Holding the Fort

September 1, 2017

This series launch is a charming historical romance set in 1880s Fort Reno, OK. Louise Bell, aka "Lovely Lola Bell," is a saloon singer who suddenly becomes unemployed. She heads to Fort Reno, hoping her half-brother Bradley will convince his commanding officer to allow her to perform for the cavalry. Her arrival seems like the answer to a prayer for widowed Maj. Daniel Adams, as his two daughters have reached an age at which they need a governess. As the chemistry between Louise and Daniel heats up, will Louise allow the shame of her past to stand in the way of God's plan for her life? A custody battle with Daniel's mother-in-law adds tension and complexity to the somewhat predictable plot. VERDICT Jennings (For the Record) kicks off a new series with a light and enjoyable tale that will delight her fans as well as lovers of historical romance.

Copyright 2017 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 9, 2017
Jennings introduces readers to an abundant cast in this first installment of The Fort Reno Series set in 1880s Kansas. Louisa “Lovely Lola” Bell is the featured singer at the Cat Eye Saloon until the owner replaces her with another performer. Out of a job and with no prospects in sight, Lola heads towards Fort Reno, an outpost in Indian territory where her brother is stationed. On the way there, Lola meets Mrs. Townsend, a Mennonite governess dispatched to the fort to educate Major Daniel Adams’s daughters. When Mrs. Townsend falls ill and can’t continue the trip, Louisa offers to deliver the girls’ textbooks. Arriving at the fort, Louisa is mistaken for the governess and falls into playing the part. Daniel and Louisa’s relationship deepens despite secrets, deceptions, and an Indian uprising. In this character-driven series launch, Jennings offers a powerful lesson on the freedom of truth and forgiveness wrapped in a delightful story of love against the odds. Agent: Rachel Kent, Books and Such Literary Management.