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.
more
Another solid read from Ms.Jennings that lets you solve part of the mystery but not all which makes it more interesting. A lady Pinkerton Agent pique my interest from the beginning as it was nice to see such a strong female character in this time period. I especially loved the character of Matthew and his heart for people and their circumstances. Calista’s family can be a hoot and provide laughs and entertainment within the story. I so enjoy how this author weaves laughter amidst the serious and does it so well that it seems like you are walking a tightrope to see what happens next. One of my go to authors to make me smile and feel like I have just watched a movie because I am so drawn in. Recommended reading for relaxing in a chair with your blanket.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher/author. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
Calista York feels a calling to become a Pinkerton agent and help save people. While undercover on a case, she finds herself in a seedy part of town. Matthew Cook is in Joplin trying to save the lost sheep. When he runs into Calista, he gets tangled up in quite a mess.
I loved how unique this story was and that I didn’t know what would happen next. There were a number of things I didn’t see coming.
This book is connected to Graham and Willow’s story in Intrigue a la Mode (Harvey House Brides), but it can be read as a standalone. Intrigue a la Mode is an excellent story, so I suggest reading it.
Calista has a large family and at the beginning it got a little confusing with all the characters, but they were all different. I enjoyed learning about each family member.
This book was a good lesson in not judging people. You never know what someone else is going through, and you often don’t have the full story.
I enjoyed reading the author’s note at the end and learning about the history and research that went into the writing of this book.
This was a great start to a new and interesting series.
Courting Misfortune by Regina Jennings was the perfect escape after a rough day at work. Witty, charming, and quirky, this story is sure to entertain. You cannot help but fall in love with the characters – both the main ones and the supporting cast – and the plot keeps you guessing as a mystery unfolds before you.
Fans of historical fiction who love a lighthearted read will adore this story. Fast paced with romance and mystery, what more do you need? I have long been a fan of Jennings, and this book certainly lives up to my expectations!
I received this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
Courting Misfortune was a fun story. Poor Calista! All she wanted to do was earn her place as a Pinkerton detective and find a missing girl. But, along with her undercover work, she also found herself dodging well meaning relatives and a missionary who wanted to keep her out of trouble. It made for some funny moments and a lot of creative thinking on Calista’s part.
The first half of the book was a slow build for me, but at the halfway point the story really took off. I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Matthew and Calista. I also thought that Matthew and Calista both grew a lot in their understanding of how God wanted to work through them as the book progressed.
It was interesting to see how people viewed the idea of a baby raffle and all that entailed. I felt like I learned a lot about historic Joplin and the lives of the miners there.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
“ Sometimes the Lord worked miracles for people who did not deserve them. Today was one of those days.”
A quirky, humorous, romantic story.
In her probationary period as a Pinkerton Agent, Calista York is trying to track down the missing daughter of a Chicago mob boss. She travels to Joplin, Missouri to pick up the trail. Since Joplin is 123 miles and about 3 hours from me, I was interested in its history. Joplin contains mines, saloons, corruption and outside of town, relatives of Calista. Can she keep her assignment a secret and find her subject? The local, fledgling missionary, Matthew Cook, doesn’t know what to make of Calista. She could be a shady character or a detective. He feels compelled to protect her.
Calista is at times out of her element but Matthew comes to befriend her and she helps him in his efforts to reach the lost miners of Joplin.
Oh the trouble she gets into, but family bonds together as the girl she is tracking is just out of reach. I liked the diversity of her family from the matriarch, Granny Laura, to quibbling cousins, to in laws with clout. This was a really entertaining story. I look forward to the rest of the series.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own. *
I really enjoyed this first book in the Joplin Chronicles series! It was extremely interesting learning the history of a town I’ve been through many times. The heroine was spunky and clever. I loved the premise of her being a Pinkerton agent on a case in her hometown. It created a lot of conflict, especially when a handsome missionary comes onto the scene.
The author did an excellent job setting the stage for this series with a cast of fabulous side characters – Maisie! – that will hopefully got their time in the spotlight soon! Can’t wait for the next story!
I received a copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
What I Loved:
There’s nothing I love more than a well-crafted mystery. And, boy, was I in for a treat here! I had portions figured out but not the whole thing, so it was a joy to watch it all unravel. I also have a sweet spot for a Pinkerton story. There’s just something fun about the historical setting and the undercover agency.
Add to that a sweet romance and solid Christian characters, and we’re in for an entertaining novel! I also found the historical details about Joplin very interesting.
Truly, I have no complaints. I love reading Jennings because she keeps a solid Christian message while telling an engaging historical romance.
Rating and Recommendations: I’m giving Courting Misfortune 5 stars. I highly recommend it to Christian historical or Pinkerton fans.
~ I received a copy from NetGalley. All thoughts are my own. I was not compensated for this review or required to give a favorable one.
