Playing the Part Book Review

A Class of Their Own Series

Book Three

SUMMARY:  Lucetta Plum is an actress on the rise in New York City, but must abandon her starring role when a fan's interest turns threatening.  Lucetta's widowed friend, Abigail Hart, seizes the opportunity to meddle in Lucetta's life and promptly whisks her away to safety at her eligible grandson's estate.
     At first glance, Bram Haverstein appears to be a gentleman of means - albeit an eccentric one - but a mysterious career and a secret fascination with a certain actress mean there's much more to him than society knows.
     While Lucetta has no interest in Abigail's matchmaking machinations, she can't ignore the strange things going on in Bram's house and the secrets he hides. As the hijinks and hilarity that Bram, Lucetta, and their friends are swept into take a more dangerous turn, can they accept who they are behind the parts they play in time to save the day?

REVIEW:  If you like books where everything works out in the end, the characters make you laugh, and you try to figure out how everything will play out, this book is for you.  Even though this book is not listed as a series, it completes the story of three friends.  You do not need to read the other two stories but they will tie up some loose ends and help you understand the characters much better.
      Lucetta is a fun character who does not let the social norms of the late 19th century tell her what to do.  She has her own ideas, own way of doing things and is not out looking to play the victim so she will be taken care of.  I love how she uses the skills God gave her (a photographic memory and a head for numbers) to help her family and friends.  Sometimes I wished she wasn't so independent but she was a fun character to read.
     The members of Bram's household add to the strange air around Bram.  Their odd behaviors, along with the menagerie of animals that he has rescued, just make things seem chaotic and unsettling.  Bram himself is a little mysterious by disappearing for days with no explanation.  I like the secret he keeps and how it ties into Lucetta's career.
    Things aren't always what they seem: actions, people, and events.  But, if you look hard enough and give people a chance, you will be amazed at what you can learn.
     This book was a fun wrap up to the stories about Harriet, Millie, Lucetta and Abigail.  Check it out if you are looking for a lively and pleasant read.

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group and Bethany House 

for review without compensation.

Jen Turano is the author of seven books, including the Ladies of Distinction and A Class of Their Own series.  Her novel, After a Fashion, is a Booklist Top 10 Romance of 2015 and a nominee in the 2015 RT Book Reviews Reviewer's Choice Awards.  She makes her home in Denver, Colorado, with her husband and son.  Visit her website at www.jenturano.com.