I completely enjoyed this book. From the very first page I was hooked. Jennings has a way with words, and I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next. The Lieutenants Bargain had me laughing, holding my breath and sighing, often in the same chapter. This is the second book in the Fort Reno series. I have read the first, but don’t feel it’s necessary in order to enjoy this one. I loved getting to know Jack and the woman that caught his heart at such a young age. It was a unique journey following the Lieutenant as he does his best to aid a tribe that means so much to him. Times are changing and he wants those in the tribe to be able to understand and thrive in the new world. Running into Hattie wasn’t part of his plan, in fact, it wasn’t even a possibility in his mind. Little does he know, God had bigger plans. When she ends up being rescued by the very tribe he hopes to help, Jack sees an opportunity too good to pass up. Being Hattie’s hero wouldn’t hurt anything would it? She hasn’t answered his letters, but now he sees a chance to have her undivided attention. A little too late he realizes some things can get lost in translation, and now one or both of their lives will never be the same.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance. I was swept away to another place and time, and can’t wait to see what Jennings does next. Read both books because they were a blast, and dare I hope we aren’t done with Fort Reno yet. I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and was in no way forced to post a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Lieutenant’s Bargain was written by Regina Jennings and is book two in the Fort Reno Series.

Summary: Hattie Walker knows what she wants in life. She wants to paint. Unfortunately, she has been told many times that her paintings lack the depth of feeling required for a great painting. So, she hatches a plan. She’ll travel to Colorado and paint the great Rocky Mountains. Surely painting something so marvelous will show that she has the talent (and depth) required to make painting her livelihood.

But Hattie’s plans come to a screeching halt when her stagecoach is attacked-leaving her alone in the middle of Indian territory. When she is finally rescued, she is met with a surprising reunion-her childhood classmate Lieutenant Jack Hennessey.

Jack has had a crush on Hattie since he can remember, and when he tries to impress Hattie with his knowledge of the local Indians, he pulls both himself and Hattie into a misunderstanding of epic proportions.

Can he come up with a solution that will protect Hattie and salvage his pride? And what will happen to his dreams of a school for the local Indians? Will all of his hard work result in failure?

My Thoughts: First, I want to mention that it is not necessary to have read the first book in the series-this book stands just fine on its own.

Second, I really enjoyed this book. Regina Jennings is a wonderful writer, and I absolutely love how she researches a topic, and even has included the names of real people in this story. It makes the book feel so much more authentic, and I felt she did a wonderful job of portraying the struggles Indians faced during that time.

And although I always enjoy the historical aspects of the author’s books, it is a fun and romantic story as well. The situation the characters find themselves in allows for much drama, some awkward situations, and some heart-felt and funny moments as well. Overall, the book is a fun and very worthwhile read. This is a good one, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

As always, I thank Bethany House for providing me with a free copy of this book for my unbiased review. Thank you!

Do you listen to audiobooks? I do when I’m at the office. I mean, I’d never stay up with my monthly TBRs if I didn’t listen to a handful of those. But once in a while I come across a book that has people looking at me whenever they walk by my cubicle because I’m smiling and laughing at whatever I’m listening to. Regina Jennings’ The Lieutenant’s Bargain was one of those books.

The misunderstandings with Hattie and Arapaho who rescue her, Jack and the Arapaho when he goes to rescue Hattie, and even Hattie and Jack are entertaining and hilarious. And even though it takes Jack and Hattie a bit too long to discover exactly what they got themselves into, readers catch on quick which just makes it even more enjoyable. Plus, you have Hattie who has the heart of an artist and Jack who is a by-the-book scholarly type. What could possibly go wrong?

While the laughs are abundant in this story, there’s also some great lessons immersed in there. The distrust the Native Americans had for the white man, the struggles to educate the Native Americans, and the danger of the time.

As Jack and Hattie stick to the constraints of their bargain, they struggle to find the courage to let go of their insecurities and tell the other the truth in their hearts. And that journey is a blast to take with these characters Jennings created.

I receive complimentary books 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.

Jack Hennessey spent his younger years trying unsuccessfully to get Hattie Walker's attention. Even now, as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army, the letters he has written to her haven't received any response. However, when Jack is sent out to take care of things when a stage carrying a payment for the Cheyenne and Arapaho is ambushed, his work brings him right to Hattie Walker.
Hattie was traveling on the stagecoach when it was attacked; she survived and was taken in by the Arapaho--but she doesn't realize they're friendly and is scared until Jack shows up. Grown-up Jack is different from the boy she remembered, and she's grateful to him for helping her, but Hattie's plans don't include Jack; she is on her way to Denver to gain life experience and create a painting that will convince her parents to stop pressuring her to get married and instead let her pursue her dream of painting.

