Tuesday, September 12, 2017

A Clever Mix of Sweetness and Suspense | Review of Heart on the Line



About the Book

Witemeyer Returns with Her Trademark Blend of Adventure, Romance, and Humor

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.

Available Now!

My Rating

Spring/Summer

My Review

While Grace and Amos take great risks in this story, I know it's not much of a risk to try a new Karen Witemeyer book—because I'm bound to enjoy it! I haven't read the first book in this series, but I found it easy to drop into Grace and Amos's world. Their romance is unique and sweet, as they can communicate in a way many others can't...and their hearts beat in a similar frequency too, with their quiet ways mixed with profound inner strength and life.

The line of danger and fear underscoring each page leading up to the epic finish definitely keeps the pace moving along. I confess I set this book aside often, but I think it had more to do with a lot of distractions in my personal life than a lack of interest. Once pieces were set in motion for the showdown, I was quite hooked!

The main setting of a women's colony adds a different element to a familiar Western flavor, and the occupation of the hero and heroine (along with their resourcefulness) make for some fun scenes and clever twists. Heart on the Line is as suspenseful and enjoyable as Witemeyer fans would expect.

I should also add that a secondary character took center stage now and then with her own storyline, and I love how her character grew on me. The lessons she learns about trust are quite powerful!

*With thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC of the book.*

Other Karen Witemeyer Stories I've Reviewed...
A Tailor-Made Bride | Head in the Clouds | Short-Straw Bride | Stealing the Preacher | A Cowboy Unmatched | Love on the Mend | The Husband Maneuver

4 comments:

Chloe the MovieCritic said...

Hello Amber! How are you doing?

This book sounds delightful, I will have to find it and read it!!!

MovieCritic

Amber Holcomb said...

MovieCritic,

Hello, friend! Thanks so much for asking about me. :) I'm doing well! I got married in July, and Josh and I just moved this month to Montana. So, things have been busy, but definitely good!

How have you been?

As for this book, it really is quite enjoyable! Karen Witemeyer writes really fun, engaging stories. :)

~Amber

Chloe the MovieCritic said...

Congrats! Yay!!! And you moved to Montana! Wow! (I live in MT too!)

I have been good, I had a bit of a head cold the last few days, but I am better. Work for fall has been in progress.

I haven't ever read any by her, but I think this might have to be the first!

MovieCritic

Amber Holcomb said...

MovieCritic,

Aw, that's awesome!! We're state-sisters now. ;)

But that's not-so-awesome about the cold. :( Those are definitely no fun! I'm glad you're doing better now, and I hope you're enjoying the change in seasons.

I also hope you enjoy Karen's books if you give them a try! I've read most of hers, and I especially recommend A Tailor-Made Bride, To Win Her Heart, Short-Straw Bride, and The Husband Maneuver (novella). :)

~Amber