A MATCH IN THE MAKING - Jen Turano - One Free Book

Bio: Named one of the funniest voices in inspirational romance by Booklist, Jen Turano is a USA Today bestselling author known for penning quirky historical romances set in the Gilded Age. Her books have earned Publishers Weekly and Booklist starred reviews, top picks from RT Book Reviews, and praise from Library Journal. She’s been a finalist twice for the RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards and had two of her books listed in the top 100 romances of the past decade from Booklist. She and her family live outside of Denver, Colorado.

A pillar of the inspirational romance genre, USA Today bestselling author Jen Turano has long been a fan favorite for her highly satisfying romantic comedies. With over 20 novels published to date, Turano kickstarts a new series centering on a matchmaking company with all the spunky humor and mischief that readers have come to expect from a Jen Turano novel. Gilded Age

high society takes center stage in Turano’s latest hilarious romp, A Match in the Making, book one in The Matchmakers series.

About the Story: Miss Gwendolyn Brinley accepted a temporary paid companion position for the Newport summer season, excited to spend the summer in America’s most exclusive town. She suddenly finds her summer turning anything but amusing when her employer expects her to step into the role of an assistant matchmaker. Tasked with the daunting prospect of attaining advantageous matches for her clients, Gwendolyn soon finds herself in the employ of Mr. Walter Townsend, the catch of the Season, but a gentleman Gwendolyn finds beyond irritating.

Walter Townsend is in search of a wife for the sake of his unruly children—without a mother of their own, the Townsend family can’t seem to keep the same governess for long. What he wasn’t expecting was Miss Brinley, an amateur matchmaker who turns his quest for a new wife into a complete and utter debacle. Constantly besieged by society ladies on a mission to win his affection, Walter must find a way to overcome their inundating attention—and his unexpected attraction toward Gwendolyn. The more time they spend together throughout the Newport Season, the harder it is for Gwendolyn to find Walter a wife when she realizes his perfect match might be . . . her.

A Match in the Making is book one in your new series, THE MATCHMAKERS. Can you please tell us a little bit about this book?

This story centers around Miss Gwendolyn Brinley, who finds herself in the most unlikely of situations—that being an unexpected assistant matchmaker. When Mr. Walter Townsend, an annoying gentleman if there ever was one, decides he needs the services of a matchmaker to handle all the young ladies who’ve decided their greatest desire in life is to become the next Mrs. Townsend, Gwendolyn finds herself responsible for sorting out his love life, a feat that’s more daunting than she ever imagined.

Can you dig a little deeper in the character of Gwendolyn for us? What about her is most important for readers to know?

She’s a lady who embraces an unconventional attitude for her time, and one who doesn’t stand back when she feels injustices are being leveled against those in vulnerable positions. She doesn’t hesitate to insert herself into contentious situations, which takes the New York Four Hundred aback, especially the young ladies Gwendolyn takes to task over their unbecoming behavior.

Were there really employers dedicated to matchmaking services during the Gilded Age?

Yes, there were, but it was a very discreet business. Word of mouth was the only way a mother learned who was in the matchmaking business, and compensation was always discussed in a most careful manner because women of that day were not allowed to dabble in what was considered trade if they wanted to maintain their respectable reputations.

What inspired the idea for this series?

I have a box where I toss in ideas for books that come to me at the oddest of times. Doing research stokes a lot of ideas, as does movies, other books, and life in general. For this series, I was watching a movie and there was a matchmaker in a scene, and the idea for a series began formulating from there—but not a normal series. One where the matchmakers are a little peculiar and, of course, land themselves in the most unlikely of situations. I just happened to pull that note out of the box when I was finishing up a different series and thought . . . Hmmm.

Maybe I should do a matchmaking series next.

A Match in the Making addresses themes such as rising to unanticipated challenges. Can you tell us a little more about how this idea comes into play in the lives of your characters and how that might translate to readers today?