I really enjoyed reading this book. There were parts that had me laughing, and there were other parts that were really sweet. I really liked seeing Hattie's changing perspective and how she came to realize Jack was more than the annoying boy who used to correct her schoolwork. I also liked seeing her gain a deeper understanding of the Arapaho people. The plot was interesting and this was just a really enjoyable read.
4.5 stars.

I read an ARC via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Hattie Walker had quite an independent streak for a woman living in 1885. Not willing to marry just because it was expected, preferring to hone her artistic skills, Hattie had come to an agreement with her parents. They would allow her to go to Denver and try to find success as an artist, but if she failed, she had to return home and settle down. Neither she or her parents had been aware of the dangers that she would encounter on her trip west.

Lieutenant Jack Hennessey had gone to school with Hattie. After having joined the cavalry, he had written to her a few times with no response. Now he was serving in an area known as the nations, studying and assisting with the Arapaho and Cheyenne. There was no way he could have foreseen Hattie's arrival or the impact it would have on his ability to do his job.

In her notes at the end of the book, the author explains some of her research and why certain events in the story were included. She says that she hopes the reader finds them plausible, but if not then she hopes they found them entertaining. While I was reading I found the book quite entertaining with truly likable characters, while not exactly plausible, but after reading the notes about her research, I found the plot to be much more plausible than I had at first. Either way, this book has entertainment value, and I would recommend it as a fun read.

I thank NetGalley and Bethany House Publishing for providing me with a copy of The Lieutenant's Bargain in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.

Hattie Walker would rather paint nature than marry any of her suitors. She convinces her parents to let her travel to Denver via stagecoach to pursue her art career, but when the stagecoach is ambushed, her plans go awry. Rescued from the elements by the Arapaho Indians, and rescued from the Arapaho by former suitor Lieutenant Jack Hennesey, Hattie soon finds that she's trapped at Fort Reno with Jack for the indefinite future.

To her surprise, the annoying boy from her hometown isn't quite as annoying anymore. Instead of pointing out the flaws in her schoolwork and her logic, he's busy fostering friendship with the local tribes, establishing a school to educate the native children, and most of all, keeping Hattie safe from her mistakes, her misconceptions, and her nightmares. Will Hattie realize Jack's worth before he keeps their bargain and sends her on to Denver? And will Jack read the signs right this time when he's always read them wrong before? 

This cute romance kept me reading too late into the night. Both the hero and the heroine are endearing characters. Hattie is an outspoken confluence of independence and clinginess. Jack is admirably clever in most things and astonishingly obtuse when it comes to matters of the heart. The scene where Hattie decides to re-organize Jack's parlor bubbled over with humor as did the letters exchanged by Jack and his commanding officer, Major Adams. 

This book also touches on the historical situation of Native American children attending schools, learning reading, writing, and 'rithmetic as they learn to live in the white man's world. The Darlington School is portrayed in a positive light, with Jack striving to understand the native culture even as he encourages them to abandon it (a view point radically different than that shown in Between Earth and Sky by Amanda Skenandore). The poignancy of the situation is not ignored, however, and Hattie composes one of her best sketches as she watches a young native lose his precious braids to the teacher's scissors.

If you are looking for a lighthearted western romance with original characters, this is the book for you. This novel is the second of the Fort Reno series, but it can clearly stand alone as I didn't even realize it was part of a series until I looked the title up on Goodreads after reading it. 

Disclosure: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Hattie's rescue by the Arapaho tribe after the stagecoach robbery is a little unbelievable but entertaining. True historical information can be found in most historical novels just as this one which leads readers to discover more. I look forward to reading more about Lt. Hennessey's adventures with dealing with the Arapaho Indians. His heart for them is impressive. I enjoyed reading the author's note about how she used history to create this enjoyable story. Recommended!

