A cowboy wh
o wants to be a preacher. An outlaw’s daughter who wants to change his mind.
On his way to interview for a position at a church in the Piney Woods of Texas, Crockett Archer can’t believe it when he’s forced off the train by an outlaw and presented to the man’s daughter as the preacher she requested for her birthday. He’s determined to escape–which would be much easier if he could stop thinking about Joanna Robbins and her unexpected request.
For months, Joanna had prayed for a minister. A man to breathe life back into the abandoned church at the heart of her community. A man to assist her in fulfilling a promise to her dying mother. But just when it seems her prayers have been answered, it turns out the parson is there against his will and has dreams of his own calling him elsewhere. Is there any way she can convince Crockett he ended up right where he was supposed to be?
With her signature blend of humor, history, and lively western romance, two-time RITA Award finalist and bestselling author Karen Witemeyer delivers a Texas love story sure to steal your heart.
Learn more at Karen’s website.
Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
From the first few pages of this fast-paced historical romance, I was drawn in. I though I knew of what the story would be, and was I ever wrong! The characters are absolutely delightful–I love Crockett and Jo as well as Silas (I don’t think you can find better names than these!). The story has its ups, downs, twists, and turns, but the charm of the story is never lost.
I absolutely adore historical fiction, but I often grow weary of “Christian historical romances” where boy and girl meet, go through “minor struggles,” and then live happily ever after. How relieved I am that this book does not follow that pattern! There is a genuine depth and pathos to this story that truly gripped my heart. I found myself smiling at the antics of the people in the book, but then at times, the reality nearly brought tears to my eyes.
The thing that truly resonated with me was redeeming Silas. What an amazing reminder to me that one moment can change a life for eternity. Someone who is so set against the Lord is not beyond the reach of the cross. The salvation message was presented in such a real way, and it was woven seamlessly into the fabric of the story.
For lovers of history, romance, and inspirational fiction, this is the perfect story. Even though it is about a preacher, it never comes across as preachy. I honestly believe there is something for everyone in this heart-warming tale. What a glorious respite from eternity this book is!
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
Two-time RITA finalist and winner of the coveted HOLT Medallion and ACFW Carol Award, CBA bestselling author Karen Witemeyer writes historical romance because she believes that the world needs more happily-ever-afters. She is an avid cross-stitcher, shower singer, and bakes a mean apple cobbler. Karen makes her home in Abilene, Texas, with her husband and three children.
Learn more about Karen and her books at www.karenwitemeyer.com.
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