Heart on the Line

Imagine a town run completely by women! Welcome to Harper's Station, where it used to be a town ran only by women, but with the change in the times and of course the very threats that can come to the women living there, marriages have now brought men to town. With every man being held under close scrutiny, they aren't ready to allow just anyone to settle in town.

Grace Mallory is the town's telegraph operator and newest member in town. In addition to her duties at the telegraph office, she spends her late nights conversing with someone known only as "A" in Denison, a small town a few miles from Harper Station. They have gotten to know one another when all the other operators have called it a night and soon more than just friendship blossoms. Just when it seems like love has finally found a way into her heart, she receives a message she hoped would never come. "He knows where you are. Coming for you. Sorry." Grace now believes that Chauncer Haversham, a wealthy businessman she believes is responsible for the murder of her father, is now coming after her for whatever proof her father left her that would put his inheritance at risk if it is proven there is another heir. Only Grace isn't sure what proof her father has left her, only that it is placing everyone she loves at risk. Now she must run again, because the last thing she wants on her hands is the blood of another innocent person because of her.

Amos Bledsoe had given up hope of ever finding a suitable match for him. It seems that the only women in town that are interested in him are too old, or simply looking for a man to provide a living for them, but Amos wants to marry for love. He believes he has found that in G from Harper Station and lately their late night conversations have gotten more personal. They have so much in common and through the months of talking with one another, he believes he has found the one God has placed in his life. Until he reads the message to G that threatens to send her running away. Can he reach her in time before she runs out of his life without even knowing her name?

I received Heart on the Line by Karen Witemeyer compliments of Bethany House Publishers and Net Galley. In accordance with the new FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, you should assume that every book reviewed here at Reviews From The Heart was provided to the reviewer by the publisher, media group or the author for free and were received, unless specified otherwise. This is the second novel in the Ladies of Harper Station series with To Wager Her Heart being the first one. I absolutely love the women characters that Karen creates, because their is a level of raw beauty, a willingness to go against the odds placed on women of the day, and a passion with a heart of God tucked inside that keeps them vulnerable. There is always some much needed laughter woven in between to keep the story interesting and the reader engaged until the very end. I love the ladies in Harper Station because they are not about to let one of their own being run out of town by the prospect of a man coming after Grace, but will they make the mistake of thinking Amos is the man coming after her and let their guard up without realizing it? Just have to pick this one up and find out how it all works out. I easily give this one a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about Heart on the Line, Karen Witemeyer or where you can pre-order a copy of this novel due out in June of 2017, please click on the links below:

Heart on the Line by Karen Witemeyer

You can find Karen Witemeyer on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on Heart on the Line, please visit Bethany House Publisher's website.

No Other Will Do

Emma Chandler had a dream and in 1894, she began to make that dream come true in Harper's Station, Baylor County, Texas. It has been encouraged by her friend Victoria and other to help her dream up the idea of a women's colony, a place run by women to benefit women. A sanctuary for those needing to escape, and a place of opportunity for those looking to better themselves.

When Emma came into her inheritance at the age of 21, she'd heard about a small town of abandoned buildings for sale for pennies on the dollar. Residents had abandoned the old stagecoach town when the railroad came through nearby Seymour. Her aunts had combined their funds with hers in an investment pool, and they'd purchased the land. Thanks to a few well-placed ads in the area newspapers that first year and what some would call their growing notoriety since then, the colony boasted nearly fifty members, if one counted the children. Women surviving and thriving by supporting one another. And now some bull-headed, hateful man threatened to destroy all the had built. Emma knew her answer lay with the one person who could help when she needed it the most.

Malachi Shaw, had been raised when Emma found him huddled inside their barn many years ago and the aunts had taken an instant liking to helping him. He always believed that when he laid eyes on Emma, she was sent to him from heaven. His own angel. One that he would do anything for. When he received her telegram with the words, "In trouble. Need your help. Please come."  He dropped everything working for the railroad company as a blaster. He wasn't quite sure what he needed but he knew in his heart after everything she and the aunts had done for him, it was time to repay them for their kindness no matter what they needed. "Hang in there, Emma. I'm coming."