THE LIEUTENANT'S BARGAIN is the first novel I have read by REGINA JENNINGS and it most certainly will not be the last! What a truly delightful love story - it is serious and amusing at the same time. I love the characters, they are so real, and their actions and speech make us know what they are feeling and thinking. It is a cleverly written book that keeps one's interest right to the last page.
The story takes place in 1885 in Indian Territory with Hattie Walker being rescued by some Arapaho Indians after the stage coach she is traveling in is attacked by bandits. She is on her way to Denver to make a name for herself as an artist. When Lieutenant Jack Hennessy, who is posted at the nearby fort, goes to fetch her from the Indians, he cannot believe that the girl he had such a crush on at school seems to have dropped into his life again in the strangest of circumstances. By trying to impress this woman he has loved all his life, he sets something in motion, due to his less than perfect understanding of the Arapaho language, which could affect his job at the fort and his work amongst the Indians and could cost Hattie her dream.
Jack is very committed to the Arapaho Indians and especially to the school in Darlington and the children's education. He is shocked by the disrespect shown towards the Indians in so many cases, especially as far as their traditions are concerned.
Hattie, after being very brave during her ordeal, is terrified of being alone, especially as she is the only living witness of the attack.
It is interesting to see the change in both these characters as they let go and let God work in their lives.
It is a lovely read and I can highly recommend it.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

I am thrilled when I get to read a book that catches my attention. This book did just that. Hattie is heading to Denver to prove her parents wrong and prove her point to them. The stagecoach she is in gets robs. She is stuck out in the plains alone. Thankfully the Indians found her. After stories she has heard she is quite scared. Lieutenant Jack Hennessy has pined after Hattie since they were kids. He is the one to ‘rescue’ her from the Indians. But he’s distracted by her and a big misinterpretation happens. And so begins a journey for them both. Hattie learns there’s more and Jack learns to trust in God. I love the lessons learned and the way the author portrays the Indians and gives us insight into their plight. It’s a beautiful Christmas story and I may have shed a few tears along the way. Such a wonderful read for Christmas or any time during the year. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All views stated here are my own.

I like to take a break from suspense once in a while and read something that will make me laugh and smile and that has a lighter touch to it. This book fit the bill. I could see where the “ceremony” was going and had to laugh at what I knew was coming. While this book was not as funny as other Regina Jennings books I’ve read, it felt more poignant to me. I liked seeing Hattie’s attitudes towards the Indians change and vice versa. As an avid roller skater, I enjoyed the inclusion of that scene. It was also interesting seeing Jack process his childhood feelings now as an adult.
This is book two in the Fort Reno series. While the characters in book 1 play a small part in this story, this book could easily be read as a standalone.
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.
Fort Reno series:
Book 1: Holding the Fort
Book 1.5: Bound and Determined
Book 2: The Lieutenant’s Bargain

The Lieutenant's Bargain is a fantastic read! I enjoyed the story from start to finish, with great characters, and a well written storyline. I am so sad it ended! The story follows two people that had known each other through their childhood, but meet again far away from their hometown, under unusual circumstances. Through a misunderstanding, they become married, and they come to an agreement, then they have to "get used" to each other all over again. It's a lovely, fun story that includes excitement as well as romance, with an excellent ending! I recommend reading "Holding the Fort" first, but it isn't required, this is a good stand alone novel. I loved it!

Do you keep a book Wishlist or a to read pile? If you do, then The Lieutenant’s Bargain by Regina Jennings should be at the top of your Wishlist, or to read pile. Why is this book so amazing? Well, let me tell you the top two reasons why I enjoyed this book.

The characters: Lieutenant Jack Hennessey is such a wonderful hero. I just happen to come from a family of bookworms and nerds and I just happen to be both. So, to read about a hero who is a bookworm, and yet so dashing and courageous, was perfect! Hattie Walker is a delightful heroine. She has big dreams that she is trying to make reality. She is sweet, brave, and artistic. And she is the perfect heroine for Lieutenant Hennessey.

The plot: The mess that the two main characters find themselves in near the beginning and that sets the stage for the rest of the story, is rather humorous since they don’t realize what is happening at the time. There is mystery and adventure involved that makes the story even better!

