Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer

From the publisher: 
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?
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I really liked that while romance was a lovely part of this book, that the character change was in someone else that both Joanna and Crockett cared out--Joanna's father.  The climax of the story is with the father and that I think will resonate with readers who have spent hours praying for loved ones who have not surrendered to God.  

Of course I loved reading more about the Archer family and Crockett and Joanna was sweet and fun to read.  Readers will enjoy the love they have that is based on mutual goals and depth of character rather than an unrealistic passionate desire from out of no where.  Witemeyer will help readers to see that real love is grown from serving God together and having a passion for the calling God has on you life.  Joanna and Crockett are drawn to each other for more than just physical attraction.

I would highly recommend this book to others.

I received this book free through Bookfun.org and Bethany Publishing in exchange for my honest review.