Book Review: For the Record by Regina Jennings
FOR THE RECORD
by
Regina Jennings
Genre: Historical Romance / Christian
Publisher: Bethany House
Date of Publication: December 6, 2015
Number of Pages: 336
Scroll down for Giveaway!
Rather Than Wait for a Hero,
She Decided to Create One
Betsy Huckabee has big-city dreams, but nobody outside of tiny Pine Gap, Missouri, seems interested in the articles she writes for her uncle’s newspaper. Her hopes for independence may be crushed, until the best idea she’s ever had comes riding into town.
Deputy Joel Puckett didn’t want to leave Texas, but unfair circumstances have made moving to Pine Gap his only shot at keeping a badge. Worse, this small town has big problems, and masked marauders have become too comfortable taking justice into their own hands. He needs to make clear that he’s the law in this town–and that job is made more difficult with a nosy reporter who seems to follow him everywhere he goes.
The hero Betsy creates to be the star in a serial for the ladies’ pages is based on the dashing deputy, but he’s definitely fictional. And since the pieces run only in newspapers far away, no one will ever know. But the more time she spends with Deputy Puckett, the more she appreciates the real hero–and the more she realizes what her ambition could cost him.
This was just a delight of a book! Plucky, independent, and with a strong imagination, Betsy reminded me of a spunky, grown-up Laura Ingalls. Deputy Joel Puckett inadvertently provides the right inspiration for the hero of the serial stories she ends up writing for a big city paper – although he isn’t the suave, womanizing lawman that she makes him out to be. No, this lawman gets stuck on a mean, backside-biting pony and is taken through the wringer by townspeople not thrilled that he is there.
Author Regina Jennings pulls together a great mix of historical details and interesting plot lines – vigilante townspeople, honor bound to do the job that the former Sheriff wouldn’t, humor, intrigue, a dash of romance and action that kept me guessing until the end! The romance is a light touch that works well in keeping with the time period. While references to specific characters hinted that this book isn’t a total standalone, this proved not to be an issue as the story stands pretty firmly on its own. Not knowing when I picked up the novel that it was part of a series, I am delighted to discover that there are two more books that precede it – and I can’t wait to read more from this author!
(And you can too – we’ve got a giveaway for all three books in the Ozark Mountain Romance Series! Just look below!)
***
PRAISE FOR FOR THE RECORD:
“Jennings creates a perfect blend of love, mystery, and wit in this 19th-century romance.” —Publishers Weekly starred review
“Jennings’ latest is a delightfully entertaining historical romance featuring charismatic humor, unpredictable thrills, and vigilante justice. The plot is tense and exciting, and the novel sparkles with the wit and charm of its spirited heroine. It is more romantic and less stuffy than your average inspirational, and Jennings uses classic western touches like six-shooters, spurs, and white Stetsons to land readers squarely in the Ozark Mountains of 1885.” —Booklist
“This is such a delightful read with an adorable romance and a fun and entertaining story line. . . The interactions and dialogue between the main characters are sheer perfection. The mystery and drama with the hero’s backstory and the masked marauders keep the momentum of the story going at a nice pace and allows for no dull moments. There is so much to love here in this little gem, it is easily one of Jennings’ best.” —RT Book Reviews
CLICK TO PURCHASE
* Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Christianbook.com *
* Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Christianbook.com *
Regina Jennings is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a history minor. She is the author of Sixty Acres and a Bride, Caught in the Middle, and At Love’s Bidding and contributed a novella to A Match Made in Texas. Regina has worked at the Mustang News and First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and various livestock shows. She now lives outside Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, with her husband and four children.
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GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY!
THREE WINNERS EACH WIN A 3 BOOK SET OF THE OZARK MOUNTAIN ROMANCE SERIES WITH AUTHOR SIGNED BOOKPLATES:
(US & INTERNATIONAL; INTERNATIONAL WINNER WINS $30 AMAZON CARD IN LIEU OF BOOKS)
December 1 – December 12, 2016
(US & INTERNATIONAL; INTERNATIONAL WINNER WINS $30 AMAZON CARD IN LIEU OF BOOKS)
December 1 – December 12, 2016
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One Comment
Lynn Poppe
Me, too, with the Laura Ingalls, jen!