FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book, and I ended up listening along with the audio too. These are my honest thoughts.

The children in this story were delightful! I love a story that features prodigies, and the talents these particular kiddos had were lovely and well written.

I adored the use of dime novels in this story. So creative!

The “grizzled gnome” was amazing, as was Dead-Eye Dan.

There were plot twists galore, which pleased this reader’s heart. I also enjoyed the adventure of it all. It was quite a great romp!

Leading lady, Charlotte Atherton, had a wonderful heart for children, and I love that her mama-bear mode was well on display. This personality trait made Charlotte so relatable.

The narrator of the audio version, Barbara McCulloh, did a marvelous job! She was delightful at voices, particularly that of the little girl. I’m looking forward to listening to more of the books she’s narrated.

The only disappointments were the two profane words and one expletive in the early chapters. I’d never heard such vulgar language in a Karen Witemeyer book before. I was quite shocked. If it weren't for those three words, this book would have hit my favorites list, because it was a fun adventure of a western.

Content: two profane words, one expletive.

1891 Texas
Charlotte is a music teacher at Sullivan's Academy For Exceptional Youths. They abruptly decide to close the school. A school that charged a high tuition. Some students were accepted even though they were not "gifted", because of this large "donation". Sounds timely considering the recent news of popular Stars/Actors paying huge fees to get their children into prominent schools, "smoothing the way" for them. Charlotte had a special spot in her heart for these children, even paying the way for some. So she did what anyone would do. She took a few of the students with her, during the night. Unfortunately the Grandfather of one the children sent a bounty hunter, Stone, after them. He was one of the best and hoped to use the money from this job to build his house and settle down in peace. As he scoped her out at her hideaway, he realized that this wasn't as he had been told. They were happy together. The story that unfolds certainly holds your attention as you get to know the hearts of these people. You'll find yourself rooting them on!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and Netgalley book review bloggers 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.”

A Worthy Pursuit was an amazing read. I've read and loved several Karen Witemeyer stories, but I think this is one of my favorites. I found the characters delightful and the danger in the story made for a gripping read.

The romance was very good. I liked how she was "a worthy pursuit" and the ending was so tender and sweet. The writing was excellent and I didn't have any trouble following the story.

All in all, I loved A Worthy Pursuit and recommend it if you like historical romance novels. It is a great one.

*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.*

Witemeyer creatively places her heroine and hero in situations that cause conflict and stand in the way of their feelings. In this one, Stone Hammond is a tracker sent to find the woman who kidnapped the granddaughter of his wealthy client. He's the best in the business and the clues lead him to the Texas homestead of Charlotte Atherton, the girl's former teacher. Charlotte claims she was acting as the girl's legal guardian and produces paperwork to prove it, placing Stone in the position of wondering if he's trusted the wrong person in this circumstance. When danger threatens Charlotte and her charges, Stone vows to protect them. Both of them have to decide if it's worth the risk to trust.

Though it's an inspirational romance set in the 1800s Texas frontier, Witemeyer rarely casts her heroines as damsels in distress. They are strong women capable of taking care of themselves and making decisions but who find themselves in situations where they need the help of a good man. Charlotte is fiesty and independent but scared to trust. Stone is as hard as his name sounds when he's in pursuit of his prey but fiercely determined to protect the innocent and win the heart of this woman.

Danger and romance combine for a story I could hardly step away from. Another solid story from Witemeyer and just what I needed for the mood I was in.