjoying the story, other than Thaddeus, one of Everett’s three wards, wore only dresses and refused to wear pants, and Everett wouldn’t do anything about it. I knew from someone that he does eventually come to wear pants, but I was so irritated by this fact that I could not go on. There’s one point where Thaddeus asks Millie “how’d you know I was a boy? I’m wearing a dress.” Which I found very disturbing. And then the final straw was when Everett introduced the kids in a public setting and one of his acquaintances chuckles and says something about their clothes. As they’re leaving Thaddeus says to Everett “I think that man was laughing at my dress.” And Everett was irritated at the man and said in his thoughts how it wasn’t that mans place. And I was just like you know what, I’m done. I couldn’t justify continuing to read it because i was uncomfortable. I’m sad though, because even though I struggled on and off with the first book, I did end up enjoying it and was looking forward to the next two books. But now…I don’t know if I even want to read book three. And I’m considering just getting rid of the whole series as this one has ruined it for me.
So, it's a fun story with a sweet ending. Millie is a spunky young woman much too prone to have mishaps, and her character is tons of fun to get to know. The peacocks drama is hilarious indeed...
There were a number of things that didn't add up that did distract me. (Mild spoilers) -Her reading material vs. her vocabulary...a number of the words she had to look up in conversation would have been in common use in that day, but would have been some of the easier terms used in the classics she was reading. -The children wearing frocks made out of curtains. Um, really? We are never told why Elizabeth decides to sew curtains into frocks. Realistically, the servants would have taken away their regular clothes and instantly slapped them into mourning after the parents' deaths—before the funeral even occurred. -The idea of having an private swimming-pool built. Sorry, people were already deciding to build private pools in the late 1800s. It was a time of great focus on personal fitness in the upper classes. -Seeing whales in the bay: in the days of old, whale oil demand greatly diminished the whale population. This wouldn't be likely, much less seeing two in summertime.
SUMMARY: After growing up as an orphan, Millie Longfellow is determined to become the best nanny the East Coast has ever seen. Unfortunately, her playfulness and enthusiasm aren't always well-received and she finds herself dismissed from yet another position.
Everett Mulberry has quite unexpectedly become guardian to three children that scare off every nanny he hires. About to depart for Newport, Rhode Island, for the summer, he's desperate for competent childcare.
At wit's end with both Millie and Everett, the employment agency gives them one last chance--with each other. As Millie falls in love with her mischievous charges, Everett focuses on achieving the coveted societal status of the upper echelons. But as he investigates the suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of the children's parents, will it take the loss of those he loves to learn whose company he truly wants for the rest of his life?
REVIEW: No one combines humor, romance, and historical fiction better than Jen Turano. I laughed my way through After a Fashion and found this one focusing on Millie just as well done. Jen Turano has a delightful imagination and brings Millie to life. I love the fact that Millie truly understands and empathizes with children yet at the same time is determined to teach them the difference between right and wrong. She realizes that kids need to be kids and that this sometimes includes outlandish behavior on their part as well as hers.
Everett was somewhat slow to realize he had been looking at life all wrong and that there were more important things to place first such as family and faith rather than one's social standing and what everyone had to say about you. But it was wonderful to see him grow and develop as a true gentleman rather than an upper class snob.
Turano's faith thread winds it way gently throughout the book as both the children and adults learn the importance of their relationship with God and the role he needs to play in their lives. I loved the fact that Rev. Gilmore though a deeply spiritual man was written as a realistic person who understood the realities of life.
I look forward to reading the last of the books in this series: Playing the Part and finding out what happens to Lucetta! I am sure there are more high jinx to follow.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "There've been many times when I've been gainfully employed when I can only squeeze reading in late at night. Sometimes I end up regretting that decision in the morning, but I don't think reading is a pleasure I'll ever be able to abandon."
"I've always believed God has a certain purpose for all of us, and once we fulfill that purpose, He calls us home." (Have to admit I am giving this statement a lot of thought and prayer.)
"Sitting in a pew, listening to words but not really listening to words, does not make one a person of faith."
"..God can help you , but you're going to have to ask Him for assistance, and you're going to have to trust Him."
