Short Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer

 

Short Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer 
5 Stars 

Meredith overhears a plot to burn the Archer brothers off their ranch and a 12 year old debt compels her to take the risk....Travis Archer confronts a female trespasser he met once before...she is injured and her reputation is in shambles.....4 brothers, 4 straws, 1 bride....

Karen does it again, a favorite backlist book, let's goooo! Love the Archer brothers!

What I loved most about Short‑Straw Bride is how it tackles a topic Christian Fiction often avoids: intimacy inside marriage - with no explicit details whatsoever, just open honest discussions and it was honorable. We rarely talk about what healthy intimacy looks like in marriage, especially when both spouses are inexperienced, nervous, or carrying emotional gaps from childhood. This was beautiful.

I think if you like marriage of convenience books, this is one to check out. 

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4zrKemj
Libro.Fm Audio: https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9781464048821-short-straw-bride

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To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer

To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer 

5 Stars

I am having the BEST time going through Karen's backlist books y'all! THEY ARE SO GOOD. This is what Christian Fiction should be to me! 

I read this book with my friend Melissa and we both loved it so much! This book is a story of second chances, redemption, keeping promises made to the Lord even when it's hard....so many good things here.

Levi was THE BEST guy and his redemption story was so strong. He has a tough background where he paid for his crimes and committed his life to the Lord going forward. He is in town and starting fresh as the town's new blacksmith. He also has a lisp and has for as long as he could maintained not saying words with the "s" sound as he is embarrassed by this. As a Mom to a little guy with speech issues, this tugged at my heart strings so much. Karen is so talented to be able to maintain using words without the "s" sound in his dialogue too. Eden is the librarian in town and while she doesn't really seem like the nicest woman in the world at first, the Lord opens her heart throughout the story and I loved seeing her faith journey unfold here. Levi and Eden together were the best, and seeing how they each cared about every single person no matter their background and stood for the people they believed in, was so good. Despite Eden's original feelings and judgements, the Lord really did a work in her heart about people. 

The book has depth, natural chemistry with the characters, memorable moments and a faith message that stands out.

I honestly don't even know what else to say. This may be my favorite of Karen's, but of course, they all are!! 

p.s. The Sherriff in this book can kick rocks LOL

p.p.s. EPILOUGE took me out. I was sobbingggg! So good.

Content/Trigger Warnings: Alcohol, Saloons, Brothel, Gambling, Romance was kisses only and clean, no language

Libro.fm Audio (Supports Local Indie Book Stores): https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9780840714695-conspiracy
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Amazon: https://amzn.to/4fasIeQ
*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

 

A Tailor Made Bride by Karen Witemeyer

A Tailor Made Bride by Karen Witemeyer
5 Stars

I loved this one! I am really enjoying going through Karen's backlist books. Jericho "J.T." Tucker wants nothing to do with the new dressmaker in town because of his past experiences....issues with his mother and his viewpoint on fashion and beauty have left him with false expectation and impressions about Hannah Richards when she comes to town.

Hannah isn't too sure about his arrogant assumptions and grumpy self....but his little acts of kindness start to open her heart and his as he realizes how wrong he was about her, fashion, dressmaking and beauty. 

I loved the faith content the most in this book. J.T. really had a warped way of thinking when it came to beauty and fashion. His sister and Hannah pointing him back to scripture for him to really seek what the Lord said about the Proverbs woman was so good. I know several reviews mention not loving J.T.'s grumpiness, rudeness and inability to really express his feelings, but honestly, he reminded me a bit of my own husband and his grumpiness when we first met and his struggles to really express his own feelings today. It was a real look at men and Hannah really "seeing his heart" even when he couldn't say how he was feeling exactly was beautiful. 

Great romance, characters and another win for me with Karen!

Libro.fm Audio (Supports Local Indie Book Stores):

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Amazon: https://amzn.to/4d7vFdh
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/9780764207556_a-tailor-made-bride
*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased. 

Head in the Clouds by Karen Witemeyer

 

Head in the Clouds by Karen Witemeyer 
5 Stars 

I LOVE KAREN'S BOOKS! This is one of her backlist reads from 2010 and wow, just so good! 

