"Holding the Fort" by Regina Jennings

Holding the Fort (Dec. 5, 2017) by Regina Jennings.*

With her “uncommon talent,” Louisa Bell should audition for America’s Got Talent. As it were, Louisa is a fictional character, and her story takes place in 1885, so that’s not even close to possible. Still, Louisa does have amazing vocal ability, and the first time Major Daniel Adams hears her voice, he’s done something ridiculous and has a head wound. Louisa has traveled to Fort Reno because her brother, a cavalry soldier, has run afoul of his commanding officer (ahem, Major Adams) for hijinks performed. She’s just lost her job as a dance hall singer, so she is hoping for work at the base in Indian Territory.

            Imagine her surprise when she’s mistaken for a governess to Major Adams’ two daughters! Desperate for a position and with nowhere else to go, she works hard to keep up the façade. But Louisa is not whom Daniel was expecting. She is fair of face and younger than he; he was expecting an old widow, “a matron experienced in training young ladies.” Instead, he has a governess whom he finds too attractive. The chemistry is there, but how can Louisa express her true feelings for Daniel with her background and deceit?

            This charming, historical inspirational fiction novel is the first in Jennings’ Fort Reno series. While nothing overly surprised me as the story unfolded, I still found it to be multi-layered with likable protagonists in a dusty, character-driven setting. There’s a lack of cavalry when an uprising seems imminent, a mother-in-law who’s rather like a monster-in-law, secrets and deception. There’s also strong faith and faith absent. Louisa asks some questions, gets some answers and wants to embrace faith and gain a respectable future, but she carries so much shame. She doesn’t understand God’s love for her and feels she’s so undeserving of Him that He could therefore never accept her as His child. It is heartening to see her progress and, yes, struggle through the story to reach Him. “Holding the Fort” is smartly written and is an enjoyable tale that’s easy to enjoy if you’re a fan of the author and/or genre.

            Extra note: My favorite character is supporting character Lieutenant Jack Hennessey. He is quick-witted and funny and is Daniel’s right-hand man. If he’s the male lead in the next book, I want to read it!

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are expressly my own. 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.”