For the Record

Betsy Huckabee is a spirited, adventurous woman writing for her uncle’s newspaper in the little town of Pine Gap, Mo.—not the most common occurrence during the 19th century. She dreams of being published in a big-city newspaper, and her rejections seem to be over when handsome Joel Puckett arrives as the new town deputy and inspiration strikes for a fictionalized story. Although believing she is destined to be free from a man’s grip, Betsy is charmed by Joel’s rugged good looks and creates a tale featuring the handsome “Deputy Eduardo Pickett.” Eduardo, burned by his former mistress, has sworn off love and never expects to fall for the charms of a small-town reporter. While Joel tries to maintain the peace in Pine Gap, he is faced with conflict from the masked vigilantes who ride through the town at night. Unable to trust anyone, Joel struggles to cleanse the town of its corrupt leadership and prove that he is worthy of his badge, all while maintaining his swoon-inducing motto: “A hero always comes back for his lady.” Jennings (At Love’s Bidding) creates a perfect blend of love, mystery, and wit in this 19th-century romance. (Dec.)