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Claire Nevin identifies herself in many ways: Irish immigrant, apprentice healer, and most importantly, sister. When her troubled sibling sends her an unexpected package by rail, the gift and the man who delivers it threaten to redefine Claire's life once again. Fighting to hold on to all she's built, will she lose what matters most?

107 pages, ebook

First published May 1, 2018

250 people are currently reading
927 people want to read

About the author

Karen Witemeyer

69 books4,306 followers
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.

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5 stars
377 (41%)
4 stars
331 (36%)
3 stars
181 (19%)
2 stars
20 (2%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
Profile Image for Loraine.
3,447 reviews
June 12, 2018
This book covering the Ladies of Harper's Station focuses on Claire, the healer. We learn her backstory and what brought her to the "ladies only" colony. The story runs the gamut of emotions from sadness, anger, frustration, and joy while her sister's baby adds a new depth to her life, and she faces dealing with her past with Pieter and his brother.

Novellas are not usually my favorites as trying to write a complete story in 100+ pages and give the characters depth and the plot line meaning is not easy. But Witemeyer does an excellent job in creating a story that feels fully complete in only 118 pages. It was definitely a nice conclusion to this series.
Profile Image for Beth.
805 reviews370 followers
March 13, 2018
It's been a while since I've read anything by Witemeyer (I know, what gives??), and I had forgotten just how adorable her stories can be. The story's opening feels very engaging, a bit mysterious, then a bit of a shock as Claire relieves her past. I liked both leads equally, and though they knew each other before the events of the novella, I didn't feel dropped into their story without explanation. Things are revealed nicely throughout the narrative, and I just thought the whole thing was really sweet. Pieter plays the protective role when Claire needs it, but doesn't attempt to coddle her. The dynamic between them is basically adorable and made me smile. I'm actually very eager to read the full length Harper's Station books now!
Profile Image for Dee/ bookworm.
1,400 reviews4 followers
February 23, 2022
Love it!! One of the best short novels (about 100 pages) I have read.
Profile Image for Joleen.
2,656 reviews1,227 followers
July 22, 2024
As I was reading The Love Knot, I wondered why things seem to be progressing far too quickly. Feelings were changing in three pages that should have taken more than three chapters. Then I looked at the book again and saw it was a novella, which I don’t ordinarily care for, and which, for the sake of brevity necessitates hurried outcomes. But I was committed to the book so I continued, and I’m glad I did.

The cast of characters brought back old friends from previous Harper’s Station books. Friends like Tori and Ben, Grace and Amos, and Malachi and Emma.

In The Love Knot, two new friends are added, both from New York. Claire Nevin escaped an uncomfortable situation in New York to an even worse situation in Texas as a mail order bride.

After living a year in a women’s colony as a healer, a letter arrived from her sister saying someone would arrive on the train carrying a package that would change everything.

This was a short story with a sweet romance.

The knot references can be found several times as we see Claire working on something throughout which becomes significant later in her life.

**********************************************

Four and a half years later
July 22, 2024
Re-read this sweet novella. A theme throughout is trust. We are called to trust God, especially when we try to take control. But another form of trust is in people. When you’ve been let down often enough, it’s hard to believe that another person can be trustworthy. Don’t they have to prove themselves? This is where Claire finds herself trying to trust the man she loved, whom she thought betrayed her, and from whom she ran.
Profile Image for Sarita.
1,508 reviews654 followers
April 4, 2019
I liked Claire since I've met her in the first book of the Harper's Station series and even more through book 2 - Heart on the line - of the series. This was a sweet little story where we understand why Claire escaped to Harper station. I really enjoyed Pieter and how he was willing to do what he needs to to win back Claire's trust. I think I also enjoyed him a bit more because he was Dutch and all his Dutch words was similar to my mother language, Afrikaans.

