FRONTIER ENGAGEMENT By Regina Scott

Frontier Engagement, an engaging read by Ms. Regina Scott is part of a series but, does well as a stand alone. Alexandrina Fosgrove has traveled West to escape the disgrace suffered from the lies she has lived with her adoptive family. She desires to find a job as a school teacher but lacks experience.

James Wallin seeks a school teacher for the small town his family resides in. The problem is it is a very isolated area and the students are not children but full grown adolescents.  Somehow he convinces Alexandrina to come and she chooses to because she is desperate to succeed. Unknown to everyone there already exists opposition; someone is trying to scare her off. James agrees to escort her to another teaching opportunity; but when they find themselves alone together in the wilderness he offers to marry Rina as he has nicknamed Alexandrina to protect her reputation. James has his own issues but Rina has seen the gentle but strong man he is.

There are many twists and turns in this delightful sweet read. I enjoyed it enough that I plan to read the others in the series.

REFUGE OF THE HEART By Ruth Logan Herne

Ruth Logan Herne writes amazing books. I am not disappointed when I choose one of her novels to get engrossed in. Refuge of the Heart is a unique experience. From the beginning, you are captured by the charm of her heroine and her sister as they are enjoying the Christmas decorations--refugees from Chechnya,  living on a shoestring budget as it becomes readily apparent. Then you are introduced to the hero, Mitch Sanderson, a no non-sense District Attorney; but one with a tender heart, for he sees the flat tire Lena and her sister, Anna, are fixing to discover, and realizes he needs to be the one to rescue them.

Thus begins the complicated relationship between Lena and Mitch. Both have dark secrets which neither is willing to share with the other; yet, they are drawn to each other even though their prospective economic statuses should keep them apart.

Lena has seen and suffered through many atrocities in her homeland. Formerly a Doctor, in Chechnya, she struggles to study, work, and take care of her little sister, Anna.  Mitch, lives for work, and takes pride in the job he has done. Now he is up for re-election and strives to please his electorate. Having lost his wife and unborn child tragically, he doesn't want to get emotionally involved again.

Things go from bad to worse when Mitch finally learns some of Lena's secret but believes the gossip rather than to trust what he knows to be true about Lena's character. Lena chooses not to enlighten Mitch after the hurt he's caused her and returns to her original plan of survival.

True love tested in the crucibles of fire survives. You'll be jeering and cheering and completely satisfied with this ending. Another keeper by Ms. Ruth Logan Herne.