I received No Other Will Do by Karen Witemeyer compliments of Bethany House Publishers and Net Galley for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free ecopy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. There honestly hasn't been one novel that I've read of Karen Witemeyer's I haven't loved. Each of them is written is such an easy going manner you can sit back and inhale them in one sitting without realizing it. I couldn't wait to read this one and have to agree it's worth every single 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion. Emma is a strong character that doesn't rely on a man to come to her aid, and is determined to do what she can to help the women who have come to rely on her as a leader. I love female characters written this way because I firmly believe there were women like that out west that had to rely on their wits and gumption to make it in a man's world. That is what I love most about Karen Witemeyer's novels.This is the first novel in the Ladies of Harper Station series!

For more information about No Other Will Do, Karen Witemeyer or where you can preorder a copy of this book due out in the summer of 2016, please click on the links below:

No Other Will Do by Karen Witemeyer

You can find Karen Witemeyer on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on No Other Will Do, please visit Bethany House Publisher's website. 

Stealing the Preacher

Whatever Joanna Robbins for her birthday, her father, Silas will make happen, even if it means breaking the law, stopping a train and kidnapping the preacher who is supposed to be on board. Silas hasn't forgotten his old outlaw ways after robbing enough stagecoaches and trains in his lifetime, fulfilling Joanna's only birthday wish seems easy enough to grant. However when Joanna learns just how her father has managed to bring her a preacher for her birthday, kidnapping one wasn't in her prayers or requests. Now if she can only manage to convince the preacher not to press kidnapping charges on her father.

When Joanna convinces Crockett Archer to spend a couple of hours with her listening to her reasons for wanting a preacher for her twenty-first birthday, he is more than intrigued. It is also the only way he can find freedom from the Lazy R Ranch that Robbins owns. Joanna takes Crockett to an abandoned church and tells him how difficult it has been for anyone to attend church since the local town is so far away from farming families and this old church has lost not only it's flock of believers but also any preacher wanting to stay long enough to give God a chance. Would Crockett be willing to find a preacher willing enough to give this small community a chance and she hopes in the process find a way to save her father's stubborn heart who just doesn't have time for God any longer? Seems like Crockett is about to get some interesting answers to just that very prayer when the job he was hoping to land in Brenham is given to another preacher and leaving Crockett high and dry in the middle of Texas without a job, thanks in part to Silas Robbins.

Joanna believes since her father is to blame for Crockett's lost job at the church since he was preventing from being able to preach in the local church, that her father owes Crockett a job at the ranch until they can begin to restore the old abandoned church to its former glory. Only Silas Robbins isn't a charitable man and gives all the worst and most difficult jobs to Crockett hoping that he will show just how weak a preacher man really is. But God has other plans for Silas Robbins and He's about to show him just how he can use man's weakness to bring about His own goodness and glory.

I received Stealing the Preacher compliments of Litfuse Publicity and Bethany House Publishers for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation for a favorable review. Historical Christian Westerns are one of my long time favorite genre's. Taking you back to a much simpler time, Karen Whitmeyer has done an exceptional job at pulling at your heartstrings in this novel. I love the way she uses the situations in this novel with Silas and Crockett almost like God pursing a lost sheep. All along the way it isn't so much what Crockett says, but the actions he does that reaches out to the hardened heart of Silas and offers him a glimpse of the life his former wife had prayed so long for before she died. I'd rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and finds its home along with my other Karen Whitmeyer novels. Welcome home Stealing the Preacher, welcome home! A must read for all western romance fans!!!

For more information about Stealing the Preacher, Karen Whitmeyer or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Stealing the Preacher by Karen Whitmeyer

You can also follow Karen Whitmeyer on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews from the Litfuse Publicity Book Tour on Stealing the Preacher, click here.

Karen Witemeyer is "kindling" the excitement for Stealing the Preacher (Bethany House) with a Kindle Fire Giveaway and connecting with readers at her June 18th Facebook Author Chat Party!








One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire


• Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer 
  


Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at 4pm on June 18th. Winner will be announced at the "Stealing the Preacher" Facebook Author Chat Party on June 18th. Connect with Karen for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Karen will also share an exclusive look at her next book and give away books and other fun prizes throughout the evening.




So grab your copy of Stealing the Preacher and join Karen on the evening of June 18th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 18th!

Short-Straw Bride

No one can honestly say that they hadn't been warned. Beyond the signs and rumors, if you set foot on Archer land, they would know about it. Men haven't made it back who have ventured so far on their own before, and the few that have come back know not to ever set foot there again. However when she was a young girl, Meredith Hayes, had a school bully toss her tin lunch pail down a hill on Archer land. Fearing her parents wrath more than any Archer rumor, she defied the odds and went after it. Beyond the tall and thick trees she got a glint of the tin pail and was on her way down the hill when she heard the barking of a dog.

