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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They want different things…or do they?
All I have to see is the name Jen Turano on the cover and I know that I am in for a charming, madcap, and perfectly delicious story. There will be plenty of romance, laugh-out-loud moments, and some of the most weirdly wonderful characters on the written page. There will also be the most delightful elements of suspense that really keep the story hopping. Without fail Jen Turano delivers a story that makes me laugh, think a little, and definitely happy that I’ve read it. Flights Of Fancy was no exception.
Flights Of Fancy is the first book in the American Heiresses series and it’s a real winner. I was captivated by the characters, the setting, and the story, right off the bat. An enchantment that held through to the last page. Speaking of characters, there were a few very special ones that really captured my heart, besides the the heroine and hero, of course. The children were adorable as were Aunt Birdie and Uncle Amos, but, it was really Elmer, Buttercup, and Sparky that quite won me over. The book also features a generous dollop of suspense and one of Jen Turano’s most despicable villains ever.
To say that I loved Flights Of Fancy would be a major understatement. This fun and funny book with its free-spirited characters and exceptional writing was a true delight and I simply can’t wait for the next book in the series…
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
My favorite aspect to Jen Turano’s novels is her awesome sense of humor. I adore the witty banter and the slapstick in Flights of Fancy. This book is filled with excellently hilarious, laugh-out-loud scenes. I actually read about half of this story out loud to my husband so we could laugh together. The hilarity alone makes Flights of Fancy a must-read for 2019!
Turano’s message in this novel that God puts us all on specific paths for very specific reasons really resonated with me. Many, many times in my life I have struggled with my path. I have often worried that I wasn’t where I was supposed to be. All that worry ever did for me was make me hate my job and life in general. When I learned to change my attitude, when I realized a real relationship with Jesus, I learned that God makes NO mistakes and that I am exactly where He wants me to be. I admire Izzie’s courage to step out into God’s plan for her even though she has zero clue where that path will take her. In my experience, trusting God’s path takes time. I found Izzie to be intrepid in the sense that she just goes with it. Watching Izzie try new things that took her out of her comfort zone, consider new ideas, see things from others’ perspectives, and grow in her relationship with God really made Izzie an admirable character. This is definitely a novel I will save for when my daughter is old enough because I think Izzie does a great job of modelling what trusting in God’s plan looks like.
I’ve been a mom for six years. They’ve been AMAZING six years, and I’m super excited for all the years to come, but being a mom is sometimes really scary. It’s not being a mommy that is scary per se, it’s not knowing what the future holds for my daughter. I would like to be able to steer her onto a path that is the least painful and troublesome if at all possible, but I know that’s unrealistic. One idea that really captured my attention in Flights of Fancy is the notion of mothers and their plans for their daughters. There is no doubt that Izzie’s mother, Hester, loves her daughter. She wants the absolute best for Izzie, which she firmly believes is marriage to a particular gentleman. Hester is so obsessed with Izzie’s “perfect future” that she loses sight of her actual child. Hester’s plan makes her myopic — it’s literally all she lives for. I found this to be a much-needed warning for me to heed. I know myself, and I could easily become a Hester-mother. I could put my plans for my child ahead of my child’s actual best interests. I am not God though. Proverbs 16:9 tells me that only God can establish my daughter’s steps. Hester’s actions, attitudes, and words in Flights of Fancy reminded me that God made me Bella’s mommy so that I can help her on the path God’s put her on, not steamroll her onto the path I think is best for her. This is a really important lesson for me to learn now when my daughter is six so I don’t mess up too hard in her future.
Flights of Fancy is another win for Jen Turano, and I very much look forward to the next installment to this series. If you are looking for a hilarious novel filled with wonderfully unique and endearing characters, and a plot line that is so engaging you will be turning pages well past bedtime, then this is definitely the book for you. I highly, highly recommend this fabulous read!
I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the author via Celebrate Lit through NetGalley. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
If you enjoy humor in your historicals — and who wouldn’t be intrigued by a heroine who can’t boil water? — you won’t want to miss Flights of Fancy.
