Stealing the Preacher (Archer Brothers #2)
Author: Karen Witemeyer
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Published Date: June 2013
Softcover/Kindle/Audible/Nook: 352 pages
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
ISBN# 978-0764209666
Reviewed by: Shanda
FTC FYI: received a free digital galley from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Summary (Goodreads)
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 person 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?
Review
I’ve really enjoyed the Archer brothers’ series so far. I liked Stealing the Preacher–Crockett is a great guy. I love how everyone expects him, as a preacher, to be horrible at shooting and unfamiliar with hard physical labor but he proves them wrong, earning their respect.
Joanna Robbins is a likable character, young and maybe just a bit naive, but full of faith. She is friendly, but with a streak of fire for what she believes in, and loyal to the end. I really like the clean but chemistry filled, not-too-descriptive kisses. I love when I can feel a little swooney when characters kiss but not distracted by too much intimate detail. Another thing I appreciated was that Crockett was up front and direct with Joanna whenever it was needed.
This is the third book from Karen Witemeyer I’ve read, and it certainly won’t be the last. Short-Straw Bride is my favorite so far. I look forward to reading Neill’s story (A Cowb0y Unmatched, part of the A Match Made in Texas novella collection coming January 2014). What I like about her writing is that it’s fun to read and not overly preachy. Stealing the Preacher had a bit more than her others because Crockett is, after all, a preacher, but it was woven into the story appropriately without feeling like a sermon.
Overall, Stealing the Preacher is another enjoyable Christian historical romance and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys the genre.
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