The Lieutenant's Bargain

Fort Reno #2

by Regina Jennings

Hattie Walker dreams of becoming a painter, while her parents want her to settle down. As a compromise, they give her two months to head to Denver and place her works in an exhibition or give up the dream forever. Her journey is derailed when a gunman attacks her stagecoach, leaving her to be rescued by a group of Arapaho . . . but she's too terrified to recognize them as friendly.

Confirmed bachelor Lieutenant Jack Hennessey has long worked with the tribe and is tasked with trying to convince them that the mission school at Fort Reno can help their children. When a message arrives about a recovered survivor, Jack heads out to take her home--and plead his case once more.

He's stunned to run into Hattie Walker, the girl who shattered his heart--but quickly realizes he has a chance to impress her. When his plan gets tangled through translation, Jack and Hattie end up in a mess that puts her dreams in peril--and tests Jack's resolve to remain single.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Romance, Historical, Christian, Fiction, Westerns

327 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2018

About the author

Regina Jennings is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a history minor. She has worked at The Mustang News and First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and various livestock shows. She now lives outside Oklahoma City with her husband and four children.

Reviews

[Kellyn Roth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Read it as fast as I could - stayed up past 2 twice in a row to finish!

[Cara Putman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I expect to smile a lot while reading Regina's books and that definitely happened with this one. However, there was a depth to this on--maybe because the heroine meets with tragedy early and then finds herself in what she thinks is an untenable situation. The hero has loved her from a distance for years, which creates its own set of challenges. Add in all kinds of misunderstandings and mishaps, along with a school full of children that stole the heroine's heart and min, and it is another thoroughly enjoyable romp through Fort Reno. I love the fresh take on a marriage of convenience. A delightful historical romance.

[Sarah Sundin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Featuring a charmingly bookish and clueless hero and a clueless-in-her-own way heroine, The Lieutenant’s Bargain is full of Regina Jennings's trademark humor. Even better is the character transformation as Jack gains the last bit of confidence he needs and Hattie opens her heart to see beauty and worth where she never had before. I adored this novel and highly recommend it.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

1885 Cheyenne and Arapaho Reservation (currently Oklahoma)

Jack and Hettie's story is an entertaining one. They grew up together in Arkansas and then meet under unusual circumstances in Indian Territory. Hettie is traveling to Denver to reach her goal of becoming an artist when her stagecoach is robbed. Jack from nearby Fort Reno comes to assist.

Love the bits of history woven into this tale, especially about the Arapaho.

[Alysha (For The Love of Christian Fiction) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I fell in love with Fort Reno the minute I started reading this series! Regina crafted this beautiful place that was so hard to leave when the story was done. (I might've read this one sitting...)

The characters were so stinkin' lovable and just so great! From the main characters to the secondary characters I was instantly in love with them all. Though they were all so different they created a wonderful "family" aspect.

This book had a mixture of some of my favorite things...accidental marriage and second hand embarrassment! 😆😊
(The second hand embarrassment was definitely BECAUSE of the forced/accidental marriage!)

The main characters grew up in the same town as kids, then lost touch for quite a few years. (There might have been an old crush that was rekindled when they saw each other again. 😏)
It was so fun watching them get to know each other as adults and see all their previous "kid" impressions change.

Jack and Hattie were such opposites, but ended up being the perfect fit!

Jack was so gentle, sweet and patient. He had a subtle confidence, but it was never overbearing or arrogant. I really loved his character and how he interacted with everyone. He was the same person with the Major and the Indians, he never changed or wavered. I also REALLY loved that JACK was the bookworm.

Hattie was the one who really changed throughout the story. She went from this naive, pampered gentlewoman to a strong independent woman. She was spunky and strong, but in a quite way.

Regina does an amazing job at writing characters who truly change and mature throughout the story. This book was no different, and it was done beautifully!

I really really really love Fort Reno and it's soldiers. I cannot wait to visit again.
I rated this a 4/5 stars.

*I received this book from the author for an honest review**All opinions are my own*

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was so good!! I think it is my favorite book by this author yet! The situation that Jack and Hattie find themselves in means that they must spend a lot of time together, really getting to know each other. Both Hattie and Jack come to realize that they never truly knew each other the way that they thought that they did. Hattie and Jack had formed ideas of who the other was, yet their ideas were not accurate. I loved watching them get to know each other and the attraction that grew between them.

