The Lieutenant's Bargain by Regina Jennings

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.

Searching for You by Jody Hedlund

This novel is 3^rd in a series about the Orphan Train from New York City to rural America in the 1800s. Sophie Neumann takes her two young charges (age 3 and 5) and lies about her age to qualify herself and boards the Orphan Train to flee New York City after she becomes the target of one of the street gangs.  She ends up in a small town in the heartland where Reinhold Weiss, a friend from her past, has bought a farm and is making a life for himself and his siblings.  The previous two novels are about Sophie’s older sisters who are now desperately searching for her.

This is full of historical understanding and just a good story.  I read through most of this book in one day.  I read a few chapters the first day and the next day I didn’t put it down much because I was so engrossed in the story. I love how Jody Hedlund brings out each characters faith in God and their personal theology as she weaves her tale.  It is all real and uplifting and so much a part of the story you don’t feel like you are reading a sermon.

I received a digital copy of this book from Bethany House through Net Galley for the purpose of writing my own observations into a review.  If you love historical romance, you will love this book!

Mind Games by Nancy Mehl

This is another great suspense / mystery / FBI story from Nancy Mehl.  Kaely Quinn is a profiler for the FBI in St. Louis. She is looking for a serial killer with her partner Noah Hunter. The killer appears to be targeting Kaely. Kaely’s father was a serial killer and despite her changing her name and moving the story follows her.

I loved all the twists and turns in this book. Kaely’s method of profiling was unusual and that made for some fascinating reading as well. I would highly recommend this if you would like a very intriguing read (but don’t expect to put the book down – just read right through).

I was given a digital copy of this book by Bethany House in exchange for a review.

A Legacy of Mercy by Lynn Austin

This book carries on the story that begun in Waves of Mercy.  In this story Anna Nicholson, Geesje de Jonge's granddaughter, is preparing for a society marriage to a wealthy young banker in Chicago. Meanwhile, back in Holland, Michigan, Geesje has an unexpected houseguest -- a troubled young girl from the Netherlands that doesn't speak any English.  Her grandfather, her only surviving relative, is boarding next door.  Anna longs for the simpler life in Michigan and also for Geesje's neighbor, Derk who is a seminary student.  She also longs to fulfill God's calling on her life to help those less fortunate but feels bound to her engagement in order to help her parents through financial difficulties.


Many unexpected things occur that affect the lives of the young refugee, Anna, Derk and Geesje. These are such caring, well-developed characters that the reader feels like they are family or at the very least dear friends. This was one of those books that I couldn't stop reading until the very last page. Lynn Austin always has a wonderful tale to tell. This one is chock full of historical details.


Bethany House provided me with a digital copy of this book for the purpose of a review.  I highly recommend this book to anyone who just wants a riveting story.