To save her family from financial ruin, Miss Poppy Garrison accepts an unusual proposition to participate in the New York social season in exchange for her grandmother settling a family loan that has unexpectedly come due. Ill-equipped to handle the intricacies of mingling within the New York Four Hundred, Poppy becomes embroiled in one hilarious fiasco after another, doomed to suffer a grand … societal failure instead of being deemed the diamond of the first water her grandmother longs for her to become.
Reginald Blackburn, second son of a duke, has been forced to travel to America to help his cousin, Charles Wynn, Earl of Lonsdale, find an American heiress to wed in order to shore up his family estate that is in desperate need of funds. Reginald himself has no interest in finding an heiress to marry, but when Poppy’s grandmother asks him to give etiquette lessons to Poppy, he swiftly discovers he may be in for much more than he bargained for.more
This book made me laugh out loud and caught my attention from the very first scene! Stopping a whole dance because your tiara is stuck to your dancing partner! It was hilarious! I absolutely loved Poppy! She was an amazingly strong accident prone character that I immediately wanted for a best friend. Murray was adorable although I wasn’t sure what I thought of him at first. Reginald took awhile to grow on me, but by a third of the way through the book I was starting to appreciate him. The amount of change in the character great and a lot, while still being realistic. I also enjoyed how Jen incorporated Nigel from the first book in the series.
Different story line very entertaining.
While Diamond in the Rough has all the elements of a Jen Turano book: good writing, good characters, plot twists, faith, mystery, and humor, it doesn’t follow the footprints of most of the others and that makes it all the more fun to read. Any more specific statement could steal the delight from the next reader.
I did like Poppy. She was my kind of gal!
Poppy Garrison, after living and helping in her family’s farm, finds herself living her first New York Social Season at her rich grandmother’s request, in exchange of financial help to her family’s business, which is in trouble at the moment. Viola (Poppy’s excentric grandmother) loves a challenge, and she wants to make her grandaugther a diamond of the first water in the High American Society, which proves more than a challenge, because Poppy has no idea of propriety, is straightforward, blunt and more than accident prone. But not one to be defeated, She seeks the help of a gentleman, an expert in etiquette and manners. But will that be enough?
Reginald Blackburn is the second son of an Earl, and he travel to America to help his cousin Charles, Earl of Lonsdale, find an American Heiress to marry. Unexpectedly, he finds himself accepting the job and challenge of turning Poppy Garrison into a diamond of the first water, and an elegible American Heiress. As he focuses on this almost impossible task, he finds himself more in the task of a rescuer, as Poppy finds herself in the most unexpected and embarrassing situations. But the more he gets to know honest, naive and kindhearted Poppy, the more he questions if he really wants Poppy to become a diamond of the first water, or whatever high society expects that to be, which seems very opposed to Poppy’s most endearing personality. Is he falling in love for his student? Will he fail or succeed at the task he was given?
Every single one of Jen’s books never fails to charm me, make me fall in love with her characters, and delight me with their endearing personalities. Her stories are just too much fun, yet always sweet and inspiring, and I love this combination! Diamond in the Rough was no exception and I fell in love with this opposite love match: Reginald all propriety and Poppy anything but! They were so loveable in their dialogues, witty banter and dire situations! I just loved Reginald’s constant surprise (appaled at first) at Poppy’s antics, and slowly falling in love with her genuine personality! It was a sight to behold!
I also loved the secondary characters… Beatrix (which will have her own book) and Murray were so genuine and endearing too!
I can’t do anything but vividly recommend this book from Ms. Turano! She’s a master of the Inspiring Romantic Comedy (there’s always an uplifting message behind) and she’s definitely one of my favorite authors! This book can be read as a standalone, but I recommend you to read this series! An “utterly delighful” read! It will make you laugh out loud non-stop!
This is the second book in the “American Heiresses” series by Jen Turano. I found this book to be filled with hilarious shenanigans! In one part of the book where Poppy and Adele are engaging in un-ladylike eating, I am reminded of the movie with Amanda Bynes called “She’s the Man” where she is eating a chicken leg in the middle of a debutante luncheon which causes me to laugh out loud. Both Poppy and the character Amanda Bynes played do not consider themselves to be your stereotypical society lady. They both are prone to getting themselves caught up in amusing antics. If you want a book that is light-hearted and a good laugh, then this book will be right up your alley. I have to say I highly recommend it.
