Status
Available
Call number
Publication
Bethany House Publishers (2013), 352 pages
Description
For years, Miss Felicia Murdock's every thought and action have been in pursuit of becoming a minister's wife. When the minister she'd set her sights on has other ideas, she decides something in her life needs to change--and soon--before she wastes any more time pretending to be someone she's not. If that means spreading her wings and embracing a more lively way of life, who's to say nay? Grayson Sumner, Lord Sefton, has had more than enough of spreading his wings and only hopes to settle into the life of a respectable New York gentleman. Prompted by some friends to lift the spirits of the disappointed-in-love Miss Murdock, he is surprised to encounter an adventurous young lady with an unfortunate knack for stumbling into troublesome situations. Just as Grayson decides he's had quite enough of her antics, his past comes back to haunt him and his presence in Felicia's life endangers her. As they work together to extricate themselves from this latest complication, will Grayson and Felicia decide they want to spend the rest of their lives keeping one another out of trouble?… (more)
Language
Original language
English
Physical description
352 p.; 8.5 inches
ISBN
0764211269 / 9780764211263
User reviews
LibraryThing member PamelaJo
A Great Book from a Talented Writer!
A Talent for Trouble is the third book in a series which is centered around the same group of family and friends. This story is set in New York City in 1881, and continues the antics of a spectacular cast of characters. I have really enjoyed each of Ms. Turano's
Felicia Murdock is the main character in this book. She has spent years trying to win the affections of Reverend Michael Fraser, at the expense of being herself and following the path intended for her. On the day Fraser marries another, Felicia faces the reality that she was not meant to be the wife of a minister. She is alone in her room, grieving her loss, when Grayson Sumner arrives at her home. He is a British Lord, and the brother of Felicia's friend, Eliza.
Grayson has been sent to cheer up Felicia, but he finds the task to be quite daunting. She is a high spirited and frustrating woman who leads him into much trouble. Felicia is about to find out that Sumner comes with his own kind of trouble. Together, they get into one complicated situation after another. There is much action in this book and it is filled with adventure, intrigue, and danger.
Sumner has quite a sordid past and it is finally catching up with him. He left his family behind in England and spent many years in China. Now he is ready to settle down and lead a peaceful life in the United States. However, that is not to be the case for him at the moment. Felicia and her friends had no idea that Grayson has been involved in the Chinese underworld, but they are about to be dragged into much trouble because of Grayson's past.
Through it all, Felicia is drawn to Grayson Sumner. He is a man who understands her and is not put off by her rather outlandish personality. Grayson is also feeling deep affection for Felicia, but he does not allow himself to show his emotions, as he feels he is not worthy of love...not Felicia's, and surely not God's.
All of the characters from the previous books in this series are involved in the lives of Felicia and Grayson. The entire group is in danger because of Grayson's past. This book is so well written that I had no idea how it would end. I could hardly wait to find out what would happen next. I will say that the ending took me by surprise.
If you like romance, a message of redemption, adventure, humor and mystery, then you will love this book as much as I did! Jen Turano has a great talent for writing an inspirational story. She never fails to provide many enjoyable hours of reading. I highly recommend this book.
I received a copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.
A Talent for Trouble is the third book in a series which is centered around the same group of family and friends. This story is set in New York City in 1881, and continues the antics of a spectacular cast of characters. I have really enjoyed each of Ms. Turano's
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novels. They are so entertaining that I can't pick a favorite...I love them all!Felicia Murdock is the main character in this book. She has spent years trying to win the affections of Reverend Michael Fraser, at the expense of being herself and following the path intended for her. On the day Fraser marries another, Felicia faces the reality that she was not meant to be the wife of a minister. She is alone in her room, grieving her loss, when Grayson Sumner arrives at her home. He is a British Lord, and the brother of Felicia's friend, Eliza.
Grayson has been sent to cheer up Felicia, but he finds the task to be quite daunting. She is a high spirited and frustrating woman who leads him into much trouble. Felicia is about to find out that Sumner comes with his own kind of trouble. Together, they get into one complicated situation after another. There is much action in this book and it is filled with adventure, intrigue, and danger.
