Miss Arabella Beckett,
defender of the down-trodden women of America, is returning from her travels in
support of the women’s suffrage movement when she makes a simple offer of
assistance to a young woman in need. But things go sadly awry, and both ladies
soon find themselves in dire need of rescue. Arabella, always loath to admit
she needs help, is particularly reluctant to receive assistance from the
arrogant, narrow-minded knight in shining armor who shows up just in time.
Private investigator
extraordinaire Mr. Theodore Wilder is on an assignment that began as a favor to
his good friend Hamilton Beckett, but swiftly evolved into a merry chase across
the country. He is already in less than a pleasant mood, and when Hamilton’s sister
turns out of have radical ideas and a fiercely independent streak, he’s at his
wit’s end.
Much to their chagrin,
Theodore and Arabella’s paths continue to cross when they return home to New
York, but the most unusual feelings beginning to grow between them certainly
can’t be anything serious. When the trouble Arabella accidentally stirred up in
her travels follows her home and threatens her very life, the unlikely couple
must face the possibility that they might have landed in the most peculiar circumstance
of all: love.
A Most Peculiar
Circumstance is the second book in Jen Turano’s Ladies of Distinction series, coming after A Change of Fortune. I have already read this novel once I while
back, but since I never finished the series, I decided to read it (and the
first book) again before finally reading the third and fourth installments. Since
I’m a really, really, REALLY big fan of Jen’s, it didn’t bother me a bit to
read this book again. And, as was the case with the first book, I think I loved
this even more the second time around! I knew that I really enjoyed it, but I didn’t
remember it being so funny! I’m definitely super glad I’m reading these again,
and I can’t wait to read books three and four!
Arabella Beckett is by far one of my favorite characters in
the whole series. She is so sweet, and energetic, and just a little bit
troublesome, and I couldn’t help loving her from the first moment I met her. She
got into so many scrapes throughout the course of this story, and I couldn’t help
but also love her adventurous spirit. Outside of that though, she is also full
of compassion for those in need, and I loved watching her attempt to help them
better their lives. But by far, my most favorite thing is her relationship with
Theodore. Their arguments throughout the beginning of this novel are completely
hysterical, and I just loved watching their feelings develop.
Theodore Wilder was NOT a character I loved from the very
beginning. But, to be fair, I think that was the point. I did like him as a
person, I just couldn’t stand his views on women and their place in society and
in the home. Plus, when you think about it, Arabella—and Eliza and Agatha--didn’t
like this about him either, so it’s not like I’m the only one. However,
Theodore quickly grew on me, and it wasn’t long before I realized he most
definitely was the perfect man for Arabella, so I was eventually able to
overlook his misguided beginnings.
All in all, I really loved this book, and while it already
had a place on my all-time favorites list, I am even more sure after reading it
again that it definitely belongs there. I can’t imagine not giving it all five
bookshelves, and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series! I’ve already
started A Talent for Trouble, and
since I already absolutely love Grayson, I know this is another one I will
enjoy. I can’t say enough about how fantastic of a writer Jen is, and I’m so
glad I discovered her novels a couple of years ago, as I can’t get enough of
them! This one is highly recommended!
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment