When Miss Beatrix Waterbury’s Chicago-bound train ride is interrupted by a heist, Mr. Norman Nesbit, a man of science who believes his research was the target of the heist, comes to her aid. Despite the fact that they immediately butt heads, they join forces to make a quick escape. Upon her arrival in Chicago, Beatrix is surprised to discover her supposedly querulous Aunt Gladys shares her own … suffragette passions. Encouraged by Gladys to leave her sheltered world, Beatrix begins working as a salesclerk at the Marshall Field and Company department store. When she again encounters Norman on a shopping expedition, he is quickly swept up in the havoc she always seems to attract. But when another attempt is made to part Norman from his research papers, and it becomes clear Beatrix’s safety is also at risk, they soon discover the curious way feelings can grow between two very different people in the midst of chaos.
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This is the 3rd book in the American Heiress series. While this is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. There are so many reasons to love this book. Let’s start with the cover. It is beautifully done with such a striking woman in the center. The author is known for quirky, loveable characters. This book is no different. Beatrix might be my most favorite main character as of late. Beatrix Waterbury has been sent to Chicago to stay with her aunt. On this train ride – it is interrupted with a train heist – and due to this Beatrix meets Norman. Beatrix is outspoken and a strong female. Norman and Beatrix butt heads – but the book follows their journey – with many laughs along the way. Jen always writes such amazing, original stories. This is set in 1886 – in a time where women did not have much of a voice. The author always writes memorable characters and storylines. I received a copy of this book through the author — all thoughts are my own.
Jen Turano never fails to entertain. I always fall in love with her characters. Especially women, who are from a time when women were supposed to be demur and yet her heroines are always feisty and not wallflowers. There is a mystery, and danger yet you are kept laughing along the way. So great to have an author who is able to combine mystery with humor.
Storing Up Trouble
by Jen Turano
Book 3 of the American Heiresses series
Rating: 4/5
Jen Turano never disappoints! Her stories are always quirky and fun and full of adventure!
This story focuses on Miss Beatrix Waterbury who is on her way to Chicago to stay with her eccentric aunt. When she is robbed on her train, she befriends a Mr. Norman Nesbit who has important scientific research that must be protected. In their efforts to deter the robbery, they must join together to get back to Chicago.
Once back in Chicago, Aunt Gladys welcomes Beatrix and tells her she must begin working as a sales girl at the Marshall Field and Company department store in order to experience what it’s really like as a woman in need. Growing up as an heiress, Beatrix has never been treated poorly or unfairly and Aunt Gladys knows that some experience will make Beatrix even more sympathetic to the suffragette movement. While working there, Norman starts visiting the store more often and befriends Beatrix as they continue to unravel who is behind the train heist. When more attempts at stealing his research continue, Norman fears for Beatrix’s safety and realizes he might be developing feelings for her. As Beatrix teaches Norman to look outside himself, Norman realizes that Beatrix has changed his world for the better.
This story was so full of great characters (some from the other books in the series) and I loved all the different interactions they had with each other. As someone who loves science, I was intrigued by Norman’s character and wanted to start psychoanalyzing his behavior but I loved how he came to see how his behavior was affecting others. Because of his intelligence, his family seemed to dismiss his rudeness or self-centeredness but Beatrix wouldn’t stand for it. She really did open up his eyes to how his actions were affecting those he loved around him. It was really interesting to see the interplay between the main characters and hear their thoughts. I always enjoy the intermix of history and fiction.
I highly recommend this book to those that enjoy historical romance with action, humor and a bit of mystery.
My thanks to the author, NetGalley and CelebrateLit for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.
The historical tidbits in this book are incredible!
I have loved each and every book I have read from Jen Turano since I found her a couple of years ago, even though I have yet to read a paperback of hers until now–I won a copy in a giveaway after signing up to review it.
Can we talk about the cover first? Yes? Great! I didn’t know what to think of the cover when I saw it up close, because I wasn’t sure why there was so much focus on the gloves … And as rare as it is for me to think a cover is absolutely perfect for a book, this one fits Storing Up Love perfectly! And the look? Yeah, that is a look that Beatrix would make.
Content-wise, I was pleased. There were kisses, more than I prefer, but there was not overly affectionate content that made me want to throw the book out the door. There was not as much spiritual content as I would have liked but at least I didn’t disagree with it.
Every time I pick up one of Jen Turano’s books I am surprised at her ability to weave together a story of historical humor, sweet romance, cute kids, and crazy shenanigans.
