I liked the unusual character of Maisie, but the others seemed rather typical. Cute story, fun characters, quirky antics. This plot is like a train wreck, you know what's going to happen, but you can't look away. The story is actually a bit goofy, but in an adorable and entertaining way that makes for fun, light-hearted reading. I love how Regina Jennings used true history from her hometown of Joplin to make a plotline that is unusual. Maisie and Boone's journey towards friendship and eventually romance is sprinkled with generous doses of hurt feelings and side-splitting humor, making the story quite entertaining,

Proposing Mischief was such a fun read! That's one opinion I kept having while reading- this is such a fun story. I loved getting to read Maisie's story and I found her adventurous spirit fantastic.

The romance was good. It built slowly and seemed believable. I loved the cave and how it sounded so beautiful.

All in all, Proposing Mischief was a great read and I'm looking forward to the next book in 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.*

This story is just plain fun!

I enjoyed Maisie in the first book in the series, so I knew I would enjoy this book. I certainly wasn’t expecting all the crazy twists and turns in it and I wasn’t expecting to love Boone so much either. He isn’t the sort of man I would have imagined best for her, but they are honestly perfect together—and it of course is evident to neither of them even though they enter a marriage of convenience!

There’s a solid bit of suspense with the question of who is trying to get their hands on the mine, or who is trying to keep them out of it. There may be more rich crystals to be found in the played-out mine, but the flooding issue keeps it out of reach...and things keep happening to the pumps.

A great read. I can’t wait to read the next in the series!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.

This is one of the best love stories of all time. It develops slowly, with people who are achingly real. Maisie and Boone both have their own hang-ups, flaws and self-doubt, but the way they grow together as they deepen their friendship and love is deeply satisfying. Sigh. Side rolling humor threaded within danger, mystery and social inequality. Tops even the first fabulous book of the series. I know I'd love to see the Crystal Cave that was found deep in this mine. I've been to Howe's Cavern in NY and found it amazing. But to have a cavern where you could have weddings, a ball, etc would be wonderful. Rough edged Maisie will steal your heart, as will Boone who is unwaveringly focused on solving, learning, and keeping his business going successfully. Especially when his business becomes Maisie. Sigh. Always nice to see a socially snobby family turn out to be made of good stuff underneath. As good underneath as the down to earth family who works with their hands and isn't afraid to get dirty. Looking forward to the next story as I hate to see this one end. (So nice to see Calista the detective and their feisty family again.)
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.
#ProposingMischief #NetGalley #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #fivestarbooks #ChristianHistoricalRomance

Maisie is the most individual heroine I've read in a while. On the surface, she seems completely mismatched with Boone, the hero. Yet both need each other to achieve a certain level of freedom. The plot is charming, with great supporting characters and enough hints of mystery to add spice to the historical romance. I enjoyed this book so much! If you love historical romance with humor and threads of mystery, then this is a book you'll want to read.

Give it a try. At the opening of the book I wasn’t super impressed to be honest. The characters just seemed a little too silly, but I stuck with it and I’m glad I did. The story soon draws you in and the characters mature a bit as well. Lots of humor

Proposing Mischief is the second book in Regina Jennings’s The Joplin Chronicles historical romance series.

I love marriage of convenience stories and the reasons behind Maisie and Boone’s deal make for an entertaining story. Together, they’re one of my favorite fictional couples! They bring something out in one another that makes them the best version of themselves. (I know, it might seem odd to say about fictional characters, but …)

While the mystery didn’t hold the unexpected twists I usually like, that didn’t detract from the story because of how Maisie an Boone figured out the mess. And whether they could do so in time was what kept me turning the pages. All together, I loved this story.

If you also enjoy marriage of convenience stories, then I recommend reading Proposing Mischief!

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.

