No Other Will Do

It is another sunny and hot day in Florida.  This summer is the hottest I have ever experienced since moving to Florida over 30 years ago (I was just a tween).  It is definitely a time to stay inside and read!  Today I am reviewing a historical Christian fiction novel. My favorite Christian fiction author is Janette Oke.  I discovered her when I was in my twenties.  I then proceeded to read every book she had written.  I have continued to read her new works when they come out.  If you like Christian fiction, please take a moment to check out the works of Janette Oke.

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. 

The next book in The Ladies of Harper's Station is Worth the Wait (January 2017) and it will tell the story of Tori and Ben.  You can follow Karen Witemeyer on Amazon to get updates on her latest novels.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.

Thank you so much for visiting my blog.  I am currently reading Clock and Dagger by Julianne Holmes.  I hope all of you have an enjoyable evening.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader