Hello everyone! It’s so good to be back in the stable temporarily. I’ve missed you all.
Karen asked me shortly after I stepped away if I wanted to blog at all in the coming year. At that time, I knew I had this release coming out (that’s one good thing about traditional publishing, I know WELL in advance of a release) that I had this book coming!
This is a book that I’d been talking about for a long time and finally, my friend Carolyn Miller contacted me and basically said, “let’s stop just talking about this and find two other authors to do it.” I had the time in my schedule (weird, I know) and I was excited.
It took a little while to find two other authors who also had time in their schedules (more normal people, lol) but then the discussion really started. We decided this would be historical and we like the idea and the tension of a bachelor country preacher finding love either by the push of his congregation, one member, or by the woman herself. It was really fun bouncing ideas around.
Since I was the only author who hadn’t yet published with Barbour, I had to write my first chapter to submit with the proposal. So, not only did I have to write a one page synopsis of the story, I had to have a nearly perfect, compelling chapter one. I was worried that if my chapter didn’t do it, I could blow the whole project for everyone else.
It took six months to hear back from my agent that we had gotten the contract. In that time, I’d written four indie books. I could barely remember what I’d plotted. Thankfully, I kept good notes. Since I’m a fast writer, I wrote that 30,000 word story in four days (minus the first chapter, which was already done). Then, unlike when I indie, I let it sit. It wasn’t due back to the publisher for six months, so I wanted to return to it and not remember what I’d written when it came time for a read-through.
A few months later, we got the mockup for the cover. I already knew that I wouldn’t really be all that involved in the cover creation process, but Barbour did allow us to make suggestions (the church in the background didn’t have a steeple at first). But it was so lovely, I had no real changes to suggest. I’ve been blessed to have two amazing covers for my traditional books.
It was due in February, so in January, I opened the document and did some deep editing. I wanted it to shine for the editorial team so they would like me and hopefully take future work from me. In the end, my editor loved the story. One funny thing I wasn’t expecting was four rounds of edits in a week and a half. I expect that from indie, but I always expect traditional publishing to be slow. In my case, it was not. I was exhausted after those ten days.
I didn’t receive the galley copy (the final read through copy) for a few months after the editing stage. That was a wow moment for me because they do it differently from Harlequin. You literally get to see the fun fleuron (graphic separating a scene) and the chapter header images. Barbour did such a beautiful job. I was blown away.
I printed out my section, did my final read through and sent it back, knowing the next time I would see it would be when it came to me in a box of books from the publisher. As of writing this blog, I haven’t gotten my author copies yet.
I WISH I could describe to you what that is like. I’ve only experienced it with Harlequin. When that box is sitting there and you know what’s in it, something wells up inside you. It isn’t pride, it isn’t joy, it’s more pure than either of those. You’ve done something God asked you to do and in that box is the proof. I cried like a baby the first time I opened one of those boxes and I’m not too proud to say so.
By the time you read this (I wrote this in early September after seeing Karen, Winnie, and Mary at the ACFW conference in New Orleans) I should have my author copies of the book. I would LOVE to offer a signed copy to one commenter (in the US or Canada only, please) outside of those areas, I’ll buy an eBook copy for you and send that. I apologize in advance. I know that’s unfair.
Here is the back cover copy, so you’ll know if you want to enter:
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?
The Mountie’s Rival by Angela K Couch
Canada, 1907 — Tired of living in his twin’s shadow, Jonathan Burton is frustrated to find himself serving as a still wet-behind-the-ears preacher in the same community as his Mountie brother. How is he to find a wife when all the eligible women of the community seem enamored by his dashing brother in scarlet uniform?
Convincing the Circuit Preacher by Carolyn Miller
Australia, 1863 — As soon as Dorothea Maclean saw the country preacher, she knew Mr. Hammill was the man of her dreams. Now she just needs to convince her wealthy parents—and Mr. Hammill.
The Angel and the Sky Pilot by Naomi Musch
Minnesota, 1905 — A preacher with a checkered past sets off to win souls in the lumber camps like the “sky pilots” before him. But can he earn the respect of hard-living men—and still respect himself—after a local trader’s daughter joins the all-male congregation?
Mail Order Minister by Kari Trumbo
South Dakota, 1889 — Olive’s parents mail-ordered a preacher and prayed he’d be a husband for their daughter. The rest of the town—and Olive—have other ideas.
Purchase Courting the Country Preacher
To enter the drawing, tell me what you love most about your preacher or minister.
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Kari Trumbo is an international bestselling author of historical and contemporary Christian romance and romantic suspense.
She loves reading, listening to contemporary Christian music, singing when no one’s listening, and curling up near the wood stove when winter hits.
She makes her home in central Minnesota—where the trees and lakes are plentiful—with her husband of over twenty years, two daughters, two sons, a few cats, and a bunny who’s the star of one of her books.
Our congregation is truly blessed by a senior pastor that truly loves to study God’s Word and bring it straight to us in a way that everyone in every sermon gets something out of it. He loves God’s people through his kindness and compassion. He has shown his commitment to our Lord throughout his life and we are blessed to have him.
He sounds like an amazing man.
caring
That is an incredibly important attribute of a preacher.