I also enjoyed the peek into life at the Arapaho school and watching as Jack tried to keep things running smoothly for the children at the school. All of the interactions between the Arapaho children, their teachers, and Jack and Hattie were so interesting.

Jack and Hattie were great characters and it was so fun to return to another story set in Fort Reno. If you have not read book one in the series, I believe you can still enjoy The Lieutenant’s Bargain as a stand alone novel, too.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a rainy-day sort of book, a perfect delight of reading material. I kept laughing aloud while reading because the situations were just so funny. I loved the whole things—although I really needed at least 500 pages with these characters. So much believable chemistry...so much fun with the blunders they make along the way. Ah, those mischievous “hostile” Indians!! I was dying through those scenes.

I’d liked Jack in the first book in the series and was excited to find out who he’d end up marrying. Hattie, with her fire and spunk and her enjoyable personality, was such a perfect match for him. This book fulfilled all my hopes of how good it would be—and surpassed them. Jennings is easily one of my favorite current authors, and this is one of her best yet.

Thanks to the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so AMAZING!!!!! 😍😍😍 As much as I loved the first, I LOVED this one!!! Jake *swoons* he was just amazing and I have no words to describe him. Hattie was an awesome female lead that honestly was perfect for her role.

Can we please just take a minute, or two, to admire this gorgeous cover?!? I love it so much!!!! 😍😍😍😍😍

If y’all haven’t read this book yet, go and read it now! You won’t regret it! 😍😍😍

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the first book I really felt for Jack and his unrequited love for Hattie. Their reunion is unexpected and again the author devises a highly unusual and entertaining first meeting! The way that they get to know each other again is so sweet, and their eyes are opened not only to the strengths, but also the weaknesses, flaws, and quirks. Jack comes to know the real Hattie, not just the enigma he placed on a pedestal, and Hattie quickly recognizes the significant changes in the young boy she knew and tolerated. Their relationship is rocky and goes through plenty of ups and downs that kept me glued to the pages. I loved Hattie's determination to make something of her painting talent, and Jack's devotion to the success of the school for Arapaho children. The pace is steady with humor, gentle romance, and some suspenseful action as the danger from the stagecoach robbery continues to plague Hattie. This one is my favorite of the series!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

That cute cover promises reading bliss within and Jennings delivers in this drama/romcom/mystery. Great opening scene full of action and danger and some surprising laugh-out-loud moments. The perfect set-up for Hattie's wild west adventures! She's kinda prissy, prone to making snap judgments and fiercely determined to live her life on her own terms...until a vicious gunman dashes her plans.

Cue Lieutenant Jack Hennessey -- her knight in shining armor -- who rescues her from one scrape only to land her into an even bigger one. And poor Jack, he's besotted -- has been since they were classmates in school. Hattie didn't notice him then -- not in that way! But she's noticing him now and having a hard time connecting the school boy with the army officer who has suddenly become the focal point in her life. Lots of fodder for romantic tension, not to mention laughter.

It's an intriguing time period -- and not without controversy. I'm always uncomfortable when I think about the ways both American and Canadian governments 'managed' the Native populations. Issues like sending the children to mission schools, cutting their hair, refusing to allow them to speak their own language etc. The force-feeding of white culture at the expense of Native traditions. So I was wary of that aspect of the story but I think Jennings did a marvelous job of being historically accurate while showing compassion and understanding through the thoughts and actions of her characters -- especially through Jack.

Then there's the mystery, some danger, the enthralling details of fort life and even a Christmas twist towards the end! All combine to make this the perfect book to curl up with on a cold winter's night.

[Lisa (Bookworm Lisa) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A match made in heaven or a happy misunderstanding? Both of these thoughts would be an appropriate description of this book.

Hattie is on her way to Denver when a bandit holds up the stagecoach killing the driver and passengers. She barely escapes because she took a pit stop in a ditch. Running from outlaws, freezing, and frightened she is eventually rescued by Indians. It seems her luck couldn't get any worse until it does.

Jack is a Lieutenant stationed at Fort Reno and is asked to remove a white woman from the Arapaho tribe. She is causing quite the ruckus. He quickly realizes that she is the girl from his childhood whom he has always carried a torch for. To impress her he asks the chief to turn her over to him in a ceremony, so she will be impressed. He just didn't realize that it was a marriage ceremony.

With a beginning like this, you know it's going to be a fun book to read. I was not disappointed in the slightest. I devoured this book in a day and a half. I loved Jack and Hattie's adventures as they try to remain friends, while attracted to each other. There were many awkward situations and misunderstandings that kept me amused and anticipating what would happen next.

This is a romance with suspense. The gunman is still on the loose and until he is captured, Hattie is the only witness. I loved the humor and the characters. This is a book that I recommend! It has Christian themes and mild kissing.

Source: I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

[Trisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

See full review at: https://joyofreadingweb.wordpress.com...

From start to finish, I loved this book! The characters are multifaceted, dynamic, full of life, spunk, and charm. I enjoyed their playful banter and I couldn’t help but stay up late into the night reading and enjoying every moment of this page-turning, engaging story!

While this story is the second in the Fort Reno series, you can easily read it as a stand-alone and not feel lost. I loved reading this story, it has found a place on my keeper shelf and will come out again in the future for additional reading enjoyment! I give this story 5-enthusiastic stars and encourage you to pick up a copy for yourself to enjoy as soon as possible!

(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I am not required to write a positive review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.)

[BrendaLee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Ms Jennings! The historical parts I dearly love because I love reading about places I can only dream about. History, adventures, danger and a love story, what can get better than that? She makes me laugh but also makes me reflect on how it used to be riding on stagecoaches and being scared that they may meet tribes of Indians that are not friendly.
I liked both the hero and heroine. Lieutenant Jack was so concerned about the mission school and how it could help the Indian children to learn. Hattie pushes through her fear to try to help identify the murderer.
If you like Historical Fiction I recommend “The Lieutenant’s Bargain”. I think you would enjoy this author too.
I received this book from Bethany House Publishers on behalf of the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Malia Saldaña · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so cute. I enjoyed reading it. I liked getting to read more about the Adamses. I thought Hattie and Jack’s relationship was so fun to read. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and I think it's her best yet!!
This book was so enjoyable that I couldn't put it down!!
There were some spots that I just couldn't help but laugh out loud and some i wanted to say hip hop hooray!!!
Jack and Hattie aren't they something? They were my 2 favorite people in the whole story!!
Hattie sure is full of spunk!! I was rooting for her through the whole story!! Hattie reminds me of me in the art department. Oh how I used to love to draw!
Jack is a lot like me where books are concerned!! I love his quiet and strong presence when he walks into a room or wherever you're at. It's why I just love him!! I admire him for what he does for a living.
Of course, I loved the Indians too!! I felt like when I met Chief Right Hand I knew him forever. He's truly hilarious!!!
I recommend this book if you want a good laugh and a place to get away from the real world
I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House. No compensations were received and all opinions are honest

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Return to Fort Reno, the Major & Louisa are about to be married. Second in command Lieutenant Jack Hennessy is sent on a mission, one in which will take him back many years to his childhood and a surprise he never imagined would cross his path today.

A misunderstanding leaves him facing his biggest challenge yet and it has nothing to do with military exercise. For Hattie Walker desperate to create some level of independence- her journey to Denver to pursue her art career comes to an abrupt halt. She didn’t expect to see Jack again but his familiar face surely is a relief after everything she has experienced so far.

As different as Jack & Hattie are, together they seem to balance each other out. First however they have to figure out how to handle the situation they find themselves in. One thing is clear, honoring agreements and traditions seems to be something very important. Not wanting to damage a fragile relationship with the local Indian tribes - they must make a decision that could change the entire course of their lives. It’s interesting to me how there were those who wanted to reach out to the Indians who found themselves being displaced by the white men. Trying to establish schools and efforts to unite the two groups. I do wonder at the motivations of some, but I did appreciate the authors insight into the challenge it was. The scene in which one of the Arapaho is getting a hair cut as per requirements by the school he is attending - was so beautifully detailed. Using Hattie as a witness and in her artistry to look deeper into the emotions was clever. It gave us as a reader a different perspective in which to ponder the complexities of such a thing. As always I appreciate the research the author does in her work, and always there is insight into this time period and history of the area.

An original plot line and great characters, including outspoken humorous banter we all love from Private Willis, a little matchmaking from Daniel the result is a fantastic second book in this series.

I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House. This is my honest review.

[Christian Fiction Addiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes, you are just craving a book containing a splash of humour, a dash of romance, a few tender hearted scenes, and or course lots of dramatic moments that will leave you feeling well-entertained. If that's you, "The Lieutenant's Bargain" exactly fits that hankering! I quite enjoyed the first novel in The Fort Reno Series, "Holding the Fort", and so I was curious to see what Jennings would next have in store for the characters living at Fort Reno. I was certainly not disappointed, as Hattie and Jack's story had me smiling from ear to ear one moment, and cheering them on the next as they sought to do everything in their power to make the lives of the "Indians" on the reserve safe and meaningful (as much as society allowed at that time). Whether the basis of the story is actually plausible I will leave for you to discern. As for me, I decided to embrace this "what if?" scenario, because I've certainly seen that reality is stranger than fiction, so who knows what could have happened? I enjoy how Jennings weaves in historical details and actual figures from the past to make an intriguing story. And I was truly pleased that while Hattie has a few traits that may annoy, Jennings does a great job at making a character that you can absolutely like, while not admiring certain qualities, not always an easy balance to find. The result was that these are characters you can both like and also relate to, because we all certainly know we are not perfect!

The Fort Reno Series is proceeding in fine style indeed, and I'm looking forward to the third book in the series to come, because if it's anything like the first two in the series, we readers are in for a treat! As for "The Lieutenant's Bargain", I award this novel a solid rating of 4 out of 5 stars, glad to add this one to my collection of historical fiction tales. You will be too!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun book. I found it light-hearted.

I loved how Hattie was searching for beauty in Colorado, but found it among the Arapaho. I also loved Jack. He was so great with Hattie.

I received a copy from the publisher in order to help promote it. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Rating 4 stars

Recommended to fans of Jody Hedlund, Karen Witemeyer, Mary Connealy

[Abigail Harris]

RTC!

[Kate (The Shelf Life) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story had me hooked from the beginning. Regina Jennings started this story off with a bang and continued the story with a great mix of humor and adventure. It was honestly a fun story with some fantastic characters that played off each other well.

Hattie is a girl determined to prove herself. She is a painter, an artist. She knows she is capable of more then what is only expected of her by her family and station. She wants to show off her talents and make it into something she can do for a living.

Jack is a man who has joined the military, has traveled far from home, and has done his best to forget about the girl back home. He has built of relations with the local Indian tribes and tried to assist as much as he can. He is a man by the book.

Jack's meeting with Hattie after she is rescued is one that has stuck out in an amazing way! I honestly don't think I will forget it. The way that Regina Jennings set this up was phenomenal and it set the stage beautifully for the rest of the book.

The details that were woven in. The character building and the historical background were great and just added so much more depth to the story. This has to be one of my most favorite books by Regina Jennings. I have thoroughly enjoyed her previous stories, but this one was fantastic.

Hattie was a relateable character for me. She is a girl who wanted to see what she could do away from her parents. She had talents she wanted to pursue. I really enjoyed Hattie and being in her head. She had different ideas put in her head and it skewed her thinking, but she was one to learn and grow. She had a passion and wanted to follow it. She was even able to do it with her parents blessing.

The fact that Jack and Hattie were so opposite, it made the story pop all the more.

The Lieutenant's Bargain was such a fun story. I can't wait to see what Regina will share with us next!

Thank you to the author, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.


This review was originally posted @ http://www.readwithkate.com/2019/01/r...

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hattie Walker had quite an independent streak for a woman living in 1885. Not willing to marry just because it was expected, preferring to hone her artistic skills, Hattie had come to an agreement with her parents. They would allow her to go to Denver and try to find success as an artist, but if she failed, she had to return home and settle down. Neither she or her parents had been aware of the dangers that she would encounter on her trip west.

Lieutenant Jack Hennessey had gone to school with Hattie. After having joined the cavalry, he had written to her a few times with no response. Now he was serving in an area known as the nations, studying and assisting with the Arapaho and Cheyenne. There was no way he could have foreseen Hattie's arrival or the impact it would have on his ability to do his job.

In her notes at the end of the book, the author explains some of her research and why certain events in the story were included. She says that she hopes the reader finds them plausible, but if not then she hopes they found them entertaining. While I was reading I found the book quite entertaining with truly likable characters, while not exactly plausible, but after reading the notes about her research, I found the plot to be much more plausible than I had at first. Either way, this book has entertainment value, and I would recommend it as a fun read.

I thank NetGalley and Bethany House Publishing for providing me with a copy of The Lieutenant's Bargain in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.

