Review: Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer

On his way to interview for a position at a church in the Piney Woods of Texas, Crockett Archer can scarcely believe it when he’s forced off the train by a retired outlaw and presented to the man’s daughter as the minister she requested for her birthday. Worried this unfortunate detour will ruin his chances of finally serving a congregation of his own, Crockett is determined to escape. But when he finally gets away, he’s haunted by the memory of the young woman he left behind–a woman whose dreams now hinge on him.

For months, Joanna Robbins prayed for a preacher. 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. A man to help her discover answers to the questions that have been on her heart for so long. But just when it seems God has answered her prayers, 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 to stay in her little backwoods community? And does the attraction between them have any chance of blossoming when Joanna’s outlaw father is dead set against his daughter courting a preacher?

I’m a big fan of Karen’s books and have been looking forward to this sequel to Short Straw Bride since I heard it was on it’s way!

I loved Travis as a hero in Bride and adored all the brothers – including Crockett. Here he’s just what every [Christian] girl wants. A man strong enough to stand up to an outlaw [even if said outlaw is your father], gentle enough to take care of you [even if you don’t really need taking care of], a hard worker, and absolutely positively in love with his Savior.

As always, Karen weaves a tale that sucked me in and ended way, way too soon. Joanna and Crockett are meant for each other, despite the obstacles life throws in their way.

The twists and turns are believable and the outcome of some of the situations are, well, divinely inspired. And the resolution absolutely sigh-worthy.

Karen does have a novella coming out later this year with the fourth Archer brother – as part of a collection with a number of other authors I love – including Mary Connealy. Yay!

Though I did thoroughly enjoy Stealing the Preacher, I did like Short Straw Bride better – mostly because it’s my favorite kind of plot – sudden marriage :D.

Overall rating: 9 out of 10 stars

Thanks to the author and publisher for a free influencer copy in exchange for my review.