Holding the Fort (The Fort Reno Series Book #1)

I had a lot of fun reading this book. Jennings had me dying to find out would happen next. It was interesting seeing a Fort through the eyes of a widowed man who is also a Major. Major Daniel Adams daughters were a delight and I loved getting to know them. Holding the Fort is the first book in the Fort Reno series and I can’t wait to see who’s love story we get to read next. The tensions were high between the Indian tribes and the ranchers who’s cattle grazed on the land. Daniel was charged with helping keep the peace, but how can he do that while worrying about his daughters? Just in the nick of time Louisa arrives. Louisa is not your average teacher or governess. She’s actually not either of them at all. While on the way to help keep her brother in check, a job just might have fallen into her lap. Can she play the part? If the Major learns who she really is, she stands to lose all she holds dear. Meeting his daughters who are not as young as she planned throws a wrench in her plans. Not only are they older, but both are incredibly smart. Louisa isn’t want to shrink back from a challenge, but what might her deception cost her? I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance. It was set in a time that I haven’t read before and I enjoyed every minute of it. It was interesting to see the way life could have been like in a Fort. Seeing the chain of command was fun, and I enjoyed the way Daniel protected Louisa from the men under his command. Letting people make assumptions about you is an interesting way to be caught in a lie, and it only gets bigger as time passes. Seeing Louisa struggle with her deception and her faith was a fun journey. I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and was in no way forced to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is Christian Romance done right. Louisa Bell, aka Lola Bell, is a dance hall singer who has just been replaced by a younger woman. With nowhere to go, she heads to Fort Reno where her brother is stationed. She's just learned that he's gotten himself in trouble, so she hopes that she can help him. In the meantime, Major Daniel Adams is struggling with raising his daughters who are getting to an age that they need a woman's help. So, he decides to send off for a governess from the nearby Mennonites. While enroute to the fort, Louisa meets Major Adams' intended governess who is turning back due to allergies and agrees to deliver the educational materials to the Major. Upon arrival with the books, she is mistaken for the governess. Without any other options, Louisa decides to continue with the ruse, but as she gets to know the girls and their father, her deception weighs on her conscience. Can she reveal her true identity and risk getting sent away? What follows is a lot of humor, tender romance, and a slice of history. Within the developing romance between Louisa and the Major are some truly funny scenes. And, even though this is a fictional story, the author details at the end how real history and real people were introduced within the story. A primary theme within the story is the redemption available through Jesus. At the beginning of the story, Louisa doesn't trust God or church goers. But, as she observes other Christians and listens to them, she softens and accepts the Gospel message. Another smaller theme is forgiveness. Will she be forgiven if she reveals her past and the deception she's living as a governess? Romance - G / tame PG Language - clean Violence - one fight scene, man thrown from horse and hits head, causing bleeding. My rating - 5 stars

•°o•:*:•.Very Enjoyable.•:*:• o°• Wichita, Kansas 1885 Louisa Bell, with the captivating voice, is the star performer at the Cat-Eye Saloon, until she’s not! Private Bradley Willis, her act-before-you-think little brother, is stationed at Ft. Reno in Indian Territory. Word has it he’s found trouble… again. Being desperate for work and a roof, and determined to find a way to help her brother, she heads off for the fort with as many dancehall dresses as she can manage. In her mind, soldiers must need entertainment. Along the way, she meets a kindly Mennonite woman, Mrs. Sheridan, who is also headed to the fort to become a governess to Major Daniel Adams children. However, an awful case of hay fever has changed those plans. She is distraught at not being able to deliver the chest of books she has brought for the Major. Louisa offers to take them for her. Mrs. Sheridan is grateful, and leaves her “a more serviceable blouse and skirt; so she won’t ruin her fine things traveling in a coach.” Ch. 3 “May God make your trip good and no sinning and everything good,” Louisa said. Mrs. Townsend’s eyes twinkled. “That, my dear, is the most original benediction I’ve ever received.” I absolutely loved the way Daniel and Louisa met for the first time. It is so unique I won’t spoil it here. Later, when Louisa arrives at the fort, Lt. Jack Hennessey mistakes her for the new Mennonite governess, and she decides not to correct him or reveal her relationship to Bradley Willis. Privately, she pulls him aside to describe her account of an accident befalling one of the troopers. The details send Jack into a fit of laughter he has a hard time hiding. Jack has a big heart, and often a twinkle in his eye. I hope to learn more of his story in future installments. He shows Louisa to her “quarters”; Major Adams home! She soon meets his rowdy daughters, Caroline & Daisy, who aren’t the small children she was expecting. How will she possibly be able to teach them anything? Major Adams is a no-nonsense, widower of ten years. He has worked hard to climb the ranks of the military, and he expects the same of his soldiers. When Private Willis decides to blow off steam by drinking and shooting out lanterns on the base, he throws him in the guard house. But the WAY he did it, gives him pause. Meanwhile, he’s had all he can take of his bickering daughters and decides it’s high time to bring in reinforcements. A stern, older teacher from the Mennonite community that he respects so much should make a perfect governess for his girls, and hopefully, keep his busy-body mother-in-law at bay. I enjoyed this historical, Christian romance, and recommend it to others. You can also look up on you tube, “Fort Reno Interview” where the author shot a location video in OK! (about 4 minutes).