Her reputation precedes her, whether the bad guys realize it or not.Nancy Harrison has finally stepped out of her prissy box and tried to do something helpful–but did she go overboard in her first self-less act?She can’t ride, she hates horses, and she’s terrified of being alone. What’s a girl to do?Join the Pony Express, of course.When Nancy Harrison’s family receives a tax bill they can’t pay, … Harrison’s family receives a tax bill they can’t pay, there’s only one option open to them. Her brother, Lewis, will have to join the Pony Express and earn the money that way.
It would have worked, too, if ruffians hadn’t attacked him and broken his leg.
She doesn’t want to do it, of course, but what choice is there? Lose everything or ride a stupid, smelly horse for a few weeks? Nancy decides that she’ll chop off her hair, take to the dusty overland trail, and prove that she isn’t a “flighty little thing.”
But things go from bad to worse as she discovers that riding astride is worse than sidesaddle—especially when you’re not used to it.
Can’t she just go back home to balls, teas, and the hope of a suitor before her twentieth birthday? Sans her hair, of course, because that’ll entice the fellows. Sigh.
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What an entertaining story! Nancy is a fun character and it was enjoyable to watch her change and grow throughout this story. She’s strong-willed; confident almost to a fault; and extremely opinionated. But she loves her family dearly and decides to take her brother’s place as a Pony Express rider after he’s injured, even though she can barely stay upright on a horse. Nancy disguises herself as a boy, and using her brother’s name, heads out to earn the money to save her family home. She finds out many things about herself as she gallops through the countryside on her adventure-filled route; but most importantly, she discovers that she’s never really riding alone. God is always by her side. Bruce was the unexpected, perfect hero to help Nancy as she found herself in a dangerous situation from which there seemed no escape.
I also loved the character of Nancy’s mom, Edna. She’s a smart, godly woman who is desperately trying to save their family home, but also cope with Nancy and keep her acting like a respectable young lady. She’s had her own struggles with the tragic death of her husband. We view parts of this story through her eyes, too, and gain insight into her own strong character and her influence on the rest of her family.
Sometimes when I finish a book, I think “That was a really good story.” This is one of those. It has fun, suspense, faith, and romance.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
What an incredibly fun book to read! One simply must keep reading just to find out what trouble Nancy will get into next. The tax bill is due and there is no money to pay it. Lewis can’t go, so Nancy rides away to parts unknown. Nancy is not inclined to step out and be spontaneous, but somehow, this young lady that really doesn’t even know how to ride a horse is off with the Pony Express.
Follow along and enjoy some of the most unbelievable things she gets into, not the least of which is impersonating her brother. I loved reading how she changed and grew through her trip across the country, especially her trust in the Lord. This quote reflects my thoughts – ‘I went through tortures to pay off a debt, but when I finished and went to pay, the account was settled for me. Jesus did that.’
Something we all need to learn!
This ARC was received through CelebrateLit. I am happy to write a review and give this book a 5 star rating, neither of which were solicited. All impressions and opinions are my own.
The Trouble with Nancy
Nancy is so determined to help out her mother. There is taxes to pay on the house and her mother doesn’t have the money. Her brother got hurt so Nancy decides to go earn the money.
The story is set in the year 1860 and involves the pony express. I love reading historical books and stories about the pony express. Amazing how they did the mail delivery. Nancy is not very good at horseback riding but determined to get the job now.
This book is part of the Gold Diggers series but each one is a stand alone book. I have enjoyed each one I have read so far.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author through Celebrate Lit. This book review is my own opinion.
I was fascinated by the headstrong Nancy. She was self-conscious and loved having this go her way. She had a very accommodating mother and brother who sometimes were tired of her tantrums. For me she was trying to make a statement embarking on that perilous journey that was filled with danger, pains, physical injury and surprising love. After all they say we find love in strange places.
Nancy’s ability and courage to step out to do what even men were scared of doing endeared me to her. To me she was a heroine.
I loved the picture the author presented about how God makes us into the person he eats us to be through life’s journeys. Nancy was refined on her own journey. The ride she went on was her making and the stories behind it was beautifully written.
