If you love "Short-Straw Bride" you must read this book! It was so nice to get a peak back in to the lives of the Archer family.
The characters in this book were absolutely delightful, and I really enjoyed the light humor in the story. I also enjoyed the thread of faith that pulls the whole book together.
If you haven't read the first book, don't worry this one will read just fine as a stand-alone.

I must mention that I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.

Susan F's review
Apr 03, 2013 · edit


really liked it






Great follow-up to Short Straw Bride. This is certainly a stand-alone book but once I read one in the series I wanted more. The characters are strong, believable and downright hysterical at times. I love this series.

This book was worth the wait, which is also part of the theme I took away from it.

Crockett Archer (who is one of the brothers from Short-Straw Bride, a story that reminded me of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers) is on his way to audition for a preaching job when the train he's riding on is stopped by bandits who aren't out for material possessions. They're looking for a preacher. Him. Ex-outlaw Silas Robbins will do anything for his only daughter Joanna, including holding up a train and kidnapping a preacher. Joanna's church has set empty for two years and what she wants more than anything is a preacher to fill the pulpit and to revive the church. When her father arrives home with a preacher in tow--one he kidnapped--Joanna is both outraged and hopeful. Is Crockett Archer the man she prayed for?

Witemeyer sets her stories in 19th century Texas and I love the setting. Her characters are vivid, as well, and I find myself smiling when I read her books. They're fun, first of all, and full of wholesome romance. Crockett is dreamy--maybe I'm biased because I married a preacher!--and Joanna is relatable because she doesn't see the beauty in herself that others see. I get that.

At the start of the story, Crockett has a plan for his life, and he's disappointed when it doesn't turn out the way he expected. I've been there, too. Our ministry journey hasn't been what I expected, and it's easy to be bitter about that. But Crockett submits to the Lord's leading and catches a vision for his purpose elsewhere. It's an inspiring story of seeing the good in a situation even when it's not what you thought it would be.

And this is the other thing I love about Witemeyer's stories: they're not just historical and romantic--they're spiritual. And not just surfacey stuff. Woven throughout her stories are deeper issues of calling, trust, submission, forgiveness and truth, but they aren't forced themes.

Witemeyer is a skilled storyteller and encouraging writer