My Review: A Tailor-Made Bride -- Karen Witemeyer

A Tailor-Made Bride

by Karen Witemeyer

Historical / Christian Fiction / Romance

Bethany House Publishers
Copyright 2010

Back Cover:

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?

What I thought:

It was a real pleasure getting to know the folks of Coventry, Texas -- and I already miss them! 

The romantic tension between J.T. and Hannah is the main focus of the book, but some of the other townsfolk added an extra spark to the story.  I especially loved Ezra Culpepper, a lonely old gentleman Hannah takes under her wing, and Tom, J.T.'s friend/helper at the livery.  There are lots more, but those 2 stood out especially.

When J.T. learns the new business that's opening up across the street from his livery will be a dressmaker, he is beyond annoyed.  He had plans for that particular building, but will have to find another way to be a Good Samaritan.  He has a soft spot in his heart for the people in his town, and will do anything in his power to help them out -- especially when it comes to women and children.

Hannah and J.T. have not seen eye-to-eye from day one.  She can't figure out what she's done to get J.T. so riled up, but she sure plans to find out.  It's very worrisome for her to constantly be wondering what will set him off next.  Hannah quickly becomes friends with J.T.'s sister, Delia, who helps her immensely in understanding what makes J.T. tick.

If you haven't had a chance to read Karen's debut release, be sure to pick up a copy as soon as you can -- you don't know what you're missing!  I'm already looking forward to reading her next book, Head in the Clouds, though it will not be continuing the story of the wonderful folks of Coventry, Texas.  However, Karen does have Bonus Material posted on her website, for those of us who wanted to find out more about Hannah and J.T.'s happy-ever-after.  Check it out!

*Thank you to Karen for sending me a copy for review.  In no way did her kindness influence my thoughts on her book.*

Waiting on Wednesday

Jill @ Breaking the Spine hosts a weekly event that spotlights 

upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.
Be sure to drop by her blog to see what books others

are looking forward to reading.  :)

Releasing MAY 2011 from Revell Books!!!

It is 1878 and the Caldwells and Wainwrights have been feuding for decades. Still, Sarah Caldwell has misgivings when her father pressures her into distracting a ranch hand while he and her brothers rob the Wainwright place. When it becomes clear that hand is actually Cord Wainwright, Sarah realizes she needs to lay low. But Cord spots her in town and, with the sheriff away, makes a citizen's arrest, dragging her off to the Wainwright ranch until the sheriff's return. As the feud boils over, Cord and Sarah make a most inconvenient discovery--they are falling in love. Can they betray their families for love? Or will their families betray them?

Against the beautiful and wild backdrop of the Rocky Mountains comes this sweeping saga of romance, betrayal, and forgiveness from beloved author Kathleen Morgan.