Diamond in the Rough by Jen Turano was truly a treat to read. You never know what to expect when you start one of her books, but you are definitely in for a wild ride when you do! Her novels are hilarious and filled with characters, both likeable and detestable, that get themselves into some crazy situations. Each book can be read as a stand alone story, but they are best read in order to fully appreciate the series.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher on behalf of the author in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own and a positive review was not required. Can’t wait to see what comes next!
What a fun and entertaining story! Loved the characters and the lessons as she became a Diamond In The Rough! Highly recommend any of Jen Turano books!
Jen Turano is great at creating giggle-worthy situations for her heroines, which encourages me to keep reading. As one crazy thing after another continued to happen, I kept thinking of a friend of mine who similarly tends to attract unusual chaos and also sees the brighter side of things. I think she and Poppy would be great friends. And the hilarious reference to Pride and Prejudice! The storyline was delightful, the supporting characters were eclectic and wonderful, and I love how the author brought redemption to a less-than-stellar character from the first book. Truly well done.
Jen has done it again! There is a reason Jen is one of my absolute favorite authors, because her books have the perfect ratio of romance, humor, a bit of mystery and characters I love. I have yet to read one of her historical books that I didn’t adore (and I have read them all!), and Diamond In The Rough is no exception. The escapades that Poppy somehow manages get tangled up in kept me in stitches and I loved the new characters we met in this story, especially Murray. He was adorable and I loved seeing his growth in the book. If you love to laugh, I HIGHLY recommend this book. As for me, this book has more than earned its place on my keeper shelf next to the rest of Jen’s lovelies.
I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
I enjoy Jen Turano’s books. She creates quirky female characters and situations. If you enjoy sweet historical romances, I recommend this book and others she has written.
A Force to be Reckoned With! Although Poppy was forced to take part in just one season of New York society, her penchant for attracting trouble could make her remembered for years. Time after time, she finds herself embroiled in activities that shock her genteel grandmother, Viola. Out of desperation, Viola convinces the very proper British Reginald Blackburn (who is secretly a Duke’s son) to instruct Poppy about the correct way to behave. Reginald himself is fit to be tied by Poppy since she continues getting into trouble and drags him into it as well.
Many hilarious situations develop, although, some of them unexpectedly turn out to be serious. In an unforeseen twist, the ending brings together lots of information that hadn’t seemed related. I loved this this clean, entertaining tale was told from a Christian perspective.
A good point about how secrets eventually come out was made to Reginald, but applies to others who have secrets in this story. Murray’s characteristics didn’t come together for me (was he originally going to be someone different?), but everything else in this fun tale drew me in. This 5-star book will be enjoyed by those who like well-written, light-hearted romances of yesteryear–with some unforeseen zigzags.
Bethany House Publishing through NetGalley has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of, Diamond in the Rough, for the purpose of review
Diamond in the Rough is another laugh-out-loud funny romance from Jen Turano. I always have a huge smile on my face when I’m reading one of her books. There’s just something so special and uplifting about them. This is one of my favorites.
Poppy’s entrance into New York high society doesn’t get off to the best start. It’s full of mishaps, slips of the tongue, social miscues, and embarrassing snafus, but that doesn’t stop Poppy from having an upbeat attitude about it all. I loved that about her. She’s so cheery and optimistic despite it all. Wouldn’t it be nice to be more like her in awkward situations? She’s exactly who she is. No airs. No apologies. Just her awesome, mishap-prone self.
And then there’s Reginald who I have to admit I fell for the moment he first appeared on page. There’s just something about a broody Englishman that I can’t seem to resist. His attempts to teach Poppy proper etiquette were quite amusing. There was never a dull moment when those to were together.
I absolutely loved this story and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a sweet romance and a good laugh. I can’t wait for the next book.
“You seem to be an original my dear, so perhaps you won’t feel the need to wait so long before You abandon what’s expected of you, embracing who you truly are and who God meant you to be, instead of trying to embrace a sense of who others want you to be”
This story was so good. I loved that it had a great underlying message of just being yourself and not trying to fit into the mold that society expects. I relate to Poppy on a high level, especially when her tiara gets caught in poor Mr. Murray’s coat sleeve. A clumsy girl after my own heart. And have I mentioned that we get to see a special special person from another series make a cameo appearance in this book. Yes, be super excited. This is a great story about Poppy navigating through New York society and a dashing English aristocrat coming to terms that always following the rules does not necessarily make the perfect lady.
