Karen Witemeyer: Heart on the Line

By Kelly Bridgewater

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.

From Amazon

My Thoughts:

Heart on the Line by Karen Witemeyer is the second book that I have read from her. I read Head in the Clouds before. Usually I'm not a big fan of westerns. They just don't appeal to me. But everyone always talks about Witemeyer's stories. Plus, I met her at an ACFW conference, and she is such a sweet and approachable lady. I really enjoyed meeting her. As for her writing, she is really good. She knows what her audience wants and delivers. Witemeyer does a great job at bringing the old west to town with her research into the telegraph and bicycle riding. I know nothing about Morse Code, so it was nice to see it being used as a secret code even back then. Not everyone knew it.

As a big fan of mysteries, I really enjoyed the mystery element in the story. I was surprised that Witemeyer included one in her story because I don't put mysteries and westerns together. But I actually enjoyed how Witemeyer delivered it. The story moved at a rapid pace, keeping my attention.

The romance between Grace and Amos appeared to be completely different. They met over the telegraph line, then fell in love the more time they spent together. What I really liked about Amos is that Witemeyer didn't make him have the appearance of a typical cowboy. You know, the handsome, gun-toting cowboy. Instead, he wore glasses and really had no muscles, but he was cunning, intelligent, and would do anything to protect Grace. I like reading stories without the typical hero.

In conclusion, as my second book into the Witemeyer library, I enjoyed this story and wouldn't be disappointed if I had to pick up another one. Fans of Witemeyer's other stories should pick this one up. Even younger fans of westerns might enjoy her writing.

I received a complimentary copy of Heart on the Line by Karen Witemeyer from Bethany House Publishing, and the opinions stated are all my own.

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Would you pick up a book in a genre that you normally don't read? Why or why not?

*******************************************************************

Giveaway Winner!

Last week, I ran a contest to giveaway a paperback copy of Not by Sight by Kate Breslin. Thank you for everyone who entered!!! I appreciate it!

 

The Winner is . . . 

Susan Cornwell!!!! 

I sent a message through Facebook messager, so contact me ASAP!!! 

*******************************************************************