“HEART ON THE LINE”
If you have never read any books by Karen, you must do so! You will not regret it. As a matter of fact you’ll be looking for the next one, and the next and so on.
“Love on the Line” is a sweet story written in a way that is distinctly Karen Witemeyer. Her books are wonderful! She threads together romance, humor, intrique, drama and great characters you can’t help but fall in love with.

Blessings,
Karen
Rating 5*
I received a complimentary copy of this book and all opinions are my own
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Absolutely LOVED this book! It was heartwarming and definitely kept me hooked on the plot line. I fell in love with the characters, and chuckled so many times while I got to know them! I definitely recommend this book with 4 stars and can't wait to read more!

Der Prolog des Buches findet im Januar 1894 in Denver Co statt. Grace Mallory ist dort Funkerin in einer Morsestelle. Ihr Vater hat gerade Beweise gefunden, dass Chaucer Haversham eine Halbschwester hat und somit nicht der Erbe der örtlichen Minengesellschaft ist. Bei dem Versuch die Beweise an einen vertrauenswürdigen Detective zu übergeben wird er erschossen und Grace flüchtet mit den Dokumenten. Man ist gleich in der Handlung drin und Vater und Tochter sind mit ihrem Versuch Unrecht zu verhindern und einen verstorbenen Freund zu ehren, spontan sympathisch. Außerdem ist Grace mit ihren Beruf als Funkerin zur damaligen Zeit selten und modern.

Dann springt das Buch zeitlich in den Spätherbst desselben Jahres nach Denison Texas. Wir lernen Amos Bledsoe kennen, ebenfalls Morsefunker. In den allabendlich erlaubten freien Kommunikationzeiten hat er die geheimnisvolle Miss G kennen und schätzen gelernt. Sie ist seine Gegenstelle von Harpers Station, einer Frauenansiedlung. Amos ist sehnsüchtig auf der Suche nach einer Lebenspartnerin. Von der örtlichen Frauenwelt wird er eher nicht ernst genommen, da er ganz verrückt auf das neumodische Radfahren ist. Amos freut sich jeden Tag auf den späten Austausch, weiß aber sonst bislang wenig Persönliches von Miss G.

Grace freut sich genauso auf die Abende, da sie gerne die Geschichten über seine Familie hört. Sie kann dabei eine zeit lang ihre Trauer und Furcht vergessen. Für sie ist er der Mann, der sie zum Lachen bringt und ihre Einsamkeit vertreibt. Amos hat sich die liebevollen Frotzeleien seiner Schwester zu Herzen genommen und erzählt Grace eines Abends mit all seinem Mut, dass er eine Frau sucht. Doch dann platzt eine Eilnachricht in ihren vertrauten Dialog und Grace erhält eine Drohung von ihren Verfolgern. Sie haben sie aufgespürt. Gerade als Amos sich öffnen wollte, verliert er den Kontakt. Aber er will ihr zur Hilfe eilen. Vielleicht hat Gott ihn dafür genau in diese Situation gebracht!?

Aber Grace will aufgrund der drohenden Gefahr niemanden in die Geschichte hinein ziehen, schnell will sie ihre Freundinnen warnen. Aber diese wollen sie nicht flüchten lassen, sie wollen der Gefahr die Stirn bieten. Sie wollen die gesuchten Dokumente der Justiz übergeben, aber Grace hat von ihrem Vater nur zwei Bücher übergeben bekommen und weiß nicht worin ihr Geheimnis liegt.

Einen humorvoll geschilderten Eselsritt später erreicht Amos das Städtchen und begibt sich auf die Suche nach Miss G. Doch dann trifft er erst mal auf Revolver Granny, die ihn gleich als Graces Verfolger im Verdacht hat und ihren Neffen rufen lässt. Prompt wird er inhaftiert und erst als Grace ihn an seinem Telegrafiestil erkennen kann, glaubt sie wirklich, dass sie ihm gegenüber steht. Sie erkennt in ihm seinen Mut und seine Integrität. Die spätere Ankunft eines gutaussehenden angeblichen Gesetzeshüters verkompliziert die Situation für die beiden.

