I really enjoyed reading this collection of stories. I thought each one was unique and well written. I can't wait to get into more writing from each of the authors because their stories were all well done. I definitely recommend reading this set because you won't be disappointed.

Thank you Net Galley, Barbour Publishing, and authors

What a wonderful collection of novellas. Each one is well written and holds your attention. I love this type of book, it's perfect for when you don't have time for a full-length book, but you want a well written story. These novellas are the perfect length to relax after a hard day.
I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

The collection of stories was great! I loved reading each of them and getting to know each preacher and his journey to where God had led him. I also enjoyed the paths each one took to find their bride, as it seems to be understood that all preachers need a wife:) I also enjoyed reading about each woman God placed in each preacher's path. I would be hard-pressed to pick a favorite as each author did an excellent job with each story and I wanted to keep reading to find out how each person in the story allowed their faith to guide their path even through unexpected twists and turns. I highly recommend this book!!

I just finished these four delightful stories, and I enjoyed each one! I've previously read several books written by Carolyn Miller, so I knew I'd like her story, and I've read at least one other book by Kari Trumbo, so I was also pretty sure of hers. The other two authors, I knew by name only. First up was Angela K. Couch with The Mountie's Rival, then Carolyn Miller's Convincing the Circuit Preacher, followed by Naomi Musch with The Angel and the Sky Pilot, and finally Kari Trumbo's Mail-Order Minister.

Growing up in his twin brother's shadow, Jonathan Burton takes his first pastoral posting far from home, only to find his Mountie brother seated in the pews on his first Sunday in the pulpit. Jonathan is looking for a wife, but how will he ever find the right one when every woman in town flocks to his brother? When the one woman he's interested in appears to turn to his brother, will moving away be the answer, or will he find that helping her will change the course of his life?

Thea Maclean has spurned every man who has tried to court her, including some that her father has specifically introduced her to as possibilities. Meeting the new circuit preacher causes her to finally see a man she could love, but what will it take to convince her father - and Mr. Hamilll that he is the best match for her?

Everett Shepherd knows what it is like to have God step in and turn his life around. His checkered past gives him unique insight into the hearts of the lost. When he's called to minister to the lumberjacks at Camp 13, he expects some push back. He doesn't expect to meet Angeline Adair and her father on his way to the camp, nor does he expect her excitement to hear him preach. Her hunger for the Word of God, and her beauty hook his heart. But if she knew the man he had been, could she ever love the man he is now?

The last story closely resembles a mail-order bride story, except it's the minister who is sent for by mail, and yes, the church elders who sent for him hope that he will marry their daughter, whose independent spirit has turned her against every man who has shown interest. As town gossip turns against them, can their building friendship turn to more?

I'm not sure I can pick a favorite here, but I especially liked The Angel and the Sky Pilot and Mail-Order Minister. Both showed the difficulties these men could face in working out their call from the Lord. I can't imagine just walking into a lumber camp, bedding down in the barracks with the other lumberjacks, and expecting them to listen to anything I had to say. And, having recently been a part of a church that split, I know the pain involved on both sides and walking that tightrope with grace as Finch Presly did in Mail-Order Minister made me respect his character. I enjoyed all of the stories, but these two stand out to me. I also love that each story can be read in a few hours, so I basically read the whole book in about 3 evenings. I definitely recommend this one!

I received this book free through #NetGalley and every opinion here is mine.

I really enjoyed this collection. Great stories about faith, hope and love. Delightful for readers of all ages.

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Courting the Country Preacher is a collection of four short stories by authors I have known to deliver great stories. I was not disappointed with this collection. Each story brings humor and small-town meddling with young brides full of hope and longing. I always appreciate perspectives that capture the reminder that preachers are people too, full of hopes, dreams, fears, and insecurities. I love the digestible length and messages of hope and truth spread throughout.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

This book offers four stories written by different authors that involve a country preacher and finding love in the midst of a variety of circumstances requiring that the preacher and the woman demonstrate faith and hope. Each story is unique and each offers a happy ending.

I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.

☕Review: Courting the Country Preacher

💗Rate: 5 Stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

🍪Characters and Details : The characters in these collection of stories utterly had my heart! Angela, Carolyn, Naomi, and Kari have such a gift for weaving tales of true love from the past! The characters are built of faith, perseverance, and an abundance of love! The characters definitely get through a lot of challenges with love being their goal.