I loved the characters, slow burn romance, intense aspects but also a very precious story with the sweet young girl, Isabella.

We follow Adelaide Proctor and Gideon Westcott. She has her "head in the clouds" if you will, and her husband plans didn't quite work out with this guy Henry.....she interviews for a governess job in Texas and gets the job on Gideon's sheep ranch. Gideon left his privileged life in England to make a name for himself in America's wool industry. He never expected to become a father overnight when his ward, Isabella, comes under his care. Isabella is 5 years old and lost her parents tragically and hasn't uttered a word since then....Adelaide working there with them softens everyone's heart and its a beautiful story of finding love and family together. Isabella's uncle comes to claim her and they won't stand for it. 

I loved the faith moments, especially the prayers. Adelaide really showed how she cares for Isabella and Gideon in such strong ways. She was patient and willing to do whatever she needed to do to help them. When things look dark...she never gives up. She loves Gideon and Isabella....and she braces the storms regardless of how dark it may look.

Highly recommend for a beautiful Christian historical romance!

*Content/Trigger Warnings: Editing review to mention trigger warning for attempted sexual assault, - scene that depicts someone kisses the FMC against her will and chases after her, grabs her and she gets away with the MMC saving the day. Animal Death, Mild Violence for the time period, death by gunshot, no language, nothing explicit in nature - romance shows marriage + mention of consummating the marriage but it was a biblical viewpoint of marriage in a beautiful way with no sexual acts described in detail. 

Libro.fm Audio (Supports Local Indie Book Stores):
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Amazon: https://amzn.to/4cn1f7Q (On Kindle Unlimited as of 4/3)
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/9780764207563_head-in-the-clouds
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Taming Lady Temperance by Karen Witemeyer

 

Taming Lady Temperance by Karen Witemeyer
Book 1 in The Secret Society of Spinsters Series
4 Stars 

This was just the book I needed during a hard season, filled with laughs and wit! We have a spinster, Noreen and our Deputy, James. Noreen is a member of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union and it's her goal to defend the cause of prohibition. James is the Deputy who wants to preserve the peace...but Miss Noreen ain't havin' any peace! :) She is invited to join the Secret Society of Spinsters and jumps at the chance to rally others behind her movement to shut the local saloon down. James is wanting to be elected sheriff so he really can't afford to be seen as her ally but Noreen ropes him into her plans for a temperance march...the rest is history.

I just had a good time with this book. I think its a fun, old west style book that is a good mix of lightheartedness and emotional depth too. 

James and Noreen together was chef's kiss! They were so funny because they were total opposites and yet, they find themselves pulled to one another all the same. Noreen wasn't your typical female lead either, she was strong willed and passionate about what she believed in. 

This has a good faith thread and I loved the ending with the bit of mystery and court room-trial dynamics! 

Read if you like:

- Clean, historical romances 
- Western Feel
- Cowboys
- Strong Willed Heroines
- Faith Content 
- Humor and Banter 

Thank you to Bethany House for providing a complimentary copy of this book to honestly read and review. All thoughts are my own.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/8318986614
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/9780764244735_taming-lady-temperance
Amazon: https://amzn.to/49QeAEB

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

To Love A Beast by Karen Witemeyer

To Love A Beast by Karen Witemeyer

4 Stars

I love a good beauty and the beast retelling or reimagining and this was a great one! Karen always has a fun twist on her retellings, I loved her Texas Ever After series so this was much anticipated for me to read! It's funny my first review in 2025 was Cloaked in Beauty by Karen and now my first review in 2026 is this one by her! :) 

In the 1800s...we are in Texas. We follow the daughter of a bookbinder who faces the "beast" of the manor...

Everett lives as a recluse in Texas, hiding from his scars left on him by a mad woman who wanted to be with him but he reject her advances only to be left scathed on his face from her. He is over his manor outside of town and no one hardly goes out there....but when an injury to Callista's father jeopardizes the family's book binding business, she goes out to do the work for Everett on her own. Here, they form a relationship together and the rest is history...or is it?

I read this with my friend Melissa and we both loved the Beauty and the Beast elements here. We had so many characters that matched up with the classic fairytale, it was so sweet. Loved the family feel and how everyone was really connected. Sweet romance, kisses only, light faith thread, overall I recommend! 