I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys historical fiction and romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Lieutenant’s Bargain
By: Regina Jennings
The Lieutenants Bargain is the second book in The Fort Reno Series, however, can be read as a stand-alone novel. This book follows Lieutenant Jack Hennessey (also in Holding the Fort) and introduces Miss Hattie Walker.
As an only child Hattie Walker has been indulged by her parents, but past the age of marrying Hattie’s parents give her an ultimatum. Two months to establish her dreams of being an artist then she is to come home and get married. Hattie travels to Denver to find the inspiration and depth her critiques claim she lacks. Her plans are detoured however when her stage is held up and all the passengers are murdered. Alone and scared Hattie is discovered by Indians. Hattie is unaware but the Indians mean her no harm. When a Lieutenant from Fort Reno shows up, Hattie is relieved and determined to escape by any means. This is when her true adventure begins.
I would first like to say that Regina Jennings did a spectacular job at translating the characters feelings to the reader. I was pulled into the book by the characters and plots but I was unable to put it down because I felt so connected to the emotional ups and downs the characters faced. Now I understand that everyone who reads this book may not feel the same way as we all relate to books differently. We ultimately like or dislike a book because of how it makes us feel. I just want to point out that Jennings did an excellent job at bringing her characters to life. I think this story was full of romance, mystery, and spunk. I really enjoyed this book and would defiantly recommend it.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is a delightful sequel to Holding the Fort (The Fort Reno Series Book #1). I really enjoyed the first book but this one was really wonderful. It dealt with the Indian School at Fort Reno, the children that attended it and some of the challenges with living on an Army base in the middle of Indian Territory. This is the story of Lieutenant Jack Hennessey and his childhood crush who happens to be stranded when a stagecoach is robbed and she is rescued by the local Indian tribe. Her name is Hattie Walker and she is an artist on the way to Denver to enter a competition. Her plans were waylaid along with the stagecoach and they are both surprised to see each other. Through a misunderstanding and a language barrier, they end up married in the eyes of the tribal leaders. Wading through all their conflicting emotions and the mystery of who waylaid the stage and stole the money that was on the stage from the US government for the Indians, as well as Hattie’s personal belongings and art supplies, provides the rest of the action in this story. It was fun to read and I enjoyed every bit of it.

Once again, Regina Jennings has done her research and brought us a book chock full of historical details and delightful conversation and action. I look forward to a third installment in this series!

I received a digital copy of this book through NetGalley from Bethany House in exchange for a review. I’m never disappointed with the offerings from Bethany House.

•°o•:*:•.Loved It.•:*:• o°•

December 1885
Two months to get to Denver and succeed as an artist is all Hattie has been granted by her parents or she has to return to Van Buren, Arkansas and settle down. Riding through Indian Territory with some cranky passengers in a stagecoach turns into a harrowing struggle for her life.
When Lieutenant Jack Hennessey receives word, right before his commander’s wedding, that a woman has been found out on the prairie and needs assistance AND the money from the incoming stage has been stolen he steps in to handle the situation as soon as the nuptials are complete. Little does he know his life is about to completely change.
Hattie is stubborn but also kind in many ways and an amazing artist.
Jack is so sweet but can be amusingly oblivious, particularly when it comes to his piles and piles of books he considers old friends. His gentle care of Hattie is a joy to read.
Christmassy Quote: “The storefront shone bravely with red trim and green lettering, a welcome splash of color in the colorless landscape and the perfect tone for the Christmas season.”
Laugh Out Loud Quote: “I doubt this mercantile has any Rocky Mountains available for purchase.” ”Yes, but you have to purchase them one rock at a time and assemble them yourself.”
Tea Quote: “Come by the fire. I have some hot water on the stove. Would you like tea or coffee?” … “we ate supper in the field. No need to make anything for me.” “Tea it is.” She rolled up his scarf and strode into the kitchen.

I found this historical, Christian romance so charming and recommend it highly to others. The information about The Darlington School for Arapaho and The Carlisle Indian School was also interesting. You can also look up on you tube, “Fort Reno Interview” where the author shot a location video in OK! (about 4 minutes).

I received a copy from the publisher and author (who is a delightful person btw) in hopes of a favorable review with no further compensation.
Read: 11/13-15/2018 - Reviewed: 11/22/2018
The Fort Reno Series
Holding the Fort – Book #1 12/2017
Bound & Determined – Book #1.5 01/2018
The Lieutenant’s Bargain - Book #2 12/4/2018

What I Loved: Well... I devoured this in 24 hours! I absolutely loved it! The story kicks off and doesn't stop until you hit the last page. It was hilarious, romantic, fast-paced, and even had a lovely Christian Christmas message tucked inside. These two had great chemistry together and they kept the pages moving. The entire cast of personalities came to life. It was also a treat to revisit old friends from previous books. I'm not sure what else you need to hear from me other than a command for you to pick this one up ASAP! I adored it and I think you will too!

Rating and Recommendation: I'm giving it 5 stars. I recommend it to those looking for a fun western and to Christian historical/western fans.

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

“The Lieutenant’s Bargain” by Regina Jennings is the second book in her Fort Reno series. I had previously read “Holding the Fort” and enjoyed the book very much. The second book is just as good.