The lessons both the hero and the heroine learned were portrayed in a way that showed you their faults yet you still enjoyed following along with their story. As much as I don’t love reading about the suffragette movement in Jen Turano’s books I don’t hate it. 😉 I love the little historical things that are embedded in “Storing Up Trouble.”
I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Reading Storing Up Trouble by Jen Turano was delightful. Hands down, it’s the funniest historical romance book I’ve read. I laughed many times as I turned the pages. While it felt heavy on dialogue, the interactions served up plenty of laughs and kept the plot moving.
I enjoyed all the unique characters in Storing Up Trouble. Norman, a conservative scientist, and Beatrix, an heiress who supports progressive ideas, are an unlikely match, but they pair up in a lovely manner. Some of the supporting characters were so cute and quirky that I liked them just as much as I liked Norman and Beatrix. Character development was limited, but I did like the process of Beatrix finding her purpose and cause to support.
Although Storing Up Trouble stands as the third novel in Jen Turano’s American Heiresses series, it worked fine as a stand-alone. Characters from other books do have small cameos, but I haven’t read their stories and I wasn’t confused by anything. I’m looking forward to reading more books by this author.
I recommend Storing Up Trouble by Jen Turano to readers who enjoy Christian historical romances and want a fun, humorous read. 4 Stars!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
Turano’s American Heiresses series has a lot of ‘faves’ for me – all 3 covers are my favorites out of all of her books (and that’s saying a lot because her covers are always fab), Flights of Fancy is *almost* my favorite of her books (In Good Company still retains top billing but just barely), and Storing Up Trouble‘s Norman Nesbit may just be my very fave of her heroes.
Norman is an endearing mix of Sheldon Cooper and The Absent-Minded Professor, and he experiences the most character growth of any of Turano’s heroes, to my recollection. The same Norman you’re fondly rolling your eyes at in the first part of the book is the same Norman you’ll be cheering for by the end (and yes, still fondly rolling your eyes at too lol). Mort, his faithful mule, is a scene-stealer – as are Aunt Gladys & her hodgepodge of unorthodox friends. Norman’s quirky friend Theodosia and her story arc were another highlight for me in Storing Up Trouble.
Honestly, though, I’m not sure I would have liked (or disliked, for that matter) Beatrix one way or the other without Norman. I had a harder time connecting with her & her story arc than I did with the characters I mentioned above. There wasn’t anything wrong with her, per se, but she simply didn’t stand out to me as much as other Turano heroines have. However, the combination of her personality & Norman’s is romantic comedy gold.
The inside peek at Marshall Field’s department store was fascinating and gave somber insight into the treatment of the non-elite class by society. No one should EVER think that another group of people (whether the differences are ethnic, religious or economic) is beneath them, and we should always remember Jesus’ instruction to love our neighbor as ourselves. Turano uses the socio-economic dynamics of the setting to gently remind us of this still-timely truth.
Bottom Line: Anyone who has ever read a book by Jen Turano knows you can expect an almost continuous comedy of errors and madcap mayhem at highly entertaining levels, along with a sweet message or two lightly faith-related. Storing Up Trouble delivers all of that against the backdrop of Gilded Age Chicago, the suffrage movement, and scientific inventions. Humor, heart, a dash of suspense, and a dose of more than one sweet romance – plus the author’s unique style – make this a delightful read.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
Set in the past during the time of the Suffragette movement, this book started off with a “bang”. Beatrix Waterbury is an American heiress who is part of the New York 400 (high society). She demonstrates amazing courage, determination, and more. Norman Nesbitt is a scientist and inventor who has his head stuck in his work. The two meet on a train and from there their lives become intertwined. But neither of them wants that.
I love how Beatrix goes to work at a store as a common employee at her aunt’s urging and learns a lot about herself and society and society in general. Beatrix’s aunt, her aunt’s butler, and the young lady Theo who works with Norman are some of my favorite people in the book.
I love the twists, turns, and adventures this book took me on as well as the discovery of God in this book. Some of the things I figured may occur while others were a little bit of a surprise.
So if you are looking for a work of historical Christian fiction, check out this book for yourself.
Storing up Trouble by Jen Turano is an interesting book. It is book three of The American Heiresses series but this can be read as a stand alone even though, I haven’t read the first two books.
The opening pages promised me of an interesting adventure between the pages.
I love Beatrix Waterbury. She is so lively and funny. I love her spunk and guts!
She is one of the great American Heiresses. My oh my! I love her spunk and bluntness. I can’t stop repeating it.
