Back Cover Copy:

Lady Eliza Sumner is on a mission. After losing her family, her fiance, and her faith, the disappearance of her fortune is the last straw. Now, masquerading as Miss Eliza Sumner, governess-at-large, she’s determined to find the man who ran off with her fortune, reclaim the money, and head straight back to London.

Much to Mr. Hamilton Beckett’s chagrin, all the eyes of New York society—all the female ones, at least—are on him. Unfortunately for all the matchmaking mothers and eligible daughters, he has no plans to marry again, especially with his hands full keeping his business afloat and raising his two children alone.

When Eliza’s hapless attempts to regain her fortune put her right in Hamilton’s path, sparks instantly begin to fly. The discovery of a common nemesis causes them to join forces, but with all their plans falling by the wayside and their enemies getting the better of them, it will take a riot of complications for Hamilton and Eliza to realize that God just might have had a better plan in mind all along.

A Change of Fortune is Jen Turano’s debut novel. I was anxious to read the book, thinking it would be lighthearted and fun. I was not disappointed. Parts of this novel are laugh-out-loud funny.

Warning: You may want to read it in private, or in the company of those who know how engrossed you get in make-believe.

Lady Eliza Sumner is a woman who knows what she wants—the return of her stolen fortune—and she lets nothing stop her from achieving her goal. Neither forced attendance at a society dinner, dressed in a horrid gown, nor a few hours in jail serve to discourage her. Meanwhile, Hamilton Beckett seeks to prove a certain gentleman is out to ruin his business.

Poor Hamilton. Every mother wants him for a son-in-law, but one disastrous marriage was enough—until Eliza, literally, falls at his feet. Once they discover their goals run a mutual path, the rest is historical romance.

I thoroughly enjoyed the characters in this novel. They’re fun and somewhat quirky. Add to the above a precocious little girl and her cannibalistic brother (okay, he’s not a cannibal, but…), two older mothers who are game for just about anything, and an Adonis-looking, yet chauvenistic, private investigator and you have…well, a doggone good time.

My one criticism (if it could be called that) involves the secondary character of Agatha Watson, the daughter of Eliza’s employer. She’s almost too strong for this book. I felt that, once she showed up, her personality tended to overshadow Eliza’s. The positive aspect is that I’m anxious to read Agatha’s story (and Zayne’s?). However, that will have to wait, as I believe the next book involves the Adonis and an early feminist. When the time comes, don’t worry about finding that book. It will be the one below the fireworks!

If you would like an introduction to some of these characters, Ms. Turano’s novella A Gentleman of Her Dreams is another fun read. As of this writing (12/7/12), the Kindle version can be downloaded free on Amazon.

Disclosure of Material Connection: This story came to me free from Bethany House with the hope that I would mention it on this blog. There was no requirement for me to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trail Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.