
MY REVIEW:
Engaging Deception is a delightful story that had me laughing out loud frequently as I read it. The heroine, Olive Kentworth absolutely loves architecture and has learned quite a bit about it through reading. Turns out that although self-taught, she is very talented at designing homes. Unfortunately society is not yet ready for women architects. Her solution is to design homes while her cousin implements the plans for her and also takes all the credit for them.
Maxfield Scott is the award winning architect who Olive most admires. When she finds herself acting as nanny to his children, she is thrilled to have access to his extensive library. Maxfield soon discovers that he is drawn to his home when Olive is there. Could this be a romance in the making?
Several hilarious scenes are in store as two prominent men compete to have the biggest, most elaborate house in town and Maxfield is baffled at how the seemingly inept contractor can possibly be responsible for the designs.
Loved this story but I will leave further details to the reader. I will say they will not be disappointed at the outcome.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A lively competition draws her into her rival’s blueprints–and maybe even his heart.
Olive Kentworth has spent her life hiding her interest in architecture, even though she pores over architectural books and sketches buildings. When she accepts a job on a home expansion, it’s only because her cousin Amos agrees to pose as the builder. To further hide her involvement, Olive takes a position as a nanny–not knowing that she’ll be working for her idol, Joplin’s leading architect, widower Maxfield Scott.
Maxfield is intrigued by his new nanny–she makes his home and his life bearable again. His work, on the other hand, is a disaster. An untrained builder is remodeling a completed project of his. What’s worse, Maxfield’s current client wants changes to his plans because of that builder’s work.
As the architectural one-upmanship heats up, Olive’s involvement becomes harder to hide. Will the relationship between her and Maxfield survive, or will they both miss out on building something for their future?
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.