Discover more about
Jen Turano
and her historical rom com
In Good Company
Bethany House
*******
A book character that sticks in my mind is…
Harry Potter – because even though a lot of bad things happen to him on an almost page by page basis, he remains good to the very end.
The last book that made me cry was…
“The Prayer Box” by Lisa Wingate
The last book that made me laugh out loud was…
“The Martian” by Andy Weir
I’m completely immersed in their storytelling, whenever I read a book by…
Susan Elizabeth Phillips
The first person who encouraged me to pursue my writing was…
My husband
If I wasn’t a writer, I would be…
Back in the fashion industry
I write stories because…
It’s a blast – and I get to meet imaginary people all the time– and if I don’t particularly care for them, well…that’s when I make use of the handy delete button.
In Good Company
After growing up as an orphan, Millie Longfellow is determined to become the best nanny the East Coast has ever seen. Unfortunately, her playfulness and enthusiasm aren’t always well-received and she finds herself dismissed from yet another position.
Everett Mulberry has quite unexpectedly become guardian to three children that scare off every nanny he hires. About to depart for Newport, Rhode Island, for the summer, he’s desperate for competent childcare.
At wit’s end with both Millie and Everett, the employment agency gives them one last chance–with each other. As Millie falls in love with her mischievous charges, Everett focuses on achieving the coveted societal status of the upper echelons. But as he investigates the suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of the children’s parents, will it take the loss of those he loves to learn whose company he truly wants for the rest of his life?
My latest novel can be described by these 5 adjectives…
Comical, romantic, witty, suspenseful, and fun
My main character is…
Miss Millie Longfellow. She’s a nanny with the unfortunate propensity of getting dismissed from her position on a far too frequent basis, but not because she’s incompetent. Growing up in an orphanage, she had a rather dismal childhood, and because of that, she believes every child should have the opportunity to have a real childhood, and in Millie’s opinion, that means getting a bit dirty upon occasion. Unfortunately, her employers don’t want their society children dirty, hence the reasoning behind her many dismissals. Millie has a strong desire to improve herself, which is why she’s rarely without her trusty dictionary, and she has a pure heart, one that hasn’t been tarnished by her hard life. She was truly one of my most favourite characters to write to date.
My main character resembles….
Audrey Hepburn
My story’s spiritual theme is…
Growing through God to become the best person you can possibly be, putting aside what you think is best for you and accepting what He knows is best for you.
The most recent movie or tv show I loved was…
Mr. Selfridge – although I don’t actually care for him, but the costumes and set designs are fabulous.
The story I’m currently working on is…
I recently turned in Miss Lucetta Plum’s story – “Playing the Part,” which means I’m beginning a new series which will have a wallflower theme. The first lady up is a social secretary who has fallen on hard times – Wilhelmina, and she’ll run into her first true love Mr. Wanamaker – the very idea of having a Wilhelmina Wanamaker throughout the series just cracks me right up.
You may not know this about me, but I…
Joined student council in high school in order to combat a horrible shyness problem I used to have. Clearly, it worked wonders since no one ever believes me these days when I tell them I used to suffer from shyness.
I might go all fan girl if I met…
J.K. Rowling
If I could travel back in time, I’d go to…
Gilded Age – New York City – but the earlier part – around 1880-1890
A long held dream of mine is…
To write and publish a few novels, but wait… 🙂
Thank you for having me, Rel. It’s always a pleasure being on your blog!
Thank YOU, Jen
Relz Reviewz Extras
Jen’s guest post: The Rise of the American Socialite
Jen’s Pop Quiz
Character Spotlights on Felicia & Grayson, Arabella & Theodore, and Hamilton & Eliza
Review of A Change of Fortune
Interview with Jen
Download Jen’s Gentlemen of her Dreams (Ladies of Distinction novella) free at Amazon
Jen’s Author Alert
Visit Jen’s website and blog
Buy at Amazon: In Good Company or Koorong
July 20, 2015 at 9:26 pm
I have been watching a few TV shows from the early 1900’s and I think I would like to travel to that time frame. Although, I also like the WW2 time frames so I guess I would have to make more than one trip.