Sumner has quite a sordid past and it is finally catching up with him. He left his family behind in England and spent many years in China. Now he is ready to settle down and lead a peaceful life in the United States. However, that is not to be the case for him at the moment. Felicia and her friends had no idea that Grayson has been involved in the Chinese underworld, but they are about to be dragged into much trouble because of Grayson's past.
Through it all, Felicia is drawn to Grayson Sumner. He is a man who understands her and is not put off by her rather outlandish personality. Grayson is also feeling deep affection for Felicia, but he does not allow himself to show his emotions, as he feels he is not worthy of love...not Felicia's, and surely not God's.
All of the characters from the previous books in this series are involved in the lives of Felicia and Grayson. The entire group is in danger because of Grayson's past. This book is so well written that I had no idea how it would end. I could hardly wait to find out what would happen next. I will say that the ending took me by surprise.
If you like romance, a message of redemption, adventure, humor and mystery, then you will love this book as much as I did! Jen Turano has a great talent for writing an inspirational story. She never fails to provide many enjoyable hours of reading. I highly recommend this book.
I received a copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.
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LibraryThing member vintagebeckie
A Talent for Trouble can be described as a screwball comedy. Main character Felicia Murdock definitely has a talent for finding trouble, from the parlors and ballrooms of Fifth Avenue to the pubs and opium dens of New York’s slums. She attracts notice where ever she goes, and Grayson Sumner is
An historical, romantic comedy, A Talent for Trouble will appeal to those who like witty dialogue and ridiculously funny antics. A light and quick read, it also examines the spiritual themes of accepting forgiveness and finding value in who God created you to be. And if you have read Turano’s previous books, you will be happy to find the return of many of your favorite characters. But if this is your first taste of Turano, don’t worry; A Talent for Trouble is easily read as a standalone.
(Thanks to TLC Book Tours for a review copy. The opinions expressed are mine alone.)
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her chief admirer. Through a number of misunderstandings, interesting situations and even dangerous events the two fight attraction until it is too late for both of them.An historical, romantic comedy, A Talent for Trouble will appeal to those who like witty dialogue and ridiculously funny antics. A light and quick read, it also examines the spiritual themes of accepting forgiveness and finding value in who God created you to be. And if you have read Turano’s previous books, you will be happy to find the return of many of your favorite characters. But if this is your first taste of Turano, don’t worry; A Talent for Trouble is easily read as a standalone.
(Thanks to TLC Book Tours for a review copy. The opinions expressed are mine alone.)
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LibraryThing member Moonpie72
Felicia Murdock is young, beautiful, wealthy and to say the least a bit quirky! She had her life planned out as so many young women do, and felt it was her destiny to marry Reverend Frasier. For many years she had worked at changing everything about herself, her dress, activities, and personality
She is of course crushed and devastated as she was positive it was the Lord’s leading for her to marry him. After being restrained by her own devices for so long, the real Felicia bursts out even more outlandish and unpredictable than ever before. The entire community is stunned at the beautiful, shapely young woman that has been hidden by her bizarre “modest” clothing, but not as shocked as they are at her unrestrained spirit!
Totally unprepared for such a dynamo of a woman, Grayson Sumner is persuaded to spend time with her to cheer her up. She is constantly putting them in all sorts of dilemmas, problems, close calls, and even danger. Mr. Sumner finds himself overwhelmed by her enthusiasm and spontaneity but at the same time becoming increasingly attracted to her sincerity and innocence. He fights falling in love with her because his past holds some shady secrets that he feels would not only cause Felicia to reject him, but more seriously endanger her life.
This book is hilarious, suspenseful and action packed! I guess I would have to compare Felicia somewhat to a Victorian Lucille Ball! I had such fun reading it. I found it very different than most Christian fiction novels!
While I was entertained there were also many spiritual lessons within the story. One is how we often make our plans and put God’s name on them. Then we wonder why they don’t work out! Another important lesson is that we are often afraid that if others know of our failures, they can’t love or accept us. When the truth is if someone truly loves those failures won’t matter. “And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.”
1 Peter 4:8
This was my first book of Jen Turano’s and I look forward to reading more!