 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7719048451
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Z0Wb1i

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

 

On A Midnight Clear by Tracie, Karen and Misty (3 in 1 Novella Collection)

 On A Midnight Clear by Tracie Peterson, Karen Witemeyer and Misty M. Beller
 (3 in 1 Novella Collection)

This was a good collection of Christmas novellas centered around the Nativity story. Each one had something unique and different. 

Novella #1: The Shepherd's Heart by Tracie Peterson - 5 Stars 

Loved this one so much. On the western frontier in 1875, we see a widowed sheep rancher with his children, Vincent Duran. He needs a mother for his two children after losing his wife and other children. He and his remaining two children have been through so much grief. Angel Lewis agrees to marry him, a marriage of convenience if you will. They brace a winter storm and find love again. I loved seeing Angel walk through the grief with this family together, helping the children understand what happened and about how to trust God even through hardship. Seeing the real meaning behind Christmas on display through the Nativity story was the best too. I have never read a book by Tracie, but now I have to check out her books!

Novella #2: No Room at the Inn by Misty M. Beller - 4 Stars 

Also on the western frontier but in 1861, Hope and her brother run an inn. A blizzard forces everyone to stay at Hope's home, where a romantic interest occurs between Hope and Noah. Everyone literally has "no room at the inn" and they have to figure out how to all stick together during this storm. Meaning of Christmas is shared and we have very much a Pioneer tale at Christmastime. 

Novella #3: A Star in the West by Karen Witemeyer 4.5 Stars

This one is set in Waco, TX in 1890. This one had a "3 wise man" and a "baby" storyline. A thread of Christmas redemption in Christ too that I really enjoyed. Frank is a Harvard Math Professor who comes to Waco and meets Stella. He is socially awkward and she doesn't see herself as she should. They interact a lot together and there was also some fun humor was in this one too but the ending had serious topics involved and a mention of a brothel / women working at the brother but the redemption in Christ is shown in the situation. 

Overall, this is a great collection that is going to be a good one for the Christmas season, especially to my friends who appreciate good Christian content in their Christmas novellas.

Thank you to Bethany House for a complimentary copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts are my own.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7904838827
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/9780764245725_on-a-midnight-clear
Amazon: https://amzn.to/464ugSP

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Cloaked in Beauty by Karen Witemeyer

 

Book Review: Cloaked in Beauty by Karen Witemeyer 

Book 3 in the Texas Ever After series

We are in Piney Woods, Texas where Letty Hood has been hidden from her uncle who wants to claim her inheritance from her father before she turns 21. Philip Carmichael is a experienced Pinkerton agent that is hired to find Letty before something bad happens to her. This is a heartwarming story of resilience and trusting in the Lord's plan. I love that Karen was inspired by tales like Little Red Riding Hood and Sleeping Beauty, as it makes a great fairytale retelling. 

Letty's character is strong and courageous, which I loved. After years of being in hiding from her uncle, she is thrown into a dangerous journey to claim her inheritance and freedom. Seeing her and Philip together was perfect, as he was a great companion with her. He sees her bravery for what it is up front and you see the mutual admiration they have for one another. I wanted a bit more in the romance personally, but overall enjoyed the book!

A clean historical romance with a fairytale spin - highly recommend! You can also read this as a standalone in the series, as this doesn't specifically have any ties to the previous books in the series. 

Thank you to Bethany House for providing a copy to honestly read and review.

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6738002672

Baker: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/579793
Amazon: https://amzn.to/40m92Ne

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links. 

If the Boot Fits by Karen Witemeyer

 

If The Boot Fits by Karen Witemeyer - 4.5 Stars 

*Updating review to include some thoughts on the ending*

What a great second book in the Texas Ever After series! A western spin on the classic Cinderella tale! This book can be read as a standalone but I recommend starting with book 1, Fairest of Heart.