I love the name of the upcoming character – Wanamaker? Oh that sounds like it will be a fun read.
Thanks for the interview and giveaway!
July 21, 2015 at 6:46 am
Thank you for visiting, Loraine!
I’ve been watching quite a few shows set at the turn of the century, the latest being “Mr. Selfridge.” I’m not sure I actually enjoy that show, but the costumes are so fabulous that I just can’t seem to help myself – and I would love to go back in time and get to visit the department stores that were all trying to outdo each other:)
Good luck with the giveaway!
All the best,
~ Jen ~
July 20, 2015 at 10:33 pm
I think I would enjoy the early years of the 20th century, including the Roaring Twenties.
Connie
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
July 21, 2015 at 6:48 am
Thank you so much for visiting, Connie.
The Roaring Twenties would have been fabulous, wouldn’t they? My grandmother was a bit of a flapper (I’ve seen the pictures, even if she never really talked about it) and you could tell it was a time when things were certainly changing, especially for women.
Good luck with the giveaway, and I hope you have a wonderful week!
All the best,
~ Jen ~
July 20, 2015 at 11:55 pm
Hmm…that’s a tough one. I think I would like to travel back to the late 19th century…
July 21, 2015 at 6:50 am
My choice as well,Jessica. Things were just changing at such a rapid rate that it would have been fascinating to see.
Good luck with the giveaway!
All the best,
~ Jen ~
July 21, 2015 at 12:52 am
I would love to travel back to the time of King David. Rel, thanks for hosting Jen!
July 21, 2015 at 6:58 am
Thank you for visiting, Caryl!
What an interesting time that would be to travel back to – King David – although I’d want to time it so that I didn’t land smack in the midst of a battle.
Have a great week!
All the best,
Jen
July 21, 2015 at 1:04 am
Would love to see the temple that Solomon built with my own eyes, but then I remember they had no indoor plumbing, electricity or any of the other creature comforts I’ve grown accustomed to, so it would have to be just a brief visit.
July 21, 2015 at 7:00 am
Hi Amy!
Thanks for visiting today, and I do imagine it would be difficult to forgo all the comforts we’ve become accustomed to – I used to love camping, but now, my idea is more renting a cabin with running water and facilities – I’m obviously getting old:)
Good luck with the giveaway!
All the best,
~ Jen ~
July 21, 2015 at 1:27 am
I would love to travel back to the time of Jesus’ ministry.
July 21, 2015 at 7:01 am
That would be a fascinating time, Rebecca!
Thanks for sharing today, and good luck with the giveaway.
All the best,
~ Jen ~
July 21, 2015 at 3:00 am
I’d like to go back to the 1950s.
July 21, 2015 at 7:02 am
Thanks for visiting, Bree. The fifties would be fun – and I’d really enjoy wearing the fashions from back then!
Good luck with the giveaway, and I hope you have a great week.
All the best,
Jen
July 21, 2015 at 4:47 am
Hmmm…probably at the turn of the 20th century. While there were improper things going on, they were not flaunted and so “in your face.”
July 21, 2015 at 7:04 am
Thanks for sharing, Linda. And it does seem like improper is the fashion of the day, doesn’t it?
Good luck with the giveaway, and I hope you enjoy the rest of your week.
All the best,
Jen
July 21, 2015 at 5:08 am
Would love to read this book. Sounds very much like Julie Andrews in Sound of Music. A father who has trouble keeping nannies and a nannies who has trouble keeping jobs.
Thanks for the giveaway.
July 21, 2015 at 7:06 am
Thank you, Shirley!
In Good Company is very much like A Sound of Music – except for the fact that Millie isn’t a nun and Everett isn’t the father of these children – but you will find some scenes that will remind you of Julie Andrews and her part in the movie.
Good luck with the giveaway, and thank you again for stopping by.
All the best,
~ Jen ~
July 21, 2015 at 7:33 am
I grew up in the 50’s and i have watched so many changes. I miss the values that were commonplace in families and society. Other than that i would have said late 1800’s because of the expansion out west has always interested me, but I am spoiled by running water and electricity !
