Four top historical romance novelists team up in this new collection to offer stories of love and romance with a twist of humor. In Karen Witemeyer’s “The Love Knot,” Claire Nevin gets the surprise of her life awaiting her sister’s arrival by train. Mary Connealy’s “The Tangled Ties That Bind” offers the story of two former best friends who are reunited while escaping a stampede. Regina Jennings … Jennings offers “Bound and Determined,” where a most unusual trip across barren Oklahoma plains is filled with adventure, romance, and . . . camels? And Melissa Jagears’ “Tied and True” entertains with a tale of two hearts from different social classes who become entwined at a cotton thread factory.
Each tale is a fun blend of history and romance that will delight readers.
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This is an excellent collection of novellas! I didn’t read them together, so I’m not sure how they fit together in that regard. But I read them each with the series they belonged. They were each wonderful, and the only down side was that I wished they had been full length novels since I enjoyed them so much.
The Love Knot by Karen Witemeyer
April 25, 2020 5 stars
Only God can take two broken hearts and knot them together stronger than before! A wonderful story of God’s faithfulness!
The Tangled Ties That Bind by Mary Connealy
April 30, 2020
5 stars
What i liked most about this book was Connor’s willingness to support Maggie in her dreams, and when push came to shove, he was still by her side defending her, encouraging her, and loving her!
Bound and Determined by Regina Jennings
May 6, 2020
5 stars
I have never read a story about camels, and ended up watching a few videos to understand their movements and mannerisms better! What was truly remarkable was that they were actually used, as this book describes, for the military, and that the US Army had an experimental Camel Corps from 1855 – 1866. I loved this story and one of my favorite things about historical romances is learning cool things like this about our past, while falling in love with the character of people and the heroes of yesterday, both actual and fictional!
Tied and True by Melissa Jagears
May 19, 2020
5 stars
What lengths would you go through to prove your love was timeless and steadfast? Marianne will not give up her pursuit of Calvin! In a way this story reminds me of God’s relentless fight for our own hearts! We are not worthy of His love, but He treasures us and wants us for Himself regardless! This was beautifully written! And tge perfect way to tie up this collection!
Short and sweet! Four of my FAVORITE authors in one novella collection. Having read the each authors’ series that these novellas are based on I can honestly say I loved each story. I think readers who haven’t read the series will like them too. The only problem I had was they were too short! I could have read for many more days. I took my time reading this collection, 1 story per day!
I was kind of sad this will is the end of The Ladies of Harper’s Station series by Karen Witemeyer but it was a good way to finish up.
I’m not sure what Mary Connely’s plans are. but this was a very enjoyable story, I loved seeing previous characters who are older and more mature than the previous time we met them.
I believe there are more Fort Reno books from Regina Jennings. Her novella Bound and Determined is a wonderful companion to her novel, Holding The Fort, Bradley Willis was in for quite the surprise when he showed up to take his punishment, he is adorable. I simply loved Melissa Jagears’ Tied and True, a tale of two people that should not have fallen in love but did. Overcoming the obstacle of their own stubbornness to be together.
All in all, I highly recommend this to Western Historical Inspirational Fiction readers.
THE LOVE KNOT
BY KAREN WITEMEYER
This is the first book (or novella, rather) that I’ve had the pleasure of reading by Ms. Witemeyer and I. Am. HOOKED! I LOVED this story! It was so tender and heartwarming and funny! I fell in love with the characters immediately and…wait. What’s that you say? This is only ONE novella in a SERIES?! Eee! Why haven’t I read anything by Ms. Witemeyer before? (I’ll have to remedy that!)
This book reads very well as a standalone, though I’ve gotta warn you, it’ll have you DYING to read the rest of the series!
Thank you, Ms. Witemeyer, for writing such a captivating and heartwarming story for the rest of us to enjoy!
THE TANGLED TIES THAT BIND
BY MARY CONNEALY
The comical beginning hooks you from the get-go, but as you keep reading, the tenderness and strength of the characters will impress and make you fall in love with them.