[Hallie (Hallie Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, I know I’m about to have some fun when I pick up a book by Regina Jennings. The Lieutenant’s Bargain, the second in her Fort Reno series, is full of misunderstandings and misadventures that had me smiling and laughing the whole time.

Hattie Walker is heading to Denver, Colorado to prove her artistic potential when everything goes wrong—and Lieutenant Jack Hennessey happens to come to her rescue. Only, this rescue has consequences neither Hattie nor Jack could have anticipated, one that challenges both their futures and their feelings.

It was a pleasure to once again visit Fort Reno and get to know Hattie and Jack in the process. Their story is sweet, in addition to being fun, with some valuable lessons, historical and otherwise, mixed in. I enjoyed reading The Lieutenant’s Bargain and recommend it to readers of historical romance.

This review is also posted on Hallie Reads.

Thanks to the author, I received a complimentary copy of The Lieutenant’s Bargain and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Doreen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like to take a break from suspense once in a while and read something that will make me laugh and smile and that has a lighter touch to it. This book fit the bill. I could see where the “ceremony” was going and had to laugh at what I knew was coming. While this book was not as funny as other Regina Jennings books I’ve read, it felt more poignant to me. I liked seeing Hattie’s attitudes towards the Indians change and vice versa. As an avid roller skater, I enjoyed the inclusion of that scene. It was also interesting seeing Jack process his childhood feelings now as an adult.
This is book two in the Fort Reno series. While the characters in book 1 play a small part in this story, this book could easily be read as a standalone.
Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. I was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Fort Reno series:
Book 1: Holding the Fort
Book 1.5: Bound and Determined
Book 2: The Lieutenant’s Bargain

[Vicky Sluiter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every book I read by author Regina Jennings is better than the one before. Book 1 in this series, Holding the Fort, was such an enjoyable read that I had high hopes for Book 2. And I wasn’t disappointed. The Lieutenant’s Bargain was rich in humor and history. I loved it!

An independent heroine and a dashing army hero who have a past cause some interesting situations. So well developed you’ll thoroughly enjoy getting to know the characters in this story.

Jennings did a very good job researching for this story and the notes at the end will enhance what was written as a historical novel. Full of surprises, this book is a great read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

[Gretchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very cute book and I enjoyed listening to it! Jack is a refreshing hero. I like that he was bookish and a tad nerdy but still the hero we want in fiction stories. I also can’t remember reading a book where the male hero has had a long time crush on the heroine and finally gets the girl- I loved that! I wish it ended like an hour and half before the audiobook ended though. Lol.

[Meerkat · Rating 5 out of 5]

My love for this book is endless.

Song: How You Get the Girl by Taylor Swift

update: not me re-reading this book in the same month cause i'm so in love with it

update: here we are again :>

[Phyllis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lieutenant’s Bargain is the second of Regina Jennings’ books I have read. What I have found each time is that reading her stories leaves me anxious to read more. Her imaginative, quirky, adventurous writing with such charming characters is very appealing.

After her stagecoach is robbed, leaving Hattie as the only witness of the murders, she flees into the wilderness. When she is rescued by friendly Arapaho, she mistakenly believes they are going to kill her. Her attempts to escape and reactions to the food they try to feed her are hilarious and even funnier is the name they bestow on her as a result.

Jack, the boy-now-lieutenant, who had been so in love with her when they were in school together, has no idea Hattie is the one going to take off the local tribe’s hands. While he understands some of the Arapaho language, there is much he doesn’t know and his attempts at impressing her don’t turn out quite like he planned.

The interactions between Hattie and Jack are so comical! They are also tender and sweet as he is the only one who is able to make her feel secure after her trauma. I loved the way Jack appeared so in control and fastidious, and yet his house was a bit of a disaster with books piled up everywhere. When Hattie attempted to help him straighten up (without his knowledge, of course!), the results were hilarious. Who but an artist would ever think to organize books like that?

In addition to the great story and personal interactions, the book is also carefully researched and has so many details about the interactions between the “Indians” and the settlers in the Oklahoma Territory. The details of the missionary school and the tenuous relations with the tribes were not only fascinating and illuminating, they were also woven into the story very naturally.

Historical fiction readers who enjoy humor, adventure, and spiritual lessons should put this book on their must-read list!


Read my full review with a Preview at Among the Reads


I was given a copy of this book for free. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as expected, I enjoyed the author's trademark humor and romance, but I found the setting and historical background of the story to be just as compelling.