I loved reading about how she learnt to rely on God and not herself to protect her. One of the most beautiful parts of this book for me was how God planted Bruce who later became her Beau on her path. Bruce was a very honorable man who treated her with uttermost integrity and respect.
Together they were able to put a stop to an evil that was happening.
My favorite quotes
“Trying to paint a flawless picture is a sure way to tell people one isn’t genuine. Showing flaws reveals sincerity.”
“God gives us mercy instead of what we really deserve”
These words by the author caught my heart.
“Jesus paid our debts. All we try to do can’t pay it because Jesus already did. God only accept Jesus payments for us. That’s the one he wants”
There is nothing we could ever do to make up for what we have done because Jesus already did it. All we need to do is come to God through Christ and enjoy all he has for us.
That’s was one of the profound lessons I gleaned from this book.
I received a copy of the book and this is my honest opinion.
What can I say about The Trouble with Nancy? That it is a fun read? That it is filled with historical facts? That it is a clean romance and it has a strong faith-filled message? This is the first book that I’ve read by this author and I’m so glad to have this chance. Chautona Havig’s story centers around Nancy Harrison, her mother Edna, and her brother Lewis as they attempt to keep their home after the death of her father. The Trouble with Nancy is filled with adventure, romance, and even a mystery but it is also a reminder that no one is exempt from troubles; it is how how we face those problems that is our true test.
Nancy suffers an inferiority complex–she knows that she isn’t a beauty, she doesn’t even think she is pretty, and she often doubts her competence BUT she is loyal and she knows that her family needs help. Her decision to take her brother’s place and pretend to be a boy to deliver mail with the Pony Express was unheard of in 1860 and it had to be kept a secret. Unthinkable, but in the end, Nancy discovered that she was stronger and braver than she ever thought possible. As she worked through her fears and accepted this challenge, she gained a new awareness of her abilities and developed an inward beauty that had never been apparent before. She also met someone who recognized just how special she was and I really liked Bruce MacLeod and his apparent interest in Nancy. ‘The instinct to take her hand, to offer his arm, to pull her in both of his arms and kiss away the pain—each one rose up and Bruce stamped them down again. ‘Tis strange that a lassie I dinna think I’d have liked two months ago is becomin’ so dear to me.’
It is, however, Nancy’s growth as a Christian that was so heartwarming to read and I loved the author’s analogy of Nancy’s efforts to pay off her family’s debt. As Nancy reflected on her months along the trail she felt as if she had gone through torture to earn the needed money but when she went to pay, the account balance had already been resolved. Nancy realized that this is the same with God. With his sacrifice Jesus experienced torture to cover all of our debts and God will only accept His payment. Nothing we can ever do can truly pay our debt and it is only the payment made by Jesus that God is willing to accept!
The Trouble with Nancy is an entertaining, thought-provoking story and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and Christian romance.
I received a complimentary digital copy from Celebrate Lit but I wasn’t required to write a positive review. These are my own opinions.
I love reading historical fiction books because I can get a glimpse of what happened during different time periods. The journey the author takes us on in this book is about the Pony Express. I did learn a lot by the details the author includes. I had no idea that young boys in their teens were the target age to be a rider for this group. They also preferred if they were orphans. The danger they faced on their long journey was overwhelming.
I loved the direction the author took in this story and used a young woman to infiltrate a dominated male profession. Nancy feels like she has no choice but to join the Pony Express when her brother has an encounter that causes him to not be to be able to ride. Nancy’s determination to help her family out of a financial crisis was exciting to read. I loved how the author took a character who didn’t like horses and had her face her fears.
There is much to learn in this story as Nancy takes off alone to travel across barren land to do her job. It was easy to feel like I was there as the author describes the terrain with such vividness. Nancy has always seemed to be carefree and not really serious. This journey she takes allows us to watch a character mature and find a lasting relationship with God. Trust was hard for Nancy as she sees her family struggling day after day.
