Guys I’m so very excited to bring you todays interview!! and after you’ve read the interview Make sure you enter the Giveaway. Jen has Offered 1 signed copy of Caught by Surprise(us only though) rafflecopter link (red link) is at the end of the interview! (the giveaway has ended)
Temperance it’s so nice of you to stop by for an interview! You don’t know how excited I am!
It’s lovely to be here, Alecia. I must say I’m finding 2018 to be far different from 1883. Do you realize that almost all the ladies I’ve seen so far have been wearing trousers??? And what is with those shoes that seem to be mere boards strapped to ladies’ feet – I believe someone mentioned they’re called flip-flops? How curious, but delightful at the same time.
I’m so very sure the attire now a days is a bit of a shock!
Jen thank you so much for arranging it.
It was my pleasure, Alecia. I knew Temperance would love an opportunity to chat with you. She’s trying to make up for lost time in that department, you see, what with how she spent a few years practically mute.
For those of you who don’t know her Temperance Flowerdew is from Caught by Surprise
And I’ll include the book info at the end!
Temperance, I’m gonna be honest and tell you the book is next on my to read pile, I’m hoping that will mean I won’t ask any spoiler questions but if I do I won’t be upset if you tell me you can’t answer them!
Ah, I take it I shouldn’t give any secrets away then. Right. Well, get on with it, I’ve got a lovely gentleman waiting for me after I finish up here for the day. He’s a bit of a charmer, Gilbert is, and I don’t want to be late for the lovely dinner he’s planned for me at Delmonico’s. It’s one of the most divine restaurants in the city, serves up a delicious beef in crème sauce.
First off Coffee or tea??? And which pastry would you like?? As you can see we have nice little spread for while we chat!!
Indeed it is a lovely spread, and even though I did just mention I’m off for dinner after this, I believe I’ll help myself to a pastry, or three. I love the ones with icing on them. Do you know that Gilbert bought me a few pastries in Chicago? He was most put out with me at the time, but because he is a gentleman to the tips of his toes, he couldn’t refuse me a treat. Now, what was the question again? Thoughts of Gilbert to tend to distract me…but…yes…tea or coffee? Hmm…tea, I suppose, although coffee is lovely as well.
Now I noticed you like painting, what’s your favorite thing to paint??
I enjoy ocean scenes. Did I also mention that Gilbert once took me out to the seaside to paint? It was a most romantic gesture on his part. He’s not much of a painter, mind you, but he does try, bless his heart.
And what are your favorite paints to use??? I’m partial to watercolors cause I love the effects the make!!!
Watercolors are wonderful, but I prefer oil.
How does it feel to not be under Clementine’s thumb so to speak?
Ah, Clementine. She’s a difficult lady at the best of times, but I do enjoy not being at her beck and call these days. She’s very demanding, and I don’t miss looking after her all the time, nor do I miss her pinching me whenever she was in a foul mood.
What were your first thoughts when seeing Gilbert again for the first time after so long?
It was wonderful. Gilbert and I spent almost every minute together as children. I’d forgotten how much I relished being in his company.
In the past Jen’s told me that her characters can be stubborn and tell her who they want to be rather than who she thinks they are..,.did you have any moments like that with her?
Poor Jen. She was convinced that I needed to remain a demure, timid, and need I say, meek lady. I decided that wasn’t going to suit me in the least after book one, “Behind the Scenes.” I started putting up a fuss, but she’s just as stubborn as I am, so it took me quite a few pages of being uncooperative until she gave in. I know for fact she was annoyed with me – if you could have heard the mumbling going on in her office as she deleted chapters…she might have even threatened to take me completely out of the series at one point. Thankfully, she came to her senses about that!
Oh Goodness I would have loved to be a fly on the wall when you two were both being stubborn! I’m so glad she didn’t take you out!!
What’s the craziest thing you have in your reticule right now??
I don’t know if I’d say this was crazy, because times are treacherous when a lady goes out and about on her own these days, but I do have a lovely pistol in my reticule, and I’m almost getting proficient with using it. Gilbert thinks I’m a menace with a gun, but he’s merely being difficult about the matter. It’s hardly my fault that I almost, and quite by accident of course, shot him while he was trying to teach me how to shoot.
And is there anything else you’d like to share???
I would simply like to thank you again for wanting to chat with me. Now, though, it is time I go back to the Gilded Age. I have much waiting for me there, and by that I mean…Gilbert.
Thank you sooo much Temperance and Jen for agreeing to this interview it was fun!! Have fun at your dinner tonight with Gilbert!
Thank you for having me, Alecia. As you’ve realized, Temperance has all but flown out the door, but she’ll probably be back again at some point. I’ve got the feeling she’s about to find herself enjoying quite the adventure ahead, which she’ll definitely want to chat about soon!
