Regina Jennings once again delivers a well-written, compelling, and historically intriguing novel from Bethany House Publishers – plus it is the first in a new series! “Courting Misfortune” opens up “The Joplin Chronicles” with a bang, as our Pinkerton-employed heroine faces danger of all sorts in a showdown against the shady side of a rough-and-tumble mining town.

I will admit that had I known this story centered around a brothel and the women who are forced to work there (due to circumstances or against their will) I would probably not have picked it up. But, once I began reading, I decided to hope for the best and trust that Ms. Jennings would not become too explicit in her details of the goings-on at those establishments. For the most part I believe she did pretty well in this area, portraying the despair of the women in such dire circumstances without making readers uncomfortable with too much information. The rest of the story is excellent and really keeps your attention, as it is filled with romance, relatable dilemmas, and the author’s trademark humor (definitely this humor is one of the features that sets her stories apart for me).

Without question, “Courting Misfortune” is a unique story that will demand your full attention from start to finish – I had a hard time putting it down! Sometimes it made me want to pull my hair out as the heroine found herself in such frustrating circumstances, but that is the sign of a great story, right? From baby raffles to Pinkerton detectives to mining camp secrets, this story holds plenty of surprises. If that sounds like a wonderful way to spend an afternoon or two this winter, you should definitely add this Christian Historical Novel to your reading list. I am looking forward to what this talented author has in store for us next, in “The Joplin Chronicles” book #2!

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