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17 November 2016

Diana's Review Of 'Finding Margo' By Jen Turano

Finding Margo By Jen Turano
Finding Margo By Jen Turano
Gilead Publishing, November 2016

Reviewed By Diana Flowers
~4.5 stars~
(No Spoilers!)


From Guccis To Amish?

Jen Turano pens a rollicking, but suspenseful tale of a pop star's journey from the glitz and glamour of California, Gucci handbags, Dolce & Gabbana jeans, and bodyguards—to the quaint, but secretive Amish town of Millersburg, with its pretty flower boxes in the windows, gleaming white farmhouses with wraparound porches, red barns, and ducks?...yes, ducks! 😏

International pop star, Margo Hartman, has had it. She needs a break from grueling tours, paparazzi, her controlling mother, and literally runs away. A nasty encounter with a duck (yes, you read correctly) necessitates a trip to the vet in the Amish town of Millersburg, where she meets Dr. Ian St. James and his brother-in-lawthe hunky Sheriff's deputy, Brock Moore. Brock is working undercover on a case for Ian and realizes that Margo is not who she appears to be either...as she continues to try to hide her superstar identity. She bears an uncanny resemblance to a local Amish woman and her crazy periods of deja vu raises all kinds of questions, as sights and scents make her feel as though she has been to this small town before. But why does this make her a target for a killer? As Margo and Brock begin to draw closer, he is determined to find answers—for both their sakes.

I have heard that Jen Turano is known for her quirky characters and unusual storylines and now I have the facts. It's all true! πŸ˜› What a delightfully unique tale with Gabby, the waddling duck, a feisty heroine who frequently shares witty quips with the hero, and a wacky mother who would drive me bonkers...interweaved with a heartrending Amish theme. However, the story lacked the romantic tension that I so love, and the only real attraction I saw towards Brock from Margo was a little bit of heart-racing, comforting hand holding, and the way his muscles rippled when he moved. I liked them, too, but...πŸ˜‰ Nevertheless, the conclusion was satisfactorily passionate and I especially loved that mysterious last sentence leading me to excitedly believe there's a sequel cominghopefully Ian St. James's story! A delightful, amusing, mysterious, tender, heartbreaking must read!

I received a copy of this book from Net Galley in the hopes that I might write a review, but was not required to do so. I received no monetary compensation for this review.


This book may be purchased from Amazon, CBD, BAM, B&N, and your local Christian bookstore.

GIVEAWAY: Jen Turano has generously offered to give away an autographed copy of Finding Margo to one blessed commenter! (US entrants only.) For contact purposes be sure to leave your email address written (at) and (dot) to protect yourself from spammers.

71 comments:

  1. I love, love, love Jen's stories!! They are always so cleverly written, I know I'm going to enjoy it before I even open the book! And wow, after reading your awesome review Diane, I can hardly wait to read this one!! Thinking I might just have to treat myself to Finding Margo over the holidays. ;)

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    1. Thank you, NOELA! I found myself laughing during parts of the book and crying over others. Needless to say, my emotions were all over the place! I had so much fun writing the review, I couldn't resist including some emojis. lol

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    2. Thank you, Noela! You're always so gracious with your comments about my books. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season and also hope you'll enjoy Margo's story if you pick up the book.

      All the best,

      ~ Jen ~

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  2. I am a big fan of Jen's. Can't wait to see this new side of her writing!
    Diane
    dianemestrella at gmail dot com

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    1. I can't wait for you to either, Diane! Good luck!

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    2. Always great to hear from you, Diane! This book is definitely a bit different from my historical stories, but not too different in tone - and...there's a duck :)

      Have a great rest of the week!

      All the best

      ~ Jen ~

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    3. Yes, did I mention there's a duck by the way? (Wink)

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  3. Great review Diana, enjoyed the emojis. ;-)
    I love how Jen Turano's stories are filled with quirky & feisty characters & takes my emotions on an emotional roller coaster ride.
    Blessings, Tina

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    1. Lol, TINA! For some books the emojis wouldn't fit at all, bc they are serious stuff, but couldn't resist using them for Jen's. Although there are some serious issues in this book as well. Yes, emotional roller coaster describes her books quite nicely! Blessings, Tina!

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    2. Thank you so much for stopping in, Tina.

      There were parts of this book that were difficult for me to write because I wrote the original version years ago, not long after my mom died. And while I recently rewrote the book because...well, who knew my writing style would change so much over the years, there's a part toward the end that I can barely read through - which is odd for me because I'm not an overly emotional type of girl.

      Good luck with the giveaway!

      All the best,

      ~ Jen ~

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  4. I love Jen's books. I can't wait to read Margo's story.
    mksmcpotter(at)msn(dot)com

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    1. Hi, KIM! If you're a Jen fan (and who isn't?) you're sure to fall in love with this one. Good luck in the drawing!

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    2. Thanks, Kim! Delighted you stopped by today. Good luck with the giveaway, and I hope you have a fabulous weekend!

