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Love on the Line

by Deeanne Gist

3.97 · rating details · 389 ratings · 107 reviews

In 1904 Texas Ranger Luke Palmer arrives in Brenham, Texas, with one goal--to capture the gang of outlaws led by Frank Comer. Undercover as a telephone repairman, he uses his days on the range to search, not realizing there's another pair of eyes watching him.
Georgie Gail, switchboard operator and birder, heads out on a birding expedition, but instead of sighting a painte...more

Hardcover, 365 pages

Published October 1st 2011 by Bethany House Publishers

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Oct 20, 2011

Margaret is currently reading it · review of another edition

Shelves: october-2011, bethany-house, chf, 1900s-texas, christian-historical-fiction

In the first scene I immediately took a liking to Georgie and her personality and was not overly fond of Luke, but then as the chapters next progressed with Georgie back in her own environment and Luke Palmer riding into town as the new Telephone Troubleman I was reversed in my feelings and loved Luke, but found Georgie a bit frustrating. It took me a long while longer to get back to enjoying this book as there was a good portion of it where I was bored and annoyed by the birds topic that was ne...more

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Jan 03, 2012

Felicia rated it

Shelves: 2011-read, 2011-review-book, own, paperbooks

Guest Review for Geeky Bloggers Book Blog
Overall Rating 3.00 Stars
Character Rating 3.00 Starts
Story Rating 3.00

Note: I have asked my sister to help me out with reviews from time to time and she agreed! YEAH! She did an excellent review of Love on the Line by Deeanne Gist.

Review:

General Thoughts: I liked this book. It is an excellent book for a young reader; simple and wholesome. It was a mix of romance and mystery/crime, all with a PG rating.

...more

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Feb 16, 2012

Candi rated it

Shelves: fiction

I've gotten so I love a Deeane Gist book, I haven't met one I didn't like. Her research is remarkable and always serves to draw you further into whatever story she is telling. There is never a time that I think "oh that couldn't happen" it's all believable. Also she knows how to write a great romance that doesn't cross the line into salacious and is about realistic people.

I liked this particular story because it was set in Texas and the hero was a Texas ranger, I've just r...more

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Jan 22, 2012

Molly rated it

Deeanne Gist is my go-to author for historical romance with a dash of humor and taste of adventure. With a book by her, I just know I’m guaranteed several hours of reading enjoyment.

Gist’s strength is creating characters that are so natural: she paints them vividly from their dress to their demeanor and dialog that they simply come alive. And Love on the Line promises to be another proof of that.

Here we have an adorably headstrong heroine up against a no-nonsense alpha-male l...more

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Dec 03, 2011

Linda rated it

Top Texas Ranger, Lucious Landrum, hasn’t been able to apprehend Frank Comer, a Texan train robber who has mustered together Brenham’s citizens’ silence about where he lived by compensating them with goods from the robberies. So the Ranger headquarters’ captain decided to enlist Landrum’s services disguised as an undercover agent disguised as the telephone repairman, Luke Palmer. Luke, however, was worried about his Ranger reputation and being able to follow all the ‘rules’ a of a salesman.
...moreTop Texas Ranger, Lucious Landrum, hasn’t been able to apprehend Frank Comer, a Texan train robber who has mustered together Brenham’s citizens’ silence about where he lived by compensating them with goods from the robberies. So the Ranger headquarters’ captain decided to enlist Landrum’s services disguised as an undercover agent disguised as the telephone repairman, Luke Palmer. Luke, however, was worried about his Ranger reputation and being able to follow all the ‘rules’ a of a salesman.

Georgie Gail is the new, twenty-year-old, unmarried, female switchboard operator in Brenham who was given a home to live in, where the switchboard was located. Besides her job, her delight was her garden with a sanctuary for birds. As one of Nellie Bly’s followers, she is proud of her independence in a man’s world.

The switchboard was a party line where others could listen in, ‘rubbernecking’ as it was called back in my day, and I could easily hear the gossip flowing through the town. Where everybody knows your name, and more! Yet the community friendships and social gatherings held the town together, helping on another out.

It’s when Luke Palmer arrives at the home office and takes over part of Georgie’s space, watching over her, that the sparks fly, and not necessarily romantic! The humor of Georgie’s initial relationship with Luke was so clearly male chauvinistic! Oh, how I could relate! But a Mai tree does appear at Georgie’s door!

