Sunday, January 3, 2021

COURTING MISFORTUNE by Regina Jennings, Reviewed by Winnie and Paula

PAULA'S REVIEW:
“ Sometimes the Lord worked miracles for people who did not deserve them. Today was one of those days.”

A quirky, humorous, romantic story.

In her probationary period as a Pinkerton Agent, Calista York is trying to track down the missing daughter of a Chicago mob boss. She travels to Joplin, Missouri to pick up the trail. Since Joplin is 123 miles and about 3 hours from me, I was interested in its history. Joplin contains mines, saloons, corruption and outside of town, relatives of Calista. Can she keep her assignment a secret and find her subject? The local, fledgling missionary, Matthew Cook, doesn’t know what to make of Calista. She could be a shady character or a detective. He feels compelled to protect her.

Calista is at times out of her element but Matthew comes to befriend her and she helps him in his efforts to reach the lost miners of Joplin.

Oh the trouble she gets into, but family bonds together as the girl she is tracking is just out of reach. I liked the diversity of her family from the matriarch, Granny Laura, to quibbling cousins, to in laws with clout. This was a really entertaining story. I look forward to the rest of the series.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own. *

I give this 4 stars and a solid faith thread.

WINNIE'S REVIEW:

When I pick up a Regina Jennings book, I know I’m going to be in for an amusing journey, and Courting Misfortune didn’t disappoint. I laughed and giggled my way through Calista’s adventures and misadventures, enjoying all her crazy antics and the hilarious situations she found herself in. Calista York is spunky, courageous, and independent, and trying to get a permanent job as a Pinkerton agent. Matthew Cook is a handsome, good-hearted missionary/preacher out to save souls and help others. When he meets Calista, he’s puzzled as to what she’s doing and why she seems to be related to so many townspeople.

“Why hadn’t she asked to be assigned to Wyoming or somewhere less complicated?”

I loved the interaction and witty banter between Calista and Matthew. It was amusing to see their relationship change and develop. Jennings is a master at creating vividly-drawn, endearing characters and plopping them into intriguing situations.

“As it is, you’re kinda like Eve climbing an apple tree to get away from temptation.”

Set in Joplin, Missouri in 1898, this story is a colorful look at a slice of history I was unaware of. A booming, rowdy mining town, Joplin was full of danger and unsavory characters, and people trying to find their fortunes. I’m looking forward to more adventures in The Joplin Chronicles.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers. All opinions are my own.

 SEE REBECCA'S REVIEW

BackCover Blurb:
 Calista York needs one more successful case as a Pinkerton operative to secure her job. When she's assigned to find the kidnapped daughter of a mob boss, she's sent to the rowdy mining town of Joplin, Missouri, despite having extended family in the area. Will their meddling expose her mission and keep Lila Seaton from being recovered?

When Matthew Cook decided to be a missionary, he never expected to be sent only a short train ride away. While fighting against corruption of all sorts, Matthew hears of a baby raffle being held to raise funds for a children's home. He'll do what he can to stop it, but he also wants to stop the reckless Miss York, whose bad judgment consistently seems to be putting her in harm's way.

Calista doesn't need the handsome pastor interfering with her investigation, and she can't let her disguise slip. Her job and the life of a young lady depend on keeping Matthew in the dark.  

Bethany House Publishers, December 2020
Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover and audiobook:

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