Proposing Mischief in a lighthearted historical romance written by Regina Jennings. It is the second in the Joplin Chronicles series. I did not read the first in this series, but the book can be read as a standalone. I will be seeking out the first book and other books by this author. Her characters in this book were charming and the predicaments that they found themselves in was delightful.
Maisie Kentworth finds herself falling for the wrong man, but he doesn’t see it that way. In fact, her family is watching out for her, and her brother and cousin allow their fists to protect Maisie. Her parents have forbidden her from leaving the ranch since the sheriff has gotten involved. She is just downright upset and feels trapped.
Boone Bragg has been left to operate his mine while his parents are on vacation. He had been given a stipend from his father and he needed to make that produce in his various ventures because there would be no more inheritance coming his way. His dilemma is that his mine was filling with water, and he was going to have to sell. Before he did, he needed to make one final inspection.
In the meantime, Maisie had finished fixing the fence and decided to explore on the neighbor’s property, Boone’s mine was located on this property. She makes a discovery deep in the mine after she broke in and she was so excited to tell someone that she ran into Boone on her way out as he was on his way in to see who was trespassing.
Through several mishaps and occurrences, Maisie finds herself sitting on the board for the mine. She and Boone come to an agreement that they should marry. I won’t get into the details of what lead up to this marriage because that is part of the delight of this book’s beginning. The story continues as her discovery is part of the new tourist site for Joplin.
This was the first book that I read of Regina Jennings, and it will not be my last! Her humor made for a wonderful read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. #ProposingMischief #TheJoplinChronicles #ReginaJennings

Proposing Mischief by Regina Jennings was an absolutely fun book to read. I have to say if I were to pick an actress to play Maisie Kentworth Bragg it would be Maureen O'Hara and I could see Katherine Hepburn as her sophisticated cousin Calista. I know today's generation won't know who I am talking about, but watch some old movies and see if you agree. But I digress. Maisie and Boone are a fun couple gifted by a great find. The plot of Proposing Mischief is lively and exciting, the setting is interesting, and I love the characters. I hope to meet more of the Kentworth clan in the future. I would love for Olive to have her own story, I think she is entitled to one.
So grab a pot of tea, a snuggly blanket, and settle in for an enjoyable read!

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

"When I reviewed Courting Misfortune, I commented about how much I loved Amos and Maisie and hoped they would show up in a future story. Well, I got my wish. Proposing Mischief is Maisie's story, with her brother Amos and cousin Hank stirring up trouble as well. The opening scene at the drugstore with these three was quite an adventure! I especially loved the way they looked out for each other.

Maisie is delightful. Her unassuming ways are charming as is her manner of speech. She seemed so fearless. I can't imagine exploring an abandoned mine and taking out my frustrations with a pickaxe as she did. Oh my! But the discovery she made was amazing. And I'm not talking about Boone - though she met him there also.

Boone's distracted way of getting lost in his thoughts endeared him to me. And the poor man was sorely lacking in the ability to relate to women. Then again, as a rich, young bachelor, all the single women in town set out to trap him...

With a story so full of memorable scenes, some still stand out as special. One of my very favorites was when Boone repurposed the ""Secret Tree"" to become the ""Promise Tree.""


I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own."

My Thoughts:
This was the perfect read to kick off the new year. I absolutely loved Proposing Mischief. It was light, funny, adventurous, romantic, and educational.
We met Maisie in the previous book, so I was thrilled to read her story and get to know her even better. She’s such a fun character, and this was a fish out of water type of story.
By the end of the book, I was mesmerized by the crystal cave they found and wish it was possible to go visit it in person.
The spiritual thread was solid and a blessing to me.
And I adored the playful interactions between Maisie and Boone. In ways, they reminded me of me and my husband.

Rating and Recommendations: I’m giving Proposing Mischief 5 stars. I recommend it to those looking for Christian Historical Romance, Christian Western Romance or a marriage of convenience story.

~ I received a copy from Bethany House. All thoughts are my own. I was not compensated for this review or required to give a favorable one.

We all need a good laugh now and then which is one of the many reasons, I will read anything this author writes. Ms. Jennings is one of my must-read authors, historical fiction, wonderful characters and witty dialog draw me in every single time.