There was so much to Love about this story!
Espionage, Romance, Mystery and one of the things I can always count on in a Regina Jennings book…moments that literally make me laugh out loud!
I had previously read “Intrigue a la mode” So, to say the least, I loved that Willow and Graham were involved in this story as well. If you haven’t read Intrigue a la mode you will definitely want to.
I also loved all of the new characters and can’t wait to see more of them in the future. I am hooked and can’t wait for the next book in the Joplin Chronicles series.
I loved the chemistry between Calista and Matthew and that they were both trying to fulfil their God-given callings and the different roads that ended up taking them on. There were a few Suprise! moments for me that I really loved and constantly found myself wondering…what is Calista going to do next?! Anyway, this is another highly recommend Regina Jennings book for me and definitely a new favourite 🙂
Courting Misfortune by Regina Jennings is a novel about a female Pinkerton Agent in Kansas City, KS. The cover was beautiful. Hints of mystery. Hints of history. Eye-catching. The main issue that I had with the story is the romance. While a preacher and an agent can find love with each other, it bothered me that for the first 62% of the novel sparks didn’t blossom at all, but then all of a sudden, they were touching each other and feeling these growing emotions. I didn’t buy it. I know it is a historical romance, but it just didn’t ring true to me. As for the plot, the whole purpose of the heroine being in Kansas City was to hunt for a missing woman. But the heroine did mention her search a number of times, and she went to seedy places looking for her, BUT she got distracted a lot too. Joined a Baby Raffle. Found ways to bump into Matt, the preacher. Met with her Kansas City family. Helped a nearby family. The hunt didn’t seem to override or drive her actions. While the writing was wonderful, I believe the delivery of the story was not on point. Overall, Courting Misfortune by Regina Jennings has a beautiful cover, but the story fell flat for me.
I received a complimentary copy of Courting Misfortune by Regina Jennings from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.
“Courting Misfortune” is Regina Jennings’ best book yet!
Calista York is back in the office, home from her latest assignment with the Pinkerton Agency. She needs one more successful case to earn a permanent position with the Agency. It is her fondest dream and what she believes she is being called to do with her life—even though her affluent and well-connected family does not know what she is up to! Imagine Calista’s shock in finding Chicago gangster Jinxy Seaton in the office as her next client. What in the world could the Pinkerton Agency have to do with a criminal?
Matthew Cook, from Pine Gap, felt the call to be a missionary since he was young man. He expected to go exotic places but ended up just a train ride away in Joplin, Mo. The mining town of Joplin in 1898 is a dark and desperate place. It is the town where Matthew’s uncle met his destruction and Matthew wants to save others from the same fate.
It is with a sinking feeling that Calista learns she will be sent to Joplin to find the missing daughter of Jinxy Seaton. It is not that she minds helping Jinxy find his daughter, he seems legitimately worried about her, it is that Joplin is dangerously close to family, the family who has no idea she is a Pinkerton agent. How will she keep her cover? How will she escape her family’s notice? Oh, she will not!
After only a few days in Joplin, Mathew spies a seemingly nice young lady entering The House of Lords, a café on the bottom story and a house of ill repute in the upper stories. He tries to intervene, but the young lady is adamant about entering. She thinks he is working for the establishment and is on guard. He does not know what to think about her and is dismayed to find he cannot help her. They part ways, both bothered by the encounter.
And so, the story begins. There are twists and turns: family intrigue, romance, crime, and even a little bit of comedy. I cannot wait for you to read it! It is the whole package, and you will not be sorry you did.
The story is complete and resolves satisfactorily, yet I found myself already anxious to read book two of this series: The Joplin Chronicles!
If you cannot get enough after reading this book, go back and read Regina’s novella “Intrigue a la Mode”. It is where I first met Calista York and some of her family.
This author continues to improve, IMO. This book was such a joy to read. It brought laugh out loud scenes, wonderful faith theme, compelling characters, and an intriguing plot. This year, more than most, I find the need for a bit more fun, whit, and laughter. I never want my inspirational reads to lack a faith and hope theme, and this book has a great one of those as well. I have read a lot of forgiveness ones this year…this one had a bit more of a hope theme that I really enjoyed.
The two main characters are both well done as are the secondary characters. It was a great cast to follow.
I certainly learned much because I have been through Joplin many times, however, I did not know the city had such a storied past! The historical aspect was fascinating, and I always enjoy learning when I read.
It is a well done book with lots to enjoy!
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are
This is the first book in the Joplin Chronicles Series set in the very late 1800’s, and it sure promises to be an amazing, fun, laugh out loud and charming Series!
