Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer

Title: Stealing the Preacher
Author: Karen Witemeyer
Review Rating: 5 stars
Source: Review Copy

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? 

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My Thoughts

This is a captivatingly beautiful story from start to finish.

After being kidnapped by an outlaw for his daughter’s birthday Crockett is a little alarmed to say the least. The story was fast paced and had a perfect blend of humor and romance. There were also some great lessons in this story that I will carry with me forever. The author has a way with words and I really enjoyed how she handled the issues of faith in this story.

Crockett is the younger brother of Travis and I was really anxious to hear his story. He is a man of faith and hard work. His strong heart and caring nature made me fall in love with him right along with Joanna. I also liked seeing how much he grew throughout the book and that even though they met under some strange situations he gave both Joanna and her father a chance. 

Joanna is a sweet young girl who only wanted to fulfill a promise to her mother. She is courageous and strong willed much like her father, but has a kind heart and would do anything for her loved ones. I enjoyed getting to know more about her and seeing the relationship between her and Crockett bloom. 

The romance is sweet and heartwarming. It wasn’t rushed at all and I loved all of the sweet moments between Crockett and Joanna. 

This is a beautiful story full of hope and romance that I would recommend to all readers!