"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 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.
About the Author:
A USA Today Best-Selling Author, Jen Turano has written the critically acclaimed Ladies of Distinction series, and A Class of Their Own series, published through Bethany House Publishers. Her novel, After a Fashion, was chosen as a top pick from Romantic Times, as well as being named a top ten romance of 2015 from Booklist. It is also a nominee for Romantic Times 2015 Reviewers’ Choice Award. Her book, A Most Peculiar Circumstance, was chosen as a top ten romance by Booklist in 2013. Her seventh book, Playing the Part, released in the spring of 2016, and will be followed by a new four-book series, Apart from the Crowd. When she’s not writing, Jen spends her time outside of Denver with her husband and neurotic Cattle Dog, enjoying herself as an empty-nester since her son recently abandoned her for the college life. She can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jenturanoauthor/ or visit her on the web at www.jenturano.com. She is represented by the Natasha Kern Literary Agency. Her books may be found in fine bookstores, or follow the Baker House Publishing link to find additional places to purchase her work – http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/authors/jen-turano/1761To visit the author's website click here
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