In "Love in the Balance," Regina Jennings draws you through a tale of two young lovers struggling with temptation while trying to overcome obstacles that keep them from marrying. What will it take for the pompous and impetuous Molly Lovelace to give up impractical expectations? And will Bailey Garner ever find his calling--or at least an occupation that will support a wife?

This story reminds me of Cathy Marie Hake's "Bittersweet" in that it takes you on a journey, and sometimes along the way you ask yourself if anything will ever be right again. The Happily Ever After could've lasted a little longer at the end, in my opinion, but I'm one who loves long, drawn out HEAs.

Overall a satisfying read. And I especially loved that the author cast Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert as inspiration for her characters' physical appearance. I'm excited to read Regina Jennings' next work, "Caught In the Middle" which releases April 2014! ( )

I read this series out of order, starting with the third and then the first and now the second. So I got an interesting first and second impression of Molly- starting with her being married, then her making a spectacle of herself going after another man and then reading her love story! She wasn't all that likeable in the first book, but I still couldn't wait to get my hands on this book.

Ms. Jennings did not disappoint. She writes such unique characters and storylines. She is one of the rare few authors who allow their characters to make "wrong" choices and live out the consequences. It was so beautifully done in this book.

I hate calling a female lead "fiesty" or "firey" because it is so overdone (and often done badly!) in this genre, but those are just the best words for Molly. She's a little irrational and emotionally driven, and it's so funny at times. And then it can be heartbreaking. You fall in love with Molly, flaws and all. And you fall in love with Bailey too, for his love for her, for his conviction, his own struggles, and ultimately, his strength.

It's a small thing, but I noticed it; I never knew how old the characters were, and I think it may have added to the story. Their ages MAY have been mentioned once in the first book, but I don't think so. I just knew that Bailey was Weston's younger cousin. Molly and Baily could have been 19. They could have been 30. Molly could have been older than Bailey. Sometimes I wondered. I think I settled on about 23-24. But I never knew for certain and that was alright with me.

I loved the ways that Molly changed, who she grew into. I love the way she -learned- compassion and humility. I loved the biblical themes. I even loved her mistakes because I could relate to her. I understood her choices and her failures and I felt there were lessons to be learned from them- praying over our opportunities and being willing to wait on God.

This was a beautifully written story. I already want to reread it. Ms. Jennings is now one of my favorite authors- I can't wait for her next book (december!)!! ( )

Although fiction, this book packs a punch, and teaches some very valuable lessons for everyone. From parents that have their own selfish desires rather than the good of their children at heart, church people who are quick to judge without knowing the entire story ~ or without enough sense to realize that all are sinners who must be saved by grace, to people who learn that owning up to their mistakes is always the best course of action, this book is a winner. ( )

I read this book in 2 days because I couldn't put it down. I loved the author and I saw so much of myself in the main character that I had to know how it ended. This is the first book in a long time that I couldn't figure out how it was going to end and I love that about the book. The author does a great job of describing the places and also talking about what the characters are feeling when they are feeling it. Everything about this book was amazing! ( )

LOVE IN THE BALANCE by Regina Jennings is an exciting inspirational Historical Fiction set in 1879 Lockhart, Texas. Follow, Molly Lovelace,Bailey Garner and Edward Pierrepont on a journey of faith, and love. Filled with secrets,betrayal,healing,forgiveness and romance. Molly is swept off her feet when stranger Edward Pierrepont comes to town,but all is not what is appears. Bailey has loved Molly all his love it seems. With pressure from her parents Molly makes a decision that not only could destroy her life but damage her reputation as well. She must chose between the handsome stranger,who is a debonair Tycoon and her steadfast friend the handsome Cowboy,Bailey. A very compelling tale of how our decisions effects those around us as well as our future. Ms. Jennings is a wonderful storyteller who has engaging characters,her stories are filled with rich historical details as well as a intriguing plot. A must read! I would recommend this title to those readers who enjoy rich historical details,a bit of romance,lots of drama, with a bit of mystery along the way. Received for an honest review from the publisher.

RATING: 4.5

HEAT RATING: SWEET

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Review courtesy of My Book Addiction and More ( )