The hero of this story has such a unique personality and the heroine was a perfect blend of tender and feisty. Ms. Connealy has a knack for making characters that have more than just your ordinary, typical everyday personalities.
p.s. If you’re a fan of Ms. Connealy’s “Kincaide” and “Boden” series’, you’re in luck! This novella ties into both and brings back/mentions some of your favorite characters!
BOUND AND DETERMINED
BY REGINA JENNINGS
If not for the fact that I’d already read the first book in this series…I STILL would’ve loved this novella!!
Wow! I absolutely fell in LOVE with everyone in this story, including the camels! Lol, they were such weird little oddballs, but completely ADORABLE. And smart!
I had already liked the character of Bradley Willis after reading “Holding the Fort” (book #1 in the “Fort Reno” series), but this story brought him more fully to life and I was able to understand him better. Once again, he had me laughing out loud at times and grinning from ear to ear at others! Amber’s determination and straightforwardness were no match for his stubbornness (or was it loyalty?…)
This was such a unique story! And I don’t just mean from other books, but also from within its own series! I loved that the author found a unique piece of history that isn’t widely known, and focused the story around it. Just makes it that much more intriguing!
I’m so excited and will be eagerly awaiting book #2, “The Lieutenant’s Bargain”, set to release in December!
TIED AND TRUE
BY MELISSA JAGEARS
Such a lovely story about the meaning of true love. Not just a flighty little attraction, but a love that withstands time and hardships and rejection.
Marianne is in love with Calvin and she just KNOWS that he’s in love with her. The problem is, he’s been hurt in the past and is afraid that her love will be unable to withstand the hard times. Determined to prove him wrong, Marianne sets about to prove her faithfulness.
Author Melissa Jagears has created a beautiful story that is filled with a sweet love that flows warmly through you and reminds you that love isn’t always two-sided and sometimes you have to work hard with nothing but the HOPE of a return on it.
Bravo, Ms. Jagears! I will be looking forward to getting my hands on the rest of this series!
Well, this was definitely one of the best novella collections that I have ever read! I enjoyed every single story so much. Each author did a nice job of crafting interesting stories and filling them with main characters that had great chemistry together.
The Love Knot by Karen Witemeyer
I loved that these main characters had a past together that had ended in heartache. With hurt still brimming to the surface, Claire had to decide if she had misjudged Pieter and then decide if she could forgive and trust him again. I loved the way Pieter’s true and selfless heart showed through in this novella. He was a man who went above and beyond to help the woman he loved.
The Tangled Ties That Bind by Mary Connealy
Another tale of main characters with a past! Connor and Maggie grew up together and cared for each other for years. However, Connor was gone for five long years and Maggie now had other plans that did not include marriage. I loved Connor’s dogged determination to be there for Maggie and convince her that they belonged together. Their relationship was so sweet!
Bound and Determined by Regina Jennings
Now, these two characters do not have a past relationship to fall back on. But they both had strong wills and lots of determination. There was plenty of humor sprinkled throughout this novella, yet it had its serious moments, as well. If ever there was the complementary companion for Bradley Willis, it was Ambrosia Herald. I loved the way they connected and fell for each other.
Tied and True by Melissa Jagears
These main characters come from very different backgrounds and social situations. Even though it was hard to watch Calvin push away the woman he loved, I knew that he felt it was for her own good. I was impressed with Marianne’s kindness, goodness, determination, and work ethic. The chemistry was great between these two. The fact that a marriage between them seemed as if it would be next to impossible made the happily ever after even sweeter.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
The Love Knot by Karen Witemeyer
It’s been a while since I’ve read anything by Witemeyer (I know, what gives??), and I had forgotten just how adorable her stories can be. The story’s opening feels very engaging, a bit mysterious, then a bit of a shock as Claire relieves her past. I liked both leads equally, and though they knew each other before the events of the novella, I didn’t feel dropped into their story without explanation. Things are revealed nicely throughout the narrative, and I just thought the whole thing was really sweet. Pieter plays the protective role when Claire needs it, but doesn’t attempt to coddle her. The dynamic between them is basically adorable and made me smile.
