Monday, January 4, 2016

Review + GIVEAWAY: At Love's Bidding


At Love’s Bidding
By Regina Jennings
Ozark Mountain Romance, #2
Bethany, 2015


Summary

She sells priceless antiques. He sells livestock by the pound. Is he really the man to make a bid for her heart?

After helping her grandfather at their Boston auction house, Miranda Wimplegate discovers she's accidentally sold a powerful family's prized portrait to an anonymous bidder. Desperate to appease the people who could ruin them forever, they track it to the Missouri Ozarks and make an outlandish offer to buy the local auction house and all its holdings before the painting can move again.

Upon crossing the country, however, Miranda and her grandfather discover their new auction house doesn't deal in fine antiques, but in livestock. And its frustratingly handsome manager, Wyatt Ballentine, is annoyed to discover his fussy new bosses don't know a thing about the business he's single-handedly kept afloat. Faced with more heads of cattle than they can count---but no mysterious painting---Miranda and Wyatt form an unlikely but charged partnership to try and prevent a bad situation from getting worse.


My thoughts

I am so glad to have had the opportunity to review this book because I’ve found a new author to enjoy. At Love’s Bidding has what I enjoy most – rich characterization, humor, appealing hero and heroine, romance with chemistry, inspiration – all beautifully blended into an intriguing storyline. This book can stand alone, although reading the previous book, A Most Inconvenient Marriage, would give a better feel for setting and characters. I will definitely be reading Regina’s earlier novels.


The Ozark Mountain Romance series is set in a beautiful part of the country, the Missouri Ozarks. From the Boston auction house, to the small Missouri town of Pine Gap and its people, to the livestock auction house, Regina creates a vivid sense of place.  The world of auctions takes center stage, and I loved the sharp contrast between the dignified estate-style auction of Boston and the carnival-like atmosphere of Missouri livestock auctions. There’s some surprising twists and turns, all of which lead to a flawless and satisfying ending.

Wyatt and Miranda are well-drawn characters that I cared about. With an uncertain background, Wyatt worked hard to prove his worth, only to frequently have his dreams shot down by a younger brother. Miranda’s strength is that, although she struggles with insecurity, she loves and is totally dedicated to her family. Both Wyatt and Miranda hate injustice and have a heart for those less fortunate. Faith is a natural part of their lives and Miranda comes to find her true self through her journey to the Ozarks.

Secondary characters, like Abigail, Jeremiah and Betsy from the previous book, add much richness. And then there’s Miranda’s Cousin Cornelius, a phrenologist who measures the size and shape of his patients’ heads to discern their character, personality, and mental state. I cheered at Wyatt’s words to him: “If you’re using science to put limits on what God can accomplish with a person, that’s where we part ways.”

The humor which Regina infuses into her writing is wonderful. You’ll find it throughout the novel, sometimes in laugh-out-loud scenes - like the first livestock auction and the headless chicken - and simmering beneath the surface at other times. But don’t be fooled into thinking this a “light” read. It does read easily, but there’s hidden depth in life issues – like social status, stewardship of wealth, and the heartbreak of dementia. I found Wyatt and Miranda’s patient, loving care for her grandfather most touching – and personally inspiring. These words from Miranda’s father should speak to all of us:


“We’ve learned many lessons from your grandfather over
the years, lessons that he enjoyed passing down.
Caring for him will be the last lesson he has to teach us.
It’s up to us to learn it well.”

Highly recommended. 5 stars based on how much I enjoyed the characters and story.

Regina has put together some great pictures, so be sure to visit her Pinterest board.

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Regina Jennings is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a history minor. She is the author of A Most Inconvenient Marriage, Sixty Acres and a Bride, and Caught in the Middle, and contributed a novella to A Match Made in Texas. Regina 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, Oklahoma, with her husband and four children.

Find Regina online at reginajennings.com, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest

Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.


Litfuse landing page:

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GIVEAWAY

To enter the drawing for At Love’s Bidding, please share my Facebook post (click on link) and leave a comment here (plus name & email). I'm new to Regina's books, so if you've read any of hers, I'd love to know your thoughts.

BE SURE to leave your name and your email address in a safe format - [at] and [dot] - for the drawing. E-mail required for entry. Contest ends at midnight PST on Sunday, January 10. Winner will be chosen by Random.org and contacted by e-mail.

Eligibility: US residents

Linkup:  maryanderingcreatively.com

56 comments:

  1. Carole, I loved this story. I love how the author weaves humor into the story and how she addresses sensitive issues surrounding the care of an elderly family member. Great review. Thank you for sharing. Blessings in the New Year.

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    1. Katrina, I can't believe that it's taken me this long to discover Regina's writing. So glad this book came up on Litfuse! You're right about the impact of caring for an elderly family member. That quote I pulled got to me. Thank you for taking the time to read my review, Katrina. I'll be in touch soon.

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  2. Regina is a wonderful author and a delightful person. I would love to read her book.

