Book Review: A Change of Fortune by Jen Turano
Lady Eliza Sumner is on a mission. Her fortune was the last thing she had left after losing her father, her fiance, and her faith. Now, masquerading as Miss Eliza Sumner governess-at-large, she’s determined to find the man who ran off with her fortune, reclaim the money, and head straight back to London.
Mr. Hamilton Beckett, much to his chagrin, is the catch of the season, and all the eyes of New York society–all the female ones, at least–are on him. He has no plans to marry again, especially since his hands are full keeping his business afloat while raising his two children alone.
Eliza’s hapless attempts to regain her fortune unexpectedly put her right in Hamilton’s path. The discovery of a common nemesis causes them to join forces and, before she knows it, Eliza has a whole retinue of people helping her. Eliza’s determination not to trust anyone weakens when everyone’s antics and bumbling efforts to assist her make her wonder if there might be more important things than her fortune and independence.
When all of Hamilton’s and Eliza’s best-laid plans fall by the wayside, it will take a riot of complications for them to realize that God just might have had a better plan in mind all along.
I went into this novel with a bit of trepidation. I’d heard some mixed reviews from friends and wasn’t quite sure what I was getting myself into. Of course, this was after I’d requested it. :p
Despite my fears, I did enjoy Change of Fortune. Mostly. The characters were fun, the dialog quirky and the plot believable.
Where I had my… problems was near the end where it seemed everyone was involved in the final showdown with the bad guy. I had a hard time keeping everyone – and everything they were doing straight. :/ I muddled through [muddled is a bit strong – it wasn’t that hard to get through] and am glad I did. Despite my confusion at times, I enjoyed the overall story and the characters.
I loved Eliza and Hamilton and his children as well as the secondary characters. I hope to read more from Ms. Turano in the future.
Overall rating: 7.75 out of 10 stars