Dann spitzt sich die Lage dramatisch zu, Grace ist in Gefahr, der Leser fiebert mit. Die Situation für die beiden ist verzweifelt. Doch mit vereinten Kräften, der Cast weist einige sehr mutige und aufopferungswillige Charaktere auf, kann der Bösewicht kalt gestellt werden. Grace und Amos können sich erleichtert in die Arme sinken.

Im Epilog folgt ein romantisches, herzergreifendes und glaubhaftes Happy End.

Die Autorin Karen Witemeyer hat für ihren Liebesroman „Heart on the Line“ zwei Protagonisten mit ausgefallenen Berufen kreiert. Das Buch wird von vielen für ihre Zeit schon neuzeitlicher und selbständiger denkenden Männern und Frauen bevölkert. Es kommen viele sympathische Nebenfiguren vor.

Den Beginn einer Freundschaft und mehr über eine Telegrafenleitung per Morsecode stattfinden zu lassen, finde ich eine außergewöhnliche Idee von Karen Witemeyer.

Die beginnende Beziehung zwischen Grace und Amos ist zurückhaltend, vorsichtig, zart und sanft angelegt. Es ist spannend der Aufklärung des Erbschaftsgeheimnisses zu folgen. Zusätzlich gibt es eine wunderbare „second romance“ zwischen Helen und dem angeschossenen Lee.

Fazit: Volle Punktzahl für einen wunderbaren, herzerwärmenden und spannenden Liebesroman.

5 von 5 Punkten

Grace Mallory is hiding in plain sight. As a witness to her father’s murder, she knows the man responsible is hunting for her. Hidden away in the women’s colony of Harper’s Station, Grace longs for a life of freedom. As the telegraph operator for Harper’s Station, she is privy to any news that comes across the wire. When one of her friends breaks into her nightly conversation with Denison’s Mr. A, she knows she’ll either have to run again or make her stand. Without the evidence her father died to preserve, can she prove her suspicions and free herself to a life in the open?

Amos Bledsoe has been the telegraph operator in Denison for a number of years. He longs for a companion other than his sister, his mother or his nephew but the women of Denison look right past him to the big, strapping cowboys that populate the surrounding ranches. While Amos isn’t bad looking, he’s not tall, not muscular and not a man that stands out in the looks department. He is, however, highly intelligent, witty and very gifted on the wire. When he struck up a conversation with Hs G, all he knew about her was that she was female and lived in Harper’s Station. The more he “talked” with her, the more he hoped she wasn’t a 78-year-old grandmother. Just as he’s getting somewhere with learning about Miss G, he hears a distressing message, “He knows where you are.” Is Miss G in danger and if she is, what can he do to help?

When Amos rides to the rescue all kinds of unexpected events occur. Grace is stunned, then touched that he would leave his post in another’s hands just to make sure she was safe. The more time they spend together, the more they find they have in common. Can they unravel her father’s mystery before a killer tracks her down? Putting their hearts on the line with each other, Grace and Amos practically light the room when they are together. Is it possible that their taps across the miles did more than send information?

In Amos Bledsoe, Karen Witemeyer has given readers one of the most unconventional heroes I’ve ever read. In a world where horses are the preferred mode of travel, Amos rides a bicycle/velocipede. In a world where “tall, dark, handsome and brawny” is what women seem to prefer, Amos is, well, not. Yes, he has muscles but they’re mostly from bicycling and, even though he has the requisite dark hair, he keeps it neatly trimmed and is fastidious about his overall appearance – not a trait most cowboys aspire to. I loved the clever repartee between Amos and Grace! When they got going, their back and forth was fun to read. This is the second book in the Ladies of Harper’s Station series and is every bit as fun to read as the first, No Other Will Do. Karen Witemeyer is a go-to author for me. If you haven’t read her yet, you NEED to start! I highly recommend getting to know the Ladies of Harper’s Station.