There is enough humour to enjoy in this novel. I highly recommend this book. Even the book cover is alluring.
I couldn’t stop laughing at Beatrix and Norman ceaseless banters. You will understand the story behind the book Storing Up Trouble.
I love the bible verse Aunt Gladys gave Beatrix. That’s my favourite bible verse given to me by my mother. I could understand the meaning perfectly in this book.
I have read Jen Turano’s books but I laughed and smiled so well while reading this particular book although I must warn you,Norman is too knowledgeable. You need to bear with him.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Jen Turano is one of my favorite authors. Everything that flows from her pen is amazing and will capture your heart. As soon as I pick up one of her books I am transported into the setting with the characters and nothing I can do will pull me out. I always start them after my kids are in bed so I can read uninterrupted as long as possible.
Storing Up Trouble is no different. It’s the third book in the American Heiresses series. And let’s just say now that it’s wonderful. I met Beatrix in the other books and her character was intriguing. One of those that draws you and you instantly know that you’re going to have to dig and find out more about her. Thankfully the author took pity on me and has written her her own book.
Beatrix angers her mother and is sent off to live with her aunt in Chicago. She’s a member of the ton in New York but has never quite fit in. After her second arrest (neither actually really her fault) her mother has had enough and off she goes. But while she’s en route her train is robbed and somehow she escapes with a very nerdy and rather rude man who won’t ride his horse correctly.
And so the hilarity and mystery begin! You’ll have laughs and a few cries but all in all this book will keep you spellbound! I’m a lover of science so I loved the nerdy bits here and there but the romance was top notch. I feel that Jen Turano’s books are very clean and wholesome and I would personally have no problems allowing my teenagers to read them once they’ve exhausted their other reading materials.
As always I recommend this book and also the entire series. While you don’t have to read the series to make sense of this book you should because they’re amazing books and they do lend a bit more to the story if you’ve read the others.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Jen Turano can actually take the most unlikely character and turn him from someone you absolutely loathe into someone you hope wins the girl.
In Storing Up Trouble, #3 American Heiresses, I had little trouble liking outspoken, but sweet and caring socialite Beatrix Waterbury. On her way to stay with her aunt Gladys Huttleson in Chicago, she gets in the middle of a train robbery and is rescued by Norman Nesbit, a noted eccentric scientist who can only see the world through his ingrown eyeballs. If the subject relates to his research, he can pontificate for hours, but he doesn’t know where his sister is currently visiting or anything about his nieces and nephews. Did I mention he is rude, eccentric, and condescending towards women? Truly a jerk in the first degree. Priding himself on logic, he jumps to a lot of wrong conclusions about everyone, but especially Miss Waterbury. I am amazed by his growth, once he decides he wants to pursue Beatrix.
Which is in and of itself funny. The laughs begin in earnest as this society man who eschews being such has to learn how to behave in polite company.
But if that wasn’t funny enough, Aunt Gladys and her girls are a total hoot. I was quite worried when they decided to improve Theo.
The most somber part of novel is that where we see Beatrix acting like a common poor person, taking a job at Marshall Fields and Co. When she sees a need or injustice, she can’t keep silent. All of this winds up together to a truly unique climax you won’t want to miss.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher through Celebrate Lit via NetGalley. This is no way affects my opinions, which are solely my own.
“The truth of the matter was this—she, Miss Beatrix Waterbury, had been banished from New York, and all because she’d had the great misfortune of landing herself in jail…twice.” – Storing Up Trouble
I stayed up way too late reading this book. But it was totally worth it! I couldn’t put it down, the story was so much fun! Beatrix was a fun character to get to know. She had a lot of sparkle and found herself in all sorts of unique situations. I loved all the different characters. Aunt Gladys, Norman and Theo were very fun to become acquainted with. I especially liked the interactions between Beatrix and Norman. I had to laugh at all the funny situations they got into. Jen Turano blends romance, laughter and fun and creates a story you won’t want to put down.
I highly recommend this story to my family and friends.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. I also purchased a copy for myself. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Dare I say this is the funniest book I’ve ever read by Turano? I probably feel that way with every book, but this one had me giggling on almost every page. First of all, how in the world could I fall for a character named Norman? Norman!? But in true Turano fashion, Norman Nesbit quickly become a favorite of mine. I found his cluelessness about women to be endearing at times. His inability to understand his interest in Beatrix was amusing. And I just found him to be kind of charming, in his own way of course.