Calista York is a Kansas City girl and an undercover Pinkerton agent in training, and this new assignment she’s been given may be the perfect opportunity to secure her job. A little unexpected, though, as she is sent to Joplin, Missouri, where she has an extended family that may get in the way of her keeping a low profile in order to succeed in her task, which is to rescue Lila Seaton, the kidnapped daughter of a Chicago well known mobster boss.
Matthew Cook is a former farmer turned into a missionary preacher and sent to Joplin, known as a sin city full of many lost souls: gamblers, drunks, women of ill repute, and the miners that still have many things to learn about living a godly life. He sure is having a hard time at it, but things get even more complicated when reckless and captivating Miss York arrives to town and seems to be getting in one scrape after another, always putting herself in danger.
But Calista doesn’t want a man -or anyone else- interfering in her investigation. But it seems that instead of keeping her identity undercover, she is attracting more attention than she ought to… That is, if she wants to find the mobster’s daughter and finally get the recognition she craves.
Things get more complicated as the local people organize a raffle for the orphanage, where the prize is a baby, and Calista’s name is entered in the drawing. Can you see the trouble brewing? And will Calista ever find Lila, before she ends up kidnapped herself or worse? Will she and Matthew, opposites as they are, ever have a chance of acknowledging their growing feelings? I won’t spoil the story, you’ll have to read it for yourself to find out. I’ll just say it was a delightful journey, full of everything I love in my novels: sweet romance, humor and laugh out loud moments, mixed with intrigue and danger. The plot kept me engaged the whole time. There are unexpected twists and lots of action and funny moments. The romance is sweet and clean, a bit hard for them to let down their walls, but so endearing. Most of all, I loved the characters: Calista’s spunky, naïve and straightforward nature had me smiling a lot. And Matthew was funny and too, especially because he took everything so seriously, and how he sees Calista as a lost sheep at first. His feeling of helplessness is deep, and he will have to learn and mature in regard as what is most important in his mission. Calista will be a help in that. They both have heart of gold and are selfless and interested in. helping others. The book has an inspiring message that wasn’t preachy at all.
The secondary characters, especially Calista’s cousins, were a wonderful addition and made the story more fun and enjoyable. I can see some characters in this book getting their long story later in this Series.
The book is well written, the descriptions enough detailed for me to transport myself to Joplin and the characteristics of the place and people in that era.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone! It was delighful and endearing! A great escape for these days!
The characters are incredible and will have you laughing and falling for them. This is a story that captures your attention and holds you captivated until the very end. A mystery to solve leaves the reader holding their breath to find what happened to Lila all the while taking you on a incredible journey. The author throws some surprises into the story that gives incredible joy and shows how God works in the lives of humanity. A sweet romance that puts God’s will and obedience to him first. This is a fun, beautiful and white knuckling adventure that will take your breath away!
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Calista York is a probationary Pinkerton agent searching for the kidnapped daughter of a Chicago mobster somewhere in the rowdy city of Joplin, Missouri. She must work undercover to save the missing girl from harm, and nothing can stop her– not her nosy extended family in the area, the seedy crowd of miners and fallen women of Joplin, and especially not the handsome missionary determined to keep her safe.
Matthew Cook is a missionary trying to reach out to the fallen community known as “wicked Joplin.” When he learns that the local children’s home is raffling off a baby to raise money, he is determined to stop the spectacle while continuing his Christian outreach to the unruly miners he befriends. The only thing that could possibly distract him is the confounding and beautiful Calista York, who always seems to be hiding something and getting herself into trouble.
Can these two find a way to face their feelings for each other with such important missions on their hearts? And will they be able to intervene and help those who need it the most?
Regina Jennings delivers a spunky and exciting tale full of adventure and romance that keeps you intrigued until the very last page. This was an extremely enjoyable and upbeat read with just enough danger and mystery to make it exciting. A cast of colorful, offbeat, and sometimes exasperating characters like Calista’s cousins bring humor to adventurous plot, but did try my patience at times. This may very well be the intention because they annoy our hero and heroine to no end! Calista’s recklessness and Matthew’s overrighteous attitude at the beginning were not quite to my liking, but their character arcs show growth and maturity in the end, which makes the book less predictable and therefore much more entertaining. The romance between the two was both sweet and swoon-worthy! There were some great scenes between the two that made this such a well-written love story. Both the romance between the two characters and the overall plot had twists and surprises that made this book impossible to put down. I loved this tale of adventure, mystery, and romance from Regina Jennings, and I cannot wait for the next books in the series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher to review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Regina Jennings takes a whole new look at the Pinkerton agency in this one of a kind, baby raffling, laugh out loud historical novel filled with romance, a darling hero, a determined heroine, and her meddling family.
I have been looking forward to reading this book since it first came out, how could I not with a title like “Courting Misfortune” and a cover that just jumps out begging to be read?!
Calista York is the kind of character that I would not expect to like as much as I did, only because I did not think there would be as much character development as Jennings so carefully wove throughout her newest novel.
