Texas Ever After Series: Book 2
Publication Date: March 12, 2024
One fateful night will change their destinies forever. . . .
Convinced that his stepmother and half brothers have been wrongfully evicted by cattle king Eli Dearing, Asher Ellis uses the cover of an extravagant ball to break into the Three Cedars’ ranch house to search for proof. On the verge of discovery, he flees, but a boy’s cry compels him to make a daring rescue.
Spunky and independent Samantha Dearing balks when she learns the ball her father is hosting is nothing more than a matrimonial ambush. Taking a break from unwanted suitors, Samantha spots a thief fleeing her home. When the stranger ends up saving her brother’s life, she hides the only clue to his identity left behind–his boot–and resolves to find him herself.
When Samantha encounters the older brother of a student she tutors, all thoughts of the bootless mystery man vanish. Asher values family above wealth, a rare trait that opens her heart. Afraid she will discover his past misconduct, Asher tries to keep his distance, but when a series of suspicious accidents befall her, he vows to protect her, even though saving her life could mean losing her love.
Samantha Dearing returns to her ranch home after finishing school to a lavish ball filled with eligible suitors. Meanwhile, Asher Ellis sneaks in during the festivities to find proof the Dearings unfairly evicted his family.
Author Karen Witemeyer sets up a Texas take on Cinderella in If the Boot Fits. Asher unknowingly witnesses a tearful conversation between Samantha and her father regarding the ball’s purpose. It was only after the Dearings left the room that Asher was able to look for financial records.
However, the getaway process is complicated when Samantha and her little brother, Clint, give chase, and Clint ends up falling into the pond. Asher returns to rescue him, losing his boot in the process.
Samantha is determined to find the owner of the boot but soon becomes the target of a series of incidents. The snake in the bag would have been enough to send me packing, but Samantha stayed calm.
The author ties the story together by emphasizing the importance of relationships. For example, Samantha and her father have an important conversation that dispels much of her past angst. Samantha’s official introduction to Asher, as the older brother of a student she tutors, opens the way for the two to connect.
However, secrets from the past have a way of making themselves known at the most inconvenient moments. The secrets on the Dearing ranch turn out to have dangerous consequences.
If the Boot Fits is a heartwarming second installment in the Texas Ever After series, delivering a memorable story tied with spiritual threads.
Voted #1 Reader’s Favorite Christian Historical Author of 2023 by Family Fiction magazine, bestselling and Carol and Christy Award-winning author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. She and her husband make their home in Abilene, Texas. Learn more about Karen and her books at KarenWitemeyer.com.