He's sworn off love, but she has his heart in her sights and doesn't intend to miss.
Stained by his wastrel father's legacy, Jackson Spivey lives on the fringes of society. Townsfolk tolerate him since he keeps the local hotel supplied with fresh game, but mothers coach their daughters to avoid him. After tasting consistent rejection, Jackson spurns all attempts at courtship. The only things he can count on are his guns and his God.
Tessa James has been secretly in love with Jackson for ages, but trying to gain his favor only pushes him further away. When she learns Annie Oakley is traveling through Texas, Tessa seeks lessons from the famed markswoman. If Jackson's life revolves around guns, taking up shooting might help her engage his interest. Too bad she can't hit the broad side of a barn.
When Annie loans Tessa a custom pistol, however, things begin to change. The lore behind the mysterious weapon fosters hope that Tessa might finally hit the target of Jackson's heart. But when danger threatens, she might be forced to use the pistol for something other than finding love.
For those who love to smile as they read, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Voted #1 Readers' Favorite Christian Historical Author in 2023 by Family Fiction Magazine, Karen is a multiple award-winning author and a firm believer in the power of happy endings. She is an avid cross-stitcher, tea drinker, and family board game player who makes her home in Abilene, TX with her heroic husband who vanquishes laundry dragons and dirty dish villains whenever she's on deadline.
Karen also loves to reward her readers. Every month she gives away two inspirational historical novels to someone from her newsletter list and offers substantial bonus content on her website. To learn more about Karen and her books, or to join her subscriber list, please visit www.karenwitemeyer.com.
“He's sworn off love, but she has his heart in her sights and doesn't intend to miss. Stained by his wastrel father's legacy, Jackson Spivey lives on the fringes of society. Townsfolk tolerate him since he keeps the local hotel supplied with fresh game, but mothers coach their daughters to avoid him. After tasting consistent rejection, Jackson spurns all attempts at courtship. The only things he can count on are his guns and his God. Tessa James has been secretly in love with Jackson for ages, but trying to gain his favor only pushes him further away. When she learns Annie Oakley is traveling through Texas, Tessa seeks lessons from the famed markswoman. If Jackson's life revolves around guns, taking up shooting might help her engage his interest. Too bad she can't hit the broad side of a barn. When Annie loans Tessa a custom pistol, however, things begin to change. The lore behind the mysterious weapon fosters hope that Tessa might finally hit the target of Jackson's heart. But when danger threatens, she might be forced to use the pistol for something other than finding love.”
Series: Part of the “Pink Pistol Sisterhood” series. Mentions characters from the author’s other books, “Stealing the Preacher” (review Here!) and “A Tailor-Made Bride” (review Here!).
Spiritual Content- Galatians 6:9 at the beginning; A few Scriptures are remembered; Talks about God; Mentions of God & faith; Mentions of prayers, praying, & thanking God; Mentions of those & events in the Bible; Mentions of church, church going, & a pastor; A few mentions of blessings & being Blessed; *Note: Mentions of Cupid & his bow (mythological creature); A mention of something sounding like “hocus-pocus”; A mention of someone looking like an “avenging angel”; “For Pete’s sake” is said once.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘biddies’, an ‘idiot’, a form of ‘screwed up’, a ‘shoot’, a ‘rats’, four forms of ‘stupid’; A couple mentions of curses (said, not written); A bit of eye rolling; Shooting someone (self-defense and feels bad afterward, up to semi-detailed); Fighting, Being held at gunpoint, Getting shot (accidentally), Pain, & Blood/bleeding (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of thieves, a robbery, outlaws, threats, & prisons/jails; Mentions of gunfire, being held at gunpoint, getting shot, injuries, pain, & blood/bleeding (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of alcohol, drinking, & drunks (Jackson’s father); Mentions of hunting, hunters, & shooting animals for food; A few mentions of grief (a daughter); A few mentions of cigarettes & tobacco; A few mentions of lies; A few mentions of throwing up; A couple mentions of poker & playing card games; A mention of manure; *Note: Jackson faces prejudice & rude comments because his father is a drunkard and a felon (he is in prison); Jackson’s father used to belittle him with insults which causes Jackson to wonder if he really is worthless.
