Member Reviews
The Major's Daughter is the final book in Jennings' Fort Reno series and another very good read. I found the storyline interesting and loved learning some history about that time.
The characters were great! I felt like they were written in such a way that make them realistic and I loved getting to know them all.
All in all, The Major's Daughter was a great read and I definitely recommend the series.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
Caroline and Frisco are engaging characters and definitely an unlikely couple! When she grabs the land he wanted in the Oklahoma land rush, he ends up taking land next door while she enjoys starting out in the dug-out he tried to sneak under the radar a few days before the rush. Are you already imagining the potential sparks? Oh, yes, there are sparks!
Soon the plot gets complicated by evidence that someone in the area is conspiring to steal land in the new frontier town, and several of Caroline and Frisco's new friends get mixed up in the shady deals. Maybe at last they can quit squabbling and work together to save their friends' businesses and homes? Or is that too much to ask?
A really fun story set on the old prairie.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.
There is plenty of history in this exciting tale of the land run and the genesis of new towns and homesteads! Caroline and Frisco appeared in the previous books, but this one really explores their personalities and ambitions. They respected each other in their past roles, but now they are each branching out into new territory, literally! They begin to drive each other nuts before they engage in a conflict over a piece on land, but as they try to convince one another to just give up, they interact more and get involved in something bigger than they anticipated. I felt like the character development got lost a bit in the telling of the event's history, and I was filled with anxiety as I waited to see what the outcome of the dispute would be. Other issues arose for the characters which increased the sense of anxiety and suspense as I read. The new issues overshadowed Caroline and Frisco's dilemma and I felt that their resolution was a bit anticlimactic in comparison. I enjoyed the characters from the previous books, and it was great to see all the stories come full circle.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
I was a *bit* disappointed by this one. I liked it, but I would have liked to see a bit of a flash-forward to see how everything turned out, and I also felt like the ending was rushed. That said, overall, I still really enjoyed it!
Caroline is a great character, Frisco was a lot better than I thought he'd be (I totally thought he'd be obnoxious but then I'd only seen Caroline's dad's POV of him, sooo?), and I loved their romance! Also, all the claim information was interesting. The situation they got themselves in was fantastic.
Also, these stories are always such a great combination of insane and realistic, funny and serious, etc.
Caroline is the Major's daughter, recently back at the fort after living in society for awhile. The government gave away land to a first come, first served group after the sound of a gunshot and a race to claim. Always independent, she intended to get a plot of land for herself, as women were allowed. But she hadn't ever done any of the hard work it takes to develop a piece of land or even fend for herself with out a servant. Frisco had been a crush of hers. A bit of a character at the fort, he had tried for years to enable settlers to get land there, and because of his efforts this was coming about. He even had his place all picked out, a town planned, crops planted and his things stored on a lot. All he had to do was get there before anyone else did. He never expected Caroline to claim his spot. An orphan who had several brushes with the law, he had become a lawyer. But he had always wanted a real home of his own, and this was a chance for his dream. Excellent place to spend your time and feel your heart strings. Christian Historical.
I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#TheMajorsDaughter #ReginaJennings
If you love history you will enjoy this book. It has just enough history but also has a romantic interest. I thoroughly enjoyed it and the others in this series. Highly recommend it.
I liked this Christian historical novel set in the year 1889. The author did an excellent job of making it seem that the reader was actually at the start line for the land race and waiting for the shot to be fired to begin the race. The cast of characters in the book well represented all that would have been eager to stake a claim. I could feel the emotional impact the race had on those who desperately wanted a claim, but were unable to get one, as well as the hardships for those who were trying to work their claim and tame the land on their own.
