I think there needs to be another category of Christian fiction--we have historical, contemporary, romance, mystery, sci fi, horror (spiritual warfare), but what we need is Western. There are many writers who write romances in western settings. These are often funny with typical western situations and characters. That being said, Holding the Fort fits into this western category.

Louisa is known as Lola Bell, the singer in a saloon. When the owner of the saloon brings in someone new to sing in his saloon, Louisa saw the writing on the wall and knew she needed to find a new situation.

On the way to see her brother at Fort Reno in the Indian Territories. On her way she runs into a missionary who was heading to the fort to take on educating the Major's daughters. However, the missionary has taken ill and asks Louisa to carry the text books on to the fort.

Regina Jennings writes her historical/western romances with a liberal dose of humor. That's what I enjoy most about reading her books. The only criticism I have for her book is that for the most part, it is predictable. The major has two daughters: one compliant, one rather head-strong and resistant. Louisa is charged with winning both girls over as well as educating them. I've read this plot device several times. The girls and their father all fall in love with Louisa. There is always something to overcome in these stories for the road to true love to smooth out. In spite of this one point, this is an enjoyable read and great for whiling a couple of hours away. Four strong stars.

My thanks to Bethany House for allowing me to read and review this book.

What I Loved: I always enjoy a military setting, so I was smitten with Hold the Fort from the moment I had first heard about it. Jennings incorporates military life at a western fort along with historical details about the conflict with the relocated tribes in the area. I learned some things along the way which is always a treat. With this as a backdrop, she adds in a beautiful romance, two charming girls, and one sweet talking hero. And then there’s the well thought out gospel presentation weaved into the storyline.

Rating and Recommendation: I’m giving Hold the Fort 5 stars and recommending it to those who enjoy Christian Historical Fiction or a novel with a western military fort.

~I received a copy from Bethany House. I was not compensated for this review. All thoughts are my own.

Holding the Fort by Regina Jennings

Rating 3.5 out of 5 stars

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Story Notes

Regina Jennings shares her story of love, acceptance and forgiveness out in the Indian Territory – a story that was good but lacks a little oomph.

Ms. Jennings offers to her readers a story that brings to light the workings of a military fort in the middle of Indian territory while also telling the fictional story of a Major and his “governess”. Louisa Bell is a former dance hall singer who is looking for a new job – until she hears of her brother’s recent trouble in the military. Determined to find a way to help him out of his current kerfuffle, Louisa heads for Fort Reno to speak with his commanding officer, Major Daniel Adams. Along the way she meets a missionary woman who is to be governess to the Major’s daughters – who also becomes ill and asks Louisa to take the teaching materials she brought so the girls will be prepared when another woman can be sent. Yet, through a series of assumptions, Louisa finds herself with the unexpected but welcome job as the girl’s governess. Not having completed her own studies, Louisa will have to work hard to ensure that her pupils are being challenged and that no one suspects her lack of qualifications. Trying to find ways to speak to her brother creates tension between her and the Major but Louisa has firmly decided that Bradley will not suffer for her presence at the fort. Major Daniel Adams keeps a tight rein on all the soldiers under his command. However, when it comes to his daughters, he is not sure how to give them the education they need for life and society. Hence, the decision to send for a governess from the missionary society in Darlington. But Louisa Bell is not exactly who Daniel imagined when he sent for a governess. For one thing, she is entirely too young and pretty and for another, she doesn’t seem to have all the proprieties he remembers from his years growing up. But as time passes, Louisa proves herself to be perfectly adequate to the tasks she is assigned and even proves an equal opponent in the game of Chess. If Daniel can only figure out what secrets Louisa is so desperate to protect, he might have a fair shot at making her see how much he needs her – and not just to teach his children. To all this drama is added the possible 600 Indian attack on the territory and the impending arrival of General Sheridan, who hopes to fend off the attack with a council meeting with the chiefs or sheer force if necessary. Is there a real chance for Daniel and Louisa to put the past behind them and make a life here on the edge of civilization or will all the trouble prove to be too much to handle? For me, this was what I would call a good book. Its not a great read with lots of drama, romance, danger or vocabulary but it was enjoyable. I won’t say that it will be going on my re-read soon list but I would recommend it to others who wish for a clean romance with a little drama to make it interesting. My main issue I had with this story is the lack of “Christianity” in this “Christian” book. Ms. Jennings failed to impart to her readers the saving grace that was available to Louisa which would have taught her that only through Christ she can find the forgiveness and belonging she desires. Yes, all are equal under the Mercy of God but there was very little concentration on this concept which was a shame given Louisa’s search for absolution for her “sordid” past. There was some mention of Louisa’s search for God, but there was no real decision moment for her that I found which should have been included. But with regard to the rest of the book, I did find that the inclusion of real historical events and people added well to this book and gave it the necessary drama to bring all situations to satisfying close. Not having read Ms. Jennings before I was a bit worried about how well she would be able to handle this story but she did fairly well. I have couple others of her works borrowed from the library and perhaps I will like those better than this. I think if she would have made her characters a little more realistic than imaginary this story would have been better for readers.

