Karen Witemeyer

It is 1896 in Honey Grove Texas, and Abigail Kemp has just received word that women cannot own business property. Desperate to keep running the bakery she inherited from her father, she sets out to find a husband and decides that Zachariah Hamilton would be perfect for a marriage of convenience. Zach has his doubts at first but eventually agrees. This may be a marriage of convenience but the two soon grow close. However, each has secrets from the past that haunt them – will those secrets show more tear their growing relationship apart?

“More than Words Can Say” by Karen Witemeyer is a delightfully done historical romance. While this is the second book in Witemeyer’s Patchwork Family Series, I did not read the first one (“More than Meets the Eye”) and I had no problem following the characters and events in this book (and I plan on reading “More than Meets the Eye”). I love the main characters. Abigail is strong, determined to hold on to her bakery and willing to do whatever it takes in order to do so. Zach is also real as a character – not a man of many words but his actions certainly speak louder than words. While marriage of convenience romances may seem a little trite Witemeyer makes it seem fresh and even believable in this book. This is helped by the fact that both Abigail and Zach are troubled by past events – their pain over these past events was well done and made them stronger as characters. Reading this book to the inevitable conclusion was a joy.

“More than Words Can Say” by Karen Witemeyer is a nicely done historical romance. show less

Serving Up Love is a collection of four novellas about women who worked in the Harvey Houses that served customers and workers of the railroads out west. Each of the novellas is a stand-alone story and set in a different location and in different years.
For this historical fiction superfan, this series of novellas was perfection. I can honestly say I couldn’t pick a favorite. Each story was entirely different: some having danger, others mystery and plenty of romance!
In Tracie show more Peterson’s, A Flood of Love, I loved the unique history of the setting, especially the swimming horses. And I loved the heartbreaking history between Gretchen and Dirk as well as the hilarious antics of Katiann. What a doll! Gretchen had such an inspiring spirit of forgiveness, and Dirk’s persistence melted more than Gretchen’s heart!
I have been looking forward to reading More Than a Pretty Face by Karen Witemeyer since meeting Rosalind Kemp in More Than Words Can Say. Rosalind is haunted by regret and living in fear that her past mistakes will be revealed. Although she takes great pains not to be noticed, Caleb Durrington see her for the precious jewel she really is. I adored how Caleb loved her knowing she had untold secrets. And his unique wooing skills are adorable, especially to this nerdy girl!
I knew Intrigue a la Mode by Regina Jennings would be full of laugh out loud moments (careful not to wake your sleeping baby or disturb your co-workers), and I was correct. Despite the mystery and danger surrounding the Harvey House in Emporia, Kansas, there were plenty of light-hearted moments between Willow and Graham. I loved how Graham’s swagger was tempered by his gentleman-like qualities and by Willow’s no-nonsense attitude. They make quite the team (and the couple) as they search for potential smugglers.
I must admit this is my first time reading Jen Turano. I have her books on my TBR stack, but I haven’t had a chance to read them yet. But I’ll be catching up on the rest of her books soon because I absolutely loved A Grand Encounter! Jack is quite fetching (hehe), and I love the independence and outspoken nature of Myrtle. Plus, they are both book nerds, so we were all meant to be friends. Although their courtship might have been a bit awkward at times, and I might have laughed at Jack’s expense a few times, I enjoyed every minute of their story.
If you are a lover of Christian historical fiction, do not miss this collection of novellas. It is an interesting part of history, and each book gives you a unique perspective. Enjoy!
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. show less

First sentence: Nightmares were supposed to stop once little girls woke up, but when five-year-old Scarlett Radcliffe opened her eyes, things only got worse.

