Stealing The Preacher by Karen Witemeyer, Book review and GIVEAWAY

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers; 1 edition (June 1, 2013)

ISBN-13: 978-0764209666

Synopsis:

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?

Landing page: 

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Here are my thoughts:


Karen Witemeyer packs a whole lot of punch in this fun Christian novel and brings readers a story guaranteed to make you dream about the Old West! 
The very idea of a father going to such lenghs to please his daughter was genial!  'Stealing the Preacher is everything the synopsis promised and more! 

Karen Witemeyer's style is vivacious and the perfect antidote to hum drum evenings (Forget the telly, move over John Wayne!). Her novels gives you the opportunity to grasp a keen appreciation for the Old West, luxuriate in a little romance, relish in humour riddled dialogue and encounter a whole lot of faith. Not bad for 352 pages!

'Stealing the Preacher' starts on a humourous note with the kidnapping of unsuspecting Crockett Archer, en route to what he hopes will be his first appointment as a full time parson!  Silas and his bunch of grey hair, long in the tooth outlaws forcibly removes him from the train and unceremoniously drops him at daughter's Joanna' feet as her birthday gift!

From the onset 'Stealing the Preacher' is a series of wholesome fortuity and a celebration of faith!  Joanna and Crockett seemed destined to be together of course. That is if Joanna's father will set aside his differences with the Lord and allow true love to progress. Silas has been a honest rancher for the last 16 years but his past might just come back to haunt him.

Sweet Joanna is everything Crockett needs at this time as a partner in his life as he breathes life in his new found congregation. Hired as a ranch hand, he hopes to earn Silas' approval and works harder than anyone. If he can bring Silas to the Lord, he might just be able to ask for Joanna's hand. 

A fast paced delightful novel to enjoy with your whole heart and soul! Kate Witemeyer is going on my list of favourite authors!

 5 Stars!

About the Author:

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!

Visit Karen's website (HERE) and sign up for her fun newsletter!

Karen Witemeyer is "kindling" the excitement for Stealing the Preacher (Bethany House) with a Kindle Fire Giveaway and connecting with readers at her June 18th Facebook Author Chat Party!

  One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire
• Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer 

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at 4pm on June 18th. Winner will be announced at the "Stealing the Preacher" Facebook Author Chat Party on June 18th. Connect with Karen for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Karen will also share an exclusive look at her next book and give away books and other fun prizes throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of Stealing the Preacher and join Karen on the evening of June 18th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 18th!

I received this book from LITFUSE as part of their blogger review program. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.