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I DID NOT WANT THIS BOOK TO END!! From cover to cover, Karen Witemeyer just blew me away! If you were to combine the "character depth" of a Tamera Alexander novel and the "romantic charm" of a Deeanne Gist novel- let's face it, you would have a truly remarkable masterpiece, but you wouldn't even be scratching the surface of what makes "A Tailor-Made Bride" one of the best Christian historical romance fiction books your eyes will ever have the pleasure of beholding!
This is Karen's first novel, and that fact alone will leave you even more wide eyed and slack jawed at her abilities. Most importantly, you will also find the Lord's "thumbprint" on every page. Her words ministered to my spirit in such a deep, penetrating way. Opening my own eyes to appreciate more greatly and see more clearly the beauty of God all around me. This book is "Tailor-Made" for the romantic Christian heart!
Her characters live and breathe, not only within the pages but long after the cover is closed. The heroine, Hannah Richards, is the kind of a girl we would all strive to be like. Not only is she beautiful, graceful and talented but she also possess a kind, gentle, yet passionate nature and shines the love of Christ so effortlessly, desiring His will above her own, no matter the sacrifice. The hero, Jericho "J.T." Tucker, is exactly how the author describes him, "a little crusty on the outside, but his heart is true and as big as a mountain." From the start he just took my breath away (however, I did want to smack him a couple of times). He is ruggedly handsome, strong and determined, but set in his ways with no plans on changing. That is until the scales fall from his eyes AND his heart, allowing him to behold the inner and outer beauty of a certain dressmaker. We (along with Hannah) fall head-over-heels with this man and his mountain size heart! We find that he is humble, a little vulnerable, and capable of great kindness, loving with his actions rather than words. With each page we witness a refining process happening in our hero and... gosh, I've said too much already. You'll have to read it yourself *grin*
Her supporting characters are great as well, adding even more life, color, and depth to the story, as does her charming Texas setting. And as a side note, she ends her chapters with some of the best closing lines you'll ever read that will have you saying, "Okay, just one more chapter." into the wee hours of the night! Simply put, this book is going on my "to be read again AND again" shelf, with NO chance of collecting even a speck of dust any time soon!!
11 out of 13 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.apacheprincess
Posted April 5, 2011
a nice chaste love story, but way to much talk of religion there were so many bible quotes and prayers that i was not expecting. I have nothing against religion but i dont want a romance novel that is all about god, the most sexual thing is a chaste kiss no toungue at the end, totally NOT my cup of tea!!!!!! very dissapointing!!!!!
9 out of 22 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I thoroughly enjoyed this book. From the start, I knew Hannah and JT would butt heads over the store they both wanted. What I liked most about this novel is that while JT disdains fashion and truly believes that desiring beauty leads to greater, sinful temptations, he reacts believably to Hannah. He fights his attraction but doesn't go about in a fake "I hate that woman" state. Likewise, Hannah isn't so taken with JT that she foresakes her dream of a successful dress shop. This story has depth that is sometimes missing in a "light read" romance. The characters are believable and likeable. I especially like two of the secondary characters, Ezra and Tom. Ms. Witemeyer portrays each with equal depth as the main characters. Overall, the novel has a feel of an old-time western -the ones from the 30's and 40's. There is conflict and tension, and even a bit of danger, but it is definitely a feel-good story. Oh, wouldn't it make a wonderful movie! I recommend "A Tailor-Made Bride" to anyone who enjoys a good romance story
7 out of 7 people found this review helpful.
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Posted January 7, 2011
This was an exciting and absorbing read. I loved all the main and supporting characters, except of course Warren. There was humor, heart, and romance throughout the book which, for me, made it an excellent page turner.
5 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
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Posted June 14, 2010
A Tailor-Made Bride is a delightful period experience with humorous views into the complexity of differences and misunderstandings of men and women. Hannah Richards displays a refreshing combination of femininity, independence, strength and courage, while attracted to Jericho, "J.T. Tucker, who has personal reasons to fear and despise her very character.
Consequently, their mutual attraction is a mystery to them both. J.T's jaded view of Hannah's true personality is in constant conflict of others high opinion of Hannah's actions and his attraction to her. Similarly, Hannah's hurt and anger at his unreasonable and unkind rebuffs fight with the realization that she is the only woman he treats in such a manner.
Unexpected allies and a surprisingly sinister foe awaken the two bit by bit to their misconceptions - a few times, almost too late, but for enduring faith.
Beauty, vanity, faith and trust are redefined in this lovely and entertaining tale.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.DEVILICIOUS
Posted July 1, 2010
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Hannah Richards has come to Coventry, Texas to achieve her dream, to open a dressmaker's shop, having inherited the title of a building from a wealthy customer. But achieving her dream causes her to run head on into J.T. Tucker, who'd planned to buy that building himself. And there is another reason for J.T. to dislike Hannah, her taste for stylish clothes reminds him too much of his vain, self-centered mother.
Jericho is a wonderful male protagonist, stubborn but more so generous, handy with tools, protective, and thoughtful. He looks out for his sister, the widow that works next door to Hannah, his assistant, Tom, and even Hannah. He may not want to get involved with her, but he does not want her to get hurt or not have what she needs.
Hannah is wonderful too. She's determined, independent, kind and trusting, but also a little insecure, but she is willing to work hard to achieve her dream.
