*Disclaimer- Prepare for my intense gushing! I can't be held responsible for my overuse of exclamation points ;)

This story!!! Folks, I can't "star" this novel enough. First off, the heroine is spunky, daring, and just an all-around sweetheart. I loved her from page one. And um...the hero? Who doesn't love a cowboy deputy! The chemistry between the main characters was beautiful and fun. The author did a fabulous job crafting this story. And...ahem...the kiss at the tree?! Totally swoony :)

So glad for Christian historical romances that leave you both inspired and entertained :) I'm definitely going to be rereading this one again and again. I found a new favorite!

A Fiesty Heroine for a Fun Tale

It was fun to be back in the Ozarks at Pine Gap again. Betsy's story was just as one would expect from the precocious girl of previous stories. It was lovely to see Joel again from the other series and see him come into his role as Deputy. The way the author captured the "protectiveness" of the small backwoods town is very realistic--I live on the edge of Appalachia and we see the same spirit or "protecting our own" here as well.

If you have enjoyed the series so far, you will enjoy this one too. 🙂

Really liked this third book in the Ozark Mountain romance series. This is Betsy's story. She is all grown up and wanting to become a famous writer or at least earn enough to support herself. When a handsome new deputy comes to town, she has her inspiration. The new deputy has left Texas under difficult circumstances. He was falsely accused, but not able to prove his innocence. This job is his last shot to prove himself. Unfortunately, there are a group of vigilantes who are determined to seek justice. The previous sheriff didn't enforce the law and let a murderer get away. Joel has to convince the town that he can enforce the law.

Though this is the third book in the series, it can easily be read alone. There are references to previous characters, but they aren't critical to this story. While it is considered Christian fiction, the religious aspects are a natural part of the story and aren't overbearing. If you like a clean western romance with enjoyable characters, I recommend this book and series.

I have been waiting on Betsy Huckabee’s story since I met her as an adorably precocious child in A Most Inconvenient Marriage. Needless to say, she hasn’t quite grown out of her precociousness as an adult. When combined with Deputy Joel Puckett’s prickliness, it translates into some quite delightful banter between the two as well as multiple opportunities for giggles at Joel’s expense. (You may also remember Joel from Caught in the Middle, part of her Ladies of Caldwell County series.)

One of my favorite parts of Betsy and Joel’s relationship is how Betsy umm… borrows … Joel’s identity for her Dashing Deputy stories she is submitting to the Kansas City newspaper. Deputy Eduardo Pickett is a rather unrecognizable version of Joel (understatement) because to be perfectly honest Joel isn’t the most swoonworthy of heroes. He’s not particularly swoonworthy as far as dashing deputies go, and Betsy is forever having to embellish his heroic acts to be in fact more heroic. And of course this backfires on her – and Joel – in more ways than one. But that just makes the story all the more entertaining!

And you know… Joel winds up being quite heroic after all...

There’s also a fascinating bit of history in For the Record – specifically of the Bald Knobbers, a group of vigilantes in the Ozarks in the late 1800s. Are they good guys? Are they bad guys? Who are they behind their masks? One thing is for sure, they certainly cause Joel much consternation. They aren’t exactly the friendliest welcoming committee to Pine Gap. I love reading historical fiction that makes me want to head to the Googles to find out more about the history element when I’m finished reading the book.

Bottom Line: For The Record by Regina Jennings is entertaining and funny and romantic. Intriguing history, delightful characters, and a writing voice that just makes you smile – all of these elements combine to make this a truly enjoyable read. If you like Mary Connealy and Melissa Jagears, then you’re going to love Regina Jennings too!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)

See my full review at Reading Is My SuperPower

I just couldn't get into this book, it was a cute story but it didn't hold my attention.

Really liked this third book in the Ozark Mountain romance series. This is Betsy's story. She is all grown up and wanting to become a famous writer or at least earn enough to support herself. When a handsome new deputy comes to town, she has her inspiration. The new deputy has left Texas under difficult circumstances. He was falsely accused, but not able to prove his innocence. This job is his last shot to prove himself. Unfortunately, there are a group of vigilantes who are determined to seek justice. The previous sheriff didn't enforce the law and let a murderer get away. Joel has to convince the town that he can enforce the law.

Though this is the third book in the series, it can easily be read alone. There are references to previous characters, but they aren't critical to this story. While it is considered Christian fiction, the religious aspects are a natural part of the story and aren't overbearing. If you like a clean western romance with enjoyable characters, I recommend this book and series.

A delightful and satisfying read.