Okay, a new book from a favorite author that promises to be interesting - how could I possibly resist?! And better yet, why would I? I’m a huge fan of Ms. Witemeyer’s books and am always super excited to read them and this one was no different! I so enjoyed the first book in this series and couldn’t wait to get back to Harper’s Station and reconnect with the ladies (and 2 gents) there!
As always, Ms. Witemeyer manages to take a story line that might seem tired or overused and makes a brand new and unique one! I can’t recall ever reading a book about telegraph operators and I loved the concept of a couple meeting on the wires. It almost reminded me of a very early version of online dating or something of the like. I was fascinated, to say the least! And with her now familiar style, Ms. Witemeyer drew me right into the lives of these characters, making me care about them and rush to find out how their story would end. I enjoyed her details and descriptions and how she tailors them to each perspective, with Amos’ being a bit more wordy than say Helen’s, or even Grace’s at times. My only mildly negative comment is that I was a bit disappointed in the mystery, knowing part of the outcome right away, as soon as a particular character was introduced. And I did find the conclusion of Grace’s trials a bit anticlimactic, though she did make up for it in the ending that had me smiling and sighing.
I loved Grace Mallory and Amos Bledsoe from the first and was cheering for them the entire story! Their relationship was so sweet, as well as having a couple “steamy” moments. I loved that Amos isn’t exactly the typical Western hero and how that actually worked to his advantage. He is kind and caring, attentive to Grace and definitely protective, despite knowing he can’t physically best any of the men in Harper’s Station, he still does his best to be Grace’s hero. His stature also causes him to be quick witted and improvise with what he can do, and I quite enjoyed his unique adventures. And I appreciated how Grace was able to see the great guy behind the glasses and fastidious manner. She fell in love with the quick wit, stories, and kindness evident in the man on the other end of the wire and looked to find the same in the man who came to ride to her rescue. I loved that. And their romance. It was so well written and if I had an ebook copy, there would be quite a few highlights marking the sweet things Amos says and does. Definitely worth a reread and a few sighs along the way.
Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an unique historical novel!

I don't hesitate to say that this was my favorite of Karen Witemeyer's novels since Short Straw Bride. And we get to meet those wacky aunts, Henry and Bert, again. Or, as Amos refers to them...Revolver Granny and Cookie Granny. I'll let you read why.

The spiritual aspect is seen in the ways Amos and Grace respond to their circumstances and the abilities God has given them. Will they shrink or stand? In a stronger way, it's found in two secondary characters who struggle to overcome physically abusive pasts. 

Mystery, danger, a strong heroine, a true hero, and a little insight into online dating---19th century style. What's not to love in Heart on the Line?

I received this book from the publisher. My opinion are my own.

From the back cover, I knew I wanted to read Witemeyer’s latest novel. I love this idea of ‘online’ dating that takes place in the story. And the bit of intrigue suggested doesn’t hurt.

This book certainly had parts that made it hard to put down. I loved reading about Amos using his wits and personalities to try to win the heart of a lady. Not to mention that Harper’s Station is filled with fun characters—characters that I hope get their own stories in the near future.

My only complaint with this story has to do with the elements of mystery a bit more. While I really truly enjoyed this book, I was a bit disappointed to find that I had things pretty well figured out quite quickly. Of course there is always the fact that I don’t know the journey the characters will go on to get everything sorted out, but sometimes that bit of surprise is fun for the reader too.

Overall, I thought this was a fun book and it was a quick read. It’s unique in setting and characters. And if you haven’t read the previous Ladies of Harper’s Station book, don’t worry, you’ll follow this one just fine and I don’t think there is anything that could be considered a spoiler in it.


**I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.**

Karen Witemeyer is one of my favorite authors. She delivers witty characters and creative plot lines with unexpected twists and turns. And this is exactly what she does in Heart in the Line.

I thoroughly enjoyed the main characters and the unique beginning of the relationship (corresponding after hours via the telegraph). The sweetness as of the relationship, their clever bantering and, of course, a mystery that needed to be solved made for an enjoyable read.

