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Apart from the Crowd #3
Caught by Surprise
After years of hiding her true nature, Miss Temperance Flowerdew is finally enjoying freedom outside of the shadow of her relations, so the last thing she expected on her way to work was to be grabbed off the street by a stranger and put on a train bound for Chicago.
When Mr. Gilbert Cavendish is called upon to rescue a missing woman, he follows the trail to Chicago only to discover that the woman is his good friend, Temperance. Before they can discover who was behind her abduction, they're spotted alone together by a New York society matron, putting their reputations at risk.
Even though Gilbert is willing to propose marriage, Temperance is determined not to lose her newfound independence. But when the misunderstanding in Chicago escalates into a threat on her life, accepting Gilbert's help in solving the mystery may lead to more than she ever could have dreamed.
When Mr. Gilbert Cavendish is called upon to rescue a missing woman, he follows the trail to Chicago only to discover that the woman is his good friend, Temperance. Before they can discover who was behind her abduction, they're spotted alone together by a New York society matron, putting their reputations at risk.
Even though Gilbert is willing to propose marriage, Temperance is determined not to lose her newfound independence. But when the misunderstanding in Chicago escalates into a threat on her life, accepting Gilbert's help in solving the mystery may lead to more than she ever could have dreamed.
359 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2018
146 people are currently reading
1918 people want to read
About the author
Jen Turano
31 books2,014 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 310 reviews
July 24, 2018
What an absolutely delightful book! Filled from cover to cover with humor, adventure, mystery, and romance. I loved Temperance, I think she was my favorite of the wallflowers, although I loved the others when I was reading their stories. The conclusion was a bit far-fetched, but that really didn't matter. I just enjoyed the entire ride.
Honestly, I'm not a big historical romance fan, it takes a stellar book to catch my fancy and this one did the trick. Overall a fun read--I definitely recommend reading the series in order so you understand the cast of characters and how they fit into the overall tale.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House and Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
Honestly, I'm not a big historical romance fan, it takes a stellar book to catch my fancy and this one did the trick. Overall a fun read--I definitely recommend reading the series in order so you understand the cast of characters and how they fit into the overall tale.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House and Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
March 14, 2022
A great addition to the series!
Following the usual style, here we have poor Temperance getting abducted instead of her odious cousin!
But, Temperance had enough of her being treated like dirt! Enough is enough!
And what a ride that was! With Gilbert being cought in the middle! LAMOOOO!!!
I really enjoy these books! So much fun!!!
Following the usual style, here we have poor Temperance getting abducted instead of her odious cousin!
But, Temperance had enough of her being treated like dirt! Enough is enough!
And what a ride that was! With Gilbert being cought in the middle! LAMOOOO!!!
I really enjoy these books! So much fun!!!
October 5, 2024
Two and a half stars.
The year is 1883 and the story start in New York City. Miss Temperance Flowerdew is on her way to work at Miss Snook’s School for the Education of the Feminine Mind, when she is grabbed off the street and abducted in a carriage. She soon finds herself on the way to Chicago. Gilbert Cavendish is called in to solve the mystery of a woman who has disappeared, one Clementine Flowerdew. Instead, he finds it is Temperance, his friend of many years. Before they can determine who is responsible for the abduction, Gilbert and Temperance are seen together in the Chicago hotel by a society matron. Given this scandalous situation, Gilbert proposes marriage but Temperance flatly refuses. Unless he can convince her to change her mind! But stubbornness is one of Temperance’s traits and she is sick of people trying to run her life.
Temperance is a spunky fun character once she regains her sense of self worth, which had just about been destroyed by the relatives she was sent to live with after the death of her parents. Gilbert is at times clueless..
This is book 3 in a series but it reads fine as a stand alone. It started out a rollicking romp and is amusing in tone. Pacing the biggest problem. I felt the whole marriage and romance issue between Gilbert and Temperance took far too long getting to the point. And then towards the end a number of things seemed to happen all at once in the story which felt contrived. It really does stretch credibility to the limit.
Just an okay read for me. A lot of people will no doubt enjoy it though, so maybe try it. And see what you think.
The year is 1883 and the story start in New York City. Miss Temperance Flowerdew is on her way to work at Miss Snook’s School for the Education of the Feminine Mind, when she is grabbed off the street and abducted in a carriage. She soon finds herself on the way to Chicago. Gilbert Cavendish is called in to solve the mystery of a woman who has disappeared, one Clementine Flowerdew. Instead, he finds it is Temperance, his friend of many years. Before they can determine who is responsible for the abduction, Gilbert and Temperance are seen together in the Chicago hotel by a society matron. Given this scandalous situation, Gilbert proposes marriage but Temperance flatly refuses. Unless he can convince her to change her mind! But stubbornness is one of Temperance’s traits and she is sick of people trying to run her life.
Temperance is a spunky fun character once she regains her sense of self worth, which had just about been destroyed by the relatives she was sent to live with after the death of her parents. Gilbert is at times clueless..
This is book 3 in a series but it reads fine as a stand alone. It started out a rollicking romp and is amusing in tone. Pacing the biggest problem. I felt the whole marriage and romance issue between Gilbert and Temperance took far too long getting to the point. And then towards the end a number of things seemed to happen all at once in the story which felt contrived. It really does stretch credibility to the limit.
Just an okay read for me. A lot of people will no doubt enjoy it though, so maybe try it. And see what you think.
December 10, 2020
Original Review, December 2018:
I honestly don't know why this book went on so long. The first 25% was awesome, but I assumed at that point that I was at about 50%. That would've been ideal. But no ... it kept going on. I was so ready for it to resolve at that point. To move towards the climax. But no. There was still 75% to go!
So after about 50%, I had to skim. I just had to. Boring!
It was clever, but there's a point where that sort of clever gets ... boring. xD And repetitive. I think I'm done with Turano - I know a lot of people adore her, but I can only take it in small doses. It's a personality thing, I guess! Nothing whatsoever against the author ...only it doesn't work for me!
