Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer

When Bethany House Publishers offered me a free copy of Karen Witemeyer's latest novel, Stealing the Preacher in exchange for an honest review, I jumped at the chance. Continuing on with the lives of the Archer Brothers from Texas in the mid-1880's, this story involves Crockett Archer, a cowboy who feels God is calling him to be a preacher. On his way to candidate at a church, he is kidnapped by former outlaw, Silas Robbins, who wants to make his daughter Joanna happy.  Joanna's mother's dying wish was for her husband to become a believer in God, yet without a pastor in their town, Joanna feels it will never happen.  Seeing her unhappy and knowing he needs to get his daughter a special birthday gift, Silas finds that Crockett is the perfect solution!  And he can use Crockett help on his ranch as well.  Silas doesn't trust preachers, but he sees something different in Crockett.  Joanna has never known a man that has such a heart for ministry before getting to know Crockett.  She knows he is the right person for their church as well as the one to lead her father to the Lord.  And he just might be who God has chosen for her helpmeet!  I loved this story, and Karen's whole style of writing- with humor and a little bit of suspense thrown in.  I felt like I lived in Texas with them.  I am hoping for a third story for this series!