Miss Isadora Delafield may be an heiress, but her life is far from carefree. When her mother begins pressuring her to marry an elderly and uncouth duke, she escapes from the high society world she’s always known and finds herself to be an unlikely candidate for a housekeeper position in rural Pennsylvania.Mr. Ian MacKenzie is known for his savvy business sense and has built his reputation and … reputation and fortune completely on his own merits. But when his adopted parents are in need of a new housekeeper and Isadora is thrown into his path, he’s unexpectedly charmed by her unconventional manner.
Neither Isadora nor Ian expected to find the other so intriguing, but when mysterious incidents on the farm and the truth of Isadora’s secret threaten those they love, they’ll have to set aside everything they thought they wanted for a chance at happy-ever-after.
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I have been a fan of Jen Turano since I read her first book so I was naturally looking forward to this one, but I had no idea how much I would enjoy it. From the first few pages, I was hooked. Books conjure up lots of emotions. For me, this one was pure joy. I smiled and laughed all the way through.
Izzie is adorable and fun. She has a great attitude even as she is learning hard truths about herself.
Ian, who teeters on the edge of being arrogant and domineering, is so compassionate that he remains lovable even when he ranting and being difficult.
You also get an amazing cast of secondary characters including Aunt Birdie and Uncle Amos, who are filled with wisdom. Three orphans will steal your hearts. And I don’t remember the last time barnyard animals were so involved in a romance novel, but Buttercup will steal your heart.
The book has everything you are supposed to get from Christian historical romance. There is a great message about following the paths God opens up to you, identifying your gifts, and using them to do the most good. The history and brilliance of the Gilded Age from Newport to New York to Pittsburgh comes alive with wonderful insight into labor unions and big business deals as well as the Million Dollar Heiresses sold off for British titles. And, finally, we have a great love story between Izzie and Ian, two people who are perfectly suited for each other and help each other become their own best version. of themselves. So, even if you only like one of these genres, you won’t be disappointed. But, if you like all three, this is definitely the book for you. And it’s all written with Jen Turano’s witty prose.
Once again, Jen Turano has created a laugh out loud story that I found delightful. In her unique creative style, Turano’s engaging storyline kept me reading. Through comical circumstances, her loveable characters learn lessons about God’s purposes for their lives and the importance of community. Within the story, a charming romance develops with the help of four adorable children, which I loved. The supporting characters left me curious about the next book in the American Heiresses series, which I can’t wait to read. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are mine.
‘And you thought it wise to provide a woman who’d gotten herself stuck in the wringer of a washing machine with a rifle and bullets?’
Jen Turano is a particular favorite of mine and she will have you laughing out loud all the way through her books, while learning a wonderful spiritual lesson.
Miss Isadora Delafield is a New York high society American heiress who has everything she could ever want. When her mother begins to pressure her greatly to marry a British duke, she begins to think something has to give. The duke is elderly and decidedly lecherous and rumor has it his previous 3 wives met with very suspicious deaths. So, together with a friend and two butlers, Isadora flees New York to search out a job as a housekeeper. Never mind the fact that she has absolutely no idea what a housekeeper actually does. When she lands at Glory Manor, ‘Izzy’ finds a quite chaotic farm and a very handsome man who owns it. Ian MacKenzie is a very savvy businessman who wants to marry up in society but his adoptive parents, who live at Glory Manor, hire Izzy to be housekeeper. Ian soon learns that Izzy is quite inept, but she is a wonderfully delightful young woman. Soon, however, mysterious accidents begin to plague Glory Manor and all things point to some threats against the area.
This book was absolutely delightful to read and kept me entertained greatly. The antics of these characters will keep you rolling with laughter, especially Buttercup, the tracking cow, who likes to stay indoors, and Elmer, the hen who likes to be carried around. There are also secondary characters that were quite interesting which I hope find their way into a forthcoming novel and probably will since this is the beginning of a series. Bravo!
*My thanks to Bethany House for a complimentary preview copy of this novel. All opinions stated here are entirely my own.