Deeanne did a fabulous job relating to and keeping me interested and engrossed in the story, ending it with a shocking twist! Her meticulous research payed off in being well-versed in the times and intricately written details of the different circumstances, such as hitching a horse to a cart, setting up the wiring for the telephones, or hunting down the elusive train robber and his cronies.

Not only was this a fun read, it also includes a lot of history, suspense as to the identity of the train robber, scouting him out, and Georgie’s interactions during her mysterious and dangerous encounters. Get a copy and enjoy a little fun down time!

This book was provided by Amy Lathrop of the Litfuse Group in exchange for my honest review. No monetary compensation was exchanged.

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Dec 03, 2011

Kav rated it

Catchy title for a fetching, light-hearted romance. The comedy was prevalent in nearly every scene. From subtle humour to out-loud belly laughs, I smiled my way through this one. (Which was a little embarrassing since I do most of my reading on the bus.)

Gist is meticulous in her characterization and that's what builds this into a memorable read. From Georgie's obsession with birds (there's a hysterical scene where she sums up Luke's appearance as if he were one of her bird sightings....more

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Nov 27, 2011

Kathryn rated it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. loved the authors ability to create a novel that portrays the female character with some spunk, although she still has morals and manners. Switchboard operator Georgie Gail is independent and can stand on her own two feet. She is also willing to protect those that can't protect themselves...like the birds that end up on the ladies fashionable hats and gowns. She starts a petition to keep the birds safe an not be used as hat decorations. This ruffles a few feathers in the small rural town of Texa...more

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Nov 19, 2011

Jolene rated it

Georgie Gail's position as a telephone switchboard operator is enviable. Her employer, SWT&T, provides an income and a simple cottage for her. Her pleasant life includes independence, community and a lovely garden designed to attract birds. She's less than thrilled when SWT&T sends Luke Palmer to be the local troubleman. Not only will he be selling telephone subscriptions and repairing equipment, but he'll also be looking over her shoulder. Luke, however, is more than he seems. He's a Texas Rang...moreGeorgie Gail's position as a telephone switchboard operator is enviable. Her employer, SWT&T, provides an income and a simple cottage for her. Her pleasant life includes independence, community and a lovely garden designed to attract birds. She's less than thrilled when SWT&T sends Luke Palmer to be the local troubleman. Not only will he be selling telephone subscriptions and repairing equipment, but he'll also be looking over her shoulder. Luke, however, is more than he seems. He's a Texas Ranger undercover in search of the notorious and well-supported outlaw, Frank Comer. Between dealing with Luke, fulfilling her job and denouncing the use of birds in women's hats, Georgie has her hands full. As Luke pursues the outlaw and his group, danger grows and Georgie and Luke realize that more than their jobs are on the line.

Having read several of Deeanne Gist's prior books, I had some expectations when I picked up Love on the Line. As always, Gist showed that she knows how to tell a story with plenty of romance and adventure! Though set in the past, Georgie struggles with issues that women of today still deal with. I appreciated Georgie's character growth from a mindset of 'I can do anything a man can do.' to 'Each person has their own strengths and weaknesses, but when put together with another, both are important and complement each other.' Die-hard feminists might not be too happy with this mindset, but I subscribe to the idea of working in partnership rather than competition. I was completely okay with this book being less edgy than other books by Gist. There are less sexual overtones and not quite as many deep, dark issues as in Gist's prior books.

Overall, Love on the Line by Deeanne Gist is an entertaining read for inspirational romance audiences.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers as part of their blogger review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."(less)

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Nov 15, 2011

Laura rated it

Love on the Line by author Deeanne Gist was a fun romantic novel that I found hard to put down.

Lucious Landrum is a Texas Ranger who goes undercover in Brenham, TX to uncover the hideout of the famous train robber Frank Comer. Unfortunately for Lucious, Frank has endeared himself to the surrounding population of Brenham as he has become somewhat of a folk hero. Think Robin Hood.

As Lucious takes on the persona of Luke Palmer, troubleman for Southwestern Telegraph & Telephone C...moreLove on the Line by author Deeanne Gist was a fun romantic novel that I found hard to put down.

Lucious Landrum is a Texas Ranger who goes undercover in Brenham, TX to uncover the hideout of the famous train robber Frank Comer. Unfortunately for Lucious, Frank has endeared himself to the surrounding population of Brenham as he has become somewhat of a folk hero. Think Robin Hood.