If you love historical fiction with romance and comedy, Jen Turano is the author for you. My husband kept asking me what was so funny as Isadora’s tale had me laughing out loud throughout. This is a delightful story that will keep you turning the pages and staying up into the late hours to see how it all ends. Run, don’t walk, to your nearest bookseller or library and get your copy today. I have already pre-ordered the second book, Diamond in the Rough, and am counting down the days until it arrives. . . only 12 more days!!!
Lastly, don’t you LOVE the vibrant cover?
Flights of Fancy, by Jen Turano, is the first book in the American Heiresses series. Exceedingly delightful with an abundance of wit and humor, this novel is simply a pleasure to read! Ms. Turano certainly has a talent for writing uplifting stories that abound with thoughtfulness and charm. This book is utterly creative, clever, and endearing!
Flights of Fancy is a thoroughly entertaining story with a swiftly paced plot that is full of surprises. Brimming with scenes of adventure, comedy, and romance, this novel also offers a meaningful story of hope, purpose, and new beginnings. The characters in this book are refreshingly unique and compelling. As they overcome obstacles and evaluate their motivations, the characters are relatable and inspiring. They exhibit endearing qualities that make them unconventional yet believable.
Flights of Fancy truly is a wonderful piece of historical fiction. Its successful blend of comedy, romance, and faith, makes the story very readable and extremely enjoyable. It is a satisfying novel from the first page to the last, and I recommend it wholeheartedly.
*I was given a copy of this novel from the publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written contains opinions that are entirely my own.
Can I just say, I LOVE Jen Turano’s books? I have always enjoyed historical and humorous fiction. When you mix those two together…well, you get a Jen Turano book!
Flights of Fancy is Turano’s newest book, the first in her American Heiresses series. True to her typical style, there are lots of laugh out loud moments garnered from the situation Isadora “Izzie” Delafield, American heiress, finds herself in. However, not everything is “hunky-dory” in her life.
Fleeing from a precarious situation involving a dastardly Duke her mother wants her to marry, Izzie finds herself at the Glory Manor. Glory Manor is home to a menagerie of animals and people, including cows and chickens that prefer the indoors and four adorable orphans.
Between the “normal” goings on at Glory Manor, there are undercurrents of menace, too. As the characters begin to learn more about each other, they also learn more about themselves and their purpose in life.
Flights of Fancy doesn’t have as much of the Gilded Age as most of Turano’s books have; nonetheless, it is still very enjoyable. She has a way of interweaving valuable life lessons and Biblical insights into her stories that leave you thinking about your own life.
I received the book from NetGalley and Celebrate Lit through Bethany House Publishers. However, I was under no obligation to post a review.
4.5 STARS!!!
He had the sneaking suspicion her question was completely serious, which spoke volumes about her experience, or lack thereof, in the kitchen.
Delightfully engaging, Turano once again takes readers on a fanciful jaunt into the countryside with an heiress seeking anonymity from an unsuitable suitor. But fanciful isn’t the only thing going on here. What struck me most about this story is Isadora’s journey to becoming better—a better person, that is.
While many assumptions are made about Isadora’s abilities (or inabilities as the case may be), one thing she is not in want of is self-examination. And when ‘Izzie’ finds herself lacking, she owns up to it and changes. Her transformation is miraculous; like a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis. Along the way, there is plenty of entertainment and laughter which is classic Turano style.
Ian MacKenzie is a successful businessman hoping to climb even higher by marrying a society girl. His adoptive parents own the farm where Isadora is masquerading as a housekeeper and he spends a lot of time there helping them out. Shenanigans are happening in the area, some that turn rather dangerous. But amidst it all, Ian also discovers there is more to life than climbing the proverbial social ladder.
