Engaging Deception

Author: Regina Jennings
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: The Joplin Chronicles #3
Release Date: December 13, 2022
Publisher: Bethany House

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?

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Reviewer: Rebecca Maney

"I thought our objective tonight was to get Max to notice you, but it appears that he's been noticing you for some time."

Oh . . . how did she get herself in this situation, to begin with? Life was much simpler and definitely much safer when Olive had stuck to her routine. Keeping house for her father and grieving her mother, never stepping outside those boundaries no matter how fervently her dreams beckoned her. If only her infuriating cousins hadn't gotten involved . . . no, that didn't sound right, she loved her cousins, it was just . . . it was just . . . being around such a renowned architect as Maxfield Scott, imagining what life might be like if folks(besides those pesky cousins) really acknowledged her design skills, Olive had allowed her aspirations to sort of, kind of deceive Mr. Scott. (she really didn't mean to) He had naturally placed her in the "nanny" category, publicly spending nearly every evening with the loveliest lady in town while Olive spent time with his sweet children (and his architectural library).

Then, everything changed one evening behind the clothesline.

This story just kept getting better with the turn of every page. The worry, the anxiety, and the angst of the characters was tempered perfectly with the attraction, attention, and conversations between them, two grieving souls who had much more in common than they could have ever imagined. Add in the author's signature wit, and you have the recipe for a romance played in perfect harmony with Olive's determination to ignore it. . . . but not Maxfield, it was impossible for him to ignore Olive, "His nanny was not who he thought she was. She was so much more."

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Reviewer: Mindy Houng

My favorite Regina Jennings’ book! Oh, it’s so delightful and fun. I totally connected with Olive’s shy and hesitant nature, struggle through grief, questioning of purpose in life, and desire to belong. Maxfield was a misguided but lovable hero - a gifted architect clinging to superficial things to help soothe his grieving heart. I loved their friendship and the slow build to their romance. Maxfield’s children were adorable and did a wonderful job keeping Olive and Maxfield connected throughout the story. There were plenty of laughs, especially when Olive’s extended family stepped into the scenes. I think Olive’s cousin Amos needs a story too!

If you enjoy historical romcom, you will love this book.

I received the book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Winnie Thomas

It was such a treat to travel back to Joplin again and see what shenanigans the Kentworth cousins have been up to. Engaging Deception stars Olive Kentworth, who seems to be a little more sedate and diligent than some of her other cousins. But that doesn’t mean her life isn’t going to have some turmoil thrown into it. 

Author Regina Jennings is a master at creating amusing situations in which to embroil her characters. Olive has been a caretaker for her mother during her terminal illness. But she also has been hiding her budding architectural talents. Things get a little complicated when she takes a position as a nanny for her idol, famed architect, and widower, Maxfield Scott. I enjoyed seeing the relationship between these two characters change and grow. A fantastic cast of secondary characters makes the tale even more delightful. Cousin Amos is the best, and I’d love to see a story about him.

With lots of intrigue, adventure, wit and humor, and a dose of romance, this story has much to recommend. I absolutely adore this author’s sense of humor and fun. This book can be read as a stand-alone, but to get the full effect of this delightful family, the reader will also want to read the first two books. I recommend this to those who enjoy clean and wholesome historical fiction with a light faith element.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishing. All opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Paula Shreckhise

Back we go to Joplin, Missouri, and the misadventures of yet another quirky Kentworth cousin. Olive, arguably the most practical, has a secret passion that is unusual for a lady: she is a self-taught architect. She has designed two buildings for her family. While looking for a change of pace, she becomes a nanny for famed architect and widower Maxfield Scott. Now she is keeping another secret. She is beginning to fall for Max and his children.

Lots of fun is to be had in this quaint historical with deception, misunderstanding, and a contest between business owners wanting to have the largest house in town. Never fear. The meddling cousins are back.

Well-plotted, informative and romantic, this book will have you chuckling and rooting for Olive to be brave and reveal her artistic talent. With characters who try their best to live out their faith, this is a worthy conclusion to this series.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Lori Parrish

I've loved this series since book one, and I consider this the best of the three!

Jenning's talent for writing books for us is truly wonderful! She has a way of making the characters come to life, and the adventures they take on their life's journey make you feel like they are your own family and friends. I love a good book like this. 

A whole day in 1800, Joplin was a treat. I didn't want to leave. I never tire of saying God has a plan for everyone and everything. His timing is much better, even though we may not see it at the time as Olive did. God had something better for her. I do love a good ending! 

Five stars for a job well done. I highly recommend it!

My thanks to Bethany House Publishers for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Reviewer: Billi Varela

This was the first novel I read in this series. It can totally be read as a stand-alone novel. 

I love books with a strong female lead. Especially ones where the woman does a “man’s job.” She had to hide it, which is totally explainable for that time period. But what I really liked was that she taught herself. The persistence and dedication to something she was passionate about are really inspiring. No matter what society says you can or can’t do, you have to strive to do what you are good at. 

Maxfield is a widower with two young children. He starts to see this woman, but he is drawn to Olive. I loved Olive and Maxfield’s relationship. I loved the romance that grew between them even though he was seeing someone else. I liked how it all unfolded. I am really sad to see it end. 

This is also my first novel by Regina Jennings. I liked how the characters developed and how the story progressed. This was a clean read. 

I requested and received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

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