After seeing her father murdered, Grace hides out in a remote town as she tries to solve the mystery her dad was working on. Is it a coincidence that soon after she finds out her enemy has found her that a Pinkerton detective shows up in town, as well as a man she’s only known via the telegraph wire? Can they be trusted?
I loved the colorful characters in this book. I would enjoy getting to know “Revolver Granny” (who wears bloomers into battle) and “Cookie Granny” better. I enjoyed seeing Helen pushed out of her comfort zone when a near dead man showed up in her life. I was proud of Grace that she wasn’t swayed by surface beauty but could recognize what really matters. I appreciated her clever ingenuity and her telegraphic communications with Amos. Amos’ desire to be Grace’s shining knight was so sweet. Whether he can attain that in the face of incredible danger is the question.
I hadn’t read a book by this author in quite a long time and I really enjoyed it. The whole idea of a women’s town was fascinating. I am definitely going to go back and read book one in the series and will look forward to reading more about the ladies of Harper’s Station and why they have come to live there.
Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. I was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Ladies of Harper’s Station series:
Book 1: No Other Will Do
Book 2: Heart on the Line

Karen Witemeyer doesn't let readers down with her latest novel, Heart on the Line. It is an amazing read!

The first thing I'll say is that I love, love, love that Amos Bledsoe isn't a muscular, tall, handsome man ~ the usual kind of hero. Karen chose a bespectacled, non-muscular man, someone these days we would call a geek. Such a fresh take on the hero character! She then contrasts the geek with a strong and independent heroine. The characters kept me turning the pages, I just couldn't wait to see their happily ever after 😊

The plot was very good and the sub-plot of Helen and Lee was well-thought out, nicely paced, and perfectly braided in. Other than Head in the Clouds, this was my favorite Karen Witemeyer novel. And yes, I've read them all 😁

It has been a while since I've read a book so quickly. I carried my iPad around the house with me because I wanted to read whenever I had a spare moment. This book was that good.

If you are familiar with Karen Witemeyer's name, then you probably already know that this is a faith-based romance. The Christian content in this book is more upfront than in some other Christian romances I've read recently. It mainly consists of characters recalling Bible verses and asking for God's guidance when they are alone in a difficult situation.

The author created characters I wanted to spend time with and a mystery I cared to see solved. The gentle banter between the hero and heroine felt appropriate for the time period. The epilogue did not annoy me the way many epilogues in romance novels do, and there were no loose ends left hanging to be addressed in the next installment of the series. Witemeyer doesn't need cliffhangers; her writing itself is good enough to compel a reader to pick up her next book.

This was one of the few Karen Witemeyer books I have read and I don’t know why I haven’t read more. She has such a historical flare, almost as though she writes her books with a quill and ink. Now, I know that isn’t realistic but the next time you read a book by her, just imagine that. Grace is strong female character. In fact, though historical fiction it is almost a modern tale. Gangsters, thugs, dirty business. Grace is pure and true, though hiding from such darkness. She adds this light breeze to the book, relaxing the reader throughout the entire story. Amos is my kind of guy, I see a man that can be strong but is so smart. His quirky attractiveness made this reader swoon. I would telegraph with him any day. And I adore his name! How old fashion is this name?

Love, suspense, heartache, and healing are the themes to this book. They play like a strategic game of chess. Moving and shifting to each other at the right moment. If you haven’t read any books by this author, then I highly encourage you to start here with this beautiful story. It will move, melt and give you hope.

Grace Mallory hasn't had the easiest life. After witnessing the murder of her father and receiving his message to get away quickly, Grace finds herself in Harper's Station. She's at least found peace and comfort in her little community, made up mostly of women. She enjoys her job as the telegraph operator and finds her evenings to be entertaining by a mystery man corresponding with her on the other end of the line.

Amos Bledsoe is a simple man, one who enjoys his job as a telegraph operator. He prefers his bicycle over a horse any day and can't wait until his mom and sister leave him alone about finding the perfect woman. When he hears a distress call come over the line, he can't help but run to the aid of his "Miss G".

This was a super intense read that only took me a few hours to complete. I read this during my "anniversary weekend" and loved a few of the comparisons between the characters and my husband and I. We, like Amos and Grace, met "online". Our online meeting was more modern than what Grace and Amos experienced, but fun nonetheless. There is also a bit of an age gap between us all. Not that I mind, and I don't think Grace did either. We also all have a deep love for the Lord, which is above all importance.

