In Pursuit of Civility by Jen Turano

In Pursuit of Civility (Merriweather Academy for Young Ladies #2)
By Jen Turano
Published by Bethany House
Publication Date: April 21, 2026

Description from the Publisher:
Annaliese Merriweather has been appointed the temporary headmistress of the Merriweather Academy for Young Ladies while her sister is on her honeymoon, but she doesn't feel cut out for the role. Especially after she loses two of her most troublesome students during an outing to a county fair and has to recruit the help of Seth McCormick, an eccentric inventor, to retrieve them.
Soon after, one of those mischievous students disappears again, intent on pursuing a pirate map. Together, Annaliese and Seth set out to find her, accompanied by a menagerie of Annaliese's rescued animal companions. As they stumble from one chaotic situation to the next, sparks fly between Annaliese and Seth. Somehow, they'll need to outwit dangerous individuals also intent on seeking treasure and bring everyone back in one piece--all while deciphering what their hearts desire.

My Review:
Jen Turano is absolutely my go-to author when I need a laugh! Her books are always unique, fast-paced, and filled with quirky characters.
In her latest book, Annaliese a hoot. It's so funny to see her try to wrangle her students while simultaneously keeping track of her animals (including a pet ferret who rides around on her shoulders and occasionally behaves like a guard dog) and falling for Seth. Seth was absolutely adorable--I love how how he cares for Annaliese as she is and doesn't try to change her, supporting her instead. I also appreciated how Annaliese and Seth could be straightforward about their feelings, no dancing around or guessing or whatever.
With great main characters, fun adventures, and a bevy of matchmakers (from mothers to students), this book was lots of fun to read.
4 stars.

I read a DRC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

A Match in the Making (The Matchmakers #1) by Jen Turano

A Match in the Making (The Matchmakers #1)

By Jen Turano 

Published by Bethany House 

Publication Date: February 21. 2013 

Description (from the author's website):
Miss Gwendolyn Brinley accepted a temporary paid companion position for the Newport summer season, believing it would be a lark to spend the summer in America’s most exclusive town. She suddenly finds her summer turning anything but amusing when her employer expects her to take over responsibilities as an assistant matchmaker. Tasked with the daunting prospect of attaining advantageous matches for her clients, Gwendolyn soon finds herself in the company of Mr. Walter Townsend, the catch of the Season, but a gentleman Gwendolyn finds beyond annoying.
Walter is reluctantly in search of a wife for the sake of his unruly motherless children. What he wasn’t expecting was Miss Brinley, who turns his quest for a new wife into a complete and utter debacle.
The more time they spend together throughout the Newport Season, the harder it is for Gwendolyn to find Walter a wife when she realizes his perfect match might be...her.
USA Today bestselling author Jen Turano’s trademark wit, sweet romance, and hilarious mischief will keep you turning the pages of this lively Gilded Age tale.

About the Author:

Named one of the funniest voices in inspirational romance by Booklist, Jen Turano is a USA Today bestselling author, known for penning quirky historical romances set in the Gilded Age. Her books have earned Publishers Weekly and Booklist starred reviews, top picks from Romantic Times, and praise from Library Journal. She's been a finalist twice for the RT Reviewers' Choice Awards and had two of her books listed in the top 100 romances of the past decade from Booklist. She and her family live outside of Denver, Colorado. Readers can find her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and at jenturano.com.

Review:

Jen Turano's books are always a delight to read! They are so funny, and this one is no exception. In the hands of a lesser storyteller, the eccentricities of some characters and the shenanigans of others could quickly become tiresome, but Turano does a fabulous job of making even over-the-top situations believable and humorous rather than annoying. 

I'm very much a character-driven reader and I've read all of Turano's books, so it's pretty big thing when I say that Gwendolyn might very well be my favorite of ALL of her heroines. She is just my sort of person--intelligent, capable, and direct. I love how she says the things that need to be said without beating around the bush and how she so adeptly solves problem after problem and refuses to bow to society's expectations. Walter was a bit of a dolt initially (not a good parent, not believing in love, etc.), but in an endearing way, and I loved seeing him change throughout the book. Walter's children, especially Oscar, just stole my heart. I'm hoping we'll see more of secondary characters Gideon and Adelaide in the next book, especially as one another's love interests, because I really liked both of them as well.

I highly recommend this book to any fans of historical romance, rom-coms, and super fun books!

