How Do You Solve a Problem Like Millie Longfellow? - In Good Company by Jen Turano Review

"How do you solve a problem like Maria?
How do you catch a cloud and pin it down?
How do you find a word that means Maria?
A flibberty jibbet! A will-o'-the wisp! A clown!

Many a thing you know you'd like to tell her
Many a thing she ought to understand
But how do you make her stay
And listen to all you say
How do you keep a wave upon the sand

Oh, how do you solve a problem like Maria?
How do you hold a moonbeam in your hand?"

--Excerpt of lyrics from the song "Maria" by Rogers and Hammerstein, The Sound of Music (1965).

Book cover of "In Good Company" by Jen Turano
(c.) 2015 by Bethany House Publishers
Title: In Good Company (A Class of Their Own #2)
Author: Jen Turano
Published: 2015 by Bethany House Publishers

About the Book:
"After growing up as an orphan, Millie Longfellow is determined to become the best nanny the East Coast has ever seen. Unfortunately, her playfulness and enthusiasm aren't always well received and she finds herself dismissed from yet another position.

Everett Mulberry has quite unexpectedly become guardian to three children that scare off every nanny he hires. About to depart for Newport, Rhode Island, for the summer, he’s desperate for competent childcare.

At wit’s end with both Millie and Everett, the employment agency gives them one last chance–with each other. As Millie falls in love with her mischievous charges, Everett focuses on achieving the coveted societal status of the upper echelons. But as he investigates the suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of the children’s parents, will it take the loss of those he loves to learn whose company he truly wants for the rest of his life?"
The Artist Librarian's Review:
When trying to come up with a title for this review, the lyrics from "Maria," the song sung by the Nuns about the main protagonist in the classic Sound of Music film immediately came to mind.  I can easily imagine poor Mrs. Patterson of the employment agency singing, "How do you solve a problem like Millie Longfellow?"  Indeed, Millie must be one of the most quirky, "adorkable" protagonists I've encountered this year!  Always armed with a dictionary, Millie will often look up words that her high society employers use --her quirks came off as amusing rather than annoying, much like Amelia Bedelia, the protagonist of Peggy Parish's classic early reader book series.  In contrast with the high society, "hands off" attitude of the time towards childcare, Millie is a good nanny because she embodies the mindset of a child --she knows how they think and truly loves and cares about them.

I've heard of Jen Turano's books around the Christian/Inspirational book "blog-o-sphere" for several years, but never got around to reading her novels until now.  I'm seriously wondering why I took so long to give her a try!  After reading In Good Company, my mom immediately pronounced Jen Turano "The Mary Connealy of 19th century East Coast high society" --I wholeheartedly agree with her description.  If you enjoy romantic historical comedy such as Mary Connealy's western romances, I think you would enjoy this book!  I also must add that despite being the second novel in the A Class of Their Own series, I was able to read it as a stand alone with no problems (though characters that I assume were main protagonists in the first novel are mentioned).   

With an adorkable heroine, a likeable hero, scene-stealing, mischievous secondary characters, a sweet romance, and a dash of mystery --Jen Turano's latest book is a fun romp though 19th century Newport!

[Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher for review purposes.]

I always enjoy romances that make me smile or laugh out loud!  What about you?  Author or title suggestions are welcome as well! 

About the Author:
"Jen Turano is the author of six books, including the Ladies of Distinction series.  She makes her home in Denver, Colorado, with her husband and son.  Visit her website at www.jenturano.com."

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