A Match Made in Texas

To novella, or not to novella, that is the question.

Hopefully, I have the answer.

Book Rating: Up All Night'er

OK. I've read several novellas now and I'm developing quite a strong opinion about them. *oh dear* But before I divulge that, let me talk about this particular collection as a whole.

It's nice to see these authors that we love getting together to write shorter stories with a similar theme. I thought that was fun. I enjoyed seeing Neill, especially, since I'm always a HUGE fan of Karen's. The plots of the various novellas were enjoyable with varying degrees of excitement and drama, and it was a very easy read.

Do I recommend this book? Absolutely....
Will you be sorry you bought it? No way....

*do you sense a "but" coming?*

But (there it is!) for me, these stories didn't feel natural--or they didn't feel like they flowed naturally out of the authors brains like a lot of the novels we read. For me--and this might just be me--I sensed the publisher in the background saying something like, "Hey, we've got an idea for a novella collection we want you to be a part of and we want to do it this way." Do you know what I mean? Maybe I'm just being way too picky. This is the real reason why I've shied away from these collections in the first place, and now my fears are realized. THIS IS JUST MY OPINION. There are tons of raving reviews about these types of collections, so obviously there's a real market for them. For me it's a no-go.

Now, as for my overall opinion of novellas generally.... I'm not a fan. They are delightful little stories, but that's it. They don't stick with me, they don't have meat. In fact, sometimes I read them and think, "Shoot! Why didn't they make this into a full novel, it would have been great!" And I just end up feeling jipped. Has that ever happened to you?

In the end, yes, this book does deserve my second highest rating, but that's all. And will I be tempted to pick up any more novellas or novella collections? I don't think so. *frown*

If you read this, let me know what you think and if you LOVE novellas, tell me why!

*Thank you to Bethany House for my free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review*

Happy Reading!
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Stealing the Preacher

THIS is why I read Christian fiction!!!

Book Rating: Best of the Best

Every time I read a Karen Witemeyer book I love it. I'm pretty sure that happens to you too, am I right? Yeah, I knew it--I'm right. *wink*

This story will capture you from the beginning and hold you through all 347 magnificent pages. I have to say that the even though the romance was marvelous, the characters unforgettable and the plot effortless--it was the Christian messages throughout the book that I will never forget!! I got choked up several times--and I'm not the kind that gets teary eyed at a Tide commercial, if you know what I mean....OK, well, maybe I am, but still.... *teehee* Also, there was no "preachiness" about it at all either, in case you were wondering. It all flowed so beautifully and felt so natural--that's one of the reasons I loved it so much.

Joanna needs a preacher because her ex-outlaw father needs God--and she's made a vow to help him find salvation. But she can't do it alone. So when Crockett Archer is "escorted" to her home she is horrified, but at the same time, she can't believe her luck. Or is it God's doing that brought Brother Archer as an answer to her prayers?

Crockett (and for those of you who read Karen's previous novel SHORT-STRAW BRIDE, Crockett is one of the brothers, as you may remember...) has an appointment he simply can't miss--so when he's kidnapped from the train he can only pray that he will get away in time! However, he never expected his kidnapper's daughter to be so sweet, faithful, strong and beautiful--and to make such a powerful request.

From the beginning, I felt the Spirit of God through this story, and I LOVED all the messages of faith, trust, and redemption. The love of God is evident in this novel--and I would read it again in a second! The characters are so real and story SO easy to read, and if I was a bettin' person, I would be willing to bet you will love this book as well.

Are you interested in a GIVEAWAY?! Of course, you are. Smart girl. *wink* Karen has offered to giveaway her latest book! How spantabulous is that?! So, if you want to be entered, you must be a follower of my blog or FB page and leave a comment (with your email) telling me what your favorite Witemeyer book is and why! Sound good?! OK, good! (Shipping to US addresses only.) Please share this with your family and friends as well!! The drawing will be on Friday.

This magnificent story comes out June 1, so if yer itchin' to get this into your cute little 'ol hands you oughtta pre-order it right now. You won't regret it. I promise. *big grin*



Happy Reading!
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Stealing the Preacher

Holy Guacamole!!!!!

Ladies, I'm so excited about Karen's next book I think I'm gonna make a paper chain to count down the days before it comes out.

Here's a little blurb to whet your appetite!!


"On his way to interview for a position at a church in the Piney Woods of Texas, Crockett Archer can scarcely believe it when he's forced off the train by a retired outlaw and presented to the man's daughter as the minister she requested for her birthday. Worried this unfortunate detour will ruin his chances of finally serving a congregation of his own, Crockett is determined to escape. But when he finally gets away, he's haunted by the memory of the young woman he left behind--a woman whose dreams now hinge on him.

For months, Joanna Robbins prayed for a preacher. 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. A man to help her discover answers to the questions that have been on her heart for so long. But just when it seems God has answered her prayers, 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 to stay in her little backwoods community? And does the attraction between them have any chance of blossoming when Joanna's outlaw father is dead set against his daughter courting a preacher?"