Right from the very beginning of the book, it’s clear that Gwendolyn is faced with dealing with what we’d call mean girls today. Society knows she’s in Newport as Mrs. Parker’s paid companion, information young ladies use to slight Gwendolyn every chance they get. She’s not usually one to suffer slights in silence but feels it’s not her place, as Mrs. Parker’s employee, to react to their inappropriate behavior—until they turn their attention to a wallflower by the name of Miss Adelaide Duveen. That’s when Gwendolyn’s true personality comes out and she points out the errors of these young ladies’ ways, something no one has ever had the audacity to do within the hallowed midst of the upper crust. My hope in writing about what amounts to different cases of bullying is to encourage people to stand up to injustices and to step in and assist anyone who is being bullied, no matter if it causes unpleasant conversations or sets a person against people they consider friends.

Was there anything that you found particularly interesting in your research that you included in the book?

I was fascinated by Trinity Church located in Newport, which has enclosed pews that families buy and use for the summer Season. It’s gorgeous and has a cemetery right beside it where many a prominent Newport resident was laid to rest. I also included the Newport Casino into the story, which is this fabulous—not gambling den like you’d imagine—but almost along the lines of a country club, complete with tennis courts, glamorous dining rooms, and ballrooms where many a dance has been held.

With the rise of franchises like the Bridgerton books and streaming series, what do you think is most alluring to fans about storylines featuring the marriage mart of high society?

I think it’s the glamour that attracts fans, and all the rules of etiquette, paired with the most glorious clothing, because who wouldn’t long to be dressed to the nines and then enjoy the delights of an extravagant ball? It also might be the lifestyle, because it’s difficult for us to imagine having a lady’s maid at one’s disposal, or a cook who prepares gourmet meals every day.

What do you hope readers take away from this story?

One of the things Gwendolyn comes to realize is that the life she thought she was meant to live wasn’t a life that was going to satisfy her, and that it was okay for her to change course and embrace something she never considered.

Can you share what you’re working on next?

I have just written the end on the second book in the series, To Spark a Match. It’s Miss Adelaide Duveen’s story—the wallflower in book one. It’s still a hot mess, so I’ll be fluffing it up, and then I’ll move on to writing the third and final book of THE MATCHMAKERS—which I can’t release the title of that one just yet—but it’s Camilla Pierpont’s story, who’s a confirmed spinster who dabbles in making matches of the affectionate kind.

How can readers connect with you?

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jenturanoauthor/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jenturanoauthor

Twitter - @JenTurano

Web - www.jenturano.com

Thank you, Jen, for sharing this novel with us. I know my readers will love this story.

Readers, here’s a link to the book.

https://www.amazon.com/Match-Making-Matchmakers-Jen-Turano/dp/076424020X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=255F4ZWOEOXSV&keywords=a+match+in+the+making+jen+turano&qid=1677100114&s=books&sprefix=A+Match+in+the%2Cstripbooks%2C111&sr=1-1

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.

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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

PLAYING THE PART - Jen Turano - One Free Book

Bio: Jen Turano is the best-selling, critically acclaimed author of The Ladies of Distinction series, and A Class of Their Own series, published through Bethany House Publishers. Her novel, After a Fashion, was chosen as a top pick from Romantic Times, as well as being named a top ten romance of 2015 from Booklist. It is also a nominee for Romantic Times 2015 Reviewers’ Choice Award. Her book, A Most Peculiar Circumstance, was chosen as a top ten romance by Booklist in 2013. Her seventh book, Playing the Part, will release in the spring of 2016, followed by a new four-book series, Apart from the Crowd. When she’s not writing, Jen spends her time outside of Denver with her husband and neurotic Cattle Dog, enjoying herself as an empty-nester since her son recently abandoned her for the college life. She may be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jenturanoauthor/ or visit her on the web at www.jenturano.com. She is represented by the Natasha Kern Literary Agency. Her books may be found in most fine bookstores, or follow the Baker House Publishing link to find additional places to purchase her work - http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/authors/jen-turano/1761

Welcome, Jen. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

I’m sure there’s always a small bit of me in all of my characters, but for the most part, they decide exactly what personality they want to embrace. After that decision has been made, it’s next to impossible for me to get them to change into the character I originally thought they were going to become on the pages of my stories.

