"Forced off a train in 1885 Texas and delivered to an outlaw's daughter for her birthday, is it possible this stolen preacher ended up right where he belongs?"
A man's heart deviseth his way:Crockett Archer has been kidnapped! Or mannapped as the case may be.
but the LORD directeth his steps.
--Proverbs 16:9
*** NEWS FLASH *** NEWS FLASH *** NEWS FLASH *** NEWS FLASH ***
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?
Innocently enjoying the view and the lulling of the train, Crockett is thinking about his new preaching adventure ahead of him. Little does he know, a family is going to be fulfilling a birthday wish of their precious little sis, Joanna.
So, how do you think this is going to end up? Are you sure that you're sure?
Crockett Archer has his first service at a little abandoned country church in the heart of Texas. He goes to spend time with the Lord on Sunday morning while awaiting an answer from the church in Brenham, where he missed speaking because of his travel interruption. He finds he is not alone and has the opportunity to deliver his sermon, opening with this hymn written by Charles Wesley, "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIIkToKqv4wSummoned by an elder from Brenham to meet, he leaves the boardinghouse.
"Bye, Miss Bessie," Crockett whispered, a smile tugging his lips upward.Joanna shared her heart with him when they met, telling him why she had told her father she wanted a preacher. Her mother has passed away, and they had prayed fervently for her father. She desires to continue praying he will be drawn to the Lord.
He certainly wouldn't have chosen to be pulled from a train by a gang of retired outlaws, but at least he'd touched a life or two during his little side trip. It just went to show how the Lord could bring good out of any situation. And a reminder that his God was more than capable of working things out with the Brenham elders, as well.
--Stealing the Preacher, 84-85
Have we made plans that we are certain will turn out the way we think? Maybe he wasn't on a detour, after all. Crockett is reminded of ~ not willing that any should perish ~ and the promise he made to find a preacher for the old church to be revived.
Startled beyond a decided view, what is this rancher-preacher to think?
Joanna Robbins tore out of the barn astride a magnificent chestnut quarter horse. She leaned forward in the saddle, hat flopping against her back, hair streaming out behind her in a wild, curly mass as she urged her mount to a full-out gallop. Unable to do anything but stare, Crockett stood dumbstruck as she raced past.Daily yielding and surrender to the leading of the Lord evident, the protagonists choose to exemplify strength and perSERVErance. Revealing true character and compassion, I especially like Crockett's deliverance in clarity and a humble way to those he serves. Outward appearance definitely reflects the inner heart of man. Karen Witemeyer's characters are approachable and resilient. A story to reflect on beyond the written page.
She was the most amazing horsewoman he'd ever seen.
Joanna Robbins. The shy creature who claimed painting and reading were her favorite pastimes had just bolted across the yard like a seasoned jockey atop a Thoroughbred. She might have inherited her mother's grace and manner, but the woman rode like her outlaw father. Maybe better.
--Ibid., 95
Meet the Author!
Karen Witemeyer
Karen is living her dream by writing Christian historical romance novels for Bethany House. She believes that the world needs more happily-ever-afters. Karen is a sought-after speaker for national writing conferences and regional workshops. She enjoys cross-stitching, shower-singing, and tasters say she bakes delicious apple cobblers.
Beyond her own blog over at karenwitemeyer.com, here are comments from Karen about two author blogs she is part of. Doesn't this one look like fun?
Petticoats & Pistols
- I am a regular contributor to this fun, western-themed blog geared
toward readers who love western romance. The "fillies" at Wildflower
Junction are made up of western romance authors from both the general
and the Christian markets. You will find wonderful discussions about
cowboys, historical tidbits from the west, even western movies and
television. Whatever the topic, we always have a great time. Saddle up
and ride on over for a visit.Present Moments with some of your favorite historical authors at Writes of Passage, a blog that features some of today's bestselling Christian historical fiction authors. I would love to have you visit me there. I post every first and third Thursday. Learn the secrets behind how we research our books, see snapshots out of our everyday lives, and learn more about the authors whose books you love. You'll find authors like Tracie Peterson, Tamera Alexander, Julie Klassen, Lynn Austin, and Robin Lee Hatcher just to name a few. We'd love to see you there!
My latest book, Stealing the Preacher, centers around just such a country church. Joanna Robbin's beloved church building has stood empty for two years without a minister, and she longs to bring it back to life. The community needs it. She needs it. But most of all, her unbelieving father needs it. Little does she know that, thanks to an offhand comment she made, her ex-outlaw daddy has decided to break out the old face-hiding bandannas and kidnap her a parson from the local rail line. Crockett Archer might have been stolen, but Joanna can't shake the feeling that God intended him for her church. Can she convince Crockett that he ended up right where he belongs? writespassage.blogspot.com/2013/06/small-country-church-big-community.html
~* A Gathering of Karen Witemeyer's Novels *~
Head in the Clouds, released October 1, 2010, also printed in foreign languages.
Released June 1, 2010, A Tailor-Made Bride, and printed in a foreign language, was a 2011 RITA® Finalist for
Best First Book. Spoiler Bonus Material:For those who have read this book and want more of Jericho and Hannah's happily ever after, click here for a secret peek at the epilogue that was deleted from the finished book. Enjoy!
Treat for you:
View the first three chapters here from Scribd!
Thank you to Litfuse Publicity Group for inviting me to be part of the blog tour and sending me a copy of Karen Witemeyer's Stealing the Preacher published by Bethany House.
No other compensation was received.
“Stealing the Preacher” Kindle Fire Giveaway and Author Chat Party {6/18} with Karen Witemeyer!
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
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!)
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