4.5 stars.

I read a copy of the book provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own. 

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Can't wait for release day? Read a sneak peak! (Just look for the "Free Preview" button at the bottom.) And if you need more of Jen's writing to tide you over until the book comes out, check out my reviews of several of her other amazing stories!

To Disguise the Truth (The Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency #3) by Jen Turano

 

To Disguise the Truth (The Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency #3)

By Jen Turano

Published by Bethany House

Publication Date: January 18, 2022

Description:

When Arthur Livingston arrives out of the blue at the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency, anxious to hire the agency to seek out a missing heiress, Eunice Holbrooke realizes her past has finally caught up with her. 

Having fled from the scene of her grandfather's murder seven years before, Eunice is a lady with secrets--the most important that she is the missing heiress Arthur is seeking. She has no intention of allowing him to learn she's been disguising herself, especially when she has reason to believe Arthur could hold her responsible for her grandfather's death. 

In order to avoid Arthur and conceal her real identity, Eunice takes on another case that requires her to go deep undercover. With secrets from the past--and Arthur--appearing wherever she looks, she wonders how she will ever uncover the truth behind her grandfather's murder. Will what she discovers set Eunice free or place her in peril's way? 

Review:

This book was so much fun to read. Jen Turano's trademark humor shines bright, so I do recommend either reading this where people aren't around or being prepared to explain why you're laughing out loud! There are so many awesome lines in this book! There's a lot going on in this story, which could make it feel convoluted, but it totally comes together and works well. From the beginning of the series, I've been so curious about Eunice and what her story is--and it was so much more interesting than I could have guessed. Eunice is great character, strong but also vulnerable, and I loved getting to know her in this book. I also enjoyed seeing Eunice and Arthur come to appreciate one another, and I was delighted to see the romances of beloved secondary characters as well. Another great book from a terrific author! 

4.5 stars. 

I read an ARC provided by the author/publisher. All opinions are my own.

To Write a Wrong by Jen Turano

To Write a Wrong (The Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency #2) 

By Jen Turano 

Published by Bethany House 

Description: 

Miss Daphne Beekman is a mystery writer by day, inquiry agent by night. Known for her ability to puzzle out plots, she happily works behind the scenes for the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency, staying well away from danger. However, when Mr. Herman Henderson arrives on the doorstep of the agency, desperate for someone to investigate numerous attempts on his life, Daphne soon finds herself in the thick of a case she's determined to solve. 

Mr. Herman Henderson is also a mystery writer, but unlike the dashing heroes he pens, he prefers living a quiet life, determined to avoid the fate of his adventurous parents, who perished while searching for the Lost City of Gold. 

As the list of suspects grows and sinister plots are directed at Daphne, the situation quickly deteriorates, and a revealed secret jeopardizes their newfound affection. Only time will tell if Daphne will be able to regain Herman's trust and save both their lives. 

Review: 

I love knowing that when I'm in need of a good laugh, I can scoop up a book by Jen Turano and be guaranteed to get several. This book is a hoot. Daphne is hilarious, due to her blurting out exactly what she's thinking and her propensity for ending up in madcap situations (I mean, who knew bustles could be so entertaining?). Herman is wonderful; I love how he fell quickly for Daphne and appreciated her for who she was. Woven into the humor, there are serious issues, too, such as how limited women were at the time, with men controlling them in areas from their careers to their health and more. 

Such a fun book to read. 4 stars. 

I read an ARC provided by the publisher/author. All opinions are my own.

A Proper Scoundrel by Esther Hatch

A Proper Scoundrel 

By Esther Hatch 

Published by Covenant Communications 

Publication Date: May 10, 2021 

Description:

As the successful owner of multiple railroad lines, Diana Barton is all too accustomed to fending off suitors seeking to stake their claim on her wealth. In order to keep the wolves at bay, Diana has contrived the perfect plan: appeal to the most notorious rake in London, the Baron Lord Bryant, to ruin her reputation and scare off the worst of the time wasters. The ruse will be no hardship—she’s secretly been fascinated by the man for years. 

Lord Bryant is well aware of his questionable reputation. Indeed, he has cultivated the image carefully, and the last thing he wants is a wife. But when he’s approached by the younger sister of a business associate, he tells her in no uncertain terms that he cannot help. However, when he sees for himself what she is up against, Bryant grudgingly offers his assistance. Faced with his most complicated entanglement yet, Bryant is firm in his conditions—and Diana knows that to get romantically involved with Bryant would spell certain heartbreak. But as the counterfeit couple grow ever closer, the line between truth and lies becomes blurred, threatening both Lord Bryant’s well-laid plans and the future of Diana’s railroad business.

