Friday, July 3, 2015

Jen Turano: In Good Company

By Kelly Bridgewater

From Amazon
Back Cover Copy:

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?

My Thoughts:

I have never read anything from Jen Turano. The cover of In Good Company captured my attention and the blue dress on Millie Longfellow is beautiful, but I had no idea what type of writing style that Turano was. A lot of reviews said that she was funny, but I really didn’t come across anything funny when I read the book. I mostly don’t find any books funny when I read them. Overall, In Good Company was a well-written and captivating story filled with a remarkable romantic ending for any true romance fan.

The plot of In Good Company reminded me a lot of The Sound of Music. Both Julie Andrew’s character and Millie sided with the children and taught the children how to accept others and learn to love again. Both women make clothes out of curtains for the children to have play clothes. Also, both women have a strong faith in God, allowing them both to lean on God during the troubles affecting them. On the other hand, Everett and Mr. Von Trapp both are engaged to snooty, rich women when the story starts but they fall in love with the help, causing a lot of tension around the house.

Millie, the nanny and the heroine, was head strong and was not afraid to voice her opinions. She was raised in an orphanage, but she had to work for the wealthy, which caused a lot of tension. When accepting the job at the Everett Mulberry’s estate, the kids are wild and liked to cause havoc for the nannies, sending them scurrying away. But not Millie. She teaches them the importance of love and acceptance. Everett, the hero, is a man who first believes he must accept what society has pushed on him, but he begins to change that viewpoint as he sees the way the wealthy are not loyal to him or anyone for that matter.

I enjoyed how realistic Turano brought the rich world of Newport Beach to life for me. I loved seeing the fabulous homes and the expensive clothes worn by everyone. The world was inviting. I truly hated getting to know Caroline, the woman Everett is supposed to marry. She is a horrible person who ruins everyone happiness. She is very selfish and hurtful.

Overall, I truly enjoyed In Good Company and want to run out to my local library and find more books by her.

I received a complimentary copy of Jen Turano’s In Good Company from Bethany House and the opinions stated are all my own.

Jen Turano
From Amazon
Jen Turano's Writing Bio:

Jen Turano is the acclaimed author of The Ladies of Distinction Series, published through Bethany House publishers. Her second novel, A Most Peculiar Circumstance was chosen by Booklist as a Top Ten Romance for 2013. Her fourth book, A Match of Wits, released in July, 2014, while a new series, A Class of Their Own, will begin hitting the shelves in early 2015. She is a member of ACFW and makes her home outside of Denver, Colorado with her husband and teenage son. 

How to connect with Jen Turano:

Where to purchase In Good Company:
Your local favorite bookstore


What is your favorite part about Jen Turano’s novels?

2 comments:

  1. I love that blue dress too! Was it a Sound of Music copycat, or just some similarities? I am a tough laugh too! It's nice to meet someone who doesn't just laugh at any silly thing. Thanks for your review. I'm going to look this one up.

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    1. Thank you for stopping by!! I think there was just the similarities.Turano definitely did not steal the whole idea of The Sound of Music. It was tastefully done. I enjoyed the book, and I hope you find a copy. Come back and tell me if you liked it. God bless!

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