The epilogue was sweet and a nice catch up with Grace and Helen. The only thing when this story ended was that I found it too short.
Profile Image for Brittany .
2,877 reviews208 followers
March 11, 2018
I loved that these main characters had a past together that had ended in heartache. With hurt still brimming to the surface, Claire had to decide if she had misjudged Pieter and then decide if she could forgive and trust him again. I loved the way Pieter’s true and selfless heart showed through in this novella. He was a man who went above and beyond to help the woman he loved.

I received a complimentary copy of this novella. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Alysha (For The Love of Christian Fiction).
481 reviews436 followers
March 9, 2018
The first story was the lovely Karen Witemeyer's story, which was the fourth and final installation in her "Ladies of Harper Station" series.

It was bittersweet saying goodbye to Harper's Station, but I loved being able to see everyone one last time. And seeing one more lady find her true love. Our Miss Claire ALREADY had her true love before she even came to Harper's Station, but ran from him when a miscommunication arose.

Since Claire and Pieter already knew, and loved, each other it was a fast lovely romance. One I found no problems with. Their connection was so sweet.
Both characters were gracious and kind, they took in baby without question, but they also didn't give up on each other. They worked through their hurt and distrust and fell in love all over again!

I wish the "gift" they received had a bit more screen time , but I also understand there are only so many words you can write in a novella.

This story had the most "knot" feelings in my opinion. Both in actual metaphors used and relationship testing.

Overall I really did enjoy the story and how the series itself wrapped up and I rated it a 4/5 stars.
Profile Image for Andrea Cox.
Author 4 books1,741 followers
April 9, 2019
A darling finale to the Ladies of Harper’s Station series, this novella packed a wallop of a punch, swiftly earning a spot on my favorite-books list. The characters were enchanting, the plot delicious, but it was the heart and trademark wittiness that endeared me the most. Hopefully the next series by Mrs. Witemeyer is just as special as this one!
Profile Image for Nicole.
Author 17 books146 followers
June 9, 2019
Cute series conclusion! I enjoyed the brief visit back to Harper's Station, and having all the characters back together. ♡
Profile Image for Natasha.
472 reviews12 followers
August 15, 2021
A short sweet story that caught my attention. I was much further through it than I thought, as I was reading a digital copy on the Libby app that included the first chapter of "More than meets the eye" (which might be the next book by this author I start). There was not much drama and the conflict was settled fairly quickly, a bit predictable, but still interesting. I'm definitely going to read more about the ladies of Harper's Station.
Profile Image for Hannah Joy.
254 reviews
June 10, 2022
I'm actually sad to leave Harper's Station. I enjoyed this series!
Profile Image for Becky.
6,175 reviews304 followers
September 14, 2018
First sentence:
May 1895 Harper's Station, Texas
Claire Nevin frowned at the cheerful white clouds frolicking across the blue sky and tried to close her ears against the melodies the birds insisted on singing in response to the deceptively fine morning.
Premise/plot: When Claire hears from her sister by letter, she's anxious. She knows her sister is in trouble--that there's been a falling out between her parents and her sister--but she doesn't know why. What could her sister be sending by train? Though nervous, she'll meet the train with a smile on her face--prepared for the worst and hoping for the best. Her life may never be the same...

My thoughts: I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this romance novella. So much so that I was sad not to spend even more time with Claire and Pieter. This novella is in the A Hearts Entwined collection.

If you enjoy historical fiction, historical romance, or sweet romance, then this is a must read! Or perhaps I should amend that to Karen Witemeyer is a must read author.
Profile Image for Megan.
196 reviews32 followers
July 19, 2018
I really enjoyed this sweet story about Claire from Harper's Station. I'm sad to leave Harper's Station now, but this book did a great job of finishing the series. One of the things I loved about these books was the sweet sisterhood relationships between the women who lived in Harper's Station. They were close and helped each other and this was shown very clearly. My only questions is why didn't Claire's sister Polly just come to Harper's Station?

Looking forward to reading more of Karen Witemeyer's books in the hopefully near future!
Profile Image for Deacon Tom (Feeling Better).
2,635 reviews243 followers
December 1, 2021
This is a light and easy love story. I enjoy the fact of it having the Irish background.

