Monday, June 10, 2013

"Stealing the Preacher" by Karen Witemeyer (Review & Giveaway)

About the book: A cowboy who wants to be a preacher. An outlaw's daughter who wants to change his mind.

On his way to interview for a position at a church in the Piney Woods of Texas, Crockett Archer can't believe it when he's forced off the train by an outlaw and presented to the man's daughter as the preacher she requested for her birthday. He's determined to escape-which would be much easier if he could stop thinking about Joanna Robbins and her unexpected request.

For months, Joanna had prayed for a minister. 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. But just when it seems her prayers have been answered, 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 he ended up right where he was supposed to be?

With her signature blend of humor, history, and lively western romance, two-time RITA Award finalist and bestselling author Karen Witemeyer delivers a Texas love story sure to steal your heart.
Review:  Prepare for a funny, joyful ride where absurd things happen to good people. Where the new preacher-come-to town is abducted and given as a birthday gift to a young woman by her father.

Laugh at the antics of the folks in the community as they get the old church started back up again. Holding a church-painting and church-picnic at the same time. The devious wiles of a young woman intent on snagging the preacher as her beau.

The crimes of the past shadowing the good folk of today. The warm, true-to-God character of the preacher as he works with and ministers to the area folk.

The call of God. The soul needing redemption. The heart that breaks. The heart that loves.

Snag a copy of this delightful book for a hard-to-put-down read this summer. You'll be glad you did and will want to pass it along to other readers you know.

GIVEAWAY: The good folk at Litfuse are holding a copy of Stealing the Preacher for one of Chat With Vera's readers to win in a giveaway. Entry is easy using the Rafflecopter form below.  Begins June 10 & ENDS June 26 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT. Open to USA addresses only.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
DISCLOSURE:  I was given a complimentary copy of Stealing the Preacher by Litfuse Publicity Group on behalf of  Bethany House a division of Baker Publishing Group and the author, Karen Witemeyer for the purpose of facilitating my honest review. Opinions expressed are solely my own.

About the author: Karen Witemeyer is a 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. Karen makes her home in Abilene, Texas, with her husband and three children. Find out more about Karen at http://www.karenwitemeyer.com. 

18 comments:

  1. She grew up in California before moving to Texas.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I learned that Karen's prayer that that her readers will be drawn into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. I love that about her!
    may_dayzee (at) yahoo (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  3. She has a passion for helping women mature in Christ and uses historical romance books to "lift the spirit and nurture the soul". I'd say she's being successful in that goal. :)

    cyndilou83(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  4. She attended Abilene Christian University where she earned bachelor and master's degrees in Psychology

    ReplyDelete
  5. I learned that she's a fan of 2 of my favorite series: "Little House on the Prairie" and "Anne of Green Gables"!

    ReplyDelete
  6. When she moved to Texas, she feel in love with the feel of the land and it inspired her in her writing.

    CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  7. Karen went to Texas for college & never left!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I did not know that she married a Deacon or grew up in California:)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Karen is a very good writer of Historical Romance. She grew up in CA. but came to TX> for her college days at Abilene Christian University. She met her a Texan and married him.ad has lived in TX. ever since. She is a Deacon's wife. And, a sought after speaker at conferences.
    Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  10. She loves happily ever afters :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres, for the same reason it is hers. The life in simpler times resonates with me.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Karen has a special verse on her blog and she writes hero's with her husband in mind.
    May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

    ~ 2 Corinthians 13:14 ~

    Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. Sounds like a great family person and good cook besides writer!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Just finished this book and I LOVED it! Loved the unique storyline and its message of redemption and being a new creation. Already had entered the contest but wanted to follow it up. I checked it out from our public library but would love a copy for our church library.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Karen went to college in Texas.
    godblessaemrica.jan(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  16. She lives in Texas and has a bachelors and masters degree in psychology
    marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com Merry

    ReplyDelete
  17. Yay! I'm so excited!! :) Thanks Vera!

    ReplyDelete
  18. I loved this book as well! New follower here :)

    I would love it if you would stop by my blog as well!

    Chelsey@Charming Chelsey’s

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment here at Chat With Vera. If you need to contact me directly, please use the email associated with this blog and posted in the sidebar.