Welcome to the seventh month of the Unlocking the Past 2021 Reading Challenge. This month focused on the Progressive Era, and my choice of story was Heart onf the Line by Karent Witemeyer. Once you read my review, don’t forget to comment to be entered for your chance to win a copy.
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Heart on the Line by Karen Witemeyer
I’ve long been a fan of Karen Witemeyer’s books. In fact, I think I own almost every book she’s written, even though I’ve far from read them all. It was a joy to pick up one of her books this month and read Heart on the Line. It was an adorable historical twist on “meeting online.” And Karen NEVER fails to deliver on the action and adventure. I didn’t pay attention to this being a book 2, but it stands alone without having read the first story. However, I am definitely going back and reading Emma and Malachi’s story now.
Heart on the Line is one of those reads that stick with you long after you finish reading. I’m still chuckling over the quirky characters and thinking through the spiritual lessons they grew through. Amos is one of those heroes who doesn’t quite fit the mold, yet has all the qualities you would want in a hero. I loved his own acknowledgment of not being the kind of man a woman takes a second glance at. While insecure, he managed to have an underlying confidence that made you root for him even in those moments of doubt. Grace was intelligent, brave, and wise while still having room to grow as a person.
I recommend this novel for fans of friends to more, somewhat awkward heroes, and stories laced with humor, danger, and spiritual truths that don’t Bible thump you.
Genre: Historical Romance, Texas 1894
Plot Overview:
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 I loved: I absolutely adored the relationship between Amos and Grace, but even more so the relationship between Helen and Lee. Both had their own tugs and pulls, and both sets were willing to risk their lives not only for each other but for the community at large.
Favorite Character and Why: It’s a tie between Helen and Amos. Helen’s growth as a character was so fun to watch. My heart ached and cheered for her as she moved beyond the hurts of the past toward a stronger relationship with Christ and others. Amos was just an adorable hero who had such an underlying strength that he won my heart right off the bat.
Who would like this? I recommend this novel for fans of friends to more, somewhat awkward heroes, and stories laced with humor, danger, and spiritual truths that don’t Bible thump you.
Rating and Why: Five. The story while somewhat predictable was satisfying and lifted my spirits. I loved the action involved, and the romance was just the right amount to swoon without gagging. (Yes, this romance author can’t take too much romance without gagging. LOL)
PURCHASE LINKS
Amazon Baker Bookhouse Barnes & Noble Books-a-Million Book Depository Bookshop.org Christianbook.com
Reading Challenge Giveaway
Comment with what you read for this month’s challenge to be entered to win a print copy of Heart on the Line by Karen Witemeyer. This giveaway is open to U.S. and International Residents who are legally able to enter. If an international winner is picked and Book Depository cannot ship, they will get a $10 Amazon Gift Card. Comment or use Rafflecopter for extra entries by 11:59 pm (EST) on August 7th to be eligible to win. Happy reading!
I read “The Prince of Spies” for this month’s challenge. I love Elizabeth Camden’s books. This was a delightful finish to her Spice series!
I can’t wait to finally get around to reading that book. I am SOOOOO far behind on my reading. I’m barely keeping up for this challenge and a book club I am in. I’ve got your entries added!
I read A Lady In Attendance by Rachel Fordham. This is her recent release and I loved it!! It shows the progression of women in the workplace but is by far the cutest romance I have read in awhile. 😀
I’m reading A Life Once Dreamed right now for a book club! Her romances really are so sweet. I’ve got your entries added!
I don’t think I’ve submitted my July book yet. I listened to books 4-7 in Kari Trumbo’s Brothers of Belle Fourche series – Saved by Grace, When Shadows Break, Along a Tangled Path, and A Lady Loves Much.
Wow! You really got some books in! I’ve got your entires entered. 😀
I read A Dangerous Legacy by Elizabeth Camden.
I read A Gilded Lady by Elizabeth Camden.
That is such a good book too. A first look at the Secret Service beginning to protect the president. I love reading other Secret Service fiction. I’ve got your entries added!
Glamorous Illuisions by Lisa T Bergan. It was set in 1913 with most of the story taking place on a Grand Tour of Europe. It was very interesting and a great start to a series. Knowing the history with WWI coming in 1914, it was a little sad as I kept wondering what would come soon for these characters. Definitely need to find and read the rest of the series!
Oh! It sounds intriguing. I think I have one of her books on my shelf that I haven’t read yet. I’ll have to see if it’s that one. I’ve got your entries added.
Oh! That was my first Elizabeth Camden book! So intriguing. I’ve got your entries added!
I read Secrets of Sloane House by Shelley Gray, set during the Chicago World’s Fair.
I have that whole series sitting on my shelf, taunting me. I really need to just get all my HAVE TO READS together and start picking away at them. I’ve got your entries added. (Did you enjoy it?)
I read The Reckonjg of Gossamer Pond by Jamie Jo Wright. It was sooo good!
I have it sitting on my shelf. I admit I’ve been a little intimidated to pick up one of her books yet. I’m working up the nerve though. I’ve got your entries added.
I read In Places Hidden by Tracie Peterson. And I agree, Heart on the Line is a great book!
I was just looking at filling some holes on my Tracie Peterson collection. I’ll have to see if I own that one. I’ve got your entries added!
I read “Far Side of the Sea” By Kate Breslin
I hope you enjoy reading it this month! I’ve never read anything from Kate Breslin.
I sent you what I intend to read for August! So sorry! I read “A Dangerous Legacy” by Elizabeth Camden
It happens! LOL “A Dangerous Legacy” was my first Elizabeth Camden book. I hope you enjoyed it. I’ve got your entries added!