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Fictional Friday: Interview with Historical Romance Author Jen Turano
Today I’m excited to host a good friend and fellow Colorado writer, Jen Turano! Only one year after her debut release, Jen has already distinguished herself as one of the CBA’s most exciting new authors. Her second novel, A Most Peculiar Circumstance, earned a coveted four-and-a-half star review from Romantic Times and was chosen by Booklist as one of their top ten romance picks of 2013! Her newest book, A Talent for Trouble, was released this week, but is already garnering critical acclaim.
Carla: Thanks for joining me today, Jen! You started out writing Regency. How did you end up choosing the Gilded Age for a time period?
Jen: While my agent was shopping around the Regency I’d written, I asked her for some suggestions on what I should write next while I waited and she told me she was selling more American-based stories than English. So, with that information, I set off for the library, grabbed hold of my favorite reference librarian, and we made our way through the history shelves. I picked up a book by Greg King, A Season of Splendor, and after reading it, I knew there was no other age I’d rather write. The Gilded Age is filled with intrigue, the newly rich trying to worm their way into society, and old-society matrons doing their very best to keep them out. It’s a time fraught with drama and the perfect setting for society ladies who have a tendency to run amok.
Carla: And your ladies do tend to run amok! But I also know that sometimes truth is stranger than fiction. So what’s the funniest/weirdest/most surprising bit of history you’ve come across in your research?
Jen: The most surprising bit of history would have to be the fact that whole species of birds were wiped out due to the demand for feathers for ladies’ hats. It’s really quite appalling to think that no one realized the harm being done in the pursuit of fashion. And, turtles were decimated as well because terrapin was widely sought after as a delicacy.
One of the more amusing tidbits I’ve uncovered happened to Caroline Astor in 1883. Mrs. Astor was one of the leaders of old society in those days and she absolutely loathed the Vanderbilt family. She felt they were somewhat, er, uncouth, and never invited them to any of the society events she endorsed. Well, Alva Vanderbilt, married to William Kissam Vanderbilt, was determined to force Mrs. Ascot to accept the Vanderbilt family once and for all so she planned a ball that would exceed all balls. She sent out hundreds of invitations, but she didn’t send one to Mrs. Astor or her family, and Mrs. Astor’s daughter was beside herself when she learned she couldn’t attend. Mrs. Astor, finally admitting defeat, rode in her carriage over to Alva’s house and had the coachman deliver one of her calling cards to Alva. Rumor has it that Mrs. Astor never stepped foot out of her carriage, never spoke to Alva that particular day, but by leaving her calling card, gave Alva a rather strange blessing, and the Vanderbilt family was from that moment on, accepted into New York high society.
Carla: You write strong, independent heroines and quirky supporting casts. How much do you draw on yourself, friends, and family for inspiration?
Jen: Some of my characters are definitely inspired by real people. Ben, the little son of Hamilton Beckett who had, in Change of Fortune, the tendency to bite a person whether or not they deserved it, was inspired after my son who went through, unfortunately, a biting stage. The match-making mothers were created from a variety of people, mostly my grandmother and several aunts all of whom always had suggestions in matters relating to my love life. Laurence, an unlikeable gentleman if there ever was one, was patterned loosely after an old boyfriend of one of my best friends in college, and Piper, the brave and much too old for age, little girl takes after two of my nieces. My heroines, however, are pretty much just made up, but all are women I relate to and my heroes are created with numerous men in mind, none who’d appreciate me naming them.
Carla: If you had to live the life of one of your characters for a day, who would choose and why?
Jen: Hmm…probably Felicia Murdock because she’s just so out there at times and doesn’t get rattled when she lands in trouble again and again and again.
Carla: For those readers who haven’t had a chance to pick up your newest book, Felicia is the heroine of A Talent for Trouble. Can you tell us a little about it?
