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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This book had me laughing out loud, such an entertaining and enjoyable read, I could picture this one as a movie!
One minute our girl Isadora [Izzie] is waited on hand and foot, and the next she is in a quandary to dress herself, and how to boil water. How is she ever going to pass herself off as a housekeeper? Funny!
There are some challenges that are met here, is the beloved Uncle suffering from dementia, or is an outside force tormenting him and many others? Got your attention, this is just a tease of what you are going to have once you turn those pages. A cow in the house? A chicken? A mansion and balls, along with the above make for a great read!
I received this book through Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review.
What would you do to avoid an unwanted, determined suitor? Would you leave behind the “world” you know and go into hiding?
Miss Isadora Delafield is accustom to being the most sought after heiress. However, most unwanted suitors are fairly easy to shake. Until her path crosses that of an elderly Duke, who is more determined to acquire an heiress and produce an heir than her typical suitors. No one would think to find a spoiled heiress filling the role of a housekeeper.
In true Jen Turno style, hilarity ensues! There is just so much to enjoy within this story! Along with the characters, I felt a range of emotions. I laughed out loud, I held my breath in anticipation, I felt upset about the unfair treatment of those less fortunate, and my heart broke with the loss of loved ones. There were plenty of twists and turns to keep the story flowing and to keep me on my toes!
There is true depth to the characters. It is fun to watch as they discover things about themselves and grow into stronger individuals. The storyline is fun and believable. The heroine is a true bibliophile and I enjoyed the nods to literary greats within the story.
There is plenty to love about this latest story from Jen Turano. With witty dialogue, vivid characters and plenty of fun, this story is one for the keeper shelf! I encourage you to pick up a copy and dive right in, you won’t be sorry!
(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)
Jen Turano never disappoints! So much fun Clever, funny and action packed books!
Flights of Fancy
Isadora applies for an housekeeping job to hide out. A elderly Duke wants to marry her. The first couple chapters were a little slow but after we get to the part where she applies for the housekeeping job it get very interesting.
Ian needs an housekeeper to help his Aunt with cooking, cleaning and with the children. From the time she gets there the story becomes very comical. This was such a fun book to read.
The book is my favorite genre which is an historical. Has different types of animals in it. Children are always fun to read about. Isadora is definitely is a very memorable character. She tried so hard to do the housekeeping. There is so many funny scenes. It is hard not to share them in my review. Read the book and enjoy.
I received an complementary copy of the book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write an positive review. This is my own opinion.
Miss Isadora has run from an undesirable suitor and has applied to be a housekeeper and cook when she has never cooked or kept house. The antics on the farm kept me smiling as she struggles through the seriousness of hiding her true identity and from the unwanted suitor. This author always makes me smile and her stories are just a delight to read. You can’t go wrong with a Jen Turano book!
I was gifted a copy, no review was required. My review is voluntary..
Although I have several of her other books on my TBR pile, this happens to be the first one I’ve actually read. I must say, it has me wanting to go jump into the others to read more! I thoroughly enjoyed this story and can’t wait to see where the author goes with this series.
First of all, I have to say how much I despised the Duke of Montrose’s character. Oh boy did he make my blood boil! It’s all as intended though, for an author certainly wouldn’t write-in a character who says books are “only suitable for the simpleminded” (Loc 208), if they wanted the readers to like them now would they? I think not! Jen did an amazing job of creating a villain that would be unquestionably disliked.
Now, Ian MacKenzie’s character? Whew! I appreciated that while he was easily likable, he was also complicated. There was depth to his character. He had faults that he was aware of and admitted to struggling with, but he also clearly had a big heart. He was grateful to the people in his life who had shown him love when he was abandoned as a child. He gave credit where credit was due. Without a doubt his character was masterfully written.
I also thought it was interesting that while Izzie is a victim of her circumstances, she doesn’t exactly play that role. While finding employment was deemed the best plan to insure her safety, she appeared to embrace it rather than complain. It was as if she wanted to make the best of her circumstances she was in. Even though her time was intended to be temporary all along, she still felt a desire to succeed and seek the approval of those around her. She was another easily-liked character.
There was so much that I loved about this story, and I highly recommend it to historical fiction fans. I can’t wait for the series to continue!
I received this book through Celebrate Lit and NetGalley. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
Flights of Fancy was such a delightful story! I was so excited to start this new series from Jen Turano. Her books never fail to leave me in a good mood and always put a smile on my face. This book was no different. I was literally laughing out loud the entire book. It was so funny and so full of heart. Plus it had a great spiritual message too.
