In England in the 1930s, Kenneth Verney is expelled from his public school for a prank-gone-wrong. When he's forced to take a job with his uncle instead of joining the army, as he wishes, he expects boredom. Instead, he finds true delight in his work. Overseeing the physical training and fitness of wealthy businessmen teaches him both ingenuity and responsibility. While navigating a maze of unforeseen, sometimes comic, problems, Kenneth learns more about himself than he ever thought possible.

Only the Unexpected is the latest offering from Jill Shakley, continuing a multi-faceted look at period London through a series of quirky, complex characters. Here, we explore coming of age in a time when life could be truly demanding. In helping other people meet their challenges, Kenneth ends up improving his own life-and dabbling in a bit of romance.