Stealing the Preacher (Book Review)

From the cover
Inspirational Historical Romance's Rising Star

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 really loved this book. It was full of Godly values and true romance and love without sex. I love how Crockett and Jo started falling in love from the first day they met. I enjoyed Karen Witemeyer's writing style. This book was a good combination of dialogue and description.

There was a small part in the story where another woman tried to win Crockett away, but thankfully he saw right through it. haha I am not a big fan of drama in books. This was definitely a feel good type book.

My only real complaint again would be that the book ended too abruptly. I want to see their lives in the future, more of a saga I guess.

This review is for Bethany House Publishing. I was not compensated for this review but I did receive a free copy of the book in trade for my review. All opinions are my own.

A Place to Belong (Book Review)

From the cover
The Exciting Conclusion to Lauraine Snelling's WILD WEST WIND Series

As winter settles over the ranch, the Engstrom brothers are much on the mind of Cassie Lockwood. The way Lucas smiles at her should set her heart to tripping. But it doesn't. Shouldn't there be some attraction to him if they are going to be married? His vow to make her love him does not seem to be working, no matter how considerate and charming he is.

Ransom Engstrom is another matter. After Cassie's train trip to a shooting competition, she realizes she misses Ransom more than Lucas. And then there's the look she caught Lucas sending Betsy Hudson at church one Sunday. Are she and Lucas drifting apart?

Meanwhile, Ransom has discovered that he cares for Cassie but can't bring himself to express his true feelings to her. When she leaves to join a Wild West show for the summer, will Ransom summon the courage to go after her?


This book started out kind of slow, it seemed like to took forever to get to the "good" part. Once I did though I really liked it. I didn't realize that this was the last book of a series, but I don't think it really took away from anything.

I feel in love with Ransom (like I do with any tough cowboy! haha) He was the tough quiet type no nonsense, that ended up sweeping Cassie off her feet. 

I wish the book had a Epilogue, I love reading where they are a couple years down the road. Kind of like Reunion shows on TV, love them! haha


This review has for Bethany House Publishing. I was not compensated for this review but I did receive a free copy of the book in trade for my review. All opinions are my own.

LeMay America's Car Museum

A couple of weeks ago Chris and I had a couple of hours to kill in Tacoma. Tacoma is a big city just South of Seattle, Chris and I don't do big cities! haha. So I texted the awesome Kristine who you know lives an hour and a half from Tacoma, haha. I don't know anyone who lives any closer to Tacoma, so anyway she gave me a couple of ideas, and we decided on the LeMay car museum.

The outside of the building the museum is in the Tacoma Dome's parking lot

The Popemobile

Some old oddball motorcycles when you first come in

One of the lower floors

A few more motorcycles

The top floor

Chris and I really weren't huge fans of the museum, there were close to 300 cars, but only like 2 muscles cars., =( Also it was $14 a person to get in and then $5 for parking. I don't know maybe that is just how much stuff costs in a big city. It was a cool experience though, and I'm glad that we went.

Fysiko Lash Challenge Final Results

I think it actually worked! It is not incredibly noticeable without mascara on because the ends of my eye lashes are blonde. My lashes look awesome with mascara on though, I probably should have taken a before and after with make-up on! haha

Before, 8 weeks, 16 weeks

So what do you guys think, do you notice a difference?

I received these products complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster

Cowboy Caviar

So here is my attempt at posting a recipe! haha. I made this for the 4th of July and I could have just stood in front of it all day and ate it with a spoon!

Tomato, Onion, Peppers, Black Beans, Corn, not pictured avocado and seasoning

I prefer the seasoned black beans, I used a whole can

I added about a handful of frozen corn

Cut up into large chucks 5 small yellow and orange peppers

Cut into large chunks on medium tomato

Large chunks half of a sweet onion

Realize that the bowl you picked was way too small

Transfer to larger bowl and add a cut up avocado

Season generously with garlic powder, cumin and lime juice

Usually I would add cilantro but I didn't have any. This is awesome low calorie and carb. You can eat it with chips or as a salad. I think it is even better the next day, because all the flavors blend together. This has been my go to salad lately. It has so much more flavor and less fat than a green salad with dressing.

Cowboy Caviar

1 Medium Tomato

1/2 Sweet Onion

5 small bell peppers

1 can seasoned black beans

1 handful corn

1 large avocado

garlic, cumin, lime juice to taste

Cilantro (optional)

Cut everything up into large chunks and mix together. Let sit for at least an hour for the juices and flavors to blend.