This book "stole" my heart: a Book Review of Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer

I feel in love with the Archer family while reading Short-Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer.  I was more than excited to spend some more time with them (or more like Crockett) in Stealing the Preacher.  Crockett Archer is on his way to seek a position with a church when he is kidnapped from a train by masked robbers.  Crockett thinks he is on his way to serve God in the Piney Woods of Texas, but apparently God has other plans.  Crockett has several detours along the way, but he does not stop this from seeking God's plan for his life.  

Joanna Robbins knows that her father will bring her something for her birthday, and although it was what she said she wanted, a preacher it the last thing she expects to receive from her father.  Joanna is longing to see her deceased mother's last dream come true, the dream of seeing her father find salvation.  She also longs to see their country church come back to life.  Will Crockett be the one to help her with these dreams? 

This is a question I really wanted to see answered by the end of the book.  The book is fast-paced, full of action, romance, humor, and also many thoughtful moments.  The reader is drawn in from the first, and it is very hard to put the book down.  Believe me.  I had it read in the first day, and I've re-read it a couple of times since then.  

This is Karen Witemeyer's fifth book, and this one was probably my favorite.  Mrs. Witemeyer has a way of taking ordinary people and making them extraordinary by showing what a person can be with the help of Christ.  I love the way that this is made evident through her books.  If you've not read any of her books, I recommend you give them a chance.  This book can be read as a stand-alone, but if you read it, you will want to read Short-Straw Bride as well.

*I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers (via NetGalley) in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.  My opinions are my own.