If that’s a good combination for you love and Irish, then go for this book.
Profile Image for Kate.
1,925 reviews75 followers
November 3, 2019
I think this was a fitting conclusion to the 'Ladies of Harper's Sation' series. I liked how Claire learned to trust in the Lord's leading rather than relying on her own strength. I'm not sure I can say more without spoiling the evens of this book, but I definitely really enjoyed this book.
Profile Image for Wendy.
525 reviews23 followers
August 19, 2019
BACK OF THE BOOK BLURB
(copied from Amazon.com)

Claire Nevin identifies herself in many ways: Irish immigrant, apprentice healer, and most importantly, sister. When her troubled sibling sends her an unexpected package by rail, the gift and the man who delivers it threaten to redefine Claire's life once again. Fighting to hold on to all she's built, will she lose what matters most?

MY REVIEW

Karen did a great job of telling Claire's story, have you ever jumped to a conclusion about a person who made one mistake that devastates you, did you end up making a mistake by not listening and forgiving. How would this unexpected package affect you, read the story and see if you would choose what Claire did. I think this is only available for the Kindle but worth the money and time to read.
Profile Image for Caitlyn Santi.
Author 4 books102 followers
May 2, 2018
I always love Karen's books. I've been so enjoying her Harper's Station books and was so excited to read Claire's story. I loved this story. It was just SO good, I kept wishing it was a full length novel because I didn't want it to end!
Oh and by the way I absolutely loved the hero, Pieter, from the moment he first appeared in the story he totally made me melt!
The Love Knot is yet another gem by Karen Witemeyer!
Profile Image for Morgan.
353 reviews7 followers
October 6, 2020
Loved this short read. Was a well put together story that kept me interested and on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what happened next.
Profile Image for Melmo2610.
3,617 reviews
March 19, 2018
Another wonderful story about Harper's Station and it's inhabitants. Karen's series: "The Ladies of Harper's Station" has been my favorite of all her books and "The Love Knot is a delightful conclusion to a series I am sad to see end. I have enjoyed these stories immensely and Claire's story was no exception. Being reunited with the one that broke her heart and a surprise from her sister make this a story that you can't put down, in fact I read it in one setting. Don't pass up any of Karen's stories, especially the Ladies of Harper's Station!!
Profile Image for Trisha.
446 reviews46 followers
May 2, 2018
I enjoyed this visit back to Harper's Station and reading Claire's story. Clair unexpectedly finds herself face to face with a past she thought she left behind. Will she be able to let go of past hurts and move forward on a new unexpected path?
You won't want to miss the chance to visit Harper's station and learn more about Clair!

(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)
Profile Image for Erin Laramore.
833 reviews77 followers
November 15, 2025
Short and sweet second chance romance! This was a great short story to end the Ladies of Harper's Station series. I never cease to be amazed when authors can jam a whole lot of story and character development into such a short book, but Karen Witemeyer did just that in this one. Though it's not essential to read the other books in the series to enjoy this one, I do think it makes for a richer reader experience. But this was an enjoyable historical romance short story and one I can easily recommend!
Profile Image for ضحى الحداد.
Author 3 books638 followers
May 21, 2018
I understand that this is just a short story .. but Karen Witemeyer is way better with full length novels, because this one wasn't to the standard I came to expect of her
so In this Novella we follow Claire, the Irish immigrant who became a nurse and her love story with her childhood friend who broke her heart once upon a time, and now he is back determined to win her heart back .. yeeaaahhh not my cup of tea
I did enjoy some scenes featuring the women but it was just ok
Profile Image for Sydney.
470 reviews161 followers
May 28, 2022
A cute and quick read. :)
Profile Image for Naphtali.
135 reviews2 followers
August 12, 2019
Reading books like this is like eating a really sweet dessert. Lovely while you're eating it, but you end up feeling lethargic, checked out of real life, and with a slight stomachache.
Which is fine once in a while! Enjoy while reading. I just don't reccomend a steady diet of these stories.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews

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