Storing Up Trouble is the third installment of the wonderful American Heiresses series, but also works well as a standalone novel. As with the other books in this series, I found myself pulled into the era and the escapades very quickly. The plot is highly entertaining but with depth as well. The characters leap from the pages, which flew by as a I read.
I’ve liked Beatrix since she helped Isadora Delafield escape the clutches of a repulsive duke in the first book of the series, Flights of Fancy. Then, when Beatrix befriends the long-suffering but spectacular Poppy Garrison in Diamond in the Rough, she cemented herself in my heart. To see her meet her romantic match in Norman Nesbit is pure joy.
I could tell you lots about this book, but so much more fun than that, Jen Turano graciously answered a few questions. I began asking about the wonderful Beatrix Waterbury…
Beatrix is an unconventional heiress. Had you lived in the Gilded Age, what sort of heiress would you have been?
Interesting question. I think I would have enjoyed being a Beatrix. She was born into extreme wealth that came with many strict expectations, but doesn’t always feel compelled to adhere to all the rules of the day. The only reason she’s able to get away with that, though, is because her family is of the Knickerbocker set (the oldest of the NY elite,) and her parents are known throughout society as being somewhat eccentric. I’m sure if I’d been born during the Gilded Age, I would’ve be a member of an eccentric family as well, and thus, able to bend a few of the rules I know I wouldn’t have liked – especially having to make afternoon calls. In my opinion, that would have been a definite waste of perfectly good days.
The idea of a pistol purse intrigued me. I’m almost afraid to ask, but how did you now about them?
Funny thing about that Frankenau pistol purse. There I was, trying to find a small pistol that a lady could carry and fire with ease, and I just happened to stumble on this video about the Frankenau purse. That led me to dig deeper, and before I knew it, hours had gone by, as well as a determination to find a way to include that purse in one of my stories. Beatrix seemed the most likely character to actually own one of those, so into the story the Frankenau went. I’ve been trying to find one to purchase, but they’re really rare and I’m not so determined to own one that I’ll spend over a thousand dollars for the privilege.
You tidy up three romance and neatly pull Izzie and Poppy in to the end of Storing Up Trouble – did all that detail make this book more challenging to write?
Not really because by the time I reach book three, I pretty much know exactly how the plot is going to unfold. However, with that said, I did face a rather daunting challenge with this book because Al (husband person) had two pretty extensive surgeries while I was writing the first draft. I’m a creature of habit, which means I have a certain spot where I do my writing (my office,) and I also don’t like anyone around while I’m doing that. Clearly, I had to make some adjustments, and while I didn’t particularly care to write chapters in waiting rooms, I got pretty efficient at it.
And finally, as you wrote the scenes at the store, highlighting life for working women of the era, how did their treatment make you feel, and did that reaction affect how you wrote the book?
It really is amazing to me how poorly women were treated throughout history, but I don’t think we women always remember the great lengths women went through to get us the basic right to vote and better working conditions. I’ve wanted to delve into that in one of my stories a little bit more than I have to date, and knew that putting Beatrix to work in a department store would give me the perfect setting to bring to the forefront the unjust conditions women had to traverse through in the past. Sadly, even when I worked in department stores only twenty years ago, there was a distinct pay discrepancy between men and women in those stores, quite like the discrepancies Beatrix encountered back in 1886.
Win a signed copy of Storing Up Trouble!
Jen has generously offered a signed copy (US residents only), and to have a chance to win, leave a comment telling me what period in history you like to read about, and why, or if you have a favorite book of Jen Turano’s, tell me what you like about it. Winner announced on May 15th.
To find Jen Turano’s website, click here…
To read a sneak peak or buy a copy, click here…
For my other post anticipated reads of 2020 so far, click here…
My favorite time period is WWII, and I’ve read a lot of westerns, but I’m getting more and more into the period between, mostly thanks to Jen Turano’s novels; I’ve read all of them up to this latest series and can’t wait to binge read all of the American Heiresses now that all of their stories have finally been released!
I love regency, but truthfully I just enjoy historical fiction. I think it’s more about the author and their storylines than the time period for me. I love Jen’s humor and endearing characters, so I always want to read her books. Thanks for the chance!
My favorite is historical fiction, primarily focusing on a broad time period from the 1840’s through the 1940’s. I have read several of Jen’s books and love her humorous method of imparting serious lessons re life, family, and relationships. I enjoyed the interview!
I enjoy reading in all sorts of time periods, but I really enjoy books set in the early part of the 20th century. There was so much change going on then and its just fascinating to read about. This was a fun interview, thank you for the chance to win!
I enjoy reading about the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Jen’s books are always great fun!
A good author can make any time period come to life and so I don’t know that I have a favorite time period as much as I love a good story that comes to life by the work of a great author. Jen Turano’s writing style is a wonderful mix of history, romance, life lessons, and laughter. I can’t pick a favorite book. Turano’s books are all really good!
Love the time period of the Gilded Age and Beatrice Turner of Newport!
Oh, I love Jen Turano’s books. So many great ones to pick from, but my fave is the latest novella, “Grand Encounters.” It was so funny I had to put it down from laughing so hard. There were twists if it and details that came up that were just SO GOOD. loved it! If I HAD to pic a time period maybe 1800s, but I so enjoy learning about the past from any great book!
