This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
A Tailor-Made Bride
Bethany House (June 1, 2010)
by
Karen Witemeyer

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Karen Witemeyer is a deacon’s wife and mother of three who believes the world needs more happily-ever-afters. To that end, she combines her love of bygone eras with her passion for helping women mature in Christ to craft historical romance novels that lift the spirit and nurture the soul.

After growing up in California, Karen moved to Texas to attend Abilene Christian University where she earned bachelor and master’s degrees in Psychology. It was also there that she met and married her own Texas hero. He roped her in good, for she has lived in Texas ever since. In fact, she fell so in love with this rugged land of sweeping sunsets and enduring pioneer spirit, that she incorporates it into the pages of her novels, setting her stories in the small towns of a state that burgeoned into greatness in the mid-to-late 1800s.

In January, 2009, Karen signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers for three inspirational historical romance novels, and she is thrilled to announce that her first book, A TAILOR-MADE BRIDE has released this month. For an inside look into the background and quirks of some of the major players in this upcoming story, click over to Character Corner

ABOUT THE BOOK:
When a dressmaker who values beauty tangles with a liveryman who condemns vanity, the sparks begin to fly!

Jericho “J.T.” Tucker wants nothing to do with the new dressmaker in Coventry, Texas. He’s all too familiar with her kind–shallow women more devoted to fashion than true beauty. Yet, except for her well-tailored clothes, this seamstress is not at all what he expected.

Hannah Richards is confounded by the man who runs the livery. The unsmiling fellow riles her with his arrogant assumptions and gruff manner, while at the same time stirring her heart with unexpected acts of kindness. Which side of Jericho Tucker reflects the real man?

When Hannah decides to help Jericho’s sister catch a beau–leading to consequences neither could have foreseen–will Jericho and Hannah find a way to bridge the gap between them?

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Tailor-Made Bride , go HERE.

Learn more about Karen and her books on her Website.

MY REVIEW:

Over the past several weeks, I have been sent several debut novels to review. I have been pleasantly impressed by their quality. I would like to congratulate and thank the publishers for taking a chance on these new authors whose ranks include  Karen Witemeyer.

A Tailor-Made Bride is a delightfully romantic tale with just the right touches of humor and drama. Hannah Richards and Jericho Tucker are well portrayed and are perfect in their roles of hero and heroine. Other characters contribute to an ideal supporting cast.

In my opinion, good Christian fiction should incorporate a spiritual lesson into the storyline as unobtrusively as possible. Ms. Witemeyer met my requirement with flying colors. A Tailor-Made Bride included a stong message against judging others by outward appearance or past experiences as illustrated by Jericho’s initial and continued response to Hannah. I enjoyed reading about  Hannah and Jericho and the growth of their relationship with the Lord and with each other.

Karen Witemeyer has been added to my list of authors to watch. I look forward to seeing what she will offer next.