Updated Review, December 2020:
I think my review still applies. I said "review to come," but I think, after all this time, that'll do.
I honestly don't know why this book went on so long. The first 25% was awesome, but I assumed at that point that I was at about 50%. That would've been ideal. But no ... it kept going on. I was so ready for it to resolve at that point. To move towards the climax. But no. There was still 75% to go!
So after about 50%, I had to skim. I just had to. Boring!
It was clever, but there's a point where that sort of clever gets ... boring. xD And repetitive. I think I'm done with Turano - I know a lot of people adore her, but I can only take it in small doses. It's a personality thing, I guess! Nothing whatsoever against the author ...only it doesn't work for me!
Updated Review, December 2020:
I think my review still applies. I said "review to come," but I think, after all this time, that'll do.
August 6, 2018
About this book:
“After years of hiding her true nature, Miss Temperance Flowerdew is finally enjoying freedom outside of the shadow of her relations, so the last thing she expected on her way to work was to be grabbed off the street by a stranger and put on a train bound for Chicago.
When Mr. Gilbert Cavendish is called upon to rescue a missing woman, he follows the trail to Chicago only to discover that the woman is his good friend, Temperance. Before they can discover who was behind her abduction, they're spotted alone together by a New York society matron, putting their reputations at risk.
Even though Gilbert is willing to propose marriage, Temperance is determined not to lose her newfound independence. But when the misunderstanding in Chicago escalates into a threat on her life, accepting Gilbert's help in solving the mystery may lead to more than she ever could have dreamed.”
Series: Book #3 in the “Apart From the Crowd” series. Review of Book #1 Here and Book #2 Here!
Spiritual Content- Church going; Talks about God, prayers, & sermons; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Mentions of prayers & praying; Mentions of churches, church going, sermons, hymns, & ministers; Mentions of witnessing, missionaries, & martyrs; A few mentions of thanking God; A few mentions of blessings; A couple mentions of faiths.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: an ‘oh my gosh’ and four ‘idiot’s; A few mentions of curses (said, not written); Eye rolling & sarcasm; Being kidnapped, threatened, & passing out (up to semi-detailed); Being shot at, shooting back, & gunshots/gunfire (up to semi-detailed); Knives & throwing them (up to semi-detailed); Pain & blood/bleeding (up to semi-detailed); Watching someone nearly commit suicide (he is stopped, barely-above-not-detailed); Social drinking; Many mentions of murders, murderers, attempted murders, killing, & hiring assassins; Many mentions of attackers, ambushed, being shot, being shot at, shooting back, gunshots/gunfire, blood/bleeding, injuries/bruises, passing out, knives and throwing them (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of the possibility of being killed; Mentions of a missing person who is assumed dead; Mentions of a dead body that was stolen; Mentions of the kidnapping/abductions & kidnappers (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of criminals, thieves, stealing, burglars, crimes, & illegal actions; Mentions of being swindled & debts; Mentions of jails, arrests, & threats; Mentions of being drugged with a sleeping potion; Mentions of alcohol & drinking; Mentions of lies & lying; Mentions of gossip, rumors, & eavesdropping; Mentions of throwing up; A few mentions of nightmares; A few mentions of screams; A couple mentions of divorce; A couple mentions of jealousy; A mention of finding yourself dead in bed; A mention of hunting.
Sexual Content- Finger/Hand kisses, three barely-above-not-detailed kisses, and a semi-detailed kiss; Wanting to kiss & Staring (up to semi-detailed); Touches & Nearness (barely-above-not-detailed); Quite a bit of Noticing & Smelling (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of & talks about kisses, kissing, & wanting to kiss; Mentions of hand, cheek, & forehead kisses; Mentions of chaperones, reputations, compromising situations, & scandals; A few mentions of a maid becoming pregnant by her employer & the illegitimate daughter; A few mentions of thinking a man is alone with a mistress; A few mentions of flirting; A couple mentions of a man hiding more than one wife; A couple mentions of a married couple not being alone together in a close nature for over a year; Love, falling in love, & the emotions;
*Note: A few mentions of a man’s hairy body (not attractive); A few mentions of unmentionables; A mention of a woman’s “impressive childbearing hips”.
-Temperance Flowerdew, age 24
-Gilbert Cavendish, age 27
P.O.V. switches between them {Epilogue in Mrs. Davenport’s}
Set in 1883 (Epilogue in 1884)
359 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Two Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars
The last book in the “Apart from the Crowd” series, this was so bittersweet! I feel like I always say that when finishing a good trilogy, but it’s definitely true!
While there felt to be a lot of characters to have to keep up with in “Caught by Surprise”, I did better than expected and enjoyed the book. I liked Temperance & Gilbert, but I still think Harrison took the icing on the cake with his scenes. I would say that the last book was definitely my favorite in the trilogy and it was overall a great read! Sad to say goodbye to this group of fictional friends, but excited to read the author’s next series next year! :)
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*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 honest review.
“After years of hiding her true nature, Miss Temperance Flowerdew is finally enjoying freedom outside of the shadow of her relations, so the last thing she expected on her way to work was to be grabbed off the street by a stranger and put on a train bound for Chicago.
When Mr. Gilbert Cavendish is called upon to rescue a missing woman, he follows the trail to Chicago only to discover that the woman is his good friend, Temperance. Before they can discover who was behind her abduction, they're spotted alone together by a New York society matron, putting their reputations at risk.
Even though Gilbert is willing to propose marriage, Temperance is determined not to lose her newfound independence. But when the misunderstanding in Chicago escalates into a threat on her life, accepting Gilbert's help in solving the mystery may lead to more than she ever could have dreamed.”
Series: Book #3 in the “Apart From the Crowd” series. Review of Book #1 Here and Book #2 Here!