She did run away quickly! she really couldn’t wait to get back
Readers, the Giveaway,the book info and author bio are all below…make sure you check out this series!!!
Click the below link to enter the giveaway
Caught by Surprise by Jen turano
Series: Apart from the crowd #3
Published by Baker Publishing Group on July 31, 2018
Genres: Christian, Fiction, General, Historical, Romance
Pages: 368
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
Miss Temperance Flowerdew is on her way to work when a stranger suddenly grabs her off the street and sends her on a Chicago-bound train before she can figure out what happened.
When Mr. Gilbert Cavendish is called upon to rescue a missing woman, he follows the trail to Chicago only to discover that the woman is his good friend Temperance. Before they can discover who was behind the abduction, they’re seen alone together by a New York society matron, putting their reputations at risk.
Gilbert is willing to propose marriage–except Temperance will have none of it. She’s finally stepped out of the shadow of her relations and won’t give up her independence. But when it becomes clear the misunderstanding in Chicago has escalated into a threat on her life and followed her to New York, accepting Gilbert’s help in solving the mystery may lead to more than she ever could have dreamed.
About Jen turano
Jen Turano is a graduate of the University of Akron with a degree in Clothing and Textiles. She pursued a career in management for nine years before switching to full-time motherhood after the birth of her son. When she’s not writing, Jen can be found watching her teenage son participate in various activities, taking long walks with her husband and dog, socializing with friends, or delving into a good book. She lives in suburban Denver, Colorado. Learn more at www.jenturano.com.
It sounds like Temperance is quite a mess. Good luck to Gilbert on taming her. This sounds like something I would enjoy reading.
I love jen’s books!!!! I started his one yesterday and so far I love it!!! You should definitely read it 🙂
Temperance is certainly a bit of a mess, Perrianne, but I do believe Gilbert loves that about her 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
I would have to ask whose idea it was for Temperance to carry a gun that she is not quite proficient with?
Haha I’m sure it was her own idea and no one could talk her out of it 😄
Oh, this was a fun interview! I love Temperance Flowerdew and Gilbert Cavendish. I’m so glad Temperance got her way in Jen’s head…LOL. She is quite a handful.
As a reader, I cannot recommend this book and series enough. I have loved every moment!
I’ve loved every moment too!!! The series is definitely amazing, and even though I haven’t finished caught by surprise I know I’d recommend it 🙂
Thank you so much, Andrea!!! Just delighted you enjoyed the series so much!!!
What kind of chair do you sit in to write?
Thanks for the opportunity to win one of your books.
Hey Debbie – hmmm…it depends – I have a fancy office chair, but I don’t actually like it – so, right now, I’m in this cool parson’s chair that I found for a steal at an out-of-the way shop up in the mountains ~ Jen ~
I can’t wait to read this book! Jen writes in such a way I forget I’m even reading!
If I could ask Jen 1 question I would ask how does she come up with such unique characters?
How do I come up with unique characters??? Well, I normally take characteristics from someone I know, and then…magnify those and give my characters a certain quirk – like being color-blind, or having a way with horses, something like that – thanks for asking!
I am very much looking forward to reading this book, more so now that we’ve “met” Temperance. She sounds just lovely!
Thank you, Anya!!
Oh how fun! Temperance sounds very determined, but fun at the same time. I really like this take on an interview! I would ask Jen, out if the series so far, does she have a favorite leading lady? I have the first two books and can’t wait to get my hands on and read this one!
Okay, Laura – get me in trouble – but…my favorite character out of this series is Gertrude – I just adored writing her – Temperance gave me all sorts of trouble –
Haha, I can see liking Gertrude so much though! I can’t wait to read Temperance’s story though!
Temperance, It was a delight meeting you! Do you prefer painting sunrises or sunsets? I’m sure your oceans scenes are breathtaking!
Thank you for stopping by, Caryl!!! As for what I prefer – I do think I enjoy sunrises – I’m a bit of a morning person and there’s nothing like catching those first rays breaking over the ocean ~ Temperance ~
What a fun interview!
These are my favorite kind to do
Thank you, Elisabeth!!
look forward to reading this new (to me) author
Her books are amazing you won’t be disappointed
Thank you for stopping in, Cindy – and, since you haven’t read me before – I do have two free novellas out there – “Gentleman of Her Dreams” and “At Your Request.” They’re short, but complete stories and will give you a taste of my writing style (which has been said to be somewhat…quirky.) You can find them at most e-book sites!
Temperance, It was a delight meeting you! I’m sure your ocean scenes are breathtaking. Do you prefer painting sunrise or sunset?
