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74 of 75 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The characters won me over, May 18, 2010
This review is from: A Tailor-Made Bride (Paperback)
This is one of those books I looked forward to ever since I saw the cover art last year. The more I read about it, the more I wanted to read it. It didn't disappoint.
I know you shouldn't judge a book by a cover ~ but how many of us do just that? We either are drawn to the gorgeous dress (like on this one) or repelled by what we don't like on another. It's like that in life too. Jericho Tucker has done just that in this book. He takes one look at Hannah Richards and sees all the things he hates and fears. He certainly doesn't want to get to get entangled with the seamstress himself - no matter how nice she seems.
The two of them are like watching an old fashioned bumper cars at night. They slam into each other and seem to be causing quite a fuss ~ but beneath all the noise and clamor you see the sparks flying.
Jericho is a wonderful hero. He is two parts stubborn and three parts generous. Add in a little bit wounded, handy with his 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 doesn't want her to get hurt or not have what she needs.
Hannah can't understand why the livery owner is so grouchy and mad at her - and yet helps her so often. Even worse, she finds she likes him far more than she'd like to admit. When she finds out he objects to her job and thinks she is trying to lead women astray by appealing to their vanity, she knows there is no hope he'll ever like her.
Hannah is great. She's determined, independent, kind and trusting. She is a little insecure and fearful, but she is willing to work hard to overcome any difficulties that come her way. She was a really like-able person. I found myself wanting to have her for a friend. Maybe we could meet for hot cocoa in the morning after she went for her "constitutional." :o)
When you want to sit down with the characters in the book then you know the author has done an excellent job.
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34 of 35 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Terrific debut novel., June 8, 2010
This review is from: A Tailor-Made Bride (Paperback)
The cover of this book is what grabbed me first. So colorful. The story then hooked me and I read it quickly. Coventry, Texas is a pleasant little town with welcoming townspeople. Hannah Richards ends up there after an opportunity to open her own dressmaking establishment drops into her lap. Almost immediately upon arriving, she and the local liveryman engage in a verbal tug of war as they get to know each other, and ultimately fall in love. A few twists and turns along the way bring them closer together.
This is a light Christian story and perfect for a summer afternoon sitting in the shade. J.T. is rough around the edges and Hannah is charming and a bit too perfect! But, nevertheless, this is a charming novel with a western setting and engaging story.
A terrific debut novel. I look forward to more from Karen Witemayer.
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29 of 31 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Tailor-Made for Readers, May 20, 2010
This review is from: A Tailor-Made Bride (Paperback)
I once gave a writing prompt for my writers group to come up with a couple with diametrically opposed occupations/world views. Think environmentalist and big oil. It's one way to look at the conflict essential for any good romance.
Karen Witemeyer starts with that premise in her debut novel, A Tailor-Made Bride. Hannah Richards is a dressmaker who believes beauty is God's gift to us. When she sets up shop in Coventry, Texas, she crosses swords with Jericho "J.T." Tucker, a livery owner who believes fashion=vanity: a sin. When Hannah's first customer is Jericho's sister, the reader knows the going will be rough for the couple before they find true love.
I couldn't wait to read Hannah and Jericho's story as soon as I read the opening lines:
"Red? Have you no shame, Auntie Vic? You can't be buried in a scarlet gown."
"It's cerise, Nan."
Buried in a red dress? That would raise eyebrows even today. Subtleties of red, scarlet, cerise? I don't know them--but Hannah does. I couldn't wait to know more.
Hannah not only makes beautiful clothes, but she also practices an exercise regimen that would shame many of us today. The author weaves the exercises effortlessly into the time period (1881) and into the story.
Check out Karen's story. You'll find it's tailor-made for you.
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