Calista York needs one more successful case as a Pinkerton operative to secure her job. When she’s assigned to find the kidnapped daughter of a mob boss, she’s sent to the rowdy mining town of Joplin, Missouri, despite having extended family in the area. Will their meddling expose her mission and keep Lila Seaton from being recovered?When Matthew Cook decided to be a missionary, he never expected … expected to be sent only a short train ride away. While fighting against corruption of all sorts, Matthew hears of a baby raffle being held to raise funds for a children’s home. He’ll do what he can to stop it, but he also wants to stop the reckless Miss York, whose bad judgment consistently seems to be putting her in harm’s way.Calista doesn’t need the handsome pastor interfering with her investigation, and she can’t let her disguise slip. Her job and the life of a young lady depend on keeping Matthew in the dark.
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Wow! This book was AMAZING! I can’t even begin to describe how much I loved it! It had me laughing out loud, nail-bitingly anxious and my heart beating in all the right places.
Once again, Author Regina Jennings has created an incredible world to open your book and get lost in (no pun intended, lol) and I’m reminded why I need to make sure to keep up with her books! She is quickly becoming one of my favorite go-to authors (especially if I’m in need of a few good laughs mixed in with my reading!)
Courting Misfortune is a beautiful blend of mystery, romance, comedy and a lesson in learning to follow God’s direction for your life, even when it seems it’s in the opposite direction of what it ought to be!
If you’re a fan of Ms. Jennings’ previous works, you’re sure to be thrilled with this latest addition to her collection! I, for one, will be anxiously awaiting the next installation in her Joplin Chronicles series and snatching up a copy as soon as humanly possible to continue this adventure!
Fun and faith-filled:
This was an enjoyable, lighthearted book. Nothing too deep so good if you are just looking for a quick read to entertain and lift your spirits. Whilst there are some serious and sad moments, overall it is a story of hope and redemption.
It was fun seeing Matthew and Calista fall in love even though circumstances often conspired against them, especially as she had to keep her true identity hidden from him for so long. I enjoyed seeing Calista try to make her way as a female Pinkerton agent and I loved her tenacity and spunk! There was a nice faith filled message that I think would resonate with many readers today.
This is the first book in the series and it looks like there could be plenty more crazy times ahead for the residents of Joplin. I look forward to reading all upcoming books by this talented author.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
Regina Jennings’ books are pure fun. Calista York is a probationary Pinkerton agent sent from Chicago to Joplin, Missouri to find the missing daughter of a less than stellar character. This becomes a more difficult task since she has relatives living in the area that are the intrusive sort. Calista also doesn’t plan on meeting Matthew, a handsome young minister who insists on being protective even when she has to be deceptive. She encounters difficulties but strives to follow God’s leading, even when she has to sacrifice what she wants. There is fun, action, faith, and romance in Courting Misfortune. I’m glad this is the first of the series so we will have more books about the Kentworth cousins.
Courting Misfortune takes us into the belly of Joplin, Missouri, a town that needs a lot of help and guidance. That is why preacher Matthew Cook has come to town. He has heard of the immorality and wants to offer hope to the miners and the women of questionable reputations.
Calista York comes to Joplin as a Pinkerton agent looking for a missing, kidnapped girl. The girl’s picture haunts Calista, but Calista also wants to prove herself a capable agent, as capable as any man. And she needs to work this case on her own. However, Calista’s family lives near Joplin and she can’t hide from them. I don’t even know how to explain her family. They are quite a bunch and bring much needed humor to this story. With a family like that you should never be lonely. I liked them, their oddities, closeness, and camaraderie.
Matthew is drawn to Calista and tries to save her from herself. Calista must continue to act as a ridiculous young lady as she searches out the nightlife for the missing girl, poor Matthew is only trying to protect her. As he also tries to stop a most ridiculous and bordering on illegal if not certainly unethical plan that the children’s home has come up with to raise money.
Two people come to Joplin to help others. Both have pure intentions just very different missions. Neither one of them expected to fall in love. This was a fun one. I look forward to more of author Jennings humorous and slightly dangerous stories in the town of Joplin that is in serious need of redemption.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
Calista York is in Joplin as an undercover Pinkerton agent to find a missing person. She knows that a successful outcome means that she will be offered a permanent position in the agency. Unfortunately, she has lots of family in the area who keep thwarting her plans.