Cloaked in Beauty is a retelling smash-up of Sleeping Beauty and Little Red Riding Hood. It is set in Texas in the 1890s (IF my math is correct, circa 1896.) Letty Hood (AKA Scarlett Radcliffe) has lived in hiding with her grandmother since she was five. Her [wicked] uncle is out to kill her so that he inherits her father's estate [his show more brother's estate]. They have been on the move throughout her life, but they have been settled for several years in Cass County living a very secluded, rural life. Her grandmother goes into the nearest town only rarely and never mentions that she's the caretaker for her granddaughter--or anyone for that matter. But her [wicked] uncle has not forgotten her, and as her twenty-first birthday nears, Letty's life is increasingly more in danger.

Her mother has hired a Pinkerton agent, Philip Carmichael, to try to find her daughter before her birthday. She wants to warn her that her latest letter--which included a photo--has been discovered and that she is no longer safe staying put.

Can Letty, Philip, and Rusty (her oh-so-trusty wolf) make their way to safely and outwit the wicked uncle?

If you ask me five minutes after I finish reading any Karen Witemeyer book if that book is my favorite, I'm prone to say yes. However, this time I truly think it will have sticking power. I really loved this third entry into the series SO much. I appreciated the first two--all are stand alone novels, by the way--but the third was near perfection.

Quotes:
"I'm not a helpless damsel looking for a man to slay my dragons," she said, her gaze locked on the man before her. "I'm a woman heading into battle who needs an experienced warrior at my side. one I can trust to guard my back. One who will discuss his plans with me and treat me like an equal. Is that arrangement acceptable to you?"

"Sweet girl, there's nothing new under the sun. Strong, handsome young men have making young ladies' knees wobble since Eve first got a look at Adam."

Letty awoke to a kiss the next morning, only it wasn't the kiss she'd been dreaming of most of the night. Eyes squinting, she reached for the furry head she knew would be on the other end of the tongue that licked her face. show less

“How was a girl supposed to guard her heart against such a man? Handsome, protective, honorable to the core.”

A red cloaked heroine, trusty wolf, dashing Pinkerton agent hero, a dragon & much more! I loved this reimagining of Sleeping Beauty & Little Red Riding Hood. In Cloaked in Beauty, Karen Witemeyer delivers another favorite, delightful fairytale twist with Western flair.

After her father’s death, Scarlett Radcliffe becomes a target when her greedy uncle Draco wants to prevent her show more from inheriting her father’s company on her 21st birthday. To protect her until she comes of age, Scarlett’s grandmother takes her far into the woods & changes her name to Letty Hood. As her birthday approaches, a handsome Pinkerton agent sets out to find her to help her travel safely back to Houston to claim her inheritance. But, the woods are fraught with dangers & her uncle’s determined to find her first. With her loyal wolf Rusty, honorable protector Philip Carmichael, & faith in God, she sets out on a perilous journey home.

I adored this story! It was so fun finding all the clever nods to both fairytales & the creative way they were spun throughout. Letty is such a darling heroine. She’s strong, kind, & quick witted. Philip is her equal in every way. He’s the embodiment of Prince Philip from Sleeping Beauty with more depth & honor. I also loved Rusty, Letty’s wolf. He has a personality all his own & I enjoyed his fierce protectiveness of Letty. Letty’s mother makes the ultimate sacrifice when she has Letty go with her mother at the age of five. I admired her desire to protect her daughter & selfless love. Letty’s grandmother is a lovely hybrid of the good fairies & Little Red Riding Hood’s grandmother. Her wonderful advice to Letty had me constantly underlining.

The romance was so good! Ahh, all the swoony situations close proximity brings. I enjoyed every moment where they grow closer while evading all sorts of dangers. Letty’s affectionate, & I loved how her automatic response is to kiss Philip when he does something heroic. This causes all sorts of worry for Letty who thinks she’s being too forward. And I’m sure you can guess how Philip really feels…

This heartwarming story is filled with sweet romance, exciting action, overcoming all odds, & faith. I’ve adored this fairytale Texas Ever After series & hope there might be more in store. Highly recommend! Though part of a series, each book is easily read as a standalone. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author & publisher. All opinions are my own & voluntarily provided. show less