Sixty Acres and a Bride

Jennings’s debut novel will have historical romance fans flocking to her tale that puts a Texas spin on the story of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz. Rosa Garner, widowed daughter-in-law of widow Louise Garner, returns with her to Lockhart, Tex., to take over the farm the Garners left years before. Her Mexican ways, however, take the town by surprise, and also catch the eye of Weston Garner, Louise’s nephew and a wealthy landowner. Rosa and Louise soon find themselves in trouble over back taxes. When Rosa follows Louise’s suggestion to approach Weston for help—straight from the Ruth/Boaz story—she gets more than she bargained for. But can she live in a loveless marriage that can save the family farm but damage her heart? Jennings’s story is rife with interesting subplots—evil neighbor, unrequited love, guilt—though a bit disjointed at the start as readers struggle to figure out who is who. The denouement, however, is a lovely picture of God’s provision, forgiveness, and love. Agent: Rachel Kent, Books and Such. (Feb.)