Grace and the Preacher

Starred review from March 13, 2017
Sawyer (Echoes of Mercy) knows how to tug on heartstrings as she brings readers into the rural Midwest of 1882 and the despondent life of Theophil Garrison. Ten years after abandoning his cousins’ attempt to rob a train, Theophil is working on a farm when a young boy comes to inform him that his cousins were released from prison for good behavior. He takes off, determined to stay off the main roads as he figures his cousins will be looking for him. While traveling, he happens upon a runaway wagon transporting a very sick man, Rev. Rufus Dille. Despite Theophil’s efforts to get him to the nearest doctor, Reverend Dille dies the very next morning—but not before leaving explicit instructions for Theophil to take his belongings and head to Fairland, Kans. Grace, the postmistress in Fairland, has never seen Reverend Dille, but they’ve exchanged friendly letters. Could he be the one God intended for her to marry? Theophil gets to Fairland amid a grand picnic and, with everyone welcoming the supposed new preacher with so much respect, he decides to assume the preacher’s identity. Although Theophil’s impersonation ruse initially puts the town in jeopardy, Grace is a strong-willed, forgiving heroine who guides the town in unexpected ways. Sawyer (Sweet Sanctuary) weaves a charming, unpredictable story of deception, redemption, and hope that will claim readers’ hearts from beginning to end.