If you are in a reading slump make sure to pick up Regina Jennings' newest novel. It's guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and make for an enjoyable read. Saddle up because this read is a wild ride full of mystery, romance, healing and forgiveness.
Goodreads Summary
A Marriage of Convenience Turns Most Inconvenient in this Historical Charmer
Having fled a difficult home life, Civil War nurse Abigail Stuart feels like her only friend in the world is sweet but gravely wounded patient Jeremiah Calhoun. Fearing he won't survive, the Confederate soldier's last wish is that Abigail look after his sickly sister at home. Marry him, return to his horse farm, and it'll be hers.
Left with few choices, Abigail takes him up on his offer and moves to Missouri after his death, but just as the family learns to accept her, the real Jeremiah Calhoun appears--puzzled to find a confounding woman posing as his wife. Jeremiah is determined to have his life back to how it was before the war, but his own wounds limit what he can do on his own. Still not fully convinced Abigail isn't duping him, he's left with no choice but to let the woman stay and help--not admitting to himself she may provide the healing his entire family needs.
My Thoughts
I started this book last night at around midnight and finished when 4 o'clock started to appear on my phone. Yes, my reading slump went from having not read in the last few months for enjoyment due to school, to binge reading Jennings' novel. I'm not complaining though!
Let's see...
This is not my first novel by Jennings that I have read. I really love her novels, she blends so well the themes of comedy, drama and romance and presents it in a package that is perfect for readers both old and new. I love mistaken identity stories, it's just another added element to the story that I know will unfold and keep me guessing because I always try to figure it out before it's revealed. I'm happy to say I caught it (but of course I'm not going to tell you.)
The symbolism with the horse shoe on the cover I thought was minimal. Like "Oh, a horseshoe because she is on a ranch." But once reading, it clicked for me. The horseshoe has so much more meaning that I started to beamed inside with joy knowing how well this cover was put together. When a cover is more than being pretty, but has meaning and parallels well with the story it makes me much happier as the reader! And no, I'm not going to reveal the meaning to you because it's that great, and I want you to have a similar experience and not rob you of it.
Abigail Stuart is a likeable character. She is dependable, responsible and deals well with what is given to her. I loved her sense of humor! Nothing is worse than reading with a protagonist that takes on sooooo much responsibility that she starts to become victimizing of herself. I love characters that take a stand and keep walking forward and if they have humorous qualities as well, that is even better.
Jeremiah Calhoun is the most stubborn, stuck in his ways, likeable character I have read this year. Definite 180 for him from his entrance to his ending moments in the story: he goes from being stubborn to being more open to the new things happening in his new life, which includes Abigail. When we meet Jeremiah he has a lot to deal with: regret, guilt and a pack of men loose in his land taking animals from his neighbors are just a few things to list. So it is easy to say this guy has a lot on his plate. But with Abigail riding alongside him they balance each other out, and both take on roles that help conquer the hurdles in front of them.
The character's that accompany these two in the story from the rowdy neighbor kids, to Jeremiah's mother and ailing sister all have qualities that make this book that much better. This is not a book you should miss out on! So put it on your 'MUST BE READ' list, ok?
Truly an enjoyable read from beginning to end. I was smiling, I was crying, I was laughing, I was sighing. This is why I read: for these exact moments! Thank you, Regina! Thank you!
Highly recommended.
Wanna read a preview? Click here
If you would like to see my review on Jennings' other books here is one and the other one.
Rating: 4.75 out of 5 bookshelves
I received a free copy from Bethany House Publishers in return for an honest review.
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