I love reading about WWII era! Jens best book is Caught By Surprise! It made me laugh out loud!
I like to read about the beginnings of the 20c in particular the st Louis worlds fair and women’s suffrage. I love to read time travel novels particularly if they have a sense of humor. I love all of Jens books because of the humor and I can see the characters as I am reading.
I favor reading the time period in which Jen’s books take place, but also like stories set in the “Old West” and Civil War. I can’t figure out why, but I do not like Contemporary fiction .
Regency romance. GONE WITH THE WIND with a happy ending. Jen’s books are the best. Her humor has gotten me through some tough times. To pick a best book of hers, I cannot. They all bring me joy.
My favorite eras to read about is World War 2 or the Civil War. Any time in the 1800’s is good. I like reading about almost anytime.
I like reading about the Civil War era.
What period of history I enjoy reading about depends on where it is. I enjoy reading about the early 1800s and Victorian Era, if it takes place in England, like Jane Austen’s novels. I enjoy reading about the Gilded Age and Edwardian Era in America, but mostly New York or Pennsylvania, where there’s lot of hustle bustle and fashion. If reading about those time periods in the South, that would include plenty of Reconstruction and slavery, which wouldn’t be so pleasant to read about, although Gone with the Wind may be an exception. This is why I enjoy Jen Turano–she writes books in the Gilded Age in North USA! My favorite book of hers is Flights of Fancy, although A Talent for Trouble was fun as well!
I like reading about The Regency period, The Victorian period, and the Edwardian periods, because of the beautiful dresses, the balls, and the courting rituals they had. My favorite Jen Turano has to be After a Fashion.
I don’t have a a favorite time period. I always learn something when I read historical fiction. I do not have a favorite book. I have enjoyed reading them all. They are such a joy to read with their humor, history, scripture, and amazing characters.
I like regency and medieval the most, but every book by Jen is on my shelf. Shes awesome!!!
I enjoy many history periods–WWI, WWII, Regency, Western (1800’s usually), some contemporary–usually it just depends on the author. My favorite book of Jen’s so far is In Good Company. I enjoy Millie’s misuses of her words!
I love to read all history periods
I love the Regency era as well. Love all of Jen’s books, intelligently written and light hearted, just what I need right now with the stress of Covid19. My favorite book of hers is probably the one I’m reading now, Playing the Part. The castle has so many fun mysteries:-)
I like contemporary fiction but read most everything!
This looks like an amazing read…I really miss my library….I read constantly….so WRITE ON…
Bless you
Sandra Beck
I love history and I’d say my favorite is the 19th century. I love the fashion, the manners, the society. My favorite book of Jen’s is Out of the Ordinary. It was the first book I read and I fell in love with her writing.
My favorite period is the Victorian era since those years cover my favorite time periods in America well as England. I am so looking forward to reading Jen’s newest book!
I LOVE all of Jen’s books! She makes history come alive for her readers. Not only are they incredibly enjoyable but I really appreciate learning the history in the books also .
I like most periods of history, but if I had to make a hard choice it would be Regency. I enjoy Jen Turano’s books because they are delightfully fun without being downright silly.
I’m always dreading this question 😬 so many great books in different time periods that it’s very hard to choose lol
I love to read about the World War II era. I love to read stories about the things people actually experienced and sacrificed.
Definitely the 1920s!!!! The Roaring 20s!! 🎉🎉🎊🎊🎊💋🎊💋🎊💞🎊💞🎊🎊💞🎊 It was a time of party, freedom, and fun!!! The music was new and defined a beautiful age!!! Thank you for the opportunity!!!!
My favorite books are usually in the early 1900″s. I just love that time period for a lot of reasons. Things seemed simpler back then! People knew their neighbors and were friendly to outsiders. I love technology but if I could go back in time, it would be to the 1940’s.
Victorian times.
I love reading about the Gilded Age! I find it so fascinating.
I loved Jen’s book called Behind The Scenes. Although I love ALL her books. I started reading her books after my grandfather passed away a year and a half ago. I needed something to make me laugh and her books were the perfect prescription for that.
1800s is my favorite to read about. I love the humor in all of Ms. Turano’s books. Not sure if I have an absolute favorite. I’ve loved all of them.
I love all Jen’s books! My favorite time in history to read about is early 1900s. There were so many changes happening then. So fun to read about.
OOOH! I love Jen Turano’s books. The wit in the comebacks from her characters have never failed to make me smile or laugh out loud. Hmmm, I am varied on what time frames I enjoy in books. Depends on my mood. So, favorite book of Jen’s? Hmmm…Hard to choose! I think I choose A Most Peculiar Circumstance. Pretty sure this is the first book I read of hers therefore a good choice. It left me wanting to read more.
I’ve never read anything by this author it would be great to win this book! I love Historical fiction so this would be right up my alley. Thanks for the chance.
I didn’t type in my email correct! Sorry about 2 posts
No worries. I hope you can still enter.
I love reading about the 1800s to early 1900s, I always have! Thanks for the chance to win! As for a favorite book of yours, how can one chose?