As Lucious takes on the persona of Luke Palmer, troubleman for Southwestern Telegraph & Telephone Company (SWT & T), he not only has to deal with finding Frank, but he also has to deal with feisty Georgie Gail, (the telephone operator) who is fiercely independent, and annoyed that some man can come into her home and give her orders on how to do her job.

I really liked the characters in this novel and the growing romance between Georgie and Lucious. It was a fun book to read because of the constant clashes between the two. The growing romance between them was always at question as well because of these clashes, which made for an interesting relationship. The added bonus of the Comer Gang and the danger they posed to Georgie because of Lucious' undercover activities made for a very interesting read.

The only thing that I was surprised about in this book, was the lack of a Christian message. It was disappointing really, since the author is a well-known Christian writer. God seemed to be an afterthought. Now, if this book were being marketed in the secular industry (which I think it should have been), I wouldn't expect any mention of God at all. But it is coming from the Christian book industry and because of that I believe (and this is my own personal preference) that God shouldn't be "tagged on" just to make it "Christian". There is no theme, no underlying lesson, no spiritual development in the characters at all. It is just a fun, very well written novel. Again, this doesn't take away from the book at all, it just begs the question - why bother to market it as a Christian book if God is just an afterthought? (less)

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Nov 13, 2011

Tima rated it

Georgie is a telephone operator. She's proud of the fact that she has a job and a home and doesn't have to be married. She can do ANYTHING a man can do.
A local gang is getting out of hand and Luke is sent in to act as a telephone man while he tries to infiltrate the gang.
Georgie doesn't take well to being told what to do and doesn't appreciate a man in her business.

The book was well written and had quite a few interesting details about the job of a telephone operator during t...more

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Oct 28, 2011

Lauren rated it

Shelves: christian, romance

I enjoyed learning about rural Texas in the early twentieth century. Georgie and Luke were another great couple from Deeanne Gist. And it was nice to see a petite woman win the man – a man with curly dark hair, which is pretty much always my weakness. I love that Gist’s women are independent and always have interesting hobbies – this time it was birding. Overall a great read.

A note on the end: (view spoiler)...more

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Oct 19, 2011

Sunflower rated it

Shelves: 2011-book-reviews, litfuse-publicity, bethany-reviewed

"Love on the Line" by Deeanne Gist, is not your usual historical romance and that made,"Love on the Line" all the more a fun read! The story of a strong, independent woman and a Texas Ranger, undercover, set in the not so wild frontier of Texas,"Love on the Line" had all the elements of a perfect Friday night reading, to cozy up with, next to the fire, with a rich, hot chocolate on the table beside you.

The characters are well developed, the background for ...more"Love on the Line" by Deeanne Gist, is not your usual historical romance and that made,"Love on the Line" all the more a fun read! The story of a strong, independent woman and a Texas Ranger, undercover, set in the not so wild frontier of Texas,"Love on the Line" had all the elements of a perfect Friday night reading, to cozy up with, next to the fire, with a rich, hot chocolate on the table beside you.

The characters are well developed, the background for the story, well researched, and just even the backstory, of the main character, Georgie Gail, will have the reader, caught up till the very end of this wildly, funny, filled with charm, reading.

What makes,"Love on the Line" just a sweet and fun read, is that this is not your usual, sugary love story, but a story about standing up for what you believe in, about honesty, about the strength of character, that makes this book stand out as a Christian based story, historical fiction with a perfect touch of romance that is really more touching then ever, that will leave the reader, swooning for a "Luke Palmer" who is dashing though at the same time, charming as he meets his match with headstrong, Georgie Gail.

"Love on the Line" is very original and fun at the same time and this is not a "girly" book, but a solid read, that is both smart and very endearing and, if you're like me, find it so hard to put down and have to keep reading till the end.

I'm normally not a big fan of romance novels, so with "Love on the Line", instead I find a very smartly written book that has the element of romance, that is sweet and endearing, yet at the same time,the characters are strong in their own right and hold out as characters, on their own, that you will find yourself just growing close with and silently cheering out when you realize, "Wait..this has romance in it too".

What I really enjoyed as well about,"Love on the Line" is that Georgie Gail is not a helpless damsel in distress; She is a strong, well rounded character who can hold her own but at the same time, not afraid to let her femininity show through, and even though she proves she can hold her own in a man's world, at the same time, allows herself to be vulnerable and open when love finds her heart.