I received this E-book free of charge from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation from either company for this review.

It is amazing how much I still learn about the West while reading fiction after all these years. Regina Jennings packed so much history into Holding the Fort, written about the actual military fort, Fort Reno. It is clear she did a lot of research for this book, and yet not a minute of the book was dry or uninteresting.

When I read the description of this book, I honestly expected to find the premise a little unbelievable. It seems like mistaking a dance hall singer for a governess is quite a stretch. The author, however, made this work in a very credible (and humorous) manner.

I loved how totally out of her element that Louisa was. She knew she was over her head, but tried so hard to act her way through. And quite admirably. I was also touched by the way she felt so little about herself after having been scorned by the “church ladies” back in Wichita. It was heart-breaking to see how she was judged without anyone trying to find out if the accusations against her were true. Sadly, even today we in the church are so quick to judge and so slow to show mercy and lead sinners into grace. I hope at least some of the people reading this book take that message to heart.

The attraction between Louisa and Daniel was so sweet and tender. The way that Daniel was so determined to do everything properly was great. I especially loved the way he “took” Louisa on a date and in doing so also showed his daughters the way an honorable man treats a woman.

The characters were all delightful. There were some intense scenes when tension between the military and the Indians grew, and there was great humor scattered throughout the story, keeping it lighthearted through the entire book.

I will be sure to read more books by this author.

I was reading other people's reviews on this book and I came across someone who called this a "Beach Read." I like that. This book certainly isn't life changing or super deep, or even causes you to think hard, but it's a light, fun read that would be perfect for relaxing and letting go. In fact, once I got into it I stayed up entirely too late finishing it. It did take me a little bit of time to actually get into the book, but once she gets to the fort and starts teaching I got hooked.

Daniel takes a little time to appreciate. He is very strict and military. His friend Lieutenant Hennessey was a great addition and a little more laid back and fun to read about. It was fun to see Louisa try to keep up with the girls' studies. I would have liked a little more on that front, but overall I was fine with it. I'm pretty sure one of the next books is going to deal with Louisa's brother Bradley, and honestly I'm not sure how I feel about him. He generally isn't the type of character that I love, but I guess we'll see when his story comes out.

Louisa is in a pickle. Her good and honest heart has been forced to struggle through a life that has fought her goodness every step of the way. But, she's held firm with almost no help and plenty of opposition. She lands in the upright position of a governess. Upright is hard when you're so used to dodging. Regina Jennings does quite a good job of having Louisa precariously balance her capabilities with her inexperience. Fear of discovery heightens every moment.
What a fascinating character Louisa Lola Bell is! Her pupils, Caroline and Daisy, definitely add to the antics--as well as Louisa's brother, Private Bradley Willis. And then there is Major Daniel Adams. He's a proper leader to his men at Fort Reno, however he has enough spunk to be anyone's match.
While there are several serious aspects to this story there are several laugh out loud moments, too.
I'm glad this is the first book in the series so hopefully the protagonists will keep showing up. Sometimes following people to the end of the story just isn't enough. I want to know what happens to them after that! Hooray for a series!

