Picture an American storyteller who swapped fashion for faith-filled romance, weaving tales that sparkle with humor and heart—meet Jen Turano! A USA Today bestselling author, Turano has charmed readers with her quirky historical romances set in the Gilded Age, blending Christian values, witty banter, and a dash of adventure. Her Ladies of Distinction series, which debuted in 2012, turned her into a literary gem, earning accolades and a loyal following.
From her idyllic childhood in a small Ohio town to her rise as a master of Christian fiction, Turano’s journey is as captivating as her novels. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this delightful author whose stories remind us that love and laughter are timeless.
The Making of Jen Turano
Jen Turano grew up in St. Clairsville, Ohio, a quaint village near Wheeling, West Virginia, where she spent her days ice-skating, boating, and dreaming up stories in her treehouse. A graduate of the University of Akron with a degree in Clothing and Textiles, she initially pursued a career in management. But after her son, Dominic, was born, Turano’s life took a creative turn. Bored by a lackluster book they were reading together, she and Dominic began crafting their own tale—complete with smelly beasts! This playful project sparked her writing passion, leading her to trade corporate life for the world of historical romance.
Jen Turano’s Unforgettable Stories
Turano’s novels are a delightful blend of humor, faith, and Gilded Age glamour, earning her the title of one of the funniest voices in inspirational romance by Booklist. Her debut series, Ladies of Distinction, kicked off with A Change of Fortune (2012), where Lady Eliza Sumner, disguised as a governess, embarks on a rollicking quest to reclaim her stolen fortune. The series, including hits like A Most Peculiar Circumstance (2013), a Booklist Top Ten Romance pick, is beloved for its spunky heroines and swoon-worthy heroes.
Turano’s other series, like American Heiresses and The Matchmakers, continue her signature style. Flights of Fancy (2019) follows heiress Isadora Delafield’s hilarious journey from high society to rural housekeeper, while Meeting Her Match (2024) wraps up The Matchmakers with Camilla Pierpont’s charming tale of propriety and mischief. Her vivid historical settings, laced with Christian themes and laugh-out-loud moments, make every book a cozy escape.
With 24 books across eight series, Turano’s knack for crafting independent, courageous women and dashing gentlemen keeps readers hooked. Her stories aren’t just romances—they’re celebrations of resilience, faith, and finding joy in the unexpected.
Why Jen Turano Matters
Jen Turano’s impact on Christian historical romance is undeniable. Her novels, published through Bethany House, have earned starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Library Journal, plus nominations for RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards. By blending humor with heartfelt faith, she’s carved a niche for readers seeking uplifting stories that don’t shy away from life’s messiness. Her heroines, often trailblazers in a man’s world, inspire modern readers to embrace their own strength and quirks.
Turano’s legacy lies in her ability to make history feel alive and relatable. Living outside Denver with her husband and neurotic Cattle Dog, she continues to write, with her upcoming Merriweather Academy for Young Ladies series, starting with A Lesson in Propriety (May 2025), promising more wit and warmth.
- Key Works: A Change of Fortune, A Most Peculiar Circumstance, Flights of Fancy, Meeting Her Match
- Awards: Booklist Top 100 Romances of the Decade, RT Reviewers’ Choice Award finalist
- Hobbies: Hiking in Colorado, spending time with family
Ready to fall in love with Jen Turano’s world? Grab A Change of Fortune and immerse yourself in her sparkling Gilded Age romances!