“Holding the Fort” by Regina Jennings

The Performance of her Life!

“I am Lovely Lola Bell.  They will be enchanted by my performance and love my show.”  Each time Lola walks out to sing on the stage of the Cat-Eye Saloon, she says this under her breathe. Little does she know her career is about to end, and the biggest, along with the most dangerous role of her life is about to begin.

After being abruptly replaced at the Cat-Eye,  Lola is desperate to make money.  Unfortunately, 1885 Wichita offers no other place for a dance hall girl to work who refuses to do anything immoral.  With nowhere else to turn, and using what little money she has, she sets out for Fort Reno.  That is where her younger brother, Bradley is stationed with the U. S. Calvary.  He is her only relative, as well as, a life-long trouble maker.  Bradley has often written to complain about the unfair treatment he receives from Major Daniel Adams, the commander of the fort.  Perhaps she can convince the major to go easier on Bradley.

Through a comedy of errors, Lola finds herself mistaken for the governess to the daughters of Major Daniel Adams–the same man that has been giving her brother such a hard time.  With the hope that Lola with be able to help Bradley, she decides to pretend to be the governess.  Amazingly, Lola likes this new “character” she is playing, and really enjoys being treated as a proper lady instead of a dance hall girl.  However, she must stay up nights trying to study so she can stay ahead of her “students” education-wise.

This tale has lots of twists and turns, as Lola’s on-stage experience inspires her to try acting out a real-life role.  But lies can start unraveling, no matter how often she chants to herself, “I am the lovely Lola Bell….”  Now that Lola has begun a relationship with God, what will she do?  How can she go on pretending to be someone she isn’t?  Will everyone reject her when her true identity is discovered, especially the Major?  Since this job was her only source of money, and the fort is located in the middle of nowhere, what will she do to take care of herself?

This is a great tale, well-written with characters and a story-line that are easy to relate to—who hasn’t been mistaken for somebody else?  What would happen if you didn’t correct them?  Read this book and find out a possible answer, while enjoying the bits of humor and irony thrown in along the way.  I highly recommend this non-offensive, 5-star book.

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of Holding the Fort through Bethany House Publishing for the purpose of review.   I have not been compensated in any other manner.  All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.

The Author’s Website:  http://www.reginajennings.com/

The Author’s Facebook:  https://twitter.com/reginajennings

The Author’s Twitter:  https://www.facebook.com/ReginaLJennings

 

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