This was a well written Christian historical romance novel with good character development. As is the case with every book that I have read by Jen Turano, I found this story to be highly entertaining; it made me happy and amused throughout most of the novel when I didn't want to strangle Caroline of course. This series has been a good one although not my favorite one of Turano's, and I look forward to reading Lucetta's story.
After growing up as an orphan, Millie Longfellow is determined to become the best nanny the East Coast has ever seen. Unfortunately, her playfulness and enthusiasm aren't always well received and she finds herself dismissed from yet another position. Everett Mulberry has quite unexpectedly become guardian to three children that scare off every nanny he hires. About to depart for Newport, Rhode Island, for the summer, he’s desperate for competent childcare. At wit’s end with both Millie and Everett, the employment agency gives them one last chance–with each other. As Millie falls in love with her mischievous charges, Everett focuses on achieving the coveted societal status of the upper echelons. But as he investigates the suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of the children’s parents, will it take the loss of those he loves to learn whose company he truly wants for the rest of his life?
If someone were to ask me, “What is a really good Christian and hilarious novel to read?” I would most definitely tell them to read In Good Company by Jen Turano. Filled with ‘laugh-your-head-off’ moments as well as ‘warm-your-heart’ moments, In Good Company made me never want to stop reading. Main Characters: Everett and Millie’s bantering was wonderfully written, with just the right amount of annoyance and attraction on each part. Through each chapter, I was rooting for Millie with everything she did. Millie’s headstrongness was so relatable. Everett’s skirmish between his head and his heart was totally understandable as he battled his emotions. Side Characters: The children were very likeable. I absolutely loved their playful attitude and how each had a different personality as well as story. All of their pranks were awesome, and I loved how Millie dealt with them! Abigail’s matchmaking was hilarious—buying gowns for Millie and things like that! Lucetta was so lovable—smart, kind, confident! (If you like her story, be sure to read the next book in the Ladies of Distinction series!) Caroline’s character was written wonderfully well. She reminded me of Caroline from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, which means, “Great job, Jen Turano!” Overall: In Good Company was worth reading! Chapters lead into chapters smoothly, leaving off on parts where I wanted to keep reading. The book started and ended wonderfully. The cover was intriguing, with a mix of playfulness and mystery. So, last of all, I would give this book a four star rating!
In Good Company is my favorite in this series!! (I am almost finished listening to book 3). I enjoy Jen Turano's books and am constantly amazed by her unique storylines and quirky characters. This could be read as a standalone novel, but I recommend reading the books in order to understand the friendship between the three leading ladies the series follows.
I love Millie!! She is a wonderful character. Her propensity for mixing up words makes for quite a few laugh-out-loud moments. Her unorthodox ways might get her fired from her jobs, but they also add humor to the story. She is the first bookish character I have met that carries a dictionary, but it perfectly suits her. She is also sweet, loving, and loyal.
Everett gets on my nerves, especially at the beginning. While he didn't plan on raising his friends' children he didn't help the situation by referring to them as "the brats." It didn't help that his sweetheart, Caroline, loathed the children and was always threatening to send them off to boarding school. The children were precocious and trying to find their way after their world was turned upside down by their parent's death. Not only that but being uprooted from their home and brought to a house where no one showed them much affection or attention.
When Everett and Millie are forced to work together, the story picks up and soars. There were so many amusing moments but heart-wrenching ones as well. I love Turano's stories and highly recommend them to anyone who loves historical fiction interspersed with humor.
Nancy Peterson does a fabulous job narrating In Good Company. Her voice makes for easy listening.
Madcap mischief and mayhem! Oh my goodness but this was such a fun read. Millie's a kind of maverick Mary Poppins without the magic carpetbag...though she has plenty of magic up her sleeves when it comes to dealing with Everett's precocious wards.
Everett is...to put it bluntly...a snob and I truly did not like him upon first meeting. Not one little bit. My opinion of him didn't improve on the second encounter either. Nor the third. But then Millie's guileless charm begins to take effect and I quickly became a fan of one very discombobulated high society gentleman whose world had just been turned upside down. I even felt sorry for him a time or two. And he really did morph into the most gallant of heroes by the end.
And then there's the villain you love to hate, Caroline -- the Cruella De Vil of historical romance. I fumed through her scenes. Her catty comments raised my blood pressure. She's diabolical and self-centered and cruel and vindictive and...Honestly I dreaded her scenes as much as I rabidly read them in avid anticipation of her ultimate comeuppance.