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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    1. Melanie, I can tell from this book what a great sense of humor Regina has and I hope to get to know her better. Thank you for sharing.

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  3. I read Sixty Acres which I liked but did not care for Love in the Balance as much. This one sounds good!

    Diane
    dianemestrella at gmail dot com

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    1. So good to see you here, Diane. I will always appreciate the support you gave when I was just getting started reviewing. I do want to read some of Regina's earlier books and I realize that some books click more than others with readers. Thank you for visiting, Diane.

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  4. Wonderful review Carole!!! Loved how you captured it all and summarized it up so nicely! That quote stood out to me also. There is positively no limit to what God can do.

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    1. Exactly, Amy...no limit whatsoever! I think we are truly kindred spirits and I appreciate your thoughts. That quote really resonated with me because so many older adults seemingly lose their value and dignity.

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  5. Great review. I haven't read any of Regina's books yet, but they are on my TBR list. Thank you for this giveaway. I shared you facebook post.
    susanmsj at msn dot com

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    1. It's good to see you, Susan, and thank you for helping by sharing. I do recommend Regina's writing, just from this one book that I've read. Thought it was going to be kind of a fluffy, fun read between heavier stuff, but had a surprising depth that I loved. Thank you so much for dropping by, Susan.

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  6. I just love Regina's books. They are always full of laughter, and so much fun to read.
    I shared the FB link so others will have the chance to see this giveaway.
    Thanks for the chance to win a copy of At Love's Bidding.

    cindialtman(at)gmail(dot)com
    ~Cindi Altman

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    1. Cindi, I really appreciate you sharing this because you know how much it helps authors get noticed. I loved Regina's humor and was pleasantly surprised at its depth. Will definitely make time to read some of her earlier books. Thanks for helping, Cindi.

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  7. Thanks for the interview. I would love to read Wyatt and Miranda's story. Regina is a new author to me.
    marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
    Maryann

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    1. Regina was new to me also, Maryann, and I'm delighted to have found another author that I love. To me, her writing is unique. Thank you for stopping by.

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  8. Thank you for the book giveaway. I've not yet read any of Regina's books, but I've heard nothing but wonderful things about them :-) I can see myself in that little cabin in the woods, what a dream!

    Trixi O.
    teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. This was my first of Regina's books also, Trixi. There are so many authors that I want to try, so I was very glad this one came up through Litfuse. And I'm with you on that little cabin, although I might not have enjoyed it in the 1800s without all our modern conveniences!

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  9. Would love to read and review this book. Liked & Shared on Facebook.
    Thank you for the giveaway.
    Carol Smith. penelope223@yahoo.com

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    1. Thank you so much for sharing, Carol. This was my first of Regina's books and I'm eager for more. Hope you get to read it soon.

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  10. I just purchased the first book in this "series" last week and can't wait to get started. I haven't read a book by Regina Jenning's, but they have been recommended to me because of my reading habits. Thanks, Carol. I'll see you at the Facebook party. :)

    I shared the Facebook post.

    Terrill R., tlhcoupon(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. Hi, Terrill! I was glad this book came up for review because I've been wanting to try Regina's books, and am so glad I did. I'm pretty sure you will enjoy her writing.

      I don't think I saw you at the FB party, but they are so fast that there's no way I can keep up with everybody. Thank you for sharing, Terrill.

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  11. I have read everyone of Regina's books. I love the humor and the wonderful characters so prevalent in her books.
    I no longer take the time to read the covers of her books before I take them home, I already know it will be a great story. I never give these books away, but I do share them.
    thank you for the giveaway. I am looking forward to reading this soon.
    mcnuttjem0(AT)gmail(DOT)com
    I shared F B

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    1. What a great recommendation, Jackie! After reading only one book, I can agree with you. Not everyone can do humor as well as Regina. Imagine how much fun being around her would be! Thanks for the recommendation and for sharing on FB, Jackie.

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  12. I haven't read any of Regina's books yet, either, but I'm totally intrigued by this one! I just got to attend her Facebook party for At Love's Bidding, and she was so kind! I loved getting the inside scoop on the effort and background that went into the book.
    mylittlebirdie (At) yahoo dot com

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    1. Karen, I think I saw you at the FB party, but everything moved too fast to comment. I was glad this book came up for review because I've been wanting to try Regina's books. I believe you'll enjoy her writing.

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  13. Hi Carole, I would like to read this story! I shared your link on my Facebook news page. I have read Sixty Acres and a Bride, A Most Inconvenient Marriage, and Love in the Balance. I like the growth in the characters, and the wholesomeness of the story. With the twists and turns, you can't be certain how it is all going to turn out. I like her comedy and lively characters that are true-to-life. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

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    1. Regina is an author that I've been wanting to try for quite a while, Kathleen. I love her humor! Imagine how much fun being around her would be! Glad to know your thoughts on her previous books because I hope to read them soon. And thanks for sharing on FB, Kathleen.