The main characters of Caroline and Frisco were interesting. Even though they came from opposite ends of society, neither felt as if they really belonged anywhere and were desperately wanting to fill that void in their lives. Both were quite determined, but faced opposition. Caroline, as the Major’s daughter, didn’t feel that she belonged in either high society or at the fort. Frisco, who has been raised in an orphanage, felt as if he were trying to build credibility as a lawyer. Both were excessively stubborn, and when they set their sights on claiming the same property, the emotional fireworks began. The romance that begins to build between the two of them has some setbacks. Caroline and Frisco were not characters that I felt a real connection with, but their stories were interesting and that kept me reading to find out what was going to happen next. This has been a great series, and I’ll be looking for the next book from this author.
They fight with only a land claim between them...
Well now, what a story! I know when I start a Regina Jennings novel that I am in for a real treat. There will be some history, plenty of romantic sparks, humor, a dash or two of danger, and a faith lesson that applies just as much today. The Major's Daughter delivered all of that and a few surprises to boot.
I will make a confession. I actually didn't like Caroline previously, she was too full of herself and a bit of a pain. Somehow, I think Frisco might agree with me, LOL! Anyway, I wasn't too sure if I'd warm up to her in this book or not. I did, though there were times I just wanted to shake her, and Frisco come to think of it, until they showed some sense. I even had a way figure out for them to divvy up the claim that would have satisfied them both! But, oh well, we wouldn't have had a story then would we?
The Major's Daughter was a rollicking good story! I quickly became emotionally invested in the characters and their experiences. While I'd heard of the Oklahoma Land Rush before and knew the basics of it I learned a lot through Regina Jennings's charming writing. It humanized the event for me, both the triumph and the tragedy. There was also a depth to this story that went beyond shallow historical romance. Two of the themes that I can think of right off are that our value can't be judged by our past, and that we shouldn't make snap judgments about people. Oh yeah, there's also a fine line between tenacity and bullheadedness. One is positive, the other not always so much.
I really enjoyed this third book in The Fort Reno Series, a place I've never been but would love to after reading these books. It's entertaining and provides some thought provoking moments as well. So, if you want to have a whole lotta land rush fun what are you waiting for?
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
The Major’s Daughter by Regina Jennings
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Wait what!? This is the 3rd book! How did I not know this! This is an amazing story. I love the strong characters and how this story is based on the Oklahoma Land Run. It gives a fictional insight to a truly amazing story that started and ended so many hopes and dreams in the 1800’s. This story follows Caroline is wild, passionate, independent, and wanting to branch out on her own. She doesn’t like being under her Fathers rule in Fort Reno and the Land Run is the perfect opportunity to get away. Together with her best friend Amber, they race to grab land for their own. They find the perfect spot to be neighbors, however, unbeknownst to Caroline, this land was already claimed by a boomer. A long time acquaintance Frisco plotted out this land for his own. He has a home, a garden, and soon this land will be his legally. However, things didn’t go as planned during the race. Caroline got there before him and claimed his land. What unfolds is an amazing adventure and story that I was unable to put down. I can’t wait to read the other books! happy reading my friends.
Book Summary:
Caroline Adams returns to Indian Territory after tiring of confining society life. She wants adventure, and when she and her friend Amber come across swaggering outlaw Frisco Smith, they find his dreams for the new territory are very persuasive. With the much-anticipated land run pending, they may just join the rush.
Growing up parentless, all Frisco Smith wanted was a place to call his own. It’s no wonder that he fought to open the Unassigned Lands. After years of sneaking across the border, he’s even managed to put in a dugout house on a hidden piece of property he’s poised to claim.
When the gun sounds, everyone’s best plans are thrown out the window in the chaos of the run. Caroline and Frisco soon find themselves battling over a claim–and both dig in their heels. Settling the rightful ownership will bring these two closer than they ever expected and change their ideas of what a true home looks like.
