Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Playing the Part by Jen Turano

I don't know how Turano does it. I laughed so hard tears ran down my cheeks. I reveled in the smart dialog and quirky characters. Then it got serious and suspense reared its head. And when I finished the book, I shook my head at a twist I never saw coming. I've read several of her novels and this may be the best one yet.

I thoroughly enjoyed my reading experience. The characters are very well crafted. The novel centers on Lucetta, an actress in the New York City theater. But she's not your normal wimpy woman of the 18880s. She can outrun a goat. (You've got to read the book.) Lucetta's evil (well, not really so evil as just disgusting) stepfather gambles her away to the (really) evil Silas and she escapes to a castle in upper New York owned by the grandson of her good friend, Abigail.

Between moats and goats and cannons, Lucetta's experience in the castle is hilarious. Who can resist the eccentric and mysterious Bram, owner of the castle? He has adored Lucetta from a distance but meeting her in person is much different than admiring her from his box at the theater.

The quirky characters Turano creates are amazing. Even the minor characters are so well crafted they give the novel a larger than life feeling. The dialog is exceptionally smart and snappy.

I highly recommend this novel to readers who enjoy a well crafted plot with well developed characters who have intelligent yet funny conversations in a setting that is amazing. You will also experience an unusual romance or two, as well.

I am taking part in a blog tour of this book and you can find the links to other reviewers here.

My rating: 5/5 stars.

Jen Turano, the author of seven novels, is a graduate of the University of Akron with a degree in clothing and textiles. She and her husband live in a suburb of Denver. You can find out more at www.jenturano.com.

Bethany House Publishers, 352 pages. You can purchase the book here.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

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