I so understand that. I’ve had some of those characters. What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

Quirky has just always been a way of life for me, so to claim one thing as being the quirkiest would be difficult. To show why my days are quirky—let me tell you about a week ago, when it snowed, something it does often out here in Denver. I’d been shoveling snow for a few hours—we have an elderly lady who lives a street over whom I’ve been helping for years—she’s a stubborn sort and if I don’t get over there, she’ll pull out her own shovel, at 89 years of age no less. But … I digress. After finishing the shoveling, I came inside and was soaking wet, so slipped on a pair of super comfortable pajamas pants. Unfortunately, those pants were missing their drawstring, but … I wore them anyway and didn’t experience any difficulties until my dog needed to go outside. My dog is a spoiled girl, and old, and she apparently took issue with the part of the yard I’d shoveled out for her. So, grabbing a shovel, I went to widen her spot, and the next thing you know … my pants fell off. There I was, faux fur coat, Ugg boots, and … yes, pants pooled around the top of those boots for everyone to see because … of course, all the neighbors were out doing their shoveling. I laughed so hard as I retrieved my dog and then waddled up the driveway and back into the house. You may very well ask why I didn’t pull my pants up while I was outside, but that would have caused me to have to lift my coat. And, well, I thought I’d been exposed quite enough as it was, especially since I’m sure my very white winter legs were gleaming in the dimness of that particular day. J

LOL. When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I’ve always enjoyed writing, but since my family was more on the scientific side, I never considered writing as a career choice. With one of my brothers being a surgeon and my other two brothers being engineers, I’m fairly certain my parents were beside themselves when I had the audacity to announce I was going to major in fashion—I’m sure if I would have chosen writing over fashion, well, I shudder to think what their response would have been to that. But, while I was in college, I found the English classes to be remarkably easy, and because of that, I’m afraid I might have gotten a bit … smug … until I walked into a creative writing class and met my nemesis. That professor and I seemed to loathe each other on sight because she was a throwback from the sixties and I was your typical sorority girl with a proclivity for wearing bows in my hair—think Madonna. Well, she assigned the first paper and I pulled out my tried and true method of writing, one that had always stood me well up until that point. I handed in the paper, confident I would see a lovely A marked on it after she graded it, but instead of an A, the professor gave me a big, fat D. I’d never had a D in my life, so … armed with righteous indignation, I set about on a quest to do better. That quest, in hindsight, taught me about writing for a target audience because the next paper I turned in was dark, creepy, and perfectly suited to that particular professor’s personality. I took Edgar Allen Poe’s “A Tell Tale Heart,” and rewrote it, using a giant eye instead of a heart. After I turned it in, I went back to class the next week, only to soon find myself in the dean’s office. My professor was certain I had stolen the work, or paid someone to write it for me, because she felt a sorority girl could not have penned such a piece. Luckily for me, this was before computers, so all I had to do was run off to my dorm room, grab my waste basket, and bring it to the dean’s office, the proof of my being the author seen in the many crumpled pieces of paper I’d used as a first draft. From that point on, I was the professor’s favorite student, and that is when I realized I might have an aptitude for writing—not that I acted on that realization for many years, but …

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

I’ll read just about anything except Science Fiction and naughty. I really enjoy romances, both historical and contemporary, love suspense, and I’m a huge fan of YA—I was really into the dystopian books, but I’m a little bored with that theme now.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

I rarely keep my sanity when I’m in the midst of a first draft, but after I get that done, I can socialize with people again, and try to limit the hours I work in any given day. I will work on the weekends while doing a first draft or if I get galleys back from my editor, but other than that, I take that time for family things.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