Running a Kansas Fort on the frontier with Indian Territory, and with two daughters in desperate need of training and education, Major Adams agrees to hiring a governess. Anything to stop his mother in law from pulling his girls away, she thinks that Fort Reno is no place for growing girls.

She's sung her last song as a singer & performer at the Cat Eye Saloon. Replaced by a younger, albeit less talented model, Louise 'Lola' Bell is suddenly unemployed and homeless. Taking a huge leap of faith that he brother stationed at Fort Reno will be able to help her find work, she sets out. On her journey she is presented with an opportunity, deliver a crate of books to the Major. Upon arrival one assumption leads to another & she is mistaken for the educated and proper governess the Major sent for. Hoping to play this role just long enough to find her brother and figure out her future, Louisa pulls off the biggest performance of her life.

As the story develops and Louisa & Daniel interact it's clear to see that despite the deception, something good could come from this for both of them. Louisa is pushed further and further into guilt, with Daniel mistakingly assuming her brother is secretly pursuing her, there's plenty that keeps the pages turning. Throw in the difficulties arisen from issues between the Indians and those crossing their land and there's enough action to add depth to this story. I love the way Regina retells these true circumstances from history and weaves them into her novels. She transports me to a time and place I know nothing about and richly embellishes these stories with engaging characters, and faith filled messages of hope.

It's inevitable that one day Louisa's ruse will come to a crashing end, but will she confess the truth or will her lie be found out some other way. Either way she is convinced she will loose the only people to ever feel like a true family, along with her brother - who appears to get in far too much trouble for his own good.

Fantastic first book in Regina Jennings new series, I'm excited to see where we are taken next, and with whom!

I received this complimentary copy from Netgalley & a copy from the Publisher. This is my honest review.

About the Book:

Jennings Winningly Combines Humor, History, and Romance

Louisa Bell never wanted to be a dance-hall singer, but dire circumstances force her hand. With a little help from her brother in the cavalry, she's able to make ends meet, but lately he's run afoul of his commanding officer, so she undertakes a visit to straighten him out.

Major Daniel Adams has his hands full at Fort Reno. He can barely control his rowdy troops, much less his two adolescent daughters. If Daniel doesn't find someone respectable to guide his children, his mother-in-law insists she'll take them.

When Louisa arrives with some reading materials, she's mistaken for the governess who never appeared. Major Adams is skeptical. She bears little resemblance to his idea of a governess--they're not supposed to be so blamed pretty--but he's left without recourse. His mother-in-law must be satisfied, which leaves him turning a blind eye to his unconventional governess's methods. Louisa's never faced so important a performance. Can she keep her act together long enough?

My Thoughts:

Regina Jennings takes us out west to Fort Reno for a good bit of laughter and a little bit of romance.

Louisa Bell is a complicated character. Having grown up in a dance-hall environment she lacks a lot of knowledge (and restraint) that most ladies of the day would exhibit. She does, however, have a good heart, a sharp mind and a desire to live an honorable life. While the story seemed a bit far fetched at times, it was entirely enjoyable. Holding the Fort was a good, light-hearted read.

I received a digital galley of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion,

Ok, I'll admit it. I begged to review this book because of the cover. I could tell it was a period piece based on the backdrop and wardrobe. But it was the cute blonde in a pink dress with an armful of books that sold it to me.

It wouldn't take much more to endear this book to me, but the main character, Louisa Bell, stole my heart. Anything could have happened and I would still love this book. A strong, independent woman who taught herself to sing beautifully, be still my heart. She could have easily settled by marrying or by taking on the oldest occupation, but she didn't. No matter the hardships she has faced, she is still kind (but not a pushover!) and holds tight to people who are important to her.

We meet pretty much every character that existed in the West during Louisa's journey: Native Americans, cowboys (more drunk than not), farmers, shopkeepers, religious folk, children, and military men. It's great to see how she adapts to each situation. And while she never outright lies about anything, her talent for deception (or improvisation) finds her a comfortable living situation.