Spiritual Content- Church going; Talks about God, prayers, & sermons; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Mentions of prayers & praying; Mentions of churches, church going, sermons, hymns, & ministers; Mentions of witnessing, missionaries, & martyrs; A few mentions of thanking God; A few mentions of blessings; A couple mentions of faiths.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: an ‘oh my gosh’ and four ‘idiot’s; A few mentions of curses (said, not written); Eye rolling & sarcasm; Being kidnapped, threatened, & passing out (up to semi-detailed); Being shot at, shooting back, & gunshots/gunfire (up to semi-detailed); Knives & throwing them (up to semi-detailed); Pain & blood/bleeding (up to semi-detailed); Watching someone nearly commit suicide (he is stopped, barely-above-not-detailed); Social drinking; Many mentions of murders, murderers, attempted murders, killing, & hiring assassins; Many mentions of attackers, ambushed, being shot, being shot at, shooting back, gunshots/gunfire, blood/bleeding, injuries/bruises, passing out, knives and throwing them (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of the possibility of being killed; Mentions of a missing person who is assumed dead; Mentions of a dead body that was stolen; Mentions of the kidnapping/abductions & kidnappers (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of criminals, thieves, stealing, burglars, crimes, & illegal actions; Mentions of being swindled & debts; Mentions of jails, arrests, & threats; Mentions of being drugged with a sleeping potion; Mentions of alcohol & drinking; Mentions of lies & lying; Mentions of gossip, rumors, & eavesdropping; Mentions of throwing up; A few mentions of nightmares; A few mentions of screams; A couple mentions of divorce; A couple mentions of jealousy; A mention of finding yourself dead in bed; A mention of hunting.
Sexual Content- Finger/Hand kisses, three barely-above-not-detailed kisses, and a semi-detailed kiss; Wanting to kiss & Staring (up to semi-detailed); Touches & Nearness (barely-above-not-detailed); Quite a bit of Noticing & Smelling (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of & talks about kisses, kissing, & wanting to kiss; Mentions of hand, cheek, & forehead kisses; Mentions of chaperones, reputations, compromising situations, & scandals; A few mentions of a maid becoming pregnant by her employer & the illegitimate daughter; A few mentions of thinking a man is alone with a mistress; A few mentions of flirting; A couple mentions of a man hiding more than one wife; A couple mentions of a married couple not being alone together in a close nature for over a year; Love, falling in love, & the emotions;
*Note: A few mentions of a man’s hairy body (not attractive); A few mentions of unmentionables; A mention of a woman’s “impressive childbearing hips”.
-Temperance Flowerdew, age 24
-Gilbert Cavendish, age 27
P.O.V. switches between them {Epilogue in Mrs. Davenport’s}
Set in 1883 (Epilogue in 1884)
359 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Two Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars
The last book in the “Apart from the Crowd” series, this was so bittersweet! I feel like I always say that when finishing a good trilogy, but it’s definitely true!
While there felt to be a lot of characters to have to keep up with in “Caught by Surprise”, I did better than expected and enjoyed the book. I liked Temperance & Gilbert, but I still think Harrison took the icing on the cake with his scenes. I would say that the last book was definitely my favorite in the trilogy and it was overall a great read! Sad to say goodbye to this group of fictional friends, but excited to read the author’s next series next year! :)
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*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 honest review.
December 23, 2019
I love that this series is about a trio of wallflowers. Caught by Surprise has an incredibly charming beginning. I got a little worn about with the repeated marriage proposals and refusals, but overall another fun read by Jen Turano.
April 20, 2023
A delightful conclusion to the series. I absolutely enjoyed it. This one started off with a bang, provided plenty of laughs, banter, and sass, and the characters were delightful (even several of the side characters too). Never once was I bored, and a couple of times it left me surprised with unexpected turns. The ending was everything my heart wanted. Onto another Turano series. :)
February 3, 2020
This was one of the best and funniest books I have read this year. Caught By Surprise caught me by surprise by making my heart smile. I ADORED the characters of Temperance and Gilbert and I loved their relationship dynamic. Their witty banter was a hoot!! Add in a dose of mystery and this made for a PERFECT book. Caught By Surprise is one of my favorite reads ever!
I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
July 29, 2018
Thoroughly wonderful, fun, and laugh out loud enjoyable read. I think this might be my favorite by this author, though the pig Matilda still gives it a run for its money( quite literally, actually). :)
The main characters and secondary characters are just so fun. Due to the crazy life I lead, I so enjoyed this series. We are all a little ridiculous at times, and I, at least, love having fun. This author’s books are so unique in their humor, fun in their plots, and characters that sometimes closely resemble people I know...namely myself!
You just must give this author a chance...if you live to laugh, have fun, smile, and enjoy even the difficulties of life, then you MUST read this book and series-Apart From the Crowd. Do not miss out on her other series as well.
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I have no idea what God was thinking with this one, Gilbert....I simp,y accept the results, and what we’re witnessing now, my dear friend,are wonderful results.
Reverend Perry believes God gives us these difficult times to allow us an opportunity to grow. You’ve certainly grown, risen above the neglect, and seized life in a new and exciting way...
In all honesty I’m beginning to believe that my time spent as a poor relation to Wayne and Fanny was God’s way of allowing me to see that none of us are superior to one another.
“You’re very annoying.” Were the most eloquent words she seemed capable of getting out of her mouth.
...that love had begun to change. It had begun to turn into something...more. That thought caught her completely by surprise...
The main characters and secondary characters are just so fun. Due to the crazy life I lead, I so enjoyed this series. We are all a little ridiculous at times, and I, at least, love having fun. This author’s books are so unique in their humor, fun in their plots, and characters that sometimes closely resemble people I know...namely myself!
You just must give this author a chance...if you live to laugh, have fun, smile, and enjoy even the difficulties of life, then you MUST read this book and series-Apart From the Crowd. Do not miss out on her other series as well.
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I have no idea what God was thinking with this one, Gilbert....I simp,y accept the results, and what we’re witnessing now, my dear friend,are wonderful results.
Reverend Perry believes God gives us these difficult times to allow us an opportunity to grow. You’ve certainly grown, risen above the neglect, and seized life in a new and exciting way...
In all honesty I’m beginning to believe that my time spent as a poor relation to Wayne and Fanny was God’s way of allowing me to see that none of us are superior to one another.
“You’re very annoying.” Were the most eloquent words she seemed capable of getting out of her mouth.
...that love had begun to change. It had begun to turn into something...more. That thought caught her completely by surprise...
August 2, 2018
*** 4.5 stars***
Jen Turano is a master at creating stories with great plots, humor, eccentric characters, and romance. Oh my goodness, it was hard to put this book down!
From the moment that Temperance Flowerdew is kidnapped and awakens in a coffin, traveling by train, you know that you are in for a unique and amazing read. Temperance has a fantastic outlook on life and gives everyone the benefit of the doubt. She is spontaneous, artistic, and a great friend.
Gilbert, her friend since childhood, is rigid, structured, and also a great friend. The two of them and their escapades kept me laughing. For two opposites, they really compliment each other.
If you love a book with a lot of humor, great message, mystery, romance, and eccentric characters.... pick this book up today! You may want to read the first two books in the series before this one. It shows the evolution of the characters and an amazing set of friends.
Source: I requested a copy from Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Jen Turano is a master at creating stories with great plots, humor, eccentric characters, and romance. Oh my goodness, it was hard to put this book down!
From the moment that Temperance Flowerdew is kidnapped and awakens in a coffin, traveling by train, you know that you are in for a unique and amazing read. Temperance has a fantastic outlook on life and gives everyone the benefit of the doubt. She is spontaneous, artistic, and a great friend.
Gilbert, her friend since childhood, is rigid, structured, and also a great friend. The two of them and their escapades kept me laughing. For two opposites, they really compliment each other.
If you love a book with a lot of humor, great message, mystery, romance, and eccentric characters.... pick this book up today! You may want to read the first two books in the series before this one. It shows the evolution of the characters and an amazing set of friends.
Source: I requested a copy from Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
June 18, 2018
I'm hesitant about ever giving 5 stars, but this book kept me guessing and smiling. The intrigue, mystery and endearing moments are deserving. Caught by Surprise just might be my favorite of the three. There's so much going on in this one and so many of the characters are fantastic. I love books about camraderie, childhood friendships and community. I liked how the two sisters and Mrs. Devenport looked after the girls and the trusty Mr. (the butler). I especially enjoy how faith and things working out in God's time comes into the story. This is a book I'd happily recommend and read again. It's truly a great feel good page turner with intrigue.
I was given an eArc of this book for review via Netgalley and the publisher.
I was given an eArc of this book for review via Netgalley and the publisher.
August 21, 2018
Today we're saying farewell to a series that will always hold a special place in my heart!
We met the wallflowers back in 2017, though it seems like we've known them forever. They had this way of worming into your heart, and never letting go. I was so invested in these characters and now it’s come to close. I don’t know how to feel, or what to say for that matter.
Let me explain why I loved this series so much!
This series reminded me that EVERYONE has a special someone out there. Someone who will look at us, see our flaws and even our terrible fashion choices and say "I choose you." From the meek quiet mouse to the loud outspoken warrior princess, God created a perfect someone for each one of us.
Jen did this all with endless amounts of humor mixed in!
---
Let's talk about Temperance's story in particular now.
We meet Temperance in the novella "At Your Request" for like the hottest of hot seconds. And boy what a timid little mouse we had on our hands.
She slowly started coming out of her shell in "Out of the Ordinary", and by the time her story was written she was a whole new girl.
And oh how I loved the change!!
I don't know if it's just me, but I love when a character has the backbone to stand up for themselves! I love a good quick witted response...and Temperance has this in spades!
Temperance had a bit of a rough hand dealt to her.
Her parents died...her fortune was gone...her extended family didn't want her. Just some rough things going down.
THEEEEENNNNNNN she runs into her old childhood BFF, and thus one of my favorite troupes was used.
I LOVED Gilbert and Temperance's relationship! It was kind of awkward, but also kind of weirdly comforting because it was so real to me. To see that transition of childhood friends into soul mates was SO CUTE!!
I also loved how different they were! Like opposite sides of the spectrum here, but they balanced each other out PERFECTLY!!
AND I LOVED IT!!
Honestly this book was a roller coaster ride, for my emotions and my brain. I held on tight through the twists and turns and I all I can say is..."CAN WE RIDE IT AGAIN?!"
I rated this book a 4.5/5 stars. I don't know how to feel about this series ending (totally teared up when I read the epilogue), but I do know I ADORED every minute of this journey. I loved getting to know every wallflower and their perfect guys!
*I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review**I was not required to give a positive rating*All opinion are my own*
We met the wallflowers back in 2017, though it seems like we've known them forever. They had this way of worming into your heart, and never letting go. I was so invested in these characters and now it’s come to close. I don’t know how to feel, or what to say for that matter.
Let me explain why I loved this series so much!
This series reminded me that EVERYONE has a special someone out there. Someone who will look at us, see our flaws and even our terrible fashion choices and say "I choose you." From the meek quiet mouse to the loud outspoken warrior princess, God created a perfect someone for each one of us.
Jen did this all with endless amounts of humor mixed in!
---
Let's talk about Temperance's story in particular now.
We meet Temperance in the novella "At Your Request" for like the hottest of hot seconds. And boy what a timid little mouse we had on our hands.
She slowly started coming out of her shell in "Out of the Ordinary", and by the time her story was written she was a whole new girl.
And oh how I loved the change!!
I don't know if it's just me, but I love when a character has the backbone to stand up for themselves! I love a good quick witted response...and Temperance has this in spades!
Temperance had a bit of a rough hand dealt to her.
Her parents died...her fortune was gone...her extended family didn't want her. Just some rough things going down.
THEEEEENNNNNNN she runs into her old childhood BFF, and thus one of my favorite troupes was used.
I LOVED Gilbert and Temperance's relationship! It was kind of awkward, but also kind of weirdly comforting because it was so real to me. To see that transition of childhood friends into soul mates was SO CUTE!!