A Talent for Trouble is the story of Miss Felicia Murdock and Mr. Grayson Sumner. Felicia has spent years pining for Reverend Fraser, a gentleman she’s determined to marry, determine that is until the man marries another woman. Realizing she’s been a bit of an idiot, changing herself to attract the attention of a man and one who apparently wasn’t interested in her, she sets about setting matters to rights by discarding her old, atrocious wardrobe and allowing her rather bubbly nature to come out of hiding. She inadvertently begins to land herself in all sorts of trouble, and while in the midst of this trouble, comes to spend quite a bit of time with Mr. Grayson Sumner. He’s a gentleman with a mysterious past and one who has sworn never to marry again because of that past. However, the more time Felicia and Grayson are forced together, the more they begin to realize they like each other, but then Grayson’s past comes back to haunt him and, well, that’s when everything gets a little….chaotic – but you’ll have to read the book to find out what happens next.
Carla: Such a tease! I just started the book, but I can assure everyone that they’re definitely going to want to see what happens next. Speaking of next, what’s in the works for you in terms of upcoming projects?
Jen: The fourth book in the series, A Match of Wits comes out in 2014. That’s Miss Agatha Watson’s story and I’m currently finishing up the edits on it. Then, well, I have news, but can’t share it quite yet, so everyone will just have to stay tuned.
Carla: So mysterious! We’ll be waiting anxiously to see what comes next. Thanks again for joining me today!
Jen: Thank you so much for having me, Carla. It’s always a delight to visit your blog. And, readers, do make sure to check out Carla’s book, Five Days in Skye. It’s a wonderful read and I can’t wait to read her second book in that series.
Carla: Thanks, Jen! You’re always welcome to come hang out here. (And I promise, I did not put her up to that plug!)
About Jen
Jen Turano, acclaimed author of A Change of Fortune, A Most Peculiar Circumstance, and A Talent for Trouble, is a graduate of the University of Akron with a degree in Clothing and Textiles. Her fourth book in the Ladies of Distinction Series, A Match of Wits, will release from Bethany House in the summer of 2014. She is a member of ACFW and makes her home outside of Denver, Colorado with her husband and teenage son. Visit her website at www.jenturano.com or Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/jenturanoauthor.
About A Talent for Trouble
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?
Tags: A Change of Fortune, A Most Peculiar Circumstance, A Talent for Trouble, Jen Turano
New Directions
Not to be confused with One Direction, my Wednesday blog is getting set to go in a new direction! I’ve enjoyed writing and hosting guest posters for the Words for Women column immensely, but I’m feeling the need for a little brightness and levity in the middle of the week. So starting next week, Wednesdays are going to be the spot for My Favorite Things (or whatever clever name I think one between then and now.)
But before I go there, I have a question for you. What would you like to see on Wednesdays? Here are a couple of ideas:
- Travel — Places I’ve been or places I dream of going
- Food — Big surprise, the chick who wrote a celebrity chef hero likes food. What would you want to see? Recipes? My culinary experiments? Some come out well. Some… not so much.
- Fashion — Okay, I like clothes and especially shoes, but a fashion blogger I’m not. Still, I come across some fun and crazy things. Do you want to see them?
- Media — Videos, articles, blogs, movie reviews, music, viral sensations. After all, what’s a Wednesday without a happy dog rampaging through a pile of autumn leaves?
But hey, I’m open to suggestions. Tell me, what do you want to see? What would brighten your Wednesday?
Fictional Friday: Fall Reading Round-Up
Well, it’s that time again. No, I’m not talking Pumpkin Spice Lattes, cute kiddie Halloween costumes, or even sweater weather. It’s fall release time!
I’ve got a number of books on my TBR list for this fall, but I figured I’d take a minute to highlight three of the ones to which I’m looking forward most.
A Talent for Trouble, by Jen Turano
From the publisher:
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?
Why it makes my list:
I love Jen Turano’s books. Not only are they witty, entertaining, and well-written, but they’re my favorite escape at the end of a really long day. That’s the only reason why the copy that arrived last week is still unread on my nightstand. I’m saving it as celebration for meeting my own manuscript deadline, to be enjoyed along with a good cup of English tea, some excellent dark chocolate, and some peace and quiet. Pretty sure I can manage the first two, though the peace and quiet part is still up for debate.
A Talent for Trouble is the third book in the Ladies of Distinction series, after A Change of Fortune and A Most Peculiar Circumstance. Stay tuned for an interview with Jen Turano on October 4th!