With a comedic cast of characters, I highly recommend refraining from eating or drinking while reading this book. Beatrix is so spunky, and the things that come out of her mouth just make me smile. But the characters I found the most fascinating with Aunt Gladys. Gladys and her eccentric friends added a fun element to the story. As did Gladys’s scheming (wink wink). And let’s not forget Norman’s “friend” Theo. Although she played a smaller part in the grand scheme of things, I thoroughly enjoyed the scenes she was involved in, and wouldn’t mind seeing her character again in the future.
I’ve never met a Jen Turano book I didn’t thoroughly enjoy, and this one is no exception. With characters I would be honored to call my friends, laughs, some mystery, and an overall good storyline, you can’t go wrong with Storing Up Trouble! I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A humorous historical
Norman was adorably naive and nerdy! He had a propensity to do math in his head – not only when necessary to calculate something but to calm himself. He didn’t understand social niceties and couldn’t ride a horse – he was indeed terrified of them. This poor man still believed the tales his older sisters had told him to scare him when they were children.
In addition to this, Norman was a bit oblivious to his family and friends. He was so caught up in his “work” and attempting to do something marvelous with the tremendous intellect God had given him the rest of the world just didn’t matter that much. As Beatrix’s influence and rebukes had him acutely aware of this and as he began to change, the reactions of his family were hysterical!
I was laughing when Beatrix and he were trying to escape after what happened on the train and their only option was on horseback so he just flopped himself over the saddle! Can you even imagine that?!
Beatrix was a spinster and determined to remain one. Her focus in life was on rights for women and she ended up banished from New York because of it. Well, because of being thrown in jail twice because of it! She was not afraid to speak her mind! Her eccentric Aunt Gladys came up with the notion that Beatrix should experience firsthand the plight of the working woman and thus required her to take a job at Marshall & Fields department store, the results of which were often humorous.
Once Norman realized his infatuation with Beatrix, his attempts to woo her were such great fun!
I was glad for the insights into the conditions and plight of the women in the Gilded Age that led to the Suffrage movement. I have a much better appreciation for the concerns that led those brave women to work to change the world for the better.
Combining mystery with humor and romance, Storing Up Trouble is a fun historical romantic romp with an element of faith.
Read my review of Storing Up Trouble by Jen Turano at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
What a fun read!
Prepare yourself for an absolutely wonderful afternoon of reading! This third book in the American Heiresses series most certainly does not disappoint. 1886 finds the suffrage movement ramping up, with peaceful protests in many of the large cities. Sometimes these same protests result in these courageous women being put in jail. Such is the dilemma Beatrix Waterbury finds herself in, not once, but twice! Banished to stay with Aunt Gladys in Chicago, the heiress begins to learn how the rest of the world lives.
You need to find your purpose in life, Beatrix – Aunt Gladys And thus the story begins….
What with more than one robbery, a mule named Mort, cats that rule the house and scientific experiments gone awry, the author had me laughing out loud many times. In fact my dog came to see what on earth was going on and whether or not I was ok…lol. The mystery behind much of the excitement was certainly not what I expected. Learning to find that purpose brought a new understanding to Beatrix as she tries to negotiate her way as a woman in a man’s world. With so many fabulous characters, it was wonderful to watch as they changed and developed. In all, a most fabulous way to lose yourself and your worries in a well-written book.
This digital copy was received through Bethany House Publishers, NetGalley and CelebrateLit. My impressions and comments were in no way solicited.
This has been a delightful story that the author has crafted. One of the qualities the author has is the way her characters come to life. I wanted to be Beatrix’s friend and watch her as she brilliantly captivates readers. Her strong determination to stand up for women’s rights is well established as she starts working at Marshall Field & Company. I laughed so hard as Beatrix stands her ground as snotty uppity women demand her attention. I would be right beside her telling these women to get out of the store. Of course Beatrix doesn’t ask them to leave but they sure do get their feathers ruffled at her direct approach to them.
Norman has met his match when he and Beatrix find themselves in trouble during a robbery. I loved how Norman was smart yet still had trouble making easy decisions. He has a brilliant mind but he sure is flustered around Beatrix. The author delivers a very intriguing story that revolves around research papers that Norman has been working on. They are so valuable that he finds his life in danger. The hijinks that he and Beatrix get into is nothing short of comedy at its best. I absolutely loved the love/hate relationship between them.
The secondary characters are exceptionally well written. What would we do without Aunt Gladys and her adorable hats? Her quest to gather women to fight for equal rights is right out of history books. It is hard to believe the way men treated women as helpless people who deserved little pay for their hard work. I loved how Aunt Gladys took Theo under her wing and watched her blossom with confidence and grace.