The Major’s Daughter by Regina Jennings is a great historical fiction based in the land of Oklahoma Territory. To watch the unfolding of land being scooped up and ownership given to those people was a plot that draws you in to the Oklahoma land run. There were quite the feels to this one with land being taken, which included crazy disputes over property, but your heart is wanting it to go to those who have had a harder way of life. There sure needed to be hard work and determination to make a go of it.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
***also posted on CBD, B&N
Mmm, this book hit the spot! I stayed up waaay too late reading it. The setting makes me long to pack up my things and become a homesteader. Or at the very least, get a goat. Beautiful descriptions of the land that make you feel like you're there (but don't bog down the story) and a romance that's just the right amount of swoony. There were a few scenes/conversations that made me roll my eyes (too cheesy or got my dander up a bit), but overall, a delightful story that takes place during Westward Expansion in the southern US.
Thanks Netgalley for the ARC!
Regina is a great storyteller and I have enjoyed the Fort Reno series. Lots of interesting history and characters that are continually developing.
The Land Race is something that has often intrigued me, in how it was executed and managed. This story gives insights and not surprisingly, a look at how corruption always seems to play a part in any good thing. Of course there were plenty of people who defied the rules and attempted to cheat their way into a parcel of land.
The writing style is engaging and fun, and a great read.
Thanks to Netgalley for the eARC. This is my honest review.
The Major’s Daughter was written by Regina Jennings, and is book three in The Fort Reno series.
Summary: Caroline Adams is all grown-up and no longer wants to just be know as “the Major’s daughter.” She craves freedom and her own life.
On a whim, she decides to enter the great land race, and claim a piece of property with which to start her future.
Frisco Smith has his own plans. He has the perfect piece of land picked out to claim for his very own home-the home he’s never had.
But when the race starts, all plans are out the window. Chaos, misunderstandings, and thievery abound. Can Caroline and Frisco navigate all the deception and come to an understanding-or even friendship-during these tumultuous times?
My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I was on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next. The plot was full of intrigue, and I had a hard time putting it down. In fact, I am not sure I did-I read most of it in one day!
The plot was fascinating, the characters were flawed yet relatable, and the book kept me guessing how things would turn out-including a great plot twist at the end.
I love how the author manages to tie in so much actual history into her stories, and I enjoyed learning more about this time period and all of the crazy things that happened during this pivotal time in our nation’s history.
I also like how this book manages to tie into previous books, yet still stands on its own.
It is definitely my favorite book of the series, and probably my favorite overall written by this author. If you enjoy historical western fiction with a little romance thrown in, this is definitely the book for you.
I would like to thank Bethany House for providing me with a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my review. Thank you!
Enjoyed this easy to read novel by Regina Jennings. I have read many of her books but this is the first on in the trilogy but I am anxious to read the first two books.
The third in the Fort Reno series, that can be read as a stand-alone. This historical fiction title is a quick and satisfying read. Readers who like strong female characters will root for Amber and Caroline as they make their way in the new frontier. The character of Frisco shows redemption by ensuring fairness in the land race even though he begins the race determined to get a bead on land to begin his own time. Romance is found between Frisco and Caroline but seems almost secondary between the rivalry for land and the determination to secure a future. Recommended to those who enjoy clean, quick moving historical fiction.
I received an ARC ebook from Netgalley and the publisher, Bethany House, in exchange for an honest review.
The Major's Daughter
She didn't want to be known as the "Major's Daughter. She had dreams and aspirations for so much more. And she was going to do it!
Frisco felt like he never belonged to anyone or anywhere. He was going to find a place he could call his own. And the Mayor's Daughter stood in his way!
I have always enjoyed Regina Jenning's books. I loved the cover as the main character, Caroline, appeared so confident. She was pretty gutsy in her quest of the American dream to own her own piece of land.
With time, Caroline discovered that she could make her dreams come true and be The Mayor's Daughter at the same time. Caroline might have got in the way of Frisco's plans but plans can change. Frisco and Caroline both wanted a place to call "home".