Peril, by Jordyn Redwood
From the publisher:
Dr. Thomas Reeves is at the pinnacle of his career. The Department of Defense has awarded him a lucrative contract for his new research into superior autobiographical memory, which promises the ability to create combat troops able to quickly learn complex battle plans and enact them perfectly under the most demanding battlefield scenarios.
An elite unit has received neural grafts from fetal cadavers of genetically altered brain cells with enhanced NMDA receptors. The results are remarkable . . . until the recipients begin suffering hallucinations, nightmares, paralysis, . . . and death. Dr. Reeves searches for answers, but DOD insiders want him to stop the search.
The situation becomes public when pediatric ICU nurse Morgan Adams, Dr. Reeves’s daughter, is taken hostage by three research subjects in an attempt to force Dr. Reeves into disclosing why they are sick. If answers aren’t revealed within twenty-four hours, patients in the pediatric ICU will be killed.
This spine-tingling conclusion to the Bloodline Trilogy raises spiritual and ethical dilemmas torn directly out of today’s headlines. When does life begin? How far does commitment to family go? And can the sins of the father ever be forgiven?
Why it makes my list:
Jordyn Redwood is one of my favorite suspense authors, and this is coming from someone who at one time collected suspense novels like I now collect shoes (if you don’t know me that well, that means obsessively). But I do have a confession to make: I haven’t read Poison yet. I know, I know, so why am I recommending Peril? Well, I simply loved Proof, but at the time Poison arrived, I was under so much stress that the tension and drama and darkness of the opening started giving me heart palpitations. And really, that’s the best recommendation I could give Redwood’s books. Both Poison and Peril are getting read in October, no question.
Glittering Promises, by Lisa T. Bergren
From the publisher:
For Cora Kensington, the Grand Tour was to be the trip of a lifetime. She discovered the family she never knew she had, and may have even found the love she longs for in Will. And yet her life has just become infinitely more challenging …
Hounded by journalists chasing the beguiling story of the newest American heiress, Cora fights to remain true to her past, reconcile her present, and still embrace her future. But as Will struggles with her newfound wealth, she begins to wonder if their love is strong enough to withstand all that threatens to pull them apart.
Complicating matters is the stubborn pursuit of Pierre de Richelieu and the increased demands on her time and attention. Cora must stand up for what she believes—regardless of how that might challenge current family and cultural norms—in order to remain true to who she really is.
And as she glimpses the end of the Tour, Cora knows it’s time to decide Who and what defines her…and who and what does not.
Why it makes my list:
Few authors can hold my attention and make me turn pages like Lisa Bergren, and this Grand Tour series is no exception. I devoured the first two books, Glamorous Illusions and Grave Consequences each in a single sitting, and I pre-ordered the Kindle version of Glittering Promises so it would download automatically on release day. Well-drawn characters, high romantic tension, and a love triangle that conflicts me to no end but does not annoy me… no question that this series will go down as one of my favorites of all time. This might be one worth staying up all night for.
Tags: A Talent for Trouble, Glittering Promises, Jen Turano, Jordyn Redwood, Lisa T. Bergren, Peril
Words for Women: An Angel in Disguise, by JoAnn Durgin
February 2nd. Sure, some call it Groundhog Day. But in 1996, it was the day I first held my son Matthew—our third and last child—in my arms at Holy Redeemer Hospital outside Philadelphia. You must understand I’d always wanted girls to dress in frou-frou confections and frilly socks, red patent leather shoes at Christmas and headbands with pretty bows and flowers. I knew my husband, Jim, really hoped for a boy the third time around. Maybe it was the old “carry-on-the-family-name” thing. Maybe it was so he’d have added testosterone in the house to cheer for the sports teams or yell at umpires who make bad calls. In any case, Jim got his wish, and I couldn’t have been more thrilled. From the start, I fell in love with my son.