I knew I loved Matthew Cook from the start, he is the kind of hero that I like reading about, (but may or may not love in real life, ;)) and I love seeing how like-minded characters come to have their own romance even when it is unexpected.
With an abundance of missteps, numerous tales woven and nearly forgotten, and twists that will keep you guessing this historical work of fiction is one I am happy to say I highly recommend.
Content: Dealings with prostitution, and other likewise topics.
18+
I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e/copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
From Calista’s drive as a Pinkerton agent and ability to back herself into corners to Matthew’s heart to reach lost souls in a town full of darkness, Courting Misfortune drew me in. Calista’s extended family kept me there.
Regina Jennings has once again written a historical romance full of wit, humor, and memorable characters with an underlying thread of mystery to solve. And the theme of finding your calling is clear throughout the novel.
If you’re looking for an engaging read that will make you laugh out loud at moments, look no further.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
I love this new series. I especially love that this brings in people that were minor characters and main characters from previous stories. Calista thinks she wants certain things in her life but maybe she wants something else. Mathew needs to learn what some of the people go through each day before he can preach to them. I really enjoyed the laughs in the story. I loved the twists and turns. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
With Courting Misfortune, Regina Jennings has once again crafted a book with a great cast of characters and plenty of incentive to keep turning pages.
I love a good Pinkerton story, and Courting Misfortune did not disappoint. Calista’s determination makes her a great detective, and I enjoyed watching her go about the city trying to find Lila. Matthew’s presence not only provides a distraction but also conflict that threatens to keep Calista from her goal. The resulting tension is delicious and keeps you turning pages.
And the secondary characters definitely provide comedic relief. The antics of Calista’s cousins had me laughing out loud, and I loved their interactions with both Calista and Matthew.
I loved the reminder that not everything is as it seems. Matthew assumes Calista is a sheep gone astray, not realizing she has a deep faith that sustains her. A lot of this issue stems from Calista’s willingness to enter a gray area in order to progress in her investigation. I think this definitely gives Christians some food for thought. Is it important how we present ourselves to the world? And does our conviction to witness to lost souls sometimes lead to an inflated sense of self-importance? Matthew’s frustration that his mission wasn’t going the way he wanted definitely made me wonder about this. Do we want to serve God or create a name for ourselves? I think it’s an easy line to cross.
I think Matthew’s zeal and the lessons he learns also deepened the romance with Calista. Their determination to help others is what makes them a great couple, even if it sometimes creates conflict between them. But all that conflict made the ending that much sweeter.
I could say so much more, but I want to avoid spoilers. Let’s just say Jennings takes you on an adventure filled with misunderstandings, mishaps, and an unexpected twist.
Overall, Courting Misfortune is an entertaining read historical romance readers will love.
(Note: I received a complimentary copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.)
I added Courting Misfortune to my reading list based on the recommendation of readers in my online community. Then when Regina Jennings secured a spot as a finalist in the 2020 Christy Awards, it amped up my desire to begin reading her new series.
What friends had to say about the author was true, she expertly uses humor and wit to capture and hold the attention of her audience. I especially enjoyed this aspect of the story when it was delivered through Calista’s family. Maise, Howie, and Granny’s antics provided some of the best laughs.
Calista and Matthew both had admirable reasons for being in Joplin. She’s on a mission to save a woman who had reportedly been kidnapped and taken to a house of ill repute. Matthew had come as a missionary—bent on saving the citizens of Joplin from vice. They would have made a good team had Calista been willing to break her cover and confide in him. Instead, she spends a prolonged period of time spinning outrageous stories in order to maintain her cover as a Pinkerton. For this reason, I had difficulty comprehending how their romance could progress.
Courting Misfortune was a little too light and whimsy for my tastes, but I can see how it could provide the perfect escape for others.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Some books are a pure joy to read! I found that while reading Courting Misfortune that I was just smiling the whole way through it and even laughing aloud in some parts. Calista York’s family was so entertaining and reminded me a bit of my family. The baby raffle in the story was definitely one of the most outrageous things I’ve ever read about but is a real event that has happened in the past. I love Matthew’s very black-and-white attitude, it’s people like him that lead the charge on change and reform. People with a very black-and-white attitude are most effective when they have someone by their side who have the same hunger for justice but are able to see the gray areas and soften their edges and approach. Such a person is Calista, who’s pursuit of justice is sincere though the way she goes about it isn’t as straight cut as Matthew’s. Their first meeting was so much fun to read! So take a journey to Joplin, the raucous mining town in Missouri. Follow Matthew as he tries to right the wrongs of the city and Calista as she attempts to work undercover while hiding her true motives from her family. Courting Misfortune was both entertaining and enjoyable, you won’t be disappointed!