Review: "A Worthy Pursuit" by Karen Witemeyer

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Review:  After reading a few of Karen Witemeyer's previous books, I have developed an expectation for a novel with likable characters and a steady plot that creates a light, satisfying read.  In her latest release, "A Worthy Pursuit," Karen Witemeyer delivers an emotional story that is both charming and action-packed.  This novel not only met, but exceeded my expectations.  I was charmed by the children and their interactions with Charlotte and Stone.  The dynamic relationships that developed between the characters provided humorous and heart-warming moments.  Since the story is told from both Charlotte's and Stone's perspectives,  it captures the spectrum of emotions and the insecurities they face as they question each other's motives.   I was drawn to both characters, and I enjoyed their tender moments with the children as much as the  love story that developed between Charlotte and Stone.  In true western and dime novel fashion, Charlotte and Stone encounter danger and deceit.  Through these trials, Charlotte must learn to trust, and the tender relationship that they begin to build produces some swoon-worthy moments.  Both the dangerous pursuit of Charlotte and Lily and the budding relationships kept me turning the pages.   

"A Worthy Pursuit" lives up to its name because it is worthy of readers' time and attention.   I am eagerly awaiting Karen Witemeyer's next release; but in the meantime, I know that her other novels will be worthy reads as well.   

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through Net Galley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising

Summary from the Bethany House Publishers: A teacher on the run. A bounty hunter in pursuit. Can two enemies learn to trust each other before they both lose what they hold most dear?

Stone Hammond is the best tracker in Texas. He never comes home empty-handed. So when a wealthy railroad investor hires him to find his abducted granddaughter, Stone eagerly accepts.

Charlotte Atherton, former headmistress of Sullivan's Academy for Exceptional Youths, will do anything to keep her charges safe, especially the orphaned girl entrusted to her care. Charlotte promised Lily's mother she'd keep the girl away from her unscrupulous grandfather, and nothing will stop Charlotte from fulfilling that pledge. Not even the handsome bounty hunter with surprisingly honest eyes who comes looking for them.

When Miss Atherton produces documentation that shows her to be Lily's legal guardian, Stone must reevaluate everything he's been led to believe. Is she villain or victim? 

Then a new danger forces Charlotte to trust the man sent to destroy her. Stone vows to protect what he once sought to tear apart. Besides, he's ready to start a new pursuit: winning Charlotte's heart.

Review of "Stealing the Preacher"

Rating: 4 Stars

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Review: Karen Witemeyer offers an irresistible combination of fun and faith in her latest novel, "Stealing the Preacher."  The plot is not completely realistic, but it is enjoyable and reminds me of the books that initially drew me to the Christian fiction genre. Witemeyer strikes a pleasing balance between lighthearted events and more serious issues and emotions.  The novel begins with a train hold-up, which is much more comical than suspenseful.  Despite the humor surrounding the hold-up and subsequent kidnapping, it is clear that there are hidden motives behind the event, which will add depth and interest to the story.  Thus the scene is set for "Stealing the Preacher."

Joanna and Crockett are brought together through unlikely circumstances, which makes their love story even sweeter.  Joanna faces personal insecurities despite her strong faith, which makes her a connectable character. Witemeyer creates enough hesitancy and conflict in Joanna's and Crockett's relationship to make their love story more interesting.  Their relationship is not all about romance, however.  They unite to bring a message of faith and salvation to Joanna's ex-outlaw father.  

Although the story progresses with predictability, the relative absence of the unexpected is outweighed by the feel-good nature of the book.  I was in the mood for a fun read, and "Stealing the Preacher" delivered just what I needed with a pleasing historical romance with Texas-twang that left me with a smile and a light heart.
  
I received a complimentary copy of this book from LitFise through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Summary: A cowboy who wants to be a preacher. An outlaw's daughter who wants to change his mind.
On his way to interview for a position at a church in the Piney Woods of Texas, Crockett Archer can't believe it when he's forced off the train by an outlaw and presented to the man's daughter as the preacher she requested for her birthday. He's determined to escape-which would be much easier if he could stop thinking about Joanna Robbins and her unexpected request.

For months, Joanna had prayed for a minister. A man to breathe life back into the abandoned church at the heart of her community. A man to assist her in fulfilling a promise to her dying mother. But just when it seems her prayers have been answered, it turns out the parson is there against his will and has dreams of his own calling him elsewhere. Is there any way she can convince Crockett he ended up right where he was supposed to be?

With her signature blend of humor, history, and lively western romance, two-time RITA Award finalist and bestselling author Karen Witemeyer delivers a Texas love story sure to steal your heart.Purchase a copy here: http://ow.ly/lnKcM

Meet Karen:

Two-time RITA finalist and winner of the coveted HOLT Medallion and ACFW Carol Award, CBA bestselling author Karen Witemeyer writes historical romance because she believes that the world needs more happily-ever-afters. She is an avid cross-stitcher, shower singer, and bakes a mean apple cobbler. Karen makes her home in Abilene, Texas, with her husband and three children. Learn more about Karen and her books at www.karenwitemeyer.com.

