It’s been a few weeks since I shared a “First Line Friday” and thought today would be perfect with my review of Regina Jenning‘s latest novel, Holding the Fort. I love her books and this newest one is going on my keeper shelf too.

Here’s my REVIEW:

Everyone has those authors they trust to deliver a great story every time. Regina Jennings is one of those for me. I’m always entertained. I’m always hooked. This latest novel – Holding the Fort – was an absolute delight to read. It was charming, unique, and witty, as Regina’s books always are.

I loved Louisa. The difficulties of her past made her shine as a tried-and-true heroine. She feels her imperfections deeply, but her heart is kind and she’s braver than she thinks. I admired her grit and determination to be a better person. Watching her relationship with the Major and his girls unfold was adorable and endearing.

And Major Daniel Adams was a great leading man, who steps onto the page with flare and feeling. He’s honest and smart, good at his job and a loving father. His feelings for Louisa melted my heart. Despite their obvious differences, they really do compliment each other perfectly.

If you enjoy historical romance, this is one I highly recommend. It’s not weighted down with too many historical facts and yet it still pulls you right into the era with grace and realistic descriptions. I can’t wait to read the rest of this new series!

I received a free copy from the  publisher. No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own.

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

With Miss Bell as the Teacher, Everyone’s Bound to Learn an Interesting Lesson

Dance hall singer Louisa Bell has always lived one step from destitution. When she loses her job at the Cat-Eye Saloon, she has nowhere else to go but to her brother, a cavalry soldier stationed in Indian Territory. But he’s run afoul of his commanding officer. Unsure what she can do to help him and desperate for a job, she doesn’t protest when she’s mistaken for a governess at the fort. How hard can teaching really be?

Major Daniel Adams has his hands full at Fort Reno, especially raising two adolescent daughters alone. If this new governess doesn’t work out, his mother-in-law insists she’ll raise the girls herself–far away from the fort. Miss Bell bears little resemblance to Daniel’s notion of a governess–they’re not supposed to be so blamed pretty–but he finds himself turning a blind eye to her unconventional methods. Louisa has never faced so important a performance. Can she keep her act together long enough to help her brother and to secure the respectable future she’s sought for so long?

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And the first line is:

“The fumes of the gaslights at the foot of the stage protected Louisa Bell from the more noxious odors of her audience.”

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Find “Holding the Fort” on

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ChristianBook

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Let me know your first line in the comments & then head over to Hoarding Books to see who else is participating!