Deeanne Gist, perfectly writes a story that you will find yourself recommending to friends to read, placing it in your purse or backpack to bring on vacation, or if you have a Nook or Kindle, downloading it to read, while the fire is going or by the pool in the summertime.

Either way, "Love on the Line" left me feeling, for a historical fiction, it captured the time period wonderfully and had enough romance, for the romantic in me to indulge in a little, "That is so sweet".

Ms. Gist, really brings the characters to life and writes the story in such detail that its not overwhelming, but helps the reader, just have a mental image of what they think the characters are thinking, feeling and must look that I fear if a movie was made, I could only hope it would match up to how delightful the book, itself is.

With the holidays around the corner, and you're looking for a book to take with you on vacation, or just to read while warming up by the fire, drop by Georgie Gail's, small hometown, and discover,"Love on the Line".

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Oct 16, 2011

Kat rated it

Shelves: christian-fiction, christian-historical-fiction, romance-fiction, christian-western-romance

"Hello, Central."

That is how Georgie Gail begins her day until 5pm, making connections for people all over the small town of Brenham. She is the telephone switchboard operator for Southwestern Telegraph and Telephone company and knows just about everything about everyone in town. Not that she listens in when she shouldn't be, but often the calls she gets is what is playing in town at the theater, what is the current time, and someone has lost their cow again, can the town be ...more"Hello, Central."

That is how Georgie Gail begins her day until 5pm, making connections for people all over the small town of Brenham. She is the telephone switchboard operator for Southwestern Telegraph and Telephone company and knows just about everything about everyone in town. Not that she listens in when she shouldn't be, but often the calls she gets is what is playing in town at the theater, what is the current time, and someone has lost their cow again, can the town be on the lookout for it, among other calls.

Georgie is proud of being an independent woman and her only other hobby is the love she has for all the birds that frequent her yard, from hummingbirds to the family of blue birds she is hoping will nest in her starch box this year.

Luke Palmer is a man on a mission, actually more than one mission, a Texas Ranger working undercover as a telephone repair/salesman, he is hoping to learn more about a notorious and legendary outlaw known as Frank Comer and his gang. He's avoided capture since he is the most gentlemanly outlaw around, providing for the poor and the weak, most of his victims would likely allow him to stay under their roofs rather than turn them over to the law. Therefore, Luke is hoping to find out just where Frank Comer is staying and finally put him behind bars, by posing as a telephone repair man, whose job would be to visit the residents and either sell their phone service or fix their existing lines.

However what Luke doesn't plan on is interference from Georgie, who has no plans to turn over her phone operations to Luke, even though he is more than a handsome man to look at. However when he is willing to assist her in helping to save the birds a local milliner is paying to have killed, she isn't ready to place her own love on the line waiting.

In the latest novel, Love On The Line by Deeanne Gist, we are thrown into a mixture of oil and water as the characters of Luke Palmer and Georgie Gail are forced to interact with one another. A heartwarming and wonderfully fun love story soon develops between the two if only they could avoid getting their own lines crossed. I just know my readers will enjoy this fun adventure of the old fashioned version of telephone romance and therefore rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review and LOVED it from the very first page.(less)

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Nov 10, 2011

Maureen Timerman rated it

Shelves: 2011-read

Another great book by Deeanne, I've read almost all of her books and really enjoy them. Love that she has as her main character a strong woman, and in this story its Georgie. She is the towns Switchboard Operator, and knows all that is going on in the town, and where everyone is! She is the towns 911!
The other main Character is Texas Ranger, Lucious Landrum, or the name he is hiding under Luke Palmer. He has a mission to capture, what the people feel is Robin Hood, Frank Comer.
You are ...more

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Oct 07, 2011

Brandy rated it

Shelves: print, gave-away

This is the second book I've read from Ms. Gist. While I liked it my favorite is still BRIDE IN THE BARGAIN.

I really like that Ms. Gist pulls a time period that isn't often used. I marvel that it is a time not too lone ago and was the beginning of our growing nation.