Remembering the rumors that their dogs have been trained to kill trespassers, Meredith runs for the property line, only to wind up captured between the steel jaws of an animal trap. When Travis Archer spots her, he is instantly drawn to her with compassion and rescues her, returning her home after she broke her leg in the trap. Now years later, Meredith has spent many years dreaming of her hero, Travis, rescuing her from the dangers in her dreams and hoping one day that those dreams may one day come true.

She finds herself being encouraged to marry Roy Mitchell, who will help save her Uncle's lumber mill if she agrees. But she doesn't love him or harbor any fond feelings for him. However when she overhears plans to burn down the Archer's barn in an attempt to gain their land along with hers, left to her from her father death, she feels it's time to repay Travis after all these years. She wonders if he'll remember her after all these years.



In the latest novel from Karen Witemeyer, Short-Straw Bride, is a delightful tale of a young woman who wants to always do the right thing when it comes to her faith and belief in God, even if it means it may make some people unhappy. In this case, it's repaying a debt she feels she owes to Travis Archer, a man she has spent most of her life dreaming about. What she comes to find out is that not only does Travis remember her, but once she sets foot on Archer land this time, she will not be returning.

I received this novel compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review and LOVED this one. The concept was unique instead of a simple man meets woman and falls in love, this one had a unique twist to it, you will LOVE if you're a fan of Christian Western Romances. In this one, Meredith Hayes, character is not that of a weak woman, in fact she is quite the opposite, with spunk, fire and determination she tries to always do the right thing even if it means going against what others would have her do instead. For that reason, I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars. I love it when the author chooses to endow her female characters with such strength tempered with the right amount of faith and love for God. This is my fourth book, I've had the opportunity to read by Karen Witemeyer and now if her name is on it, I already know it will be GREAT and I automatically will purchase it.

For more information on this book, the author and where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer

You can also stay on top of the latest from Karen, by becoming a follower of hers on Facebook by clicking here.

To Win Her Heart

After two years, they'd finally cut him loose. Gave him a new suit of clothes and everything. Funny, though. The shame of the convict stripes still clung to him, as if tattooed horizontally across his skin. Levi Grant rolled his shoulders under the slightly-too-tight coat he'd been issued and wondered how long it would take to get accustomed to ordinary clothes.

His future hinges on making a good impression. The Bible and recommendation letter in his knapsack fueled his hope, but his past dragged behind him like the lead ball that used to be shackled to his leg. The Father might have forgiven his prodigal ways, but the world was full of parabolic older brothers who would either resent the second chance he'd been given or condemn him outright. Not that he would blame them. Christian charity could only be expected to stretch so far.

Eden Spencer wanted to waste no time in closing up her library for the day. The town council was waiting for her before they hired the new town's blacksmith, but since these men didn't truly respect her opinion since being appointed to such a position by her father, she feared they had already begun without her being present.

Upon entering the room amid hushed words about not needing to wait for her before signing the lease to the new blacksmith, Eden was about to make sure that her presence was known. What she didn't expect to find, was a handsome, rugged, towering man who stood before her, hoping for a chance to begin his life in the town of Spencer. The man who stood before her was Levi Grant.

In the latest novel, To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer, we find Levi Grant and Eden Spencer about to meet for the first time. Each of them has a past that they believe God has forgiven them for and now hope to live a new life with faith in God. What neither of them expect to find, is love amid the silent stares and hushed whispers of the people in the town of Spencer. Some will stop at nothing to make sure that the secrets each of them hides is brought in full view of the town who hides behind their faith, yet is willing to casts judgments against them both.

I received this book compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review and can proudly say, I've read all of Karen Witemeyer's books, and this one is exceptional. It shows the story of a prodigal son returning in hopes of a better life with a second chance from God. It also shows how quick people are to walk in a life of faith but will be the first to cast stones as though they remain righteous. This book rates a 5 out of 5 stars and has taught me once more what the real meaning of forgiveness is and how our actions can speak louder than our words. This book is available in paperback and eBook formats.

Here is even more great information on this book, the amazing, talented author and even a sneak peak into the first chapter.