The Tangled Ties that Bind by Mary Connealy
I haven’t read anything by this author before, and perhaps that was to my detriment with this novella. It’s cute, don’t get me wrong, but I felt like I was missing something for the first several chapters, like I should have known some of the people mentioned. It just took me a while to get settled into the story, but once I did, I ended up enjoying it. Connor Kincaid is not my “type” when it comes to male leads, as he’s a bit too hard-headed. Maggie’s circumstances are interesting in that she is training to be a doctor rather far from home. Things move kind of fast for them, and I didn’t get a good enough feel for their past to really empathize as I’d have liked to. The ending seems a little bit contrived, but the romance is cute, and for a novella, adding another element to the plot would have made it go too long.
Bound and Determined by Regina Jennings
Regina Jennings is yet another author that I think I should be reading more of. I’ve read her first novel. I know I enjoyed it, but I don’t remember the same amount of humor that is present in this novella. I certainly wasn’t prepared for the idea that camels play a huge role in the story, both from a humor stand point but also as a matter of poignancy. What could have been a set up for cheesiness or slap stick humor provides a unique circumstance for the story, setting up for some pithy dialogue between Bradley and Ambrosia. Their scenes together are humorous, yet crackle with tension at times, in a rather swoon-worthy way. Just an all-around entertaining and adorable story.
Tied and True by Melissa Jagears
Melissa Jagears is the one author in the collection who I’ve read all of her books, so my expectations of a sweet romance and somewhat unusual characters were entirely met in this story. This one has the unique element of being a story that is set in tandem with A Love So True, which was fun. It’s not so in tandem that things feel repeated, it’s just a neat way to do a novella of peripheral characters in the full book. Marianne as a character is also unique in that, despite being born to privilege, she is more than willing to show Calvin that she can work hard – so willing, in fact that she takes a job considered below her station. I’m not sure how long she could have gotten away with it in real life, but it made for an interesting element of the plot. It also served as a way to highlight the idea that it’s good to be aware of the daily lives of others, even if much different than yours, and if it’s within your power to help, however small, it can still have a big impact. All in all, this story made me eager for the next full-length Teaville book, A Chance at Forever!
Hearts Entwined is a lovely collection of endearing and romantic novellas. I highly recommend picking it up if you’re in the mood for something light, sweet, and full of humorous moments.
I received a complimentary copy of this collection from the publisher. This review is my honest opinion.
The story that this author wrote is terrible. The female is completely self-centered. The male is made to be her lap-dog. There is no compromise on the female part. If this marriage took place in real life, I would be waiting for them to get a divorce. I question this author’s knowledge on marriage. Her femal character totally emasculates the male character. The story plays our too much like a tv drama in the doctor’s office, not at all realistic.
Four novellas that are a quick but fun to read make a good book for a weekend of delight. All four are standalones, though they do link to series by the authors.
I found these stories relaxing, but they kept my attention. All of the characters were well developed and the plots were creative. Think camels in Texas.
These sweet romances also carry a thread of faith and forgiveness. And determination abounds. I really did like the characters in each story as they persevered through various trials. A little drama and a lot of humor make this book entertaining.
If you enjoy simple, sweet reads that still hold your attention, you’ll enjoy Hearts Entwined. I recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
When I first began to read this, I saw characters I knew about and then realized that each of these novellas took place after the authors last full length novel. I was very happy about that because I often wonder what the characters are up to * smile *! That being said, here’s a brief review on each story:
The Love Knot by Karen Witemeyer
When Claire meets the train to pick up a package her sister sent her, she never expected to run into her old love Pieter van Duren. And with a baby to boot! Untangling the mess will take more determination and explanation than a lifetime can afford…but did God himself knot these two together with unbreakable bonds?