The whole cast of characters were awesome. From the instantly likable main characters of Isadora and Ian to eccentric Uncle Amos and ornery Aunt Birdie to the four precocious orphans living at Glory Manor – Henry, Primrose, Violet, and Daisy. But my absolute favorite characters of all were the farm animals. The laundry-eating goats, the constantly-escaping chickens, and especially Buttercup the cow who’s favorite place to be was inside the house and found every opportunity to let herself in. Goodness, they made me laugh so much! I’ll be remembering their antics for a long time!
If you’re looking for a great romantic comedy, look no further than Flights of Fancy. I highly recommend it and can’t wait for the sequel!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
Don’t miss this marvelous story! Starting with a scoundrel, a job she knew nothing about, animals with names and eventually an abuduction this book was impossible to put down until I was finished. This was one of the times I was so glad I was alone when reading, as I laughed out loud a number of times. Izzie just had a way of getting herself into ‘hot water’. The children were precious and reminded me of some of the horrors children experienced in the late 1880’s.
This fabulous book is my introduction to this author. Needless to say, I have all her books marked as want to read. I received an ARC from Bethany House Publishers and CelebrateLit. This review gives my impressions and opinions.
Oh my! Jen Turano has done it again. Somehow she always manages to combine a truly memorable romance with one hilarious, witty scene after another, as well as inject just the right amount of mystery. I love her characters with the delightfully quaint names given the heroine and other females. Heroes are always swoon-worthy and readers will usually find at least one thoroughly detestable person in the mix. The addition of charming children and rambunctious pets sends the story over the top.
I loved everything about Flights of Fancy. It was such fun observing pampered heiress Isadora pretend to be a housekeeper. As readers can imagine, her chores were filled with mostly humorous mishaps that were often witnessed by the handsome hero Ian. Witnessing Isadora’s transformation from a spoiled, self-absorbed lady to one who cared about others and learned to depend on the Lord was very gratifying.
Flights of Fancy is a fun, romantic tale devoid of objectionable scenes or language. I would not hesitate to allow a teen daughter to read it.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author through Bethany House Publishing. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ust when I think Jen Turano can’t come up with any fresh ideas for her hilarious historic comedies, she proves me wrong again. I loved the spirit of adventure and positivity that Isadora (“Izzie”) possesses. The Duke of Montrose sounded like a “monstrosity” of a man and nuisance. On the other hand, how many readers will find themselves enthralled with Ian and his love for his fellow man (well, his looks COULD play into the picture.) Uncle Amos and Aunt Birdie are pure strokes of literary genius and the four children are beyond lovable. Now I can’t wait for the next books in this series.
Some favorite quotes:
“…God occasionally throws obstacles our way so we’re forced to grow into the people he wants us to be.”
“…what with how often people forget to show kindness to those most vulnerable. I imagine it must pain God no small amount when He witnesses us ignoring those in need.”
During the time I was reading this, I heard, “Good, Good Father” by Chris Tomlin on the radio. Somehow it seemed very apropos to the book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit and NetGalley. All opinions are my own and no positive review was required.
Having come from a childhood of poverty, abuse, and neglect, Ian was determined to make something of himself. To become so well off and have security. He is well on the way as a respected, and even feared, attorney to the industrialists. Next, he feels that he just needs to marry a society woman to accomplish all that he set out to.
Isadora’s mother, Hester, had her heart set on Isadora marrying well. So when a duke showed interest in her, Hester was ecstatic and would brook no argument against the match. So Izzy did what any smart young society woman would do (not!) and ran away to (as she and her friend called it) the wilds of Pennsylvania.
Combining the ridiculous with the very real and serious plight of the steelworkers in the Gilded Age, Flights of Fancy explored the world of orphans and attorneys. Heiresses and hired hands. Selfishness and a servant’s heart.
The author clearly showed the issues that made the unions necessary at that time – the deplorable working conditions and attitudes of the owners towards their workers.
The image of Pittsburg’s smog being so thick it affected the visibility in an extreme way was fascinating – having grown up in Southern California at the time when smog alerts were not entirely uncommon, I still never experienced smog as terrible as that.
Flights of Fancy begins with a theme from The Taming of the Shrew, and while this was by no means a retelling of that story, the message of a selfish heart needing transformation was woven cleverly throughout the narrative. Thankfully, both Ian and Isadora, when confronted with their attitudes, were quick to seek to change.
It was fun picturing a society lady trying to make herself useful as a housekeeper, knowing she had no practical skills. The situations Izzy got herself into were comical as were the incidents with the orphans, the chickens (especially Elmer), and Buttercup the cow who thought herself to be a house guest.
