After a Fashion

January 12, 2015
In her new historical romance, Turano (A Talent for Trouble) creates an unlikely coupling between the spirited Harriet Peabody and the wealthy Oliver Addleshaw. With no father, a deceased mother, and a con-artist aunt as her guardian, Harriet has endured a difficult life. Setting out on her own, she secures a respectable position working for a local milliner. When sent on a delivery for an especially troublesome client, circumstances get out of control, and Harriet finds herself without a job but with a most unusual, and lucrative, business offer from Addleshaw. As Oliver and Harriet work through the intricacies of their alliance, they find themselves attracted to each other despite the differences in their social standings. Turano keeps a predictable romantic tale interesting through a large and diverse supporting cast of characters. Incorporating a bit of mayhem, a modicum of charm, and a dash of skullduggery into Harriet and Oliver’s love story, Turano creates an engaging tale with a delightfully unexpected twist at the end. Agency: Seymour Agency.

Starred review from February 15, 2015
Harriet Peabody works for a milliner, hoping to save enough for her own shop. Unfortunately, her employment comes to an abrupt end when, during a delivery, Harriet inadvertently incurs the wrath of Lily Birmingham, a wealthy, over-the-top-spoiled woman who is known for her tantrums and shoe throwing. Oliver Addleshaw needs to be married to boost his career, but after witnessing his almost-fiancee's appalling behavior, he has second thoughts, and despite the loss of Lily's father's valuable connections, he ends the relationship. But he still needs a fiancee, even a fake one, so Oliver asks Harriet to assume the role. Although it goes against her grain to live a lie, it's 1882, and finding a respectable job in New York City is next to impossible. Besides, Oliver has offered Harriet enough money to fund her shop. Witty dialogue, slapstick situations, crazy misunderstandings, and an oddball cast of secondary characters, including a notorious actress and a young woman who is dictionary-challenged, add to the fun of this uproarious story. Turano (A Match of Wits, 2014) continues to be one of the funniest voices in the inspirational genre, and her spunky heroines will appeal to readers across the romance spectrum.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)