The story is an easy read with laughter and a little history lesson about Chicago. The hustle and bustle of the town is a nice backdrop for a story that will delight readers with unforgettable characters and an ending that is sure to please everyone. I had loved reading this series because each story has brought strong female characters. The characters bring excitement as the author takes readers on a journey through history.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
I’m pretty sure I start each review of Jen Turano’s books with, “This is my new favorite Jen book!” But it’s TRUE! Every book just pulls me in a little deeper and makes me laugh a little harder.
Norman’s unique qualities make him stand out among heroes. His ingenious mind, his quirks, and complete ignorance of what “proper etiquette” entails…just endears him even more. Watching his mind and heart open to his friends and family as he became more aware of the world around him made my heart flutter! (And oh my heart…Chapter 19 anyone?) Beatrix is an heiress in a class all her own. Prone to find herself in…interesting…circumstances, Beatrix has the chance to experience life in a new city and through new eyes. I adore her heart, her determination to see things through, and her loathing for injustice.
Storing Up Trouble is full of adventure and sprinkled with electrifying kisses. Prepare yourself to laugh, sigh, and hold your breath through this story.
“I always find it best to gather pertinent information about one’s nemesis because you never know when such information might be useful.”
I received a complimentary copy of Storing Up Trouble from the publishers as part of the author’s influencer team. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Ms. Turano has a knack for wrapping a quirky story around deeper issues. Women’s rights and the suffragist movement, for instance. The dialogue, the banter, so true to life, so many rabbit trails. So entertaining.
Underneath the quirky in this story lie two very strong-willed and independent characters, Beatrix Waterbury and Norman Nesbit, who from their very first encounter butt heads. And personalities. And philosophies.
As life, i.e. meddling friends, thrusts them together their clashing becomes something of immovable meets unstoppable, both of them adapting to the force the other is.
Ms. Turano takes the reader on Norman’s journey of self-examination, and Beatrix’s discovery of purpose, and keeps her readers turning the pages to see whatever will happen next!
I love every one of Ms. Turano’s books that I’ve read and will snatch up any of her titles any chance I get.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
FOUR FEATHERS
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day-on-Saturday, #TRD, Book Review, Storing Up Trouble, Jen Turano, American Heiress Series, Celebrate Lit Publicity
The first time I read Jen Turano, I loved her humor and hilarious situations. It’s been several years, so I thought I would try again.
I found the era and setting intriguing and enjoyed when she described the store and how the women employees were so quickly dismissed or demoted. It gave an interesting perspective on the era, considering that Beatrix was rich as she took the position of a working woman.
The romance was existent, but was not done in a way that made me as a reader uncomfortable. There were a few kisses (which were humorous) and blushes about those kisses or mentions of the “special other person,” but nothing that would prevent me handing it to a YA reader.
The spiritual message wasn’t very strong. It was more inserted in three areas than woven through the entire story, and even then, felt more forced than actually fitting in with the story.
I found the guys to be portrayed as stupid and I didn’t appreciate that. I understand that there are some people out there who are so brilliant in the scientific world that they are clueless when it comes to common, everyday matters. And I feel that was probably Turano’s goal, but instead, it came across as women being smart and men stupid and clueless (which, if this wasn’t a book about the feminist movement, I might not have been as sensitive on the matter).
*I received this book from Celebrate Lit and happily provided my honest review*
I had to read this in phases to get my kids through school, but it would have definitely been devoured in a day. This is probably my favorite of the series and that is saying a lot since the other two were amazing. This one had me laughing on nearly every page. Such a fun story of opposites attract!! All the characters came to life in this book-it felt like I was watching a super fun comedy. So good!
Disclosure statement:
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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Beatrix and Norman are flat out amusing. They hate to love and love to hate each other. I love sarcasm cloaked in politeness. I love blatant refusals to go along with someone’s idealism between a man and woman. It opens up so many opportunities for humor and feels like a genuine relationship.
Both come from a wealthy background. Beatrix is quasi-forced by her aunt to join the workforce to better understand the plight of women and to encourage her to become more passionate about the suffrage movement. Meanwhile, nerdy scientist Norman has a lot to learn about what it means to be an active conversational participant and how to participate in actual relationships outside of his lab.
This whole series is enjoyable mostly because Jen Turano does a great job weaving in American history. All those little historical facts are so unique to the time period and provide a great backdrop for this group of fictional characters. One of the best examples in this one is the cameo appearances of Mr. Selfridge. Now I want to watch that show again!