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I was given a copy of this book for free. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
Flight of Fancy is the first book in Jen Turano’s new series American Heiresses. It is a fantastic book with an American heiress, a self-made hero, fun loving secondary characters, sweet children, dastardly villains, mystery, and a chicken named Elmer. But in addition to all this it is a story that helps you to evaluate your life, your goals, and your faith.
Our story centers around American Heiress, Isadora Delafield, who has lived a very sheltered life where she has not seen much of the world outside of her social circle. It was such fun to see a historical general store, a working farm, and a small town community through Izzie’s eyes. I found her perspective charming, informative, and very fun to read. It was how I imagine any of us who were not a part of the time period would have seen the world around us. Our hero is Mr. Ian MacKenzie, a self made man of fortune. He came from humble beginnings and his past has a way of creeping up and trying to influence his future. He was easy to root for and is enchanted with our heroine.
I am a huge Jen Turano fan and have read all of her books. But, I am going to say this is my new favorite. Flight of Fancy is everything a historical romance should be and more. You really do not want to miss out on reading it. I highly recommend it.
I was given the book by the publisher and not required to write a review.
Turano’s books are always entertaining and I eagerly await new characters and plotlines from her. This is the first in her brand new American Heiresses series.
As is often the case, the story begins in a very humorous way: livestock, mud, rashes, and misunderstandings abound. Interestingly, however, this one took a bit more of a serious bent soon after that. While the laughter keeps coming, there are also moments of reflection and introspection, both within the characters and even in myself, that made this book a little deeper than previous reads by this author. Maybe it was just my own perception or the way this novel hit me at this time in my life, but I loved how I could laugh and be moved within the same few pages.
Through circumstances, both of the main characters encounter challenges to the ways they have lived in the past. Recognition of different stations, always acknowledged but not often examined, becomes something both Ian and Isadora must grapple with for different reasons, and this spurs growth that was both realistic and encouraging to read play out on the page: change is possible!
The secondary characters help propel the action and provide intermittent comedy, especially the animals who somehow believe they are house-pets. The children and Ian’s adoptive parents provide plenty of sweet moments, as well as some needed advice for our hero and heroine as they find their way to their happily ever after.
Without sacrificing Turano’s trademark humor, this particular book is a standout for me because of the added depth, too. I loved her work before, but I find it even more enjoyable to see how the characters, placed in situations they never could have imagined encountering before, struggle, grow, and even excel as they step outside of the comfortable. I highly recommend it to those who enjoy humorous or historical fiction, and fans of Jen Turano certainly won’t want to miss this latest novel!
I received a review copy of this book from the author and publisher but was under no obligation to post a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own.
Isadora Delafield is one of the richest heiresses in New York, but her mother will stop at nothing less than a title for her daughter. To avoid the attentions of a lecherous duke twice her age, Izzie flees to the farm country of Pennsylvania and applies for a position as housekeeper on Ian McKenzie’s old farm. Little does she know that a rural housekeeper is expected to have many more skills than the ability to order servants around. What follows is a humorous farce as Izzie learns to wash laundry, cook biscuits, chase off goats, and force four orphan children to take an unwanted bath. Determined to become a competent housekeeper and abandon her entitled upbringing, Izzie finds the joys of small town life and discovers that Ian McKenzie, a rising attorney in the Pittsburgh labor scene, might be just the man for her.
In characteristic Jen Turano fashion, this novel delights in the ridiculous–the tumble down a hill into a pile of soft green leaves that turn out to be poison ivy (twice), the tumble into the lake to save a fearless toddler and drench our main characters’ clothes (thrice), the cow named Buttercup who won’t stay out of the living room (too many times to count), and a young lady maintaining her disguise by concocting a false identity, wearing the ugliest spectacles imaginable, and taking obscenely large mouthfuls of cake.
If you’re in the mood for a lighthearted laugh, check out this Gilded Age novel, the first in Turano’s new series, American Heiresses.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This is an absolutely hilarious historical romantic comedy!
This wonderful book is filled with laugh-out-loud moments. There were times I laughed so hard I was crying. Anytime you take a character that lives at one end of the social scale and drop them in a position near the other end there are plenty of opportunities to laugh. Then throw in an eccentric elderly person and a group of children under 10 years old and the possibilities are multiplied.
I love all of the characters, obviously except for the villains, they are so incredibly well developed. I just plain loved to hate the villains.
The plot was fantastic. I was thrilled with the journeys that both Isadora and Ian took to figure out what purpose God had for them and what was truly important to them. This is the type of journey that we all need to take so it was easy to relate to.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and through NetGalley. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.
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.*
Flights of Fancy is another wonderful, witty tale by Jen Turano.