Blog Tour:  http://litfusegroup.com/campaigns/stealingthepreacher

Review of "Short-Straw Bride" by Karen Witemeyer

Rating: 4 Stars

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Summary from Bethany House:  Four brothers. Four straws. One bride.

No one steps on Archer land. Not if they value their life. But when Meredith Hayes overhears a plot to burn the Archer brothers off their ranch, a long-standing debt compels her to take the risk.

Years of constant vigilance hardens a man. Yet when Travis Archer comes across a female trespasser with the same vivid blue eyes as the courageous young girl he once aided, he can't bring himself to send her away. And when an act of sacrifice leaves her injured and her reputation in shreds, gratitude and guilt prompt him to attempt to rescue her once again.

Despite the fact that Travis is no longer the gallant youth Meredith once dreamed about, she vows to stand by his side. But will love ever be hers? Or will Travis always see her as merely a short-straw bride?

Review:  There are times when life gets busy and stressful, and I just want a lighthearted read that will allow me a bit of an escape.   When I saw Short-Straw Bride, I was immediately drawn to its story-line, and I couldn't resist turning the pages.   Short-Straw Bride opens with ten-year-old Meredith Hayes being taunted by school bullies as she walks home.  It is easy to immediately sympathize with Meredith's plight and to become enamored with Travis Archer, the young teen who rescues her. 

Although the premise of Short-Straw Bride is formulaic with a marriage of convenience as the basis of the plot, Karen Witemeyer  pens a novel that includes humor, heart-warming characters, conflict, and drama that are each interspersed at just the right moments.  The novel focuses on Meredith and Travis, but his brothers and Meredith's cousin, Cassie, as well as other supporting characters enrich the story.  

As an adult, Meredith continues to be "in love" with her hero from childhood.  She demonstrates a mixture of vulnerability, impulsiveness, tenderness, and stubbornness.  At times, I became annoyed by her willfulness, even though she had the best intentions.  During other points in the story, her courageousness was admirable.    Travis Archer was equally complex.  He displays compassion, yet possessiveness, and loyalty but a refusal to recognize a need for change.  The moments during the story as the love between Meredith and Travis develops and grows are heartwarming. Travis, especially,  must  take a journey that allows him to be open to not only Meredith's love and friendship, but that of his neighbors.  

On the surface,  Short-Straw Bride may seem to be just another story that involves a marriage of convenience.  The struggles that Travis must overcome represent challenges that we all face.  It is easy to develop a pattern of behavior that makes us feel secure.  For an outsider, change may seem to be an easy step to take.  Change allows for growth and new opportunities, but it also leaves us feeling a bit unguarded too.  The underlying theme of the novel conveys that only faith will allow us to break down these barriers and  provide the fortitude needed to face new circumstances.  

Karen Witemeyer has written another heartwarming story that readers will enjoy.  After being introduced to the Archer brothers, I hope that upcoming novels may include these characters as well.   Short-Straw Bride was a satisfying summer read for me, but it is one to be enjoyed at anytime throughout the year.   

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Short-Straw Bride

Review of Head in the Clouds by Karen Witemeyer

Rating: 4.5 Stars

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Synopsis from Bethany House: Adelaide Proctor longs to find a real-life storybook hero to claim as her own. But when a husband-hunting debacle leaves her humiliated, she interviews for a governess position on a remote Texas sheep ranch and vows to leave her silly romantic yearnings behind. 

Gideon Westcott left his privileged life in England to make a name for himself in America's wool industry, never expecting to end up with a child. To his dismay, 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.When Isabella's uncle comes to claim the girl—and her inheritance—Gideon and Adelaide must work together to protect Isabella from the man's evil schemes. 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?

Review: Karen Witemeyer has created a charming and slightly suspenseful novel with a heroine to whom book lovers can relate.  Don't we all have our "heads in the clouds" at some point when we are engrossed in a novel?  There is a bit of Adelaide in each of us. Adelaide Proctor is a fanciful dreamer with a likable and sunny personality. She is a bit impetuous, especially in the beginning of the novel, but she matures and finds inner strength during the course of the plot. Fortunately, Witemeyer presents Adelaide with adversity so that we can see below the bright and whimsical exterior to reveal deeper layers of her personality. 

Gideon and Isabella are equally enjoyable characters. I have a difficult time envisioning Gideon as an Englishman, but he does display the admirable integrity and strength that one finds in the great British classics.  Isabella is a delight and a little star even in her silence.  Some of the most pleasant and heart-warming scenes in the novel feature Isabella with Adelaide, Gideon, or both. 

When I initially read the summary of Head in the Clouds, I was instantly reminded of Jane Eyre.   A fitting impression since Adelaide makes references to Bronte's classic novel throughout the book.  The main premise of Head in the Clouds parallels Jane Eyre, but it is a much lighter read and Adelaide is a more vivacious and outgoing heroine (though not as timeless).  Head in the Clouds has the potential to be just another generic, light read, but Witemeyer builds characters with depth and a plot with its share of surprises blended with tender moments.  Although I have not read Witemeyer's A Tailor-Made Bride and To Win Her Heart, they are now on my list, along with any of her future novels.