Stealing the Preacher: A Review

 

 

I loved Short-Straw Bride and had hoped Crockett would get his own story, so I was excited to read this book. The plot was fun: instead of being kidnapped for ransom, Crockett is taken because the outlaw's daughter Joanna asked for a preacher for her birthday. What happens next is a fun read as Crockett and Joanna try to revive the church that has been empty.

The romance is pretty predictable, but the supporting cast and the other relationships are what make this such a great book. I loved Jackson, the neighbor boy with a deadbeat dad and a crush on Joanna who becomes a helper to Crockett.

When I read historical fiction, I enjoy the town and culture dynamics as much as I do the romance. I loved the little Texas town, filled with neighbors who carry around baggage from the past and even a woman who can't keep her hands off the preacher.

Fans of Christian historical fiction will enjoy this book. Although you don't have to read Short Straw Bride first, it would be a nice introduction to Crockett.

I received this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts are my own.

 

 

'

Short-Straw Bride: A Review

From the back cover:
No one steps on Archer land. Not if they value their life. But when Meredith Hayes overhears a plot to burn the Archer brothers off their ranch, a long-standing debt compels her to take the risk.

Years of constant vigilance hardens a man. Yet when Travis Archer comes across a female trespasser with the same vivid blue eyes as the courageous young girl he once aided, he can't bring himself to send her away. And when an act of sacrifice leaves her injured and her reputation in shreds, gratitude and guilt prompt him to attempt to rescue her once again.

Despite the fact that Travis is no longer the gallant youth Meredith once dreamed about, she vows to stand by his side. But will love ever be hers? Or will Travis always see her as merely a short-straw bride?

My Thoughts:
The Archer brothers are fabulous characters. This is the first book I've read by the author, but I hope she'll continue to write about the rest of the men in the family because they are standouts. 
Meredith is a good character as well, and I loved the development of her and Travis' relationship. 

I enjoyed the historical aspects of the story, including the way business was handled back then by having families marry to ensure the success of a business. I also liked the theme of putting up fences to keep yourself safe or to keep others out. 

Of course, you know how the love story will end, but it was a still a sweet read getting there with Meredith running off to solve things and finding herself in trouble, a little bit of action, and whole lot of swooning. 

Fans of Christian fiction will enjoy this story.