Marian Baay's Review of Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer

Stealing the Preacher

Stealing the Preacher

by Karen Witemeyer

Bethany House, 2013

Reviewed by Marian Baay

5 stars~*****

Stealing the Preacher is the sequel to Short-Straw Bride. I learned this piece of information halfway through the book because one of my friends mentioned it. If I hadn’t known it was a sequel I had never figured that out by reading this book—so the book can easily be read as stand-alone.

Abducted from a train by an ex-outlaw, Crockett Archer is presented to the man’s daughter as a birthday present for her 21^st birthday.

Joanna Robbins can’t believe that her father forced a preacher off the train and brought him to her. Yes, she asked for a preacher, but never in her wildest dreams could she imagine her father providing one. Silas Robbins is against everything that has to do with religion. Joanna’s mother was a believer and so is Joanna. When her mother died she promised to keep praying for her father’s soul, but without her mother she feels lonely and lost. There’s no preacher in town, so Joanna started praying for one to come. Now she has her preacher, but he’s there against his will. He has dreams of his own—to preach in another town. After she told him why she needs a preacher, she let him go.

Crockett is impressed by Joanna’s faith. When he resumes his travels to the interview for a position in another church, he can’t get the beautiful redhead out of his thoughts. Will he ever see her again?

Before I had seen the beautiful cover for this book I heard the title of Karen’s next book would be Stealing the Preacher. As a preacher’s wife I knew I had to read that book. When I saw the cover I was completely in love! Reading the book brought even more pleasure than I imagined.

This book is definitely a must-read—worthy of 5 stars! Karen’s writing is captivating, the characters are enjoyable and fun, and the story line is nicely done. Highly recommended!

___________________________________________

GIVEAWAY: A book by Karen Witemeyer of your choice. Answer the question to be entered in the contest, and don't forget to leave your email address as well.

QUESTION: Have you ever been on your way somewhere, when God called you to another destination?

Jaime Wright Sundsmo Interviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels

JAIME WRIGHT is the administrator of Coffee Cups & Camisoles and a member of the Christian Fiction Historical Society blog. She writes historical romance with a suspenseful slant and is a member of ACFW.

JAIME, welcome to Overcoming With God.  We appreciate your willingness to share your testimony of overcoming with our readers. 

Would you tell us about the most difficult thing in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help? (transparency appreciated!)

Bringing out the big guns in the first question, huh? Well, there are a lot of trials I could draw from, but most recently it was the year 2012. Typically, the birth of a newborn is a good thing, but in April after my son was born, I was hit very hard with postpartum depression. I was a high risk case for it because my first three pregnancies ended up being miscarriages and my daughter was in the NICU for the first bit of her life. My son’s birth was 100% normal. The doctor said I’d probably be traumatized by normality and have a huge mood swing down from expecting and preparing for trauma. He was right. By the end of my son’s first week of life I was concocting ways to have my sister-in-law adopt him or even leave him on the hospital doorstep. I had no emotional bond to him whatsoever—he was an interruption, a betrayal of my affection to my daughter, and an exhausting addition to our lives. After my sister-in-law interpreted my emotion, my husband hurried me off to the doctor to get assistance and get me back on my feet. During this time, my husband was going through a bout of his chronic insomnia and average 8 hours of sleep a week. I was bit by a deer tick and contracted Lyme’s disease. My daughter went through major separation anxiety with the entrance of her brother and became prone to tantrums and long hours of tears.

It was a difficult year but a phenomenal one as well. The grace of God is exceptional and receiving nothing but support and understanding from a network of friends and family only bolstered the sense of humility in being able to receive help and love and assistance.

My Lyme’s disease is now cured. My son is a mommy’s boy and I can hardly be without him he’s so dear to my heart. My daughter loves on her brother and refuses to let anyone “be mean to him” and my husband has upped his weekly amount of sleep to ten hours (so we could still use prayer there!)

What is your favorite bible verse and why?

Sheesh. I have a lot but the most poignant one lately has been Psalm 46:10 – “Be still and know that I am God”. I have a habit of talking my way out of problems, controlling, planning and KNOWING what I need to do. This verse has been a slap upside the head to shut up, sit back, and let God be GOD!

What has been the most important thing you hope your readers will get from your blogs and why?

I’d love for readers to connect with a healthy sense of community—the sort of fellowship that blesses and bolsters us on a daily basis. It’s been such a great place for me to find some rest and peace in the midst of a hectic life—I hope I can offer the same in return.

As you researched your manuscripts, did you learn anything that particularly touched your heart?

Tons. Usually my research is very historically inclined, but along with it I put myself in the shoes of those who lived in that time and a million potential Spiritual themes arise. Those are always challenging for me because so often, I’m going through similar experiences.

In this latest work, do you have any topics that will be useful for bibliotherapy, or therapeutic influence through reading about a disorder or situation?  

