PREACHIN' TO THE CHOIR

Author: Cynthianna Appel ISBN: NA 8/2007 CONTEMPORARY Publisher: MOONLIT PUBLISHING

Katrina "Kat" Dubcek, a forty-three year old middle school music teacher and part-time choir director at Jonathan Rawlins' church, is "settled" in her life in small town Texas. It may not be the most fulfilling existence she readily admits, but at least she's able to support herself and her twin college-aged boy and girl. Her life may be a bit dull, but at least it's safe and predictable—unlike her life with her no-good ex-husband had been—and her love life is an unmitigated flop. Kat has come to the conclusion that a happy, long-term, committed relationship with a male is a next to impossible thing, and so she has finally made peace with both herself and with God. Hey, if a nun can live celibate then why can't she make it as a celibate school teacher?

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Cynthianna Appel's new release is an enjoyable contemporary story called, PREACHIN' TO THE CHOIR. It's a simple yet nicely written romance about a widowed Preacher finding love again with the most unexpected woman. I realize that this book isn't considered an inspirational read, yet there are many inspirational undertones throughout the story. So in my opinion, I think it's a very nice non-inspirational, inspirational book!

PREACHIN’ TO THE CHOIR tells the story of forty-nine year old Minister Jonathan Rawlins, who lost his wife to cancer almost a year ago. While delivering a sermon one Sunday morning, a beam of light shines upon the new choir director, Kat Dubcek. He suddenly realizes he's quite attracted to her, even though she's nothing like his first wife.

Kat moved to Texas after raising her two children and is now happily settled in the small town of Germantown, Texas. She's also convinced herself that there aren't anymore good men to go around. Kat has decided to stop trying to find the perfect guy and be happy just being with herself. She has no idea that Pastor Jon has other ideas as to how she should be spending her time.

Jonathan and Kat make a really cute couple. Each of them has grown children that are going through difficult times in their lives. Aside from that, the gossipmongers in this small Texas town can't keep their mouths shut and begin telling Jonathan that Kat may not be as pure and innocent as he thinks she is. It's just some drama thrown into the story to shake up the blossoming relationship between these two wonderful people.

I enjoyed Cynthianna Appel's PREACHIN’ TO THE CHOIR. Not only were the main characters warm and likable, but also the congregation and the townspeople were likable (when they weren't gossiping). It was written very well and I really would have liked the story to go on a little longer. All in all, a very good read by a talented author.

Julie Kornhausl