Christian fiction is all the better for the added addition of Jen Turano’s books. Each one has its eccentricities, making them exceptionally entertaining while faith in the Lord is woven skillfully throughout as well. It’s never overdone, like Izzie’s attempts in the kitchen. 🙂
I highly recommend Flights of Fancy to historical fiction fans. It’s a sweet treat if there ever was one! I was gifted a copy from the publisher and author with no expectation of a review. No compensation has been received.
Kudos go to author Jen Turano! What a better way could this reader ring in the new year than to read her latest release, Flights of Fancy? Truly, I am pleased that Flights of Fancy is my first read for 2019!
Isadora Delafield, according to her mother, fast approaching the age considered marriageable in their high society circles. Isadora, or Izzy, as she’s called by her best friend feels no rush to marry despite the societal rules; she will marry for love or she does not want to marry at all.
Despite her resistance, Izzy’s mother attempts to set her up with an old British duke, a man Isadora finds to be quite, well distasteful. Learning that life may not go well for her should she accept his advances, Isadora resists, only to realize that resisting puts her life in danger. She runs away and finds herself hired as a housekeeper on a Pennsylvania farm.
Gentleman farmer Ian MacKenzie is in need of a housekeeper to manage his adopted parents farm while he attends to business matters in the city. When Izzy applies, Ian is rather stunned by her disguise and manner. Despite his misgivings, he hires Izzy and soon finds out she doesn’t even know how to boil water!
Isadora was expecting a position managing a household; Ian was expecting a housekeeper, neither was expecting what happened. Hilarity, mystery and love ensues as the two learn more about each other and about themselves. Add four young children, three girls and a boy, miscellaneous farm animals…wait until you meet Buttercup, the cow…all kinds of hilarious and some not so hilarious things ensue.
I so much enjoyed reading Flights of Fancy by Jen Turano, and since it’s the first in a new series, I’m even more excited that there are additional quirky stories to come!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, BethanyHouse, and am not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions therein are solely my own.
This right here is the reason I anticipate every new Jen Turano book. There is a lot of laughing on my part when I’m reading them, but these stories also have depth to them. And Flights of Fancy adds even more elements to that winning combination.
When Isadora Delafield goes into hiding, posing as a housekeeper seeking a position, she lands at Glory Manor. And hijinks ensue. Isadora, now known as Izzie, hasn’t the first clue how to keep house. Her endeavors with a washing machine, cooking, and boiling water make for some hilarious scenes.
Add to this, the fact that Glory Manor is, in fact, a farm—one with a hen named Elmer who likes to be held and a cow who prefers to be in the house—there are just more layers to create a most delightful read. If that’s not enough for you, there are four children residing at the farm that are just a perfect fit for this book and they captured me from the start.
But most of all, it’s the journey that Izzie and Ian take to discover who they are meant to be and the lesson that wealth is so much more than money that shoots Flights of Fancy to the top of my favorite reads list.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Flights of Fancy by Jen Turano is the first book in the American Heiresses series and I must say I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series. It is a delightfully captivating story. A young wealthy woman is being coerced into a marriage with an old and rather villainous man who just might even be a murderer. The answer to her dilemma seems to be to hide out in the countryside as a housekeeper and she can barely even manage to dress herself let alone take care of a household. A household which consists of a somewhat confused old man, his laid up wife and four young children from an orphanage, and add to that all the feisty farm animals who always seem to be on the loose–Buttercup, the cow who thinks the house is her stall and Elmer, the chicken who often finds its way under Izzy’s skirts to peck at her legs. Isadora’s adventure into life as an inept house manager has some lessons of faith as characters learn to trust God to care for and lead them. Lots of witty humor, relatable characters, some mystery, and of course, a lovely romance. Who could ask for more?
I received a complimentary copy of this book via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required and opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.
So delightful! Jen Turano really knows how to write fun historical romance filled with humor, clever and witty dialogue, unforgettable characters, and interesting and unexpected plot twists. If you enjoy historical romance that is well-written and entertaining, you will adore this book.
