A town of women, run by women. But what about when men come searching for them? Most of the women at Harper's Station are there for a reason. They're hiding from someone or something.

In Heart on the Line, Grace Mallory is the telegraph operator of Harper's Station. She has a fun on the line relationship with a man from a few cities over. She's not one to like men, but this guy seems okay and they have some good laughs chatting on the line.

But then Grace finds out that someone from her past has found out where she is and she has to figure out if she should flee or fight. What happens next is hilarious but also some suspense too.

Amos, the man on the other end of her conversations on the line, overhears or whatever you call it when you eavesdrop through telegraph, a message that's meant for Grace. He can't unhear and feels he should go save her. Because he realized he loves her.

But Amos isn't a cowboy who can shoot and ride in on a white horse. In fact, he wears glasses and rides a bike. But he's determined to save Grace.

This is a wonderful read and the second in a series. I do recommend that you read book one first as it will flow better as a series that way. But both books are amazing and I really think you'll enjoy them both.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

There's not much more satisfying than a sweet romance with a tinge of danger. Grace is a telegraph operator who is in hiding after the death of her father in the mostly all female town of Harper's Station. My heart delighted in the throwback way that Amos, a telegraph operator in a neighboring town, and Grace communicated over the lines, but it was the way he rose to the occasion to offer protection that completely won me over.

The threat is lurking throughout this story, but these strong, quirky, and able characters charm the reader right through the perilous times. Although the plot is somewhat predictable, the "normal" main characters offer a way for the reader to relate. Neither is fantastically outstanding in looks and ability, yet they embody a charm and strength that is captivating.

I adored my time spent in this amusing tale and with these special characters.

Content: mild romance; moderate religious themes; very mild violence/moments of peril

*I received a complimentary copy through Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

Karen Witemeyer at her very best! The Ladies of Harper’s Station books just get better and better. This is my favorite in the series, but they’ve all been scrumptious, really. I’m looking forward to the finale novella (up next for me).

Grace’s story was so sweet. I really liked her. And Amos! He was a neat hero. I loved that he was “bespectacled” and an atypical hero… that’s what really made him special. His heart was as large as the Rockies too, which added such warmth to his character.

The troubles the gals of Harper’s Station get into! They keep me laughing, for sure. I like that I’m never really certain what’s coming up next, because that’s a good sign of a great author, one who can keep you guessing no matter how many of their books you read.

Mrs. Witemeyer’s books are ones I like to revisit and study to learn the tricks of the trade. Books like hers make my own writing better, because I feel it’s quite a challenge to make my own works-in-progress as surprising and joy-filled and deep as she does hers. Witty lines are always a plus, and she loads them in there.

I especially loved that the telegraph was featured so spectacularly. That’s a rare thing in fiction, but Mrs. Witemeyer pulled it off like the complete pro she is. Lovely detail, surprising tricks of the telegraphy trade, and a really adorable meet-cute! I was pleasantly delighted with this story from beginning to end, and I wish I had time to reread it right away.

It was also neat to see that two complete romances were women so beautifully into a single book. I liked that two of the ladies in Harper's Station shared the limelight in this one.

The narrator on the audio version was delightful! She nailed all the voices and kept them consistent throughout the book, and she made listening to this book so much fun!

Heart on the Line is the second book in the Ladies of Harper's Station series and I absolutely loved it. The way the heroine and hero met on the line was so cute and I really liked their relationship.

The book started off so good and I immediately felt for Grace and what happened. The suspense was unexpected, but I loved that it was pretty consistent throughout the book. :)

All in all, Heart on the Line was amazing and I definitely recommend it!

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.*

Heart on the Line is the latest historical Western romance by Karen Witemeyer. It’s book two of the “Ladies of Harper’s Station” series, the first being No Other Will Do. (Note: There is a novella that takes place between these two books entitled “Worth the Wait”.) This book also works fine as a stand alone, although the setting and background of the town of Harper’s Station and the ladies that live there is explained in No Other Will Do.

Grace Mallory is the telegraph operator of Harper’s Station, and she has begun an anonymous friendship with a telegraph operator of another station on the wire after hours. When troubles come Grace’s way, this operator must decide if he wants to step in and protect a woman he’s never met, or turn a blind eye.

I thought the set-up was pretty unique and this book was charming. The characters and all their quirks made me smile instead of swoon, and as such I would recommend this to someone wanting a light read but one that still contains a fair amount of action and intrigue to keep things moving along. While I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first in the series, I still think it’s worth reading for the cleverness of the plot and characters.

