No Other Will Do (Ladies of Harper's Station Book #1)

Karen Witemeyer

Jun 2016 · Ladies of Harper's Station Book 1 · Baker Books

About this ebook

Enjoy Bestselling Author Karen Witemeyer's Terrific New Romance!

Men are optional. That's the credo Emma Chandler's suffragette aunts preached and why she started a successful women's colony in Harper's Station, Texas. But when an unknown assailant tries repeatedly to drive them out, Emma admits they might need a man after all. A man who can fight--and she knows just the one.

Malachi Shaw finally earned the respect he craved by becoming an explosives expert for the railroad. Yet when Emma's plea arrives, he bolts to Harper's Station to repay the girl who once saved his life. Only she's not a girl any longer. She's a woman with a mind of her own and a smile that makes a man imagine a future he doesn't deserve.

As the danger intensifies, old feelings grow and deepen, but Emma and Mal will need more than love to survive.

Ratings and reviews

No Other Will Do by Karen Witemeyer is the first book in the Ladies of Harper’s Station series. Emma Chandler discovered a young boy of thirteen in her aunt’s barn in 1882 in Cookie County, Texas. Malachi Shaw is an orphan without a home. Emma was instantly taken with him and convinced her Aunt Henry and Aunt Bertie to take him in. Malachi stayed with them for two years until an incident forced him to leave town. It is now 1894 and Emma has finally realized her dream with the help of her two aunts. Harper’s Station is a refuge for women run by women. But someone is threatening her dream and the lives of the people that live in Harper’s Station. Threatening notes have been found around the town and then a man fired at the women while they were in the church. This bandit wants all the women out of the town. Emma will not back down and sends a telegram to Malachi asking for help. Malachi is a demolition expert for the railroad. Malachi does not hesitate when he receives Emma’s request. He immediately hops a train to Harper’s Station. Malachi is attracted to Emma (she reciprocates his feelings), but he does not feel he is good enough for her. But these two have more pressing matters to attend to before they can discuss their feelings. Why does this brigand want with Harper’s Station? Read No Other Will Do to find out how the citizens of Harper’s Station out maneuver the outlaw. No Other Will Do is a nice, easy book to read. It has good writing, interesting characters, and an intriguing mystery. Ms. Witemeyer did a good job of capturing the time and place of the setting. I felt the romance was a little much (there were many lustful thoughts, feelings, and then kissing) for a Christian novel, but otherwise an enjoyable book. I do not believe that lust equals love (we do not want young people getting the wrong impression) which is how it comes across in the book (until the end). The romantic portion is predictable, but it does have a sweet ending. I give No Other Will Do 4 out of 5 stars. I particularly liked that Emma and the other female characters were strong, independent women with Christian values. I received a complimentary copy of the novel in exchange for an honest evaluation of the book. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Karen Witemeyer has a fun writing style. She brings her people to life and gives them real feelings and good dialogue. She has a feisty writing style in which she puts into her characters. Emma Chandler is a determined, loyal, soft hearted, independent woman. When she is facing an unknown enemy she must rely on the only man she can ever remember trusting. When Malachi returns to help her will she be able to say goodbye again? Will they ever find who is targeting her town or must they leave. Malachi Shaw comes from a rough lifestyle. The only family he has ever really had is now being threatened. Will he be able to find the problems before more people get hurt. Will he be able to tell Emma goodbye or will he save her in time. I was given a copy of this novel from net galley for my honest opinion.

Note: I received a complimentary copy for an honest review. Every book that I've read by this author has been excellent, and this is no exception. Her stories are well balanced between the action / suspense, romance, and Christian theme. I always feel more than satisfied with her books - I feel encouraged in my faith. My favorite character is Malachi. He's a true book boyfriend. He's one of those you just want to keep around and think about. Emma definitely comes across as strong and free spirited, but I do appreciate how she used that strength for justice. The other characters definitely start to come to life as well. And, I'm sure there's a story behind several of them. There are some tense moments of intense action and a scene where a woman is abused. So, be aware if this is a trigger issue for you. A major theme in the book is about battered women. Romance - kissing only. Violence - a couple of fight scenes. One includes hitting, kicking, and gun shots. Another includes guns and knives. Blood is referenced. My rating - 5 stars

About the author

Winner of the HOLT Medallion and the Carol Award and a finalist for the RITA and Christy Award, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer writes historical romance to give the world more happily-ever-afters. Karen makes her home in Texas, with her husband and three children. Learn more about Karen and her books at www.karenwitemeyer.com.