I very much enjoyed the story of Amos and Grace and look forward to hearing more about their future. The secondary story line of Helen and Lee is also exciting and I can't wait to see how their relationship grows! I'm very much looking forward to the next book in this series! January 2, 2018 will be the release date of Hearts Entwined!

Thank you to Bethany House Publishing and Karen Witemeyer for providing a complimentary copy of this book to review on NetGalley. The thoughts you have read are my own opinions on this book.

Denver, Colorado - 1894

Grace Mallory is working at the Oxford Hotel as a telegraph operator As she welcomes a new guest, she realizes it is her father. He tells her there is another heir to Haversham House and it’s a female. She is the child of the first wife of Tremont Faversham who died several months ago. Right now, Chaucer Faversham, son of the second wife of Tremont, has taken over running The Silver Serpent Mine. But the workers are having to put in more hours without more pay to compensate them. Chaucer wants the money left from his father. Now, Grace and her father must flee Chaucer as they have the proof that he is not the rightful heir and he knows it. They want to get this information to Pinkerton’s men. However, Grace’s father is shot and killed before he can meet with the Pinkerton men. Possessing the proof herself, Grace flees to a place called Harper’s Station.

Texas

Grace is now living and working in Texas hoping to avoid Chaucer. Sometimes at night, she chats with other operators via telegraph. One person she enjoys talking to is known as A. Dennison. When she realizes that Chaucer has overheard her conversations and he tells her he is coming for her, her when friends vow to protect her. Amos has come looking for her as he has enjoyed their chats and wants to get to know her. But getting past her women protectors is harder than he thought.

Will she be able to avoid Chaucer and help the rightful heir get the inheritance without being harmed? Will Grace and Amos find a relationship?

This was an OK story with some humor but, quite honestly, not a book that I truly enjoyed. However, I know there are lots of people out there who will like this book.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Two sweet romances combined in one heart-pounding mystery with a touch of suspense, and a hunky dose of cowboy. A thoroughly engaging, unputtdownable read.

I was hooked from the beginning right to the end. I went through so many emotions – sad, laughter, cringing, huge smiles, and scared. First off I have to say I loved that Amos wasn’t your typical tall, strong, lawman type hero but rather the average guy who was full of heart. He and Grace have become friends over the telegraph wire, without ever meeting, and yet as soon as he hears she is in trouble he comes running to town to help her. How sweet is that! Amos grew on me more and more throughout the story.

The town of Harper’s Station was formed by women and they trust very few men (only 1 actually lives there). This definitely added an interesting perspective to the story. Grace has found refuge here after her life is threatened and it should be easy to spot a stranger when one comes to town. The women are strong and independent, determined to do things themselves. However this doesn’t bode well for Amos when he first arrives. Can he get past the first impression he makes, earn Grace’s trust and maybe her heart?

Helen is not happy that the number of men coming to town seems to be multiplying rapidly, but then her opinion changes. I really enjoyed her part of the story and as I got further into it I was pretty sure I knew the impact her part would have. But was I on the right track? I had to keep reading to find out.

Along with the romance there is quite a bit of drama and action weaved throughout. I fully enjoyed this story and this town.

I have yet to read a Karen Witemeyer book that I didn't enjoy. Heart on the Line is the second book in this series, but could also be read as a stand alone. This story includes some of the characters that I really enjoyed in the first book, but also introduces the characters of Grace and Amos.

I've read a lot of books in a western setting, and often you find some of the same plot lines. This story had the western aspects I love, but with refreshing twists and characters that were believable. I loved Grace's level-headedness even though she was forced into a dangerous situation. She wasn't a heroine that fell for any handsome face or what anyone told her, but followed her heart (and mind) in everything she did. Amos is not your typical hero, but is so likeable and has a big heart, especially for Grace. Both characters take physical and emotional risks throughout the plot that developed their character and the story. There was a spiritual connection between the characters as well, which was well integrated and didn't feel forced.

Smart, interesting characters, a lot of heart, and a western setting are just a few of the things you'll get in this new Karen Witemeyer book. Even the side plot was entertaining and held my attention. I would definitely recommend this book to readers who enjoy this genre. You really can't go wrong with Karen Witemeyer!

**I was given a free copy of this book from the publisher, via Netgalley, to share my honest opinions, which I did. **

Romance from a unique perspective seems to be Karen Witemeyer's expertise. I find most anything she writes refreshing, fun, and informative.


Grace Mallory is a telegraph operator who has sought refuge in Harper's Station, a Women's colony to escape her father's killer who continues to pursue her because she has something he wants badly, something her father entrusted to her before he died.