Great character interview! I enjoyed it.
Question for Temperance: How did you finally manage to convince Jen to allow you to speak?
Well, Miss Heidi, I have to tell you that Jen was not really listening to me at first – she’s annoying that way – so I had to resort to not cooperating on the page – she’d try to write me being shy and quiet and I just balked at that nonsense – I think she said my uncooperative attitude was giving her something called writers…was it block? Anyway, she apparently got tired of not being able to write me the way she wanted, so after she just let me have my way, my story was just a breeze for her to write after that – or maybe not – but that’s my story and I’m sticking to it!
Can’t wait to read this new book! Temperance, what’s the number one quality you look for in a gentleman?
Oh, well, Jen prefers gentlemen with a healthy sense of humor, and I suppose I do as well, although I also enjoy dependable men, and ones who think it’s perfectly fine for me to learn how to shoot a pistol ~ Temperance ~
Jen, are you planning on writing any novels featuring Harrison’s sisters as the main characters? I would love to delve into the psyche of the Sinclair ladies.
That’s a great question, Heather – and…probably. I didn’t have any plans to write their stories, but then they just sort of took off and became these amazing characters – It’ll depend on whether my editor wants me to give them a series. But, at the very least, I do believe they’ll show up in a novella collection at some point. Thanks for asking!
Is it easier to walk on land or the boat? Gotta have those sea legs!
Hi Diane – Jen told me to tell you that she prefers walking on land – she tends to get a bit seasick if she’s on a boat for too long. I, on the other hand, enjoy boats, although I didn’t get an opportunity to spend much time on them for a year or two, what with how my pesky relatives turned me into something on the lines of a servant – but…that’s a story for another day. ~ Temperance ~
Temperance sounds like a very fun lady. I would love to go on an adventure with her.
Who wouldn’t!!
Temperance, it was so nice meeting you, and I’ll have to read “Caught by Surprise” soon! What made you take up painting?
I suppose I took it up because it called to me – and don’t tell Jen I told you this, but even though she’s been known to paint, she’s rather, well, questionable at it – she once did a self-portrait in an art class and it was only by process of elimination that the professor could figure out it was Jen – 🙂
I would love to win a copy! Thanks for the opportunity!
Thank you for stopping in, Nicole!! Good luck!!
Which does Temperance enjoy more–shooting with guns or fighting with knives? She didn’t do so badly when practicing with knives!
Haha!!! Shhh I haven’t gotten to that part yet 🤣
I’m going to say guns…although I’m not sure that’s actually the case, but Temperance isn’t around at the moment for me to ask her 🙂
Jen, did you ever do anything with you degree? Do you sew or craft? Thanks for the cute interview.
I used to be a buyer for a department store, Paula – fabulous job, but I gave it up right before I had my son – there was a lot of traveling involved and I didn’t think that would work well with being a mom. As for sewing – I know how – had to take advanced tailoring back in the day, but I’m not really very good at it – as for crafts – I used to do cross-stitch, but haven’t had much time the last few years – this writing thing keeps me rather busy 🙂
How did you go from a degree in clothing and textiles to becoming an author?
Totally by accident – I wrote a story with my son when he was in third grade – we’d tried to muddle our way through this horrible series about this bird – which had my son deciding we could write a better book. After we were finished, I realized I enjoyed using my brain again, so I just started trying out different genres. It took me quite a few books before I landed an agent and then a contract, but I look at those books as my stepping stones, needed to help me perfect my writing voice and craft. Thanks for asking!!
Jen, I love reading your books! Where do you get all your ideas for such fun stories?
Thank you, Gina!! And I get ideas from all over – The idea for this series started with Permilia – and the question “What if?” And then I went from there – what if a wallflower was responsible for penning an anonymous gossip column, and while snooping around, overheard a plot for murder – and with that…the series just took on a life of its own. Thanks for asking!
Jen, have you ever had any real life situations as crazy as the scenes you’ve come up with?
Hey Kathy! Thanks for asking, and yes, crazy stuff happens to me all the time – I’ve fallen through the bottom of boats that certainly weren’t seaworthy, had an umbrella close over top of me when I was a lifeguard back in the day, been chased by horses through a forest, had goats eat my shirt – you name it, it has probably happened to me 🙂
A question for Temperance: why do you prefer oils versus watercolor?
Definitely oils – I like the vividness of the colors I can mix!
Temperance sounds like someone I’d like to get to know!
same!
She can be quite charming, but she’s incredibly stubborn – although…don’t tell her I said that 🙂
This sounds like such a fun book! I would ask Jen how in the world she comes up with her characters! Love her books!