It is 1885. Join American Heiress, Isadora Delafield, as she takes her Flight of Fancy to escape the clutches of a most unsuitable suitor. She flees from New York Society to a remote farm in Pennsylvania. There she encounters a successful man of business, Ian MacKenzie, his Aunt Birdie and eccentric Uncle Amos and four endearing orphans. She tries to pass herself off as a housekeeper with hilarious results. While learning a completely different way of life, she finds satisfaction in serving others.
Ms. Turano takes her characters through circumstances that help them realize that sometimes wealth isn’t everything. I can always count on her for some fun along the way with antics by the characters- be they human or animal. This story has Buttercup, the cow, who likes to visit in the kitchen or the parlor and the pet attack hen named Elmer! Along with the signature comedy there is a mystery to solve and villains to dissuade.
I recommend this book for those who want a lighthearted yet inspirational, historical read.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
Flights of Fancy is yet another fun read by Jen Turano. It, also, begins a whole new series, American Heiresses. A reader is introduced to heiress Miss Isadora Delafield. Her mother wants her to marry a duke. That is, a duke, that Isadora finds disgusting and old. She runs away to a Pennsylvania farm, where she becomes a housekeeper and meets Ian Mackenzie. They are both intrigued with one another. They become a team to find out how to solve sudden mysterious events happening on the farm.
I thoroughly enjoyed Flights of Fancy. I found Isadora and Ian’s story to be a fun and delightful one with plenty of laughs. I loved the mystery, adventure and romance. This is my new favorite by Jen Turano to date.
I am giving Flights of Fancy a well deserved five plus stars. I can not wait to see what happens in the second installment from the American Heiresses series.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
There are so many good things to say about this book I’m not sure where to start. First I applaud the author with her delightful way to bring characters to life. She writes with a funny and subtle way that I find myself snickering at some of the characters while falling in love with them.
Let’s begin with The Duke of Montrose and his uncanny ego. He is so sure of himself as a prize for any lady that he is shocked when Isadora doesn’t jump into his arms and beg to be taken away to be his bride. Isadora has been brought up right and can certainly speak her mind when needed. The duke must be crazy to tell her to stop reading novels. I could hear a gasp as he says, ” Novels are only suitable for the simpleminded and you would not care for anyone to believe you’re simpleminded, would you?, ” Now would be a good time to slap his face and walk away with grace. Isadora definitely puts him in his place with her very proper response. I love this spunky girl and know I am in for an adventure with her. Oh my the dance floor is where Isadora really shows the duke he is not in charge. Such great writing from the author I laughed so hard I cried.
The story is a grand adventure as Isadora has planned to run away and hide from the duke. There are rumors he may be desperate to do anything to have Isadora be his wife. Lets hope Isadora has thought everything out as she ventures off to become hidden from everything she knows. Is the duke dangerous? What horrible rumors of the duke would cause some to think he is capable of a crime? The story is filled with adventure and Isadora will find that ” God occasionally throws obstacles our way so that we’re forced to grow into the people He wants us to be.” Let the journey begin.
Ian is a breath of fresh air compared to the duke. Will Isadora convince Ian to hire her so she can stay away from the dangers at home? As luck would have it, Isadora has found employment but it isn’t exactly what she expected. She now has four children to look after, animals that run everywhere including inside the house and an uncle that could be a little strange.
The story is filled with laughter, characters who seek God in what he has planned for their lives, mysterious goings on at Ian’s place and a blooming romance to capture the readers with a book that you will not be able to put down. Take a journey with Isadora as she seeks a new life and maybe happiness along the way.
I received a copy of this book from the author and Bethany House. The review is my own opinion.
This book was fun…just so much fun…lots of animals…goats, chickens, a cow that loves a lovely home…clumsy socialite woman…adorable man attorney…four ornery and totally lovable children…and an Aunt and Uncle that started it all on a farm. Who couldn’t enjoy a read with all of that ( besides we actually do bring our goat in the house from time to time- FUN!)
It’s a charming story as only Jen Turano can deliver!
Really don’t miss out on this author. She is her very own genre!
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Isadora runs away, albeit a planned event by two trusted people in her attempt to escape the attentions of a, repulsive to her, duke. She finds herself at a residence by the name of Glory Manor seeking a housekeeping position. We meet Ian, Uncle Amos, Aunt Birdie along with some townspeople and children at Glory Manor and Buttercup, Sparky and Elmer. I do have to say I love Buttercup, lol. A wonderful story, that doesn’t disappoint, filled with loveable characters as well as some not so loveable ones. A lot of plot twists and this author’s normal humor leave us turning the pages to find out what adventures are coming up next. Waiting in anticipation to see what characters will continue this series.
A complimentary copy was provided by Bethany House. A positive review was not required and all thoughts and opinions are my own.