Oh -- and the peacocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You have to read this book just for the peacocks. Really. You do. Just read the book and you'll know what I mean. But don't expect to stop laughing anytime soon if you do.
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Wow. What to say? Jen turano has a wellspring of talent and captivating wit that is hard to convey in a mere review! Reading along, the plot itself in this novel seemed a bit on the lighter side and not a big deal; the book consists mainly of Everetts relationship with his young wards and Millies trials and error through her nannying career, while trying to discover her worth and purpose. Don't get me wrong- this story was in no ways slow paced or lagging. It had me laughing and saying "aw" all the way through. And, in typical Turano fashion, the plot burst into last minute life with a quickly developed and crescending climax, including a completely unexpected plot twist at the very end! A befuddled and geeky heroine, a classy but oblivious hero, a slimy and infuriating villain, along with many hilarious and memorable friends and loveable children along the way. One of the most adorable Darcy/Lizzie duos in modern literature. Highly satisfying. I am beyond stoked for book 3.
My goodness, Jen Turano does it again! I was left laughing out loud while reading and getting stares from my husband in the process.
Millie Longfellow's story certainly does not disappoint and the added humour through out the book makes Millie's story all the more endearing. I particularly loved the antics Millie gets up to and her use or should I say, misuse of vocabulary from her beloved dictionary.
Everett Mulberry is in need of a nanny and is left with no choice but to hire Millie to look after his inherited god-children. Millie however falls in love with them.
I love this part when Everett asks Millie if she is taking the position as Nanny because of the money. Millie's reply says much about her: "It's never about the money Everett. It's only about the children. Maybe with time, you'll understand that." I would say that by the end of the book, Everett has a better understanding of his god-children and their place in his life.
The second in Turano’s A Class of Their Own series is as endearing as the first. Infused with humor, a healthy dose of romance and even a little mystery, readers will enjoy the characters and their zany situations. Why Everett stays with Caroline for so long is a puzzle, but the ultimate conclusion is delightful. Millie Longfellow loves caring for children, but finds herself out of a job. Everett Mulberry has become the guardian of three youngsters after their parents died, but they have managed to run off every nanny he has hired. They are putting a crimp in his society lifestyle and he’s at his wit’s end. Although he doesn’t trust her, Everett ends up hiring Millie to care for the children. Despite their difference in social status, Millie and Everett are drawn to each other.
Millie Longfellow grew up as an orphan without someone to really care for her. As a result, she's determined to be the best nanny that she can be. The problem that has seen her dismissed from several positions is that she's playful and enthusiastic. Everett Mulberry has unexpectedly become the guardian of three children. The children have the uncanny ability of running of countless nannies. About to leave for Newport for the summer with the children and the woman he is courting, Everett is desperate for childcare. Fed up with both Millie and Everett, the employment agency gives them one last chance - with each other. Millie soon falls for her young charges while he sets his sights on obtaining the social status of the very wealthy. Everett begins to see that the woman he's courting is manipulative and demanding. Both Millie and Everett soon discover that there is more to the deaths of the children's parents than first thought. But the summer's coming to a close soon. Will it take the possible loss of all he holds near and dear for Everett to realize just whose company is good enough?
This is my first book by Jen Turano. I have to wonder what took me so long. I kept hearing about her books and being told that I'd love them. But for whatever the reason, I just couldn't get around to them. I was delighted to finally be able to read one. While this is book two, the book stands alone, and I was not lost by reading it first.
I loved Millie. I loved how much fun she was. And that her methods were not socially accepted but that the children loved them made her an even more fun character to read about. I also loved how she really wasn't intimidated by the members of the upper class but was able to hold her own with them.
I really thought that Everett needed help. A lot of help. He came across as stiff and unyielding, but I did grow to like him. I really liked it when he came to his senses. I also really enjoyed the children and Millie's high society friend.
There were so many times that I started giggling as I read this book.
I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Recommended to fans of historical fiction, romantic comedy, Mary Connealy, Karen Witemeyer, Melissa Jagears, Melissa Tagg, Regina Jennings
In Good Company: A Class of Their Own, Book Two is an entertaining comedy that had me loving some characters and wanting to bonk others over the head. But then that’s how Turano writes, and it’s brilliant!