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing To Win Her Heart Bethany House (May 1, 2011) by Karen Witemeyer
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Karen Witemeyer is a deacon's wife and mother of three who believes the world needs more happily-ever-afters. To that end, she combines her love of bygone eras with her passion for helping women mature in Christ to craft historical romance novels that lift the spirit and nurture the soul.

After growing up in California, Karen moved to Texas to attend Abilene Christian University where she earned bachelor and master's degrees in Psychology. It was also there that she met and married her own Texas hero. He roped her in good, for she has lived in Texas ever since. In fact, she fell so in love with this rugged land of sweeping sunsets and enduring pioneer spirit, that she incorporates it into the pages of her novels, setting her stories in the small towns of a state that burgeoned into greatness in the mid- to late1800s.

Karen is living her dream by writing Christian historical romance novels for Bethany House. When she visited her publisher back in January of 2010, she was interviewed by the staff. If you'd like a behind-the-scenes glimpse into how she develops her story ideas and a description of her bumpy journey to publication, click here to listen to a podcast of that interview.

ABOUT THE BOOK

After completing his sentence for the unintentional crime that derailed his youthful plans for fame and fortune, Levi Grant looks to start over in the town of Spencer, Texas. Spencer needs a blacksmith, a trade he learned at his father’s knee, and he needs a place where no one knows his past.

Eden Spencer has sworn off men, choosing instead to devote her time to the lending library she runs in the town her father founded. When a mountain-sized stranger walks through her door and asks to borrow a book, she's reluctant to trust him. Yet as the mysteries of the town’s new blacksmith unfold, Eden discovers hidden depths in him that tempt her heart.

Eden believes she's finally found a man of honor and integrity. But when the truth about Levi's prodigal past comes to light, can this tarnished hero find a way to win back the librarian’s affections?

If you would like to read the first chapter of To Win Her Heart, go HERE.

Head In The Clouds

What girl hasn't dreamed about some romantic possibility of finding a man that would sweep her off her feet and love her unconditionally, ultimately marrying her? Well Adelaide Proctor is no exception. When she believes that the traveling salesman that passes through her town, who confesses his romantic interest in her every day has an exciting proposal he wishes to discuss with her over dinner, she believes he's about to ask her to marry him. Unfortunately he doesn't and Adelaide is disappointed in her dreams once more.

She can't return home to the life and job she once held as a teacher and through divine intervention locates an advertisement in the local paper for a governess job. What she is about to discover is like the Israelites wandering in the desert, that God makes His presence known in every prayer she lifts up to Him, including this new job prospect, if she is only willing to wait.

Gideon Westcott, finds himself in the busy sheep shearing season and with no one to care for Isabella, who hasn't spoken since her mother died, hires a governess to help when he is out of the house. What he doesn't expect to see is someone entirely not meeting his expectations when she runs into Adelaide in the stables. She is not at all what he had asked for.

Reginald is Isabella's uncle who has been trying unsuccessfully to win custody of Isabella who is the heir to the family fortune and land that her mother left to some stranger she met on a boat crossing. Bent on obtaining that money at all costs, he isn't about to let Isabella out of his sights.

I received the book, Head in the Clouds, the second novel by Karen Witemeyer, and once more fell in love with her style of writing strong, unconventional women characters set in the 1800's. I can't wait to read her next novels as she is rising as my all time favorite author. I would rate this book, hands down as a perfect 5 out of 5 stars. This is one book you don't want to pass up and a great read for anyone looking to boost their self esteem of a strong woman.

I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book by Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. For more information on this book, the amazing and talent author as well as a first chapter peek, read on:

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Head in the Clouds Bethany House; Original edition (October 1, 2010) by Karen Witemeyer
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Karen Witemeyer is a deacon's wife and mother of three who believes the world needs more happily-ever-afters. To that end, she combines her love of bygone eras with her passion for helping women mature in Christ to craft historical romance novels that lift the spirit and nurture the soul.

After growing up in California, Karen moved to Texas to attend Abilene Christian University where she earned bachelor and master's degrees in Psychology. It was also there that she met and married her own Texas hero. He roped her in good, for she has lived in Texas ever since. In fact, she fell so in love with this rugged land of sweeping sunsets and enduring pioneer spirit, that she incorporates it into the pages of her novels, setting her stories in the small towns of a state that burgeoned into greatness in the mid-to-late 1800s.