I loved learning about the Celtic love knot since Claire is Irish. Look for it in the ending, so sweet!
The Tangled Ties that Bind by Mary Connealy
When Connor Kincaid returns home after five years, it’s with the determination to marry his childhood love, Maggie. If only she would have him that is! Pining away for him did her no good, so she made her own plans by moving away to study to become a doctor in Denver. Connor will do anything to prove his love for her by following her…..but will God grant them a second chance?
Mary infuses her own unique humor in this sweet love story!
Bound and Determined by Regina Jennings
Whoever thought camels would bind two people together? That’s exactly what happened between Private Bradley Willis and Ambrosia Herald met! Helping to escort her retired officer father across Oklahoma with a herd of camel through Indian territory, can God make love bloom in a dry-as-a-bone adventurous journey?
Again humor reigns in this story. I’ve not read the Fort Reno series by Regina but I will after reading this cute and fun novella to learn more about the characters!
Tied and True by Melissa Jagears
A wealthy heiress to the family fortune is in love with a lowly business assistant. But that doesn’t stop Marianne Lister from pursuing Calvin Hochstetler! In spite of the possibility of being disinherited & the loss of a job for Calvin, she plunges in headstrong to prove that love can truly conquer all.
Melissa uses the parable of the Pearl of Great Price and how the farmer will sell all to obtain it! This was a beautiful love story, look for the meaning of the crocheted heart in the end.
Humor, love, faith, knotted lives and happily-ever-afters are what a reader will find in these four heartwarming short stories! I enjoyed each one of these by four of my favorite authors and recommend them to any lover of inspirational historical romances.
*I received a complimentary copy of this by one of the authors and was not obligated to leave a favorable review *
When I saw Hearts Entwined Novella with Karen Witemeyer, Mary Connealy, Regina Jennings and Melissa Jagears.
I knew it’s going to be good!!!! Each one brought back a character from previous books. You can read each one as a stand-alone. Then again they might peek your interest and you just have the read the rest of their books these characters came from.
A Love Knot: Karen Witemeyer
Wonderful story!
I really loved this story about Claire and Peter. Two loves who were separated because of what Claire saw Peter doing and didn’t give him a chance to explain. Claire didn’t like him one bit when she saw him step off the train. But he had to see her because he brought a package from her sister to give to Claire. He was also there to win her back. I love these two and how forgiveness is so hard for Claire but Peter was so determined!! Forgiveness is a beautiful thing. Personally: I’d forgive Peter as soon as he get off the train. Sigh* LOL
The Tangle Ties That Bind: Mary Connealy
Loved it!!!
I’ve read all of Mary’s books and it was fun to read about Connor and Maggie as adults. Connor was a very head strong man but Maggie was just as strong and didn’t give up her dreams because he wanted her too. She followed her dream to learn how to be a doctor and he followed her. They faced some hard times and learned to work together to save people’s lives. You’ll have to read to find out if that’s enough for him to let her live her dreams or simply give up and go home without her. What about his dreams??Such a great book.
Bound and Determined: Regina Jennings
Fabulous!!! Funny!!! Really Really Bad Guys!! Camels!!!!!!
What more could a reader want? Awe, I love this story so much. Private Bradley Willis didn’t know what he was getting himself into when he was sent on a mission for punishment. The Calvary life was nothing compared to a retired Captain and his daughter Ambrosia. His mission was to help Captain Herald ride camels across Indian Territory. How hard could that be! Love Private Willis and Ambrosia together. It was such a fun book to read. There’s so much I could say about this book but I want readers to find out what happens just like I did.
Tied and True: Melissa Jagears
Great Book!!
I have read all of Melissa’s books and I’m so glad we got to read about Calvin and Marianne. He was just a secretary and she was a wealthy socialite. He loved her but saw no way for them to ever be together. She loved him and was very determined to show him it could work. She gave up her rich life to work in the factory with very poor people to prove she could live in his world. I loved this story so much because Marianne wasn’t your usual rich girl. Calvin was a strong enough man to see their worlds didn’t fit together. It was like whose world would win!! I couldn’t put this book down until I read how the author ended it. Five stars for sure!!!!
