by Regina Jennings
Publisher : Bethany House Publishers (December 13, 2022)
Language : English
Paperback : 320 pages
ISBN-10 : 0764235362
ISBN-13 : 978-0764235368
A lively competition draws her into her rival’s blueprints–and maybe even his heart.
Olive Kentworth has spent her life hiding her interest in architecture, even though she pores over architectural books and sketches buildings. When she accepts a job on a home expansion, it’s only because her cousin Amos agrees to pose as the builder. To further hide her involvement, Olive takes a position as a nanny–not knowing that she’ll be working for her idol, Joplin’s leading architect, widower Maxfield Scott.
Maxfield is intrigued by his new nanny–she makes his home and his life bearable again. His work, on the other hand, is a disaster. An untrained builder is remodeling a completed project of his. What’s worse, Maxfield’s current client wants changes to his plans because of that builder’s work.
As the architectural one-upmanship heats up, Olive’s involvement becomes harder to hide. Will the relationship between her and Maxfield survive, or will they both miss out on building something for their future?
Olive Kentworth had always wanted to be an architect, but there was a lot going against her. Females did not design buildings, and Olive wanted to remain in the background and not be known for her designs. She was able to design some family-connected properties using her cousin as a front, so no one suspected the true designer. However, when an opportunity to expand on the design of a Maxfield Scott house presents itself, Olive cannot stay away.
Maxfield is upset when he discovers that someone is trying to modify a house he designed for a client. Little does he know that person is his own nanny who uses his vast library after the children are asleep to expand her knowledge.
Maxfield and Olive are both grieving the loss of loved ones, but they handle it in very different ways. Olive wants to stay at home and hide from the world, and Maxfield wants to be surrounded by people so he can’t have a moment to think about what he has lost. This year has been the hardest year of my life as I have also been grieving the loss of multiple family members very close to me. I have found myself more similar to Olive in this situation.
Regina Jennings excels at creating characters that are real people. Their emotions are authentic, and you can always connect to them. This series has been especially interesting to me. I love each of the family members and the themes the books have focused around. I wish this wasn’t the last book in The Joplin Chronicles.
Timeless Novels 