LOVE ON THE LINE is the story of telephone switchboard operator Georgie and Texas Ranger Lucious Landrum going undercover as Troubleman Luke Palmer looking for the train robbing Comer Gang. A really good pr...more

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Jan 08, 2012

Barbara rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: 2012, christian-fiction, historical-fiction

Deeanne Gist certainly has a great sense of humor, and this book was definitely quite funny at times, but it almost felt too quirky. It was a fun, quick read that held my interest, but is not my favorite from this author. I thought the research Ms. Gist did on the time period, the Texas Rangers, robbery gangs, and telephone switchboards, etc. was used very effectively and really added to the book. I also appreciated the epilogue and notes on what was based on reality and what was not. The charac...more

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Nov 27, 2011

Vera Godley rated it

Love on the Line by Deeanne Gist is about small town Texas life in 1904 and is filled with characters of every type and ilk. The heroine Georgie Gail is an independent young lady living by herself and earning her own living at a time when it was not the norm to do so.

Deeanne Gist has written delightful Christian fiction in the past. Love on the Line will not be ranked as one of my favorites. The book is funny. Hilariously so. The characters are a little on the over-the-top vari...more

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Nov 06, 2011

Wendi rated it

Love on the Line
By Deeanne Gist
Published by Bethany House

One of those books you wish would never end, Love on the Line is an old west romantic comedy that will keep you on your toes from start to finish.

Lucious Landrum is a Texas Ranger on the hunt for a notorious outlaw whose endeared himself to the citizens of Washington County like a modern day Robin Hood. With few remaining options, Lucious is compelled to go undercover with the Southwestern Telegraph and Telep...moreLove on the Line
By Deeanne Gist
Published by Bethany House

One of those books you wish would never end, Love on the Line is an old west romantic comedy that will keep you on your toes from start to finish.

Lucious Landrum is a Texas Ranger on the hunt for a notorious outlaw whose endeared himself to the citizens of Washington County like a modern day Robin Hood. With few remaining options, Lucious is compelled to go undercover with the Southwestern Telegraph and Telephone Company (SWT&T) in Brenham, TX as a troubleman named Luke Palmer. There ‘Luke’ will work with the local Operator until he can uncover the outlaws hideout and arrest the entire posse.

Georgie Gail is a rarity. She’s a single independent woman with a job and a home of her very own. An operator for the SWT&T, Georgie is used to running the switchboard and administrative functions of the business with efficiency and integrity. You can imagine her chagrin when the new company sent troubleman (a rather large man at that) shows up and demands to take control of the business and commandeer her desk. In her own home!

Luke has enough on his mind without having to deal with this tiny stubborn woman. Miss Gail is not like any woman he has ever met before. Independent, outspoken and admittedly quite intelligent, this bird watching woman is a distraction he cannot afford. Yet Georgie is a force all her own. A darn cute one at that (so help him).

As Luke get’s closer to uncovering the outlaws whereabouts, Georgie unwittingly becomes a target. Keeping up the charade of being a telephone repairman, wooing a respectable woman, and infiltrating a celebrated gang may be too much even for the famed Lucious Landrum. And when all comes to a head, Lucious may lose the one thing most worth fighting for.

Witty, charming and exciting, Love on the Line is my favorite Deeanne Gist novel yet. I can’t remember when I had so much fun reading a book. I laughed out loud, rooted for Georgie and Luke (Lucious), and sighed with satisfaction at the romance and humanity. Gist has created a very entertaining and adventurous piece of historical fiction, which I will not soon forget.

I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.(less)

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Nov 24, 2011

Laura rated it

Title: LOVE ON THE LINE
Author: Deeanne Gist
Publisher: Bethany House
October 2011
ISBN: 978-0764204098
Genre: Inspirational/historical/romance

Georgie Gail is a rural switchboard operator, and proud of her independence. She may live in a man’s world, but she does a man’s job…or at least she did, until the telephone company sends out Luke Palmer to look over her shoulder.

Luke Palmer is more than just an employee of the telephone company. He is a Texas Ran...more

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Oct 27, 2011

Kelli rated it

Shelves: historical-fiction

This book started out really well. I liked the echoes of Texas ranger drama and Jesse James like outlaws. But by chapter 5, it gets a little odd. The main character is obsessed with birds. The male lead is mean to her without any reason other than that she is a woman. Their isn't much motivation in the storyline for what the author is writing about. I think that is a big mistake in novel writing now. Their needs to be clear motivation or reasons why a character does something or else it seem...more

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Jan 02, 2012

Wendy rated it

· review of another edition

I loved this book, I read the 362 pages in about four days, that was over the holidays so there wasn't a lot of reading time. Needless to say I read until the wee hours of the morning so I could finish it.