This has been a delight to read and as the title says, The Trouble With Nancy is really what troubles us also. We all at one time doubt God and find ourselves in situations we don’t know how to get out of. We operate in fear and allow the enemy to whisper lies to us. Nancy for me represented each of us in our struggle to trust God. I thought the book had a great message and I appreciate an author that is gifted in the area of showing readers “God will never leave us nor forsake us.”
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
The Trouble with Nancy by author Chautona Havig is a Christian Historical Western novel. I have never read anything except contemporary by this author, and this book is proof that she is more than capable of branching out into other genre. She did a fantastic job with this tale.
This is the story of Nancy Harrison, a dreamy headed young woman whose family is struggling. Her father recently died leaving her mother to pay taxes they cannot afford. Nancy’s brother wants to help and trouble ensues.
Fiesty Nancy decides to join the Pony Express Riders and help her family. This experience changes her tremendously. She finds herself and God along the way. It was a captivating tale and I was immediately invested.
Author Havig always puts an inspirational message in her books. It isn’t hidden but in plain sight. That is one of the things I love about her writing. Her style is pleasant, down to earth, and easy to read.
This story had a few twists that made me want to keep reading it. I learned a lot about the Pony Express. Books that not only entertain me but also teach me things are my favorites along with the Christian message being clear.
This is a delightful story. I found the characters totally engaging. I wanted to offer advice to Nancy in certain parts and actually spoke out loud a few times. It definitely gets my recommendation. I give it a 4.5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but this is my honest opinion.
My Thoughts on The Trouble with Nancy:
I love absolutely everything I have ever read by Chautona Havig. Her style is unlike anyone else I’ve ever read and I literally cannot stop reading her books. I download the free weekly kindle books and she’s the reason I got the Kindle unlimited subscription.
Seriously cannot say enough good things about Chautona.
So, if you’ve never read one of her books go get one now!
I’ll wait.
Got one?
Read it.
Shouldn’t take too long.
Then come back and you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.
Now onto The Trouble with Nancy and what I thought of this particular title. Nancy is spoiled and selfish and has no stick to it ness. She proclaims big things but then she doesn’t follow through. And she’s not physically pretty. Part of that might have to do with how she carries herself and the inside shining through.
But when push comes to shove Nancy steps up to save her family from losing their house. Her brother was going to ride for the Pony Express and can’t after his leg gets broken. So instead Nancy chops her hair and sets off on the back of a horse.
But is she really working for the Pony Express? And will they truly not know she’s a she instead of a he? Plus what about the fact that she can’t ride? How does that factor in?
Will Nancy earn the money needed or perish on the trail? Will her secret be discovered? Can she save their home before it’s too late?
Meanwhile, why are people searching the house at night? Lewis knows what he’s hearing but he can’t make the connection why they’d want to search their house unless someone wants them out of the house? But why?
While Nancy gallops across the country trying to hide her secret Lewis sets out to discover the mystery at home while convalescing from his broken leg. It’s a great story with lots of twists. And I love the Scottish cook. Or is he really a cook?
Definitely a highly recommend. Go read it now and then read the rest of this series as they are super fun as well.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
The more I read by Chautona Havig, the more I realize just what a talent she has. Words seem to flow effortlessly from this lady no matter what genre she decides to tackle. Whether it is mystery/suspense, contemporary romance, or a historical western, I have found that I can expect a few hours of reading enjoyment.
The Trouble With Nancy certainly met my expectations. Nancy, the heroine was a feisty and determined young woman who decided to step up and help save her family home despite the fact that she was woefully ill-equipped to take her brother’s place as a rider for the Pony Express. As I rode alongside Nancy in my imagination for all those harrowing miles as she bounced along painfully, I experienced hardship, danger, some unsavory characters, and even a few who went out of their way to help. A surprise romance added the perfect icing to the cake. I found myself laughing out loud at some of Nancy’s exploits one moment and holding my breath during others.
I particularly loved how Nancy grew closer to the Lord through her experiences and matured from a silly, self-absorbed girl into a wise and caring young woman. I am thankful that I had the chance to read this great book and hope that there will be more of this type coming soon.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.