A Change in Fortune

Title: A Change in Fortune (audiobook)

Series: Ladies of Distinction #1

Author: Jen Turano

Narrator: Justine Eyre

Publisher: Bethany House

Genre: Historical Fiction, humor, Christian Fiction,

Source: Library

My Review:

I had heard many great things about Jen Turano's writing but this is the first time I have had an opportunity to read anything by her. I absolutely loved everything about this story. 

“Miss Sumner, may I inquire as to why you're lounging on the floor?" Mrs. Watson asked.
Miss Sumner uttered something which sounded very much like "it should be obvious" before she lifted her head. "You really must compliment your staff, Mrs. Watson. This floor is remarkably clean.”  

I loved all the characters, especially precocious Piper and biter Ben! The dialogue was exceptionally witty and engaging and kept me entertained the entire book.

“Miss Sumner, are you all right?” Hamilton asked, pulling her from her thoughts. “Perfectly fine.” Hamilton sent a pointed look to the crushed dinner roll in Eliza’s hand.

There was a nice mix of romance, humor, mystery, conflict, and shenanigans to keep the story moving at a quick pace. This is a very easy read (or listen to, as the case may be). 

“You were most entertaining,” Zayne replied. “That was unintentional,” Eliza muttered.

I have found a new favorite author that I will be doing my best to read through all of her works in the next year or so.  This is also the first time I have listened to an audiobook by Justine Eyre and I felt she did a fabulous job as well. I loved the voices and her pace of reading.

“The only explanation that came to her was that gentlemen were obviously odd beings, and she should not even attempt to understand them.”  

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a fun, humorous read. I have seen other people say this book is not historically accurate, but whether it is or isn't, it's still a marvelous book. I picked it up because I wanted a light, stress-free read and I was not disappointed. If you have never read Jen Turano, pick up this book and see what you have been missing!

★★★★★/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads): 

Lady Eliza Sumner is on a mission. Her fortune was the last thing she had left after losing her father, her fiancé, and her faith. 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.

Mr. Hamilton Beckett, much to his chagrin, is the catch of the season, and all the eyes of New York society—all the female ones, at least—are on him. He has no plans to marry again, especially since his hands are full keeping his business afloat while raising his two children alone.

Eliza's hapless attempts to regain her fortune unexpectedly put her right in Hamilton's path. The discovery of a common nemesis causes them to join forces and, before she knows it, Eliza has a whole retinue of people helping her. Eliza's determination not to trust anyone weakens when everyone's antics and bumbling efforts to assist her make her wonder if there might be more important things than her fortune and independence.

When all of Hamilton's and Eliza's best-laid plans fall by the wayside, it will take a riot of complications for them to realize that God just might have had a better plan in mind all along.