I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
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to become the perfect pastor’s wife. The story opens as she is returning from the reverend’s marriage ceremony . . . to someone else!! She is of course crushed and devastated as she was positive it was the Lord’s leading for her to marry him. After being restrained by her own devices for so long, the real Felicia bursts out even more outlandish and unpredictable than ever before. The entire community is stunned at the beautiful, shapely young woman that has been hidden by her bizarre “modest” clothing, but not as shocked as they are at her unrestrained spirit!
Totally unprepared for such a dynamo of a woman, Grayson Sumner is persuaded to spend time with her to cheer her up. She is constantly putting them in all sorts of dilemmas, problems, close calls, and even danger. Mr. Sumner finds himself overwhelmed by her enthusiasm and spontaneity but at the same time becoming increasingly attracted to her sincerity and innocence. He fights falling in love with her because his past holds some shady secrets that he feels would not only cause Felicia to reject him, but more seriously endanger her life.
This book is hilarious, suspenseful and action packed! I guess I would have to compare Felicia somewhat to a Victorian Lucille Ball! I had such fun reading it. I found it very different than most Christian fiction novels!
While I was entertained there were also many spiritual lessons within the story. One is how we often make our plans and put God’s name on them. Then we wonder why they don’t work out! Another important lesson is that we are often afraid that if others know of our failures, they can’t love or accept us. When the truth is if someone truly loves those failures won’t matter. “And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.”
1 Peter 4:8
This was my first book of Jen Turano’s and I look forward to reading more!
I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
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LibraryThing member MyBookAddiction
A TALENT FOR TROUBLE by Jen Turano is another wonderful Inspirational Historical Fiction set in 1881 New York City. #3 in the "Ladies of Distinction" but can be read as a stand alone. See,"A Change of Fortune", and "A Most Peculiar Circumstance".
This is the tale of Miss Felicia Murdock and Grayson
With strong characters and an interesting storyline, you will not be disappointed with "A Talent for Trouble".
Received as a gift.
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: SWEET
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
This is the tale of Miss Felicia Murdock and Grayson
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Sumner, Lord Sefton and what a tale. Fast paced. Filled with faith, healing, forgiveness, adventure, romance, trouble, danger, and love.With strong characters and an interesting storyline, you will not be disappointed with "A Talent for Trouble".
Received as a gift.
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: SWEET
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
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LibraryThing member JaneSteen
Where I got the book: review copy provided by publisher. This review first appeared on the Historical Novel Society website and in the May 2014 issue of the Historical Novels Review.
This inspirational romance takes place in New York City in 1881. Felicia Murdock has spent the last four years
This fast-paced story could be best described as a cheerful romp with a side helping of high-stakes adventure. Grayson’s past is murky indeed, and the New York underworld intrudes satisfactorily into a society setting that Felicia is clearly trying to make more exciting. At first Felicia comes across as closer to fourteen than twenty-four, but as the novel proceeds she settles down into a feisty, appealing heroine who accepts her own flaws and prefers other people to see the reality behind her well-bred beauty.
There are times at which the dialogue seems a little too twenty-first century, with phrases such as “I must be up-front with you” and “come again?” pulling the reader out of the nineteenth-century environment. Yet the overall quality of the writing, the author’s ability to spring surprises on the reader and her easy, non-intrusive handling of the characters’ spiritual journey make for a pleasant read which should delight fans of lighthearted romance.
This inspirational romance takes place in New York City in 1881. Felicia Murdock has spent the last four years
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suppressing her natural taste for adventure to act the demure maiden in the hope of snaring the affections of the minister at her church. When he marries someone else, Felicia rediscovers her old self; she also discovers Grayson Sumner, a British aristocrat with a murky past.This fast-paced story could be best described as a cheerful romp with a side helping of high-stakes adventure. Grayson’s past is murky indeed, and the New York underworld intrudes satisfactorily into a society setting that Felicia is clearly trying to make more exciting. At first Felicia comes across as closer to fourteen than twenty-four, but as the novel proceeds she settles down into a feisty, appealing heroine who accepts her own flaws and prefers other people to see the reality behind her well-bred beauty.