The premise is not necessarily original for the time period of 1885 but the cast of characters is unique and charming. Isadora is a beautiful society lady who is on the run and she finds her true self in a small town in Pennsylvania. Her courage, ability to self-evaluate, her tender heart and her tenacity all lead her to discovering a closer relationship with God and her purpose in life. Ian is totally sigh-worthy: strong, intelligent, wealthy, loyal, loving, kind, and handsome. Yet he, too, needs to travel this journey of maturation as he realizes his long-term life goals are selfish and feels led to re-evaluate what he holds dear. There are some truly hysterical moments in the book that will have you laughing out loud. It’s definitely a book that will leave you with a happy, satisfied smile on your face when you’re finished. I can’t wait for the second book in the series!
I received a copy of the book from Bethany House via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
Flights of Fancy by Jen Turano takes us back to July of 1885. Isadora Delafield has a mother determined to marry her off to a gentleman with a title. The older Duke of Montrose has set his sights on Isadora and her mother, Hester is thrilled with the match. Isadora is repulsed by the Duke and his reputation sends her running with the aid of those who care for her. Isadora or Izzie finds herself in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania applying for the position as housekeeper at Glory Manor. With a name like Glory Manor, Izzie imagines a large residence where she can direct and organize servants which happens to be her expertise. Mr. Ian MacKenzie was raised by Amos and Birdie Alderson on their farm, Glory Manor. Birdie was injured in a plow incident and Amos has been forgetful lately. Ian needs someone to take care of them while he is managing his business interests in the city. He was unprepared for the four Duffy children that a social worker has put into Birdie’s care. Ian has his doubts about Izzie’s qualifications especially after he must show her how to use the washing machine, but he is in a pinch plus he finds Izzie intriguing. Izzie finds herself adapting to her new situation, but she is concerned by malicious activities happening at Glory Manor and other surrounding farms. Izzie and Ian will need to work together to overcome unexpected challenges. What happens when someone threatens those they love and a promising future?
Flights of Fancy is a delightfully entertaining historical novel. I found the book to be well-written with steady pacing. Isadore Delafield is a great character. She has a controlling mother who wants her daughter to marry a man with a title. The Duke of Montrose fits the bill, but he is twice Isadora’s age. When her best friend’s butler, Mr. Hatfield learns of the Duke’s intentions, he informs Mr. Godkin, the Delafield butler, of the man’s character and what happened to the Duke’s other three wives. The two men come up with a plan to keep Izzie safe. Ian MacKenzie is grateful to Amos and Birdie Alderson for taking him in as a child and making sure he got an education. Ian is now a successful businessman who is determined to marry a society lady. I enjoyed the witty repartee between Izzie and Ian. Izzie has no clue how to perform the most basic of tasks, but she is a whiz at organization and hiring others to accomplish her plans. Add in four rambunctious children, a cow who prefers a house to a barn and a chicken (who really should have been named Nigel). Also, Izzie tends to be long-winded with her unusual explanations (which make Ian forget what he asked in the first place). I found myself laughing from beginning to end while reading Flights of Fancy (I am talking about laugh-out-loud laughing). Jen Turano captured the historical period with her descriptions of the homes (mansions), the beautiful clothing, the attitudes of men and women (especially society mother’s like Harriet Delafield), the transportation utilized, the historical figures mentioned, and the types of businesses run. The Christian element is light but well thought out. Birdie is the character with the strongest faith which she shares with those in her life. My finger was kept busy flipping the virtual pages of my Kindle as I devoured this book. Flights of Fancy is a captivating story with romance, action, rich historical details, suspense, and whimsy.
Jen’s books are always a great read and this one was no different. Seriously, I laughed through the entire thing. Yes, there were some somber moments but all in all this was a light hearted book.
The characters are very well developed and lovable. Well, except for the “bad guys”. Every good books needs some intrigue and bad guys. With lots of adventure and a bit of romance this book is great for any readers of Christian fiction. Taking place during the gilded era, we read about dukes, gowns, balls, and all manner of upper crust society “needs”. We also read about labor unions, a farm with the funniest cow, and orphans who need help.
