Behind the Scenes is the first book in Jen Turano’s Apart From the Crowd series.  This historical piece taking place in New York is particularly amusing for those of us who find social class stigmas to be ridiculous and limiting.  Enter Permilia Griswold who dares to defy all of these social norms and create a meaningful purpose for her life.

The antics of Permilia are often humorous as one considers the stuffiness of the social elite.  Asher Rutherford is unsure whether to be attracted to or merely confused by Permilia’s behaviors.  It is fun to tag along as these characters evaluate their principles and desires.

The book contains many interesting and quirky characters.  Hopefully many of these are included in subsequent books.  Readers will want to strangle some, hug others and just laugh along with yet a few more. 

Enjoy this journey into historical New York and let yourself be caught up in the challenges and triumphs of the characters.  Romance, humor and some surprises await readers.

Review of a Digital Advance Reader Copy

This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Bethany House Publishers

Content Analysis:

Profanity:  None 

Violence/Gore:  Characters stomp on toes and kick a person in the shin; a person overhears men plotting to kill someone; arrows and bullets are fired at characters, but miss; a character speculates that another character would shoot someone; a person throws objects at people in a fit of rage; characters are threatened with knives and guns, blood is drawn and there is a fatality; characters admit to murdering people.

Sex/Nudity:  Non-married characters kiss and embrace; it is mentioned that a man was unfaithful and had polygamous relationships.

Mature Subject Matter:

Illegitimate children, death of a parent, murder.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

Adults consume wine and champagne at social functions; adult characters sip brandy.