My Bookshelf: Behind the Scenes by Jen Turano

After spending the last six years banished to the wallflower section of the ballroom, Miss Permilia Griswold has finally figured out a way to pass the time at all the New York high-society events she attends. Under the pseudonym “Miss Quill,” she is the author of society gossip columns filled with tidbits only an insider in society—albeit one on the fringes—would know.

When she overhears a threat against Mr. Asher Rutherford, the owner of one of the most up-and-coming department stores in the city, she’s determined to warn him. But the irritatingly handsome man doesn’t believe her, leaving her no choice but to take matters into her own hands. What she doesn’t anticipate is that she’ll end up putting herself at risk in the process—or that she and Mr. Rutherford, a man with secrets of his own, just might end up joining forces after all.

 

Behind the Scenes is the first book in Jen Turano’s Apart from the Crowd series, but is actually one of the many books I have read by her. I absolutely loved her Ladies of Distinction series, and her A Class of Their Own series, so I am always excited to find out she is beginning a new one. Although it took me a little longer than I would like to finally getting around to reading this one, I’m glad it was because I was waiting until I owned it, since I know this is a novel I am definitely going to read again. As I have come to expect from anything Jen writes, this story was completely adorable, full of madcap adventures and scrapes of all kinds, and just enough hint of mystery to lend some of the unexpected to the story without making it suspense novel, which keeps it a little on the lighter side.

Permilia is the perfect “Jen Turano” heroine. There are so many things I have come to expect of all of the heroines Jen writes about in her novels, and Permilia perfectly fits all of them. With her curious habits relating to her secret occupation as “Miss Quill,” she is constantly getting into all sorts of scrapes, and that is something I have come to expect to provide quite a bit of hilarity to Jen’s novels. Then, of course, there’s the danger—this time being the murder plot—that she uncovers while in the midst of one of her scrapes. That danger provides the perfect amount of suspense, and even more hilarity, since she of course takes it upon herself to aid in the protection and mystery solving endeavors.

Before I continue, let me be perfectly clear when I say that I am not saying this is a bad thing about Jen’s novels. I’m not in any way saying that they are predictable or repetitious or that all of her heroines are the same. What I am saying is that these are things I know I can expect from her novels, which makes them all that much more enjoyable. Never do I have to wonder if one of her books will be good or not, I know all of them will feature these kinds of details, so I am guaranteed that they will be fantastic and very worth reading.

Along with this, I can always be sure that I will find one of the most wonderful heroes I have ever encountered in every one of her novels. Asher is the perfect fit for Permilia, and also fit all of the characteristics I have come to expect from the heroes in Jen’s stories. Dashing and handsome, Asher is the perfect gentleman, always coming to the ladies’ rescue—to Permilia’s rescue in particular—and he constantly proves himself to be a man of impeccable taste. Not only that, but he keeps up with Permilia’s antics and never-ending scrapes with more than just patience—he truly seems to be able to understand that this is a part of her and almost enjoys getting caught up in them with her, just like most of Jen’s heroes are prone to do.

All in all, I found this novel to be just as wonderful and endearing and hysterical as I expected it to be, and it has reminded me just how much I love everything Jen writes. Though I already knew that I was, after reading this novel I have realized even more that I will forever be a fan of hers, and I will always endeavor to read—and buy—everything that she publishes. To date, I have read everything she has written, and not one part of any of her novels has ever disappointed me. So, I highly recommend this novel, this new series, and everything else Jen has written, as I am sure you will fall in love with all of them just as I have.

Happy reading!

To see where I’m linking up, check out my Where I Party page.

All credit for the italicized synopsis goes to Jen Turano and Bethany House Publishers.