I also loved how different they were! Like opposite sides of the spectrum here, but they balanced each other out PERFECTLY!!
AND I LOVED IT!!
Honestly this book was a roller coaster ride, for my emotions and my brain. I held on tight through the twists and turns and I all I can say is..."CAN WE RIDE IT AGAIN?!"
I rated this book a 4.5/5 stars. I don't know how to feel about this series ending (totally teared up when I read the epilogue), but I do know I ADORED every minute of this journey. I loved getting to know every wallflower and their perfect guys!
*I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review**I was not required to give a positive rating*All opinion are my own*
August 29, 2018
Full review on FaithfullyBookish.com
Caught by Surprise is a wildly appealing story of love and laughter for ladies everywhere. The longtime friendship between our hero and heroine is a solid foundation for robust banter and exasperated declarations.
Jen Turano’s delightful characters, humorous shenanigans, and sweet subtle romance entertain and inspire with sincerity and faith. I highly recommend this story for everyone from teens to the young at heart.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Caught by Surprise is a wildly appealing story of love and laughter for ladies everywhere. The longtime friendship between our hero and heroine is a solid foundation for robust banter and exasperated declarations.
Jen Turano’s delightful characters, humorous shenanigans, and sweet subtle romance entertain and inspire with sincerity and faith. I highly recommend this story for everyone from teens to the young at heart.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
September 20, 2018
Cute story but felt like it dragged more than the others. Then all the sudden, a bunch of stuff all happens at the end.
January 22, 2026
Set in Gilded Age New York, "Caught by Surprise" is yet another entertaining read from the pen of Jen Turano!
This delightfully satirical novel features eccentric characters, laugh out loud humor, and sweet romance.
If you fancy a historical romance with hilarious antics, Caught by Surprise is sure to be your cup of tea!
📚 Apart from the Crowd Series
📖 0.5 Prequel Novella) At Your Request
📖 1) Behind the Scenes
📖 2) Out of the Ordinary
📖 3) Caught by Surprise
This delightfully satirical novel features eccentric characters, laugh out loud humor, and sweet romance.
If you fancy a historical romance with hilarious antics, Caught by Surprise is sure to be your cup of tea!
📚 Apart from the Crowd Series
📖 0.5 Prequel Novella) At Your Request
📖 1) Behind the Scenes
📖 2) Out of the Ordinary
📖 3) Caught by Surprise
July 30, 2018
'You're not going to shoot your relatives. You don't have the stomach for that nasty business.'
I am absolutely a forever fan of Jen Turano's work! When I read her first book, I was just captivated. She has the most wonderful and dry sense of humor, which is evident in abundance in her books. This sense of humor will have you rolling in the floor laughing. I have honestly laughed so much reading one of her books, it scared my dog, who was sitting with me in the chair. He got up and left. Seriously.
In this book, one of her Apart From The Crowd series, Miss Temperance Flowerdew, formerly one of the wallflowers, is enjoying some freedom away from her overbearing and decidedly hateful relations. Then one day, while strolling down the street, Temperance is kidnapped and put aboard a Chicago bound train. What in the world?
Mr. Gilbert Cavendish is asked to rescue a missing woman, not Temperance, and he follows the trail to Chicago, only to discover Temperance. They put their heads together and try to discover what is afoot. Then they are spotted by a seriously stoic New York society matron, and their reputations are put at risk. Gilbert immediately proposes marriage and Temperance immediately rejects him. Then threats on their lives begin happening at an alarming rate and the book takes off! Actually, it takes off on the first page, but when you're laughing all the way through a book, you lose count of how much you do laugh.
Jen Turano has a wonderful way of creating characters that just leap into the reader's imagination and plot right down. You just can't stop until you finish the book. These folks are quirky in their own right and have the most interesting conversations. Even all the secondary characters are amazing! I always eagerly anticipate a new Turano novel, and it starts when I close the last page of the book I'm currently reading. It's so hard to wait another year for one of her delightful books. And this one is one in which Jen Turano has absolutely outdone herself! One of her very, if not the, best! Highly recommended. Don't miss this book.
*My thanks to the publisher for an early copy of this book. My opinion is entirely my own.
I am absolutely a forever fan of Jen Turano's work! When I read her first book, I was just captivated. She has the most wonderful and dry sense of humor, which is evident in abundance in her books. This sense of humor will have you rolling in the floor laughing. I have honestly laughed so much reading one of her books, it scared my dog, who was sitting with me in the chair. He got up and left. Seriously.
In this book, one of her Apart From The Crowd series, Miss Temperance Flowerdew, formerly one of the wallflowers, is enjoying some freedom away from her overbearing and decidedly hateful relations. Then one day, while strolling down the street, Temperance is kidnapped and put aboard a Chicago bound train. What in the world?
Mr. Gilbert Cavendish is asked to rescue a missing woman, not Temperance, and he follows the trail to Chicago, only to discover Temperance. They put their heads together and try to discover what is afoot. Then they are spotted by a seriously stoic New York society matron, and their reputations are put at risk. Gilbert immediately proposes marriage and Temperance immediately rejects him. Then threats on their lives begin happening at an alarming rate and the book takes off! Actually, it takes off on the first page, but when you're laughing all the way through a book, you lose count of how much you do laugh.
Jen Turano has a wonderful way of creating characters that just leap into the reader's imagination and plot right down. You just can't stop until you finish the book. These folks are quirky in their own right and have the most interesting conversations. Even all the secondary characters are amazing! I always eagerly anticipate a new Turano novel, and it starts when I close the last page of the book I'm currently reading. It's so hard to wait another year for one of her delightful books. And this one is one in which Jen Turano has absolutely outdone herself! One of her very, if not the, best! Highly recommended. Don't miss this book.
*My thanks to the publisher for an early copy of this book. My opinion is entirely my own.
December 22, 2018
There were parts of this book that were fun, but much of it is similar to the others in this series. The personalities of the heroes and heroines in each book seem to be so very similar, only the storyline changes.
