The people of Maintown, Oregon, eagerly await the arrival of the new minister. And with his bachelor status, the women of Maintown waste no time putting the best foot forward of their marrying-age daughters. But Zack is no ordinary preacher. With his bumbling antics in both the pulpit and in front of his parishioners, he is sure they will quickly discover his secret. Knowing he’ll have to leave soon, before his deception is revealed, he struggles with his feelings towards a certain young woman. This is not what he intended when coming to Maintown. He had hoped to lay low for a while and then disappear. Now, he feels as if he’s found a home. A home he never had. I really enjoyed reading BACHELOR'S PUZZLE by Judith Pella. I had read her DAUGHTER'S OF FORTUNE series, and looked forward to something new by this author. Her characters are delightful, especially the spunkiness of Maggie. I didn’t know how she was going to make us fall for a character that was so obviously deceitful, but you soon find yourself hoping Zack will find a way to be truthful and still be able to stay in Maintown. A great summer read.
I loved this book. it turned out perfectly in the end. I grew a bit tired of Ellie at times, but I really liked her once she confessed her love for Zack and became less annoying in her ways. I wouldn't exactly call them faults on her part though.this is actually book one in a series by Judith Pella, I'm not sure how many more there are going to be since this was just released in July of this year, but this first book was delightful, and I cannot wait to see what else will unfold. I fell in love with all of the characters except a few and those were the villains of the story. Zack, one of the lead characters is very likeable and real feeling. in this book, the ladies sewing circle of Maintown find out that their town's new circuit-riding preacher is young and unmarried. Zack comes upon the preacher when they are both in a time of need and he ends up going to Maintown in the real preacher's place.
What do You think about Bachelor's Puzzle (2007)?
The ladies in town are delighted - a new minister is on his way, and he's single. All the matchmaking mamas start a project to welcome him (and to showcase their daughter's homemaking skills) by sewing him a quilt to welcome him.The newcomer is pretty overwhelmed. But he's not a minister. He's a small time crook, and he's on the run. On his way out of town, escaping an angry loan shark, he meets the real minister, injured and dying. He sits with the man until the end, then buries the unfortunate preacher. Then he gets a brainstorm - so Rev. William Locklin is reborn, and Zack Hartley disappears.This preaching business is a little tricky, but Zack is sure he can figure it out. Then his heart gets involved. But which girl is right for him?I liked this one. A sweet, clean read.
—Cindy