In this story, Samantha Dearing is going to the ball that her father is hosting to find her a match! She isn't excited about this so she takes a break from the ball and finds a thief fleeing her home. The stranger, Asher Ellis, was looking for in Samantha's father's room for documentation regarding the rent payments since her father was evicting his mother and family from their property. While Asher is running away, he sees Samantha's brother Clint in distress in the water drowning and he saves his life. While no one saw him in this, he left his boot behind and Samantha decides to find the man that "the boot fits". Samantha and Asher cross paths later as she is tutoring his brother and as someone is after Samantha, Asher is devoted to protecting her at all costs and feelings emerge and the story goes on from here.......

Karen does it again with a great Christian Western Historical Romance with a fairy tale spin and I loved it! The romance in this was so sweet and I loved the faith elements throughout the story. The twist in this was not one I saw coming! The fairytale elements were very light but fun enough added in! Definitely its own unique story.

Editing my review to include thoughts about the twist in this story. I know things that get revealed toward the end in some letters/entries is considered a controversial thing here among reviewers but the more I think about it, the more I want to make sure I am clear on how I feel about it.

Every single one of us has sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Neither of us is better than the other. What is depicted in this is an example of someone who made mistakes and repented. Grace and forgiveness were shown. This sin mention in this book is honestly no different than any other sin we have committed ourselves. We are no better than what this person has done in her story. I commend Karen for tackling this topic and showing us what true forgiveness and grace looks like. The character recognized it was wrong and asked for forgiveness. It's so important to show grace, compassion and forgiveness to others and this could have truly happened. I myself have made many mistakes that I am forgiven for in Jesus' name so I found this somewhat relatable for me as well. I just wanted to update this review because I strongly feel this book handled the content in a well manor and Karen was not trying to justify any actions in this.

Thank you to Bethany House for providing a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5808710945
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vmmN1B

Baker Books:

Book 1 and 2 Bundle: 
https://bakerbookhouse.com/bundles/23

Just Book 2: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/542730

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Fairest of Heart by Karen Witemeyer

 

Fairest of Heart - Karen Witemeyer - 5 Stars - A BEAUTIFUL SNOW WHITE RETELLING!

Fairest of Heart is the first in the Texas Ever After series and the first book by Karen Witemeyer I have read and WOW it did NOT disappoint ya’ll! 5 stars and a new favorite author?! SO HAPPY! This book exudes all things southern with a western atmosphere, a fairytale historical romance retelling and excellent faith content. I loved it so much and can’t wait to read more of Karen’s books! This was SO delightful as we have a Snow-White retelling with a swoon-worthy hero! I was HERE for it!

In this book we follow Penelope Snow, the personal maid for famous actress, Narcissa LaBelle. Penelope is a beautiful woman with a gorgeous figure, but she hides it under loose-fitting dresses, so she doesn’t attract attention to herself. In the beginning of the story, Narcissa appears to be helping Penelope get out of a rough situation, but you soon realize, she is the Snow-White Evil Queen all over again! Narcissa constantly is looking in the mirror and obsessed with her own beauty. When she sees Penelope trying on one of her dresses to help Narcissa’s alterations, she gets so jealous that she sends her away to be left for dead. Little does she know, the swoon-worthy and handsome Titus Kingsley and the 7 “old drovers” (dwarves in Snow-White) at Diamond D Ranch help save her and they grow to love her as one of their own….but can she hide from Narcissa forever?

The characters in this really made the story for me. I LOVED our sweet little 7 drovers at Diamond D Ranch – they were these precious grandfather figures to Penelope. Titus and Penelope’s romance was SO SWEET too! What stood out to me the most was the wonderful faith content. I loved how Titus would look to the bible in God’s word for answers to his hard situation. We had SO many scriptures quoted and the characters truly turned to the Lord for guidance throughout the story as they were learning to trust him in every situation they went through.

This was also my first “western” book and I was surprised how much I enjoyed that atmosphere. Even if I don’t always understand some of the language during that time period, I thoroughly enjoyed the setting. I will be picking up more like this in the future for sure. I also think Karen told the story of Snow-White very well! I could easily see the correlation to the characters from the fairytale and I loved that! Overall, a wonderful start to a new series! Thank you to Bethany House, Baker Publishing and NetGalley for a copy to honestly read and review.

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5422072992
Amazon: https://amzn.to/46j8Sah
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/492071

YouTube Review Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNfiPar0nxE
Reading Vlog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fOoVZmMy0g&t=42s