The romance is vertually non-existent until near the end, but the friendship between Temperance and Gilbert is interesting with plenty of lighthearted bantering.
Characters from all 4 books in the series are included in this one, and a few more.
Temperance Flowerdew and Gilbert Cavendish have been friends since their youth. Sent to find the supposedly kidnapped Clementine, Gilbert found Temperance instead who had been inadvertently taken by two bumbling kidnappers. On a mission to get to the bottom of this abduction, Temperance was convinced her cousin Clementine Flowerdew was somehow involved. A hotel in downtown Chicago was supposed to have clues from the man who commissioned the kidnapping. But, having been seen together in the hotel in a way that society at that time would have considered compromising, Gilbert spends the rest of the book trying to get Temperance to follow the rules of decorum and marry him.
Kleptomaniac Mrs. Davenport, Gertrude Cadwalader and Harrison Sinclair from Out of the Ordinary make a return as Temperance is decorating the third floor of "Miss Snooks's School for the Education of the Feminine Mind" for Gertrude and Harrison's engagement ball.
Pinkerton agent Samuel McParland and Edwina Sinclair (sister to Harrison) return from Out of the Ordinary as well, trying to keep both Gilbert and Temperance from being killed, while investigating a number of suspicious circumstances.
Permilia Griswold and Asher return from Behind the Scenes leading the first of the three weddings of the Wallflowers in this series.
All in all it was cute, but I think I’m done with books like this.
The romance is vertually non-existent until near the end, but the friendship between Temperance and Gilbert is interesting with plenty of lighthearted bantering.
Characters from all 4 books in the series are included in this one, and a few more.
Temperance Flowerdew and Gilbert Cavendish have been friends since their youth. Sent to find the supposedly kidnapped Clementine, Gilbert found Temperance instead who had been inadvertently taken by two bumbling kidnappers. On a mission to get to the bottom of this abduction, Temperance was convinced her cousin Clementine Flowerdew was somehow involved. A hotel in downtown Chicago was supposed to have clues from the man who commissioned the kidnapping. But, having been seen together in the hotel in a way that society at that time would have considered compromising, Gilbert spends the rest of the book trying to get Temperance to follow the rules of decorum and marry him.
Kleptomaniac Mrs. Davenport, Gertrude Cadwalader and Harrison Sinclair from Out of the Ordinary make a return as Temperance is decorating the third floor of "Miss Snooks's School for the Education of the Feminine Mind" for Gertrude and Harrison's engagement ball.
Pinkerton agent Samuel McParland and Edwina Sinclair (sister to Harrison) return from Out of the Ordinary as well, trying to keep both Gilbert and Temperance from being killed, while investigating a number of suspicious circumstances.
Permilia Griswold and Asher return from Behind the Scenes leading the first of the three weddings of the Wallflowers in this series.
All in all it was cute, but I think I’m done with books like this.
November 2, 2024
This was a fun story. Lots of great banter. Good Christian Content.
February 26, 2020
“How is it possible I forgot what an interesting place your mind is?”
Rounding out this series of wallflowers who find their own voice - and a happily-ever-after in the process - is Caught By Surprise and we finally get Temperance's story. And what a story it is! In fact, it's almost like Turano pulled out all the stops for this final book of the series and threw in several tropes at once. Friends-to-more. Impending marriage-of-convenience. Destitute, orphaned heiress. Noble hero. Mistaken identity. Bumbling henchmen. Nefarious villains. Miss Snook's School for the Education of the Feminine Mind. Almost Oscar Wilde-ish in its mayhem and hilarity. At one point it's almost farfetched but you're having too much fun with these characters to care, and you happily suspend disbelief when needed.
Bottom Line: The strength of Caught By Surprise lies in its supporting characters this time around, though Temperance and Gilbert are certainly delightful protagonists. I loved watching their childhood friendship reconnect, their genuine affection and love for each other developing into romantic love much as we saw with Harrison & Gertrude in Out of the Ordinary. I also loved watching Temperance blossom into who she was always created to be. Still, it's the ragamuffin pack of secondary characters that made this story so enjoyable for me - Miss Henrietta, Miss Mabel, Miss Snook, Mr. Barclay, and most definitely the brother-sister team of Eugene and Mercy. Hilarious and endearing, they add further dimension and emotion to the story, and I would love hanging out with them all again sometime.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I bought for my own collection.)
Rounding out this series of wallflowers who find their own voice - and a happily-ever-after in the process - is Caught By Surprise and we finally get Temperance's story. And what a story it is! In fact, it's almost like Turano pulled out all the stops for this final book of the series and threw in several tropes at once. Friends-to-more. Impending marriage-of-convenience. Destitute, orphaned heiress. Noble hero. Mistaken identity. Bumbling henchmen. Nefarious villains. Miss Snook's School for the Education of the Feminine Mind. Almost Oscar Wilde-ish in its mayhem and hilarity. At one point it's almost farfetched but you're having too much fun with these characters to care, and you happily suspend disbelief when needed.
Bottom Line: The strength of Caught By Surprise lies in its supporting characters this time around, though Temperance and Gilbert are certainly delightful protagonists. I loved watching their childhood friendship reconnect, their genuine affection and love for each other developing into romantic love much as we saw with Harrison & Gertrude in Out of the Ordinary. I also loved watching Temperance blossom into who she was always created to be. Still, it's the ragamuffin pack of secondary characters that made this story so enjoyable for me - Miss Henrietta, Miss Mabel, Miss Snook, Mr. Barclay, and most definitely the brother-sister team of Eugene and Mercy. Hilarious and endearing, they add further dimension and emotion to the story, and I would love hanging out with them all again sometime.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I bought for my own collection.)
October 18, 2019
As I have learned to expect from Jen Turano's well written books, this historical Christian romance novel was full of interesting characters and hilarious moments. Like the first book in this series, Behind the Scenes, but not the second one, Out of the Ordinary, this third (and last) book of the Apart from the Crowd series had a large thread of suspense in it. Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed the plot and the character development in this funny, sweet story, and I wish this series wasn't finished.