There are times at which the dialogue seems a little too twenty-first century, with phrases such as “I must be up-front with you” and “come again?” pulling the reader out of the nineteenth-century environment. Yet the overall quality of the writing, the author’s ability to spring surprises on the reader and her easy, non-intrusive handling of the characters’ spiritual journey make for a pleasant read which should delight fans of lighthearted romance.
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LibraryThing member lyssa73
This book was definitely an improvement over the last two. The first 5 chapters or so were really engaging- interesting, fairly well written and funny. But things quickly went downhill after that. It was so hard to slog through that it took me 3 months to get through 75% of it, before deciding that
The writing style was almost constantly distracting. Each and every sentence was too wordy, stuffed to the brim with the same 10-15 adverbs, such as entirely, slightly, disturbingly, rather, quite etc. and phrases like "clearly evident."
The plot was transparent immediately, but it was more the way that it was stretched out that bothered me. Felicia's story would have kept my interest longer if it had started earlier, with more of her pursuit of the reverend being covered. The shenanigans she'd have gotten into and her obliviousness to her feelings being widely known could have been very entertaining. And it would have given time for Grayson to develop real feelings, being present, though not front and center until the middle/end.
I'd have liked to then see Grayson make a stand for her (it would have been so much better than the whole, "she'll never love me, I don't deserve her" self pity reminiscent of Twilight. So unattractive), and her learn to trust and love a man with a past over time. There could have a been a great Christian message there. While Ms. Turano does acknowledge these themes, they are only challenges for the blink of an eye, before the heroine senses from God that she is being judgemental and should forgive Grayson. The rapidity of tehe switch was nrealistic and unrelatable.
I thought she missed the point with Eliza and Grayson's talk. It started well, but went downhill when in response to Grayson's comment that God couldn't or wouldn't forgive his level of sin, Eliza was decides to talk Grayson out of taking as much responsibility as he did and feeling the levels of guilt that went along with it. What? I think the message should have been, God, the creator of the universe and every cell in your body is capable of forgiving any level of sin. And to harbor guilt after asking for forgiveness is to hold disbelief of His power in your heart. Ask Him for forgiveness, give your guilt over to Him and ask Him to help you start fresh. Because He can and He will if you will only come to Him.
I like Ms. Turano's humorous approach and I still think she has potential, but I think she misses opportunities for better stories when pursuing the cheap and tired storyline.
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it had dragged on long enough and life is too short to waste time reading books that hold zero interest for me. I'm sure I could predict every major plot wrap-up anyway. The writing style was almost constantly distracting. Each and every sentence was too wordy, stuffed to the brim with the same 10-15 adverbs, such as entirely, slightly, disturbingly, rather, quite etc. and phrases like "clearly evident."
The plot was transparent immediately, but it was more the way that it was stretched out that bothered me. Felicia's story would have kept my interest longer if it had started earlier, with more of her pursuit of the reverend being covered. The shenanigans she'd have gotten into and her obliviousness to her feelings being widely known could have been very entertaining. And it would have given time for Grayson to develop real feelings, being present, though not front and center until the middle/end.
I'd have liked to then see Grayson make a stand for her (it would have been so much better than the whole, "she'll never love me, I don't deserve her" self pity reminiscent of Twilight. So unattractive), and her learn to trust and love a man with a past over time. There could have a been a great Christian message there. While Ms. Turano does acknowledge these themes, they are only challenges for the blink of an eye, before the heroine senses from God that she is being judgemental and should forgive Grayson. The rapidity of tehe switch was nrealistic and unrelatable.
I thought she missed the point with Eliza and Grayson's talk. It started well, but went downhill when in response to Grayson's comment that God couldn't or wouldn't forgive his level of sin, Eliza was decides to talk Grayson out of taking as much responsibility as he did and feeling the levels of guilt that went along with it. What? I think the message should have been, God, the creator of the universe and every cell in your body is capable of forgiving any level of sin. And to harbor guilt after asking for forgiveness is to hold disbelief of His power in your heart. Ask Him for forgiveness, give your guilt over to Him and ask Him to help you start fresh. Because He can and He will if you will only come to Him.
I like Ms. Turano's humorous approach and I still think she has potential, but I think she misses opportunities for better stories when pursuing the cheap and tired storyline.
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