Farm girl Masie Kentworth is stuck on the family ranch, it’s really getting to her, but what’s a girl to do? As it turns out, plenty. She’s not going to be deterred from staying away from the idled mine near her property much to the chagrin of Boone Bragg, who is managing the family mine. Poor Boone has no idea what he’s up against when he finds Maisie in his mine. She made a discovery that is beyond everyone’s expectations and the fun begins as the two of them butt heads in this delightful novel.
Maise is an adorable, memorable character, she’s funny, feisty, and the perfect match for Boone.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Will their love sparkle like the crystal cave?

I'll confess to a little trepidation when I started Proposing Mischief. I knew it would be a good story because, after all, it IS a Regina Jennings novel, but there was that little niggling part of me that remembered how much Maisie had annoyed me in the first Joplin Chronicles tale. I was a little concerned that either I still wouldn't like Maisie, and by the same token Boone, or that her character would be way different this time around. But, never fear, Regina Jennings did not let me down one iota. Maisie is as quirky as ever but she was so well written that I was completely sympathetic to her in every way. And her well meaning but sometimes clueless hero, well, I liked him every bit as much!

I've loved Regina Jennings's blend of historical romance, romantic comedy, and romantic suspense from the first book of hers that I read, which, now that I think about it must be some 3 or 4 series ago. Time sure does fly when you are having good reading fun! Proposing Mischief was every bit as good as its predecessors! I was a charming, fun, entertaining read and I enjoyed every single minute of it. I read all 329 pages in a matter of hours and couldn't seem to put it down even when it was suppertime.

The Joplin Chronicles series is a must read for any fan of Christian historical romance or romantic comedy. Like the first book, Proposing Mischief has equal parts of both as well as a healthy dash of suspense that really livens up everyone's lives. Oh, don't forget to check out the author's note which has some really cool true history in it. If you are looking for some rollicking good fun don't miss this book or any of The Joplin Chronicles...

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

“Women. Women everywhere. He’d snuck away from his own home to avoid them only to run into one deep in the bowels of his mine. Was there nowhere that he’d be free of them?”

If you’re looking for a marriage of convenience story with a quirky, but fun Young Adult storyline, “Proposing Mischief” may be a good choice. Leading lady, Maisie is a strong character that can be lovable and frustrating. Boone seems clueless, but Maisie is letting him see there is more to life than business. There is a lot of naivety in the relationship that made it a little hard for me to fully engage with the characters. However, I do believe this would be an interesting read for the teenage and young adult reader.

“Boone was grateful that she had the words he lacked. A rich treasure hidden beneath a rough surface. He was growing fonder of that type of treasure day by day.”

There is also interesting history on Joplin, it’s community and mining. This made for an interesting look into farming and mining in America. The romance was sweet and wholesome, too.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and have been given honestly.

Proposing Mischief is such a fun story! To me, it read like a historical romcom and brimmed with laugh-out-loud moments. Not only does this story highlight the author’s humor, but also Regina Jennings’ love for historical detail. And can I just say how much I loved Maisie? Her character is so delightful. I adore spunky, adventurous heroines. Toss in a sweet romance and you have a fabulous book not to be missed.

*I received a copy from the publisher. My opinions are my own.

One thing I enjoy about Regina Jennings books is that I know what I am going to get: romance, humor, sass, and pure enjoyment. Proposing Mischief is the second book in the Joplin Chronicles, and it lived up to all expectations for me. I have been excited about Maisie’s story since meeting her in book one with her cousin Calista. Maisie has a penchant for getting into trouble, but she’s scrappy and intelligent enough to get herself right back out of whatever she finds herself backed into. That’s exactly how she ends up married to Boone! What started as a marriage of convenience develops into more, but not without some misunderstanding, humor, a dash of danger and sabotage. I love how straightforward Maisie is; what you see is what you get and despite being a little rough around the edges, this is also what endears to so many others. It does not take Boone long to see that Maisie is an asset to him in more ways than one and she deserves to be cherished and loved for the woman she is. The story unfolds at the right pace with just enough tension to build a great plot. I recommend this all lovers of clean, inspirational, humorous, historical fiction.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

This was a delightful return to Joplin and to the slightly crazy, quirky, but full of love Kentworth family. What I think stands out the most in this story is the characters, especially Maisie and Boone. They were very unique people, along with their relationship, and their enterprise.