Boys are different, as we all know. They think differently, they act differently and they have a unique way of expressing themselves. I’m going to give you the short version: we knew by 18 months of age that Matthew was “different.” He understood our language, but he didn’t speak it. We enrolled him in an “early intervention” plan (by this time, we lived outside of Boston and my husband pastored a church). One of the nursery workers at the church told me she watched our son closely while he played with nesting cups. Unlike other children, he sat on the floor and patiently studied them until he was ready to stack them inside one another. Then, with methodical precision, he proceeded to put all ten of them—one inside the other—without missing a beat.
One of my sweetest recollections from those early years is of Matthew marching into the church sanctuary shortly before he turned three. He pushed a chair up to the pulpit and oh did he preach the Word of God! He shook his finger at his imaginary congregation and—while not exactly a fire-and-brimstone oratory, and in his own unique language—he punctuated every other line with “Jesus!” Matthew knew what he was saying. And the Lord knew. When he escaped the house one day and ended up in the middle of the somewhat busy street, a neighbor (who wasn’t usually around) saw him and ran to get him. But not before traffic miraculously stopped in both directions. Praise God! He could so easily have been killed, and my heart stops every time I think of it. The Lord had bigger plans for this child, and He wrapped His arms of protection around our son. And stopped traffic. And brought a seldom-seen neighbor to the rescue.
Some of the best child development specialists and neurologists in Boston tried to tell us our son was mentally deficient. It’s true a parent becomes their child’s strongest advocate. I knew my son was intelligent but learned at his own rate. He looked “normal” and was an adorable child with blond hair and gorgeous blue eyes. Eventually, Matthew was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, a high-functioning form of autism. The early years in school were challenging, but he proved his fine motor skills and eye-hand coordination were superior. Language skills have always been his biggest challenge. But this is key: he might learn at a slower rate than most children, but once Matthew learns something, he knows it.
Today? At the age of 17, Matthew is an A-B student. He earns A+ in subjects like chemistry and algebra, but English and critical thinking are his most difficult challenges. But atypical for someone with autism, he’ll look you straight in the eye when he speaks with you. His memory is amazing, his compassion boundless. I wouldn’t trade him for a hundred “normal” kids. When we picked up Matthew from a week-long summer church camp last year, the kids had written their names on a poster and other campers wrote remembrances. Around Matthew’s name? One wrote, “Practices what he preaches.” But the kicker (and the one that tugged at this mama’s heart)? “An angel in disguise.”
Each child is special in his or her own way, of course. And it’s often those people considered “special” who are the ones who can truly teach us the most.
2 Corinthians 12:9 says: But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. (NIV)
Be thankful for the challenges in your life, friends. They often turn into unbelievable blessings.
About Catching Serenity
A woman torn apart by secrets. A man held prisoner by the truth. Can the greatest love of all set them both free?
Serenity McClaren had it all before her life crumbled around her like the sand castles on her beloved beach, causing her to flee Croisette Shores and the only home she’d ever known. Nearly five years later and living in Atlanta, she receives a mysterious, unsigned note: Come home, Serenity. Things aren’t as they seem. Time to find your answers. Returning to South Carolina, she prepares to face her demons and the ailing father she left behind, hoping to make peace with both.
Child psychologist Jackson Ross is a man with a surprising past. He’s ready for the quiet life and eager to establish his practice in the quaint, coastal village. After he hires Serenity to decorate his new office, he’s drawn to the beautiful and enigmatic woman yet sees she’s haunted by a past she can’t escape. Wanting to help her, he begins to suspect one of his young patients may hold the key to unlocking Serenity’s secrets. Jackson follows his instincts and discovers the shocking truth, but how can he tell the woman he’s grown to love what he knows—and set her free—without compromising his professional ethics and losing her forever?
About JoAnn
[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]https://www.carlalaureano.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/JD2_orig.jpg[/author_image] [author_info]Catching Serenity is JoAnn Durgin’s fifth full-length novel. The author of The Lewis Legacy Series and Christmas novellas, Meet Me Under the Mistletoe and its sequel, Starlight, Star Bright (coming in 2013), she’s an estate administration paralegal in a Louisville, Kentucky law firm and lives in southern Indiana. Visit her at www.joanndurgin.com or via her Author JoAnn Durgin page on Facebook. [/author_info] [/author]
