Moonglotexas“The truth of the matter was this—she, Miss Beatrix Waterbury, had been banished from New York, and all because she’d had the great misfortune of landing herself in jail . . . twice.”
Opening line of “Storing Up Trouble” by Jen Turano
As in every Jen Turano’s novel, there is a mix of lightheartedness and seriousness which makes a book both a delight and insightful! In this one, finding one’s self is at the centre. Our leading lady, Beatrix, is passionate, empathetic and intelligent! She is a sharp contrast to our leading man, Norman, who is blind to the needs and feelings of those around him and thoroughly caught up in his work.
As they travel to Chicago, their train is set on by thieves and the two escape the danger together. In finding help, Norman finds Beatrix as confusing as she finds him vexing. The experience begins a discovery journey for Norman of coming to see those around him and find his purpose in life.
For Beatrix, it’s Chicago which holds the opportunity to be something other than a great American heiress. It allows her to get a job and an understanding of the needs and pains of the working class.
Whilst Beatrix and Norman are wonderful characters, it is the supporting cast which I found the most interesting. It is the interaction amongst them that brings the best out of each.
The mystery behind who is after Norman’s scientific research drives the story forward. It is full of lovely twists making the reader ponder who is behind it all.
To all this, Jen structures it all on Christian principles of love, compassion and kindness. It is elegantly done and not overbearing!
“Storing Up Trouble” is a fabulous conclusion to the American Heiresses series, it is a five out of five on the enJOYment scale and highly recommended.
From the back cover:
When Miss Beatrix Waterbury’s Chicago-bound train ride is interrupted by a heist, Mr. Norman Nesbit, a man of science who believes his research was the target of the heist, comes to her aid. Despite the fact that they immediately butt heads, they join forces to make a quick escape.
Upon her arrival in Chicago, Beatrix is surprised to discover her supposedly querulous Aunt Gladys shares her own suffragette passions. Encouraged by Gladys to leave her sheltered world, Beatrix begins working as a salesclerk at the Marshall Field and Company department store. When she again encounters Norman on a shopping expedition, he is quickly swept up in the havoc she always seems to attract.
But when another attempt is made to part Norman from his research papers, and it becomes clear Beatrix’s safety is also at risk, they soon discover the curious way feelings can grow between two very different people in the midst of chaos.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
