Review of "Love in the Balance" by Regina Jennings

Rating: 3 Stars

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Review: Anyone who read "Sixty Acres and a Bride" will recognize some familiar faces in Regina Jennings' new novel, "Love in the Balance."  While the book was a fairly quick read, I had difficulty connecting to the main characters, Molly in particular.  Throughout much of the novel, Molly is self-centered, haughty, and too focused on status and wealth.  Her decisions ultimately lead her down a path of heartache and scandal, which Jennings uses to soften Molly's character. Towards the end of the novel, Molly is more likable, but her change does not occur soon enough for me to form a connection. 

Bailey remains devoted to Molly despite her choices and the pain that they cause.  He commits himself to finding a way to provide Molly with the lifestyle she desires, while she remains fickle in her commitment to Bailey. I often wondered why Bailey allowed Molly to string him along, and why he was so drawn to her. Unfortunately, my irritation with the characters hindered my enjoyment of the novel and kept me from engaging fully.

Jennings throws in a few unexpected twists to veer the plot off of the path of predictability. The novel progresses steadily, and there are plenty of reasons to question whether the love between Molly and Bailey will ever come to fruition.  Jennings gives life to the Texas setting, this time focusing on town life more than ranch life. "Love in the Balance" didn't strike the perfect balance for me, but Jennings is a talented author; so it may prove to be perfectly in balance for other readers.

I received a complimentary e-copy of this novel from NetGalley, courtesy of Bethany House. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Summary from Bethany House: Handsome Cowboy or Debonair Tycoon. How's a Girl to Choose?

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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. 
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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. 
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What's a girl to do with all these decisions when love is in the balance?

Review of "Sixty Acres and a Bride" by Regina Jennings

Rating: 4 Stars

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Summary: She's Finally Found a Place to Call Home... How Far Will She Go to Save It?

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With nothing to their names, young widow Rosa Garner and her mother-in-law return to their Texas family ranch. Only now the county is demanding back taxes and the women have just three months to pay.

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Though facing eviction, Rosa falls in love with the countryside and the wonderful extended family who want only her best. They welcome her vivacious spirit and try to help her navigate puzzling American customs. She can't help but stand out, though, and her beauty captures attention. 

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Where some offer help with dangerous strings attached, only one man seems honorable. But when Weston Garner, still grieving his own lost love, is unprepared to give his heart, Rosa must decide to what lengths she will go to save her future. Read an excerpt: http://ow.ly/9sK2C.    

Review: Regina Jennings puts a fresh spin on the well-known and often retold story of Boaz and Ruth in her debut novel, Sixty Acres and a Bride.  While the overall plot is somewhat predictable, the Texas setting, Mexican protagonist, and finely crafted details, create unique intricacies. The novel began a bit slowly for me as I tried to connect with the characters.  Both Rosa and Weston have back stories that are gradually revealed over the course of the novel.  As a result, the reader grows to know the characters and connect with them by the end of the novel. 
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Rosa is a unique heroine, who can be called a woman-child.  Her Mexican ways are not always welcome or understood in her Texas town.  She faces harsh judgement for actions which would be considered normal and acceptable in her Mexican village. Jennings captures the pain of discrimination through Rosa's character.  Rosa displays an admirable character and faith despite her many hardships; and her willingness to sacrifice her future for her mother-in-law is particularly poignant.  While her past and present struggles make Rosa a woman, she also possesses an endearing child-like innocence and spunk that lightens the tone of the novel. 
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Weston is, in many ways, the classic hero: strong, confident, and possessing an admirable character.  As a pillar of the community, he could easily reject Rosa, believing that an association with her would mar his reputation.  Instead, he becomes her friend and protector.  As he struggles with his growing attraction to the young Mexican beauty, his scarred past is slowly uncovered, revealing a layer of self-doubt and pain. The love story between Rosa and Weston is not easy or painless, but there is a tenderness and perfection amid the rough patches. 
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Jennings' description of the Texas landscape and the sheep ranch is a welcome departure to the more traditional settings of historical fiction.  The details of the daily chores involved in running a ranch and the struggles in covering expenses add realism to the plot.  So often ranch life is romanticized in novels, and I appreciated Jennings' less glamorized approach.  
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Sixty Acres and a Bride is a strong introduction to the work of Regina Jennings.  I look forward to reading her future novels. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from LitFuse through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

About the Author: 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. Meet Regina here.

Learn more about Regina by visiting her website, www.reginajennings.com.

Buy the Book: www.amazon.com

Blog Tour Schedule: http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours

Read an Excerpt:

Sixty Acres and a Bride