Amos Bledsoe has been communicated after hours with a fellow female Western Union operator whom he finds he would like to actually meet and perhaps officially court; however, in the middle of a nightly session, she receives an urgent message indicating her life is in imminent danger and she immediately signs off from Amos.


Heart on the Line is chock full of romance, humor, and mystery. Amos impulsively heads for Harper's Station to do what he can to aid and protect Grace, even though they haven't met. Grace, in the meantime, decides to finally confess to the other women about the danger she is in and that a mysterious man is after her to do her harm. This is the scenario that Amos rides into on an ornery mule instead of the bicycle he prefers and finds himself in jail. The unique way Grace finds to discover if he is who he says he is makes for a very sweet and cute scene.


In the meantime, one of the other women, Helen, who is one of the least trusting of men, discovers an injured man and decides to assist him quietly. At the same time, a Pinkerton agent shows up to confiscate the important items left with Grace by her father. Love, danger, lead, and dots and dashes fill the air making for a page turner.


This novel receives my 5 star recommendation including consideration for your keeper shelf. A very enjoyable and satisfying read. I received this novel from Netgalley for my honest review.

I enjoyed the first book of the Ladies of Harper Station series by Karen Witemeyer (actually, I have enjoyed most of her books) so I was excited when the second book in the series was coming out. It can be read as a stand alone novel. The characters are more fun (in my opinion) if you have their background though. I honestly thought this book was going to be about Tori from the first one. I don't remember much about Grace, but that didn't stop my enjoyment with this book.

Amos (while I'm not a huge fan of his name) was my favorite. Witemeyer's leading men tend to be tall dark and handsome. Amos reminded me of the guys that always get passed over because they are good at math or science instead of football and sports. I loved that he wore glasses and rode a bike. I loved his sense of humor, and his dedication to his family. He was just cute :)

I enjoyed watching Grace grow and develop from a shy telegraph operator to a woman who can hold her own and take care of those she cares about. Her banter with Amos made me smile and sometimes giggle. I was a little surprised that there was a torture scene. It's mild and not descriptive, but it was a little darker than previous novels. There is also shooting and blood. It went well with the story, but if that bothers you, you should probably be aware of that.

I'm glad Witemeyer has come up with this new series and I can't wait for the next installment.

It was a pleasure to revisit Harper's Station and my favorite characters there, as well as getting to know some new ones. I loved the "instant messenger" way that Grace and Amos are able to connect even though they live miles apart. They are so sweet together- Grace brings out protective instincts in Amos and he wants to show her that he can take care of her. Grace appreciates his friendship and reassuring presence, but is used to taking care of things on her own. There's an interesting conflict in Amos- he is accepting of who he is, but is very aware that he's not the strong manly man that ladies find attractive. So there's a dynamic of confidence and vulnerability that Amos finds at odds within himself repeatedly. Grace senses that in him and is thoughtful in the way she interacts with him. The addition of a tall and handsome Pinkerton agent on the scene complicates the situation as Grace must decide if he's trustworthy with critical evidence. I enjoyed the scenes from Helen's point of view, another woman living on the outskirts of the settlement who rescues a wounded man and nurses him back to health, despite her complete fear and mistrust of men. (I *really* hope there will be a novella written with more about her and Lee!) The mystery and romance was entertaining and the climax at the end kept me swiftly turning pages until the conclusion.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Now that summer is at long last here and the sun is shining warmly on my patio – hence my lawn chair – I can finally read outside. I have been looking for novels that match the light hearted, cheery spirit I feel while soaking up some much needed vitamin D and Heart on the Line is exactly that type of book, with gentle humour and a sweet romance at its core.

When a man bursts into her Denver telegraph office, cloaked head to foot in winter gear, Grace Mallory is frightened. When she learns that he is her beloved father, running from danger, she is terrified for him. Mr. Mallory has discovered that the local mine owner is not in fact the legal owner of the mine and he has the paperwork to prove it. Given how the authorities are often in the pockets of the rich, he believes he can trust no one in town with the documents. The two determine to meet with a Pinkerton agent who will take the proof to the courts out East. When her father is shot and killed on the way to that assignation, Grace takes the evidence and flees to Harper’s Station Women’s Colony in Texas. Once there she puts the records in the bank, sets up a telegraph office for the small community and waits to see what happens next.

What happens next is love at first . . . tap?

