Stealing the Preacher

Stealing the Preacher

Stealing the Preacher
Karen Witemeyer
Bethany House

I'm no fan of westerns, but I am fond of Karen Witmeyer's books...she always throws something into her novels that get me interested, no matter the fact the books take place out west. Whether it's a rancher who also happens to be British, a heroine who's a librarian, or a plot inspired by Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, she has a habit of lassoing me right in there. So despite the fact I wasn't a fan of the cover of the book- as Maria mentioned, it seemed a little cheesy (and the side cover of the book makes NO aesthetic sense to me at all) I was eager to read it.

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?

Stealing the Preacher was just plain fun. No, I don't think it's the best of the author's books, but it had likable characters and a sweet romance. One reviewer mentioned it felt like one of those old live-action Disney movies like The Apple Dumpling Gang, and I agree- except, despite being lighthearted and funny, Stealing the Preacher also had  more substance to it. The ending wasn't my favorite, as there just seemed to be a little too much going on at once, but overall it was an enjoyable read.

I feel a little torn over the rating here, because I have a habit of "over-rating" things, usually by a point, so even though I'm giving this book an eight because  it was definitely "Good! Extremely well-written and enjoyable to read," I did like it a lot better than several other books that I've rated an eight. No, Stealing the Preacher isn't one of those novels I'm going to be re-reading, but it was worth a read and if you've liked Karen Witmeyer's other books, I'm sure you'll love this one!

Objectionable content: the violence is not serious at all- it's humorous, for the most part (although later one character is very nearly hanged.) There are a few kisses.

Rating: 8

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. 

Comments

  1. Hannah BartaJune 20, 2013 at 1:39 PM

    Oh yay! Must go make sure it's on my reading list now. (I usually only put the books you review on my list if they receive an 8 or higher. . . .) :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. RissiJune 20, 2013 at 11:29 PM

    Loved the "cute" factor of this cover and admired some of the themes dealt with but overall, I won't be keeping this book. As you say, fans of Karen Witemeyer will for sure enjoy it! :)

    ReplyDelete

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