Jennings Winningly Combines Humor, History, and RomanceLouisa Bell never wanted to be a dance-hall singer, but dire circumstances force her hand. With a little help from her brother in the cavalry, she’s able to make ends meet, but lately he’s run afoul of his commanding officer, so she undertakes a visit to straighten him out. Major Daniel Adams has his hands full at Fort Reno. He can barely … Fort Reno. He can barely control his rowdy troops, much less his two adolescent daughters. If Daniel doesn’t find someone respectable to guide his children, his mother-in-law insists she’ll take them.
When Louisa arrives with some reading materials, she’s mistaken for the governess who never appeared. Major Adams is skeptical. She bears little resemblance to his idea of a governess–they’re not supposed to be so blamed pretty–but he’s left without recourse. His mother-in-law must be satisfied, which leaves him turning a blind eye to his unconventional governess’s methods. Louisa’s never faced so important a performance. Can she keep her act together long enough?
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I listened to the wonderful audiobook. I’ve listened to both books in this series now and they were great listens!
I loved this book! (I know I say that a lot, but I like to think I only pick books I will love to read.) I’ve read several Regina Jennings books, I love the sense of humor she has in her books. This book has the Lovely Louisa Bell, doing a favor for the sick teacher when she is mistaken for the teacher she does not correct the misunderstanding and takes the job of governess to the Major’s daughters. It is the only job at the fort and she not only needs the job, she needs to keep an eye on her wayward brother. One of my favorite quotes from the books happens before the misunderstanding of who she actually is. “She couldn’t shake the image of him riding away, hunched over, barely able to stay in the saddle. What if he’d fallen off somewhere and was even now being carried down a hole by a colony of well-coordinated prairie dogs?”
A very touching for me was after a few weeks of Louisa teaching his girls, the Major gets his requested background information letter regarding her credentials. He sees how far the girls have come and how hard Louisa is working “he held the flame to the envelope, then shook out the match. He knew the truth in his heart.”
There is much drama in this book too. Warring Indian tribes, nasty mother-in-laws and a performance like none other.
Will Lovely Lola, gifted saloon singer, be forced to give up her virtue and return to the saloon? Or will Louisa become the lady she is meant to be and find love and a home of her own? I loved all the characters in this book too. It is a very well written story. I’ve already read a companion novella
Read the book to find out! I don’t give spoilers but I will say it is a wonderful book! It is a very well written story. I’ve already read a companion novella in Heart’s Entwined Historical Collection. It is a story about Louisa’s brother Bradley. I can’t wait to read more from Ms. Jennings!
As soon as I turned the cover of this book the author had me walking in Louisa Bell’s shoes, and loving this girl. A big heart filled with compassion, and when she becomes homeless decides to go to her brother who is in the brig in Fort Reno.
Be ready for a few chuckles and wonder how she does what she does, but with such a loving way, that faux pas are soon forgotten, but we do see what a great mind she does possess with her chess playing. Can a bar room singer get away with posing as a governess, well your about to see it happen, well kind of, until the mother-in-law goes falling down.
Come and see how our lovely Lola Bell perceivers and we get some historical information along the way, and meet Major Daniel, the father of the girls and head of the fort.
When the book ended I was ready for more, I wanted to stay here with these delightful folks.
I received this book through Bethany House Publishing Blogger Program, and was not required to give a positive review.
I listened to this in audio form and thought the narrartor did wonderful. I enjoyed the flow of the story and the message of our value to God regardless of earthly position. This is a Christian book with scripture mentioned and spoke of. However, it’s lightly mingled into the story & not written in moralizing or sermon mode. I came to really like all the characters: the h’s brother, h & H, the Lt., daughters. I enjoyed that since this is a historical novel we get a bit of a feel and description of the time and era. I think the author did this well. As well as giving the reader, by showing through characters and scenes not telling, the nuiances of the time. People can see view the same situation and come to different conclusions depending on their past experiences, customs, etc. The author did well. I’m lookinf forward to finishing in the series.
Fun to read and enjoyed it so much, I bought another in the series.
