Reviews

Storing Up Trouble by Jen Turano

meezcarrie's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Turano’s American Heiresses series has a lot of ‘faves’ for me – all 3 covers are my favorites out of all of her books (and that’s saying a lot because her covers are always fab), Flights of Fancy is *almost* my favorite of her books (In Good Company still retains top billing but just barely), and Storing Up Trouble‘s Norman Nesbit may just be my very fave of her heroes.

Norman is an endearing mix of Sheldon Cooper and The Absent-Minded Professor, and he experiences the most character growth of any of Turano’s heroes, to my recollection. The same Norman you’re fondly rolling your eyes at in the first part of the book is the same Norman you’ll be cheering for by the end (and yes, still fondly rolling your eyes at too lol). Mort, his faithful mule, is a scene-stealer – as are Aunt Gladys & her hodgepodge of unorthodox friends. Norman’s quirky friend Theodosia and her story arc were another highlight for me in Storing Up Trouble.

Honestly, though, I’m not sure I would have liked (or disliked, for that matter) Beatrix one way or the other without Norman. I had a harder time connecting with her & her story arc than I did with the characters I mentioned above. There wasn’t anything wrong with her, per se, but she simply didn’t stand out to me as much as other Turano heroines have. However, the combination of her personality & Norman’s is romantic comedy gold.

The inside peek at Marshall Field’s department store was fascinating and gave somber insight into the treatment of the non-elite class by society. No one should EVER think that another group of people (whether the differences are ethnic, religious or economic) is beneath them, and we should always remember Jesus’ instruction to love our neighbor as ourselves. Turano uses the socio-economic dynamics of the setting to gently remind us of this still-timely truth.

Bottom Line: Anyone who has ever read a book by Jen Turano knows you can expect an almost continuous comedy of errors and madcap mayhem at highly entertaining levels, along with a sweet message or two lightly faith-related. Storing Up Trouble delivers all of that against the backdrop of Gilded Age Chicago, the suffrage movement, and scientific inventions. Humor, heart, a dash of suspense, and a dose of more than one sweet romance – plus the author’s unique style – make this a delightful read.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower

scottishpixie26's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Great story, slightly predictable with a conclusion that was just a bit too convoluted to seem real.

abigailkayharris's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

The historical tidbits in this book are incredible!

I have loved each and every book I have read from Jen Turano since I found her a couple of years ago, even though I have yet to read a paperback of hers until now--I won a copy in a giveaway after signing up to review it.

Can we talk about the cover first? Yes? Great! I didn't know what to think of the cover when I saw it up close, because I wasn't sure why there was so much focus on the gloves … And as rare as it is for me to think a cover is absolutely perfect for a book, this one fits Storing Up Love perfectly! And the look? Yeah, that is a look that Beatrix would make.

Content wise, I was pleased. There were kisses, more than I prefer, but there was not overly affectionate content that made me want to throw the book out the door. There was not as much spiritual content as I would have liked but at least I didn't disagree with it.

Everytime I pick up one of Jen Turano's books I am surprised at her ability to weave together a story of historical humor, sweet romance, cute kids, and crazy shenanigans.

The lessons both the hero and the heroine learned were portrayed in a way that showed you their faults yet you still enjoyed following along with their story. As much as I don't love reading about the suffragette movement in Jen Turano's books I don't hate it. ;) I love the little historical things that are embedded in "Storing Up Trouble."

I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

melmo2610's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

This book gets ALL the stars! I think this is definitely Jen's funniest book to date, and believe me that is saying something. I loved Beatrix and Norman and their banter. There was a level of wit that I quite simply adored. The story was fantastic and the back and forth was the perfect icing on the cake. Even my 4 year old kept asking me why I couldn't stop laughing. This was my funniest read this year and definitely the most fun. I LOVED this book! I purchased the audio version in conjunction with receiving a hard copy for review purposes. It was a hoot to listen to!

I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own

michellef's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Storing Up Trouble is a Christian historical romance novel by author Jen Turano. Storing Up Trouble is the third book in the American Heiresses series.

The year is 1886 and Miss Beatrix Waterbury has landed in jail twice. Her mother eventually sends her to live with her Aunt Gladys in Chicago.

Miss Beatrix Waterbury is a pistol purse carrying woman. Norman Nesbit, her protege, was a man fearful of horses and a self-made researcher.

I wanted to read a clean-wholesome novel with all the emotions and Storing Up Trouble fit the request. I highly recommend Storing Up Trouble to fans of Christian historical romance. Also, be sure and read the first two books.

God Bless and Thank You for reading. I give Storing Up Trouble 5*/5*

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

bookswithnopictures's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Beatrix and Norman are flat out amusing. They hate to love and love to hate each other. I love sarcasm cloaked in politeness. I love blatant refusals to go along with someone's idealism between a man and woman. It opens up so many opportunities for humor and feels like a genuine relationship.
Both come from a wealthy background. Beatrix is quasi-forced by her aunt to join the workforce to better understand the plight of women and to encourage her to become more passionate about the suffrage movement. Meanwhile, nerdy scientist Norman has a lot to learn about what it means to be an active conversational participant and how to participate in actual relationships outside of his lab.
This whole series is enjoyable mostly because Jen Turano does a great job weaving in American history. All those little historical facts are so unique to the time period and provide a great backdrop for this group of fictional characters. One of the best examples in this one is the cameo appearances of Mr. Selfridge. Now I want to watch that show again!
Thank you, Bethany House and NetGalley for the advanced copy! All thoughts in this review are my own.

thetinyreader's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

A fun read! Jen Turano didn't disappoint. Beatrix and Norman were complete opposites. It was an engaging read, and I'm glad that there's a glimpse of some previous books' characters. So sad that this is the end of the series.

singerji's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny inspiring reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

melissasbookshelf's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Jen Turano’s books are always a lighthearted adventure with plenty of laughs along the way. This story is no different. There are several stories going on here at the same time which only adds to the fun and chaos. Beatrix is a wealthy socialite from New York whose family is sending her to Chicago to stay with an aunt and keep her out of the trouble that she inevitably falls into. On the way, her train is robbed and she is thrown into the company of Norman Nesbit, a handsome intelligent, yet somewhat clueless (when it comes to women and human interactions) scientist who thinks the robbers are after his research. They definitely butt heads when they first meet, but work together to escape the robbers. They are the epitome of opposites attract. As the situations become more absurd, and more characters are added to the mix, the romance between these two blossoms. Filled with Jen Turano’s absurd situations with plenty of danger and romance thrown in, this book is a fun read for those who like humorous light historical romances.

tyrshand's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

I’m not usually one for the “gentle reads” kind of romance so I was actually surprised at how delightful I found this one.