MY REVIEW:

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.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Her trickiest case depends on keeping her motives–and her heart–in disguise.

Calista York needs one more successful case as a Pinkerton operative to secure her job at the agency. When she’s assigned to find the kidnapped daughter of a mob boss, she’s sent to the rowdy mining town of Joplin, Missouri. With extended family in the area, Calista must conceal her profession if she hopes to recover the missing girl.

When Matthew Cook decided to be a missionary, he never expected to be sent only a short train ride away to Joplin. 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 puts her in harm’s way.

Calista doesn’t need the handsome pastor and her nosy family interfering with her investigation, no matter their intentions. A girl’s life depends on her. If she doesn’t find Lila Seaton soon, the constant meddling could have dire consequences.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Regina Jennings (www.reginajennings.com) 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.