🍨Extra Compliments: I really admired all the men in the stories! They all brought their own personalities that mixed well in the story! I felt as if I had multiple ice cream sundaes in front of me! And they all melted perfectly! The descriptions of the time periods made me feel as if I was watching a film! A film I can watch over and over!

Bravo! 🕯️

Adventures in the Pulpit

These four stories show a preacher's life can be anything but dull.

Up first is, "The Mountie's Rival," by Angela K. Couch, set in Canada, 1907.

When Jonathan arrives for his first preaching assignment, he finds his brother, David, is posted there as a Mountie.

April works as the pastor's maid and cook. Unknown to each other, April and Jonathan feel an immediate attraction.

April is the talk of the town because of her drunken father, so she believes Jonathan will never have any interest in her. Jonathan thinks April would only have eyes for his brother, David.

Will they ever see what is plain to everyone else?

Second is, "Convincing the Circuit Preacher," by Carolyn Miller, set in Australia, 1863,

From the minute Thea and new preacher, Jonas, met, the two were smitten with each other. But Thea's father had no intention of his daughter being involved with a poor pastor.

After warning Jonas to stay away, her dad packed Thea off to another town to stay with a maiden aunt. Thea thought that would be the end for the two of them, but God can make a way when there seems to be no way.

The third installment is, "The Angel and the Sky Pilot," by Naomi Musch set in Minnesota, 1905.

Everett, a former rough and tumble logger, has become a Christian, and turned his life around. Now that he has returned to minister to the loggers, the men test him in many ways, especially physically. The camp trouble maker, Mick, leads the charge against him.

Everett has fallen in love with Angel, but dangerous Mick loves her, too. Mick holds nothing back while trying to get rid of Everett.

Mick hopes he can chase Everett off once and for all, and keep Angel for himself.

The fourth is, "Mail Order Minister," by Kari Trumbo set in South Dakota, 1889.

Pastor Presley arrives to find his new church is reeling from a split, and half the town is not speaking to one another. Vicious rumors abound, and they want to force the pastor to marry a horrible gossip. Besides not wanting an arranged marriage, the pastor has already lost his heart to another.

Can anything good come out of all this trouble, and will true love win out in the end, even though it does not look like it can.

Sometimes quirky, but always entertaining, discover the different situations a minister can find himself in. Faith plays a part in each story. Fans of romance, and intriguing tales will enjoy this five-star book.

Thank you, Barbour Books, for providing Tickmenot with a book to review. Opinions are my own.

Four stories set in three countries...each story tells of a preacher and his pursuit of marriage and the unlikely journey they each take. Each story is unique in its settings and circumstances, and yet they all have the same thread of humanity and the love of Christ woven throughout. Readers will see a piece of themselves in each of the main characters in these stories and will have their struggles and triumphs resonate long after the story ends.

4 individual stories that are unique from Australia to Canada. I enjoyed that the stories were faith based. I really enjoy novellas because if I don’t have a lot of time to read I can sit down and read a story in a short amount of time. I really enjoyed all 4 stories and would recommend this collection.

Story 1, The Mountie's Rival by Angela K Couch: Jonathan Burton is assigned to his first church only to learn his Mountie twin brother and rival has been assigned to the same town! When a drunk breaks up Jonathan's first church service, Jonathan does not realize he is the father of the attractive young woman who cleans the parsonage and does his laundry. Some members of the congregation look down on April while parading their daughters in front of the parson but Jonathan soon learns the kindness that lives in April's heart.
Story 2, Convincing the Circuit Preacher by Carolyn Miller: Dorothea Maclean is first attracted to the young minister's looks but then then to his message. She definitely has his attention when her younger sister brings a baby possum to church! Dorothea's wealthy parents have higher expectations for a future son-in-law than a minister! You will enjoy this humorous story.
Story 3, The Angel and the Sky Pilot by Naomi Musch: Everett feels God has called him to minister in a lumber camp although he doesn't feel qualified. Everett has to prove himself before many of the men will listen to him. He has an easier time proving himself to the daughter of the local trading post owner!
Story 4, Mail Order Minister by Kari Trumbo: Elders in a small church in South Dakota contact a potential pastor who they feel would make the best husband for their daughter causing all kinds of problems. God works things out better than anyone could have expected.
I received a complimentary e-book of Courting the Country Preacher through Net Galley. This is my honest opinion.

