MY REVIEW:
I thoroughly enjoyed The Lieutenant’s Bargain, the charming second installment in Regina Jennings’ Fort Reno Series. The story started quickly with the stage that is supposed to deliver Hattie Walker safely to Denver robbed and leaving everyone but Hattie dead. Rescued by Indians, then rescued again by someone from her past, Hattie is not at all happy with how her life is going. Determined to find her way to Denver before it is too late to enter a painting in an exhibition, she chafes at being confined to Fort Reno but agrees to a bargain with Lieutenant Hennessey. She can’t wait to leave but will he manage to change her mind?
With a balanced blend of light-hearted moments, historical facts, a bit of action, danger, and mystery, plus the expected romance, The Lieutenant’s Bargain was everything I hoped it would be. It was fun to witness the spiritual and personal growth of both Hattie and Jack. The author’s vivid imagery almost made me feel as if I were there experiencing everything along with Hattie. I loved touching base again with Daniel and Louisia from the first book of the series, Holding the Fort and learning how their life together was going. Reading this book was such fun but it also gave me food for thought about how we view others.
The Lieutenant’s Bargain is a must read if you enjoy your history mixed with a touch of faith, romance, and humor. I can’t wait for the next book in the series and am hoping it features Louisa’s brother
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author and Bethany House. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She Was Supposed to Be Gaining Independence.
What She Found Was Even Better . . .
Hattie Walker dreams of becoming a painter, but her parents want her to settle down. As a compromise, they give her two months to go to Denver and place her works in an exhibition. Her journey is derailed when a gunman attacks her stagecoach, leaving her to be rescued by a group of Arapaho . . . but she’s too terrified to recognize them as friendly.
Confirmed bachelor Lieutenant Jack Hennessey has long worked with the tribe and is tasked with trying to convince them that the mission school at Fort Reno can help their children. When a message arrives about a recovered survivor, Jack heads out to retrieve her–and plead his case with the chief once more.
He’s stunned to run into Hattie Walker, the girl who shattered his heart years ago, but quickly realizes he has a chance to impress her. When his plan gets tangled through translation, Jack and Hattie end up in a mess that puts her dreams in peril and threatens to destroy his life’s work.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Regina Jennings is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a minor in history. She’s the winner of the National Readers’ Choice Award, a two-time Golden Quill finalist and a finalist for the Oklahoma Book of the Year Award. Regina has worked at the Mustang News and at First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and various livestock shows. She lives outside of Oklahoma City with her husband and four children and can be found online at www.reginajennings.com.
