Review: Heart on the Line

Heart on the Line is the second novel in Karen Witemeyer's series, The Ladies of Harper’s Station. Book one is No Other Will Do which was published in June 2016. I recall reading No Other Will Do, but it's been a while. I was little uncertain about how much background I would need for book two, Heart on the Line.

I thought Heart on the Line could stand on its own if you jumped into the series without reading previous titles. (There is a novella out as well, Worth the Wait.) Characters from previous stories appear, but the main players, Grace Mallory and Amos Bledsoe, are newer to Harper's Station. It truly is about their lives and their work as telegraphers. A side story is included in this novel about the prickly character of Helen.

I loved Heart on the Line. The telegraph career was so interesting. It makes me want to learn Morse Code and send messages to someone. Beyond an interesting career, this story was surprisingly action packed! An inheritance that is hidden is trying to be saved from a killer.

I cannot wait for the next installment of Witemeyer's The Ladies of Harper's Station. I would love to hear more about Helen, but I'm guessing more ladies will keep coming to Harper's Station looking for help. Well written, Ms. Witemeyer!

Genre: Historical Fiction
Time Period: 1894
Location: Texas

I received this book for free from Bethany House for an honest review.

Title: Heart on the Line
Series: Book 2, The Ladies of Harper's Station
Author: Karen Witemeyer
ISBN: 9780764212826

Review: With You Always

Jody Hedlund has a new historical fiction series! The series is entitled Orphan Train. Book one is With You Always. Instead of lighthouses or medieval times, Hedlund heads "out West." When I think of the West, I imagine the West Coast. In With You Always, the West means traveling to Illinois from New York City.

I opened the book from preconceived notions about what the story would entail. It's about an orphan train heading out West to drop off children and two people fall in love along the way. Nope! It was totally unexpected and wonderfully surprising. With You Always shared survival struggles in New York City as well as in Illinois. NYC survival in the tenements is difficult with no jobs, gangs, poor living condition, and if there is food on the table. On the other hand, people are trying to build a city in Illinois. Building a city takes time and effort as well as people wanting good work conditions and enough money to live in IL as well as sent money back home to family. And I haven't even mentioned family rivalry, faith, and love. A fantastic story woven in an exciting new historical fiction! I cannot wait to for the next book to come out. If you like author Hedlund or historical fiction, I would highly recommend With You Always.

To catch the latest Jody Hedlund news, visit her website or follow her on social media: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook.

Genre: Historical Fiction
Time Period: 1850's
Location: New York and Illinois

I received this book for free from Bethany House for an honest review.

Title: With You Always
Series: Book 1, Orphan Train
Author: Jody Hedlund
ISBN: 9780764218040