Georgie Gail finds herself right in the middle of a train robbery, then Lucious Landrum, a Texas Ranger arrives and captures six members of the gang but fails to get the leader Frank Comer. Even though Frank Comer is the thief, he's the one that everyone admires not Lucious. Frank n...moreI loved this book, I read the 362 pages in about four days, that was over the holidays so there wasn't a lot of reading time. Needless to say I read until the wee hours of the morning so I could finish it.

Georgie Gail finds herself right in the middle of a train robbery, then Lucious Landrum, a Texas Ranger arrives and captures six members of the gang but fails to get the leader Frank Comer. Even though Frank Comer is the thief, he's the one that everyone admires not Lucious. Frank never does the actual robbing, just comes in treats the victims nicely, even giving them some of the stolen money sometimes and lets them keep their own money., he only takes the money bags that are on the train.

The rangers are tired of Frank getting away and give Lucious one last chance to capture him. They send him to Brenham, TX as Luke Palmer posing as a Telephone salesman/repairman, including bill collection, books and accounting for the Southwestern Telegraph and Telephone Company, better known as the SWT&T. Unbeknownst to him, this is where Georgie Gail was headed, when the train robbery occurred and he first saw her, to be the switchboard operator.

When he arrives she is not pleased to have someone working with her looking over her shoulder, not to mention that the 'office' is in her one bedroom house that is supplied by SWT&T, he stays in the local hotel. Luke doesn't like doing undercover work and doesn't like Georgie's views on things either, so sparks do fly on and off in this book.

Then there's little Bettina , known as Bettina Hyena by the locals, the daughter of the town drunk. Since he mother died they live in a shanty outside of town and she takes care of her father the best she can, cooks his supper every night, makes sure he gets home every night and is the wage earner for them, she delivers messages for Miss Gail to the residents that don't have a phone line. Bettina is a major character in this book and in the end could cause both Luke and Georgie to lose their lives.

That's it, go get the book, I guarantee you'll enjoy it if this is the genre you like. I've read several of Deeanna's book and have liked every one. (less)

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Nov 02, 2011

Sara ♥ rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, historical, religious, romance, western

This book was really interesting, and I quite enjoyed it. I was a bit confused by the lack of religion in the book. I don't recall the main characters ever going to church or mentioning God or her beliefs in any depth whatsoever. I read all sorts of books and am not dependent on those elements at all, so I wasn't disappointed or anything, but it was a bit strange from Deeanne Gist.

Georgie Gail is a telephone switchboard operator in Brenham, Texas (which is just down the road from ...moreThis book was really interesting, and I quite enjoyed it. I was a bit confused by the lack of religion in the book. I don't recall the main characters ever going to church or mentioning God or her beliefs in any depth whatsoever. I read all sorts of books and am not dependent on those elements at all, so I wasn't disappointed or anything, but it was a bit strange from Deeanne Gist.

Georgie Gail is a telephone switchboard operator in Brenham, Texas (which is just down the road from where we used to live!), but before the Blue Bell Ice Cream company was founded (Brenham is their HQ), which is SUPER sad for all of the characters! She's proud to not be dependent on a man for her survival!

Right at the beginning of the book, when Georgie is on her way to Brenham, her train is held up by a band of train robbers headed by Frank Comer, a famous train robber known as a sort of Robin Hood... Frank Comer gave some money to a widow woman on the train and left Georgie's money with her during the robbery. She's had a sort of crush on him ever since.

Lucious (LOO-SHUS) Landrum is a Texas Ranger, and he WILL track down and catch Frank Comer if it's the LAST thing he does. He's trying to do the right thing, but because people really love Comer, he's kind of made fun of for never being able to catch the bad guy, dressing really fancy-schmancy, and having two really nice guns that he's named Penelope and Odysseus. *snort* Nerd. Anyway, Comer's gang is hanging out SOMEWHERE in Washington County, TX (county seat: Brenham), and so he goes undercover as Luke Palmer, a telephone "troubleman": installing new phone lines, repairing phone lines, and essentially peddling telephone service around the area.

Georgie is ticked off that the telephone company has essentially sent a man to watch look over her shoulder, and Luke (Lucious) is like, "Crap... I'm never going to be able to concentrate on the job with this pretty woman around ALL THE TIME!"

Oh, and then there are the birds. Georgie is obsessed with birds. I was a little afraid I was gonna hate that part... and it was a bit much for me... But I saw her points, even if I wasn't right there with her. (I mean, sure, don't kill birds to decorate hats. That's CREEPY and GROSS! I'm totally with her on that. But I wouldn't be CRYING over it...)

