Review: "More than Words Can Say" by Karen Witemeyer

If you've been around here very often, you know that marriage of convenience stories are my absolute favorite! You also know that I'm much more drawn to contemporary than historical novels ... but I will absolutely read just about any historical marriage of convenience novel, which is why I decided to pick up More than Words Can Say. It was a wise decision 🙂

Review: "The Christmas Heirloom" by Karen Witemeyer, Kristi Ann Hunter, Sarah Loudin Thomas, & Becky Wade

I love a good Christmas novella. I love Becky Wade's writing. So when the two combine, well, that's magic 😃.

The Christmas Heirloom: Four Holiday Novellas of Love through the Generations is a collection of novellas, written by four popular inspy fiction writers, spanning from the 1820s through today. All are loosely connected to the others, and all are delightful.

"stealing the preacher" by karen witemeyer

About the book (from the back cover): A cowboy who wants to be a preacher. An outlaw's daughter who wants to change his mind.

On his way to interview for a position at a church in the Piney Woods of Texas, Crockett Archer can't believe it when he's forced off the train by an outlaw and presented to the man's daughter as the preacher she requested for her birthday. He's determined to escape-which would be much easier if he could stop thinking about Joanna Robbins and her unexpected request.

For months, Joanna had prayed for a minister. A man to breathe life back into the abandoned church at the heart of her community. A man to assist her in fulfilling a promise to her dying mother. But just when it seems her prayers have been answered, it turns out the parson is there against his will and has dreams of his own calling him elsewhere. Is there any way she can convince Crockett he ended up right where he was supposed to be?

With her signature blend of humor, history, and lively western romance, two-time RITA Award finalist and bestselling author Karen Witemeyer delivers a Texas love story sure to steal your heart.

My take: Once again, Karen Witemeyer has written a sweet, romantic, and at times laugh-out-loud funny novel. Stealing the Preacher is the sequel to Witemeyer's delightful Short-Straw Bride, telling the story of Crockett Archer, one of my favorite characters in Short-Straw Bride. However, you definitely don't need to have read Short-Straw Bride to understand and enjoy Stealing the Preacher—this book definitely can function as a stand-alone title.

Crockett and Joanna have a great relationship that is fun to watch, but even more than the love story, I enjoyed the transformation that took place in Silas, Joanna's father (the man who "stole" the preacher). His back story came out at just the right pace, and I loved watching it all "click" as he recognized the role God had played in his life. I thought the whole story was very well written and even had a few twists I wasn't expecting (which doesn't happen too often in straight-up romance).

While I didn't enjoy this book quite as much as I enjoyed Short-Straw Bride, it is a great book that I highly recommend! 4-1/2 stars.

See what other bloggers are saying.
Buy the book.
Read my review of Witemeyer's Short-Straw Bride.
Watch the book trailer:

About the author: Two-time RITA finalist and winner of the coveted HOLT Medallion and ACFW Carol Award, CBA bestselling author Karen Witemeyer writes historical romance because she believes that the world needs more happily-ever-afters. She is an avid cross-stitcher, shower singer, and bakes a mean apple cobbler. Karen makes her home in Abilene, Texas, with her husband and three children. Learn more about Karen and her books at www.karenwitemeyer.com.

About the giveaway: Karen Witemeyer is "kindling" the excitement for Stealing the Preacher (Bethany House) with a Kindle Fire Giveaway and connecting with readers at her June 18th Facebook Author Chat Party!

  One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer 

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at 4pm on June 18th. Winner will be announced at the "Stealing the Preacher" Facebook Author Chat Party on June 18th. Connect with Karen for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Karen will also share an exclusive look at her next book and give away books and other fun prizes throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of Stealing the Preacher and join Karen on the evening of June 18th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 18th!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

"short straw bride" by karen witemeyer

About the book: Meredith Hayes has dreamed about Travis Archer for years—ever since he rescued her when she was a little girl. When she sees the chance to repay the favor and rescue him, she doesn't hesitate—but her desire to help leaves her reputation in shreds, and Travis sees no other option but to marry her. Marrying Travis is a dream come true for Meredith, but will he ever see her as more than another responsibility?

My take: You know how some books just grab you from the first page? Short Straw Bride was like that for me. Once I started reading, I wanted to keep going until I'd devoured the entire novel.

Short Straw Bride is a marriage of convenience story (my favorite plot device!) with a twist, as the heroine has been dreaming about marrying the hero for 12 years. Both Meri and Travis are flawed characters—Meri is headstrong and independent, and Travis is overprotective and stubborn—but their flaws made them seem more realistic and likable. I enjoyed watching their relationship's progression, and at times their chemistry practically lept off the page.

Though a few events in the story seemed contrived merely as a way to keep Travis and Meri from getting together too quickly, most of the plot was unique and entertaining. I especially enjoyed the subplot involving Travis's brother Jim and Meri's cousin Cassie, and I'd love for Witemeyer to write a sequel so I could find out what happens to Travis's other brothers, Neill and Crockett.

This is a light, thoroughly enjoyable read—one of the best historical romances I've read recently! 4-1/2 stars.

Watch the book trailer.

Read an excerpt below:
Short-Straw Bride

About the author: Karen Witemeyer holds a master's degree in psychology from Abilene Christian University and is a member of ACFW, RWA, and the Abilene Writers Guild. A CBA bestselling author, her debut novel, A Tailor-Made Bride, was a finalist in the Best First Book categories for both the prestigious RITA® award and the National Reader's Choice Award in 2011. Karen lives in Abilene, Texas, with her husband and three children. Visit Karen's Web site at www.karenwitemeyer.com.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review from Bethany House Publishers through their book reviewer program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."