To Steal a Heart by Jen Turano is the first book in her new Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency series. Gabriella Goodhue’s childhood was spent as a street thief until her arrest sent her to an orphanage. Determined to put that past behind her, she reluctantly recalls her skills when a friend is in need of a little breaking and entering.
Nicholas Quinn was Gabriella’s best friend until she was taken from him that fateful arrest day. He never forgot her, even though his lot in life was changed when he was sent to live with a professor who taught him to be a gentlemen. Their paths unexpectedly cross while Gabriella is attempting to crack open a safe.
The story is off and running from there, with many a twist and turn and lighthearted mishap. It’s one of the aspects of Jen Turano’s writing that I greatly enjoy – her ability to take characters with difficult pasts and put them in humorous situations.
Gabriella and Nicholas are especially well-paired and it is no wonder they were childhood best friends. Personally, their type of characters are ones I especially enjoy reading about, too. The supporting cast threatens to steal the show, but Gabriella and Nicholas are too strong to let that happen.
If you’re looking for a lighthearted read with quirky characters that also touches on deep topics like poverty, wealth, and crime, definitely pick up a copy of To Steal a Heart. It might steal your heart, too.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.