2022 - Bethany House

About the Book: 

"A lively competition draws her into her rival’s blueprints–and maybe even his heart.

Olive Kentworth has spent her life hiding her interest in architecture, even though she pores over architectural books and sketches buildings. When she accepts a job on a home expansion, it’s only because her cousin Amos agrees to pose as the builder. To further hide her involvement, Olive takes a position as a nanny–not knowing that she’ll be working for her idol, Joplin’s leading architect, widower Maxfield Scott.

Maxfield is intrigued by his new nanny–she makes his home and his life bearable again. His work, on the other hand, is a disaster. An untrained builder is remodeling a completed project of his. What’s worse, Maxfield’s current client wants changes to his plans because of that builder’s work.

As the architectural one-upmanship heats up, Olive’s involvement becomes harder to hide. Will the relationship between her and Maxfield survive, or will they both miss out on building something for their future?"

The Artist Librarian Review:
A decade after her author debut, Regina Jennings' twelfth novel, Engaging Deception is a lighthearted historical romance perfect for fans and new readers alike. Though the final book in "The Joplin Chronicles", Engaging Deception can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone novel as well. Olive Kentworth and Maxfield Scott were likable protagonists and easy to root for. Though preferring to stay at home with her comfortable routine, Olive has a compassionate heart and wants to help others. Meanwhile, Maxfield is a conscientious and involved father who is still recovering from the loss of his wife. Seeing their growth over the course of the story was very satisfying. The side characters were also well done. Ruby Dennis was also likeable and could be appreciated beyond being "just a rival" and Olive's family were-well meaning meddlers (also Amos was a riot whenever he showed up).

Based on the existence of the Joplin Public Library, it can be surmised the story takes place in the early 20th century, but I don't recall the specific year explicitly mentioned or listed in the book, which I felt was a bit unusual for a historical. But other than that hiccup, I'd recommend Engaging Deception to any Christian historical romance fan who is looking for a unique story premise. As someone who's followed her career from the beginning, I look forward to seeing what Regina Jennings dreams up next!

[Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes from the publisher via Just Read Tours]

What are some of your favorite historical fiction reads from 2022?

About the Author:  

"Regina Jennings (www.reginajennings.com) is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a minor in history. She's the winner of the National Readers' Choice Award, a two-time Golden Quill finalist and a finalist for the Oklahoma Book of the Year Award. Regina has worked at the Mustang News and at First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and various livestock shows. She lives outside of Oklahoma City with her husband and four children."