I use a lot of old census data from the 1800’s, or scroll through old newspapers. I also really like asking readers to submit names to me—I’ll be having a character by the name of Miss Temperance Flowerdew in my next series. It’s just a fabulous name and was given to me by a friend of mine from high school. She’s been researching her ancestry and came across Temperance. From the moment she told me about her ancestor, I knew I had to have the name, and luckily, my friend gave me full leave to use it.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

My son has to be my greatest accomplishment. He’s a sophomore in college, majoring in engineering, and he’s just a great guy. My husband and I aren’t actually certain how he turned out the way he did, especially since he was a complete terror in his younger days.

I have a daughter like that, but now she is a responsible adult, grandmother, and able to minister to young women in ways many of us can’t because of her wild years. If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

I’ve never actually thought about that before, but, if I had to choose an animal to be … I say I’d be a penguin because … well, who wouldn’t want to be one of those?

What is your favorite food?

Oh, food … I love food, all kinds of food, but the older I get, well, I just can’t eat the way I used to eat. Some favorites would be pasta, and then there’s peanut butter, but … don’t get me started on chips. I adore chips, although they seem to adore my hips, so … it’s a rare occasion indeed when I allow myself to have chips.

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

Since I write comedies, I’m always second-guessing whether or not I’ve written an amusing scene, or just dumb. I normally have to hit the walking trails and puzzle the scene out, talking out loud as I walk, which normally brings about some unusual looks from fellow walkers. When I return home, I’ll open the scene up again, and if it makes me smile, I’ll keep it, but if not, I delete and start again—hoping for the best.

Tell us about the featured book.

Playing the Part is the third and final book of the A Class of Their Own series. It revolves around Miss Lucetta Plum, one of the most sought-after actresses of the day. Because she’s so sought-after, she attracts quite a bit of unwanted attention from the gentlemen, and when one of those gentlemen, the dastardly Mr. Silas Ruff, turns threatening, she’s forced to abandon the theater and flee the city. She soon finds herself, at the suggestion of her very good friend, Mrs. Abigail Hart, standing before a rather intimidating castle by the name of Ravenwood, a castle that just happens to be owned by Abigail’s rather mysterious grandson, Mr. Bram Haverstein. It quickly becomes clear that something is gravely amiss at Ravenwood, but before Lucetta can puzzle that out, or come to terms with the feelings she’s developing for Bram, her past comes back to haunt her.

Historical romantic suspense. One of my favorite reads. Please give us the first page of the book.

October 1882 – New York City

“Forgive me, Miss Plum, but there’s a gentleman outside demanding to speak with you. He claims to be your father.”

Miss Lucetta Plum paused in the act of removing her stage makeup and turned, finding Mr. Skukman, an intimidating gentleman she employed to manage her overzealous admirers, standing in the doorway of her dressing room. “How fascinating, Mr. Skukman, especially considering my father died years ago.”

 Mr. Skukman arched a single dark brow her way. “Fascinating indeed.” With that, he withdrew, pulling the door firmly shut behind him. Seconds later, the sound of what was surely some type of a scuffle drifted into the dressing room.

“This is an outrage,” a man bellowed. “I demand you unhand me at once, sir.”

Recognition of the voice was immediate. Rising ever so slowly from a vanity stool upholstered in red velvet, Lucetta navigated her way across the cluttered dressing room. Stepping over a pair of high-heeled shoes she’d slipped off her feet the moment after she’d taken her last curtsy, she drew in a steadying breath and yanked open the door.

We must find out who is on the other side of the door. How can readers find you on the Internet?

My website is http://jenturano.com/

My Facebook author page is https://www.facebook.com/jenturanoauthor/ or readers may write to me at – jen@jenturano.com

Thank you, Jen, for spending this time with us. I've loved chatting with you.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.

Playing the Part - Christianbook.com
Playing the Part - Amazon.com
Playing the Part - Kindle

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. (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 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, 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:
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com