Matthew Cook feels led by God to start a ministry in Joplin to help the local miners avoid the mistakes of alcohol and women. He also wants to provide encouragement to the struggling families in the mining community. Therefore, when he sees a woman deliberately putting herself in harm’s way, he struggles to understand why.
Unfortunately, this book fell flat for me. I struggled to get through it and can only think that I failed to connect with the characters. I really didn’t like Calista. I understand that she has to pretend for her job, but she comes across as fake and careless. She has to be rescued multiple times, but doesn’t want to acknowledge that she was in trouble and needed the help.
I also struggled with so many characters. There seemed to be stories within the story – especially involving Maisie. But, it was as if everyone related to Calista had to have their part to the point of distraction.
However, if you are interested in a sweet and clean who-done-it mystery, you will likely enjoy this. There is humor and a sweet HEA at the end. The author is very talented and I normally love her stories. This, sadly, was not one that connected with me.
Romance – PG / kissing
Language – PG / clean
Violence – PG / a character is attacked in a scene
My rating – 3 stars
A sweet read with great characters and twists. I really enjoyed diving into this novel.
Who knew Joplin, Missouri, used to be such a wild town! Can you imagine a Baby Raffle! If you enjoy humor in a historical book, you will love Courting Misfortune! Calista York who is a Pinkerton operative is either brave or not very wise! She finds herself in situations she was not planning on! Her rowdy Kentworth relatives try to help her out not realizing she is an operative. Matthew Cook was a great young man following God’s leading to win the people of Joplin for God. Calista doesn’t appreciate Matthew’s attempts to protect her. Being a Missourian, I found the history of Joplin and it’s ore mines very interesting. I recommend Courting Misfortune to others. I received an advance copy of Courting Misfortune from Bethany House and Regina Jennings. This is my honest opinion.
This is book one in the Joplin Chronicles series, what a great place to start. Calista York comes from a unique, loving and involved family. While she tries to hid her true job, it may be harder than she thinks once she is assigned a job near family. Matthew Cook was a little harder character for me to connect with, but when I did I liked him. This book is full of misunderstanding, mystery, history, family and romance. I look forward to reading book two in this series. I look forward to learning more about the characters that we met in this series.
Always a fan of mysteries, the idea of a female Pinkerton detective, even one on probation, was very intriguing. Calista York grew up in a well-to-do family, but after an adventure where she met a true female Pinkerton, becoming one herself to help people find justice was her life’s dream. Finding a missing girl in Joplin, MO was her first assignment to prove her worth as a Pinkerton. The problem was that Joplin was where Calista’s family lived…a very well-known family. Could she disguise herself well enough to scour the sordid parts of town without her family discovering she was there? Then she had the problem of a young new pastor trying to save her soul…
While I truly enjoyed Calista’s (& Matthew’s) story, somewhere in the back of my mind I felt like I already knew her family, especially her eccentric mother and grandmother. Have they already been in Jennings’ novels before? They seem so familiar! Whether I know them from previous stories or they just seem like old friends because Regina Jennings creates amazing characters in all of her novels, I am really looking forward to the rest of this series. P.S. That Maisie is a HOOT!!
*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed everything about this book! The cover is beautiful, the story is very well written and hard to put down and the characters are very relatable. This is the first book in the new Joplin Chronicles and it promises to be an exciting series! One of my favorite things about the book was how much each character grew throughout the story. Calista feels like she needs to prove herself and solve this case (she is still on probation). So she will do almost anything to solve this kidnapping and rescue the girl; however, her constant (and inconsistent) lies are getting her into trouble and her family is making it almost impossible for her to do her job. She also wasn’t expecting to meet Matthew.
Matthew knows that God has called him to be a preacher to the mining community in Joplin, MO; however, he didn’t realize how hard it was to actually get people to listen to him. He is a bit naïve, but has a good heart and genuinely cares about the miners and their families. When he keeps bumping into Calista, he knows that God wants him to help her, but how do you help someone who doesn’t want your help?
Overall, I loved everything about his book – especially liked the end (I didn’t see it coming!) This story has so much packed in between it’s covers – a baby raffle (who would think that is a reasonable solution to an orphanage problem!!), hilarious cousins, romance, some laugh out loud moments and even a bit of intrigue. I definitely recommend this book if you like historical romance or if you just want to start a new series that will definitely make you laugh. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars!
Special thanks to Regina Jennings, Netgalley and Bethany House Publishers for allowing me to read and review this book – all views and opinions are my own.
