Love in the Balance by Regina Jennings, ©2013

Love in the Balance opens with a morning church service in Prairie Lea, Texas, in the mild October of 1879. It is getting close to lunch on the grounds and prayer requests are getting a little close to home for our protagonist, Miss Molly Parmelia Lovelace. So much so, her father, Thomas Lovelace, decides it is time to move her on.

   "Remember," her father continued, "your stay in Lockhart is dependent on your finding a husband. If you aren't becoming acquainted with the right sort of gentlemen, you might as well come home. No sense spending all that money on gowns if no one appreciates them. Besides, unless the sawmill does better, there won't be any money for gowns."

For the past year, Molly has boarded in the next town for her job at the courthouse. Plenty of time to meet industrious investors.

   "If you want to help your father," her mother said, "go back to Lockhart and find a man with income."
   "And connections." Thomas said. "Someone with capital who's interested in investing."
   "And, of course, a society leader. We aren't completely merciless, Molly. There'd be something in it for you."

But there is Bailey, Molly's constant dream of a future. Bailey with no prospect of a future to help her father's vision of a son-in-law. Molly's family decides on a beau for her, but then she finds one on her own sure to please her father. But what about Molly?

My favorite is definitely rooting for Bailey. He is steadfast, open with God, and giving to others in his community. He tries first one job and then another, trying to find his niche. Finally, in helping a family in need, he finds his place.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

I like the growth in the characters, and the wholesomeness of the story. Being open and led by God is the best way to find your way. I especially liked how the story ended, but don't go there first. Enjoy Love in the Balance all the way through, and the lessons to be learned. This quote from page 210 speaks volumes:

Odd how opinion was formed. Odd how people thought they could sum up a person's character by the news of the day.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Molly Lovelace dreams of a life without cares in Lockhart, Texas. She also dreams of handsome wrangler Bailey Garner, her ardent but inconsistent beau. The problem is, with Bailey's poor prospects, she just can't fit the two dreams together.
   Then mysterious stranger Edward Pierrepont sweeps into town--and her life--and for the first time Molly wonders if she's met the man who can give her everything. But he won't be in Lockhart long and while it certainly seems like he talks about their glorious future together, she can't quite get Bailey out of her mind.
   What's a girl to do with all these decisions when love is in the balance?

Handsome Cowboy or Debonair Tycoon? How's a Girl to Choose?

Love in the Balance
Paperback, 368 pages

Publication: March 1, 2013 by Bethany House Publishers

ISBN 0764209914 (ISBN13: 9780764209918)

Edition language: English

author Regina Jennings

Regina Jennings is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a history minor. She has worked at The Mustang News and First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and various livestock shows. She now lives outside Oklahoma City with her husband and four children.


Remember this one??? You will want to be sure to read Love in the Balance ~ and... if you haven't read Sixty Acres and a Bride ~ what are you waiting for???

Tuesday, March 19th from 11am-1pm CST/12-2pm EST is Book Banter on Facebook. This will be a chance to chat live about Love in the Balance. It'll be held on the Bethany House Facebook page. http://www.facebook.com/events/318955084874837/?notif_t=plan_user_joined

Thursday, April 4th is going to be another Facebook party hosted by LitFuse Publicity. They give away a lot of prizes at this party as well. Time hasn't been determined yet, but you can watch for details at  http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/loveinthebalance.

***Thank you to Litfuse Blog Tour for inviting me to be a part of the Bethany House Historical Fiction book tour and author Regina Jennings for sending me a copy of Love in the Balance in exchange for my review in my own words. No other compensation was received.***