This is a four stories in one. First time reading from these authors and I loved each story. These stories are about four preachers and the love they find. I highly recommend this Christian book.

Four interesting stories of preachers looking for love. All of the stories are set in different locations and time periods. Wonderful complex characters and moving stories with twists and turns filled with love and faith, A must read!

Simple put this book is fantastic and a must read! The "Courting the Country Preacher" is a book that has four different stories about country preachers on the path to love. The storylines were placed in four different settings. You will see the work of God in each preachers lives and how they overcome. The characters were well written and very likeable. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and will love passing it a must read!

I received this complimentary copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are mine and mine alone.

Every Preacher Needs a Wife, Right? Being a preacher in the countryside is not for the faint of heart nor faith. Four inexperienced preachers face a myriad of challenges including those who figure a man of the cloth needs a wife. Can they meet the expectations of "helpful" congregants and be true to their hearts?
Always helpful congregants. Each of these stories are both fun and delightful in the antics some will go to in order to matchmake. It was hard to put down. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.

If you enjoy historical, sweet, clean romances, this is a good collection to check out. Due to the novella nature of the book, relationships do develop quite quickly, but that is to be expected. Characters in each story were well developed, and each story focuses on a preacher who finds love. I enjoyed the variety of different places, and countries, used as settings. Each story showcases love and God's direction.

This was a fun collection - all about preachers that fell in love and found their life time companion in most unexpected circumstances. Four novellas tell 4 stories of historical romance involving small town country preachers and the young ladies who steal their hearts regardless of whether the congregation thinks its a good thing or not! I had a distinct favorite of these four stories, but leave it up to you to choose your own favorite. They're all good whether you're looking for a bit of humor or some heartfelt romance.

5 stars, Inspiring Stories

COURTING THE COUNTRY PREACHER: FOUR STORIES OF FAITH, HOPE...AND FALLING IN LOVE
by ANGELA K. COUCH, CAROLYN MILLER, NAOMI MUSCH, AND KARI TRUMBO

The Mountie's Rival
by Angela K. Couch

Set in Rowley, Alberta, Canada, 1907

This is the charming story of Jonathan Burton who is a rural preacher who has fears. Fears of not being enough for his congregation, he fears competition with his brother who is a Mountie.

April Harvey is the daughter of the town drunk. She is always trying to prove to the townsfolk, that she is not the same as her father. She has a lifelong guilt for a decision that she made.

I like how the author takes these two imperfect people and shows them that they are good enough and proceeds to make their lives better.

A quote from this story and it is true. Kindness is key.

Convincing the Circuit Preacher
by Carolyn Miller

Set in New South Wales, Australia, 1863

Jonas Hamill is the local circuit preacher who is filling in for a regular preacher in a town near his circuit. He is a widower who never desires to marry again.

Dorothea "Thea" MacLean is an unmarried woman who lives with her parents. She thinks there isn't much hope in her finding someone to love and marry.

It's interesting how God can take your impossible seeming life and change it to something possible and believable.

A sweet quote. But faith in God brings joy and hope. A woman of her aunt's vintage. I like this.

The Angel and the Sky Pilot
by Naomi Musch

Set in North Minnesota, 1905

Everett Shepherd is a preacher who used to work in the timber industry. He plans on going to several logging camps and spreading God's word among the workers.

Angeline Adair is the daughter of Captain Adair, who owns the local mercantile. She works in the store for her father and fends off the unwanted attentions of the loggers.

Captain Adair calls Everett a Sky Pilot, that's what the loggers call preachers. I think it sounds sweet.

Mail-Order Minister
by Kari Trumbo

Set in Baker's Nook, South Dakota, 1889

Olive Torey's parents are looking for a preacher for their newly formed church. Their church had recently split into two factions They hope to get the new pastor interested in Olive, their unmarried daughter.

Reverend Finch Presly has no idea that the elders of the newly formed church want him to marry their daughter. He doesn't want to marry her, but they keep running into each other in town.

I like how each story is a complete story, though each is a short story, you are not left hanging and they are good for a "quick read." Highly recommend.

I am thankful for the complimentary copy of #CourtingtheCountryPreacher from #BarbourFiction #NetGalley #BarbourPublishing I was under no obligation to post a review.

#historicalfiction #inspirationalfiction #ChristianFiction #SouthDakota #Minnesota #Australia #Canada # AngelaKCouch #CarolynMiller #KariTrumbo #NaomiMusch #CanadianMounties