cover image After a Fashion

After a Fashion

Jen Turano. Bethany House, $14.99 trade paper (352p) ISBN 978-0-7642-1275-8

In her new historical romance, Turano (A Talent for Trouble) creates an unlikely coupling between the spirited Harriet Peabody and the wealthy Oliver Addleshaw. With no father, a deceased mother, and a con-artist aunt as her guardian, Harriet has endured a difficult life. Setting out on her own, she secures a respectable position working for a local milliner. When sent on a delivery for an especially troublesome client, circumstances get out of control, and Harriet finds herself without a job but with a most unusual, and lucrative, business offer from Addleshaw. As Oliver and Harriet work through the intricacies of their alliance, they find themselves attracted to each other despite the differences in their social standings. Turano keeps a predictable romantic tale interesting through a large and diverse supporting cast of characters. Incorporating a bit of mayhem, a modicum of charm, and a dash of skullduggery into Harriet and Oliver’s love story, Turano creates an engaging tale with a delightfully unexpected twist at the end. Agency: Seymour Agency. (Mar.)