Sexual Content- A bit of staring at someone’s lips; A forehead kiss, a border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed kiss, a semi-detailed kiss, and a detailed kiss; Remembering kisses (up to semi-detailed); Wanting to kiss (barely-above-not-detailed); Touches, Embraces, & Shivers (up to semi-detailed); Wanting to touch & embrace (barely-above-not-detailed); Blushes; Noticing (up to semi-detailed); Jackson feels a hunger and desire for Tessa; Book ends on a wedding night & a passionate kiss (in Jackson’s point of view); Mentions of kisses & kissing; Mentions of flirting; Mentions of reputations; A couple mentions of touches & embraces; A mention of a married couple kissing often; A mention of jealousy; A mention of a crush; Love, falling/being in love, & the emotions; *Note: A mention of a dress hugging a woman’s figure (said by a dressmaker to a client).
-Tessa James, age 20 -Jackson Spivey, age 20 P.O.V. switches between them (first chapter in someone else’s) Set in 1893-1894 122 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Pre Teens- One Star New Teens- One Star Early High School Teens- Two Stars Older High School Teens- Three Stars My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half)
I’m willing to slightly overlook the few parts with a lack of gun safety and then Tessa jumping into a dangerous situation, because the rest of the story was really cute. Tessa & Jackson were really cute together. Plus, it was neat to hear about the characters from two prior books by this author—especially Joanna & Crockett. The book does end on their wedding night with a passionate kiss, though, which docked my personal rating half a star. Because it didn’t allude to them doing more than kissing, it could be an okay read for older high school girls.
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author. *I received this book for free from the Author for this honest review.
This sweet novella was such a pleasurable read. And it can be easily read in one sitting. I thought the story was very fun, witty, suspenseful, and romantic. I loved the characters, and I look forward to the other pink pistol stories to come.
In Her Sights was such a lovely and fun romantic novella! I really liked both of the main characters and could feel the way their hearts pulled for each other, even before things worked out for them. This story had me laughing out loud at one point, and then quickly letting out a surprised gasp soon after. There was definitely a lot of swoony romance throughout, as well, which made my heart so happy for these two.
This novella is the first in a multi-author series that will be connected by the pink pistol that is presented to Annie Oakley and then passed on to Tessa in this story. I enjoyed this story from start to finish and found these characters to be a joy to read about!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Awwee!! There’s nothing like a sweet novella! And as always Karen wrote a beautiful love story. I always come away from her books feeling happy, and rejuvenated! Her characters hold on to their faith in every situation, and I love it!
It was so much fun seeing Tessa & Jackson all grown up! They were just the cutest couple and they fit so well together.
Tessa was a spitfire, who held on to what she loved! Like she said in the story “I’m not fickle” — and that was true. I loved her devotion & her determination!
Jackson was a sweetie! He tried to push Tessa away in order to keep her reputation intact. But he was no match for the sunshine that was Tessa James.
It’s a novella so obviously it went by fast and wrapped up nicely! But Karen is an amazing author so it just felt sweet. Everything felt like it was wrapped up nicely! It was the perfect little read to get me back in my historical fiction groove.
I love the premise of this new novella series and can’t wait to read about the hope and love that is to come! Also! I totally want to go watch “Annie Get Your Gun” now. I was OBSESSED with Annie Oakley in elementary school, and even wrote a paper on her. So the basis of this collection is SO up my alley!
4/5 stars *I received this book from the author**All opinions are my own*
In Her Sights by Karen Witemeyer is a short, but precious love story. With an Annie Oakley inspired heroine and a sharp-shooting hero, it was engaging and tender, sprinkled with comedy. And it’s the first book in the multi-authored Pink Pistol Sisterhood series. Looking forward to the next book!!
I loved this sweet historical romance novella! I especially enjoyed the moments that made me smile and laugh out loud! I can't wait to see what the rest of the series brings!
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
This was a very delightful novella from Karen Witemeyer. We get to meet old friends from previous novels also. I enjoyed it very much. My thanks to the author for a copy of this book.