November 4, 2022
This book was just too much. Too many ridiculous storylines. Too cheesy. Too many repeated details. Too whiny. Too many people popping back into the story just too much.
February 22, 2020
From the decidedly quirky mind of Jen Turano comes the third in the series Apart From The Crowd about three wallflowers in 1883 New York: Permilia Grizwold, Gertrude Cadwalader, and Temperance Flowerdew. The names alone give you a clue into the madcap misbehavings of her heroines. Page after page of laughter meet you as you read of Temperance being kidnapped from New York City on her way to teach at Miss Snook’s School for the Education of the Feminine Mind. She finds herself carted off to Chicago by train.
There are so many surprises that your interest is kept engaged until the very end. All through this book, I kept thinking of an Oscar Wilde comedy.
The hero, Gilbert Cavendish, is in for a surprise when he encounters his childhood friend Temperance in Chicago at the Palmer House looking worse for the wear. He comes to her rescue and is further surprised by his growing feelings from friends to something more.
Not only are the main characters engaging, the whole book is populated by an enjoyable cast.
Don’t miss the whimsical story from a talented writer, a favorite of mine in the Romantic Comedy genre.
*I borrowed this book from the local library. All opinions are my own.*
There are so many surprises that your interest is kept engaged until the very end. All through this book, I kept thinking of an Oscar Wilde comedy.
The hero, Gilbert Cavendish, is in for a surprise when he encounters his childhood friend Temperance in Chicago at the Palmer House looking worse for the wear. He comes to her rescue and is further surprised by his growing feelings from friends to something more.
Not only are the main characters engaging, the whole book is populated by an enjoyable cast.
Don’t miss the whimsical story from a talented writer, a favorite of mine in the Romantic Comedy genre.
*I borrowed this book from the local library. All opinions are my own.*
March 26, 2024
Whew! Thank goodness this book finally ended. With characters I didn't care about, a story that went nowhere fast and was too repetitive, this book was a chore to read.
This book started out ok but I quickly found the same things repeated over and over. The pace of the story was very slow and there were too many characters and plot twists.
I have read other books by this author and quite enjoyed them but this book was definitely a miss for me.
This book started out ok but I quickly found the same things repeated over and over. The pace of the story was very slow and there were too many characters and plot twists.
I have read other books by this author and quite enjoyed them but this book was definitely a miss for me.
August 14, 2018
Jen Turano is a talented author that I have greatly enjoyed in the past. Despite missing two earlier books in this series, I still eagerly began turning the pages of this novel as soon as it was in my hands. Within the first ten pages, I was already laughing out loud, firmly hooked and immersed in Temperance's delightful escapades.
Part of the charm of Turano’s work is her quirky and often stubborn heroines. Temperance is no different. She has many talents and a fun-loving nature, but calling her strong-willed would be a definite understatement. Both funny and annoying, that trait gets her into trouble as often as it helps her out of it--through perseverance.
The Gilded Age setting is entertaining and the details that sprinkle the story help to make it unique. Opulent locations of the wealthy are described so well that I can see them in my mind even though the world the characters inhabit is so different from my own. The rules guiding proper society remind me of Regency strictures, which can create some messy tangles. Combined with Turano’s humor, the situations become comic, often physically so.
Somehow, in the process of telling a thoroughly entertaining and humorous tale, Turano manages to gently pull at threads of profound significance. Considering how our pasts shape who we become, for example, and how we can then use that to form a wonderful future, even one we may never before have considered. She had me both laughing and crying over the course of the novel, and threw in a few surprising twists that I did not see coming.
Every time I read a new book by Jen Turano, I declare it to be my new favorite. But this one—this one is different. Perhaps it's the sweet romance of childhood friends who discover each other again, or the innocent yet not naïve Temperance, but this story has captured my heart. It's going to be hard to write a better novel than this, but if anyone can, Turano's the one to do it. Fans will not be disappointed, and new readers have a treat ahead of them.
I received a review copy of this book from the author and publisher but was not required to write a positive review. The thoughts expressed are both honest and my own.
Part of the charm of Turano’s work is her quirky and often stubborn heroines. Temperance is no different. She has many talents and a fun-loving nature, but calling her strong-willed would be a definite understatement. Both funny and annoying, that trait gets her into trouble as often as it helps her out of it--through perseverance.
The Gilded Age setting is entertaining and the details that sprinkle the story help to make it unique. Opulent locations of the wealthy are described so well that I can see them in my mind even though the world the characters inhabit is so different from my own. The rules guiding proper society remind me of Regency strictures, which can create some messy tangles. Combined with Turano’s humor, the situations become comic, often physically so.
Somehow, in the process of telling a thoroughly entertaining and humorous tale, Turano manages to gently pull at threads of profound significance. Considering how our pasts shape who we become, for example, and how we can then use that to form a wonderful future, even one we may never before have considered. She had me both laughing and crying over the course of the novel, and threw in a few surprising twists that I did not see coming.
Every time I read a new book by Jen Turano, I declare it to be my new favorite. But this one—this one is different. Perhaps it's the sweet romance of childhood friends who discover each other again, or the innocent yet not naïve Temperance, but this story has captured my heart. It's going to be hard to write a better novel than this, but if anyone can, Turano's the one to do it. Fans will not be disappointed, and new readers have a treat ahead of them.
I received a review copy of this book from the author and publisher but was not required to write a positive review. The thoughts expressed are both honest and my own.
July 4, 2023
This was a fun end of the Apart from the Crowd series by Jen Turano! Though this is part of a series, I believe the story itself can stand alone; however, there are some spoilers in this book for some of the earlier events, so this series is best read in order if you're going to read them all. But you could easily enjoy this book on its own. This series has looked at a group of wallflowers - members who attend society events, but are relegated to the sidelines. This book follows Temperance Flowerdew, who had been almost completely silent in the previous books, but due to the reacquaintance of her dear friend Gilbert Cavendish, has once again found her voice. Unfortunately, finding her voice has inadvertently caused all sorts of backlash and in learning more about the circumstances that have dictated Temperance's world the past few years, she also finds healing and closure.