      All the best,

      ~ Jen ~

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  5. YES!!! Can't wait to read. I always laugh out loud at Jen's books! willsey777 at hotmail dot com

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    1. You definitely will while reading this one, SHERRY! Jen's a hoot! But I'm sure that you will enjoy the suspense and the mystery surrounding this book as well. Blessings on your day!

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    2. Thank you so much, Sherry! I'm always thrilled to hear a reader laughs while reading my books. Writing comedy is a slippery slope at times and I'm never really certain if a reader will find a scene amusing or simply conclude I've finally lost my mind:)

      Good luck with the giveaway!

      All the best,

      ~ Jen ~

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  6. Sounds like a lot of fun scattered amongst the working of this mystery, Diana, LOL. Loved your delightful review - thank you!! I read that Jen Turano doesn't feel her books are that humorous, if this is true - many readers disagree. Jen seems to have that wonderful dry humor some people don't realize they, themselves, have. Her beautiful books are always a huge hit with readers for a number of reasons, including the humor. Jen is just as delightful as her books, and I loved reading the back story on the cover shoot and knowing Katelyn Bolds from Gilead Publishing is the cover model.

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    1. Thanks so much, Bonnie! It was so much fun to write this review! Oh, she is hilarious, but also touching as well. Yes, Jen said Katelyn is the owner of those great legs. Wonder why they didn't want to use mine? (Giggle)

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    2. Thank you, Bonnie! You are such a great blessing to so many authors. Your kindness means the world to me, and I was so happy I got to spend a bit of time with you in Nashville.

      I've been absolutely thrilled with the cover and...yes, Katelyn did a great job - she can definitely rock a pair of jeans!

      Have a wonderful weekend!

      ~ Jen ~

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  7. Diana,

    I'm just delighted you enjoyed my book! Thank you so much for posting such a lovely review, and the emojis are fun:)

    I wish you a wonderful holiday season, and I'm sure your legs would have looked fabulous as well on the cover!

    All the best,

    Jen

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    1. Thank you, JEN! Not all reviews are so much fun to write, but this one was at the top of my list of fun! As far as my legs looking fabulous on the cover...uhh, no.

      I'm so sorry for the loss of your mom. I lost mine, too, and can see why the conclusion is emotional for you. Hugs and blessed holiday wishes to you as well!

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  8. I'm really looking forward to reading this one! Can't wait to see Jen's humor in a modern setting. :D

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    1. Oh! And email is hannah.e.hill at gmail.com. :)

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    2. I was very excited to read that she had a contemporary coming out, HANNAH! And I love Amish books as well. Lotsa luck in the drawing. :)

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    3. Hi Hannah - thank you so much. Sorry I'm late in replying - I went with my husband across town for an appointment he had and...well...it took us almost two hours to travel 10 miles home because of this freak snow thing - But, I just recently got a Jeep and...it's great in the snow:)

      Good luck with the giveaway, and have a great weekend!

      All the best,

      ~ Jen ~

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  9. To say I love Jen's books is an understatement! I can't wait to read this one. Thanks for the chance to win a signed copy. Hi, Jen!

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    1. Thanks for dropping by, 2BOYZMOMMY! Keep your fingers crossed! lol

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    2. Thanks so much! Here's hoping you get to read this new one soon:)

      Have a fabulous weekend!

      All the best,

      ~ Jen ~

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  10. I absolutely adore Jen and her wonderful stories and can't wait to read this one!

    texaggs2000 at gmail dot com

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    1. I'm convinced you'll love this one, too, BRITNEY! Blessings!

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    2. Britney!!!! I was just thinking about you. I've just about decided to go to RT this year and thinking about RT made me think of you and your mom - so...there you have it:) Hope I'll get to see you in Atlanta! (that is where it is, right?)

      Good luck with the giveaway!

      All the best,

      ~ Jen ~

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  11. Sounds really interesting, it's different, I think it would be an eye opener for Margo! Donamaekutska7@gmail.com

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    1. Very unique and so unlike any other Amish book I've ever read, DONAMAE!

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    2. "Finding Margo" is definitely the most different book I've ever written, Donamae, and...hmmm...that is saying something:)

      Good luck with the giveaway, and have a wonderful weekend!

      All the best,

      ~ Jen ~

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  12. Diana, I have an ebook copy of this already but I'm happy to share the giveaway!

    I've not YET read any of her books either so this will be the first & I've heard she has a great sense of humor, I love that in a book!

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    1. That she does, TRIXI! I "quacked" up during the duck scenes. Lol Sorry, I couldn't resist that one.

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    2. Diana, I haven't YET read this one so I guess the "yolks" on me as I have no idea what that means....haha!! I guess I'll soon find out, yes?? :-)

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    3. hahaha Good one, TRIXI! Yes, you will! :D

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    4. So here's hoping you'll get around to reading that book, Trixi - and then you'll know all about the duck - a different kind of side character that I have to admit I toned done in the final few edits. I didn't want my editors to completely freak out - makes for a more amiable relationship with them. :)

      Have a great weekend, and thank you for stopping by today!

