Out of the Ordinary (Apart From the Crowd)

Ms. Turano is back with her witty, soul capturing characters and brings her fans a novel that you won't soon forget! While this is not the first book in the series, it's easily read as a stand alone, though I do recommend reading the first book, as a series is always best read in order. Ms. Turano's writing style is unique and quirky and I loved every minute of this page turning novel!

Gertrude and Harrison really stole my heart. I loved the way they interacting and watching them blossom into their feelings was a pleasant treat while reading their story. Ms. Turano chiseled them both perfectly for their roles, and threw in a few other characters to round them out, though one character you'll just love to hate, if you're like me!

If you show more want a 5 star worthy novel that will captivate your stole, make a home in your heart and is filled with historic detail and laugh out loud wit from beautifully created characters, then this is most definitely a book that you do not want to miss! Ms. Turano has hit the nail on the head with this novel and I am already looking forward to the next book in the series. Well done and two thumbs up!

*Cafinated Reads received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Tours and Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.* show less

I loved this book cast with eccentrics! There are so many moments that had me smiling/laughing/chuckling. This is fun book to read from start to finish!

While this is a fun book to read, there are many serious issues the characters are going through. Jen Turano deals with their problems with grace and a sense of humor. The most important part is that they are not alone. Friends an a loving Father in Heaven are always there to comfort and guide.

This is a second book in a series, but can be read as a stand-alone. I would suggest reading "Behind the Scenes" because you will find more of the same humor and time with the characters in this book.

This is a wonderful book to read. It contains Christian Themes, romance, skulduggery, mystery, show more romance novel dilemma's, etc. You will not be sorry to pick this one up!

P.S - A note of caution: Do not pick this book up to read when you are trying to settle down to sleep. I know from personal experience! I spent so much time laughing that I was no longer tired.😐🤣 show less

Pure pleasure!
Jen Turano’s books will DEFINITELY cheer you up. In some places you will positively be rolling on the floor with laughter. This is no different. Although the story is full of madcap comic scenes, there’s a great deal of depth to the characters – so it’s not all fluff. It’s nice if you read the previous books in the series, but not necessary to the story. Christian Historical Romance that you will love, love, love. Be careful who you invite to your party! Gertrude is a personal companion to Mrs. Davenport who has a little problem with “lifting” pretty things from other society guests when she attends gatherings. And she’s very crafty at hiding it. And herself. Part of Gertrude’s job is to return said items show more afterwards, but this is the last time she’ll do it – and the first time she is caught. Luckily Harrison has sisters who have taught him how to act . . . and they had some romance novels that he read. But they may not have had the best advice – especially to just literally follow and try to apply. One thing you can guarantee, never a dull moment!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Bethany House Publishers - Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html. show less

Ugh. This was a slog! I listened to the audiobook and it felt like SO MUCH DIALOGUE and so little movement. Hardly anything happened, there would be huge chunks of talk, talk, talk and then a little scene movement, back to talking. Maybe it was more noticeable because I was listening to the audiobook version, but man, I just wanted there to be a little more action! Miss Gertrude Cadwalader is a paid companion of a shifty lady, Miss Davenport. Miss Davenport is forever getting into shenanigans and Gertrude is always having to clean up the mess. When a sticky fingers incident puts her in an awkward place with the man of her dreams, Gertrude isn't sure how she will be able to get out of the mess. Banal, boring, and very predictable. I like show more Christian romance, especially historical romance but this New York drama wasn't it for me. show less

Out of the Ordinary by Jen Turano is the second book in Apart from the Crowd series. Miss Gertrude Cadwalader is companion to Mrs. Davenport which is not an easy task. Mrs. Davenport is known for helping herself to other people’s belongings while they are at parties and events (which Gertrude returns). Gertrude and Mrs. Davenport are attending the engagement party of Permilia Griswold and Asher Rutherford on the yacht of Harrison Sinclair. The next day Mrs. Davenport confesses that she left her reticule on board the yacht with stolen contraband inside. Gertrude tries rescue it, but is caught by Harrison’s mother before she can depart. Gertrude is arrested and accused of stealing from the Manhattan Beach Hotel as well. Harrison works show more with Gertrude to clear her name (and Mrs. Davenport’s) and find the true culprit (and true love along the way).