July 22, 2015 at 10:23 am
Hi Jackie!
It’s great to have you visit here. I’m sure you have seen a lot of changes. My mom was from a very formal family, so manners were key – My son grouches a bit when I insist on things he probably finds old-fashioned – but to me, chivalry should never be dead – which is why I just love when I see him open doors for his girlfriend, and even my friends – very cool – Okay – I’ll stop now with the whole mom thing:)
Good luck with the giveaway!
All the best,
Jen
July 21, 2015 at 8:23 am
Tough question! I think I’d like to go back to the 1800’s when the west was an open frontier and just being discovered. So much land available!
Loved your book After A Fashion!
July 22, 2015 at 10:25 am
Thank you so much, Staci!
The open frontier would have been fabulous to see, although I’m not much of a wilderness type of girl, so I’m not sure I would have wanted to experience it for long.
Good luck with the giveaway, and thank you for visiting.
All the best,
Jen
July 21, 2015 at 10:22 am
That’s actually a hard question for me. I can see advantages and disadvantages with every single time period. Maybe during one of the big revivals in our country. It would have been awesome to see people all over the country turning to Jesus!
July 22, 2015 at 10:27 am
Thank you for visiting, Jamie, and I agree. Every time period had good and bad – but isn’t it funny how we always assume the past was better?
Hope you have a great week!
All the best,
Jen
July 21, 2015 at 10:43 am
I am really glad that I get to travel throughout history in reading. However, with the knowledge of what it is like now, I think it would be hard to live in any of them. I am kind of old fashioned so my choice would probable be around 1900 to visit the childhood of my grandparents. However, my favorite reading is usually in earlier times.
July 22, 2015 at 10:28 am
Thank you for visiting, Charlotte – and I don’t know if you’re aware of this or not, but one of my very first characters – in my free novella no less, was named Charlotte – I just adore that name – And, if you have an e-reader, and haven’t read “Gentleman of Her Dreams” it’s still available at most e-sites – and again, it’s free.
Have a great week!
All the best,
Jen
July 21, 2015 at 11:28 am
I’ve always been interested in the settling of the American West, so I guess the mid-1800’s to the turn of the century.
July 22, 2015 at 10:31 am
Hi Merry!
Thanks for sharing, and the American West seems to be a popular choice.
Good luck with the giveaway, and I hope you have a fabulous week!
Wishing you all the best,
~ Jen ~
July 21, 2015 at 12:46 pm
I would love to travel back to regency England just for a day or two. I’m sure I wouldn’t want to stay too long–I love my modern conveniences and creature comforts too much! I love to read about those times, though.
July 22, 2015 at 10:32 am
Regency, England is one of my favorite times. Not a lot of people know this, but one of my very first attempts at writing historical romance was a Regency – now, that book didn’t go anywhere because it was plagued with craft issues, but…it was a blast to write.
Good luck with the giveaway, and I hope you have a great week.
All the best,
Jen
July 21, 2015 at 1:02 pm
maybe 1800s
July 22, 2015 at 10:33 am
Thanks for visiting!
All the best,
Jen
July 21, 2015 at 7:45 pm
Looking forward to reading this. I really love Bethany House and love the books they print!
July 22, 2015 at 10:33 am
Then I hope you get a chance to read it, Tina!
Good luck with the giveaway, and thank you for stopping in.
All the best,
Jen
July 22, 2015 at 12:49 am
If I could travel back in time, I think I would go back to 19th century England. I just love all of the regency stories that I read, and it seems like such an elegant time to live. Thanks for the giveaway!!!
July 22, 2015 at 10:35 am
I find that time period fascinating as well!
Thank you for sharing, and I hope you have a wonderful week!
All the best,
Jen
July 22, 2015 at 1:02 am
The 1930s when my mother met my father ~ she died a month before my sixth birthday. Having two older brothers, a little girl for her. I like the style of her clothing in photos and her pearl necklace. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
July 22, 2015 at 10:36 am
Hi Kathleen,
It’s great to hear from you, but I’m so sorry about your mother. It must have been difficult to grow up without her. My mother died when I was forty – which I still think was too soon.