Anyway, the story line gets a bit complicated, but suffice it to say, they fall in love, Luke eventually has to tell her who he really is, and he has to catch some bad guys. It was cute.

I DID want to say that I'm not sure HOW I didn't see the twist at the end coming, but I really didn't. It BLINDSIDED me... I was like, "You have got to be kidding... are you serious? For real?" That part was great... and the epilogue was TOO cute!(less)

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Oct 10, 2011

Margaret Metz rated it

· review of another edition

This is one of my "go-to" authors for romance. As usual, the research was amazing and the romance was not the peck on the last page. Their relationship wasn't entirely predictable though - and her story and characters were somewhat off the beaten path as well. I loved the twists and turns.

Luke has to keep secrets. His character has been chasing one criminal for a long time and could easily have become another Captain Ahab chasing his very own Moby Dick. His backstory makes ...more

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Dec 21, 2011

Dianna rated it

Texas Ranger, Lucious Landrum is assigned to find and capture bandit Frank Comer and his gang of train robbers. After many failed attempts, Lucious is sent undercover as a trouble-man to Brenham, Texas where Comer is rumored to reside. There he meets the young unmarried switchboard operator, Miss Georgie Gail; she is a bit tempestuous but determined and passionate about her beliefs and as time progresses Luke realizes he cares for her more than he should. He hadn’t believed he would make any pro...more

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Oct 26, 2011

Chrystal Mahan rated it

What I liked about the book was, here is this character, Georgie Gail; strong, independent, living alone, working, and an animal activist. She holds a job, out of her own home, through the telephone company. So, imagine her attitude when she finds out they have sent a man to work with her.

What she doesn’t know is Luke Palmer is an undercover Texas Ranger looking for a train robber. The exact train robber that stopped the train Georgie was riding on.

The story takes many tw...more

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Nov 25, 2011

Annie rated it

Shelves: favorites

In 1904 Texas Ranger Luke Palmer arrives in Brenham, Texas, with one goal—to capture the gang of outlaws led by Frank Comer. Undercover as a telephone repairman, he uses his days on the range to search, not realizing there's another pair of eyes watching him.
Georgie Gail, switchboard operator and birder, heads out on a birding expedition, but instead of sighting a painted bunting, her opera glasses capture her telephone man, armed and far away from telephone lines. Palmer is forced to take...moreIn 1904 Texas Ranger Luke Palmer arrives in Brenham, Texas, with one goal—to capture the gang of outlaws led by Frank Comer. Undercover as a telephone repairman, he uses his days on the range to search, not realizing there's another pair of eyes watching him.
Georgie Gail, switchboard operator and birder, heads out on a birding expedition, but instead of sighting a painted bunting, her opera glasses capture her telephone man, armed and far away from telephone lines. Palmer is forced to take this alluring troublemaker into his confidence and unwittingly puts her in harm's way. The closer he comes to the gang, the further she works her way into his heart—and into trouble. Soon it's more than just love that's on the line. - Goodreads Review
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When I read the first few chapters I was amazed by the phenomenal writing style Deeanne Gist used. I loved her choice of words and I grew to love each and every character she created. Although I found some parts in the book a bit boring and unneeded I still enjoyed everything about 'Love on the Line'. Georgie Gail is one whom is obsessed with her birds, which made me a bit annoyed and it made it hard for me to connect with her, but as the book went on the fascination calmed down and I was immediately intertwined with each and every part of her.

Luscious Landrum is a Texas Ranger who is undercover as a troubleman. I never really like books about Texas Rangers or anything in that sort but when we went undercover I enjoyed it. He was never looking at the girls like his youngest brother Alec who died several years prior. The connection between Georgie and Luke is just amazing. I loved how his heart melted at each site of her, the rough Texas Ranger side of him drifted off as he grew to love his new identity.

Frank Comer was just an astonishing character in this book. As a Train robber he is adored but all the people in each town he visits.
The way Deeanne Gist described and structured him was amazing.
His sidekicks start to team up with Luscious and Luscious starts to get more information about Frank and who he really is.

I just loved everything about the book, the plot was definitely thought over, each and every detail. It was built and played perfectly, every word and every action and event was tied together with such amazing detail and was definitely placed correctly. Some of you may notice that I rated it 4 stars. Why? I have to say there were a few parts with Goergie and her birds that I was about to put the book down and start on a new one, but then as I continued to read, as I stated above, I grew to adore everything about it. The birds, Luke/Luscious and Frank Comer all come together as this book closes to the end.
Every twist and turn surprised me and I hope it does for you.