Not so much medically, but Spiritually I’d say yes. My latest manuscript addresses the issue of extreme legalism and lack of grace that comes with a hard past. In an effort to protect from the bad choices we made or experienced, we create laws and rules while eliminating the grace of God. Hopefully, my readers (when I have them!) will be able to engage in growing in their Spiritual well-being through my books. While I write for entertainment, I also pray that each novel has a lesson and theme that can be applied to our Spiritual walk.

Thank you JAIME for agreeing to answer these questions.  Have a blessed day and keep on writing!!

Find Jaime at: 
http://coffeecupsandcamisoles.blogspot.com
facebook.com/JaimeWrightBooks
twitter.com/jaime_wright

http://christianfictionhistoricalsociety.blogspot.com/
http://pinterest.com/jaimewright01/

GIVEAWAY: It is Karen Witemeyer week and we’ll be giving away the winner’s choice of any of Karen’s books, choice of format.

Carrie's Summer Rxd Reads

Audiobooks


Threads of Grace by Kelly Long  2013 

It happened at the Fair by Deeanne Gist, Howard Books 2013  Lovely new release!!!



Julie Klassen, The Tutor's Daughter, Bethany, 2013  One to savor!!

Sorry--can't get the cover to post for some reason.

Jennifer Delamere, Rita nominee and fabulous story!!!

Karen Witemeyer's Stealing the Preacher will be available in audiobook later this summer and will release in ebook and paperback formats in June.

Sarah E. Ladd's debut novel is available in audiobook but the narrator is so awful I'd recommend you read Heiress of Winterwood in ebook or paperback format.

On my list, too, available in paperback and ebook formats:

Melanie Dickerson The Fairest Beauty, Although a YA this crosses over to historical romance.



Love at Any Cost by Julie Lessman, Sigh..., It is by Julie--need I say more?  Amazing read!

Forsaken Dreams by MaryLu Tyndall, Mar. 2013, Marvelously Complex!

C.J. Chase The Reluctant Earl 2013,  A Sparkling Gem!!!

The Reluctant Earl

Novella
Bachelor Buttons by Kathleen L. Maher, 2013

Nonfiction

Cynthia Howerter and LaTan Murphy, releases in July, 2013. Wonderful wisdom and encouragement!

Noela's Summer Recommendations

Surfers Paradise Beach, Gold Coast, Australia

Here are some of my favorite books so far this year. 

They will make great Summer reading—or if you're from Australia great Winter reading!

Click on the titles to find the books on Amazon.

The list is in no particular order.

________________________________________

Bachelor Buttons

by Kathleen L. Maher

An exquisitely written novella which takes place in Manhattan during the time of the Civil War. This fabulous historical romance is a must-read!

________________________________________

The Tutor’s Daughter

by Julie Klassen

This is a page-turner doused in intrigue and drama and features a breath-taking romance. Highly recommended!

________________________________________

It happened at the Fair

by Deeanne Gist

Experience the thrill of the famous 1893 Chicago’s World Fair along with an incredible and memorable story. Thoroughly enjoyable!

________________________________________

Return to Shirley Plantation

by Carrie Fancett Pagels

A brilliant and powerful novella that is steeped in history and intrigue, and features how Shirley Plantation played a part in the Civil War. A wonderful and interesting read!

________________________________________

A Noble Groom

by Jody Hedlund

A mesmerizing and captivating love story saturated in tangible atmosphere with irresistible characters and is an unforgettable story. One to read again and again! 

________________________________________

Safe in His Arms

by Colleen Coble

This Texas tale is an historical romantic suspense with amazing characters, an exhilarating romance, and on edge suspense that will keep you turning the pages speedily. Inspirational and surprising!

________________________________________

The Last Waltz

by Murray Pura

A gripping historical romance novella that takes place during the Civil War that will seize you by your heart and not let go until well after you put the story down. It packs a punch!

________________________________________

Forsaken Dreams

by MaryLu Tyndall

A masterfully written and engaging story that is so replete with drama and romance that it will sweep you off your feet and lay bare your heart. A phenomenal story!

________________________________________

Captured by Moonlight

by Christine Lindsay

Journey to the exotic land of India for an impeccable tale of intrigue, danger, and a stirring romance in a story with imagery that’s second to none. Unforgettable!

________________________________________

Love at any Cost

by Julie Lessman

The first in a brand new series that offers jaw-dropping moments, the height of romantic tension, and an abundance of smiles and laughter. An exceptional read!

________________________________________

The Painted Sky

by Murray Pura

Set in Mexico, this is a story of five young, beautiful widows and their exciting adventures fraught with danger, friendship, faith, and romance with preachers who pack guns. Noelle shows up in Vol. 2!

________________________________________

Waiting for Morning

by Margaret Brownley

A romantic western that is inspiring and endearing, has well-developed characters, and is an extremely satisfying read.  You won’t want to wait until the morning to read this one!

________________________________________

Majestic and Wild

by Murray Pura

Murray Pura writes about his fascinating and exciting real-life adventures, drawing inspired spiritual lessons from these life-lessons and sharing in an easy to read yet contemplative manner. Great Christmas gift idea!