Thank you to Bethany House and Net Galley for providing me with an electronic copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own and were not required to be positive.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion – which I’ve done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.*

Grace and Amos are great pen pals, err.... telegraph pals. They are telegraph operators from different stations and get to know each other by their nighttime chats. When Grace is threatened during one of their evening chats, Amos goes into action to get to her side, on an obstinate and slow mule.

That tells you about how this story goes. Amos has the best of intentions, but he is more of a cerebral hero, rather than the kind you find in most Western novels. I loved the characters and their quirky personalities. While Amos isn't a typical hero, he is a wonderful hero. He will do anything that he can to protect Grace.

Grace has been hiding for over a year and I loved how her friends rallied around her. She has the clues to solve a mystery and will hide them from a bad and greedy man. There is a little bit of suspense and mystery. It is a great blend of a few genres.

I enjoyed this book. Anyone who enjoys a great romance set in the Old West should definitely give it a try. It has Christian themes and contains kissing and non-graphic violence

Without a doubt, Amos Bledsoe lands on the gentlemen's end of the hero scale. He's highly intelligent, modestly athletic, and romantic! Best of all, Amos is DEVOTED, to his faith, to his family, and to his friends (especially those he'd like to be more than friends with)!

I've been a Grace Mallory fan from the moment she pulled her little derringer from beneath her skirts in the first Ladies of Harper's Station book! She is a quiet and compassionate member of the Harper's Station community. Grace is intelligent and courageous, I love that gal!

Heart on the Line has a winning combination of sweet romance, humor, and western adventure with endearing characters. Karen Witemeyer consistently delivers quality Christian fiction. I highly recommend her stories and look forward to the next installment of this series!

I requested the opportunity to read this book through the publisher. The opinions expressed are my own.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel! It was fresh and new, while still maintaining Witemeyer’a trademark humor. The leads were refreshing as they are not the typical leads of a historical novel. That was fun to read. Overall, I would reccomend this book to others. It wasn’t my favorite Witemeyer novel but definitely better than the first novel in this series.

Just asking; have you ever heard someone speak and your imagination sets into place exactly what that person looks like? You are about 90 to 95% sure that if you were to see this imagined person while out and about that you would know exactly who they were. Yes! Me too!

Have you ever cocked an eyebrow and then had that confused tilt to your head when actually see the person that matches up to that voice, and thought "Huh, now that is NOT what I had in mind"? Yep! My thoughts exactly.

Two of the characters in Karen Witemeyer's latest book have conversed over the wire for some time now and have set into place a very close friendship. A friendship that is teetering on that edge of a maybe, possible relationship. Maybe? But these two actually meet, it is definitely not under the normal circumstances. Nope, not when you are in a Witemeyer story. I love how the conversation proceeds to confirm that those in question are who they say they are.

Heart on the Line, written by Karen Witemeyer, falls right in line with her other fantastically written books. You have a damsel that is somewhat in distress and an unlikely knight trying his best to ride into town, albeit on an unsavory character. Just when you think you have the plot figured out and can wrap it up in a neat little package with a pretty little bow, Mrs Witemeyer throws out there an unexpected story line and you are on a roller coaster again.

I loved this book and will read it again. I received this book and was requested to give my honest opinion of what I thought of it. So there you have it. Get your own copy today and let others know what you think.

I really enjoy everything I have read by Karen Witemeyer and this one is no exception. Though I certainly love a strong, rugged hero, Witemeyer's talent made me appreciate the more bookish hero in this story. Though he wasn't the typical hero, he shined and I enjoyed watching them fall in love. I also enjoyed the bonus side-romance that this book included, with a character I had hoped to see fall in love from the previous books. Great job!

I did not review this book. I am a HUGE fan of Karen Witemeyer and have enjoyed every single one of her books (yes, I've read them all) except this one. I've tried several times and have only reached 45% and just couldn't finish. It hurts because I love her writing, but this book was just not for me. I didn't finish reading it despite trying to give it time and start again. Since I didn't finish the book I didn't give it a public review.

Heart on the Line by Karen Witemeyer is an adorable historical romance that delves into the world of telegraph operators. Grace was witness to a terrible crime and she is hiding in the small town of Harper’s Station (a sanctuary for women in need). She works as the town’s telegraph operator and has formed a friendship with Amos, a fellow operator in a neighboring town. Amos learns of Grace’s troubles and comes to Harper’s Station to help, but trouble is about to find them both!