I love when characters meet in unusual ways, and this one sure delivered! Louisa turns Daniel’s life upside down, in good ways and unexpected ways. She is great with his daughters who can be a bit difficult, and following her instincts helps her provide what the girls really need beyond book learning. It’s endearing how they are attracted to each other but fight their feelings since they don’t think they are from the same walk of life- but Daniel thinks she’s above him while Louisa believes the opposite. Louisa’s rascal of a brother Bradley provides a humorous point of view, and I also loved Lieutenant Hennessy, the Major’s right hand man and best friend who encourages his pursuit of Louisa. A vibrant cast of characters made this an enjoyable read and made me look forward to continuing 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.
I really enjoyed it! The first few chapters had me cracking up!
This book has some great laugh out loud moments. I loved it so much I immediately read it again. It is a gem!
Really enjoyed this book
Liked the Major and all the other characters.
One of my ALL-TIME favorite books! It has humor, and heart ache; heroism and hijinks; history and romance. Oh, some really terrific scenes and quotes! If someone asks for a recommendation, this is my first choice. Wonderfully fun and inspirational.
I laughed my way through the entire story! It was hilarious and wonderful. I really enjoy Regina Jennings stories, and this didn’t disappoint. Super funny characters, great storyline, interesting setting, hilarious situations. As much as it is light hearted, Regina Jennings still approaches real problems in the story, without making it depressing. Another excellent story, by an excellent author.
Okay so Louisa was NOT my favorite. She has a personality that I tend to stay away from. The girls were cute as all get out and a few of the Major’s closest friends were fantastic. My favorite part was at the end when Grandma came looking for Daniel and General Sheridan all but went up the chimney to get away from her!
Let me introduce to you Holding the Fort by Regina Jennings. It is a humorous, clean, Christian historical romance set in the Old West.
On her way to straighten out her wayward brother at Fort Reno, Louisa is mistaken for widowed Major Daniel’s new governess. She decides to make the most of it … as long as they never find out she’s actually a dance hall singer.
This book was a little humorous, what with all the misunderstandings, the characters’ first meeting, and Daniel’s rambunctious daughters (10 years and 16 years old). There was a little danger too; the fort was located in the “Indian Nations,” and misunderstandings between the Native American groups and between them and the Americans troops were quick to turn to bloodshed. Not that this book featured a war, but there were some tense situations, and the author took note of which were historical events.
The biggest focus, however, was the romance between Louisa and Daniel. It was adorable, sweet, and funny, and it happened way too quickly (a few weeks, and they decided to get married). I wonder if people at that time really did get married so quickly? Some, Id imagine, but surely not all. Anyway, I loved the way Daniel talked Louisa into staying at the very end. It was creative and suited the characters.
Overall, this was a cute romance with a little bit of humor. A little too fast and very focused on the romance, but it hooked me pretty quick.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not obligated to leave a review or compensated for it. Everything I said was true.
I waa starting to think Edna and Sheridan would make a match they way he had to get away from her! Lots of laugh out loud moments in this crazy story!
I absolutely adored this book! The characters were so fun to read! I felt like I was living inside this world that was created by the author. Being a history buff, I learned so much about this part of American history I didn’t know! It was fascinating. The Cheyenne and Arapaho Indians and Fort Reno were amazing places. If you add in the characters of this book, you come up with a very fun story that is also very compelling. The story begins with Louisa, who is a saloon singer, but she isn’t a “fallen woman”, she’s just a singer. However, the saloon owner decides that his girlfriend should be the new singer and fires Louisa! She has no place to go and no money. I really felt for her. I wont ruin the story but she eventually gets to Fort Reno through a case of mistaken identity and becomes a governess – yep, she is NOT even close to qualified! – for the major’s daughters! The major is totally clueless until he sees some inconsistencies in her behavior and by then, he’s fallen for her! The story in between is fantastic and the ending is perfect! You really have to read it. I never wanted the book to end. I highly recommend it!!!
I enjoyed all three books. Makes me glad
I wasn’t born in Engand during this time. Smile
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When one is in the mood for an out right silly book well this is one for you. Story isn’t to be taken too seriously. My teen age daughter chuckled through out th e book. Clean read and Ok for teen agers.
Very well written. Good story and a good romance. A good western. It ends happily.