Marian Baay's Top Picks for Summer Reading 2013

Vacation in Portugal 2000

Here are some books I really enjoyed reading this year and I'm sure you will enjoy them too. 

All of them will make a great Summer Read!

Click on the titles to find the books on Amazon.

In no particular order.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Once Upon A Prince

Once Upon A Prince by Rachel Hauck

What girl has not dreamed about being a princess? Or to be loved by a handsome prince? I think all girls have - at least I have!

This is a fantastic read with lovely characters - an ordinary American girl meets a handsome prince!

____________________________________________________________

A Road Called Love

A Road Called Love by Murray Pura

Exciting and adventurous!
This story made me think about life and God, and what matters and what doesn't.
FOUR fat volumes - only $0.99 each through June 1st. So, grab them while they're on sale!
This summer also available in paperback.

____________________________________________________________

Stealing the Preacher

Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer

Not only a fabulous cover, but a lovely read as well!

Yes, when I saw the cover I was completely in love. But reading the book brought even more pleasure than I imagined!

____________________________________________________________

The Heiress of Winterwood

The Heiress of Winterwood by Sarah E. Ladd

I immediately fell in love with characters Amelia and Graham. They're strong characters with flaws--which they must overcome. A good plot and good writing.
A very nice debut novel!

____________________________________________________________

Cry of Freedom Series

Cry of Freedom Series

If you like to read about the American Civil War then you should read this fantastic series. Many great authors writing unique stories. Our own Carrie released the first wonderful story in this series Return to Shirley Plantation, Murray Pura was second with his story The Last Waltz, and Kathleen L. Maher's Bachelor Buttons was third.
More stories will follow - all worth the read!


All stories are on sale for only $0.99 through June 1st, so grab your copy today!

____________________________________________________________

The Well

The Well by Stephanie Landsem

I enjoyed this book immensely! The writing is excellent, the plot well done, and the author has such a lovely voice!
And the characters...they're real, easy to love and to identify with.
From the first till the last page this book is a great delight to read!

This book will release on June 4 and is available for pre-order.

____________________________________________________________

The Reluctant Earl

The Reluctant Earl by CJ Chase

A story with all the ingredients to make it a delicious read; history, suspense, romance, and a believable storyline.

____________________________________________________________

Majestic and Wild

And last but not least I'd like to recommend Majestic and Wild by Murray Pura. Even if you're not going on an adventurous vacation this summer, you can go on a wonderful adventure in this devotional! The author will take you to some of the most beautiful places in the great outdoors of Canada and share some of his exciting adventures with you. His storytelling will draw you in and keep you glued to the pages. I'm sure you can't stop reading after only one story!

Teresa Mathews’ Recommended Summer Reading List

.

Here are some greats reads that I know you will enjoy this summer.

These are in no particular order.

You may click on the book title to be taken to Amazon where you may purchase these great reads.

Return to Shirley Plantation by Carrie Fancett Pagels
March 26, 2013

This debut book by Carrie is beyond wonderful!! 
Your summer won't be complete until you read it!
*********************************



Forsaken Dreams by MaryLu Tyndall

This is a new series for MaryLu and it does not disappoint.           

It is riveting from the very first page. 

*************************

A Noble Groom by Jody Hedlund. April 1, 2013

A terrific story of a love that knows no boundaries.

*************************************

Key Witness by Christy Barritt February 5, 2013

This Love Inspired by Christy Barritt was fantastic!!
Christy is another brilliant writer of suspense! 
*******************************

Strand of Deception by Robin Caroll March 1, 2013

Robin Caroll at her finest. A suspenseful read that will
keep you on the edge of your seat.

***********************

Love at Any Cost by Julie Lessman April 15, 2013

Another lovely read by the Queen of Passion.
Another endearing family to fall in love with.
********************************

Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer July 1, 2013

My favorite Karen Witemeyer ever!! A gang of retired train robbers steal a preacher.
What could possibly go wrong with that?
****************************

Vanished by Irene Hannon January 1, 2013

If you need a little excitement in your life,

grab this chilling book by Irene Hannon.

**************************

A Most Peculiar Circumstance by Jen Turano June 1, 2013

This adorable read by Jen will make you laugh, gasp and  maybe even giggle. 

It's the perfect lighthearted summer read.

*******************************

 The Wells Fargo Express Series Volume 1 Remington Colt

The Desperate Road by Murray Pura April 24, 2013

If you love the Wild West then you will love this. There's a shoot-out, outlaws, romance 

and of course handsome Wells Fargo Agents. 

**************************

The Fairest Beauty by Melanie Dickerson 1-22-2013

If you love Fairy Tales you will absolutely love this book. 

Melanie's version of Snow White is Fairy tale perfection! 

************************************

Beyond the Valley Daughters of the Potomac Series

Book 3 by Rita Gerlach 2-1-2013

Enduring love that overcomes insurmountable circumstances.

****************************************

I hope you will enjoy these wonderful reads as much as I have.

Have a fun summer and happy reading!!