Behind the Scenes

Starred review from April 24, 2017
With all the charm of a Regency romance, the humor of a drawing room farce, and the swoonworthy delight of a fairy tale, Turano’s (A Change of Fortune) first Behind the Scenes historical absolutely sparkles. Miss Permilia Griswold is a rather unusual woman of a certain age, at least by the standards of New York society in the 1880s. She had a very untraditional upbringing in and around her father’s mines. Not only is she unmarried, much to her stepmother’s dismay, but she also is a confirmed wallflower, quite content to watch from the sidelines of the glittering high society affairs she’s forced to attend. Enter Asher Rutherford, a member of the social elite who also owns and operates one of the most successful high-end department stores. Asher is intrigued by Permilia’s singular strength of character, delight in helping others, and adventurous spirit. Things take a turn for the wonderfully absurd when Permilia overhears the details of murder plot with Asher as its star at a costume ball where her attire invokes Cinderella. The plot’s subtle highlighting of Permilia as a woman who can take care of herself—a Cinderella who doesn’t need a prince—pairs well with the quietly powerful and inspiring message of finding opportunities in unexpected places.

March 15, 2017

A debut into New York's high society is the dream of any girl, but what happens if you are repeatedly not chosen to be the belle of the ball? Permilia Griswold, a perpetual wallflower, decides to write down her observations in a newspaper gossip column using the pen name of "Miss Quill." When she overhears a threat against Asher Rutherford, a society gentleman who owns a New York department store, she tries to warn him. His disbelief leaves Permilia with no choice but to put herself at risk to save a man she barely knows. It's not long before Asher and Permilia are working together to uncover the deadly plot against him. VERDICT Turano's (Finding Margo) series debut, laced with humor and populated with eccentric characters, takes an irreverent look at Gilded Age New York. Perfect for those who enjoy a light historical romance.

Copyright 2017 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.