Diamond in the Rough

Set in Gilded Age New York where it was important to be a “diamond of the first water,” Diamond in the Rough features Poppy Garrison who despairs of ever reaching that goal. Delightful, quirky, and prone to mishaps, Poppy seems to attract chaos and pandemonium wherever she goes. She meets each new disaster with aplomb and continues to be her endearing and entertaining self.

“You must have realized by now that I’m not always keen to follow rules.”

Despairing of ever seeing Poppy fit into society, her grandmother hires Reginald Blackburn to give her etiquette lessons. What follows is a hilarious, entertaining romp that left me giggling, chuckling, and laughing out loud (with maybe a snort or two for good measure)! And, yes, I show more realize that precludes me from being a diamond of the first water! I’ll have to settle for being a diamond in the rough like Poppy. I love Poppy and Reginald. They are both fantastic characters—some of my favorite Turano people. They aren’t perfect, but they’re perfect for each other. A stellar supporting cast adds to the enjoyment and fun of the tale. Filled with witty banter, humor, romance, intrigue, and a few life lessons, it’s a delight to read. I loved the message to be yourself and not who others want you to be.

Jen Turano is an incredibly gifted writer with an amazing sense of humor. Her characters come alive on the page and are so delightful and fun. The settings are all so richly painted, and the colorful imagery in her stories brings them to life. If you’ve never read any of her books, do yourself a favor and grab one. You can start with this one—it’s part of a series, but it can easily be read alone.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House. All opinions are my own. show less

Diamond in the Rough by Jen Turano is the second book in the American Heiresses series. It can be read as a standalone for those new to this series of books. However, I heartily recommend reading Flights of Fancy (it is a delight to read). From the very first page, I was drawn into this engaging and humorous historical novel. Poppy Garrison is a vibrant woman with a zest for life. She is twenty-two years old and could care less about society. However, she made a promise to her grandmother and Poppy intends to keep it. Viola did not count on Poppy’s clumsiness or how often she manages to get herself into sticky situations. Poppy’s antics had me laughing through the whole book (there is a snail incident, a busy bustle, runaway horses, show more a tiara incident and so much more). Reginald Blackburn is an English gentleman who believes is proper decorum. He agrees to give lessons to Poppy, but he had not idea it was going to be such a challenge. I like how the characters grow as individuals as the story progresses. While Diamond in the Rough is humorous, there are some sweet, tender moments. The story focuses on Poppy and Reginald, but there are side stories involving some of the other characters (like Charles Wynn, Murray Middletown, Viola Van Rennsselaer, and Poppy’s mother). I thought Diamond in the Rough was well-written and it proceeded at a fast pace. I like how Jen Turano captured the time period with the clothing, language, the dances, books, conveyances, and people. I was swept back to the Gilded Age and watched Poppy as she was let loose on New York high society. My favorite line comes from Poppy when she states, “I’ve always felt that misfits are far more interesting than normal folks.” Diamond in the Rough is by far my favorite book by Jen Turano. I cannot wait to read the next novel in the American Heiresses series. Diamond in the Rough is an amusing historical novel that has dizzying dances, runaway rides, an eager earl, rowing relatives, slippery snails, husband hunters and a peppy Poppy. show less

I adore Jen Turano and her fabulously fun gilded age stories. Diamond in the Rough is another unforgettable, knee-slapping, giggle-inducing romp through New York high society.

Mayhem finds Poppy Garrison—a fact of life she’s come to accept as her reality. This is apparent by the end of the first sentence of this new releases. Reginald Blackburn is everything you’d expect the son of an English noble to be. So, of course, when Poppy’s grandmother strikes a deal with him to properly educated Poppy in decorum, hilarity ensues.

Yet, behind all the silly and quite memorable situations (come on, Poppy makes a list of all her society faux pas for Reginald), Poppy has a heart of gold. She values family, friendship, and honesty over show more appearances and gossip. Is it any wonder Reginald, who is horrified upon first meeting Poppy, becomes enamored with her as he spends time with her and sees the beauty of her heart?

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. show less

After rolling on the floor laughing I am now able to collect my thoughts. Poppy is hysterical and so full of life that I would love to be her friend. She has a big task ahead of her to help her family out which proves to be a journey she will never forget.

The opening pages of the book set the tone for the delightful writing talent of the author. She is known for witty and charming characters. Poppy is hands down my favorite and she is written with pure inspiration and charm. I could picture Poppy as she and her dashing partner danced around the room. Leave it to Poppy to make a scene at a gala with important and influential people .

Reginald is a very distinguished gentleman who Poppy's grandmother sets her sights on to help Poppy. Oh show more what a deal Poppy is getting into because of her grandmother. The banter between Poppy and her grandmother is priceless. Two very determined women trying to get the upper hand on the other. The author has out done herself with this wonderful story filled with laughs, family values and faith.

As Poppy matures and becomes more refined I felt she finally realized how loved she was by many. Her grandmother wants her to marry for money. Poppy has admirers but will she do what her grandmother wants? This is one story that I couldn't put down because it was funny yet reminiscent of someone finding their place in life.

As with all her books, the author gives us wonderful characters and leaves us with a wonderful message that stays with you forever. I love the faith elements in the story and reading how a young woman named Poppy learned to believe in herself.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and author. The review is my own opinion. show less

This story is wondrously funny, the word pictures kept me page-turning, and never expecting what is about to happen next.
Talk about putting a square peg into a round hole, well, we take a farm girl and put her into elite society in NY City in the 1880’s. She is soon rubbing, or falling, shoulders with the who’s who in America, along with some British aristocrats.
We have family blackmail, assaults, guns going off, horses in Central Park lake, etc. Could just picture this as a movie, but be aware along with glorious laughs there are a few gasps as we wonder if our Poppy will survive.
A don’t miss delightful read!

I received this book through Net Galley and Bethany House Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review.

I love books by Jen Turano and this is no exception. Her books are well written and light-hearted, laugh out loud, fun.
The main characters were well developed and interesting. They were interesting and kept the flow going well.
This is a Christian book but not preachy at all, in fact, it is a little lighter in this area than her other books.
The one thing I did find wrong was that it was not as well-edited as her other books, but I was given an advanced reader's copy and hopefully, the final book will have the errors taken care of.
I highly recommend this book. I give it 5 out of 5 stars, even with the errors.

Marvelous mayhem. As I always say, cheer up, read a Jen Turano book!

1885. Perfectly capable Poppy leaves her parents horse farm to spend a Season with her socially fashionable Grandmother of the Four Hundred. A Grandmother determined that Poppy will be considered a Diamond of the first water. Her Propensity for mishaps will of course keep you in stitches, rolling on the floor laughing, then in awww for the sweetness and heart of these characters.

Reginald is there from England to help his cousin find a suitable bride. He is conscripted by Poppy's Grandmother to teach Poppy how to behave properly in society, something very necessary for her to be considered as a bride in England's Social circles. Sweet people struggling to make their show more way, and never a dull moment with Poppy around. She can ride, run and shoot em up with the best. Not valuable traits to those in Society. But maybe its time for Society's rules to change. Poppy has her own kind of influence. As always, an excellent read!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and 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.”

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