Ms. Witemeyer starts the Pink Pistol Sisterhood series with a bang. A rootin’ tootin’, cute as calico story of Tessa who is gifted a pair of pink, pearl handled pistols from none other than Annie Oakley herself. Pistol packin’ ..... dressmaker, Tessa James is trying to catch the eye of Jackson Spivey. Although Jackson has noticed Tessa, he thinks he is not good enough for any lady because of his criminal father. She is out to prove him wrong with Cupid’s...pistol! Some very cute scenes involving target practice and thwarting the bad guys. Adorable western novella that is funny and romantic. And it starts a whole new series centered around a special set of pistols. I cannot wait for the next episode. *I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
A charming story featuring two of Karen's beloved characters from earlier books! This novella was sweet and fun. I loved seeing Tessa and Jackson all grown up and the scene where their romance finally starts was hilarious and adorable. I wasn't expecting the surprise turn this story takes but it certainly was exciting and entertaining. Great read!
I received an ARC of this story from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
What a fun novella! Though the story stands on its own, fans of the author's works will recognize the main characters of this short story. Tessa was a child in Tailor Made Bride, and Jackson was a teen in Stealing the Preacher. Though Jackson has done his best to keep Tessa at arm's length for her own sake, but when she decides to learn how to shoot in order to win his heart, he finally gives in to help her. This is the first in the pink pistol sisterhood series and sets the stage for the pistol that Tessa receives from Annie Oakley herself. Though I purchased this one because of the author, I may invest in the others in this series to see how the pistol changes hands. This looks to be a really fun series and this story got things off to a great start!
This was a phenomenal book! With loads of laughter on the pages, this book was deliciously hysterical. I loved the characters, they were so fun and charming. This is my favorite book of all of Karen Witemeyer’s, I’ve read every book she has ever written, and she never disappoints. If you like quirky characters, funny dialogue, and situations, you’re going to LOVE this book. The plot, using Annie Oakley and a pink pistol to help others to find romance, is genius. I couldn’t put the book down and read it in one day. I will be recommending this book and series to everyone! Was given a complimentary copy, all opinions are my own.
I have enjoyed Karen's books for years! They are such a perfect mix of romance, adventure and a trip back in time. I loved that this new novella had some of the characters introduced in previous novels, ones that are now grown up and ready to find love themselves! This is such a great start to the Pink Pistols series and I was instantly hooked and not ready for it to be over!
Absolutely loved this novella from Karen Witemeyer. She’s long been a favorite author and when I heard she was starting a new series with fellow authors which included two grown up characters from previous books, I jumped at the chance to read it. It’s a darling story of one determined woman, a pink pistol, and a little bit of luck to help her win the man she longs for.
Tessa James has loved Jackson Spivey for years, but everything she tries to get his attention seems to backfire. Determined to win his love, she takes up shooting lessons from the famed markswoman Annie Oakley herself. Annie offers her a beautiful pink pistol given to her by a bereaved father whose daughter died of a broken heart. The pistol is intended much like Cupid’s arrow to help young women find true love. Tessa takes the pistol hoping she’ll have luck with it winning Jackson’s heart.
Jackson has admired Tessa from afar, but his difficult past with an outlaw father makes him leery of relationships especially with women. He depends on his guns for his living and hopes one day to be a lawman. When Tessa asks him for help with shooting, he tries to decline, feeling unworthy of her. But, Tessa isn’t easily deterred. When Jackson finds himself nicked by Cupid’s arrow or in this case a pink pistol, love is sure to follow. But, when Jackson’s past comes back to haunt him, Tessa might get a chance to use her new found skills.
There was quite a lot of story packed into this novella. It was the perfect length to read in a day, yet was so well written and richly detailed that I didn’t notice the length. The romance between Tessa and Jackson was filled with sweet romantic tension and swoon worthy kisses. I loved the way Tessa finally got Jackson’s attention. There’s a hint of danger towards the end that resolves into a delightful happily ever after. I’m excited to see where the pink pistol winds up next and whose love life it will help.
Highly recommend to Western or historical romance fans. While the main characters appear in two previous books, this book can definitely be read as a standalone and it’s not necessary to read the other books to thoroughly enjoy this one. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.
The story is the first in the Pink Pistol Sisterhood series and revolves around a special, pink pearl-handled pistol, entrusted to Annie Oakley, and asked to be passed along to a young lady. When she finds love, she is to pass it along to another—and so forth.
“She who possesses this pistol possesses an opportunity that must not be squandered. Cast in the tender dreams of maidens from ages past, the steel of this weapon is steadfast and true and will lead an unmarried woman to a man forged from the same virtuous elements. One need only fit her hand to the grip and open her heart to activate the promise for which this pistol was fashioned—the promise of true love. Patience and courage will illuminate her path. Hope and faith will guide her steps until her heart finds its home. Once the promise is fulfilled, the bearer must release the pistol and pass it to another or risk losing what she has found. Accept the gift—or not. Believe its promise—or not. But hoard the pistol for personal gain—and lose what you hold most dear.”
