Behind the Scenes ~ Review

Behind the Scenes
Apart from the Crowd #1
By Jen Turano

What if you were deemed too unusual for polite society and yet you were a part of it? Well, for six years Miss Permilia Griswold has found herself in just such a position and has been relegated to the wallflower section. Most young women would be disheartened at finding themselves in just such a position but Permilia uses it to her advantage - sharing society tidbits with the reading public through her society gossip column.

And when left to her own devices Permilia was known to be very spendthrift - not that a young woman of her means should have to, but Permilia had a special need for all her saved allowance. And if saving a coin or two could be accomplished by haggling Permilia wasn't about to waste a coin she could save. Unfortunately for Mr. Asher Rutherford he was the target of Permilia's latest haggling experience.

To say Permilia made an impression on Asher was an understatement. And when Permilia manages to dance with Asher she is about to make an impression on society that won't soon be forgotten as her style of dance is uniquely Permilia. And when she overhears a threat to Asher's life Permilia knows she has to act. What follows is a series of events that are both humorous and serious and polite society will never be the same.

This is a fun first book in the newest series from Jen Turano and like her other books, this is one heroine one wouldn't mind spending time with. Permilia is a caring person who knows her own mind and is inventive in getting the results she desires. This is a light-hearted historical fiction that will leave the reader with a relaxed and happy disposition. And who knew that society gossip could fill out a dance card (or two or three).

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher with no expectation of a positive review. All expressed opinions are my own.

About the Book:
After spending the last six years banished to the wallflower section of the ballroom, Miss Permilia Griswold has finally figured out a way to pass the time at all the New York high-society events she attends. Under the pseudonym "Miss Quill," she is the author of society gossip columns filled with tidbits only an insider in society--albeit one on the fringes--would know. 

When she overhears a threat against Mr. Asher Rutherford, the owner of one of the most up-and-coming department stores in the city, she's determined to warn him. But the irritatingly handsome man doesn't believe her, leaving her no choice but to take matters into her own hands. What she doesn't anticipate is that she'll end up putting herself at risk in the process--or that she and Mr. Rutherford, a man with secrets of his own, just might end up joining forces after all.