In Good Company by Jen Turano

 

After growing up as an orphan, Millie Longfellow is determined to become the best nanny the East Coast has ever seen. Unfortunately, her playfulness and enthusiasm aren't always well-received and she finds herself dismissed from yet another position. Everett Mulberry has quite unexpectedly become guardian to three children that scare off every nanny he hires. About to depart for Newport, Rhode Island, for the summer, he's desperate for competent childcare.At wit's end with both Millie and Everett, the employment agency gives them one last chance--with each other. As Millie falls in love with her mischievous charges, Everett focuses on achieving the coveted societal status of the upper echelons. But as he investigates the suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of the children's parents, will it take the loss of those he loves to learn whose company he truly wants for the rest of his life?

  Biography

Jen Turano is the acclaimed author of The Ladies of Distinction Series, published through Bethany House publishers. Her second novel, A Most Peculiar Circumstance was chosen by Booklist as a Top Ten Romance for 2013. Her fourth book, A Match of Wits, released in July, 2014, while a new series, A Class of Their Own, will begin hitting the shelves in early 2015. 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.

You can purchase this book at Amazon in paperback, Hardback and Kindle Edition. It's also available at CBD, Deeper Shopping, B&N, and BAM

I emailed Jen and asked her if she would answer a few questions to go along with my review. She kindly agreed, so here are the questions and her answers.

1. What is the reason behind your humor in your books, if there is one?

I’ve always enjoyed reading books written in a humorous style, so it was a given that I’d try to write amusing stories.  I also believe there’s far too much sadness in the world today, so my goal as an author is to provide readers with a funny escape from their troubles.  

 2. Would you ever consider writing for preteens/teens and young adults? Why or Why not?

When I first started writing, I wrote two middle grade fantasies, and then wrote a YA.  That’s when I began learning about the publishing industry and  learning that I was making all the classic mistakes – the biggest one being following trends.  Harry Potter was hot at that time, so agents were being inundated with middle grade and YA fantasy, and then Twilight hit, and the competition turned downright scary.  I finally settled into romance, a genre I read the most, but I’m pretty sure I’ll go back and write another middle grade, and a YA – I even have an idea for the YA – it would start off with the heroine realizing her prom was not going according to plan because…it was quickly becoming apparent her prom date was trying to do her in.  

3. What is your go to writing spot/snack when writing?

When I’m writing a first draft, I spend most of my time in my office, unless I get stuck – then I grab a notebook and go outside – I have a great view of the mountains.  If I’m editing – I’m only in my office – and if I’m reading through galleys or design pages, I travel around the house.  I don’t work in coffee shops – ever – and I don’t snack while I’m writing, although I will drink a Diet Pepsi when I start getting tired. 

4. What is your favorite Bible Verse?

Isaiah 30:21

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying “This is the way; walk in it.” 

My Thoughts

Millie Longfellow is a kind and compassionate nanny who can't seem to keep a job for some reason. Everett Mulberry is, let's face it, a snob who finds himself caring for children he doesn't seem to want and doesn't seem at all interested in trying to get to know them or like them.

This book is the second in the A Class of Their Own series. Millie's story is just as entertaining and fun as Harriet's from the first book. I enjoyed reading this book so much! I love the fact that Jen can take a story and make it so entertaining and  funny, but still manage to add intrigue, mystery and emotion with just the perfect amount of romance. Millie became my favorite character right from the start and I feel as if she and I would be good friends if she were indeed a real person. I am never disappointed with the characters in Jen's books because each one is the perfect fit for that book, even the "villains" or not so nice people. The characters in this book are no exception. From the ever meddling Abigail a lady of high society set on playing matchmaker for Millie and her friends to the kind Davis a servant with a kind heart and a talent for sewing. Everyone of these characters makes their mark in the book and only adds to its charm and fun.

I loved the plot and the setting was wonderful. Each time I read a book by Jen I step back in time and find myself right in the middle of everything. I can't begin to say enough good things about this book. I most definitely will be reading the next book in the series and I cannot wait for it to get here. I highly recommend all of Jen's work but the A Class of Their Own series is most definitely a must read!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. A positive review was not required.

Thank you to Jen Turano for being so kind to answer my questions and allow me the opportunity to post them to my blog.