Oh, it was SO good! I loved the memorable characters in this, and not just the main ones. It was all out funny, touching, romantic, and inspirational. Perfect! One of my new faves- What a fun read!
Diamond in the Rough is the second book in the American Heiresses series, although it is not necessary to read the first book (Flights of Fancy) before reading this one. Of course, Flights of Fancy was a fabulous book and if you like fun historical romance novels you will love it.
Miss Poppy Garrison’s grandmother has finagled a way to involve her in the 1985 New York social season, and the book begins with a hilarious account of the disastrous results. As usual, Turano has created a character who, despite her best efforts, gets literally tangled up in the midst of an important dance and causes a scene that is definitely not considered appropriate by high society. As a person who has two left feet, I could immediately sympathize with Poppy and the situations she finds herself in.
As the book continues, mishaps and misunderstandings continue for this young woman who really has the best interest of others at heart. I realized about two-thirds of the way through the book that my face hurt from smiling so much as I read! I love Turano’s books for this reason — it is so seldom than any author is so brilliant at engaging the reader in such crazy and yet somehow realistic escapades that I laugh out loud. They are a great way to escape the drudgery and disasters that headline our daily news.
But these books are filled with so much more than just funny events. The characters have depth, intriguing secrets, and fascinating conversations. In addition, I love the historical details that are included. The descriptions of the clothing (and their advantages/disadvantages) have me both wanting to try something so beautiful and glad we don’t have to wear such things these days! While I typically don’t care much for romance books, there is so much more here that I don’t mind the occasional predictability about who falls in love with whom.
Diamond in the Rough is a story of trying to fit in, wanting to change the world, and helping to open the eyes of others to needs they had ignored.
I have thoroughly enjoyed every book Jen Turano has written, and I will read every book she writes in the future.
I think Jen Turano’s books are easy to love because she has the ability to write seamless plots, touching romance, and truly hilarious heroes and heroines. This novel follows her usual writing style with even more likeable characters. I never tire of reading about their hilarious escapades—she is so creative! Poppy is the perfect heroine to love, with her no-nonsense, practical sense that seems to crack into Reginald’s stern exterior. I enjoyed reading about how they affected and changed each other for the better. It was easy to laugh at the scenes, but the humor did not detract from the deeper spiritual messages and serious character growth. There is also an element of mystery. I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to see what this author pens next!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
I chuckled my way through Jen Turano’s most recent release, Diamond in the Rough, the second of her American Heiresses series. Turano’s skilled at writing inspirational historical romance full of tongue-in-cheek humor is sure to please.
After her parents accept financial assistance from her high-society grandmother, Poppy Garrison finds herself in New York for her very first “Season”. Her grandmother is one of the New York Four Hundred, a specially elite group of wealthy socialites. In order for Poppy to be considered for acceptance as one of the Four Hundred, she must first become a “diamond of first water”. Much to her grandmother’s consternation, Poppy hasn’t the first notion of the proper decorum expected of her and she has quite the penchant for finding herself unexpectedly in the most unusual situations.
Reginald Blackburn is the second son of a duke, has accompanied his cousin find an American heiress. Reginald is quite the proper gentleman, who finds Poppy’s ways to be, well annoying. Sure she has found just the person to teach Poppy how to become a diamond of first water, grandmother engages Blackburn as her instructor, much to Poppy’s dismay.
Hilarity ensues as Poppy finds herself in one amusing mishap after another, mishaps that no diamond of the first water would ever permit.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and am under no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions therein are solely my own, and freely given.
This is an absolutely hysterical historical romantic comedy!
This wonderful story can easily be renamed Poppy’s Madcap Adventures. It kept me laughing from start to finish.
I fell in love with Poppy and her unconventional way of moving through high society from the beginning. Reading the reactions of “proper” society people was just as amusing. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing how many of the other characters developed and came into their own as the story progressed.
It wouldn’t be a Jen Turano novel if there weren’t high society ladies carrying around pistols. I love how she always manages to write such quirky characters that it fits with the story though. The other tidbit that I’ve come to expect from this author are funny animal scenes. In this story they were at least about typical household pets.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.
Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion – which I’ve done. All thoughts and opinions 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.*
From chapter one until the end I was laughing at Poppy’s antics and unfortunate mishaps. This story was set in the late 1880s and the author did a fantastic job of describing that era with their dress, mannerisms, and the importance of money and society to some people.
Loved the characters, setting and story line. Lots of laughs, witty, clean romance, and drama.
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.