I loved it. Five Stars!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR- REGINA JENNINGS
After a particularly stressful day of parenting, Regina Jennings decided to create a fantasy world that didn’t involve potty-training or stain-removal, and thus began her career as a historical romance writer. Since then, she has written more than a dozen historical novels that are sold worldwide and have been translated into three languages. (To read about her publication journey click here.)
A graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University, Regina is the winner of the National Reader’s Choice Award, two-time finalist for the Golden Quill Award and a finalist for the Oklahoma Book of the Year. She has also worked at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and First Baptist Church of Mustang. Now, she spends her free time learning to play the banjo and traveling with her husband of twenty-six years. Highlights include working at a leper colony in India, sleeping on a trampoline for a week in Senegal, and getting a problematic weapons search in a Mexican prison.
I've been in love with this series ever since I read Holding the Fort. I couldn't wait to dive into the last book in the trilogy. Sassy Caroline is all grown-up and returning to the fort after graduating finishing school. Everyone she comes across assumes she's an uppity city girl, and Caroline is set on proving to everyone that she hasn't changed and that she can still take care of herself.
One of my favorite parts of this books is the finalizing of Jack and Hattie's story from The Lieutenant's Bargain, and Brady and Ambrosia's story from Bound and Determined. My favorite character was Frisco Smith. Even though he tended to bend the rules, he has such a big heart and I could really appreciate that about him. I hope Daisy will someday show up in a novella and have her own romance.
My least favorite character was Caroline. She got on my nerves almost every time she was on page. It was mostly a personality thing, but it went against the grain and rubbed me the wrong way. In the spirit of not spoiling the story, let's just say I strongly disagreed with her stand, and felt that she was being too pig-headed to do the right thing.
This story has a mystery to solve and a puzzle to put together. I loved the suspense angle that this added to the historical romance. And as usual, I loved learning about a piece of unexplored history.
I highly recommend this entire series for those who love spunky, strong- personality characters, romances where the characters don't get along at first, and trips into seldom explored history.
This is one of my new favorite books by this author- which is really saying something. Probably because it's equal parts fascinating history and interesting characters. As much as I liked Caroline, I liked Frisco even more. I felt the tension and worry as they navigated sticky situations in uncharted waters - competing over land, starting a new town, dealing with likely corruption, personal interests vs the good of the group, major disagreements with friends and family, just to name a few. The problems were believable and without easy solutions. Caroline and Frisco both brought a good mix of grit, wit, humor and charm. I already can't wait to read it again.
If readers have not read books by Regina Jennings, do not know what they are missing. The Major's Daughter is one example. This third installment from her series, Fort Reno, is yet another exciting read by her. I loved this story. Frisco and Caroline were quite the entertaining characters that made this book. They were so much fun.
I am giving The Major’s Daughter five plus stars. I highly recommend this book, as well as, the other books from Fort Reno series.
I received this book from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
Regina Jennings tells us the story of the land rush in Oklahoma when the territory was opened to homesteaders. Jennings’s main players in The Major’s Daughter are Caroline, born to privilege and respect; and Frisco Smith, who comes from an orphanage but gains respect through his lobbying for land for the common man.
I gained respect for so many people as I read this book. For the Indians, who had been driven off their land, and made many false promises. For those men like Frisco, opportunists, yes. Yet, they were the ones who scouted out the new Unclaimed Territories and brought back to civilization the depiction of what life there could be. For those who, like the Major, had the responsibility to oversee the fairness of the land distribution on the day the lands were opened. Oy vey, the headaches! And last, but not least, for the people themselves who bravely attempted to race to claim the land, only to be hoodwinked, or beaten by Sooners, the capricious weather, or circumstances.
I liked the depictions of human nature as they emerge in the brand-new town of Plainwell. Will Caroline and Frisco get what they are really searching for, or will they settle for more than they bargained for?
For me, a wonderful history/sociology lesson wrapped up in an attractive, delectable story. Thank you, Ms. Jennings.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. This does not affect my opinions, which are solely my own.