Caught by Surprise
By Jen Turano
Published by Bethany House
Release Date: July 31, 2018
ISBN#987-0764217968
368 Pages
NORA’S REVIEW: I’m a Jen Turano fan and I enjoyed every minute I spent reading Caught by Surprise. I love that this authors novel is filled with fun, adventure, and a spiritual message that caught me by surprise through her quirky, delightful characters. This story, the main characters and supporting cast made for a hilariously captivating read I found myself smiling all the way through and bursting out in laughter often. I never knew what would happen next. I love how this author makes fun of and at the same time teaches readers about the silly rules of high society.
Once Temperance is reunited with Gilbert; her longtime childhood friend she remembers how feisty, independent and determined she used to be and decides to ditch this wall flower personality she adopted after the unexpected death of her parents. She wouldn’t be a wall flower anymore. Temperance becomes truly happy when she acts like her true self no matter what people around her think. Gilbert was delighted by this and smiled at the change in her. He admired her spontaneity and independence. He also liked how she embraced adventure even if he had to come to her rescue.
Temperance finds herself in several complex situations she’d never dreamed of being in the middle of. For instance, this story kicks off with Miss Temperance Flowerdew being kidnapped. Temperance learns some disturbing things about her family during this escapade. Which triggers Gilbert Cavendish, to demand she marry him to save her reputation. She refuses his proposal. There had to be another way, she’d only marry for love. So, Temperance sets off to find an acceptable solution.
Gilbert Cavendish, is a quiet sensible man who enjoys order, making lists and following rules. Everything that Temperance isn’t. Having grown up with Temperance he understands her outlandish ways. I like how these two characters grow and mature throughout the story as they both find their true selves and learn the meaning of true love. It’s more than feelings and status symbols. They also learn that together
they can take on danger and fight the attackers who are determined to take them down.
This author has witty dialogue and I adored being around these fun-loving friends. Gilbert goes with Temperance who heads off to confront her cousins. They repeatedly knocked on the door. No one answers. They creatively find a way inside. Temperance says to her cousin, “Where are the members of your staff? And why, If I’m not mistaken, are you leaving town?”
“It’s…ah…Thursday. Fanny and I always give the staff the day off on Thursday.”
“It’s Tuesday, and you never give all the staff time off at the same time.”
“Wayne narrowed his eyes on Temperance, “What’s happened to you? You seem far more assertive than I’ve ever known you to be, and…talkative. You never used to talk.”
Temperance shrugged. “I’ve come to the conclusion that the reserved, timid, and yes, practically mute attitude I embraced over the past few years was a direct result of the grief I was experiencing due to the loss of my parents.”…”I’ve now abandoned that attitude and have vowed to never become a victim again.”
I enjoyed this sweet romance of childhood friends who discover each other again, looking and feeling differently now that they are grown. There’s a sweet innocence about it, that captured my heart and made me smile until my face hurt.
Buckle up and get ready for some mind-blowing escapades that are crazy, and fun as the author introduces some lovable and not so loveable characters that do the unimaginable. Just when you think things couldn’t get any worse for Temperance they do.
I highly recommend this for a wonderful, delightful read. It’s also a novel that would make an amazing book club pick as well. There is so much to discuss.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher/NetGalley. 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”
- Nora St. Laurent
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