Heart on the Line, written by Karen Witemeyer, is book 2 of Ladies of Harper's Station.
This is the first book I've read in this series, but I didn't feel like I was lost in the series from not having read book 1. Easily read as a standalone, although I think it would be fun to read the first book now!
I found this story to be an interesting read. How one telegraph operator got to know another telegraph operator 'after hours' on the telegraph line was fun...much like a person getting to know someone online as opposed to in-person now. Witemeyer snuck in various items from that era making the historical aspects very fun and interesting.
My favorite character was Grace. It was easy to 'get to know her' through the descriptive writing from her thoughts to her outward and inward characteristics. Although Amson seemed like a great character, I was not sure of what he truly looked like in my minds eye because there seemed like so many other 'pretty' people around that his outward qualities were overshadowed. I thought Amos' inward qualities were stellar though. He was a kind, gentleman who was over and above worth Miss Grace's attentions!
This was a clean, inspirational read and I would recommend it to readers from teen on up. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All thoughts and comments in this review are my own.

This is the first book I have read from this author and I really enjoyed it. I have been wanting to read some of Karen Witemeyer’s books for a while and when this book came, I was very happy. I was not disappointed.

Heart on the Line is a good book filled with adventure and romance set in the time of Pinkerton agents, sheriffs, and telegraph operators. Grace and Amos were great main characters. This book was set in the west but it was actually fun to have main male character not being a cowboy. He was a telegraph operator who would rather ride a bicycle than a horse. I would say it shows that heroes come in all shapes and sizes. The whole plot was exciting and intriguing.

The one downfall of this book, for me, was I had hoped for more about the character Helen. I liked her character. In my opinion her story would make an interesting book, especially if Lee was in the book.

I recommend this book and cannot wait to read more of Karen Witemeyer’s books.

I had such great ideas about this book until I sat down to actually write them. I stumbled across this book on NetGalley and knew I had to have it. Then I saw it in my Bethany House email and was actually disappointed I'd already snagged it up. I actually read a blog post from the author about the idea behind this book. I was in for the whole pound, not just the penny. Then when I realized it was actually second in a series my heart fell a little bit. I need to pay closer attention to that stuff. Not that it overly mattered, I had to read this book. I just didn't have time to squeeze in another book first. Please let it read as a stand alone, please. And it did. And it was amazing. And no matter how I read it and that it wasn't necessarily in order (because you KNOW I have to go back and read the first) it's still an amazing book that drew me and and flew right through in less than 2 hours - yup so good I donated my entire day off to it. Housework on the other day...well there's more days off eventually right?

These characters walked right into my day and marched their way right into my heart. I knew what was what almost every step of the way, I think/hope I was supposed to, but what also surprised and uplifted where I needed to be. Seriously, how have I never read this author before? That has got to change in a big way. Amos was exactly what you expected him to be, a slight bit geeky with a heart of gold. And an abiding patience in the knowledge that he is above what other's perceive him to be and that the right person is out there for him. He didn't necessarily expect the boat load of drama that came with her but well, what's a guy to do. Grace is a little bit different. A shy retiring shell, content to not be the object of attention, but a core of pure steel when the need arises. Of course being on the run from a killer can do that to a girl. Together, along with her friends, the are able to figure out life, love and what must come next.

I HAVE to go back and read the first novel in these series. There's enough illusion to some events that were sure to cloud the story of Emma that I'm sure was told there. Adn I can't wait for the next book which I hope will continue the story of Helen and the other women of Harper Station.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

This is book two in the Ladies of Harper's Station series, three if you count the 1.5 book. I have not read any in the series and had no trouble keeping up with what was going on. I am sure, however, I did miss some history on some of the characters mentioned in this novel and if they are as good as this one, some good stories as well.

I love how you get two stories in one with this novel. Karen has a spunky writing style and keeps you interested throughout the entire novel. I love the town on Harper's Station and all its quirky residence.

Getting to know Grace Mallory and Amos Bledsoe in this novel. They have common interest but is it enough to start a relationship beyond the wire? When Grace is in trouble, Amos is hoping to be the one to rescue her.

This novel is full of romance, mystery, and so much more.