The story’s plot will have two people, Tessa James, and Jackson Spivey, acquaintances finally brought together by determination. Tessa is under the tutelage of a well-known seamstress. Jackson Spivey is the son of a drunkard and felon. While fate may have brought them together, Jackson doesn’t believe he is good enough for Tessa, and she is determined to prove him wrong.
“Yet the dreams burgeoning inside her demanded she leave the comfortable in search of the possible.”
I loved the characters, and even though I hadn’t read their previous stories, I never felt lost reading this one. This is a clean, action-packed, historical western that involves the infamous Annie Oakley, and a tale about a pink pistol and love. The group of authors have done an amazing job of spinning these sweet tales and it is always fun seeing the woman get her man—even if he doesn’t think himself worthy.
“My name is Tessa James, and I want to learn to shoot so I can get myself a husband.”
The story has the good, the bad, and the ugly. I love how Tessa is so sure of Jackson, and doesn’t treat him like an outcast like many do because of his father. She takes him at face value for the man he is, not his parentage. This was a fun read and more on Tessa James and Jackson Spivey can be found in previously released books by this author. A Tailor-Made Bride and Stealing the Preacher.
Be sure to read book two, Love on Target by Shanna Hatfield, and meet Rena Burke, the next recipient of the pink pearl-handled pistol.
Karen Witemeyer is known for her humorous Western romances and this novella is a perfect example. Tessa James loves Jackson Spivey but getting his attention has been a bust so far because he believes that he isn't worthy of her! What's a gal to do? She decides to grab his heart by learning her way around guns and who better to teach her than Annie Oakley, the famous lady sharpshooter? Will Tessa succeed, or is there danger ahead for anyone who steps in front of her special pink pistol?
In Her Sights is filled with fun, laughter, and romance. Tessa's efforts are sweetly endearing, Jackson is one special cowboy, and the romantic chemistry that they share is clean but oh, so sizzling! I especially loved the historical tidbits about the real-life Annie Oakley and the inspiring threads of faith that are woven into this story! It's an appealing Western adventure that introduces readers to the Pink Pistol Sisterhood series!
I received a digital copy of this book from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.
Very enjoyable Western romance kicking off the new series featuring a custom, pink mother-of-pearl pistol. I hope the rest of the authors can live up to Karen Witemeyer's exceptional writing. Tessa James is very feminine but determined to win over Jackson, a man who favors guns. Jackson Spivey has a shadow lingering over his name and is determined to protect Tessa from getting too close. This novella is such a fun premise. I'm looking forward to the rest.
Quotable: "This ain't an ordinary gun," Annie said, her voice dipping into a rough whisper. "It's a courtship pistol."
Note: the author shares that both characters appeared in previous books of hers in their youth. Tessa was in A Tailor-Made Bride and Jackson was in Stealing the Preacher. Kind of fun we get to see them all grown up & I think Karen's fans will adore that!
I purchased an eVersion. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.
“I prefer to put my trust in truth, not perception. Jackson is an honorable man… I will not turn my back on him simply because a handful of people can’t see past his name.”
I LOVED this book. So much that I finished it in one sitting, when I probably should not have spent an entire afternoon reading. This book hits all of the right notes. It was sweet, it was funny, it had likeable characters who were easy to root for, and I was grinning like an idiot almost the whole time I was reading it.
Tessa is convinced that Jackson is the man for her. There’s just one little problem: he doesn’t seem to notice she exists, let alone that she likes him. So, with the help of a matchmaking pistol, she takes up shooting in hopes of finally catching his attention.
Jackson has been fighting his attraction to Tessa for the better part of a year. How can he act on his interest in her, when he knows he has nothing to offer her? But when Tessa comes into the gun shop to purchase ammo for her new gun and ask him for shooting lessons, his curiosity gets the best of him.
5/5, I definitely recommend this book, and can’t wait to read about the future recipients of the pink pistol.
Another novella gem for Karen Witemeyer, who somehow manages to get you to fall in love with two people individually and as a couple in the span of ten chapters. I’m not a huge novella reader, as I always want more, but her novellas always manage to hit the right target and seem much more developed than should be possible.