      All the best,

      ~ Jen ~

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  13. This is a book I want to read. Thanks for the giveaway.
    JoanEC128[at]AOL[dot]com

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    1. You're so welcome, Joan! Blessings!

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    2. Thank you for leaving a comment, Joan, and I'm wishing you much luck with the giveaway!

      Have a great weekend!

      All the best,

      ~ Jen ~

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  14. This book looks so exciting and interesting. Thank you for the giveaway.
    MarionMPC[at]AOL[dot]com

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    1. MARION, thanks for dropping by. It's a very exciting book with never a dull moment!

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    2. Thank you, Marion.

      Good luck with the giveaway, and have a great weekend!

      All the best,

      ~ Jen ~

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  15. Thank you for the opportunity to win this great book.
    MarilynDKC[at]AOL[dot]com

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    1. MARILYN, thanks for your interest in Margo's story! Good luck in the drawing.

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  16. I have enjoyed reading all of Jen's historical books so I was intrigued when I heard she had a contemporary work available. It's nice to know this book still has Jen's unique voice. I'm looking forward to reading Finding Margo. Thanks for the review and giveaway.

    pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. I had a favorite historical author switch to contemporary and I wondered if I would like it, PAM. But when the author is so talented you can usually rest assured that whether it's a historical or contemporary, it'll still have their unique voice. I just mentioned to one author that as long as there are no Amish vampires in space, I'm good! Lol

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    2. Hey Pam!!! Great to have you here - and I don't think my voice is much different with this book - although it's hard to tell with stuff I've written. I'm notorious for forgetting plots, characters, and don't even get me started on eye color - so I could be completely off-base about it not being very different - But, it was really fun to try my hand at a contemporary - so...we'll see what happens.

      Good luck with the giveaway!

      All the best,

      ~ Jen ~

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  17. I truly enjoy historical fiction ala Jen Turano. I mean, it makes sense since Pride and Prejudice is the book that precipitated my love for romantic comedies and making it my favorite romance sub-genre. I have to say though, that I have been on a contemporary fiction kick for the last year and I'm thrilled to see a contemporary from this author. It sounds like the perfect read - contemporary romance, humor and suspense! I may not be the funniest person in the room, but I am a great audience. Can't wait to read it. tlhcoupon(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. Hi Terrill,

      You sound exactly like the type of person I love to hang out with, and I bet you're quite amusing in your own right.

      Good luck with the giveaway, and I hope you have a fabulous, and laughter-filled weekend.

      All the best,

      ~ Jen ~

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    2. I used to read basically only historical fiction, but I certainly missed alot not reading contemporary, TERRILL. I'm also a good audience! Lol Love that!

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  18. sounds like a great read!
    Sandi
    scarfi(dot)nails(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Thanks, Sandi!

      Good luck with the giveaway, and here's to having an enjoyable weekend - although since it's the weekend before Thanksgiving, hmmm...if you're like me, you'll be busy:)

      All the best,

      ~ Jen ~

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    2. Tis indeed, SANDI! Good luck to you!

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  19. What a great book! I would love to read this one! Jen is a delight to be around. She brings a smile to my face when I think about her. I had the pleasure of meeting her a couple of years ago and she and her sister were wonderful. Treasures, for sure!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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    1. MELANIE, lucky you! Jen and I are just getting acquainted and I find her to be as delightful as you describe. And very smart, judging by the books she writes! I hope you get a chance to read this one ASAP!

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  20. I have loved all of Jen's books so far, so I'm excited to read this one as well! Thanks for the giveaway!

    jdennis298(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. I hope you get to read Margo and Brock's story soon, J DENNIS! I know you'll enjoy it!

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  21. If this story comes out on audiobook I would love to read it!!! It sounds amazing! Thanks for the great review, Diana! We're going to miss you here on OWG!

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    1. You're so welcome, Carrie! Get ready to laugh and be moved to tears at the same time. I will miss not being here, too! I still have awhile before I go anywhere though! lol

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  22. I like such well-praised books, with interesting characters, with faith in the story line!
    Janice
    pjrcmoore@windstream.net

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    1. Welcome, JANICE! I'm with you on that! Good luck in the giveaway and have a blessed Thanksgiving!

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  23. This author is new to me.This book sounds interesting.I am looking forward to reading it.I will add it to my to read book list.Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Hi, JACKIE! Thank you for coming by and showing an interest in Jen's books! She has a huge fan base of which I am now a new member. Lol

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  24. Reveekdesigns@gmail.com This looks like such a great book!

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    1. Welcome to OWG, REVEE! Love your name! I hope you get a copy in your hands ASAP!

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  25. Jen is a new author to me and this sounds like a really different type of read. Going from the glamorous life moving into an Amish area is a unusual storyline. Can't wait to read.
    diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. I hope you'll get a chance to read it ASAP, DIANNE! It's completely different than any other Amish mysteries I have read. Thanks for coming by!

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  26. Congrats to Sherry Willsey who has won a signed copy of Finding Margo! Thanks to all who stopped by to share their encouraging comments.

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