Millie is one of my favorite characters so far. She’s cheeky and absolutely adores children even though she is hopeless as a nanny—or so it seems. Another thing Millie does that settled her as one of my favorite characters is carry around a dictionary. She gets words confused so she likes to look them up to be sure she says the right word before she opens her mouth. Millie’s not always successful at this but she is desperately trying to educate herself on her own and that is highly commendable to this former home educator.
Everett…well, he’s one I would have taken to bonking over the head. He seems intent on making the worst mistake of his life and just can’t see it. The ensuing mishaps with Millie only affirm and strengthen his idea that he needs an acceptable society wife and she just doesn’t fit that description.
With a cast of familiar characters, stepping into the pages of this story is like slipping on your most comfortable pair of shoes; they just fit! It also has a puzzling mystery to be solved, which makes In Good Company one of my favorite reads this year. I’m anxiously awaiting Lucetta’s story in Playing the Part (March 2016).
I highly recommend this series to any fan of historical Christian fiction who enjoys a story with elements of mystery, romance and faith!
My appreciation to Bethany House for sending me a copy to review. I wasn’t required to write a positive review, only my opinion of the book. No compensation has been received.
In Good Company is probably my favorite Jen Turano book yet! ( I have to say my fondness for Matilda is still firmly in tact so that book is a very close second!) I loved Millie. She is so sweet, and although her methods a bit odd. I found I rather enjoyed how she chose to teach the children! She truly loved them, and it didn't take long for those three adorable children to love her in return. I loved the children, and they really brought a nice dimension to this story. Everett starts out a tad annoying, but he grew on me as his character grew. Sometimes it takes someone else pointing out to us the things we most need to change.
I think the biggest reason this one is my favorite is because the pace seemed a bit slower and the characters fewer. This helped my reading brain to better focus on the well written plot and characters. This book moves nicely, but it doesn't have the "running" speed I felt the other books had. I love Jen Turano booms because she has a writing style so unique and really a niche market in the Christian Fiction genre. It's so wonderful to read her books that bring levity after a heavier read. They are so much fun and highly enjoyable.
The last reason I loved this one is that the faith element seems stronger in this one. I truly enjoyed the spiritual content and the lessons taught. I highly recommend this terrifically funny and delightful read! So go get your copy and enjoy laughing out loud!
I was given this book through the publisher for my honest opinion which I have given.
Jen's characters are always a load of fun. Witty and heart-warming, In Good Company is a pure delight.
Millie Longfellow needs a nanny job after getting fired yet again. Socialite Everett Mulberry needs a nanny to care for the three mischievous children he's unexpectedly become guardian over. Neither adult believes they'll make a good match, but desperate times call for desperate measures. When the children gang up on Millie in attempt to get rid of her, as well as Everett's fiance, Caroline, they discover they can't outwit this nanny. As Millie's relationship with the children warms, Everett comes to realize Millie quite good at her job after all and enlists Millie's help investigating the mysterious deaths of the children's parents, which angers Caroline. These changes have Everett questioning his place in society, and wondering if he's in good company after all.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical romances and/or stories filled humor. I give this book 5 stars!
A charming story of family found and hope renewed, Jen Turano’s In Good Company will have you laughing out loud!
When I saw that this tale was just released as an audiobook, I had to purchase it! I was thrilled with the narrator Nancy Peterson’s wonderful job interpreting the story in a theatrical fashion that brings Jen’s endearing characters even more to life! I blazed through this delightful audiobook in record time, so if you love Gilded Age tales of romance, suspense, and rags to riches, this is the story for you!
My Rating: FIVE STARS! Easy-to-read! Entertaining! Funny! Happily Ever After! Inspirational! Page-turner! Romantic! Tragic! Unpredictable! Whimsical! Witty! Wonderful characters!
I have a soft spot for orphan stories in general, but this one is utterly charming, with a plethora of lovable characters engaging in all manner of hijinks. Only one thing marred its perfection: Jane Austen is inaccurately portrayed as a frivolous romance novelist no self-respecting 19th century man would admit reading. But, in fact, her writings are literary works of irony/satire which educated men and women read equally in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. However, even the inclusion of one of my big pet peeves didn’t keep this delightful book from rising to the top of my favorite reads of the year so far.