Review:

EEK! I've been looking forward to reading this book for so long, and it didn't disappoint. This book is easily one of my favorites of the year and one that I want to reread immediately! I've been eager to read Lord Bryant's story and get to know him better; he was such an intriguing character. Seeing his back story and why he did the things he did was so interesting. Diana Barton was also a terrific character. I loved seeing her determination to run her railroad business and how capable and intelligent she was. The two of them were perfect together; every interaction was just so much fun to read. I loved how they teased each other but also challenged and supported each other. I loved the whole book, but the final couple of scenes were especially fabulous. I adored everything about this book! 

5 stars. 

I read an ARC provided by the publisher/author. All opinions are my own.

To Steal a Heart by Jen Turano

To Steal a Heart (The Bleaker Street Inquiry Agency #1)

By Jen Turano

Published by Bethany House

Publication Date: November 17th, 2020

Description:

After a childhood as a street thief, Gabriella Goodhue thought she'd put her past behind her until a fellow resident at her boardinghouse is unjustly accused of theft. In the middle of breaking into a safe that holds the proof to prove her friend's innocence, Gabriella is interrupted by Nicholas Quinn, the man she once considered her best friend—until he abandoned her. 

After being taken under the wing of a professor who introduced him into society and named him as heir, Nicholas is living far removed from his childhood life of crime. As a favor to a friend, Nicholas agreed to help clear the name of an innocent woman, never imagining he'd be reunited with the girl he thought lost to him forever. 

As Gabriella and Nicholas are thrown together into one intrigue after another, their childhood affection grows into more, but their newfound feelings are tested when truths about their past are revealed and danger follows their every step. 

Review:

This book was so much fun to read! Gabriella is a terrific leading lady and totally relatable; she's been hurt in the past so she has distanced herself from others, but as she sets out to help clear her acquaintance's name, she finds herself thrown together with other residents of the boardinghouse, as well as Nicholas, and ends up realizing that maybe letting people in isn't so bad after all. Nicholas is both endearing and frustrating at the outset; he obviously cares about Gabriella and is good to employ those who need a helping hand, but he has learned to be a bit high-minded and too set in following society's ways. Seeing him change throughout the book was very gratifying. While the book is definitely funny, there are also some serious issues addressed that add depth to it (and would make it a good choice for book clubs). It's really interesting to consider how women weren't taken seriously by men and therefore might need an investigation agency comprised of women to listen to them and help them; it's also really neat to see how sometimes women's skills and opportunities were precisely what was needed to solve a crime or mystery. The way high society treated those they deemed beneath them was appalling but also makes for an interesting discussion topic. Some of the antic throughout the book might seem a little over the top if you were to list them off, and yet, Turano makes them work and provides a highly appealing book with romance, mystery, humor, and more. 

5 stars. 

I read a copy of the book provided by the publisher via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Flights of Fancy

Flights of Fancy
By Jen Turano

Isadora Delafield, one of the most sought-after heiresses in New York's high society, has been raised to be the perfect lady. When a disgusting and dangerous duke decides he will have Isadora as his wife at any cost, Isadora has to get away. With help from her butler, she sets out for Pennsylvania, posing as a servant looking for a position as a housekeeper. When she heads for Glory Manor, she thinks it sounds like a fancy house--and is therefore surprised to find it's a country home, complete with poison ivy, attacking chickens, and cows that try to enter the house. It doesn't take her long to realize she's not at all qualified to be the housekeeper, but she also finds herself drawn to the home and the people there. Determined to stay, she makes Ian MacKenzie a deal he can't refuse so that he'll hire her, even if it's only on a temporary basis.

Ian MacKenzie, a lawyer in high demand as he negotiates between the wealthy industrialists and their works, is busy with his work in Pittsburg. He needs to hire someone to help his aging adopted parents with the farm and with the four orphans they've recently taken in so he can get back to Pittsburg, and while he isn't sure "Izzie Delmont" will even manage to keep the house standing, he also finds himself completely fascinated by her and gives her a chance--and in so doing finds that maybe the path he's been on--to acquire wealth and marry into high society--isn't the right one for him after all.

