For the Record

Back Cover

Rather than wait for a Hero,
She decided to create one.

Betsy Huckabee has big-city dreams, but nobody outside of tiny Pine Gap, Missouri, seems interested in the articles she writes for her uncle’s newspaper.  Her hopes for independence may be crushed, until the best idea she’s ever had comes riding into town.

Deputy Joel Puckett didn’t want to leave Texas, but unfair circumstances have made moving to Pine Gap his only shot at keeping a badge.  Worse, this small town has big problems, and masked marauders have become too comfortable taking justice into their own hands.  He needs to make clear that he’s the law in this town – and that job is made more difficult with a nosy reporter who seems to follow him everywhere he goes.

The hero Betsy creates to be the star in a serial for the ladies’ pages is based on the dashing deputy, but he’s definitely fictional.  And since the pieces run only in newspapers far away, no one will ever know.  But the more time she spends with Deputy Puckett, the more she appreciates the real hero – and the more she realizes what her ambition could cost him.

Review

Regina Jennings’s newest novel, For the Record, is a light-hearted historical read that highlights themes of forgiveness, trust, respect, and learning not to jump to conclusions.  Deputy Joel Puckett’s career was nearly shattered due to the conniving actions of another, and rather than stand up for him, his supervising sheriff decided to transfer him out of state – and out of mind of the townspeople.  He enters Pine Gap, Missouri with hopes of a fresh start.  Unbeknownst to him, Betsy Huckabee, with dreams of a better future, uses him as her inspiration for a serial newspaper story, which ultimately threatens the privacy that he was trying to protect.

I greatly enjoyed the character of Betsy Huckabee – she has a quick wit, spunk, and a huge imagination. She’s willing to work hard for what she wants, yet still cognizant of putting other people first (except perhaps when it comes to using Joel as inspiration for her story).  She was a fun character to read about, and totally anchored the story.

One tiny little grievance:  I did find the hyper-speed romance between Betsy and Joel a little unrealistic.  It moved at such a quick pace that I almost felt like reaching out into the story and telling them to slow it down!  However, the author did an excellent job in crafting two characters that thoroughly complement each other.

 In closing, For the Record, is a fun adventure-type romance that would certainly bring appreciative smiles to its readers.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.