Maisie is practically a prisoner on her own property. Her ex-beau turned out to be a real loser, yet he insists that they are meant to be. She has seen through his immoral ways and yet his harassment continues much to her dismay and with possible dire ramifications to her family. Her overprotective parents are not helping matters either and Maisie only wants to liver her life her way. She can't help it if she is curious and trouble finds her.

Boone is a businessman who works with his men even in the mine. He wants his inheritance to grow and not to lose it. But he is constantly besieged by young women and their parents for dates and outings and all manner of silliness. In Boone's eye view at least. What's a bachelor to do?

Maisie has discovered something special on Boone's property and Boone needs to use Maisie's grandmother's property. So, they come up with a plan that seems to suit, until something better comes along that seems as though it would solve all of their problems.

This was a fun and quirky marriage of convenience story of two people who just want to be and find out that it might just be better to be together. I enjoyed this very much.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

Offered as a romantic thriller, the publisher forgot to mention this was more romance than thriller. Because of this, this book is not one I would usually pick up and read. On the other hand, it was a light-hearted trip through late-1800s, early-1900s, Joplin MO, that did hit my interest as an historical, faith-based novel.

Beneath the city of Joplin sits a crystal-filled cave, now flooded, but at the turn of the century it became a major tourist attraction - inviting both the wealthy and the lowly population from far and wide. This fictional novel creates a story around its original discovery and development into a successful business venture. While the characters and their actions (with a few minor exceptions) are fictitious, the places and community are very real. It leaves the reader wishing he could still visit the crystal cave sitting beneath the city of Joplin.

The book could easily be subtitled “A Marriage of Convenience” as both Maisie Kentworth and Boone Bragg marry to avoid the suitors and connivers who are trying to woo them into unwanted marriages. The last chapter or two leads toward a possible violent confrontation between the various families. The result is a piece of humorous, romantic, fiction that was more satisfying than this reader was expecting as he moved through the story. I give the book 4-½ stars.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.

Jennings creates great characters and she has done it again with Maisie. What a feisty gal. And when she comes head to head with Boone, having trespassed into his mine, the action begins and never stops. Maisie is a farm girl and the kind of gal who would rather wrestle than arrange flowers. Both Boone and Maisie have some relationship issues. Maisie has an old beau harassing her and Boone needs to shut down the women after him. His proposal is all business, or is it?

This novel has a foundation in historical fact. It was the time when electricity was becoming popular and it is interesting to read how it is being used. One man was creating a huge amusement park with an emphasis on the lighting. Boone, on the other hand, uses lights to illuminate a cave. The cave has amazing features and is again based on a real cave under Joplin. An interesting issue in the plot is whether people would rather go to a glitzy, man-made attraction or a natural one created by God.

I enjoyed this entertaining novel. Steeped in history, it has a good romance, a serious mystery, waves of humor, and fun characters. It is the second in a series but reads well on its own.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

This is the second book in the Joplin Chronicles and although it can be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading book one (Courting Misfortune) first because it gives you insight into the short-lived relationship she had with Silas Marsh. I always like reading about the Characters that Regina Jennings creates, but I have to say that I love Maisie! She is so sweet, yet kind of Tom-boyish and I love how she isn’t afraid to say what’s on her mind (which makes for some HILARIOUS situations!!) I also loved reading about how Maisie and Boone started their marriage as a business proposal and yet, start to fall in love while wrestling with each other on the floor. Another awesome detail is the Crystal Cave that Maisie and Boone found because it was a real attraction! Regina Jennings described it in such a way that I wish I could have seen it because I feel like it would be the most remarkable sight!

Overall, this book is hilarious and was so good that I read it in one afternoon. I loved everything about it and it’s definitely going to be one I read over and over. This book was also a great reminder to me that God has a plan for each of us, even when we don’t see it and it also reminded me that when you find the person God created just for you (husband or wife), they won’t want to change you, because they love you for just the way you are. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to anyone!

>>Special thanks to Regina Jennings, Netgalley and Bethany House Publishers for allowing me to read and review this book – all views and opinions are my own.