Only one situation in the novel felt heavy, as it was a political one. But it gave a nice inside look at the sort of dealings that took place during this time period. The atmosphere gets tense for a bit, but you never doubt that things will work out for the best. The same could be said for the romantic storyline as well. While Louisa is hiding very big secrets from the Major, you have a feeling that things will sort themselves out.

And that's the only critique I have of this book. I would have liked something to knock me off balance and kept me flailing around for a bit. Other than that, I admire Jennings clean writing style and descriptions. The dialogue is delivered effortlessly and the characters are interesting and believable. I look forward to reading the next installment. I hope to see more of Caroline and Daisy in the coming books.

When you are in the mood for a trip to the old west, life in a fort, and a sweet story about faith, love and forgiveness then this should be one of the books you pick up to indulge that feeling.

While this book is labeled as western Christian romance, it is not heavy on the religious aspect. There is the right balance of faith/religion, love, action and the wisdom of two young ladies.

This story touched my heart in many ways. Louisa was way out of her element pretending to be a governess to the Major's two daughters. But she would stay up reading ahead so that she could instruct these young ladies in their studies. Don't get me wrong, she was not unintelligent, she had just not gone very far in school which is not surprising for the time. But when it came to instruction on areas such as singing - this is where she excelled. The way Louisa handled herself in various difficult situations was admirable...however, she probably should have come clean much sooner about who she was and why she was at the fort. Daniel (the Major) was a widower trying to do his best in raising two rambunctious girls, away from civilization...and with an overbearing mother-in-law that wanted the girls to live with her. He is strong in his faith which is what ultimately helps Louisa admit her past and accept her destiny. I cringed at the thought of how Daniel would react when the truth came out about Louisa. However, his reaction was that of a Godly man that believed in truth and forgiveness. I laughed along with Daisy and Caroline as they fought against instruction from Louisa, but came to love her in the end. Daisy's innocence is quite captivating as she has no filters on what comes out of her mouth. As they say, "out of the mouths of babes!" But I felt this just added to the complexity of the characters and the situations they faced.

This story was also educational as it depicted life in a fort during the late 1800's. There were Indian raids from those tribes not wanting to change their ways. The author researched the background on this story quite well and I might have even learned a few things.

Holding the Fort

by Regina Jennings

Bethany House

Bethany House Publishers

Christian

Pub Date 05 Dec 2017

I am reviewing a copy of Holding the Fort through Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley:

In this book we meet Louisa Bell, she never wanted to be a dance hall singer but desperate circumstances beyond her control forced her into making that decision. She receives a little help from her brother in the Calvary, but lately he’s been getting himself into trouble so Louisa pays him a visit to straighten his ways.

Major Daniel Adams can barely control his rowdy troops at Fort Reno. He can’t control his two daughters either His Mother in law is threatening to take his children if he can’t find someone respectable to guide them.

Major Adams is skeptical when Louisa arrives with some reading materials, mistaken for a governess. She is nothing like previous governess, for one thing he thinks she’s to pretty, but he’s left without recourse. His Mother in law must be satisfied, so he turns a blind eye to his governesses unconventional marriage.

Can Louisa keep her act together, long enough.

I give Holding the Fort five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

Holding the Fort by Regina Jennings is like a special dessert, thoroughly enjoyed, yet anticipated at another time. Historical fiction with a side helping of whimsy. "Lovely Lola," a saloon singer, finds herself impersonating a governess for fort commander Major Daniel Adams's two unruly daughters.

Louisa's tension is palpable as she carefully avoids each pitfall that threatens to expose her. Can she stay ahead of the Major's questions and concerns, or will she be caught in an intricate web of her own making? Yet the way that she so ably deals with the major's daughters and wins their hearts, will win many a reader's heart.

A few of the scenes in the book are just outlandish, which just adds to the merriment thread in the story. This is a feel-good book I hope to return to over and over again, as it will always have that ability to create a few hours of pure reading bliss.

The author leaves a note at the end, verifying some events and characters as factual, others a figment of her fertile imagination. I gratefully received a complimentary ebook from the publisher and NetGalley which does not affect my opinions, which are freely offered.

