Loraine N. (momrain) reviewed Playing the Part (A Class of Their Own, Bk 3) on + 205 more book reviews
I know I am in for a treat every time I pick up a story by this author. This one delivered just what I've come to expect. It had me laughing out loud with the funny circumstances that the characters find themselves in. It had me sighing in delight over the romance. It had me cheering for the hero to win his lady's hand. Plus there was a reunion of characters to end this series. Full review is at my website.
I received this book in a giveaway. I was not required to give a positive review. All of the opinions I have expressed are my own.
I received this book in a giveaway. I was not required to give a positive review. All of the opinions I have expressed are my own.
Playing the Part by Jen Turano is the third book in A Class of Their Own series. Playing the Part is set in New York in 1882. Lucetta Plum is an actress and currently doing a new play written by the reclusive and mysterious Mr. Grimstone. Her step-father Nigel Wolfe pays her a visit (which is not good). Nigel has managed to gamble away the deed to the family plantation, Plum Hill. Unfortunately for Nigel, he does not own the plantation nor does he have the deed. It belongs to Lucetta, and she left the deed with a friend (who will make sure her step-father cannot get ahold of it). The man to whom Nigel lost was Silas Ruff. He is an awful man who has been pursuing Lucetta for some time. Lucetta thought he had learned his lesson after the last incident. Mr. Skukman, Lucetta's personal bodyguard, believes she needs to leave town and lay low for a little while (which will make Lucetta's understudy very happy). Abigail Hart, society lady, widow, friend, and determined matchmaker/meddler, agrees with him. Abigail suggests that they go to her grandson's estate (do we detect a little matchmaking). It certainly sounds like a good idea. They arrive at Ravenwood (which seems to be behind a cemetery) and are not warmly welcomed. They are barely in the drive when they are attacked. Bram Haverstein, Abigail's grandson, has been having trouble with marriageable young women dropping in (plus he has a secret). After being attacked by dogs and falling into the moat, Lucetta finally gets into the house. This visit is not off to a good start. The visit is plagued by a woman hating goat in Lucetta's room, walking suit of armor, jewels hidden in the fireplace, and a falling knife (more like a sword). What is going on at Ravenwood? Someone seems determined to get rid of the occupants of the house. Lucetta and Bram are intent on getting to the bottom of the matter (and Abigail is thrilled that they are spending time together). Will Abigail get her wish? What happens when Silas Ruff tracks down Lucetta? You will have to read Playing the Part to find out.
Playing the Part was humorous. I did enjoy reading this novel. It was a little over-the-top at times but it provided me with many laughs (which made my mother keep asking me why I was laughing). Playing the Part has great characters and an interesting setting (loved Ravenwood). Playing the Part was a great end to the series. You do need to read all the books in the series in order to understand what is going on in Playing the Part (you will want to read them). I have read all three books in the series and enjoyed each of them. I give Playing the Part 4 out of 5 stars. Playing the Part is nicely written, and I was pulled into the book right away (which I love). It was nice to catch up with the characters from the previous novels to see how they were doing. If you enjoy reading historical romance novels with a little mystery (and a lot of humor), you will love Playing the Part.
I received a complimentary copy of Playing the Part from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel.
Playing the Part was humorous. I did enjoy reading this novel. It was a little over-the-top at times but it provided me with many laughs (which made my mother keep asking me why I was laughing). Playing the Part has great characters and an interesting setting (loved Ravenwood). Playing the Part was a great end to the series. You do need to read all the books in the series in order to understand what is going on in Playing the Part (you will want to read them). I have read all three books in the series and enjoyed each of them. I give Playing the Part 4 out of 5 stars. Playing the Part is nicely written, and I was pulled into the book right away (which I love). It was nice to catch up with the characters from the previous novels to see how they were doing. If you enjoy reading historical romance novels with a little mystery (and a lot of humor), you will love Playing the Part.
I received a complimentary copy of Playing the Part from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel.
Playing the Part by Jen Turano
A Class of Their Own Series Book Three
Lucetta Plum is a very successful actress. Unfortunately, she has gathered the attention of the unwanted kind. She had thought she was rid of one man in particular...but worms like him always crawl back out of their holes. And thanks to her no-good stepfather, she is back in the man's sites. She has no choice but to go into hiding.
Bram Haverstein has many secrets. Secrets that have his own parents wondering what type of criminal activities he might be involved in. And he has a secret crush as well. He's trying to bide his time to approach the young woman but in the meantime, his castle gates have been stormed by women hoping to end his bachelorhood.
Three friends had lived together in a boardinghouse on the bad side of town until the widowed Abigail Hart took them in. Abigail prides herself on being a matchmaker and has successfully married off two of the girls. Lucetta's troubles help Abigail's plans along when they go to her grandson's home. I love Jen Turano's books. They are so full of humor. A goat who hates women...and swords, ghosts, a dungeon, and more had me turning the pages until the end.
**Received through Bethany House for an honest review
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/2011/10/bethany-house-publishers.html
A Class of Their Own Series Book Three
Lucetta Plum is a very successful actress. Unfortunately, she has gathered the attention of the unwanted kind. She had thought she was rid of one man in particular...but worms like him always crawl back out of their holes. And thanks to her no-good stepfather, she is back in the man's sites. She has no choice but to go into hiding.
Bram Haverstein has many secrets. Secrets that have his own parents wondering what type of criminal activities he might be involved in. And he has a secret crush as well. He's trying to bide his time to approach the young woman but in the meantime, his castle gates have been stormed by women hoping to end his bachelorhood.
Three friends had lived together in a boardinghouse on the bad side of town until the widowed Abigail Hart took them in. Abigail prides herself on being a matchmaker and has successfully married off two of the girls. Lucetta's troubles help Abigail's plans along when they go to her grandson's home. I love Jen Turano's books. They are so full of humor. A goat who hates women...and swords, ghosts, a dungeon, and more had me turning the pages until the end.
**Received through Bethany House for an honest review
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/2011/10/bethany-house-publishers.html
Nora S. (biblegirl06) reviewed Playing the Part (A Class of Their Own, Bk 3) on + 92 more book reviews
This author does a brilliant job of creating fun loving characters, writing physical comedy and she beautifully paints pictures with words. I love Jen's distinctive voice along with her quick wit and well timed humor; make her novels a pure joy to read.
Miss Lucetta Plum is a theatre star in the 1800's 1900's who finds herself in a pickle. Her dear friend Abigail Hunt comes up with a plan to save the day and Lucetta's life. Without any advance noitice they head to a safe place, her grandson Baum's castle. Where else?
Miss Plum has an obsessed fan seeking to own her. She tells Baum, "...Nigel my step father, just tried to serve me up as a means of honoring his gambling debt to Silas. I'm sure you'll forgive my lack of acknowledgement."
Baum couldn't believe his hears, "Your father wagered you away in a game of cards?"
"Yes. Silas seems more determined than ever to secure a relationship with me, so do know that I truly appreciate you allowing me to seek refuge at Ravenwood,"
Ravenwood is where the games begin. Miss Plum discovers there is more to this castle than meets the eye. She couldn't help but notice Baum's staff. They are a collection of unique and interesting individuals, Tila runs up to Baum and says, "A bunch of riders are approaching they went right by the gate. Which means Ernie's either dead or he abandoned his post."
Miss Plum was beginning to believe the rumors about the castle being haunted. That would explain so much. This novel reminded me a little of the Scooby Doo mystery/ghost cartoons where you find out later the strange happenings where being staged for a reason.
I liked how these lovable complex, characters captured my heart and sought out authentic relationships with themselves, others and God. I like how this is naturally interwoven in the story in a non-preachy way. Lucetta smiles at Baum and says, "Most people do have secrets, Braum, and I'm afraid my secrets' are going to put a rapid end to our desire to court me!"
Braum had a load of secrets himself. Would they be brave and share their secrets with each other? Would Miss Plum have time for a relationship as she runs for her life in order to protect the ones she loves?
Jen Turano pulls out all the stops in this book filled with mishaps, danger, excitement, forgiveness and faith. I enjoyed the fact that characters from previous books were in the mix, Harriet and Oliver, Reverend Gilmore, Millie Longfellow and Abigail Hunt. The author upped the mystery and suspense in the conclusion to A class of their own series as she gives readers a first peek into how quickly the novel can turn serious when the hideous side of Silas the villain is revealed.
Jen Turano does an amazing job of dropping readers into a hilarious, entertaining story with characters I could relate to and adored. I laughed out-loud so often as I read, my husband asked me "what's so funny?"
Want to escape from the cares of this world for a while? I highly recommend this authors book. Read for fun on your own and/ or as a book club pick. Check out Jen Turano she just might be your new favorite author! She is mine!
Disclosure of Material Connection: #AD Bethany House
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising"
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
Miss Lucetta Plum is a theatre star in the 1800's 1900's who finds herself in a pickle. Her dear friend Abigail Hunt comes up with a plan to save the day and Lucetta's life. Without any advance noitice they head to a safe place, her grandson Baum's castle. Where else?
Miss Plum has an obsessed fan seeking to own her. She tells Baum, "...Nigel my step father, just tried to serve me up as a means of honoring his gambling debt to Silas. I'm sure you'll forgive my lack of acknowledgement."
Baum couldn't believe his hears, "Your father wagered you away in a game of cards?"
"Yes. Silas seems more determined than ever to secure a relationship with me, so do know that I truly appreciate you allowing me to seek refuge at Ravenwood,"
Ravenwood is where the games begin. Miss Plum discovers there is more to this castle than meets the eye. She couldn't help but notice Baum's staff. They are a collection of unique and interesting individuals, Tila runs up to Baum and says, "A bunch of riders are approaching they went right by the gate. Which means Ernie's either dead or he abandoned his post."
Miss Plum was beginning to believe the rumors about the castle being haunted. That would explain so much. This novel reminded me a little of the Scooby Doo mystery/ghost cartoons where you find out later the strange happenings where being staged for a reason.
I liked how these lovable complex, characters captured my heart and sought out authentic relationships with themselves, others and God. I like how this is naturally interwoven in the story in a non-preachy way. Lucetta smiles at Baum and says, "Most people do have secrets, Braum, and I'm afraid my secrets' are going to put a rapid end to our desire to court me!"
Braum had a load of secrets himself. Would they be brave and share their secrets with each other? Would Miss Plum have time for a relationship as she runs for her life in order to protect the ones she loves?
Jen Turano pulls out all the stops in this book filled with mishaps, danger, excitement, forgiveness and faith. I enjoyed the fact that characters from previous books were in the mix, Harriet and Oliver, Reverend Gilmore, Millie Longfellow and Abigail Hunt. The author upped the mystery and suspense in the conclusion to A class of their own series as she gives readers a first peek into how quickly the novel can turn serious when the hideous side of Silas the villain is revealed.
Jen Turano does an amazing job of dropping readers into a hilarious, entertaining story with characters I could relate to and adored. I laughed out-loud so often as I read, my husband asked me "what's so funny?"
Want to escape from the cares of this world for a while? I highly recommend this authors book. Read for fun on your own and/ or as a book club pick. Check out Jen Turano she just might be your new favorite author! She is mine!
Disclosure of Material Connection: #AD Bethany House
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising"
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