As is typical of Turano's books, there are lots of laugh-out-loud moments, lots of shenanigans and all sorts of mayhem. There was a good bit of mystery in this one, and the opposites attract, friends to more romance had a lot of fun elements as well. The faith thread was subtle through most of the book, but did have its shining moments as well. And of course, the epilogue provided updates on all of the series regulars. I enjoyed the banter and the character development in this one and appreciated the lessons of love and being true to oneself, and forgiveness. All in all a fun historical rom-com that I'd heartily recommend.
As is typical of Turano's books, there are lots of laugh-out-loud moments, lots of shenanigans and all sorts of mayhem. There was a good bit of mystery in this one, and the opposites attract, friends to more romance had a lot of fun elements as well. The faith thread was subtle through most of the book, but did have its shining moments as well. And of course, the epilogue provided updates on all of the series regulars. I enjoyed the banter and the character development in this one and appreciated the lessons of love and being true to oneself, and forgiveness. All in all a fun historical rom-com that I'd heartily recommend.
February 5, 2020
It is a well-known fact that when a Jen Turano book shows up on my kindle or in my mailbox I drop everything and hide away to read it and woe betide anyone who tries to take said book away from me. (Just kidding, mostly)
Oh, my goodness, Caught by Surprise is my new favorite! Temperance is one of my favorite characters in this series, she is determined to reclaim her former feisty self, and I think it is something I can relate to. As you get older, and life wears you down, you sometimes have to re-discover yourself and Temperance is on a quest to do just that, and of course all sorts of things happen. A roller coaster ride would be boring compared to this adventure, and I could not put this book down and was guessing all the way TO THE END. If you want pure entertainment set in this era, Jen Turano is your go to author.
As for Gilbert, he quickly burrows his way into your heart, with his adorable lists.
This book will have you laughing out loud, well, it has me doing so in the orthodontist office and I got some strange looks, but I did not care, I read on...giggling all the way.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NETGALLY, my opinions are my own
Oh, my goodness, Caught by Surprise is my new favorite! Temperance is one of my favorite characters in this series, she is determined to reclaim her former feisty self, and I think it is something I can relate to. As you get older, and life wears you down, you sometimes have to re-discover yourself and Temperance is on a quest to do just that, and of course all sorts of things happen. A roller coaster ride would be boring compared to this adventure, and I could not put this book down and was guessing all the way TO THE END. If you want pure entertainment set in this era, Jen Turano is your go to author.
As for Gilbert, he quickly burrows his way into your heart, with his adorable lists.
This book will have you laughing out loud, well, it has me doing so in the orthodontist office and I got some strange looks, but I did not care, I read on...giggling all the way.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NETGALLY, my opinions are my own
December 14, 2018
Outrageously funny! Sometimes a reader just needs a touch of whimsy and chaos that she can laugh her way through and that's what Jen Turano delivers in Caught by Surprise. From the giggle inducing character names to Miss Snook's School for the Education of the Feminine Mind...I mean...if that doesn't have you snorting with glee, I don't know what will!
Sublime dialogue -- honestly, the banter between Temperance and Gilbert made me giddy. They grew up together so all that history brings familiarity but then suddenly they are forced to see each other in a different light and -- zing -- the toe-curling starts happening. Cue the euphoric chuckling because this is a Jen Turano novel and even the romance is infused with delicious comedy!
It starts with a bungled kidnapping and picks up from there. :-) From madcap mayhem straight to bedlam and I loved every blessed second!
Sublime dialogue -- honestly, the banter between Temperance and Gilbert made me giddy. They grew up together so all that history brings familiarity but then suddenly they are forced to see each other in a different light and -- zing -- the toe-curling starts happening. Cue the euphoric chuckling because this is a Jen Turano novel and even the romance is infused with delicious comedy!
It starts with a bungled kidnapping and picks up from there. :-) From madcap mayhem straight to bedlam and I loved every blessed second!
September 26, 2018
Oh how I enjoyed the humor in this book. The dialogue was filled with wittiness! The characters would be in dangerous situations and randomly begin talking about something making the scene quite humorous in my opinion. The book has the mystery and danger component to it and will until the end. Honestly, I was a little surprised! But shh! Read it and see if you can figure out the mystery and have a few laughs along the way! I so enjoyed how Gertrude found her voice with Gilbert. Watching their journey of friendship was a delight! And just the character names are enough to make one smile! I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All views expressed here are my own.
February 4, 2020
Another fun, fast novel from Jen Turano!
Since I read A Change of Fortune, Jen’s first book, I’ve been a huge fan. I love the characters she creates and especially the female friendships that are a central point of all the plots. The camaraderie between friends is true and heartwarming.
Whenever I want to read a fun, fast, well-written story, I know that a Jen Turano book will deliver. Caught by Surprise did not disappoint. As usual, there were twists and turns that made for laugh-out-loud reading. Her dialog is fresh and at time delightfully unexpected. I loved revisiting characters from her previous books.
Yes, get yourself a copy, and enjoy. I did!
Since I read A Change of Fortune, Jen’s first book, I’ve been a huge fan. I love the characters she creates and especially the female friendships that are a central point of all the plots. The camaraderie between friends is true and heartwarming.
Whenever I want to read a fun, fast, well-written story, I know that a Jen Turano book will deliver. Caught by Surprise did not disappoint. As usual, there were twists and turns that made for laugh-out-loud reading. Her dialog is fresh and at time delightfully unexpected. I loved revisiting characters from her previous books.
Yes, get yourself a copy, and enjoy. I did!
September 12, 2018
I didnt know that this was part of a series, maybe I would have liked it better if I had read the other 2 books. I just didnt feel like I really got to know the characters, it all just felt a little over the top, and it just kept going.
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