It likely helps in this case I remember Jackson Spivey with so much affection from Stealing the Preacher ( a delightful story you should definitely read, though you don’t need to to still fully enjoy this). I also remember young Tessa from A Tailor-Made Bride, Witemeyer’s fantastic debut novel.
Tessa and Jackson are delightfully perfect for one another and have no trouble standing on their own as main characters. Their struggles are authentic and believable. Tessa’s plan to catch Jackson’s attention is priceless and I laughed at the whole scene behind the old school. And together they’re so sweet with one another.
Honestly, this read was just so enjoyable! I’m interested to see where the pink pistol ends up next!
I received an early copy of this novella from the author. I was not asked to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.
I must admit to enjoying the second half of the story more than the first. The first half was swift and felt a bit contrived to me. It was fun to see past characters pop up for a short story, but the plot was understandably simpler than Karen Witemeyer's usual stories. Still, at under 100 pages, it was a quick read. I did enjoy the tail end of the story, which I felt had a bit more adventure. I will hope for more of that adventurous spirit when the full-length Fairest of Heart, Karen Witemeyer's next book, releases in June.
The premise is simple: a beautiful pink gun, crafted for a beloved daughter who is no more, is said to bring love to it's owner. Our heroine has set her sights on an honorable young man who seems determined to avoid female companionship, so she sets out to do what she can to catch his attention and win his affections - and if the pistol can help, all the better.
This is a quick read and a clean romance. The story involves a pink pistol, hope, and romance. There is a sad beginning, but it gets better fairly quickly. The main characters were in other books, Tailor-Made Bride and Stealing the Preacher. His past is unpleasant, and the people in town don't make it easy for him. She doesn't give up on him, and it makes things sometimes humorous. The ending leads into the next story.
Great intro to the series! This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from the author.
First of all, the back story to the pink handled pistol is sweet and sad and hopeful. It's no wonder Annie Oakley agrees to take it.
Then we get into the main story. It's delightful, with funny and exciting bits while still being realistic. The young couple are adorable together. Tessa is an innocent and idealistic girl. Jackson's life has been made difficult by his father's life choices. He's closed himself off to avoid getting hurt. Their romance moves quickly, but doesn't feel rushed.
"In Her Sights" by Karen Witemeyer was an absolutely delightful read. Sweet and simple it sweeps you up in a nostalgic love story. It was so sweet to see Jackson and Tess all grown up.
I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it!
The cover is horrible but the book is fantastic. I really enjoy this author’s novellas and this was no different. The humor was spot on and I was crying laughing (my cat looked very concerned). Also, I liked the connection to the Archers.
In Her Sights is the new novella from Karen Witemeyer and the first in a new series by several authors. I love how Karen brought two characters that appeared as children in previous novels together in this sweet romance that begins when Tessa meets the legendary Annie Oakley. This book was exactly what I needed to read at the beginning of Spring Break. I look forward to reading the rest of the books in this series. A fun bonus to the series is a free magazine they've created to go along with the series. You can download it here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/dkjqomyr9a
I received an advance reader copy of this title from the author.
In Her Sights by Karen Witemeyer is the first novella in the Pink Pistol Sisterhood series and like everything else written by this author, it’s a story to remember! With a spunky and determined heroine paired with a charming yet under-confident hero, sparks (and bullets!) are sure to fly. I love the premise behind this series, of a pink-handled revolver that will bring the woman holding it to her true love (if she will open her heart) as well as the involvement of Annie Oakley. It was so much fun to see how the custom revolver brought Tessa and Jackson together that I can’t wait to see what the pink pearl pistol will do between the next couple!
As usual, Ms. Witemeyer delivers a stunning novella, perfectly paced and full of well-drawn characters, engaging dialogue, and plenty of Texas-sized drama. Being novella length, it’s the perfect read for a rainy evening or lazy Sunday afternoon because you won’t want to put this story down once you start.
I also enjoyed seeing characters for the author’s previous books. It added charm and a bit of nostalgia (#teamcrockett), but you don’t need to have read all her other stories to enjoy Jackson and Tessa’s.
Overall, I was thoroughly entertained by the antics of Tessa to win Jackson’s heart. And I believe all fans of clean/sweet historical romance, especially those in Western settings will enjoy In Her Sights.
I was given a copy of this book by the author with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions are my own.