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  14. I haven't read any of her books, but I did go to her facebook party last night. It was interesting to learn about her books.
    susanlulu(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Those Facebook parties can be a little "trying" at times, but I enjoyed Regina's, and it was good to see lots of familiar faces. I think you will enjoy her writing, Susan. Best wishes in the drawing.

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  15. I share it on my Facebook!

    missionwife AT hotmail DOT com

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  16. I love the storyline! They didn't know they were buying a livestock auction? This is going to be soooo good. Your covers along with Karen Witmeyers are the best!

    missionwife AT hotmail DOT com

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    1. You will love this book, Melody! And you're right about their book covers. They just call out to you, don't they? Thanks for sharing on Facebook, Melody.

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  17. Carole I have not read any Regina Jennings books but this one sounds like something I would love. Thanks for the giveaway. I have shared this on my facebook timeline. spotts06ATcomcastDOTnet.

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    1. There's just more authors than I can get to! Don't you find that to be the case, Stella? I greatly enjoyed Regina's writing, though, and want to read more. Facebook is great for helping authors get noticed, so thanks for sharing, Stella.

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    2. Yes that is so true Carole. Every day I see a new author (to me anyway) and a new book and they all look so good. I think we have a great selection to choose from.

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  18. Wonderful review - I would love to read this book! Thanks for the giveaway :)
    bettimace at gmail dot com

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    1. Thank you, Betti - and I hope you get to read something by Regina soon. Thanks for visiting!

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  19. The facebook chat was fun. I look forward to reading this book. Thank You! karenskrayons(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Karen, I think I saw you there! Facebook parties are kind of crazy, but I enjoyed Regina's. As always, thanks for taking the time to visit here.

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  20. Great review! I love the pictures Regina has on her Pinterest board. This is also the first book I've read of Regina's and it won't be my last. I already have the book, so won't be entering. =) Thanks!

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    1. Annie, I love it when authors take time to put together a Pinterest board because it adds so much to my reading experience. With the exception of celebrity images, though. I guess I'm different in that I like to use my imagination. Like you, I want to read more by Regina. Thanks for taking the time to comment, Annie.

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  21. The first book I read by Regina was Sixty Acres and a Bride. I loved it and I'm sure I will love this latest book. Give Sixty Acres and a Bride a read and see just how good she truly is.

    princessdebbie1_2000 [at] yahoo [dot] com

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    1. Debbie, I think I already have Sixty Acres and a Bride on my Kindle. After reading this book, I'm certainly eager to read more. Thanks for the recommendation.

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  22. Carole, I absolutely love your reviews. I haven't read Regina' s books yet, but am definitely going to. ReadingMama922@gmail.com, Debbie Rhoades

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    1. Writing is difficult for me, but I just try to express my personal likes and what touched me. I greatly appreciate your comment, Debbie.

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  23. I love the look and the sound of this book! I'm sharing the facebook post and my email is tina {at} mommynificent {dot} com.

    I've missed seeing you at Booknificent Thursdays over the holidays! Hope to see you back soon.
    Tina

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    1. I was back today and left you a note, Tina. December was a pretty barren month for me when it came to reading. We all have different tastes, but I think you will enjoy Regina's writing.

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    2. Great to have you back, Carole! I hope December was only barren in terms of reading and that your days are full of abundance now!
      Tina

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  24. I've read two of her books, and enjoyed them. This one looks interesting! I shared on Facebook. Alena Belleque sunshinebunnyrabbits @ gmail . com

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  25. Nice review. kamundsen44ATyahooDOTcom. SHared on FB.

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  26. I shared your fb post, Carole. I haven't read any of Regina's books yet but after reading your post you have really made me want to. Her books sound like so much fun and how about this cover ? It has fun written all over it. Thank you for the giveaway opportunity.

    Deanne P. Cnnamongirl at aol dot com

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  27. Carole, if you liked this one, you'll definitely want to read "A Most Inconvenient Marriage." I loved that one -- perhaps even more than this one, although this one was really good, too!

    (Don't enter me in your drawing. I just wanted to share...LOL)

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  28. Hello, Regina and Carole, loved the interview and the cover illustration and story... shared on my Google page and Facebook timeline. Juanita Decuir

    silhouettesinscale @ yahoo .com

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  29. I've read one of her books so far and LOVED IT!! This looks like a good one too!
    swanphillips4ATgmailDOTcom

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  30. I loved Sixty Acres and a Bride, I know I would love this one. dixiegran@gmail.com Shared facebook post,

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  31. I'd love to read this book. How did I miss it when Litfuse offered it? It must've been one of those tired eyes days. It'll be interesting reading something written by a fellow Oklahoman.

    I'm looking forward to your next book review (and maybe giveaway?) at Literacy Musing Mondays!

    I hope I win! thismomsdelight [at] gmail [dot] com

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  32. I have not read Regina's books yet, although this one is on my Amazon wish list! I love historical fiction, especially inspiration. - glindathegood@bellsouth.net

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