Is that not totally exciting?!?!

The only thing that I'm not thrilled about is the people on the cover. I really wish the HCR market wouldn't use people's faces! I wonder why they do that. Does that bother anyone else?

Happy Reading!!
PS This book comes out June 1, 2013!!!!!!

Short-Straw Bride

Ask me what my favorite book is.  Go ahead.  Ask me.  The answer is simple.  Move over, BRIDE MOST BEGRUDGING.  Step aside, THE MEASURE OF A LADY.  Make way, TO WIN HER HEART.  Sorry, THE DOCTOR’S LADY.   As much as I will always love you, you have to make room for my new “number one”.  My answer to your question is:  SHORT-STRAW BRIDE.

Book Rating:  Best of the Best


When this book arrived I squealed with such delight you would have thought it was Ed McMahon at my door announcing me the winner of Publishers Clearing House.  But no, it was only the UPS guy with my copy of SHORT-STRAW BRIDE.

This is the PERFECT book.  Let me repeat: this is the PERFECT BOOK!  Of course this is just my opinion, but I defy anyone to read this and not at least like it.  It has all the elements needed to make a fabulous, totally engrossing story.  I knew I would like it, cuz I like all Witemeyer books, but I was not prepared for the utter and totally consuming pleasure it gave me.

Twelve years ago Meredith Hayes was rescued by a reclusive (yet strapping and handsome) young man named Travis Archer, and she’s never seen him since.  But all these years, in her dreams, he has been her “knight in shining armor”.  When she overhears someone planning to burn their land and property, she knows she must warn the Archers.  She also knows that anyone found on Archer land will be treated like an enemy.  But, she is willing to take the risk.

Travis Archer is intrigued by the courageous and beautiful trespasser who claims their land is in danger.  And when her reports turn out to be true, and she risks her life to help save his land, he knows he will always be in her debt.  Then another accident leaves her seriously injured and her reputation in tatters.  There is only one solution:  one of the four Archer brothers needs to marry her.  So they draw straws, and Travis is the one left with the short straw.

Do you ever read a story and wish there was more romance?  This one has plenty!  Do you ever wish there were more kisses in a story?  This one has many wonderful kisses!  Do you ever become bored, or feel like it’s taking too long for the story to get anywhere?  Not so here.  The plot is excellent and you won’t ever be bored or overwhelmed by the plot.  Do you ever get annoyed with certain characters, or feel like certain characters are superfluous?  Every character in this story serves a purpose.

The spiritual side of the story is not to be forgotten.  Witemeyer books are always uplifting.  The message I got from this book was this:  if you want to speak to God, pray--if you want God to speak to you, read your scriptures.  I loved how the characters were always turning to the scriptures to find the answers to their problems and the guidance they needed.  I LOVED that!

Travis Archer is also one of the most wonderful men I have ever read about.  His love for Meredith is SO amazingly sweet and just what every girl wants in her man.  He is perfectly handsome and comes to the rescue whenever she needs him.  Love it!! He also cares about his wife’s feelings and takes her advise to heart.  What’s not to love about a guy like that?  He’s also tough and brave, yet gentle and oh, so romantic!  Oh man, I’m getting all worked up again.  *teehee *

I really can’t say too many good things about this story, but I will refrain.  I don’t want to over-do it.  I simply cannot wait to hear what you think about this story so we can talk about how awesome all the Archer boys are, and how you liked the rescue scenes, etc.  OK, I really gotta stop.

You will definitely like, and possibly even love this book to death, just like me.  Enjoy!

Happy Reading!
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Author of the Month for June: Karen Witemeyer

Well, gals, I’m super-duper excited to be starting my “Author of the Month” posts!  For the month of June I’m featuring Karen Witemeyer!!  She was the very first HCR author I ever read, and from that moment on I knew I would never been the same! *teehee *  That may seem a bit melodramatic, but it’s not much of an exaggeration!

I love Karen’s style!  I truly believe she is one of the best HCR authors out there.  Her characters are lovable and real, and the stories never fail to be uplifting.  I feel peaceful when I read her books, and I always end up with a smile.

This is what her website bio says about her:

“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.
[She is also a] two-time RITA® Finalist and winner of the coveted HOLT Medallion, CBA bestselling author. She is an avid cross-stitcher, shower singer, and bakes a mean apple cobbler.”

Her new book SHORT-STRAW BRIDE debuts tomorrow!!  (My copy is coming soon and I’m counting the hours!)  Already the reviews are glowing—I never would have doubted that—so I hope that you are ready to get a copy of your own!  (Those of you who are following this blog will be entered to win a copy of her book!  The drawing will be tomorrow--yay!!)
I plan to ask each author that I feature to share with us their favorite scripture.  When I asked Karen, this is what she said:  “As for favorite Bible verses, it is hard to pick just one. The one that keeps me going when I'm in the middle of a project is Philippians 1:6 - He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

And the one I keep on my desk as a reminder that writing is a ministry and not all about me is Psalm 115:1 - Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory.”