Good luck with the giveaway, and thank you for sharing.
All the best,
Jen
July 22, 2015 at 2:41 am
Love the cover. My to read book pile just keeps growing.
July 22, 2015 at 10:37 am
I always get fabulous covers, Kim, and this one is definitely one of my favorites.
Thanks for visiting, and I wish you luck with the giveaway!
All the best,
Jen
July 22, 2015 at 8:27 am
There are a couple of era I would really like to visit. The first being Europe during the Renaissance. The second being early 20th century. I would really like to see how my Grandmother grew up during the Roaring Twenties, the Depression and through 2 World Wars.
July 22, 2015 at 10:39 am
Thanks for sharing, Terrill.
My grandmothers grew up during that time as well, although they were two completely different women. My maternal grandmother was a flapper, and my paternal grandmother was a devout woman who didn’t dance.
Wishing you all the very best,
Jen
July 22, 2015 at 12:57 pm
That question is kinda hard. I think during the turn of the twentieth century.
July 22, 2015 at 1:11 pm
That’s a toss up for me. A part of me says the wild west days and another part says the Roarin’ 20s
Thanks for the giveaway!
July 22, 2015 at 1:38 pm
I always have a hard time choosing a time period to go to because I’d enjoy visiting any of them! Now, living in them would be another matter! LOL. I have thoroughly enjoyed all of your books and am looking forward to this one as well! Please don’t bring in any Harry Potter type aspects to your books!
July 22, 2015 at 2:00 pm
I’m not sure I would want to travel to another time… There are places, Scotland, the Holy Land, Pre-Soviet Russia. However, I think that if I were in the same income strata that I am now, life in the past would be way too tough. Not that I’m poor, but that it seems that being anything but wealthy would pretty much doom me to slumville. And I’m too much of a wimp for that.
July 22, 2015 at 2:14 pm
I’d love to see colonial America and see the revolution firsthand. However, I would REALLY like to travel back in time and tell my ancestors in the 1800s to leave more details of their lives! Lol
July 22, 2015 at 10:37 pm
It seems strange I suppose but I’d like to be back in the depression years to experience what it was really like.
July 23, 2015 at 12:49 am
I really would like to live in a simpler time but would hate to give up my conveniences. So in my dreams, I’m going to say early 19th century.
July 23, 2015 at 6:54 am
I would like to travel back to the late 1800’s in the West.
July 23, 2015 at 11:39 am
I would like to go back to the Old West (briefly I like my modern conveniences! )
July 24, 2015 at 1:34 am
I would love to travel back to the 1940’s. I’ve always felt like that is an era I would have loved to grow up in.
July 24, 2015 at 8:30 am
I think I would like to travel back to the 1950s when times were simpler. I was born at the end of this time period, but love the idea of a slower pace.
July 24, 2015 at 11:27 am
Late 19th to early 20th century would be a fascinating time period to visit
July 25, 2015 at 2:44 am
I think the early 1900’s. Thanks for the giveaway.
July 25, 2015 at 2:04 pm
As silly as this may sound- I think that’s part of why I love reading. I’m so interested in history, yet the thought of living in Florida with no air conditioning or grasping for food during the Depression or looking over your shoulder during the American Revolution… It makes me thankful for what I do have.
July 25, 2015 at 2:10 pm
Sorry for a double post. I was trying to edit this one, but I somehow managed to submit it. 🙁
July 25, 2015 at 2:08 pm
As silly as this may sound- I think that’s part of why I love reading. I’m so interested in history, yet the thought of living in Florida with no air conditioning or grasping for food during the Depression or looking over my shoulder during times of religious persecution (especially during Nero’s reign), remembering societal rules if lucky enough to count as society during the Regency Era.. It makes me thankful for what I do have. I will say, I have loved visiting the Gilded Age during your Ladies of Distinction series, Jen. Those were fun reads. I’m looking forward to this book and appreciate the opportunity to enter the giveaway. Great question, by the way.