Having studied the old military forts and Indian relations in Minnesota, I was excited to discover the tribal focus in this book. I was curious about how the author would treat the Indian schools; there was a lot that was wrong with them. A lot. But Jack Hennessy has a point in the story--better to go willingly to a school nearby than to be forced to one across the country where one may never see one's family again, where one will lose all connection to one's home, language, and traditions. The government did that, permanently separating many children from their homes by both distance and culture. I respect the fictional main character for building a relationship with the people with whom he was working, for not just expecting them to learn to be like him, but for studying their language and endeavoring to know them better--a mutual trade of ideas. His is an attitude that was frequently lacking amongst the American military and Indian agents. And I like that the portrayal of the cutting of Tom Broken Arrow's hair was treated with dignity and significance; not as just a common haircut, but as something sorrowful, something brave, something life-altering. It might just be the best scene in the book.

Hattie definitely starts out rather self-centered, but not unpleasant--I liked her throughout the entire book, which I cannot say for all heroines who start out ignorant and spoiled. But I really like how she grows and changes throughout the story, learning to recognize the beauty and significance in moments and emotions, not just pretty scenery. I especially loved her tribute to the school children. Even with how much I was cringing at the beginning (knowing how Jack's plan to impress the girl could only end in disaster), I really loved how the story unfolded.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have so been looking forward to Lieutenant Jack Hennessey’s story since getting to know him and his bookish ways in Holding the Fort. Jack has had a long time secret love for a young woman he grew up with in his hometown. So imagine his surprise when he ends up running in to her again out in Indian Territory by herself after a very harrowing ordeal.

Hattie Walker is an artist and a dreamer. Her dream is to make a name for herself with her artwork. However her parents see things quite differently. They would like for her to marry and settle down. Hattie is not against marriage exactly, she just cannot find the right man to interest her. So she decides to take her parents offer of two months to go to Denver by herself, put her art work in an exhibition, and then come back home to marry and settle down. Hattie is desperate for her artwork to be exhibited but unfortunately finds herself in a dangerous situation and lost on the prairie. After being taken in by the Arapaho tribe, Hattie finds herself being rescued by none other than Jack Hennessey.

After a series of misunderstandings and humorous mishaps, Jack and Hattie find themselves in quite a predicament, one that neither planned and it will certainly bear some consequences. I don’t want to say anything else as I was quite surprised at the turn this book took and I enjoyed it immensely.

This was at times a humorous and heartwarming story of two people who learn to see each other for who they really are and then must decide if love is worth the risk of a different future and dreams than otherwise planned. This is Jack and Hattie’s enjoyable and re-readable love story.

I was provided a copy of this story by Bethany House. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...

[Gina Holder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Regina Jennings’s books have a way of tugging at your heart-strings without making you feel sad or depressed. Her stories are light and hilarious, but there is still a depth of character and faith in each one. I love the predicaments her characters find themselves in. The characters are flawed and relatable. They have tender walks with the Lord and their faith shines through the pages reminding us to trust his plan without being preachy or pushy. Although this is the second book in the Fort Reno series, it does stand on its own. You don’t have to have read book one first, but I highly recommend it and not just because it’s a great story as well. Several characters come back as secondary parts that were in the first book. If you haven’t read book one (which would definitely enrich book two) you might be as confused as Hattie was when Louisa starts mentioning the Cat-Eye Saloon. I loved the historical elements. They perfectly set the stage and take me on a fun adventure into the old west. One of the story elements I loved was Jack and Hattie’s feelings of inferiority for themselves, each comparing themselves to the other and both feeling the same way and yet not talking about it. While they were opposite in so many ways, they have the same heart. Having lived in a foreign country where I didn’t speak the language or understand the culture I could relate with Jack’s mistake in the beginning of the book, but I did find it odd that he couldn’t understand what the Indians were saying then, but later he’s able to translate an entire speech. Having lived in Colorado, I loved Hattie’s fascination with the Rocky Mountains. I enjoyed her journey into becoming a deeper person and artist. I loved watching her grow as she learned about life. Jack was adorable. He was so strong and capable, but when it came to Hattie, he turns into a sweet little boy and it was so cute! I enjoyed meeting up with Daniel, Louisa, Caroline, Daisy, and Bradley again! I am an absolute Jennings fan and I’ve only read two of her books! They’re perfect when you want a faith-filled story with a laugh out loud plot, sweet romance and a bit of western adventure and danger.