Thank you, Karen, for sharing your gift and lifting us up through your books!

Head in the Clouds

I love Karen Witemeyer’s books.  Have I mentioned that before?  I love them so much that I have already pre-ordered her next book, Short-Straw Bride, which comes out June 1.  I have an advent calendar that I am using to help me count-down the days until it arrives at my doorstep!  Well, maybe not literally, but in my mind anyway!  Head in the Clouds is a simply marvelous novel.

Book rating: Up All Night’er

Adelaide is a sweet, adorable, petite girl who has recently made a humiliating discovery.  She is looking to escape her past by working as a governess at a remote sheep ranch in Texas.  There she finds a dashing transplant from England named Gideon. He's got it all--looks, charm and that wonderful English accent!  Swoon!!  She is hired to work for him by caring for his daughter, Isabella, who hasn’t spoken a word since her mother died.

This book has a great villain and lots of fun excitement.  The spiritual message made such a difference in my life.  I loved how easily Adelaide seemed to communicate with God and I really felt like I wanted and needed to be more like that.

Gideon is very intrigued by Adelaide’s sweetness and fun-loving nature.  She, in turn, cannot escape his charm.  As their relationship heats up, so does the danger posed by Isabella's money-hungry uncle.  

I loved this book on so many levels.  It was the perfect blend of romance, excitement, and just pure fun.  A great any-time read!

Happy Reading!

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A Tailor-Made Bride

Mmm, mmm, mmm!  What is the best way to describe rugged manliness?  Two words: Jericho Tucker, baby!  OK, that's three words.

 

Book rating: Best of the Best

Let me tell you about my love affair with this book.  When I read it the first time I only liked it.  I read this directly after I finished To Win Her Heart.  I wasn’t sure if I liked the leading man in this one, since I had been so madly in love with Levi Grant.  But, something made me want to give it another try, and boy am I glad I did!  I love this book (and JT) just as much!

Hannah Richards, the leading gal, is completely wonderful.  She is a talented dressmaker who believes that God has lead her to this little Texas town to start a successful business.  She is confused by the good-looking livery owner who is both kind and cold to her.  When Hannah decides to play match-maker with Cordelia, JT’s sister, things begin to take shape, and unravel all at the same time.

Hannah is a truly delightful character who’s faith and kindheartedness are a joy to read.  This is one of those books that really help me when I need an uplifting escape from the hard realities of life.

Their relationship is so sweet and romantic—which is made even greater by the tension that they go through as their relationship develops.

I loved the unique spiritual message in this book.  So many books focus on forgiveness, etc—and that’s all well and good, but this was so different—just makes me wanna eat it all up!  But you'll just have to read it yourself to find out what that message is, little darlin'. 

Happy Reading!

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To Win Her Heart

Well, ladies (and maybe gentlemen too, you never know who may be secretly reading these books.... *wink*…)

Book rating: Best of the Best

This is the first HCR (short for historical Christian romance…just makes my typing-life easier) I ever read, and let’s just say the author had me at Levi Grant!  Levi, in To Win Her Heart is most likely my favorite male protagonist in any of the books I have read so far—and that’s saying a lot because I have read a good many books, and there are many amazing leading men out there! (Namely, Drew O'Conner--look for my review of A Bride Most Begrudging coming soon!)

I don’t want to give away too much plot in my reviews, but one of the things I like most in this story, is how their relationship begins quite quickly so you can enjoy it the majority of the book.  Unlike some books which take nearly half or more of the book before things start to get going.  Levi's character is wonderful--totally dreamy! (I must interject quickly here to say that I am madly in love with my romantic and completely muscle-bound hubby, and that he does know about my little Levi crush and he is ok with it since it’s fiction. LOL  Love you Robby!  Xoxo)  The supporting charcaters are also very enjoyable and add a great deal to the main plot.

Levi has made some decisions in his life that were not in step with what God had in mind for him—ok, so who hasn’t!  He finds Christ and looks to start a new life as a blacksmith in a small town in Texas.  Eden the lovely “librarian” (she hardly meets the typical stereotype of a stuffy librarian) catches his eye and she, likewise is interested in him.  I was SO impressed with the authors ability to include –and stick with!—an unusual character trait for Levi.  Beautiful!  OK, so Levi falls for Eden and she him—even though it’s tough for her to trust again because of a heartbreaking incident from her past…(Are we surprised?!  No.  Do we care?  Absolutely not!) Levi is terrified that she will no longer care for him once she learns about his past.  Can they get over these obstacles and trust that God will teach them the lessons they both need to learn?!  You know you're curious!  Karen Witemeyer is an amazing author.  I frequently  re-read her books because I love them so much.  Her style is captivating and the message of Christ in her books will touch your heart.

Happy Reading!

Buy it!