Amos Blesdoe is an intelligent, slender, well-groomed city slicker. Which would be great if he lived out East but his is a look less than popular with the ladies in the heart of Texas. But that’s okay, he is happy anyway; he has a loving family, a solid faith in God and a job he loves. Being a telegraph operator may not be a very manly position but it is one that provides him with a good living and gives him the opportunity to be of great service to his community. It’s also given him a chance to make some new friends, such as the lovely Miss G from Harper’s Station. The two have taken to ‘talking’ over the wires during the quiet evening hours, sharing anecdotes about friends, family and their communities. These chats have come to mean a lot to Amos so when they are interrupted one night with an urgent message for Ms. G that says “He knows where you are. Coming for you. Sorry.” he determines to race to her assistance.

After a few mishaps along the way, Amos is able to connect with Grace and offer his aid. While the gun-toting, straight-shooting lady doesn’t really need a protector, she is delighted to have a friend and ally. Meeting allows them to take their relationship to a new level and the two are happily on their way to being a couple when a spanner is thrown into the works. A muscle bound, roguishly handsome Pinkerton detective arrives on the scene to help Grace get the forms to the proper people – and who seems very interested in getting to know her a lot better. Will Amos lose his new love to this manly man? And is it really help that has come to their doorstep – or trouble?

Amos and Grace are wonderful, warm characters who imbue their love story with charm, humor, and homespun warmth. Amos’s delight in things mechanical, from telegraphs to bicycles, makes him just the right sort of modern. His acceptance of working women at a time when that wasn’t the norm, and his appreciation for Grace’s independence went a long way to endearing him to me. In fact, one of the few quibbles I had with the book came at the start when Amos arrived in town and tried to prove his masculinity by showing he couldn’t be pushed around by acting authoritative and condescending. Fortunately, this unreasonable phase passes within a few pages and he settles into being a kind, respectful partner. I also really liked that in the crucial action sequences Amos didn’t turn into a hero extraordinaire; he and Grace took equal part in extricating themselves from trouble.

Grace is a terrific heroine, feminine yet strong, sweet but still courageous, daring and brave. I liked the fact that she never makes an issue of her independence but simply accepts it as a part of herself and expects others to do the same. I loved the fact that her relationship with Amos wasn’t just built on physical attraction but on all their mutual interests; their love of God and family, their shared love of telegraphy and their willingness to embrace the new and different. While another small quibble I have with the book is that we don’t get quite enough time with them as a couple, I thoroughly enjoyed what we did get. It helps that the romance-factor in the tale is upped by a sweet secondary love story.

Heart on the Line is a captivating, enjoyable book filled with adventure, wit and whimsy. Fans of the author will be delighted with this offering and the opportunity to catch up with old friends from Harper’s Station. New readers needn’t fear; the story stands completely on its own and will quickly make you a fan of the author. I am happy to recommend it to readers of Westerns, Inspirationals or anyone looking for a light, lively read.

Heart on the Line

by Karen Witemeyer

Bethany House

Bethany House Publishers
Christian

Pub Date 06 Jun 2017

I am voluntarily reviewing Heart on the Line through Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley:

1894 Denver Colorado, Grace Mallory is a telegraph operator through Western Union at a local hotel.

Grace Mallory is tired of running, and hiding, but after a friend sends her a telegram warning her that the man who has hunted her may be on to her, she may have to read again.

Will the town that has protected her for nearly a year be able to do when this man hunts her again, or will she put those she has grown to love and those who love her in danger?

Find out it Heart on the Line.

Five out of five stars.

Happy Reading.

This was another delightful read from Karen Witemeyer. It was a little different than most of her books in that it followed the main romance but also had a side romance. The way Witemeyer did it was tasteful and still gave you the depth to her characters that you normally expect from her. I could relate to almost all of the characters in some manner and it made the story more enjoyable for me. I liked how Witemeyer took the modern online dating and put it in the past as two people talking over the wire using Morse code. I guess one negative thing I could say about the book was that I wished I could have fallen deeper into Helen's story and have it as a separate book, but I guess that attests to how well I enjoy Witemeyer's characters.

Grace Mallory is tired of running, of hiding. But when an old friend sends an after-hours telegraph transmission warning Grace that the man who has hunted her for nearly a year has discovered her location, she fears she has no choice. She can't let the villain she believes responsible for her father's death release his wrath in Harper's Station, the town that has sheltered her and blessed her with the dearest friends she's ever known.

Amos Bledsoe prefers bicycles to horses and private conversations over the telegraph wire to social gatherings with young ladies who see him as nothing more than an oddity. His telegraph companion, the mysterious Miss G, listens eagerly to his ramblings every night and delights him with tales all her own. For months, their friendship--dare he believe, courtship?--has fed his hope that he has finally found the woman God intended for him. Yet when he takes the next step to meet her in person, he discovers her life is in peril, and Amos must decide if he can shed the cocoon of his quiet nature to become the hero Grace requires.

What a refreshing book. Amos was not your typical hero material. He wore spectacles and was not brawny. He wasn't a great shot or horseman either. But he made a great hero. He leaves his job and family to rescue the woman that he loves, Grace. Grace doesn't seem to mind that Amos isn't the traditional hero. She finds herself falling for him. When Grace finds herself abducted it is Amos to the rescue.

I really enjoyed reading more about the ladies of Harper's Station. I would highly recommend this book.

Friends, you are in for a treat when you pick up this book! I've been a fan of Karen's writing for many years and was excited to read Heart on the Line. Harper Station is such a unique place, and a delight to visit. I'd like to tell you that I savored this book, over two or three days. But the truth is, I gobbled this book in a day like the hungry book dragon I am and loved every moment!

Grace Mallory likes to blend into the crowd. She enjoys her work at the Telegraph office and her solitary life. She has made a friend on the telegraph line with a Mr. A, never guessing that circumstances would bring him to her door.

Amos Bledsoe runs the Telegraph office in Denison. He is not your stereotypical hero, but a hero in his own right. His charm, his big heart, and caring nature will win over any fair lady who takes the time to really see him.

I enjoyed revisiting Harper Station, seeing old friends from the first book and I was pleasantly surprised with the love story of two unlikely secondary characters. It was kind of like getting a bonus story in the story. But I won't tell you who, you will have to read the book to find out for yourself!

Before I realized it, I was reading the last chapter, and I wasn't ready to say good-bye. I enjoyed reading Grace & Amos's story, and can't wait to visit Harper Station again!

Visit my blog at: www.joyofreadingweb.wordpress.com

I really like this author. I was not surprised at the story or the characters. It is another likable tale that held my interest and entertained me while I read.

What a unique and fun read from Karen Witemeyer! Those who read No Other Will Do (the first book of the Ladies of Harper’s Station series) already have an introduction to many of the lovable residents of the town.
In Heart on the Line, readers get a peek into the lives of telegraph operators. And what a peek it was!
My favorite part of this book was the secret language Grace and Amos had developed in their careers. Another fun angle was that Amos isn’t your typical romance hero. He prefers riding a bicycle over a horse, wears glasses, and is mocked by women in his hometown.
Yet Amos’s decision to be brave, to take the risk to meet the woman he has only conversed with over the wires shows he’s more than his appearance.
Grace has found a home in Harper’s Station as a refuge. After a tragedy, she ran from Colorado and found this women’s colony in the state of Texas. Sure, she dreams about the man she corresponds with almost nightly, but she knows she can’t involve him, or anyone, in the danger that might appear at any moment.
When Amos and two other men invade Harper’s Station, there are plenty of questions, doubt, and puzzles to solve. Who can Grace trust? Will she be fall prey to a handsome face or depend on a friend with the potential to become so much more?
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Grace Mallory finally feels safe in Harper's Station surrounded by supported friends, working at a job she loves, and getting to know a mysterious and engaging fellow telegraph operator every evening. When she gets a message from a friend warning that the man who has hunted Grace for the last year has discovered her location, Grace must choose whether to trust her new friends and face the man responsible for her father's death, or continue to run.

Quiet, yet charming Amos Bledsoe knows he isn't the rugged and dashing hero most women look for in West Texas. But as he talks nightly to his delightful telegraph companion-- Miss G.-- he begins to wonder if he has finally found a woman that will appreciate and love him for who he is. When he finally builds up the courage to meet her in person, though, he discovers that his potential love interest may be in mortal danger.

Will Amos have the courage to leave his quiet and comfortable life to save Grace? Will Grace be able to trust him even if he does?

In Heart on the Line Karen Whitemeyer takes readers back to Harper's Station for another entertaining story full of adventure, mystery, and love. I adored the fact that Amos wasn't the typical gun-wielding, horse-riding, tough-guy hero of typical Western romances. Small, shy, and introverted Grace was equally refreshing. In addition to creating interesting characters, Whitemeyer manages to simultaneously tell a beautiful love story and intriguing mystery, while also teaching reminding readers to look beyond outward appearances. I thoroughly enjoyed this latest installment, and can't wait to return to Harper's Station.