Out of the Ordinary is easy to read and nicely written. Out of the Ordinary can be read alone. If you enjoy humorous historical novels, then I suggest picking up a copy of Behind the Scenes (first book in Apart from the Crowd series). There is one laugh out loud moment after another in Out of the Ordinary. I was happy to see growth in Mrs. Davenport and Gertrude by the end of the novel. At times I wanted to shake Gertrude and tell her to develop a backbone (especially after she wore the birdcage for a bustle). I felt that Ms. Turano captured the era with the fashions, dialogue and mannerisms. There is some predictability to the romance portion of the story (that seems inevitable in romance novels) and I felt the first night (night of engagement party) went on too long. That night alone took up 48% of the book. The mystery was interesting and I enjoyed figuring out the culprit. Out of the Ordinary is a quirky novel that will appeal to readers of historical romance novels and fans of Jen Turano. show less

"Out of the Ordinary" is certainly just that--a not very ordinary book! This book is the second book in the "Apart from the Crowd" series, although it can be read as a standalone. This is my first book by Jen Turano and I really enjoyed this hilarious, anything-but-ordinary story.

This book certainly stands out among the Christian historical fiction I have read. Ms. Turano's sense of humor and style of writing is especially noteworthy. The way she writes makes me feel like I'm watching an "I Love Lucy" episode, where characters are always getting into hilarious scrapes. I really loved the “birdcage which is used as a bustle” incident (need I say more?). This is a light and fluffy read, with some serious parts. An episode driven novel show more isn't my favorite type of novel (I prefer dialogue driven), but I especially appreciated the more serious tone and the addition of more dialogue towards the second half of the book.

I really appreciate the characters and how unique they are. I think many readers will love that our heroine, Gertrude Cadwalader, is a wallflower (a girl who is not a part of the popular crowd). Gertrude doesn't mind doing peculiar things for her employer because she doesn't want to hurt her feelings. I also enjoyed the side characters, especially the quirky older women. These characters have struggles that they have to overcome throughout the course of the novel, such as accepting God's forgiveness.

Ms. Turano employs engaging and witty writing that is thrown in with a good dash of humor, which makes for an excellent read!

Content: I would give this book a PG rating. There is mention of a woman's bust; a man accidentally sees a woman in her undergarments; a man is in a house of ill repute and visits a woman there who's not his wife; a character struggles with depression, stealing and alcoholism; one character hits another; someone commits suicide; and there is talk of emotional and physical abuse.

Rating: I give this book 4 stars

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction; Romance

I want to thank Jen Turano and Bethany House Publishers for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255. show less

Once again the author has written a beautiful story with characters that are so likeable you want to be their friend. Gertrude is funny, loyal and full of life. She has her hands full trying to keep up with Mrs Davenport. It isn’t easy to be a companion to an elderly lady that has a habit of “borrowing” trinkets and such. There is one scene that had me rolling on the floor laughing. I’m not sure what possessed Mrs. Davenport to make such a hideous dress for Gertrude to wear. The outrageous dress with a little extra in the back causes Gertrude to become trapped in an embarrassing way. The exploits that Mrs. Davenport puts Gertrude through is beyond the norm for a hired companion.

Harrison is one handsome man who is quite wealthy. show more His politeness and honesty is honorable. All the ladies are hammering to become his wife. I must say he has a strange way of dressing. I could see the stripped pants and odd color combinations as he walked into a room. It’s a good thing he is handsome, because he lacks any style of fashion. I loved how he came to Gertrude’s aide and never once doubted her guilt of things being said about her.

I loved the beautiful story that Gertrude shared about her past with Harrison. For so long she has held onto the shame of something she had no control over. I loved how forgiveness was presented in the story. It is hard to forgive yourself , but sometimes it’s even harder to think that God would forgive you. The lessons in the book are many and were well written by an author who has a knack for sharing compassionate words that encourage and fill readers with hope. Don’t miss this great adventure and see if Gertrude can forgive herself of a past that has held her back. Will Mrs. Davenport open up about her past? Can she find peace ? Grab your copy today .

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. show less