Diamond in the Rough

Title: Diamond in the Rough

Series: American Heiresses #2

Author: Jen Turano

Publisher: Bethany House

Genre: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Humor, Romance

Source: Owned

My review:

Jen Turano is quickly becoming a go-to author for me. Her stories are delightful and humorous. 

I loved Poppy because she is so real! She is clumsy but handles it with good humor. She is smart and doesn't try to hide it. She is witty and her mouth often gets her into trouble. She has a heart of gold and it is beautiful to see her character grow and learn. 

 “It was a riveting battle..., although one where clotted cream, jam and scones were the weapons instead of the usual weapons instead of pistols, swords and knives.” 

I really enjoyed Reginald as well. He is British and has the natural reserve you would expect. His and Poppy's friendship forms slowly and is realistic. They are pushed together and while it has the potential for disaster, they both grow in unlikely ways. I especially liked when he took Murray under his wing.

There was nothing I disliked about this book. All the characters are wonderful, and most experience growth (which is rare in a book). While I often mention the humor, the story line was engaging and had depth with themes of identity and family.

 ★★★★/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads): 

When Miss Poppy Garrison accepts her grandmother's offer of financial help for her family in exchange for Poppy joining the New York social season, she quickly realizes she is far less equipped to mingle with the New York Four Hundred than even she knew. As she becomes embroiled in one hilarious fiasco after another, becoming the diamond of the first water her grandmother longs her to be looks more impossible by the day.

Reginald Blackburn, second son of a duke, is in New York to help his cousin find an American heiress who can help save his family's estate. But when his very proper British manners lead Poppy's grandmother to request he teach etiquette to Poppy, he quickly finds himself in for much more than he bargained for.

And while they couldn't be more opposite, Reginald and Poppy just might find they have more to teach each other than they ever could have expected. 

 Challenges: