Q&A with Jen Turano
Welcome back to Rachel’s Back Talk! Today’s interview is with Jen Turano. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to review her book Caught by Surprise.
So without further ado, on to Rachel’s Back Talk – Special Edition!
RR: Hi Jen! Thank you so much for joining me today — and let me just say how much I loved reading Caught by Surprise! To start this Q&A off, how did you come up with the theme and characters for the last book in this series, Caught by Surprise?
JT: I’ve always loved reading stories about wallflowers, so knew at some point I’d get around to writing a series with that theme. There’s just something appealing about ladies who are overlooked by society, something that makes you want to cheer them on. Being the underdog leaves plenty of room for conflict and unusual storylines. With Permilia in “Behind the Scenes,” I wanted to do a bit of a twist on a Cinderella theme. Gertrude in “Out of the Ordinary” was inspired by quite a few Jane Austen characters, and then Temperance in “Caught by Surprise,” well, she just had a mind of her own and turned into a character I wasn’t expecting.
RR: I love that! So what inspired you to write the “Apart from the Crowd” series dealing with the wall-flowers of society?
JT: I read a lot of research material about the Gilded Age and in all honesty, I was getting a little tired of all the stories about the belles of society, those grand heiresses who spent their days changing their outfits, going on the expected daily calls, afternoon teas, riding in the park, and then all the evening entertainments such as balls and operas. That’s when I decided to delve into the lives of ladies not as privileged.
RR: Yes, that is so true!! There really isn’t a lot of books about those heroines, so it was definitely a nice change in pace. Now for probably one of the hardest questions — do you have a favorite wall-flower? ?
JT: Oh, fine, get me into trouble. But…hmm…I would say Miss Gertrude Cadwalader was my favorite. She’s a very practical sort and isn’t bothered at all by the idea Mr. Harrison Sinclair is a walking fashion disaster
RR: I did love Gertrude’s practical personality. It was fun to “meet” her character! What is your favorite part about writing historical fiction?
JT: I’m a bit of a history nerd, so I love traveling back in time with my characters. There’s nothing cooler than discovering some random historical tidbit and then weaving it into a story – like the first underground subway I just discovered that was built in the 1870’s in NYC. It didn’t take off because of the politics of the day, but the technology behind it is just fascinating given the times. I can say with certainty readers will find that in a story at some point.
RR: That is exactly why I love reading historical fiction too! I just love traveling back in time and experiencing history through the eyes of another. As we close today, what is one thing that you want readers to take away from Caught by Surprise?
JT: There are a few different themes mixed into this book, forgiveness and acceptance being the most obvious. But, what I always want readers to take away from any of my books is a sense of amusement. I hope they find a brief escape from all the pressures of life, and are simply able to enjoy a few smiles, and perhaps a few laughs, as they turn the pages of one of my stories.
Thank you so much for having me, Rachel! Delighted to be with you today!
Thank you again, Jen, for joining us at Rachel’s Back Talk! And for all you readers who have not yet enjoyed one of Jen’s books, I highly urge you to do so as quickly as possible!!
Jen is also offering a SIGNED COPY of Caught by Surprise. Leave a comment below with a book you are currently reading and your email address to be entered. Giveaway is open till Friday August 17th at midnight EST. Winners will be drawn at random on Saturday August 18th. US entries only.
Named One of the Funniest Voices in Inspirational Romance by Booklist, Jen Turano is a USA Today Best-Selling Author, known for penning quirky historical romances set in the Gilded Age. Her books have earned Publisher Weekly and Booklist starred reviews, top picks from Romantic Times, and praise from Library Journal. She’s been a finalist twice for the RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards and had two of her books listed in the top 100 romances of the past decade from Booklist. When she’s not writing, she spends her time outside of Denver, CO.
You can also visit her at her website or on Facebook .
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I am a 22-year-old, history-lover, coffee-fanatic, author, and book reviewer.
Meghan: A Hollywood Princess by Andrew Morton
Im actually reading a non fiction book right now by Francis Frangipane. But I’ve read Jen’s books in the past and loved them. They are always so fun and funny to read. Thanks for the chance to win this one?
Soblessed0208(at)gmail dot com
🙂 What a great interview!
It’s a great book!
Happy Wednesday, Jen & Rachel! 🙂 I’m reading Return of the Song by Phyllis Clark Nichols.
I just finished Sons of Blackbird Mountain, which was SO good. I’m getting ready to start The Heart Between Us. Can’t wait to read this Jen Turano book. She’s one of my favorites!
I am currently reading Through the Autumn Air by Kelly Irvin.
perrianne (DOT) askew (AT) me (DOT) com
Perrianne Askew
The Quest right now
Delightful interview with author Jen Turano! ?
I finished an Agatha Christie mystery last night. Today I begin Beartown by Backman.
I’m reading “Before We Were Yours” by Lisa Wingate.
I’m currently reading the latest Mitford book To Be Where You Are by Jan Karon. Would love to read a book by Jen. Thanks for the giveaway!
I just read the last chapter of Jenelle Leann Schmidt’s “The King’s warrior” (and by, “last chapter,” I do mean “I finished it,” not “I read the last chapters first because I’m a monster who hates surprises.”) I love historical fiction, and the idea of a “wallflower” series is really intriguing!
I am currently reading The Masterpiece by Fiona Davis! Thank you for this chance.
I am reading the Weekenders. It isn’t that great but I have to finish what I start! Love Jen!
I’m currently reading Love Songs and Lullabies by Amy Vastine.Thank you for the opportunity to win.
I just finished Cold Terror by Susan Sleeman. I love Jen’s books.
Every other Weekend by Zulema Renee Summerfield. A humorous look at divorce thru the eyes of a child (fiction). thanks for the giveaway.
I am currently reading medieval mystery series by Sharon Kay Penman. The Book’s name is Dragon’s Lair.
Currently reading Falling for You by Becky Wade! Grace (sufficientgrace.homestead@aol.com)
I’m reading the soon-to-be-released Ties That Blind by Chautona Havig.
I loved reading Jen’s last book and would love to win this one!
I’m reading Criss Cross by C.C. Warrens. After reading this series I will need a lighter fun story.
Thanks for the opportunity to enter the drawing.
Currently readinn THE Island Villa by Lily Graham. Thank you for the opportunity to win you book.
I always smile when I read Jen’s books. This has been an excellent series. I am currently reading The Widow of Gettysburg by Jocelyn Green. Thanks!
I am currently reading “Her Fear” by Shelley Shepard Gray.
Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain
I’ve actually stepped out of the romance fiction realm for my next book. Gave Kitchen Confidential book for my husband to read (birthday gift). He read the first chapter, said it was good and hasn’t read anymore. I swiped it and will read it first. Then he will get it back. 🙂
im currently reading John mcaurthors extraordinary women!!
Thanks for the fun interview. I love Jen’s books. I absolutely adore her sense of humor.
I just finished When Hope Begins by Catherine West. Loved it!
I am just starting The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep.
Just finished Some Like It Hot by Susan May Warren.
I loved reading your interview! 🙂 I always enjoy Jen Turano’s books!
Please don’t enter my name in your giveaway, as I already have a copy of this book.
Currently reading Stars in the Grass
I am currently reading The Love Letter by Rachel Hauck. Thanks for the chance to win.
Right now, I’m reading two books. Things I Never Told You by Beth K. Vogt and How To Catch a Prince by Rachel Hauck!
At the moment, I’m reading Lethal Legacy by Carol J. Post (pb) and Isobel’s Promise by Maggie Christensen (ebook) Also listening to You’re the Cream in My Coffee by Jennifer Lamont Leo. Thank you for the interview, I’m looking forward to reading this one!
I am currently reading “Song of a Shepherd Woman” by Carlene Havel and Sharon Faucheuk.
I love historical and biblical fiction and would love to read about Jen’s wallflowers!
I Recently read The Girl in the Glass by Jeffrey Ford. Now I’m reading Journal of the Plague Years by Daniel Defoe and listening to Game of Thrones book 1.
I especially enjoy those tidbits from history one learns from reading.
msleighm@aol.com
Currently on my nightstand is A Rumored Fortune and two kids’ books that I need to get to as well. Thanks for the wonderful giveaway!
dianemestrella at gmail dot com
I’m reading Murder Freshly Baked by Vannetta Chapman. Thank you for writing great books
I’m reading Murder Freshly Baked by Vannetta Chapman. Thank you for writing great books
Amish Celebrations by Beth Wiseman is what I am currently reading.My email address is cr8ted4him@frontier.com
I’m currently reading and ARC of Sadie: An Amish Retelling of Snow White by Sarah Price. Thanks for sharing this interview. I love hearing directly from author’s about their thoughts that lead them to write 🙂
Hi! I’m currently reading HP and the Chamber of Secrets with my 24 yo daughter. ? Looking forward to reading Jen’s new one!
I am currently reading Shattered by Dani Pettrey. Thanks for the giveaway! I haven’t read many of Jen Turano’s books yet, but I am looking forward to reading more!
A book I recently read and enjoyed was Things I Never Told You by Beth Vogt. Loved the fun interview with Jen!
I LOVE Jen’s books! Thanks for the interview. I have turned to this series again and again when I need to escape. I love the humor, even in the dire circumstances.
Send Down the Rain by Charles Martin
I love history as well, and am reading “Lizzy and the Guernsey Gang” by April Gardner; it’s a children version of the Guernsey Island story and you would love it.
I absolutely love Jen’s books but I don’t have a copy of Caught by Surprise yet.
I’m currently reading The Lost Castle by Kristy Cambron. Thanks for the giveaway.
I’m currently reading The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen. Can’t wait to read Jen Turano ‘s latest book!
Thanks for the opportunity to enter a giveaway! Would love to win a print copy of Caught by Surprise! Especially since Jen Turano is a new author to me! Currently I am reading Screen Play by Chris Coppernoll, which I discovered recently, and am thoroughly enjoying:) . . Thanks, again! Lual Krautter krautter12ATbresnanDOT
Hi, again, from Lual Krautter. My correct email is: krautter12ATbresnanDOTnet
Hi Lual! Congratulations! You are the winner of the signed copy of Caught by Surprise through a random drawing! I will be passing your name and email along to Jen, so be watching for an email from her.
Thank you to all who entered! Happy Reading ~ Rachel
I just finished Jen Turano’s In Good Company. It was such a great read! Wonderful characters, mystery, and romance. With three kids and a yard of peacocks thrown in, it was perfect! Thanks for the interview and book offer. I love her writing!
Love ur books ! Right now I’m reading a Tracie Peterson older novel Modnights refrain .
The Crescent Stone and Engraved on the Heart. I’m crazy like that. 🙂
Once I’m done with those books, they’ll go to a lady that’s in assisted living who loves getting these types of books to read.
The Widow of Gettysburg by Jocelyn Green. I have to start a new book as soon as I finish one or I go through withdrawal! I’d love to win and read this book!
I just finished Rachel Hauck’s The Love Letter and it was soooo good! The two timelines were woven together perfectly and the romance and historical setting were perfect. I would love to win Caught By Surprise because I have the other two before it and can’t wait to read it, but also because Jen’s books do just as she described above–give me an escape with some laughs as well. Thanks for the fun interview and giveaway!
I’m currently reading Shadows of the Past by Emily Thomas! My email is ascfarmgirl2@gmail.com.
Thanks for the giveaway! I love the humor in Jen Turano’s books. I’m currently reading “The Patriot Bride” by Kimberley Woodhouse.
Currently reading “Christmas with the Cowboy” (Big Heart Ranch #3) by Tina Radcliffe. She writes for Love Inspired and I love her books! 🙂
Thank you for the giveaway chance to win Caught by Surprise!
teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com
I truly am reading Caught by Surprise and am loving every minute of it.
Can’t wait to read it…love Jen Turano books!