I would definitely recommend this to Romance lovers aged [b]14+.[/b](less)

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Oct 08, 2011

Shelli rated it

Deanne Gist is one of the best I've read in the historical clean romance genre, and Love on the Line falls right in with her other novels. Well-researched, with wonderful characters and a smooth story line, Gist combines everything you love in a romance novel and history book without overdoing the Christian virtues her characters all possess.

I loved reading about telephone operator Georgie Gail. She's a feminist, with an enthusiasm and passion for bird watching who runs as the "he...more

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Nov 14, 2011

Manuela rated it

I was so excited to receive this book, at the library that I honestly read it in under 1 day. Deeanne Gist did it again! She broke another level of excellence, and I am so glad that God has blessed her with the gift of story writing. I implore you all, to especially read p. 296-297, just when you think Deeanne would follow the stereotypical boundaries of the main character Georgie Gail, she really surprises you. I absolutely adored this book, and my judgment is 5 stars! :)

- Manuela
...more

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Feb 09, 2012

April rated it

Shelves: inspirational-historical-fiction, telephone-operator

LOVE ON THE LINE by Deeanee Gist is an inspirational historical fiction.I couldn't quite understand the first half of "Love On The Line",but the last half I enjoyed. I enjoyed the romance between Georgie and Luke. What a novel idea,telephone lines,switchboard operators and train robbers,while love is on the line. "Love on the Line" is a good story, with an interesting cast of characters. A good story for anyone who enjoys historical fiction,Americana,Inspirational reads. Rece...more

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Nov 20, 2011

Donna rated it

Shelves: books-read-in-2011

You're an independent woman working as a switchboard operator and spending your off time studying birds. Then, the phone company sends a man to check in things. Would that get your back up? What about when you find out he really isn't a phone repairman, but rather a Texas marshal? Come meet Georgia Gail, the switchboard operator who is proud of what she has accomplished, and Luke Palmer, a Texas Ranger posing as the phone repair guy. The chemistry is fiery and the confrontations between the two ...more

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About Deeanne Gist

After a short career in elementary education, Deeanne Gist retired to raise her four children. Over the course of the next fifteen years, she ran a home accessory and antique business, became a member of the press, wrote freelance journalism for national publications such as People, Parents, Parenting, Family Fun, Houston Chronicle and Orlando Sentinel, and acted as CFO for her husband’s small eng...moreAfter a short career in elementary education, Deeanne Gist retired to raise her four children. Over the course of the next fifteen years, she ran a home accessory and antique business, became a member of the press, wrote freelance journalism for national publications such as People, Parents, Parenting, Family Fun, Houston Chronicle and Orlando Sentinel, and acted as CFO for her husband’s small engineering firm--all from the comforts of home.

Squeezed betwixt-and-between all this, she read romance novels by the truckload and even wrote a couple of her own. While those unpublished manuscripts rested on the shelf, she founded a publishing corporation for the purpose of developing, producing and marketing products that would reinforce family values, teach children responsibility and provide character building activities.

After a few short months of running her publishing company, Gist quickly discovered being a "corporate executive" was not where her gifts and talents lie. Ignoring her creative yearnings, she wrestled with manufacturing, distributing, marketing, invoicing, collecting, warehousing, pick-pack-and-shipping, etc. In answer to Gist’s fervent prayers, God sent a mainstream publisher to her door who licensed her parenting I Did It!® product line and committed to publish the next generation of her system, thus freeing Gist to return to her writing.

Eight months later, she submitted A Bride Most Begrudging to Bethany House Publishers and they picked it up for their new "edgy inspirational" line of historical fiction. After its release in July 2005, Bride hit eight best seller lists, has sold over 150,000 copies and won the Christy Award for BEST ROMANCE 2006. The Measure of a Lady hit five best seller lists and won the Christy Award for BEST ROMANCE 2007. Courting Trouble and Deep in the Heart of Trouble have made five best seller lists so far.

Gist is contracted to have a book out every June through 2011. She lives in Texas with her husband of twenty-five years and their two border collies. They have four kids in college. Visit her blog to find out the most up-to-the-minute news about Dee.(less)

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Christian Historical Fiction

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