Karen is living her dream by writing Christian historical romance novels for Bethany House. When she visited her publisher back in January of 2010, she was interviewed by the staff. If you'd like a behind-the-scenes glimpse into how she develops her story ideas and a description of her bumpy journey to publication, go to her website to listen to a podcast of that interview.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Adelaide Proctor is a young woman with her head in the clouds, longing for a real-life storybook hero to claim as her own. But when a husband-hunting debacle leaves her humiliated, she interviews for a staid governess position on a central Texas sheep ranch and vows to leave her romantic yearnings behind.

When Gideon Westcott left his privileged life in England to make a name for himself in America's wool industry, he never expected to become a father overnight. And five-year-old Isabella hasn't uttered a word since she lost her mother. The unconventionality of the new governess concerns Gideon--and intrigues him at the same time. But he can't afford distractions. He has a ranch to run, a shearing to oversee, and a suspicious fence-cutting to investigate.

When Isabella's uncle comes to claim the child--and her inheritance--Gideon and Adelaide must work together to protect Isabella from the man's evil schemes. And soon neither can deny their growing attraction. But after so many heartbreaks, will Adelaide be willing to get her head out of the clouds and put her heart on the line?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Head in the Clouds, go HERE.

A Tailor-Made Bride Debut Novel

Set in the 1880's of Texas, we find ourselves immersed with Hannah Richards who is a dressmaker at a fitting of a prestigious and wealthy client, Victoria Ashmont. Ms. Ashmont is in the process of her final fitting of a scarlet gown that she is planning on being buried in, finding that she is living in her final days. This comes as a complete shock to Ms. Ashmont's family who finds this a bit on the scandalous side and wonders what people will do when they see her at the funeral dressed in scarlet.

Hannah keeps her place and offers only suggestions when Ms. Ashmont asks her opinion. After her nephew's wife leave in disgust, does Ms. Ashmont ask Hannah a question about where to leave her inheritance money. She knows that her family is only waiting for her to die before they become like scavengers and spend all the money. She somehow wishes she could give it to a worthy cause.

Hannah offers a suggestion that Ms. Ashmont should invest her money where the legacy would leave it's most lasting impression. What Hannah is about to discover is that legacy is about to begin with this conversation with Victoria Ashmont!

I received Tailor-Made Bride by Karen Witemeyer, compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance. It was a wonderful story with the character of Hannah Richardson being the perfect example of beauty and strength in the 1880's. I found this book again to rate a place in my permanent place in my library and give it a perfect 10!

If you would like to know more about this book, the author and where to purchase a copy, please click on the links below:

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

A Tailor-Made Bride

Bethany House (June 1, 2010)

by

Karen Witemeyer





ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Karen Witemeyer is a deacon's wife and mother of three who believes the world needs more happily-ever-afters. To that end, she combines her love of bygone eras with her passion for helping women mature in Christ to craft historical romance novels that lift the spirit and nurture the soul.



After growing up in California, Karen moved to Texas to attend Abilene Christian University where she earned bachelor and master's degrees in Psychology. It was also there that she met and married her own Texas hero. He roped her in good, for she has lived in Texas ever since. In fact, she fell so in love with this rugged land of sweeping sunsets and enduring pioneer spirit, that she incorporates it into the pages of her novels, setting her stories in the small towns of a state that burgeoned into greatness in the mid-to-late 1800s.



In January, 2009, Karen signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers for three inspirational historical romance novels, and she is thrilled to announce that her first book, A TAILOR-MADE BRIDE has released this month. For an inside look into the background and quirks of some of the major players in this upcoming story, click over to Character Corner





ABOUT THE BOOK

When a dressmaker who values beauty tangles with a liveryman who condemns vanity, the sparks begin to fly!

Jericho "J.T." Tucker wants nothing to do with the new dressmaker in Coventry, Texas. He's all too familiar with her kind--shallow women more devoted to fashion than true beauty. Yet, except for her well-tailored clothes, this seamstress is not at all what he expected.



Hannah Richards is confounded by the man who runs the livery. The unsmiling fellow riles her with his arrogant assumptions and gruff manner, while at the same time stirring her heart with unexpected acts of kindness. Which side of Jericho Tucker reflects the real man?



When Hannah decides to help Jericho's sister catch a beau--leading to consequences neither could have foreseen--will Jericho and Hannah find a way to bridge the gap between them?



If you would like to read the first chapter of A Tailor-Made Bride , go HERE.