Monday, March 28, 2022

TO DISGUISE THE TRUTH - Jen Turano - One Free Book

Welcome, Jen. What are some of the spiritual themes you like to write about? The interesting thing about the spiritual themes in all of my books is that I never know what they’re going to be until I’m actually writing a story. My faith threads simply show up on the page, quite as if I’m being sent a message I need to address. Forgiveness, trust, loving thy neighbor, and kindness are a few of the themes I’ve explored, as well as listening to those whispers we receive from God.

What other books of yours are coming out soon? Beginning in 2023, I have a new series coming out with Bethany House—three stories revolving around matchmaking!

If you could spend an evening with one contemporary person (not a family member of yours), who would it be and why? That’s a tricky one because there are so many, but I believe I’ll choose Lauren Daigle because I love her voice, she has such a cool vibe about her, and her songs speak to me.  

What historical person would you like to meet (besides Jesus) and why? This one is easy – Alva Vanderbilt. She was the first person I read about in the Gilded Age, and her story caused me to fall in love with that historical era and decide to set my books in high society, which, during that time, was fraught with drama and has given me enough fodder for stories to last forever. 

How can you encourage authors who have been receiving only rejections from publishers? The thing with publishing is that it’s a very daunting business. Competition is fierce, so what I always tell aspiring writers is that rejection is just part of the process. It took me five years and seven manuscripts before I landed an agent, but what I’ve come to realize about those early works, is that they were merely stepping stones needed to help me perfect my writing craft to where it was worthy of publication. I also encourage writers to keep writing. Finish a book, start another one. You never know what story will resonate with an agent or editor. 

Tell us about the featured book. To Disguise the Truth is the story about Eunice Holbrooke, a most mysterious lady who roams around New York City dressed in widow’s weeds and weeping veils. She’s the owner of the Holbrooke boardinghouse, which is the setting for all three books in the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency, as well as the lady who started up the agency, encouraging all the residents of her boardinghouse to become agents. At the beginning of her story, she finds herself in her office, sitting across from a gentleman she hoped to never see again – Mr. Arthur Livingston. He’s sought out her agency to help him find a missing heiress, but since she has no intention of aiding him with that, she’s faced with the problem of how to get rid of him, while also keeping her many secrets hidden.

Please share the first page with us.

September 1887

New York City

Considering she’d once shot the man sitting across from her, Eunice Holbrooke was beginning to get the sneaking suspicion her past had finally caught up with her.

Breathing a silent sigh of relief that she’d had the presence of mind to throw on not one but three weeping veils that morning, Eunice peered through the dark crape of the veils at the few notes she’d taken before she lifted her head.

“From what I understand,” she began, speaking in a breathy voice that was not her usual voice at all, “you’re here because you’d like to hire the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency to locate a missing person. Is that right so far, Mr. . . . what did you say your name was again?”

“Arthur, Arthur Livingston.”

Hearing him speak a name that had plagued her for seven long years sent a frisson of something best left uncontemplated down Eunice’s spine as she wrote his name in the notepad, not that there was the slightest chance she’d ever forget it, seeing as how she’d put a bullet through his arm.

Granted, she hadn’t been intending on killing the man, but . . . still. One didn’t forget the name of a man one shot.

How can readers find you on the Internet? I may be found at www.jenturano.com, Facebook at www.facebook.com/jenturanoauthor and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/jenturanoauthor/ .

Thank you, Jen, for sharing this book with my blog readers and me. I’m eager to read it.

Readers, here’s a link to the book.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=to+disguise+the+truth+jen+turano&i=stripbooks&crid=1GJNR6IRPVPA0&sprefix=To+Disguise+%2Cstripbooks%2C171&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_12

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 2 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link: https://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/2022/03/to-disguise-truth-jen-turano-one-free.html

21 comments:

Kay Garrett said...

Absolutely LOVE Jen Turano's books! "TO DISGUISE THE TRUTH" has been on my TBR list since it was first mentioned. I can't wait for the opportunity to dive in reading Eunice's story.

Enjoyed reading the interview and learning more tidbits about both book and author.

Thank you for the chance to win a copy!
Kay Garrett from Mountain View, AR
2clowns at arkansas dot net

petite said...

To Disguise The Truth sounds captivating and wonderful. I love The Gilded Age. Fascinating era. Thanks for your very interesting interview. Pearl - NM.

Diane Estrella said...

I love how God leads her what to include on the faith element. So important to listen for his leading.

Diane from central NY!!!

Wendy Newcomb said...

This sounds intriguing, thank you for the chance to win a copy.

Wendy in Nebraska

wfnren at aol dot com

Elly said...

Sounds really good!
Elly -Indiana-

Pam said...

Oh, my. Love this beginning! Would love to read the rest.

Pam in Ohio

CRYSTAL said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Melanie Backus said...

I love Jen’s books!
Melanie Backus, TX

CRYSTAL said...

This book looks and sounds like a great read. Love the book excerpt, title a d book cover. The book sounds intriguing.
I like forward to learning more about about the author and their books.
Would love to read and review this book and the author's other books in print format
Crystal Stewart in PA in the USA

Lucy Reynolds said...

Jen has a wonderful sense of humor in her books. I enjoy them so much. Thank you for sharing. Blessings from WV.

Abigail Mitchell said...

My sister has been bragging about your books, and I still haven't read any, but I love all of your covers!
Abigail in VA

Anonymous said...

I always love the humor in Jen's books. She always makes me laugh and I would love to read To Disguise The Truth.
marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
Maryann in New York

Melissa M. said...

This sounds interesting! Thanks for the chance to win.

-Melissa from TN

Caryl Kane said...

Jen Turano is one of my MUST read authors!
Caryl K in TX

Sharon Bryant said...

Enter me in your awesome giveaway!!
Nichols SC.

Catherine said...

Enjoyed the interview with a favorite author. I will be looking forward to learning more about her next series, which she mentioned deals with matchmakers. Her books provide needed humor in this time of frequently negative news stories.

Catherine said...

PS Catherine in TX. I had to resubmit as I tried originally on Iphone, and I realize I inadvertently left out my location on second try.

Terrill R. said...

I have a non-Christian friend who has discovered Jen Turano's books and has been devouring them. I'm so thrilled to see her having fun with them and that they have drawn her in. Now, I need to catch up to her with this series. :)

Terrill R. - Washington State

rubynreba said...

Jan Turano is one of my favorite authors! Loved the interview and first page of the book.
Beth from IA

Madie said...

This book sounds so interesting :) ! Looking forward to reading it :) . Thanks for the chance to win a copy :) .

Hope you have a safe and happy Easter week :) .
Madie from FL

Connie Porter Saunders said...

Jen Turano always makes me laugh!
Connie from Kentucky
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com