I'm coming to this third entry in the Joplin Chronicles series without the benefit of having read the first two novels. However, ENGAGING DECEPTION easily stands alone.

I thoroughly enjoyed this historical romance, and found the characters of Olive and Maxfield to be multi-layered and expertly-written. The plot is engaging and moves at a nice pace, with plenty of intrigue and surprises along the way. I was especially impressed with how the author worked Olive's architectural ambitions into the storyline, while remaining true to the time period.

As the story progresses, we begin to see how Olive and Ruby (the woman whom Maxfield is dating) contrast with each other, and how Olive is a better fit for him.

As to be expected, there are some misunderstandings and obstacles that keep them apart.

The sense of place is strong as well.

I also appreciated the characters' witty banter and the Christian theme. Now I will look forward to catching up on books 1 & 2 in the series.

Engaging Deception is the third book in Regina Jennings' Joplin Chronicles series, but for me, it is also the best of the Chronicles. Sometimes an author will seemingly get tired of a series before the series is finished and the last story becomes trite and lackluster. Regina took a look at her characters and brought a freshness to this latest book that gives the reader a satisfying sigh after finishing the book.

Olive Kentworth has spent the last several years taking care of her ill mother until she passed. Now she is caring for her father and his house. She has been slow to rejoin society and seems to like her life just as it is. One of the things she loves doing is designing houses and buildings. She has already designed buildings for her cousins places of buildings. She has also gotten ahold of every book on architecture the library has and bought quite a few more that showed up in a rummage sale at church. Her idol (for lack of a better word) in the architecture world is Maxfield Scott. When her cousin sets her up to babysit for Maxfield, she feels the world has been handed to her on a platter. She finds his library is full of resources and ideas that fuel her own.

Two men lived in Joplin who were rivals in wanting the biggest, showiest house in town. Maxfield has built one of the houses and is in process of building the other. When the owner of the first house decides to add on to the house, Olive's design is the one that wins the owner's heart, and Maxfield is dismayed at the remodel of one of his prized designs.

Even though Maxfield is dating the daughter of his client, he is growing closer to Olive. There is something he sees in her that intrigues him. She likes Maxfield, but is afraid to let him know who she really is and what she really does.

The characters in this book have foibles and flaws that make them more real and more likable. There is a tiny bit of romance formula in the plot, but it's there to give the characters time to contemplate the situation. It does not detract from the story at all.

Five Stars, Two Thumbs Up, and an award-winning home design.

Bethany House provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

ENGAGING DECEPTION is the third novel in the Joplin Chronicles series by REGINA JENNINGS, but like the others it can easily stand alone. It is a most enjoyable read, full of intrigue as Olive Kentworth, after being perfectly satisfied with staying at home to nurse her sick mother, is drawn out by her conniving family and ends up looking after Maxfield Scott, the famous architect’s, children, whiie he entertains the the beautiful and giddy Ruby Dennis. Whilst Ruby is rather selfish and spoilt, does not understand Max’s grief at losing his wife, and is not at all interested in his work, Olive is not only compassionate but seems to be really interested in his designs and buildings. Of course he has no idea that she is actually an architect herself, hiding behind her unpredictable cousin Amos who people think is doing the designs…..
The book is full of wonderful characters, quick and witty dialogue and romance. There is also a gentle Christian message running through the story which I really like.
I was given a free copy of the book ny NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

The third book in the Joplin Chronicles series and the first half of the title tells you exactly what it is... engaging. It's one of those books you want to keep reading until the end. This book is the end of the series for now but I hope that she comes back to this series at some point.

I enjoyed the writing and the way the main characters were written. Over the course of the story, the characters progressed which made the ending very satisfying. What I especially like about this author is her strong females and quirky humour.

I receive complimentary books for various sources including, Netgalley, Authors, and other such sources. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received compensation.

I've loved this series since book one and I consider this the best of the three!
Jennings talent to write books for us is truly wonderful! She just has a way of making the characters come to life and the adventures they take on their life's journey makes you feel like your own family and friends!
I love a good book like this.
A whole day in 1800 Joplin was a treat.
I didn't want to leave.
I never tire of saying that God has a plan for everyone and everything. His timing is much better even though we may not see it at the time.
Like Olive did. God had something better for her.
I do love a good ending!
5 stars for a job well done. I highly recommend!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

When I got this book I didn’t realize it was the third in the series. I throughly enjoyed it and now I want to go back and read the first two.

Engaging Deception
by Regina Jennings
Pub Date: December 13, 2022
Bethany House
# 3 Joplin Chronicles
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.
I loved this series and this book in particular was great. Olive Kentworth has spent her life hiding her interest in architecture, even though she pores over architectural books and sketches buildings. When she accepts a job on a home expansion, it's only because her cousin Amos agrees to pose as the builder. To further hide her involvement, Olive takes a position as a nanny--not knowing that she'll be working for her idol, Joplin's leading architect, widower Maxfield Scott.
I recommend this book. We have preordered it for our library.
5 stars