Hattie Walker is traveling to Denver to see if her artwork will be accepted in one of the museums there. This is her last chance to prove herself to her parents. They want her to stay in Van Buren and get married and have a family. She, on the other hand, is only interested in furthering her artistic talent.

As she travels on a stage through Indian Territory, it is attacked and she is the lone survivor. When the stage doesn’t show up at Fort Reno, soldiers are sent to find it. Hattie has been rescued by the Arapahoe. However, she believes that they are hostile and that she is in danger. Unbeknownst to her, an old friend from home is a lieutenant at the fort. She was never keen on him because he seemed to feel he was superior because he was always correcting her. In reality, he cared for her very much and was such a bookworm, that he really did know more than most of his peers.

Lieutenant Jack Hennesy comes to the Indian village to get Hattie. The chief plots to see that Jack and Hattie are wed in an Indian ceremony and in the eyes of the tribe they are lawfully married. Hattie is definitely not happy about this situation which forces her to curtail her trip to Denver for a while. In the meantime, she and Jack find companionship that eventually resolves itself. The danger is still great because the outlaw has not been apprehended and Hattie is in danger.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a light romance and was just the thing for a cozy Saturday evening.

The Lieutenant's Bargain by Regina Jennings is the continuation of the Fort Reno Series now zooming in on some of the smaller figures part of the first book in the series, Holding the Fort. The Lieutenant's Bargain delves into Major Adam's right hand man, Lieutenant Jack Hennessey as his once distant past history collides dramatically with his present situation. Jack has dedicated himself to his work with the Arapho people (local Native Americans to Fort Reno) attempting to somehow weave the two cultures together in a peaceful manner.  His work is gravely threatened when news reaches the area of a deadly stagecoach robbery--the stagecoach that was delivering the Arapho's gold.  As Jack investigates this deadly attack, he runs into a former childhood friend whom he once had feelings for and soon becomes entangled in a series of unforseen and almost hilariously complicated ties and situations. 
Hattie Walker's ambition of becoming a world-renown painter seems to quickly fade away as she is thrown into a very dangerous situation in her travels out to Denver, Colorado.  Not only are her hopes of making it to Denver dashed, but she also is victim to a violent stagecoach attack and left in the cold wild on her own.  Miraculously, Hattie is rescued from her dire situation, but she fears that her current predicament is even more dangerous--she is held by a wild native people---the Araphos! Even though the Native Americans mean no harm to Hattie, her terror leads her to distrust her rescuers and make several attempts to escape their friendly care.  To Hattie's amazement she is rescued from her "captors" by none other than her childhood friend, Jack Hennessey! As the story unfolds, their friendship is tested and each of their dreams and plans become more and more unreachable.  Read it for yourself to see if they can survive each other and the dangerous situations they are thrown into.    
I greatly enjoyed this sweet continuance of the Fort Reno Series by Ms. Jennings. The characters in this work were relatable and very easy to understand. Jack's past history with Hattie wove into the story without a page becoming dry character history. Hattie's strong and willful personality was reasonable. Often I have seen authors make their female characters unnaturally stubborn, strong, and independent without making them have any sweetness or weaknesses.  Hattie's character with her selfish tendencies and uncertainties reminds readers that no one is perfect. I also appreciated the very rawness of Jack and Hattie's relationship as they dealt with extremely difficult and irritating circumstances, their honesty and reluctance to share with each other, their uncertanties and fears, and their faith in God throughout all of it. Overall, I would recommend this book as a wholesome read for anyone interested in a sweet romance with suspense, humor, and faith.      

Disclaimer: Bethany House Publishers graciously provided me with a copy of this book.  All opinions are my own and part of an unbiased honest review.

This book was received as an ARC from Netgalley and Bethany House in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Lieutenant's Bargain was unlike any Christian Fiction Love Story I have ever read and I mean this in the good sense. The story of Hattie who dreams of becoming a famous painter is forced to go into town and find herself a real job or else she gives up on her dream forever later encounters with a soldier who she views as the enemy and he spends most of the story convincing her that he is the good guy in hope to win her heart. What impressed me about this story in particular in that the novel focused on the heroine being the dominant character in the story rather than the hero masculine character falling in love with a woman. Our readers will be fondly attracted to this book because of that it's unlike any story they have read.

We will definitely consider adding this title to our Chistian Fiction collection at our library since we are always on the lookout for more Christian Fiction books. That is why we give this book 5 stars!