A darling love story that will please all who read this!
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Posted May 24, 2011
I really liked this. Not only is it an easy read but it's nice to have people change. It's predictable about who the "bad guy" is but if you like historical fiction, with no sex scenes, this is a good one.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted May 19, 2010
Karen Witemeyer's debut novel provides a wonderful portrayal of nineteenth century Americana. Vivid descriptions make the small town of Coventry, Texas and its inhabitants come to life. As if that weren't enough, Witemeyer gives readers an insight into little known pastimes of the era at the same time that she creates a cast of engaging characters. This story of looking beneath the surface is one to savor.
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Jealousy. Anger. Resentment. Attraction.
J.T. Tucker: A man who always has a hardened glare and a toothpick to grind at the ready. A man who holds his tongue, using generosity and good manners he was raised with, while inside he simmers. A man whose moral criteria is often failed to be met when it comes to feminine choice of attire.
He can't seem to figure out Hannah Richards. Dressmakers are vain, selfish creatures, so why does she seem so...affable? And admirable? Plus, she's becoming to boot. Every time he turns around, though, he discovers a new thread of the fabric of her character, reversing all of his original expectations of her one by one. If only things were different... But good grief, did she have to be a dressmaker?
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.For-warning for buying this book - it is a Christian Romance, I hate seeing good authors get bad reviews b/c somebody didn't realize what they were buying during a promotion. That being said it is not a "preachy" book - more Little House on the Prairie style. The Characters are moral, hard working, go to church on Sundays and read the Bible in hard times.
They are also headstrong, charming, romantic, funny, and best of all extremely well written! I enjoyed this novel so much that I am going to buy her other books. The book fits well with an old joke - do you want to make G-d laugh? - Tell him your plans. We have two characters who are so bent on proving each other "wrong" and themselves "right" that they don't realize their on the same page - and comedic hijinks, charming romance, and some drama ensues. Good easy read that will leave you with a smile on your face and contented sigh in your heart.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted May 23, 2011
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were believable, funny, and each with their own interesting quirks. For a free book this was exceptional,I wish there were a lot more like it. Unfortunately I refuse to pay the $9.99 price tag for more by this author. A shame but even if they are as good as this one the price is too steep.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted May 21, 2011
Loved this story and am glad I've found a new author to enjoy. Found the characters' struggle with forgiving people in their past to embrace a different understanding of scripture to be enlightening.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Prolificreader
Posted September 17, 2010
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With a prose that stands up and grabs the reader's attention, this debut novel did not disappoint this reader! I found great delight within the pages of TAILOR MADE BRIDE. Jericho, Hannah and Cordelia, even the villains and secondary characters were brought to life. I loved the word usage, the character portrayal, their interactions, it all shouted to me that this book is one to be remembered. Jericho and Hannah's relations are funny and romantic. What a hero! And what a romantic chemistry, it made me sigh and my heart give little jumps. The struggles and faith of the characters are well portrayed without feeling stilted or overdone. Each one had growth and changes and through some had it to grow more than others, it was done in a well written manner. My favorite scene was one of the first in the book when Hannah falls through the floorboard and into Jericho's arms. What a visual image! And this whole book was like reading in a dream. I was there. No doubt about it, this novel is extremely well written. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute in this book and almost wished it to go on and on. A great read, don't miss it!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted June 5, 2011
When I figured out that this book was somewhat religious, I was hesitant to read it. In my experience most religious romances aren't very realistic. The author not only made their faith a main point in their decisions, but she also made it a point to acknlowledge that they are also human and have human urges. That is not to say that it is in any way indecent, on the contrary, it is tasteful and realistic at the same time. It was a great book.
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted May 25, 2011
Sweet story, but a bit too much of the religion aspect for me. Good read for a free book.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted May 23, 2011
This book was a great getaway to delve into. Love the characters and story development. You wont be disapointed.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Mixandmatch
Posted May 22, 2011
This was a difficult book to put down. The characters were very likable and it truly made me want to live in this little town. I love the magic that slowly and reluctantly develops between the lead characters.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted May 18, 2011
Great Story
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted May 12, 2011
Good moral values, good story, couldn't put it down, read it straight through the night! Let thid book speak to your heart
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Probably more of a 3 1/2 star read....
Dressmaker Hannah Richard's first day in Coventry, Texas doesn't start out well. For some reason, she alienates liveryman J.T. Tucker almost before she even speaks to him. What could she have done?
Nothing, as it happens. Nothing but turn up in town as the new owner of the shop J.T. was hoping to purchase, a shop she is turning into a place for "fashion-plate items" that he believes Coventry neither wants nor needs. J.T.'s past has left him with an irrational distrust for all things he deems "feminine fripperies", a distrust that is difficult for him to let go of, even when it becomes blindingly obvious that the real Hannah is nothing like the one he's built up in his mind. J.T. spends rather longer than needed with his irrational prejudices, even using the Bible as an excuse for why he can't possibly like someone like Hannah (an excuse he thankfully abandons once he re-examines the passages he was so sure incriminated her). Hannah is justifiably confused by the mixed messages she gets from J.T., but luckily for him she hangs in there while he gets his head on strsight. A cute story--even though the main characters are at times frustratingly dense--all is well that ends well.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Overview
more devoted to fashion than true beauty. Yet, except for her well-tailored clothing, 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...