Jen Turano is the master at humorous Christian romances. If you need a book to make you laugh out loud, look no further. There are so many things to laugh at, and if I listed them all out, it would probably sound absurd, and yet, that's the beauty of Turano's writing--these incidents that should seem over the top actually totally fit into the story and are completely believable with the characters she has created. Wrapped up in all that humor, though, there are also spiritual messages about changing, growing, and finding God's path, along with terrific chemistry between Izzie and Ian, both of whom are totally endearing characters. I loved watching them fall in love with each other as well as watching them fall in love with the four orphans, who are so completely heart-stealing that I wish they were real so I could hug them. This was just a delightful read from start to finish, and I cannot wait for the next book in the series!

5 stars! Best of 2019!

I read a copy of the book provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Out of the Ordinary

Out of the Ordinary by Jen Turano (Apart from the Crowd #2)

Gertrude Cadwalader is a companion to Mrs. Davenport, a society woman with a tendency to take things that don't belong to her--and then send Gertrude to return them. When Harrison Sinclair, a wealthy and handsome shipping tycoon, hosts an engagement party for his and Gertrude's mutual friends, Permilia Griswold and Asher Rutherford, Mrs. Davenport is up to her old tricks. When Gertrude has to return to Harrison's ship to set things to rights, his mother catches her and thinks that Gertrude is a thief. While Harrison is all too willing to believe in and even defend Gertrude, it soon becomes apparent that someone besides Mrs. Davenport is stealing things and that Mrs. Davenport's issues go deeper than Gertrude thought. As Gertrude and Harrison work together, Gertrude can't help falling for him, even though she knows that he's out of her league.

Jen Turano's books are always a hoot, guaranteed to make the reader laugh out loud, and this book was no exception. There were a few times when some of the behaviors of the characters seemed almost unbelievable, but the first book in the series helped set the tone for the absurdities of a colorful collection of eccentric characters. Harrison was a great romantic lead--handsome and kind and good--and willing to sneak a peak at his sisters' romance novels to try to understand women better. Gertrude's back story and how she ended a poor paid companion was so sad, and her determination to stand by her rather trying employer was admirable. The book is quirky and fun and another great read from Turano.
4 stars.

I read a copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Mo Willems' Elephant and Piggie Books

The Elephant and Piggie series by Mo Willems 

Summaries and reviews

Today I Will Fly!

Hyperion Books for Children, 2007. 57 pgs. Easy reader
Piggie insists that she is going to fly; Gerald insists that she is not. Determined to find a way, Piggie seeks out help and surprises Gerald with what she can do.
Ah, the last two pages of these books are always so funny!. The rest of the book is, too, but there's always a little some extra at the very end that makes these books extra awesome.

My Friend Is Sad

Hyperion Books for Children, 2007. 57 pgs. Easy reader
Piggie notices that Gerald is sad, so she tries on various costumes--cowboy, clown, and robot--to cheer him up, but nothing seems to work.

This is one of my favorites of the series. Gerald is so cute as he's experiencing his sadness, and Piggie is so cute as she is trying to cheer him up.It's such a sweet story about friendship...and of course, has a little bit of humor thrown in.

I Am Invited to a Party!

Hyperion Books for Children, 2007. 57 pgs. Easy reader
When Piggie gets invited to a party, she asks Gerald to go with her. Gerald, insisting he knows all about parties, tells her they must be ready--for a fancy party, or a pool party, or a costume party. Although Piggie is a little skeptical, she decides to trust her friend, since he's supposed to be the party expert.
So funny. I love it.

There Is a Bird on Your Head!

Hyperion Books for Children, 2007. 57 pgs. Easy reader
Gerald is quite distraught when a bird lands on his head, and is joined by another bird...and the two of them proceed to make a nest, and lay eggs, and hatch babies! He's hysterical as Piggie is describing what's happening. Piggie finally suggests a solution, which ends up working well for Gerald, but not so well for Piggie.

This is the least realistic book of the series, since obviously birds couldn't build a nest, lay eggs, and hatch eggs all in such a short period of time, but it's still a funny look at problem solving and coming up with a solution rather than freaking out, so it's got the emotional truth even if the timing is a little warped :) (If Gerald could have seen how adorable the birds were,though, he would have let them stay!)

I Love My New Toy!