Really, Flights of Fancy has something for everyone. I highly recommend it and look forward to the next book in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Though not prone to “flights of fancy” Miss Isadora Delafield certainly went on an unexpected adventure in this wonderful book.
I loved getting to know Izzie as she blossomed into the lady she was meant to be.
I also loved Ian. A man who wanted to climb the ranks of society, until he sees some long buried truths in his heart.
I loved the unique humor, quirky characters, and sweet message the author spreads throughout the pages and into my heart.
No spoilers from me but he warned, there are some children that will steal your hearts and an unusual assortment of pets that will leave you laughing or at the very least, shaking your head.
Love, love, loved this book! I know I’ll be reading it again.
A joy to read!
This book was really great. Ian and Izzy are great! The story line was wonderful and there many humorous moments. This has been one of my favorite (if not my favorite) books by Jen. Probably part of that is because Ian’s character is probably my favorite by her.
I love Jen Turano’s books. Every one that I have read have been wonderful.
This is my first book by Jen Turano although I was surprised to realize that because I really thought I had read a book by her when I saw the covers of her books. The covers definitely draw me in. “Flights of Fancy” is the first book in the “American Heiresses” series written by Jen Turano. This book is a great read if you are the type to like romantic comedies. The female main character, Isadora Delafield, is a hoot when it comes to the situation she finds herself in as a housekeeper for the male main character, Ian MacKenzie, at the house of his Aunt and Uncle called Glory Manor. Also, you cannot help but fall for the four delightful children that end up at Glory Manor. Some of the antics of Isadora as the housekeeper remind me of the hilarious misinterpretations of one Amelia Bedelia. While Isadora does not interpret certain things wrong as Amelia does in the books by Peggy Parish, she does find herself in some hilarious situations because at first she is unable to be truthful about her past. I am definitely looking forward to reading the other two books in this series and am excited to see what interesting and funny situations the main characters find themselves in.
I enjoyed this book immensely.
The reason for docking it a star is because I am a goat farmer. As a goat farmer, I get offended for goats when they are inaccurately portrayed. They do not have iron stomachs. They actually have a very delicate ruminant system. They don’t eat tin cans, laundry or any other random thing, and they are rather picky in what plants and hay they will eat (though they will nibble on your hair if you don’t put it up… it must look like hay to them. :D) Goats develop something called goat-bloat when they eat too much of something they shouldn’t have, like extra grain or chicken feed, and they require special care to keep them alive when that happens. I don’t want to be nitpicky, but I do believe it is dangerous to perpetuate myths about goats. New goat owners hear these things and don’t realize the dangers of not feeding their goats well.
Off my soap box now.
The book was really good. I enjoyed all the characters, especially Isadora’s friend, Beatrix. She was delightful. The main characters had story-lines that allowed them to grow into “better” people as the story progressed.
Definitely worth reading.
It always makes me happy to find new authors! So when a follower on my Instagram page suggested I read Jen Turano’s books, I happily complied. I grabbed one of them on my Kindle and got started.
This author writes in a way that is really readable. The reader gets wrapped up in the story, that is not at all stuffy. I loved the way the author included bits of humor. Funny things happening to the heroine made the book that much more likable for me.
Miss Isadora Delafield is the main character. She’s a young heiress who has had the misfortune of attracting a duke from England. This duke is not a likable fellow. In fact, he’s downright scary. So Izzy and her butler come up with a plan to get her away. That plan being for Izzy to get a job as a housekeeper. That is just crazy! Here’s a young society miss trying to work at all. There was much humor in those parts!
Then there’s Ian. I loved the way he didn’t really think Izzy would work as a housekeeper. But he really had no other choice. So he left her in charge. I loved the way what was important to Ian changed throughout the book. He became the man his adoptive mother knew he could become.
This is such a great book! It’s full of humor, love and great writing.