This is book #2 in Witemeyer’s series “Ladies of Harper’s Station.” I previously reviewed book #1 and I enjoyed this one as much as the first! Grace and Amos’ story is as sweet as it is entertaining. I really like the character of Amos and how he isn’t traditionally masculine like you normally see in western historical fiction, but more studious and bookish. Having a non-traditional male lead is refreshing and makes the story that much more interesting! I love the bit of mystery in this series also.

Ms. Witemeyer continues to be one of my favorite authors and I’m excited to see what’s next for the Ladies of Harper’s Station! I would recommend Heart on the Line to anyone who enjoys historical fiction! I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher to review and give my honest opinion.

I loved this nerdy hero! Most heroes are alphas, but this beta had a lot of appeal. The intelligent and brave heroine had my respect and sympathy.

The story was sort an historical “on-line dating” novel, and I loved it. The couple connects over the telegraph wire.

If you’ve read the earlier book in this series, you’ll have an advantage. Unfortunately, I hadn’t. So, the “Aunt Henry” character threw me a bit.

I enjoyed watching the hero and heroine interact. The author included some hilarious scenarios that made me laugh out loud. Clever interactions kept me reading for a while. But I didn’t feel a little lost in this series community.

I would give this book three stars because I lost interest at about 1/3rd of the way into the story. Readers who enjoy a lighter read with interesting characters and fun humor will enjoy this novel, but I do recommend reading book one in this series first.

First sentence: The cheerful tinkle of a bell alerted Grace Mallory to the arrival of a guest.

Premise/plot: Heart On the Line is the second in Karen Witemeyer's Ladies of Harper's Station series. Excepting the prologue, the book is set in Texas in the 1890s--1894, I believe. The heroine, Grace Mallory, is a telegraph operator with a past that's about to catch up with her. But she won't do battle alone, not in Harper's Station, and she even gets a little outside help from fellow telegraph operator, Amos Bledsoe. (He's from a neighboring town.)

My thoughts: Looking for something historical? something dramatic? something romantic? You should consider reading Heart On the Line. Karen Witemeyer is one of my favorite, favorite authors. And she's a favorite for a reason. I love her characters--her heroes and heroines. I love her stories--her settings, her plots. I love how it is oh-so-easy to get swept up into her novels. There are some definite thrills in this one. But in Witemeyer's hands, the dramatic does not become melodramatic.

I enjoy Karen's writing and the depth of her characters. This story was no different. I thought her hero was endearing, different than her other alpha male heroes. The one strange thing was the third POV... I had a hard time getting into those scenes. But otherwise I enjoyed it.

With an unlikely hero, a soft wit and a dime-novel penchant for danger, Heart on the Line is a warm and funny and brilliant executed homage to the wild west. Witemeyer's research into the telegraph trade as well as the "You've Got Mail"-like romance developing between two operators is adorable.

However, the strongest is Witemeyer's winking nod to the imbalance of this genre's favour of alpha heroes and her turning it on its ear with a very self aware narrative. I love authors who can winkingly make fun of themselves and Witemeyer seems to do this---fondly--- with a smart beta in recompense for the many, many typical alpha males before.

Loved it.

Karen Witemeyer has written a tale with just the right mix of romance, intrigue, mystery, and humor in a truly good story. I did read the 1st book in the series, but it didn't matter because these characters were developed on their own merits, not building on the characters in the first book. This is a good stand alone story.

Karen does a great job of developing her characters. They are intriguing and fun examples of the era. She did her research well, and it was good research. In the story that revolves around telegraph operators, the times of late 19th century shine in the idiosyncrasies of life in a town full of women and one man (except for the supply delivery fellow). She resists the temptation for worn jokes, but does poke a little fun at the culture of the day, all within the era--no modernisms, thank goodness.

The pace is fast, but not so fast you whiz by the romance. She makes good use of the anticipation factor so that when the love interests finally recognize their love, it's very satisfying.

You'll get to know all different types of women, and none are caricatures--it feels like they are real and could be your best friends if only you lived way back then.

Five of five stars and this book is worth every penny. It's a keeper for sure.

Thank you NetGalley and Bethany House for my eBook copy to review in exchange for an honest review.

Heart on the Line by Karen Witemeyer

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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Story Notes

Karen Witemeyer’s latest story in her Harper’s Station “series” brings a different look at strength and love – one that will show the value of brains over brawn and honest love over expectations.