I had a lot of fun reading this book. Jennings had me dying to find out would happen next. It was interesting seeing a Fort through the eyes of a widowed man who is also a Major. Major Daniel Adams daughters were a delight and I loved getting to know them. Holding the Fort is the first book in the Fort Reno series and I can’t wait to see who’s love story we get to read next. The tensions were high between the Indian tribes and the ranchers who’s cattle grazed on the land. Daniel was charged with helping keep the peace, but how can he do that while worrying about his daughters? Just in the nick of time Louisa arrives.

Louisa is not your average teacher or governess. She’s actually not either of them at all. While on the way to help keep her brother in check, a job just might have fallen into her lap. Can she play the part? If the Major learns who she really is, she stands to lose all she holds dear. Meeting his daughters who are not as young as she planned throws a wrench in her plans. Not only are they older, but both are incredibly smart. Louisa isn’t want to shrink back from a challenge, but what might her deception cost her?

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance. It was set in a time that I haven’t read before and I enjoyed every minute of it. It was interesting to see the way life could have been like in a Fort. Seeing the chain of command was fun, and I enjoyed the way Daniel protected Louisa from the men under his command. Letting people make assumptions about you is an interesting way to be caught in a lie, and it only gets bigger as time passes. Seeing Louisa struggle with her deception and her faith was a fun journey. I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and was in no way forced to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Lovely Lola Bell has found herself replaced by a younger blonde as the favorite bar room singer. With no parents and her only brother away at Fort Reno, what will she do or where can she go. Singing is all she has ever known, even though it was in saloons, it kept her in food and clothing.She hears that her younger brother Bradley has gotten himself in trouble at the fort and is in the guard house……She comes up with a plan to go to Fort Reno and convince Bradley he needs to shape up as she can no longer help him. With that many men in one place, there had to be a need for
diversions. She didn’t know if the officers at Fort Reno would
allow it, but it was worth a try. If only she could convince the U.S.
Cavalry that their troopers would benefit from some wholesome entertainment or half way wholesome, at least……Major Adams’s two motherless children are running wild at the fort and he decides to hire a governess for them, less his mother in law steps in to take the girls away to the city. Through the help of his friend he hired a mature widowed missionary teacher for his children….. On the way to the fort the teacher gets sick and has to return home and Louisa {Lovely Lola} is at the same stop over and promises to take her trunk of books on to the fort for her. When Louisa arrives and is mistaken for the teacher she decides to go along with the assumption that she is the newly arrived governess…..The rest of this historical novel is sometimes humorous and altogether interesting. You will love the characters and the delightful ending. I was gifted this book through Netgalley and the review is my own words

Lovely Lola Bell was raised in a saloon, but her singing voice has meant she’s managed to keep from working upstairs. Except now she’s been fired, and no one in town is going to give a saloon girl a respectable job. Then she hears her brother—her only family—is in trouble. She has no choice but to become Miss Louisa Bell, find Bradley at Fort Reno, find a respectable job, and hope her past never catches up with her.

Major Daniel Adams is a widower with two daughters. When Miss Louisa Bell arrives at the Fort to teach his daughters, he’s so grateful he doesn’t bother to check her details. The girls like her, and anything to keep them out of trouble in a fort filled with soldiers and surrounded by potentally hostile Indians …

In some ways, Holding the Fort was a typical Western romance. Beautiful heroine meets handsome hero, fall in love, and so on. But that would be missing the best parts: the comedy, and the Christian element. Regina Jennings writes comedy. Well, this had a lot of comedy—awkwardly comedic situations, similar to Karen Witemeyer or Jen Turano. There can be a fine line between comedy and cringefest, but I definitely found Holding the Fort was comedy (especially a couple of the riding scenes).

It was also Christian. Lola aka Louisa was not a Christian. She’d been raised in a saloon, hardly the kind of place you’d find a preacher. She does a so-so job of pretending, but when it comes out that she’s not a Christian, Daniel has a dilemma. He’s attracted to her, but … Anyway, that ended up being one of the strengths for me.

Overall, I loved Holding the Fort. Recommended for fans of romantic comedy, especially historical Westerns.

Thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

Louisa Bell never wanted to be a dance-hall singer, but dire circumstances force her hand. With a little help from her brother in the cavalry, she's able to make ends meet, but lately he's run afoul of his commanding officer, so she undertakes a visit to straighten him out.

Major Daniel Adams has his hands full at Fort Reno. He can barely control his rowdy troops, much less his two adolescent daughters. If Daniel doesn't find someone respectable to guide his children, his mother-in-law insists she'll take them.

When Louisa arrives with some reading materials, she's mistaken for the governess who never appeared. Major Adams is skeptical. She bears little resemblance to his idea of a governess--they're not supposed to be so blamed pretty--but he's left without recourse. His mother-in-law must be satisfied, which leaves him turning a blind eye to his unconventional governess's methods. Louisa's never faced so important a performance. Can she keep her act together long enough?

Louisa never had a chance in life to learn how a proper lady was to behave. Her mother was a prostitute and treated her and her brother badly. They had to get by the best that they could. The one experience that Louisa had with church and the good "Christian" ladies was to be shunned for who her mother was. This is a good lesson on how not to treat people. Unfortunately, Christians of today aren't a lot different than when this story was taking place. Louisa learns the true meaning of what God is about from Major Adams.

I recommend this book. It was really enjoyable.

Dance hall singer Louisa Bell finds herself out of a job, and, not knowing what else to do, sets out for Fort Reno, where her brother Bradley serves in the cavalry--and has recently gotten into trouble with his commanding officer. Hoping she can find a job there, when she's mistaken for the governess Major Daniel Adams has sent away for, she doesn't correct the error. Instead, she accepts the job tutoring his two daughters as she tries to take Major Adams' measure and help Bradley get back into his good graces without arousing the major's suspicions. Daniel knows something isn't right with his governess--her story doesn't quite add up and she doesn't have the makings of a real governess--but he also finds that she might be exactly what he and his daughters need.

I've read and enjoyed several of Regina Jennings' books, but this one is easily my favorite. This is a charming historical romance. The characters were terrific, including secondary characters whom I'm hoping to see again later in the series. The story moves forward quickly and was just a lot of fun to read. Can't wait for the next book in the series!

I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions are my own.

Louisa Bell longs for a different life, but from a young age, society has spurned her because of her mother’s not-so-savory profession. She possesses the voice of an angel, a rudimentary education, and a firm resolve to never make her living as a soiled dove. Even though everyone assumes that she augments her income from singing at the Cat-Eye Saloon in Wichita, Kansas in ways that don’t involve singing or chess.

When Louisa loses her job because of her morals, she takes a desperate gamble and hopes everything will turn out just fine.

Major Daniel Adams commands his fort with an iron hand—albeit a fair and kind one. But to his dismay, his two daughters defy authority and run riot over Fort Reno. Without a mother to guide their deportment and education, he sees little hope of them turning into proper young ladies. Desperate to find a solution, he orders a matronly governess through the local Mennonite society. Due to unfortunate circumstances, he gets something entirely different—Miss Louisa Bell. But he doesn’t know her background.

Jennings develops her characters nicely. In addition, she handles to time period in a sensitive manner—not an easy feat when setting a story in the 1880s in Indian Territory. She sticks to the facts without making her characters overly antagonistic towards the Natives while at the same time not imbuing them with modern-day attitudes.

I enjoyed the characters, their conversations, situations, and predicaments. I look forward to the next book in the series!

Holding The Fort Is about Major Daniel and is about re-establishment for a new life. For Louisa who use to sing at a bar now she wants to move to the Indian Fort and see if they could use a singer, but Major Daniel needed a tutor /nanny for his two daughters who are out of control – re-establishment – Major Daniel is a single dad and has been treating his daughters like they were in the military and the grandparents of two girls tare trying to get the girls to move in with them – so that makes him feel like junk – knowing they're out of control, most likely because they don't have a woman in their lives, guess what happens? It is amazing and wonderful . Will anything happen with Louisa and the Major ? Will Luisa 's straighten out these two terrors? What about their grandparents ? With all this is there bound to be some hijinx?