Hi Kimberly!! You know, they just seem to take on a life of their own. I normally have an idea of who I think they’re going to be, but that doesn’t last past the first few chapters – I’ve learned it’s just best to let them do what they want to do, they’re going to get their way in the end 🙂
So fun to read this interview with Temperance and I must ask you Temperance if you plan to get some of those trousers that you’ve seen on young ladies?
Haha that’s a very good question!!!
But of course I am – although I believe I’ll enjoy wearing split-skirts more – you don’t draw quite as much attention in those – Jen seems to wear trousers all the time, and some are even cut off above the knees – no idea what she’s thinking with those, but I haven’t had the heart to tell her I find her choice in some fashions to be rather…confusing ~ Temperance ~
Thanks for this fun interview and giveaway.
Jen, I really enjoyed reading this interview. I love historical fiction. How do you do the research for these types of books?
Hi Susan!!! I have an entire library of books about the Gilded Age, and then I have a great team of librarians who hunt down other research for me – they’re just the best! I also travel to New York frequently, and next month, well, I’m off to see the Henry Frick museum in Pittsburgh. My friend isn’t exactly thrilled that we’re going to do that – she thought we’d be spending most of the day shopping, but since I have two books that will mosey into Pittsburgh, well, I have to do it – shopping can happen another time.
When did you know you wanted to be an author, Jen? Can’t wait to read this one.
After I wrote a middle grade book with my son when he was in third grade – although, I don’t suppose I really decided I wanted to be an author then – it took me a few years to really get serious about it – and then after I landed an agent, she sold “A Change of Fortune” to Bethany House, and I’ve been writing ever since.
Does Jen have a great sense of humor, since all of her characters are such a hoot?
I would say she does!!! I’ve definitely seen it in the little fb conversations we’ve had and in her post
Yes! She does! She’s hilarious to talk with and absolutely adorable!
I loved the other books in this series so it will be good to read Caught by Surprise. My question for Temperance is: when did you know you felt more for Gilbert than just friendship?
Hmmm…. now that is a good question, Pam – Jen thinks it was when he bought be more than one pastries while we were in Chicago, but I think it was when he got grumpy with me when I told him I wouldn’t marry him – he’s quite adorable when he’s grumpy! Thanks for asking ~ Temperance ~
I have just loved discovering Jen’s books and the terrific characters. I would ask her how she can make them so believable and real, even in the oddest situations. I just love how the endings surprise me.
You know, Kathleen, I’m not really sure how I do that – I just have this rather weird brain – and when I’m writing, it’s like a movie is unfolding in my head – if that makes any sense??? I then just write what I’m seeing and hope for the best! Thanks for asking!!
I can’t wait to read this book! I love Jen’s books!!!
Thank you so much, Joy!!!
What a fun interview!! All of Jen’s books are so entertaining-how does she do that?
Thank you so much, Terressa – and hmmm….I have a lot of help and my editors are fabulous for giving suggestions when they feel I’ve written chapters that don’t move the story forward. It really does take a village to get my books out there and actually, you know, enjoyable 🙂
I know that all authors are different, and some plot and create a nearly finished chapter at a time. Did she change the way that the story went as it happened? (Trying not to ask a simple plotter of pantser question I think we’re all hybrids, anyway, to some degree, but just curious about the crafting. .)
So this book was actually a bit tricky to write – I have to turn in a complete proposal for all of my series – and I’d really plotted this book out – However, Temperance simply wouldn’t cooperate. So after I got to about chapter four – I had to step back, rethink things, then I started again – planning out about five chapters at a time – that seemed to work with this book, but that’s not normally how I write. Thanks for asking!!!
I can see how much you enjoy and couldn’t wait to get back to Gilbert. What is your favorite past to spend with Gilbert.
Oh, that is a delightful question, Leslie – and I think what I enjoy the most with Gilbert is this – visiting bakeries – you know, I simply adore pastries, and Gilbert, well, he enjoys sharing his pastries with me – it’s quite romantic. Have a great day!!! ~ Temperance ~
Great interview – that was so much fun! Temperance, is there anything else you do for fun besides painting? Do you believe opposite attract?
How do you form your Characters ? Temperance is such a good name !
Linda Marie Finn
Faithful Acres Books
I’d ask Jen what kinds of books she likes and what her hobbies are.
Always enjoy and appreciate Jen’s books for the humor and the learning experience from facets of the story. Does Jen ever wish she lived during the time period of this novel?
Where does Jen get her character ideas? She has the best characters!
She definitely does!!!
Hey Jen! Your characters are always so quick-witted and fun. Are you like them? 😉
Who have been some of your favorite and most memorable characters to write about?
What have been some of your favorite and most memorable characters to write about?