Rambles of a SAHM

The Christmas Heirloom

Karen Witemeyer, Kristi Ann Hunter,

Sarah Loudin Thomas, and Becky Wade

Historical Romance

In Kristi Ann Hunter's "Legacy of Love," Sarah Gooding never suspected returning a brooch to an elderly woman would lead to a job . . . and introduce her to the woman's grandson, a man far above her station.

In Karen Witemeyer's "Gift of the Heart," widow Ruth Albright uses the family brooch as collateral for a loan from the local banker. But the more she comes to know the man behind the stern businessman, the more she hopes for a second chance at love.

In Sarah Loudin Thomas's "A Shot at Love," Fleeta Brady's rough-and-tumble childhood means she prefers hunting to more feminine activities. She never expected her family's brooch might be how a fellow hunter turns her attention from competition to romance.

In Becky Wade's "Because of You," Maddie Winslow has spent years in love with a man whose heart was already spoken for. When a church Christmas project brings them together and she stumbles upon an old family brooch, might it finally be her turn for love?

My Thoughts

This was the choice of my book club for our annual Christmas book. What a perfect pick! There are four short stories from four very talented writers. I felt like each story could be read in an evening. During this busy time of year that is a real bonus. While each story is a stand alone novella there is a theme that pulls all of them together. The connecting thread that weaves throughout each story is a brooch that is passed from mother to daughter.

I enjoyed each of the stories and can't say that I preferred one over the other. The continuity between the stories was very smooth and made for an overall good read.. The last two stories, A Shot At Love by Sarah Loudin Thomas and Because of You by Becky Wade, are off shoots from their current series. If you're fans of these two authors you definitely don't want to miss this book.

So far this is my favorite Christmas read of the season. If you're looking for a stocking stuffer for your favorite reader this would be a wonderful choice.

Disclosure statement

I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Stealing the Preacher

Karen Witemeyer
Historical Romance

Back of the book:

A cowboy who wants to be a preacher. An outlaw’s daughter who wants to change his mind.

On his way to interview for a position at a church in the Piney Woods of Texas, Crockett Archer can’t believe it when he’s forced off the train by an outlaw and presented to the man’s daughter as the preacher she requested for her birthday. He’s determined to escape—which would be much easier if he could stop thinking about Joanna Robbins and her unexpected request.

For months, Joanna had prayed for a minister. 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. But just when it seems her prayers have been answered, 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 he ended up right where he was supposed to be?

With her signature blend of humor, history, and lively western romance, two-time RITA Award finalist and bestselling author Karen Witemeyer delivers a Texas love story sure to steal your heart.

My thoughts:

When I received my copy of this book from Bethany House I was excited to dive into it. The cover has a cute picture of a woman grabbing onto what I presume to be the preacher mentioned in the title. It leads us to believe that we are going to embark on a humorous tale about a preacher held captive.

What we get is that and so much more. There is humor but there is also insight. There is a preacher that is held captive. But the One that captivates him is so much bigger than the one who holds him in captivity.

Joanna’s love for her fathers, both heavenly and earthly, is what drives this tale. She cares so much for her earthly father but yearns for him to have a relationship with her heavenly Father. Through the craziest of circumstances she is introduced to Crockett who becomes a partner in loving her father into a relationship with Christ.

I completely enjoyed this novel on so many levels. It isn’t just a happily ever after story, it’s also a story of redemption and consequences. It is a great reminder that there are always consequences to our actions. We are reminded that if we continue to trust God with our actions both good and bad He will turn them into exactly what He desires for the outcome that He deems necessary.

For a delightful summer afternoon read with enough depth to satisfy . . . pick up a copy of Stealing the Preacher and enjoy!

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