I can't find proper words to form a coherent review. I'm just gonna gush all the way through.
Karen Witemeyer is one of my favorite author and I adore her books. But she has completely outdone herself with this one!
I neatly written story about a society that keeps together no matter what. Friendships overcoming old prejudices. And "delightfully gawky" but oh so "wonderfully sweet" characters that open our eyes to were true wroth is found.

This story is endearing, touching and captivating. There's a thread of mystery, a good taste of hillarious moments and just perfect sigh worthy instances.

This book was fabulous! I really loved the notion that two people met each other over the telegraph lines! A very creative story line and I know Witemeyer found actual real life examples which just makes it even more fun! I met my husband online so this was a fun history lesson!

I've loved every one of Witemeyer's books because she writes such excellent characters. She always has a perfect mix of personality, wit, adventure, and romance. This series is especially fun since Harper Station is almost all women! Such a unique setting with so many interesting people.

I really loved Amos' determination in this book. He knew what was important to him and always put it first. I was especially impressed with his financial responsibility and how he took care of his family. I also loved his hobby in the book too!

It never really occurred to me that telegraph operators would be allowed to chat over the lines. Such a fun form of communication. Basically the first "instant messenger" or "texting."

This book had really great adventure and suspense too. I really liked how the adventure and romance weaved together in the end to form a strong relationship. I love how hard times tend to bond people together.

This was a great book and I'm already looking forward to her next one.

I received an advanced copy from Bethany House. This review is my honest opinion.

Heart on the Line is the second novel in Karen Witemeyer's Ladies of Harper Station series, and it was just as entertaining and well written as her other novels. This novel was filled with suspense, romance, danger, and unexpected twists and kept me enthralled throughout.While this novel can be read without reading the first novel, it is certainly better if you are already familiar with the ladies of Harper Station from the first novel. I definitely went back and looked at the first book, No Other Will Do, in order to remember a little bit more about each character. I enjoyed learning more about Grace and her past after being introduced to her in the first novel. My perspective of her completely changed while reading this novel and seeing more of her underlying character. I also enjoyed meeting Amos Bledsoe and how he was almost the complete opposite of what Grace was hoping for and of her personality as well. I loved how their relationship began over the telegraph wires and continued to be communicated via Morse code even when they were in the same town. I liked how they brought out the best in one another and how each was forced to step beyond their comfort zone as they grew closer and had to deal with what was going on.


The other characters in this novel were fantastic as well. I enjoyed seeing old faces like the two maidenly aunts, Emma, Victoria, and Helen. It was great to see how both Emma and Malcolm and Victoria and Ben had grown in their relationships since the first novel. I also enjoyed learning more about Helen and see her soften and change as she was forced to see past her distrust of all things male. Overall, I highly enjoyed this novel, and I cannot wait for the next one.


I received this novel from Netgalley and Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.

Grace Mallory is the telegraph operator in Harper's Station, a women's colony founded by Emma Chandler. After hours telegraph operators can talk to each other, which is how Grave meets Mr. A from Denison. While talking to Mr. A she receives an urgent warning, related to her past.

While they are talking Amos Bledsoe overhears an urgent warning while talking to Grace, he decides to take action and come to help. Amos prefers his bicycle to riding horse, and he isn't the typical broad shouldered hero, but he boards a train and rents an uncooperative mule in order to get to Harper's Station as soon as possible.

Upon arrival Amos is greeted by a woman with a gun and a woman with a plate of cookies and then promptly thrown in jail. Will he be able to prove who he is, and help Grace with the danger that she faces?

Grace is clever and quick thinking, she has the support and friendship of all the women in Harper's Station. She's courageous and doesn't take the easy way out, and leans on her faith to see her through.

Amos fits right into Harper's Station, and it doesn't take him long to realize that he wants to pursue a relationship with Grace. He is intelligent, considerate, and has a quirky sense of humor that Grace appreciates. They have a great connection, and conversation between then is natural, and full of spark.

I love how Grace helps Amos prove his identity, and how they work together to discover the secret that her father found before he died. This is a great read from beginning to end, which great chemistry between Amos and Grace. I loved seeing some of my favorite townspeople again, and Emma Potter's story as well. I loved the great sense of community in Harper's Station, humor, and dialog. Fast-paced read that put a smile on my face, I enjoyed every bit of this wonderful read!




Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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."

Heart on the Line was so much fun to read! It is the second book in the Ladies of Harpers Station series. I was blessed to read the first book in this series, but don't feel you have to in order to enjoy this one. That being said, I loved visiting the ladies of Harpers Station again! Witemeyer transported me to another place and time, and I enjoyed every minute of it. She had me laughing, and biting my nails in the same chapter. I love how the characters lived out their faith, and it even showed when they doubted a little. This book follows Grace and Amos as they work together to solve a mystery.

Grace and Amos have been corresponding over their telegram wires for quite some time now. When Amos sees an opportunity to meet Grace in person he doesn't hesitate. Will they share the same chemistry in person? With Grace being in danger they both must work as fast as possible to figure out what Graces father knew. Solving this mystery won't come easy, but Amos is up for the task. Can Grace find out if he is the man of her dreams before it's too late?

I can't say enough when I tell you I loved this book. There was a fun side story that I also fully enjoyed. I know when I'm picking up a book by Witemeyer I am in for a treat, and this one totally fits in that category. I enjoyed that for once the main male character wasn't brawny and big. Don't get me wrong though, I do love them too! Amos was smart and unique and I enjoyed getting to know him. I loved getting to hear more about Grace and her story, and know you will enjoy it as well. I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.

Heart on the Line is the second novel (and third book) in Karen Witemeyer’s Ladies of Harper’s Station series. It is a standalone story, but you’ll probably understand the women’s colony and their attitude to men better if you at least read No Other Will Do first (and perhaps Worth the Wait as well).

Like No Other Will Do, Heart on the Line is a departure from Karen Witemeyer’s witty historical romances, in that it’s more of a witty romantic suspense.

It starts with a Prologue, which I found rather confusing—we were introduced to a lot of off-stage characters in short order, perhaps too many. The point was introducing the central conflict of the novel: that Herschel Mallory has discovered Chaucer Haversham isn’t the rightful heir of his father’s fortune, a discovery Mallory pays for with his life, leaving his daughter an orphan on the run.

Chapter One opens a year later. Grace Mallory is hiding in the women’s colony of Harper’s Station, and working as the local telegraph operator. After hours, she chats online (on the telegraph line, not our ourline!) with Mr A., the telegraph operator in a neighbouring town. All is well, until she receives a late-night coded message that might mean her hiding place has been found.

When Amos Bledsoe hears Miss G might be in danger, he travels to Harper’s Station to protect her—and to see if the chemistry between them sparks in real life the way it does over the lines. Of course, there is the obvious issue of a man turning up in a women’s colony after they’ve all been warned to expect bad men … but that’s sorted out in a most original manner.

It’s an excellent novel. Grace and Amos are both great characters, and their shared occupation made for some great moments. The writing was excellent, a perfect mix of humour, romance and suspense, with just the right injection of the Christian faith. There was also a subplot with the man-shy Helen, and I loved that as much as the main Grace/Amos romance plot.

And there was plenty of suspense. The identity of the evildoer was kind of obvious to the reader, but was equally obvious to Grace (yay for intelligent heroines!). That added to the fun—how would she keep him from knowing she was onto him? And who would find the missing documents first!

Recommended for all romantic suspense fans.

Thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

Heart On The Line is a modern day "Who's Got Mail" in a way - well maybe not...Grace and Amos are able to hook up emailing the 1890's Texas style way. The author isn't afraid to talk about GOD (Amen), to laugh, and to have romance with that awesome storyline and she is not happy with just that though she had to amp it up by adding in a big touch of mystery and suspense - whoooooooo doggies - I love this book - it really gets you tied in emotionally to the characters not just Grace and Amos either - she (the author) also has another couple in there to keep you intrigued - not like a lot of books that give you the two main characters - this author gives it to you full throttle - to keep you so enthralled that you don't realize that you have any dead areas - the whole book move with emotion, story, mental, playfulness that you are having too much fun to put the book down until you have to -- - when it is done.....