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

This is first book that I’ve read by Karen Witemeyer. She has now been placed on my favorite author list. I have to be sure and find all of her other books and read them too.

The characters in this story are incredibly well developed. They have a wide range of personalities and backgrounds that have made them the people that they are. I thoroughly enjoyed the interactions between them, both one on one or in a group setting.

I was especially drawn to Emma and Malachi. The deep connection between them was first formed 10 years before the start of the danger in this book. It is the foundation for the trust that they in each other for the trials they are trust into. Add on top of that a deep belief in God and trust in Him for guidance and the background is set.

I received a free eBook copy of this novel through NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

From the first page when a young orphaned Malachi who is freezing &starving, stumbles into a barn to seek shelter and is found by an angel in the form of a young Emma Chandler, I was hooked by this book! There was no turning back for me! Fast forward to 12 years later when Emma has founded a "women's colony" of sorts for abused women or women that just need a fresh start and Malachi has finally earned respect he's craved as an explosives expert for the railroad. They've kept in touch through the years by letters but haven't seen each other. However, in Emma's town, an attacker repeatedly comes to oust the women from the town and Emma doesn't know what to do so she asks Malachi to come and help her. Of course Malachi rushes to her aid. I loved this latest offering from Karen! It is quite different from her other books because it is more serious and it's definitely less humorous but I actually think it's become my favorite! The characters are amazing and the transformation of Malachi from beginning to end is superb! He thinks so little of himself because he's an orphan but he's truly a special man. As he battles the unknown assailant for this town of women, he shines! And, I loved getting to know the women! I hope there are more books about them! I really had a hard time putting this book down and couldn't wait to see who the assailant was and how the book ended. A powerful book with so many themes. I recommend it!

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