Fantastic book! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! The characters were wonderful and the story line was very unique! I really liked the theme of embracing your God given skills. From beginning to end just fabulous! ( )

Excellent read. Keeps you hooked. Interesting to the very end. Love the characters. Sweet and caring, down to earth. Olive has always wanted to be architect, something women just didn't do at that time, so she keeps it a secret. Max is a successful architect who hires Olive to watch his children. Each has emotional scars that they need support and understanding to get through. Great sense of humor. Tough to put down but you want it to go on. Sweet romance with great depth.

I received this book free from the author, publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#NetGalley #EngagingDeception #ReginaJennings #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #BethanyHouse ( )

Regina Jennings is a lovely writer. I love the characters she created, especially the children.
Both Maxwell and Olive struggle with grief. As I read the first few chapters, I sensed that Olive really hasn't let go of her mother because she visits the grave so regularly to clean it and keep it in tip-top condition. She loves art and architecture which is great, but she seems far too willing to just lie low and let someone else stand in for her and take the credit for her work. I realize that in this era, almost every profession screamed, "It's a Man's World!," but I really wanted her to be different. I wanted her to be bold and take some pride in her God-given talents.

Great work, Ms. Jennings. I look forward to reading more in the future. ( )

Engaging Deception, the third and final book in "The Joplin Chronicles," was written by Regina Jennings. Despite being the third novel in the series, it is also perfect as a standalone.

The plot takes place in Joplin, as the series' name implies. It is set in the late 1800s when it was still verboten for women to work in several fields.

Olive Kentworth has a strong enthusiasm for architecture as well as a deep interest in it. However, women weren't welcomed into the profession of architecture.

The premier architect in Joplin, Maxfield Scott, is a widower who urgently needs a nanny like Olive. Unbeknownst to Maxfield, Olive wants the job so she can read his architectural books and magazines.

Engaging Deception was enjoyable to read. I've always had a strong appreciation for construction and architecture, and the story piqued my curiosity. In fact, I worked for a number of years in both new and renovation construction. Because of the disparities in how women were viewed, I found reading this book to be particularly fascinating.

The characters were relatable, which caused me to laugh sometimes and cry at other times. Jennings has produced a carefully researched, inspirational novel that will touch your heart. The editor's note she includes at the end is also essential reading.

I received an advanced review copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own and I am voluntarily leaving this review. ( )

Have I been hiding under a rock or something?? How am I just now reading a novel not only from this series but from this author in general? From the beginning I was intrigued. It’s been awhile since I’ve read a novel featuring a female lead with a passion for architecture and being that the story is set in the early 1900’s makes this an even more compelling fact. Olive might be stuck in life but her passion shines through the pages and there’s no denying the spark shared between her and Maxfield begins here, even if neither of them initially realize it.

My heart couldn’t hep but fall for Maxfield and his plight. To have such passion and zest for life while also battling being a single parent and loneliness is heartbreaking to say the least. I love seeing his progression from trying to busy himself to distract from the pain to accepting his circumstances and seeing the blessings that are right in front of him.

Olive is a kindred spirit. Sadly her confidence doesn’t match her immense talent, but lucky for her this talent shines so brightly that everyone can see it even if she doesn’t believe it herself. I love her calming presence, and the special relationship that she has with everyone. She is a beautiful soul and I loved seeing her come into her own.

The relationships that progress throughout the novel weren’t rushed at all but felt as natural and organic as breathing. I adored the Kentworth clan gatherings on the farm, but what really impressed me was the moments that transcended time. There were a few scenes that went outside the societal norm for that time period and I have to admit those were the moments I felt myself charmed the most. I won’t give any spoilers away, as they are some you need to experience on your own, but it adds a certain spunk to the story that I immensely enjoyed.

I could rave all day about this novel, as it captured my heart and imagination. I loved all the talk of architecture, the organic relationships, and how lovable all the characters are. It’s already a favorite for 2023 for me, and I cannot wait to get my hands on the other two novels in this series.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own. ( )