This debut novel in Regina Jennings new series, The Joplin Chronicles, was delightful. I especially enjoyed learning about the background of Joplin, Missouri and it’s rough and tumble start. Calista is a probationary Pinkerton agent whose case is to find the kidnapped daughter of a crime boss whose last known whereabouts was Joplin. Calista’s bumbles at attempting to find a job in Joplin and to locate the missing daughter lead to hilarious high jinks that kept my interest from start to finish. With twists and turns throughout, along with a budding romance, this well written novel would please historical fiction readers.
** I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.
Undercover Lady!
It is 1898, and Calista lives and breathes to be a Pinkerton agent. But she is still under probation for the job, and must prove herself to become a full-fledged operative. She goes to Joplin, Missouri, undercover, to see if she can find a woman whose last known location was there. The area is notorious for the large number of women working in the world’s oldest profession. Is the missing woman part of that, and how can Calista safely infiltrate the operation?
While trying to figure that out, she is sidetracked by her many relatives that live in the area. Will they blow her cover? Can she convince them she is there for something else so she doesn’t have to reveal her true reason for coming?
Calista has many mishaps with her family, along with the new preacher, Matthew, who has set his sights on saving Calista from the bad lifestyle he believes her to be living.
Serious and dangerous situations are paired with some funny episodes that make this an exciting story. Can Calista keep her job as a Pinkerton agent, and at the same time, have a relationship with Matthew? Will she be able to keep her true identity from him until she solves this case?
The reader will find themselves on the edge of their seat from the tale’s action and thrills, but also laughing at hilarious antics Calista finds herself a part of. Christian faith also plays a part in this book. Fans of well written, fast-paced stories with a sprinkling of humor, will love this five-star story.
Bethany House Publishers, through NetGalley, has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, Courting Misfortune, for the purpose of review.
Courting Misfortune by Regina Jennings is the first full-length novel in The Joplin Chronicles series. However, if you are looking for the initial introduction to Calista and the crazy Kentworth family, then make sure you also read the novella, Intrigue a la Mode.
Courting Misfortune is a unique blend of chaos, humor, intrigue, and spiritual growth. Like all Regina Jenning’s books, there are plenty of memorable, laughable moments, and the antics of the Kenthworth crowd do not disappoint. Calista, despite her training with the Pinkerton agency, seems to be off-kilter in the town of Joplin, a city she knows well–but a city full of her meddling cousins. It was entertaining to watch her try to employ one spy-tactic after another while dodging family members nosy questions and the good-hearted advice of a handsome preacher.
Being from Missouri, I enjoyed learning about the history of Joplin, even if the reality of what transpired in the city was sorely disappointing. I was terrified for Calista on several occasions as she put herself at risk time and again to complete her mission. I could definitely empathize with Matthew and all his concern about her moving within the wrong (and dangerous) circles in town.
Matthew is the sort of hero a girl can fall for easily. He’s handsome. He loves God, and he feels a calling to help people who are lost. And while he may be quick to judge others in the beginning, I enjoyed watching him humble himself and listen to the will of God for his life. His calling was truly inspirational–as was his love for others.
I loved reading Courting Misfortune, and I am looking forward to reading the rest of books in the series! Any fan of Christian historical fiction will enjoy this tale.
I was given a copy of this book by the author with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own.
When I pick up a Regina Jennings book, I know I’m going to be in for an amusing journey, and Courting Misfortune didn’t disappoint. I laughed and giggled my way through Calista’s adventures and misadventures, enjoying all her crazy antics and the hilarious situations she found herself in. Calista York is spunky, courageous, and independent, and trying to get a permanent job as a Pinkerton agent. Matthew Cook is a handsome, good-hearted missionary/preacher out to save souls and help others. When he meets Calista, he’s puzzled as to what she’s doing and why she seems to be related to so many townspeople.
“Why hadn’t she asked to be assigned to Wyoming or somewhere less complicated?”
I loved the interaction and witty banter between Calista and Matthew. It was amusing to see their relationship change and develop. Jennings is a master at creating vividly-drawn, endearing characters and plopping them into intriguing situations.
“As it is, you’re kinda like Eve climbing an apple tree to get away from temptation.”
Set in Joplin, Missouri in 1898, this story is a colorful look at a slice of history I was unaware of. A booming, rowdy mining town, Joplin was full of danger and unsavory characters, and people trying to find their fortunes. I’m looking forward to more adventures in The Joplin Chronicles. 4.5 stars
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers. All opinions are my own.