Hyperion Books for Children, 2008. 57 pgs. Easy reader
Piggie has gotten a new toy and she loves it. When she lets Gerald have a turn playing with it, he breaks it and then she is sad and mad. and both friends begin to cry. When a squirrel points out that the toy is actually a snap and break toy, Gerald and Piggie realize that what is really important is friendship.
Good book, good message. I think this would be great for taking children through the emotions of dealing with possessions and friendship and conflict.

I Will Surprise My Friend

Hyperion Books for Children, 2008. 57 pgs. Easy reader
Piggie and Gerald decide to surprise each other by hiding on opposite sides of a rock and then peering out at each other--except they keep looking the wrong direction. Beginning to worry about each other, Gerald worries that Piggie has fallen off a cliff, been grabbed by a bird, or eaten by a monster, while Piggie thinks Gerald has gone off to get lunch. As Gerald sets off to save Piggie, and she sets off to find lunch, they finally manage to surprise each other.
This has the typical fun twist at the end that will have kids laughing. 

Are You Ready to Play Outside?

Hyperion Books for Children, 2008. 57 pgs. Easy reader
Gerald and Piggie have just begun to plan what fun they will have outside when it begins to ran. Piggie is quite unhappy with the rain and how it has ruined their day; Gerald provides coverage for Pigge with his ear, and that gesture helps Piggie to cheer up. Soon the two friends are enjoying the rain--just in time for the rain to stop. Piggie is unhappy once again, but Gerald comes to the rescue again.
This is a cute story about friendship. (Okay, they all are, but I just liked how Gerald tried to make his friend happy and cheer him up on a rainy.)

Watch Me Throw the Ball!

Hyperion Books for Children, 2009. 57 pgs. Easy reader
When Piggie finds Gerald's ball, she wants to give it a toss. Gerald isn't convinced that Piggie will be able to throw it as far as he can, but Piggie wants to try. Her throw doesn't turn out quite as she expected, but she teaches Gerald a lesson in the process.
I didn't like this one as much as most of the other titles, maybe because we don't see that extra dose of sweetness between the two friends, but it's still a fun book, and it has a good message.

Elephants Cannot Dance!

Hyperion Books for Children, 2009. 57 pgs. Easy reader
Piggie offers to teach Gerald to dance; he tells her elephants can't dance. She tells him he can still try, so he tries...and tries...and tries.
I love seeing Gerald's efforts and his frustrations and then finally a resolution that makes him feel better. It's a great message for kids--or even adults--that it's okay to have fun and not do things perfectly.

Pigs Make Me Sneeze!

Hyperion Books for Children, 2009. 57 pgs. Easy reader
Gerald is quite upset when he can't stop sneezing, because he things perhaps his allergic to pigs, which is problematic since "Piggie is a pig!" and that means they can't be friends. Heartbroken, Gerald must leave his best friend behind...until Doctor Cat comes to the rescue.
I think kids will love seeing how Piggie keeps getting bowled over by Gerald's sneezes. This isn't my favorite of the Elephant and Piggie books, but it's still cute.

I Am Going!

Hyperion Books for Children, 2010. 57 pgs. Easy reader
Gerald and Piggie are having a nice day together--until Piggie announces that she is going, which causes a case of hysteria in Gerald, who begs and pleads with his friend not to go.

So many cute illustrations, of course. I like when Gerald tries to persuade Piggie not to go until tomorrow, or next week, or next year, that he shows her a pig calender :) The small details like that, combined with the spot-on voice of someone who is overreacting, make this book a lot of fun for readers of all ages.

Can I Play Too?

Hyperion Books for Children, 2010. 57 pgs.
Piggie and Gerald are just making plans to play catch when a snake asks if he can join in the fun. Piggie and Gerald don't know how a snake can play catch--since of course, he doesn't have arms--but they are determined to find a way. Just when it seems like none of their solutions will work, Piggie comes up with an idea of how they can all play catch.
Piggie's solution made me laugh out loud. I'm not sure it's a solution that would translate well to human children, but this would be a good book to use to discuss differences and acceptance--a good message wrapped up in all the normal sweetness and humor of the Elephant and Piggie books.

We Are in a Book!

Hyperion Books for Children, 2010. 57 pgs. Easy reader
Gerald and Piggie notice that there is someone watching them--a reader in fact. They are so excited to be in a book, and even try to get the reader to say things out loud! But when they realize that the book is coming to an end, panic sets in.
Of course all of these books are great read-alouds, but I love how Willems invites the reader to be an active participant in the book here. I can just imagine kids giggling right along with Gerald and Piggie--and wanting to read the book again, and again, and again.

I Broke My Trunk

Hyperion Books for Children, 2011. 57 pgs. Easy reader
Gerald has broken his trunk, and Piggie wants to know why, so he starts to tell the story...which begins when Gerald thought it would be a good idea to balance Hippo on his trunk....
I love looking at Piggie's expressions in this book, which range from horrified at what Gerald decided to balance on his trunk to impatient as the story drags on. The unfolding of story is super cute and happens in such a child-like way, showing how one thing led to another and then having unexpected twist at the end.

Should I Share My Ice Cream?

Hyperion Books for Children, 2011. 57 pgs. Easy reader
When Gerald gets an ice cream cone, he's super excited....until he begins to wonder if he should find Piggie and share. She is, after all, his best friend...but she's not there, and maybe she won't know, and...Gerald makes excuses until he pictures Piggie being sad somewhere, and then he's determined to use his ice cream to cheer her up, but by then, his ice cream has melted. Just as he's feeling down about blowing it, Piggie comes along with some ice cream of her own and saves the day.

Yet another great story about the complexity of friendship and how something that should be as simple as sharing can be easily justified away. Gerald's internal struggle is one that kids (and adults) will go through time and time again. Once again, I'm so impressed by how Willems captures human emotion so well using so few words.

Happy Pig Day!

Hyperion Books for Children, 2011. 57 pgs. Easy reader
Piggie is ecstatic that it's Happy Pig Day--a great day for pig food, pig games, and all sorts of pig fun. However, when Piggie's pig friends show up, Gerald feels left out because he is not a pig. Luckily, Piggie can reassure her friend that Happy Pig Day is for everyone.
Is it silly how a 57 page children's book can touch my heart? I really liked the little twist at the end of this one as Piggie realized Gerald was feeling bad and gave him just the right information to let him know he was included? I just thought it was so sweet, and I love seeing these two characters care for each other.

I think it's cute how the inside back cover illustrations in these books have a guest appearance from our favorite pigeon.

Listen to My Trumpet!

Hyperion Books for Children, 2012. 57 pgs. Easy reader
When Piggie gets a trumpet, she quickly invites Gerald to listen to her play...but her playing isn't exactly musical. Gerald doesn't want to hurt Piggie's feelings, but when she asks what he thinks of her trumpet, he faces a tough decision about what to say.
Aw, so cute. I know, I've way over-used the word cute in this post, but Gerald and Piggie ARE SO CUTE. I love their friendship, and the lessons we learn from them, and the little twists Willems always gives us.

Quick series list (in publication order):
Today I Will Fly!
My Friend Is Sad
I Am Invited to a Party!
There Is a Bird on Your Head!
I Love My New Toy!
I Will Surprise My Friend!
Are You Ready to Play Outside?
Watch Me Throw the Ball!
Elephants Cannot Dance!
Pigs Make Me Sneeze!
I Am Going!
Can I Play Too?
We Are in a Book!
I Broke My Trunk!
Should I Share My Ice Cream?
Happy Pig Day!
Listen to My Trumpet!


5 stars. What's not to love about them? Nothing. You must love everything, or clearly you have no heart or are broken in some way :)

The Glorious Adventures of the Sunshine Queen

The Glorious Adventures of the Sunshine Queen
By Geraldine McCaughrean
Harper, 2010. 324 pgs. Middle grade fiction.

When diphtheria comes to Olive Town, Oklahoma, twelve-year-old Cissy's parents want to get her somewhere safe. Soon, they've enlisted Cissy's uptight schoolteacher, Miss May March, to escort her and two friends, Tibbie and Kookie, to meet up with their former schoolteacher, Loucien Crew, who has recently married an actor and gone on the road with his troupe. The actors have taken refuge in an old paddle steamer, which has run aground but soon sweeps them off down the river, and adventures ensue. They lose several members in a storm and then gain more along the way as they set up a traveling show. However, they're hit with some bad luck, and Cissy, who is desperate to be an actress, will have to give the performance of a lifetime to get them out of trouble.

This book is hilarious! The writing is clever and funny and the characters are a riot! The plot is good, too, and readers will be swept up in the story. This would be a great one to read aloud with a class.

4 stars.