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11 March 2015

Noela Nancarrow reviews AFTER A FASHION by Jen Turano

After A Fashion

After A Fashion (A Class of Their Own – Book #1)
Bethany House Publishers (February 24, 2015)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow
5 Stars *****


If you enjoy being entertained by what you read, I’d look no further! Replete with uproariously funny scenes, sparkling dialogue embracing brilliant wit and rich sarcasm, and delightfully quirky characters--- this energized and fast-paced novel with its animated mayhem will have you racing through the pages to the surprising but perfect ending!

It all began when hat-maker Harriet Peabody was sent by her employer to deliver some hats to an unpredictable and might I say, somewhat maniacal society woman. After subsequently losing her job, Harriet realizes her dreams of opening her own store selling refashioned gowns to working-class women, are pushed further away than ever. Unless, she accepts the daunting job that the ridiculously wealthy Mr. Oliver Addleshaw has offered her.

When Oliver meets the fetching Harriet, he is impressed with her self-sufficiency and unflappable nature and deems her the perfect woman to have at his side when entertaining the Duke while negotiating an important business deal. Relieved that Harriet won’t press him into marriage like most society ladies would, it was the perfect solution. Thinking a bit of training in the rules of society would suffice; Oliver had no idea how much this charming woman would be like a fish out water! Nor was he prepared for this stubborn and intriguing woman to get under his skin so much. Or to have chased her around the streets so many times! But this is only a business arrangement and they are worlds apart... or are they?

I was enamored with the burgeoning romance that the characters tried to ignore, the well-executed plot climaxing with a deadly threat from Harriet’s past, along with more pandemonium of course, and the laughs that never stopped coming!! Complementing that were the unique and colorful characters which included the irrational Miss Birmingham, the dictionary-challenged friend, the slobbering Buford, and the kindly reverend. With a feel of the movie Pretty Woman about it, this spectacular tale is not only incredibly entertaining but spiritually uplifting as it perfectly portrays the value in us all.



**Thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion, which I have given.**

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You can find this and Jen Turano's other outstanding books at Amazon, CBD, Barnes and Noble, and Books A Million!

GIVEAWAY: We are giving away THREE copies of this amazing book this week!!! Leave a comment on any of the reviews this week of After A Fashion and/or on Bonnie's post on gratitude, to be entered! Winner's choice of paperback or ebook. (International - ebook or paperback through Book Depository.)


50 comments:

  1. Loved this book! Great review, Noela! Jen is such a talented author!

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    1. She sure is Carrie!! I've read a few of Jen's books and have loved each stand-out book! After a Fashion was a real treat to read for me! :-)

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    2. Thank you so much, Carrie, and you as well, Noela - especially for all the wonderful support. So glad both of you enjoyed the book, and hope you have a fabulous weekend!

      All the very best,

      ~ Jen ~

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    3. You're very welcome Jen, and thank you for the enjoyment of reading your book!! Have a wonderful and blessed weekend too!

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  2. I agree, CARRIE! This is really a beautifully written review and lotsa fun! Still wondering when NOELA is going to write her own novel. She is so talented!

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    1. How sweet you are Diana, but when I read such quality books like this one of Jen's, I fear I could never come within a mile of such amazing writing!!

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  3. great review sounds like a great book

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    1. It certainly is Tammy!! Thanks for coming by to read about Jen Turano's fabulous book!

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    2. Thank you, Tammy! Have a great week, and good luck with the giveaway:)

      All the best,

      ~ Jen ~

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  4. Yes, I agree Noela does write a beautiful review.
    You know how sometimes you have a song stuck in your head and you can't stop thinking about it ? Well I have this book stuck in my head. It sounds funny but she is one smart cookie so I know she's gonna come out on top. I was even think about needing to read this book when I was doing the laundry today. Hey if I don't have as much time to read as I'd like to, at least I can think about books can't I ? LOL

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    1. For sure Deanne! ;) But I bet you'd LOVE to read this one sooo much more, so here's hoping for a win for you!! Hey you're right about the heroine of this story being a smart cookie too... And our hero is just smart enough to see that, lol!

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    2. I've been trying to do laundry today as well, Deanne, although I don't seem to be making much progress. Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you find that opportunity to read in the not so distant future!

      All the best,

      ~ Jen ~

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  5. Great review and I love the cover. Thank you for the chance to win a copy.

    wfnren at aol dot com

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    1. Thanks and I agree, what a fantastic cover it is!! You're in with a chance Wendy so all the best!!

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    2. I love the cover as well, Wendy, and you should see the back - I didn't know it had Harriet on the back, holding hat boxes no less, and it was a delightful surprise when I got my first copy of the book in the mail. I must admit I'm fortunate in that I have a great design team working on my covers.

      Good luck with the giveaway!

