Talent for Trouble, (Paperback)

Felicia Murdock is young, beautiful, wealthy and to say the least a bit quirky! She had her life planned out as so many young women do, and felt it was her destiny to marry Reverend Frasier. For many years she had worked at changing everything about herself, her dress, activities, and personality to become the perfect pastor's wife. The story opens as she is returning from the reverend's marriage ceremony . . . to someone else!! She is of course crushed and devastated as she was positive it was the Lord's leading for her to marry him. After being restrained by her own devices for so long, the real Felicia bursts out even more outlandish and unpredictable than ever before. The entire community is stunned at the beautiful, shapely young woman that has been hidden by her bizarre “modest” clothing, but not as shocked as they are at her unrestrained spirit! Totally unprepared for such a dynamo of a woman, Grayson Sumner is persuaded to spend time with her to cheer her up. She is constantly putting them in all sorts of dilemmas, problems, close calls, and even danger. Mr. Sumner finds himself overwhelmed by her enthusiasm and spontaneity but at the same time becoming increasingly attracted to her sincerity and innocence. He fights falling in love with her because his past holds some shady secrets that he feels would not only cause Felicia to reject him, but more seriously endanger her life. This book is hilarious, suspenseful and action packed! I guess I would have to compare Felicia somewhat to a Victorian Lucille Ball! I had such fun reading it. I found it very different than most Christian fiction novels! While I was entertained there were also many spiritual lessons within the story. One is how we often make our plans and put God's name on them. Then we wonder why they don't work out! Another important lesson is that we are often afraid that if others know of our failures, they can't love or accept us. When the truth is if someone truly loves those failures won't matter. “And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8 This was my first book of Jen Turano's and I look forward to reading more! I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.