When she loses her job as a dance-hall singer, Louisa Bell sets out to Fort Reno to check on her wayward brother, who has recently been in some trouble with his commanding officer-- Daniel Adams. Between his two growing daughters, rowdy soldiers, an overbearing mother-in-law, and an entire fort to run, Major Adams finally decides he needs some help, and sends for a mature, religious governess to watch his daughters. Louisa meets the governess on the way to the fort, and agrees to help deliver the necessary books to the Major when the governess decides the Western climate doesn't agree with her. Mistaken as the governess, Louisa plays along with charade in an attempt to stay at the fort and contact her brother. Will Louisa's acting skills convince the Adam's family that she belongs in their home, or will her unconventional methods lead them to the truth of her deception?

As usual, Regina Jennings tells an truly fascinating and entertaining love story in Holding the Fort. Full of interesting historical details about life on an Army fort in the wild West, Jennings's latest novel was captivating from start to finish. Louisa's character is fun, imperfect, and a refreshing break from the typical romantic novel. Daniel is equal parts dashing military officer, devoted-- albeit exhausted-- father, and believable romantic lead. The end of the novel was particularly satisfying in its lack of predictability.

When Lovely Lola Bell (aka Louisa Bell) finds herself out of a job, she decides to check on her brother stationed with the cavalry at Fort Reno. While there, she can straighten him out and perhaps find a new job. But when she arrives, she’s mistaken for the governess to Major Daniel Adams’s daughters.

The way Louisa and Daniel meet is both original and a touch humorous. Their second meeting is even better considering neither of them quite knows what to say about that first time.

As Louisa strives to become the teacher to young ladies need, the major’s suspicions about her remain. She’s hiding something, but what?

Miscommunications and misunderstanding run rampant in Holding the Fort. And I snickered and smiled along at the direction Daniel’s jealousy was aimed, knowing the truth.

But more importantly, Regina Jennings dives into the issues of self-worth. Louisa is doing her best to hide her past—her youth, her parents, and her former career—but can’t outrun it. Can Daniel, and the God he follows, make her see that she is precious and loved?
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

This is a delightful book. It is an easy, quick read filled with deep, thoughtful characters. I LOVED Daniel. He takes his responsibilities seriously yet has an adventurous side too. He realizes that what we think we need isn’t always what’s best for us. He loves in a grace-filled, beautiful way. He made my heart melt. There were a few exchanges between him, Louisa and Jack that had me laughing out loud.
Though I wish she would have told the truth from the beginning, Louisa’s actions were in line with who she was. She shows how hard it is to keep perpetuating a lie. Her caring, tender heart and sacrificial actions showed how her experiences at the fort had changed her.
This is the first book in The Fort Reno series and I can’t wait for book two. Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. I was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.

No one can make me laugh out loud like Regina Jennings. I particularly can't wait to read Bradley story because he's hilarious and charming and so real.

But I digress. This was a light, fun read with very unique characters, as always. I think I would've loved it even more if there were deeper character flaws. Maybe something like Hosea's story? I liked that Louisa had her standards and wasn't willing to sacrifice them. But I found myself thinking that I also would have liked to read a story about one who didn't. One who didn't make it out unscathed, made mistakes, had regrets and took the first lifeline that was tossed to her. How that would have changed the story. If anyone could blend humor with the sometimes painfully-honest it would be Ms. Jennings (years later, Love in the Balance is still having an effect on me).

This book is easy to love and I look forward to the others in the series.