      All the best,

      ~ Jen ~

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    3. Oh I'm pouting I didn't get to see the back! :) That sounds delightful, and it seems you have an awesome design team there, Jen!

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  6. Wonderful review NOELA!! So glad mine was up first as yours is much better than mine, I wouldn't have wanted to post mine had yours been first!! :P I have to say I really did enjoy meeting Miss Harriet Peabody and all her wild friends!! I don't know how I will be able to wait for the next one!! :-)

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    1. Teresa I'm shaking my head here at you girl! Absolutely love your bright and descriptive reviews, which IMHO sums up this wonderful book by Jen pefectly!! I'm champing at the bit to read the next in this series too!! :)

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    2. Your review was lovely, Teresa. Honestly....

      Thanks for your fabulous words, and July isn't exactly that far off - Millie's story will be here before you know it.

      All the best,

      ~ Jen ~

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    3. Wow, that's great news JEN!! I hadn't realized it was going to be that soon, that's just around the corner! Can't wait to read Millie's story!!

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  7. What a fun and intriguing review, Noela. I've never read any of Jen Turano's books, but you've really piqued my curiosity. This sounds like a thoroughly entertaining read.

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    1. Janet, that's awesome!! I'm so thrilled to pique your curiosity about this terrific and yes, thoroughly entertaining book! I really hope you get to enjoy it soon!!

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    2. Hi Janet,

      Thank you for stopping in, and...since you've never read any of my work before - do know that there's a free novella out there - Gentleman of Her Dreams - it's a prequel to my first series - but it is a completely story and will give you a taste of my writing style.

      Good luck with the giveaway!

      All the best,

      ~ Jen ~

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  8. Wonderful review. I am smiling already :). Would love to win and read this book.
    bettimace at gmail dot com

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    1. Thanks for commenting, Tina, and I wish you luck in the giveaway!

      Have a great week:)

      Jen

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    2. Love that you're smiling already Betti ~ I so hope you win this book or at least have the opportunity to read it soon! There's a whole heap more smiles waiting!! ;)

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  9. Great review. Would love to win a copy.
    Blessings,Tina
    tfrice(at)comcast(dot)net

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    1. Thanks Tina! All the best with your entry and here's hoping you get to read this fabulous story soon!

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  10. Noela, thank you for the FANTASTIC review! After a Fashion sounds delightful! :)

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    1. Thanks so much Caryl, and it truly is a delightful read!! The romance, fun, and intrigue in this wonderful story keeps you turning those pages! :-)

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  11. Thank you for a great review! I always love coming here for a visit! I love the cover of After A Fashion and can't wait to read it!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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    1. And we LOVE having you come by Melanie!! I sure hope you get to read this amazing story soon because I know you will just love it!!

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  12. Another great review! You ladies have me so excited about this book. Ü

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    1. Haha that's great to hear Cindi!! I promise you, it's definitely a real treat to read!!

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  13. Since I usually read for pure escapism, I love books that make me laugh. I know Jen's books will always make me laugh, but have a good, solid story as well.

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    1. Soo true on both counts Pam!! You've got to have a solid story behind the entertainment, and Jen does that exceptionally well with her books!

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  14. I loved "A Change of Fortune", and can't wait to dig into Jen's new series. Thanks for an awesome review, Noela!

    gwen(dot)gage(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. YW, thanks Gwen! This series of Jen's promises to be a big hit with 'After a Fashion' going off with such a bang! So looking forward to reading more too! All the best with your entry Gwen, always lovely to see you here!

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  15. Another beautiful review, Noela - thank you!!

    "After a Fashion" sounds like an uproarious novel - I love the plot and feel sure I'll love reading about the fascinating characters, the threat from Harriet's past, and of course - that romance!!

    Shared post!!

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    1. This is a classic Bonnie, you will love it!! We all need to laugh a whole lot more and this one is the perfect remedy for adding cheer to the soul!

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    1. You're welcome Mary, I hope you've enjoyed reading about Jen's latest masterpiece!!

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  17. I am really looking forward to reading After A Fashion. The more reviews I read, the more excited I get about it. I love stories with fun and humor. Thanks for the review and giveaway!!

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    1. Loraine, this is right up your alley then!! This book has fun and humor in spades! But of course a fantastic story-line carries it right along too! All the best Loraine!! :-)

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  18. I love this author! Now I really want to read this book. :) great review!

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  19. Thanks Susan, I really hope you can read it too! Hopefully you can sooner than later!! :)

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  20. We have Jen's books in the church library. Our readers love them! Thanks for giving me the chance to win, "After A Fashion".
    Janet E.
    von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. I don't blame them, lol!! All the best Janet!! :)

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  21. Thanks so much Noela for this good review. You sure made me want to read it. It sounds like a real fun book took. (((Hugs))) to my OWG girls. Thanks again. Please put my name in. Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <

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