Loved this book by Regina Jennings! She always writes such great books! I loved that this one was about an aspiring Pinkerton Detective and how she struggled to stay focused due to her families interference and falling in love. I loved how in the end she chose to do what was right even if it meant she could lose her job. I like that in the end she discovered that she could accomplish her dream in a way that she didn’t expect with the person she loved. I also learned some things about Joplin, Missouri that I didn’t know, so that was fun.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
Oh my. A female Pinkerton in a mining town is a recipe for trouble, and that’s what Calista is. I enjoyed this book by author Regina Jennings, the first in her new series, The Joplin Chronicles. I will admit that I had a bit of a problem getting into it but hang in there; it will be worth it.
Jennings characters range from staid and upright to quirky and laughter inducing, with everything else in between. Some of them you will love, and some of them will irritate you, which is the mark of a good story. And the descriptions of places were very well done. I could “see” them easily.
Throughout was a thread of not judging people based on the outside appearance. Matthew especially learns that lesson. I appreciated the spiritual aspects of the story since it wasn’t preachy but natural.
If you enjoy historical fiction with clean romance, as well as some unexpected twists, then you’ll enjoy Courting Misfortune.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Calista York, a Pinkerton agent, is sent to 1898 Joplin, Missouri, to locate the kidnapped daughter of a Chicago mobster. Joplin is also home to Calista’s grandmother and interfering cousins, who were introduced in Intrigue A La Mode.
Matthew Cook, a missionary from Pine Gap in the Ozark Mountains, has come to rescue the people of Joplin from the evils of this mining town. Seeing Calista entering a questionable establishment alone, Matthew believes he has found someone in need of help.
Courting Misfortune, Book 1 of The Joplin Chronicles, is rich in history, suffering, sadness, humor, salvation, growth, and love. I enjoyed reading Calista and Matthew’s journey as they discovered how God wanted to use them as individuals and as a couple for Him. Definitely another story to add to your collection of novels by Regina Jennings.
I received a free paperback copy of this book. I volunteered to read it and write a review.
This is a wonderful book! Calista is a spunky and clever character. Her only dream is to be a Pinkerton detective and unfortunately for her she was sent to her hometown to solve a mystery. In fun and quirky ways, she finds what she’s looking for despite her crazy family’s antics. Along the way, she inherits a baby and finds true love! The secondary characters really make this a fun and interesting read and I’m sure they’ll show up in later book. (I hope so). This book is well written, the descriptions were enough to transport me to the town of Joplin and the characters were endearing. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I always enjoy novels by Regina Jennings. I can always count on her to provide me with a mostly fun read with unique characters, witty dialogue, precarious situations, and of course a potential romance that could have a few hurdles to overcome. Courting Misfortune it all and more.
Calista is living the life she always dreamed of as a Pinkerton detective. At least she hopes that her latest assignment will prove her skills once and for all to the agency. The only problem is that the assignment is in her hometown and it could be well nigh impossible to keep her secrets from the family members she is bound to encounter while there. Not only does she run into several of them rather quickly but she continues to cross paths with one Matthew Cook, a country preacher who feels called to win souls for the Lord in the sinful city of Joplin, Missouri.He is uncertain about what to think of Calista but finds himself drawn to her and to be her protector.
I thoroughly enjoyed this tale and found myself chuckling more than once at the antics of her interfering cousins. The author did a wonderful job describing Joplin’s past and her insight into the lives of the miners and their families was revealing. Home Bible studies and baby raffles do not quite seem to belong in the same story but I loved how everything came together to work out perfectly. Plenty of plot twists and surprises were enough to keep things moving and hold the interest of most any reader.
If you enjoy historical fiction with a touch of humor and a bit of mystery and intrigue topped off with a generous helping of romance, the Courting Misfortune is the perfect book for you.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Bethany House Publishing. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
Regina Jenning’s kick-off novel for her new series set in Joplin, Missouri, is filled with her trademark humor, witty dialogue, and engaging characters. But don’t let the romantic banter fool you, this book has a solid foundation of historical research and doesn’t shy away from deep spiritual truths. I particularly loved the historical look at the gritty mining town of Joplin as well as the fascinating aspect of a female Pinkerton detective with a mission to find the missing daughter of a Chicago mob boss. The romance between Matthew and Calista is sweet and unfolds in a realistic and touching way. Five stars for Regina Jennings new novel and looking forward to the rest of the series.