I liked the idea in this book of a woman with a non-traditional career. Olive has tried to hide her interest in architecture, and covertly studies the topic. When she accepts a job in a home expansion project, Olive hides her identity and she poses as a nanny. However, Olive did not know she would be working for her idol Maxfield Scott, a well-known architect and a widower. When Olive's involvement in the home project becomes more difficult to hide, she wonders whether her romance with Max will survive.

I received this novel from the publisher and from NetGalley and Early Reviewers in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

Engaging Deception by Regina Jennings is part of the Joplin Chronicles. I have enjoyed this series and the special treat of the author’s notes in the back to realize how much of the story she bases on real characters.

This is Olive’s story who is the self trained architect. I found this storying light hearted and fun and then serious as Olive and Max each tried to deal with their own grief. The children were an adorable addition.
The book reads as a stand alone but if you have been following the series, you will enjoy the scenes with the characters from the other books.

I highly recommend this book if you enjoy historical Christian lightly based on real events.

Sexual content - kissing
Violence – none
Triggers – dealing with grief (loss of parent and wife)

I received this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.

A fun, lighthearted story about a female architect in a man's world. Olive Kentworth is hiding her talent while engaging in a one-upmanship with renowned architect Mayfield Scott. In an interesting turn of events, Olive is also working as his nanny in the evenings. The Kentworth cousins were overbearing in an endearing manner. Just a fun read.

A delightful novel, this book is packed full of fun characters, an interesting plot, and rich topics. I really enjoyed the interactions of Olive and Maxfield; they are a fun couple to read about as their relationship is full of spirited banter, but also is deep enough to encounter a few tough spots that make them realistic too. I really love smart, strong heroines and Olive definitely fits that bill. I also enjoyed reading about how devoted Max is as a father. Among the fun moments, the author dives into some deeper spiritual truths, including trusting God through grief and learning to become confident in who He made you. I found the time period, setting, and architectural details wonderfully interwoven into the plot and these great details made the book interesting to read. I highly recommend this book, and this whole series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

In Engaging Deception by Regina Jennings, Olive Kentworth reminds me of one line in a song from Sunday school: Hide it under a bush? Oh, no! I’m gonna let it shine.

Olive is hiding her architectural design talent from everyone but her family, convinced people will not see her worth because she is a woman. Her fear of rejection means she’s not living life to its fullest. When she’s presented with the opportunity to spend time in the home of Joplin’s best architect, she can’t refuse. But Maxwell is so much more than she bargains for.

Jennings pens a delightful hidden identity story with a few laughs along the way (anytime Olive’s cousin Amos is on the page, you can count on some hijinks), but the heart of this story is in the Olive and Max as their acquaintance turns to friendship, and before they know it, they feel so much more for each other.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive or negative review. All opinions are my own.

The Joplin Chronicles is such a fun series! There's always mishaps and the crazy activities of the Kentworth family. Olive is trying to be low key on her architectural proclivities while Maxfield Scott is a very prominent architect in their town. They end up working for two rivaling men and that's where the fun begins! It's always great to see characters from the previous books and we get to see the whole family again in Engaging Deception. I guess it could be read as a stand-alone but it's more fun to read all three books and get the backstory on Olive's crazy relatives.

Regina Jennings is a must read for me now. If you like Jen Turano's books, you'll like Regina Jennings too!

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Published 13 December 2022.

I could not imagine a more fitting book to end my year with. Starting off this year with a heart full of grief and a few other losses throughout the year I dived into the world of books looking for both the escape and the comfort reading has always brought me. With each book I read a little more of my heart mended as I came across stories of courage, love, loss, and hope.

Engaging Deception had everything I love in a historical fiction book. A protagonist with lots of heart, humor and wit, and a sweet swoony romance. I could not put this book down!

I felt an immediate connection to Olive and Max and their stories of loss and grief. I soared with them as they found laughter and courage to over come their obstacles. Their love story 🥰 ahh swoon. It was beautiful! I loved it when Maxfield declares his feelings for Olive and how! Just what my happily ever after loving heart desired. This story most definitely can be read as a stand-alone even though it’s book 3 in the Joplin Chronicles. I am definitely going back to read the other stories. If you enjoy sweet historical romances definitely look into this book. Save this post for later when you are looking for a new read or share it with a friend you think might enjoy learning about this book.