This was one of those stories that I was loath to finish, it had so many good elements included in it that it was a real pleasure to read. Ms. Witemeyer begins her story with a heroine named Grace Mallory who has gone into hiding after seeing her father killed right in front of her. She carries with her the proof that Chaucer Haversham is not the true heir to a multi-million dollar fortune – proof that threatens not only her life but the lives of those in the town in which she is hiding. Grace has found momentary peace in the town of Harper’s Station, a mostly all women’s community for which she is the telegraph operator. She has formed an solid friendship with another operator she knows only as Mr. A and she hopes one day to meet in person the man who has been so kind and attentive. But when Grace receives an urgent message that Haversham has discovered her whereabouts, she will have to decide if she can stay in Harper’s Station or should go on the run again. Her new friends will not hear of her leaving and rally together to keep both her and the town safe. Amos Bledsoe, Denison, Texas’ telegraph operator, is the unmet Mr. A, who has enjoyed getting to know Miss G and believes he has fallen in love with her even without having seen her. Given his slight build and glasses, Amos finds it difficult to make favorable impressions on the young ladies of his town; making his relationship with Miss G all the more important to him. When their telegraph conversation is interrupted one evening by the news of danger for Grace, Amos quickly packs a bag and heads to Harper Station to make sure Grace is safe. What he meets is a town that is most ready and willing to defend one of their own, even at gunpoint. Amos gradually proves himself trustworthy to the town and sets out to help Grace see that she would be safe, and loved, with him. I loved the telegraph elements that Ms. Witemeyer included in her story as it gave the story a unique feel. So few jobs were open to women of good reputation outside large cities and I loved that Ms. Witemeyer gave Grace the independence she needed to have while also giving her a vulnerability to keep her from appearing bitter because of her circumstances. I was further glad to see that Ms. Witemeyer showed Grace’s reluctance to form a stronger relationship with Amos because he was not what she had always imagined in a mate. He was not the tall, dark and strong man she had always pictured but Ms. Witemeyer showed that those are not the most important features of a person. Grace learned that strength is different in each person and height gives no indication of a person’s heart. How our imaginations can deceive us into thinking that only one type of person is capable of care and strength! Amos was exactly what she needed and the one that God had brought into her life to make it better than she believed possible. Amos also learned that his lack of bulk or height was nothing to be ashamed of as he was precisely the person he needed to be to serve God and protect Grace. God gave him the abilities and intelligence he would use to help Grace outwit Haversham and his multiple accomplices and God will use Amos to be the protector and mate Grace desires. Ms. Witemeyer had a secondary story running alongside the main plot and I loved this one as much as the other. Helen Potter has lived for over a year at Harper’s Station and has found it the blessing she needed. A town with no men was the perfect solution to her quest to get away from men who would seek gain through her pain. Helen is very wary of any man and is still uncomfortable with the two that her friends have married recently ( their stories are told in previous books). She is seeking peace and a closer relationship with God and does not find it amusing in the least when her path crosses an injured man who turns out to be Pinkerton Agent on the trail of one of Haversham’s accomplices. But her compassionate nature will not allow her to leave Detective Lee Dunbar to die regardless of the fact that he is male. Managing to get him to her home and secreting her friend home to treat his wounds helps ease her fear slightly but Lee will have his hands full trying to prove himself trustworthy to Helen. They are both attracted to the other but Helen is not ready to let go of her well-deserved fear of men. Given the very harsh upbringing she had with her father, Helen has not allowed any man nearer her than a very casual acquaintance. Lee knows she likes him and finding himself falling in love with Helen surprisingly fast, he determines show her that REAL MEN care well for those in their charge – sacrificing anything to keep them safe. It will take a truly dangerous situation for Helen to see Lee as a honorable and loving man. Ms. Witemeyer showed the fear we all hold close after going through deep hurt in Helen and further showed that true freedom from that fear only comes when we give it to God to redeem the hurt for His glory. Additionally Ms. Witemeyer demonstrated the love of Jesus through Lee who was willing to sacrifice all for those he loves. I have quickly become a great fan of Ms. Witemeyer’s stories because she always has a lesson to teach through her writing. She does not shy away from telling the whole and real truth and pulls no punches when it comes to what the Bible says about trust, fear and love. I eagerly look forward to her next works and will certainly be recommending and buying this book for my friends and family. Thank you Ms. Witemeyer for sharing such good and challenging stories, they always make me think of what I would do in the same situation and seek truth from the Source of all Truth.



I received this E-book free of charge from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation from either company for this review.

Ahhh romance, this is a great historical fiction back in the time of the telegraphs. I found the plot to be well thought out and expounded on. It got down right intense in parts of this book and I found myself not being able to put the book down. The gist of finding love across the line was really a great idea and I look forward to reading more from this amazing author. Check this one out for yourself at the links below and enjoy some good old fashion romance in the making with suspenseful things all around.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and was under no obligation to post a review.

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