Hi Readers!
Happy New Year! Can you believe that it is already 2019?!? I'm so excited to tell you guys about my first "Must Read" for 2019, The Lieutenant's Bargain by Regina Jennings! The Lieutenant's Bargain is a Historical Fiction set in the year 1885 and I would recommend it if you:
- Have read any of Regina Jennings books, especially the Fort Reno Series since this is the second in the series.
- Like to read books by similar authors Mary Connealy and Amanda Cabot.
- Like to read books that are heartwarming and funny.
- Just want to read an amazing new story!
Here's the story,
Lieutenant Jack Hennessey has been in love with Hattie Walker ever since he can remember; however it's been years since he last saw her and since he's now stationed at Fort Reno in Oklahoma and she's in Van Buren, Arkansas it seems unlikely that he will ever see her again. However, God had a different plan in mind. When Jack goes to retrieve the lone survivor in a stagecoach robbery, he is shocked to discover that it was Hattie! Since she did not seem to recognize him and thought that the Indians that saved her, held her captive, Jack "arranges" a ceremony to have the "prisoner" released to his custody; however, the Indians thought that he wanted a different type of ceremony and arranged.... a wedding.
Hattie Walker is tired, cold and hungry. All she wanted was to go to Denver where she could practice her painting get into an exhibition and show her parents that she did not need to marry anyone because she had her career - well, at least she did until the robbery. She knows that she's blessed to be alive, but fears what the horrid Indians are going to do to her. Thankfully, shortly after she was captured, a handsome officer came to rescue her. She didn't realize who her rescuer was until after the prisoner transfer was complete and she heard the Indian Chief say his name - Jack Hennessey, her childhood acquaintance. She is shocked by how different he looks now that he is older, because he was such a bookworm when they were children. Thankful for Jack's help and ready to be on her way, Hattie is both shocked and furious when Jack informs her that there's been a slight misunderstanding and she cannot leave because they're married and it would be an insult to the Indians if she leaves. Slight Misunderstanding?!?! How can you misunderstand that you are getting married?!? Anyway, because of the misunderstanding and because they are legally married, Hattie is forced to remain on the Fort until Jack can be transferred to avoid insulting the Indians and ruining all of Jack's and the other soldiers hard work. Then to make matters worse, Hattie sees one of the other passengers from the stagecoach robbery, whom everyone thought was dead and it appears that he was in league with the robber. As the only witness to the robbery, Hattie is now a loose end... one that the robber is determined to tie up. Will Jack be able to protect Hattie from people out to get her? Marrying Hattie was always Jack's dream, but will Hattie ever fall in love with him, or will she resent him forever for killing her dream?
What did I think?
I absolutely loved reading this book! As I mentioned before, this is the 2nd book in the series and I cannot decide if I loved it as much as the first book or if I loved this one more :). The story is filled with humor, romance and even a bit of suspense (especially at the end) and I love that the characters are written in such as way that you find yourself cheering for Jack at the same time as being sympathetic towards Hattie's dilemma. I loved that even though Jack had thought that a relationship with Hattie was something that would never happen, he still prayed for her everyday and asked God to bless her. Both of the characters faith was another awesome plus for me. Overall, although this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a awesome story. I rate the book 5 out of 5 stars and wish I could give it more.
Hey Readers, if you want some behind the scenes info about this book or Mrs Jennings other books, here is the link!
Just wanted to say thanks to Mrs. Regina Jennings and Bethany House publishers for allowing me to read and review this book in exchange for a free copy. All opinions and views are my own and I was not given the book for a favorable review, just an honest one!
