When dance hall singer Louisa Bell inadvertently stumbles into a position as governess for the two precocious daughters of Fort Reno’s Major Daniel Adams, well, a series of endearing and often hilarious antics are bound to follow! “Holding the Fort” is the first book in the delightful new “Fort Reno” series, and was written by Regina Jennings and published by Bethany House in late 2017.

After I began reading the first scene in this book, where the Lovely Lola Bell is singing in a saloon that provided various types of unwholesome entertainment, I was a bit nervous about what sort of book I had picked up. Much to my relief I needn’t have worried, however, because even though the entire premise of the story is based upon a woman hiding her less-than-genteel past from the man she is growing to love, it is handled with grace and discretion. Inappropriate comments are typically mild and few in number, while clean humor abounds and will undoubtedly make you laugh aloud. Truly, it was impossible not to be completely charmed and swept away by Louisa and Daniel’s story as they unwrap the beautiful surprises God has in store for them!

If you are a fan of Christian Historical Fiction of any kind, and warmly-written comedic westerns (think Karen Witemeyer) in particular, you will adore Regina Jennings’ newest novel just as much as I did. With sweet truths of God’s love, lively and unforgettable characters, and an unlikely story that will compel you to read “just one more chapter” before turning out the lights, “Holding the Fort” is an all-around delightful novel, and I can’t wait for the sequel to be released later this year!

“Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.”