Over the years I have had several ministers, due to my moving around. Most currently we follow a television ministry due to my husband not able to get out. In them we find Hope, LOVE, Grace and above all PEACE in knowing where we are going when we leave this earth. Praise GOD.
Praise God!
I have had good and bad ones but the best was compassionate.
Compassion is a must.
He is honest, has integrity, and not afraid to ‘Buck the system” whether the local government, covid restrictions, or whatever.
A preacher who will stand up for his flock is very important.
Not all of my experiences were great, but their was one who was extremely caring and would go above and beyond to make you feel welcome and included.
I’m so glad you got to have have a really good one. I’m blessed to have a really good one right now.
Our pastor has been a great support during this difficult year–we’ve had three members of the family in hospice and then pass away in a nine-month period.
It is so helpful when a good pastor can walk alongside you.
Kari! It’s so fun to see your name pop up on the blog!!! The book sounds wonderful and it was so fun seeing you in New Orleans
It was wonderful seeing you, too! Thank you all for letting me stop back in. 🙂
I have known my minister since he was a baby! I actually taught him in Mission Friends! He’s a great man, and totally preaches the Word. He’s not afraid to say something that isn’t “politically correct” and you can tell he truly studies for himself. There are times he gets very emotional and isn’t afraid to show it.
I love that!
I love my pastor’s heart for God and how his sermons have a lot of “meat.”
That is wonderful. I love being both challenged and fed at the same time.
I love our pastor’s vulnerability and courage to tell us hard things. He does not sugarcoat the truth, but challenges us to follow Christ and do the hard things.
That’s wonderful! So important today.
Well, for the last 40 years my husband was my pastor and in 2017 we turned our church over to my son and now he is the pastor. They are both amazing men, but I may be a little prejudiced.
What an amazing legacy!
Our preacher is a caring man who loves his flock and his preaching is very forthright and straight out of the Bible. He does not beat around the bush nor does he “go with the flow” as so many modern preachers do. He is not afraid to call a spade a spade! But he also lovingly helps us understand what God wants us to know and do. He is a modern country preacher – before he came to our church he was a long haul truck driver and reached many in that way.
I love that description, “modern country preacher”
Unfortunately, my family has been in between churches for the last several years. We can’t seem to find a church around us where the preacher is bold enough in his faith to preach the word of God unapologetically.
I’m so sorry to hear that. I hope you find a place to call home soon.
I love his compassionate nature.
That is so very important.
The best ones have been caring, humble men
I agree, compassion and caring are so important.
Our current pastor is a farm girl like most of the farm family congregation! She brings Jesus to us through her hires and other farm experiences
It’s great when a pastor can connect with their flock.
I grew up going to a mega church, I liked it at the time, but as I’ve grown I realized the church was “lukewarm”. None of the sermons had any real substance to them, and as the church grew, they were less biblically based as well, which is what I’m craving now. After moving I’m currently in between churches, but I’m hoping to find a pastor who knows and will preach the Bible, cares for his congregation enough to lead them away from sin, and loves his country.
I have been to a few mega churches myself. While I can say that some of them seem to have their goals in the right place, there are issues with some being lukewarm.
I don’t know much about my preacher as health keeps me home. I hardly know anyone in the church
That is so sad. I’m so sorry. 🙁
I love that our preacher always says: “I’m just a sinner, just like all of you, saved by a loving God.”
Amen! I love that my pastor is salt of the earth too. That makes learning and growing alongside him so much easier because he never puts up that perceived wall of greatness.
Right now we are in need of a preacher. Our last was not afraid to preacher the truth. Even when it was hard.
One that is caring and humble!
His nickname is ‘gentle giant’… and… I’m married to him
Being Roman Catholic, our priests are assigned to us by the Diocese. To date (we’ve been part of St. Ann parish since 1990), all the priests we’ve had have been good shepherds. Each had his own gifts and several took getting accustomed to (accents from Uganda, India and Fiji) but all have been good pastors. I feel the way I do when asked what’s my favorite book – I usually choose the one I’m currently reading…
Our preacher has such a good sense of humor but still delivers a powerful and thought provoking message. Him and his wife are such caring people and we felt loved the moment we stepped in the door.
Our’s is an elderly gentleman who had hoped to retire. His assistant pastor took over and he became the assistant. In less than 6 months the new pastor had to leave and he was now pastor again. Shortest retirement ever. He is a good man who cares deeply for the people of his flock. He is always there for us and will go out of his way to find a way to help someone. He works well with other faith communities, understanding that we are all here for one another and by example, making us understand.
Always easy to talk to. A wonderful person who speak from the heart. A sense of humor which is greatly appreciated and enjoyed.
My favorite pastor ever was a cowboy preacher named Larry Smith, who built a church on his youth ranch and would have ropings and trail rides for us kids. I sure miss those days!
Our Pastor is wonderful because he wants everyone to feel like they are a united community of believers, he preaches the truth from the pulpit and he cares for the congregation. He’s only been our pastor for a little over two years and he’s young (early 30’s) but you can see his heart for Christ his life, marriage and kids.
Thank you for the chance to win a copy of this novella set, it’s already on my want-to-read list!