Stealing the Preacher

I have loved every book Karen Witemeyer has written, so I was really looking forward to her latest release, Stealing the Preacher, which continues the story of the Archer brothers who we first meet in Short-Straw Bride.

I am thrilled to report that the book has not only lived up to my expectations, it completely surpassed them.

Back cover copy:

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?

I loved the fact that Crockett Archer is a tough, gun-toting, not-afraid-to-get-his-hands-dirty preacher who knows when to let his actions speak for him and when it's time to let someone have it with both barrels. :-)

The way he lets his faith shine through his work not only made old Silas Robbins set up and take notice, it made me stop and think about how I live out my own faith. 

This story really touched my heart and without giving away any spoilers, by the time a certain climaxing scene between Silas and Crockett rolled around, I had tears in my eyes. 

Don't worry, the book didn't leave me crying. Within a few pages I was ready to smack a certain blond, interfering female. :-) But of course, by the last page, I was smiling and sighing in satisfaction. 

If you haven't read any of Karen's books yet, you're missing out on some delightful storytelling. I wholeheartedly recommend any and all of Karen's books for your own collection. Check her out today!

Talon: Combat Tracking Team

Back Cover Copy:

     Her brother is missing. And her only chance of finding him lies with a combat dog that has lost his edge.

     All Air Force veteran Aspen Courtland wants is her brother back. The US Marine Corps says he's dead, but Aspen won't believe it till she sees his body. Her only hope is her brother's tracking dog, Talon, but a brutal attack has left the dog afraid of his own shadow. 

     The truth is something Military Intelligence Operative Dane Markowski has never faced. But now it's the only thing--along with Talon's help--that can save him. But working with Talon means teaming up with Aspen as well, and Dane swore he'd never work with a woman. 

     Eventually they join forces to battle the elements and extremists. But if Talon can't rise up to his former glory for one last mission, the only outcome for all three will be game over.

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Talon: Combat Tracking Team is everything I hoped it would be and more! Book one of this series, Trinity: Military War Dog (see review here), gave us a glimpse of Aspen Courtland and Talon, so I was eagerly awaiting their story. 

I. Loved. It!

Explosive missions, hair-raising danger, deadly secrets, spies, romance (it has to have a little romance to sweeten it, you know :-), Talon has it all. If you want an adrenalin rush without ever leaving your chair, you have to try Ronie's books! She writes characters that are so real to me, I find myself wondering what they're doing, long after I've closed the covers of the book.

Which is why I'm impatiently waiting for the next book in the series, Beowulf: Explosives Detection Dog, which releases in January.

Now hurry up and grab yourself a copy of Talon: Combat Tracking Team. And while you're waiting, check out the book trailer...

Shattered

Shattered is the second book in the Alaskan Courage series. (See my review of book one here.)

From the Back Cover:

When her prodigal brother Reef's return to Yancey, Alaska, is shattered by his arrest for murder, Piper McKenna is determined to protect him.

Deputy Landon Grainger loves the McKennas like family, but he's also sworn to find the truth. And he knows those closest to you have the power to deceive you the most. With his sheriff pushing for a quick conviction, some unexpected leads complicate the investigation, and pursuing the truth puts Landon's career in jeopardy.

When Piper launches her own investigation, Landon realizes he must protect her from herself--and whatever complications await as the two follow clues deep into Canada's rugged backcountry. Not only does their long friendship seem to be turning into something more, but this dangerous case is becoming deadlier with each step.

I absolutely loved my return visit to Alaska with the McKenna clan and had trouble putting the book down to do other things. Really?! Who needs to go to work when you can follow Deputy Logan and Piper McKenna around Alaska and Canada?! (Just watch out for the bad guys!) :-)

It's awesome to have another author to add to my list of favorite romantic suspense/adventure writers. Dani Pettrey is right alongside Dee Henderson, Ronie Kendig, and Irene Hannon. And if you haven't discovered Dani's writing yet, you're missing out. You need to head to your nearest bookstore now!

Book three, Stranded, releases September 1st. I can hardly wait!