Thank you to the publisher for my copy to read and review. All thoughts are my own

"Olive had been concerned with exposing her charade to Mr. Blount, but Mrs. Blount's first question had struck to the heart of their deception. She wasn't sure how to answer."

Olive knew her dreams of being an architect were unlikely to come true. After all, this was an uncommon occupation for a woman anywhere, much less in the western town of Joplin, Missouri. She may have been able to design a building or two around town, but only for family. When a design opportunity presents itself, she wonders if her time has come. Will the cost of pursuing her dreams be too great?

This third book in the Joplin Chronicles is SO enjoyable. Olive is such a wonderful woman who knows well how to care for others. And Maxfield is such a dapper fellow who loves his children well even if he is not always sure how to raise them alone. Their interactions are positive and in sharp contrast to others in the book.

The untold truths add twists to the story. I liked how Olive gradually learned to speak up for herself. There were some other unexpected twists.

The Kentworths are a delightful family, and I love the fact that four of them have taken turns being the main characters. While you could read each of the chronicles as a stand-alone, I think it is much more fun to enjoy the books one after the other.

I did receive an advanced copy of this book. I wanted to review it. All opinions are my own.

My Thoughts:
It’s another Jennings hit with this memorable, wacky family! I loved this entire series and would hope for more stories with them. I’m just not ready to leave.
Jennings brings another humorous western romance with a hidden identity twist to it. I just thoroughly enjoyed this entire book. The characters, the plot, the chemistry, the naturally woven in faith element, and the historical details. It was simply a home run for me. I look forward to rereading the entire series.

Rating and Recommendations: I’m giving it 5 stars and recommending it to those who enjoy Christian Historical Romance.

~ I received a copy from Bethany House. I was not compensated for this review or required to give a favorable one. All thoughts are my own.

Fantastic read! Olive has a secret, a strong interest in architecture, and wants to design buildings, but women aren’t expected to do things like that. This story has some light humor but is not over the top. actuality takes a look at how people handle grief. I loved their friendship and the slow build to their romance and I loved how this story makes me feel, I laugh and cry while reading this story, beautifully written, with relatable characters, and it was a satisfactory entertaining read.

I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading fun clean historical romance.

I received a complimentary copy of the book and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.

Per usual, Regina Jennings entertains with witty banter and hilarious characters that are both comedic and relatable. I loved seeing Olive’s journey to become a successful professional in her architectural career while accidentally capturing the heart of the handsome renown architect Maxfield Scott. Although I don’t typically enjoy stories where the hero is choosing between two women, in this story Maxfield is actually choosing between who he is trying to be in his current courtship versus who he truly is at heart, which made his internal struggle more believable and his choice all the more special. A witty comedy that still manages to tackle subjects like grief and self-confidence, this book is a balm for the soul that will have you laughing out loud! A few subdued rescues, some Kentworth family antics, and some spunky children are mixed in to amuse and delight. This was my favorite installment of The Joplin Chronicles, and it will definitely please lovers of the series and readers of funny historical romance!

I received a copy of the book from the author and publisher for review purposes. My thoughts are my own. I really did love it!

Oh, how I have loved this series and how well researched it is.
I enjoyed reading the author's notes at the end of the book, she lets us know that some of the characters are based off of actual Joplinites of an earlier time, including their name. She does this as a way to honor these individuals and because she finds some of these people fascinating.
I enjoyed our character Olive, a woman architect who has hidden her interest and talent because this is not an occupation woman are "supposed" to have during this historical time period.
Her reading choices are not the lady's society page but rather architectural books and building blueprints. Now that's one smart cookie.
Agreeing to help with a home expansion, only because her cousin Amos, "is the builder".
Max, or Maxfield as he is sometimes called is so grateful for his new Nanny, she gives his life a little breathing room as she cares for his children and his home. On the other hand, his working environment is a mess with an incompetent builder who very possibly may make him lose an important work contract he has.
The competition between builders was interesting to read about as you wondered what is going to happen. Will Olive be able to keep her work skills a secret from Max, and should she? I can understand her wanting to keep it a secret in this time period but as their relationship ramps up, she should be more open. I think women should have been more valued for their smarts back then instead of having to hide it so much.
I will admit I love the humor the author inserts into her books; it always brightens my day when reading it. I enjoyed reading more about the early 20th-century mining town of Joplin, MO, and its people, the author tells it in such an interesting way. Though this is the end of our journey in this series, which I have enjoyed immensely by the way, I look forward to many more books by this author.

Pub Date 13 Dec 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

A lively competition draws her into her rival's sights but she's the only one who knows who his competition is. Such a fun and interesting story of a very talented young lady who wants to be an architect in a time where women are still expected to remain in a woman's role. I really enjoyed this family series with strong intelligent women.

Engaging Deception is the third installment from Regina Jennings’ delightful series, The Joplin Chronicles. Even though this is part of a series, it can still be read as a stand alone. I loved the first two books from the series, Courting Misfortune and Proposing Mischief, and was far from being disappointed reading this one. It was such an amusing tale that had my giggling throughout and my heart warmed with Olive and Maxfield’s story. Such a wonderfully written book that is amusing and inspiring. Loved it.

I am giving Engaging Deception a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean and fun historical romance. As always, I am eagerly awaiting to find out what else Regina Jennings has in store for her readers and characters in her upcoming releases.

I felt that this series got better with each book. I loved the wit and the romance in this story. I laughed and cried while reading this story. I loved Olive and Maxfield. I loved every one of Olives relatives. I loved how good this story made me feel. I I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

My favorite Regina Jennings’ book! Oh, it’s so delightful and fun. I totally connected with Olive’s shy and hesitant nature, struggle through grief, questioning of purpose in life, and desire to belong. Maxfield was a misguided but lovable hero - a gifted architect clinging to superficial things to help soothe his grieving heart. I loved their friendship and the slow build to their romance. Maxfield’s children were adorable and did a wonderful job keeping Olive and Maxfield connected throughout the story. There were plenty of laughs, especially when Olive’s extended family stepped into the scenes. I think Olive’s cousin Amos needs a story too!

If you enjoy historical romcom, you will love this book. I received the book from the publisher via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

Wonderful Conclusion to this Series! I Love Olive’s Story!

This book was a page turner for me. I just had to find out what was going to happen next and how Olive would fare with Maxfield. Olive is a strong female character and breaks out of the norm for the time period. This was done with care and not with an agenda thankfully. I was hoping to see another book in the series and maybe in time there will be. Her cousin Amos would be my next choice for a book!!

I really love how Regina Jennings can have you laughing one minute, turn serious and pull on your heartstrings. I’ve enjoyed each book in this series and cannot wait to read her next book.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

Engaging Deception is a book about...engaging deception. It has the humor and wit that one expects in a Regina Jennings novel. Plus an engaging romance that seems to sneak upon it's subjects. We visit some of the characters from the previous novels. And as always, Jennings creates characters that are real people we can relate to. Their emotions are authentic and happen in real instances in life. You can always connect to them. A book to hold your interest.....I received an advanced reader’s copy from the publisher through NetGalley; a positive review was not required.

Engaging Deception is the third book in The Joplin Chronicles series. While there is some character crossover between this and the previous books, it can also be read just fine as a standalone.

When I read historical fiction, I so often find that I am most drawn to heroines who are--- I suppose a bit ahead of their time (which is funny as I tend to be pretty old-fashioned in many ways myself). I love these characters that have interests or sass that weren't as accepted for women in the times they were living. I think that really helps to build a more interesting story, and creates characters who are strong and make you want to root for them. Regina Jennings is great at that. This story has a good blend of history, heart, humor... and of course the romance too! Those who have read the previous books in the series will enjoy the chance to get to know Olive better, while new readers might find themselves wanting to go back and get better acquainted with the family too.

Overall, an enjoyable read and one that fans of historical romance are sure to want to check out.

**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

I read the book description and was like oh ya this is going to be good! And it was great!! I love the humor in this book! Maxfield is such a wonderful character and kind of complex which is refreshing. He has a great sense of humor, he also is very good with his children and shows concern for others and their safety. The same for Olive, I just love the depth of these characters, they feel like real people. They have strengths and flaws. They make mistakes. I love it! Widowed father and Nanny relationship develops into friendship and then more! Maxfield Scott is a well known architect and Olive is an architect too but doesn’t want anyone to know because she is a woman. She uses her cousin Amos to pose as the architect. Her design gets chosen to add on to one of Maxfield’s houses. Maxfield gets angry that someone is adding on to the house he built instead of him. So he becomes rivals with Amos, but really it’s Olive, his children’s new nanny, he is competing with and he doesn’t know it. I definitely recommend this book!
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I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author and netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.