**I received a copy of this free in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion. I wasn’t required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own or those of my family.**
Hearts Entwined is such a heartwarming, touching, amazingly loving, fun, deliciously touching yet it has such twists and turns in it that you find yourself nauseous-nah just kidding, but there are some real good twists. I do have to say that of these four Novellas all four authors leave a part of themselves behind on the pages. That is how good these are. Do yourself the favor and add this to your collection.
Loved it!
Hearts Entwined
The Love Knot by Karen Witemeyer – A Ladies of Harper’s Station Novella
Clair Nevin was a runner. She ran away from a bad situation in New York instead of facing it and ran into a bad situation in Seymour. But landing in Harper’s Station had been good for her. And now, her sister needed her help. Only the person her sister sent to deliver the package had Clair ready to put her running shoes on once again. Harper’s Station is a wonderful series about a town for woman to escape to. Only now, a few men have been allowed in too. Very good series.
The Tangled Ties That Bind by Mary Connealy – A Kincaid Brides Novella
Connor Kincaid, Seth’s son, had his dad’s wild eyes when things got out of control. Like now. After being gone for five years, he came home to claim the only woman he’d ever love…only to find out she had other plans that included leaving Rawhide…and him. Love Mary Connealy’s humor in her writing and her lovable characters.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/2016/07/mary-connealy-book-list.html
Bound and Determined by Regina Jennings – A Fort Reno Novella
The reader can meet Private Bradley Willis in the first book, Holding the Fort, where his sister’s story is told. He’s a reckless, fun-loving guy. When he’s sent on a mission to help a retired captain, it’s more than he expects. And he finds he can be serious and protective when a beautiful lady needs him to do so. I love the author’s writing and humor.
Tied and True by Melissa Jagears – A Teaville Moral Society Novella
Marianne Lister and Calvin Hochstetler may be worlds apart to some people, but Marianne doesn’t care about being from a wealthy family. She cares about finding a good man to love…the kind of man Calvin is. Because of his past though, it’s tougher to convince Calvin that he could ever be good enough to care for her. Great story and characters.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/2015/06/melissa-jagears-book-list.html
**Received from Bethany House for an honest review
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/2011/10/bethany-house-publishers.html
This collection features four stories from four different, gifted authors. Those who have read books from these authors will recognize characters from their full-length novels, and newcomers will find new favorite authors and stories they will want to pick up and enjoy! I fully enjoyed reading each of these stories.
In the first story “The Love Knot” by Karen Witemeyer we find Claire an Irish immigrant, living in Harpers Station who finds herself face to face with a past she thought she left behind. Will she be able to let go of past hurts and move forward on a new unexpected path?
Next, we travel with Mary Connealy in “The Tangled Ties that Bind” to Colorado and meet Connor Kincaid returning home to the Kincaid family ranch and ready to sweep Maggie off her feet and start a ranch of his own. Only to discover that Maggie has plans and dreams of her own.
Our next story “Bound and Determined” by Regina Jennings takes us on a bit of a journey across the hot, sun-baked land of Oklahoma. Private Bradley Willis is assigned to accompany retired Army Officer, Herald across Indian Territory as they herd not cattle, but Camels. More surprises are in store as Bradley realizes that Officer Herald’s daughter is also along for the trip, and she is trying to keep them from getting to Texas.
Our final story “Tied and True” by Melissa Jagears brings us to Kansas City, Missouri. The expectations her family has set are thwarted when wealthy socialite Marianne Lister falls for the unlikely business assistant, Calvin Hochstetler. But will Marianne be able to prove to Calvin that he’s not just a passing fancy and that he is worthy of love?
Each story is unique and independent of the next. What ties them together is the central theme of love and entanglement, but in the best possible way. I give this fabulous collection of novella’s 5 stars.
(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)