According to Goodreads, I’ve read 94 of my target of 150 books for 2025.
Of course, that level of over-achievement hides the fact I haven’t written as much as should have this year. I’ve amped up my writing in the last couple of months, which means I haven’t read as much (and am even slightly behind on my reviews).
It’s all about balance … and that doesn’t appear to be one of my strong points.
As the title suggests, Becoming the Pastor’s Wife is a discussion of the role of the pastor’s wife in modern Protestant churches, with an emphasis on evangelical churches in the US, where:
It is also an academic exploration of the history of women’s ministry:
First, Dr Barr reminds us that women have always had a place in ministry (despite what some church leaders would have us believe):
Barr reminds us that the New Testament shows us many women prophets, including Mary the mother of Jesus (Luke 1:46-55), Anna, and the four daughters of Philip (1 Cor 11). She shows us women serving alone (Junia) or alongside their husbands (Prisca and Aquilla). Perhaps more importantly, she shows men serving alone while their wives carry on with their own responsibilities. Yes, New Testament men didn’t need their wives to support their ministry by being on stage with them.
There were Dr. Barr points out that the modern church has elevated preaching over prayer and prophesy, contrary to the emphasis in the New Testament. We’ve then used Paul to justify not allowing women to teach. (Except even the most rigid complementarian allows and even encourages women to teach the children in Sunday School … not least because men rarely volunteer for that thankless task).
Dr. Barr points to the Fourth Lateran Council of 1215 as prompting the change. From this point, only ordained priests could lead communion. And, or course, only men could be ordained … despite a long history of women leading nunneries, including some that had women and men in separate wings (for example, Milburga leading Wenlock Priory).
This change was predicated on the (disturbing) underlying assuming that God therefore didn’t call women to serve as anything but nuns.
The Reformation changed this somewhat, but also introduced the idea of a woman ministering alongside her husband. As such, a woman’s calling was tied up with her husband’s calling.
Last week, when our pastor (yes, our female pastor) asked for volunteers to distribute communion, she remined us that we believe in the priesthood of all believers. It’s a phrase I’ve heard often and have never thought much about. But, after reading Dr. Barr’s book, I realise what a radical statement it is: it reminds us that we don’t have to be an ordained (male) priest to lead communion.
And if we don’t have to be ordained by the church to lead communion, that most sacred of sacraments, nor do we have to be ordained to preach or teach or prophesy or pray. Which makes sense, given women never had to be ordained to lead children’s church, prepare communion, type the notices, clean the church, or perform any number of menial ministry tasks that have been historically left for women.
It’s not all bad news. Dr. Barr does offer hope, saying the church could be different—specifically, the Southern Baptist Church, where Barr and her husband have served for years. She ends with a set of “what if” and “can you imagine” statements that could radically change our understanding of women’s ministry in church. It could also form a bridge to the younger generation, those who see the unbiblical patriarchy embedded in the modern church and who have therefore rejected the church … and God.
Thanks to Brazos Press and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
Beth Allison Barr is the U.S.A. Today’s bestselling author of The Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth. An academic by training and a pastor’s wife by calling, Beth uses her unique voice to speak out on the relevance of medieval history to our modern world—especially concerning women in both medieval and modern Christianity. Her work is described as “smart,” “powerful,” and “a game changer” for women in modern evangelicalism.
Barr is currently the James Vardaman Professor of History at Baylor University, where she teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses, but she also speaks and writes as a public intellectual. She has been featured by NPR and The New Yorker, and her bylines include Religion News Service, The Washington Post, Christianity Today, The Dallas Morning News, Sojourners, and Baptist News Global. She also continues to write regularly on The Anxious Bench, a popular religious history blog on Patheos.
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As a pastor’s wife for twenty-five years, Beth Allison Barr has lived with assumptions about what she should do and who she should be.
In Becoming the Pastor’s Wife, Barr draws on that experience and her academic expertise to trace the history of the role of the pastor’s wife, showing how it both helped and hurt women in conservative Protestant traditions. While they gained an important leadership role, it came at a deep cost: losing independent church leadership opportunities that existed throughout most of church history and strengthening a gender hierarchy that prioritized male careers.
Barr examines the connection between the decline of female ordination and the rise of the role of pastor’s wife in the evangelical church, tracing its patterns in the larger history (ancient, medieval, Reformation, and modern) of Christian women’s leadership. By expertly blending historical and personal narrative, she equips pastors’ wives to better advocate for themselves while helping the church understand the origins of the role as well as the historical reality of ordained women.
It’s First Line Friday! That means it’s time to pick up the nearest book and quote the first line. I’m sharing from Faithfully Devoted, Jacob by Emily Dana Botrous, the final book in her Scripted Love contemporary Christian romance series.
Here’s the first line from the Chapter One:
He has no memories. She fears the things he can’t remember. Can a lost past become the key to their future?
When Jacob Halverson wakes up in the hospital, he doesn’t know where he is. Worse yet, he doesn’t know who he is—or the woman claiming to be his wife of forty-two years. But when she’s at his side, he feels like everything will be okay.
Arlene Halverson never imagined her husband could forget her. Now she is tasked with filling in the blanks of an entire lifetime for Jacob, reminding him of their life together, the family they built, and the love they share.
With the help of old love letters, Arlene journeys through time at Jacob’s bedside, visiting memories both painful and poignant. Together they search to find the reason Jacob hid his illness from her while Arlene finds the courage to share her greatest mistake in hopes Jacob can forgive her a second time.
And you can click here to check out my previous FirstLineFriday posts.
What are you reading?
Caleb’s Choice by Z Peabody — Caleb Jacobson, rancher, farmer, and a first-generation veterinarian, has always loved to care for animals. When he was given his choice to either stay in the small community and become a full-time farmer or have his “way about,” Caleb chooses the university, and in doing so, experiences a whole other world outside of his small community. Wanting to start his own practice in his hometown, he returns to the very small community that now shuns him and to the father who hates him. It’s true—sometimes you should never return home. When a college friend asks a favor, that he hire a new head cook, Caleb immediately agrees. But when Caleb walks out of his barn to meet the new employee, he quickly regrets the decision to hire the most beautiful woman he has ever laid eyes on. (Amish Romance from Z Peabody Publishing LLC)
Rendersella by Amy R Anguish — Ella dreams of her artwork on display in the famous Prince Gallery, but working for her stepmother leaves her eking out sporadic minutes to draw or paint. When her stepsister steals her drawing and claims it as her own, Ella fears she’s lost her chance. Chaz Prince wants more responsibility at his family’s gallery, but first he must prove he can handle it. Chaz talks his dad into a contest to bring in some new artists, sure this will be exactly what the gallery needs. When he stumbles across Ella’s piece, he not only wants the artwork, but wishes to know the artist too. At the gala to celebrate the contest winners, Ella is determined to let them know the artwork is hers, but time is against her. And where did her shoe end up? (Contemporary Romance from Scrivenings Press)
A Family on His Doorstep by Alena Auguste — Unwed, unemployed and pregnant, Rebecca Young is in desperate need of a job. But finding work seems impossible. So when her late ex-boyfriend’s cousin Walker Greystone offers her room and board, and help getting a part-time job at the library he’s renovating in Eden, Texas, she eagerly accepts. But as they work together on a project that could change both of their lives, their feelings for one another deepen. Can Rebecca and Walk (Contemporary Romance from Love Inspired [Harlequin])
If I Fall for You by Myra Johnson — She’s a grieving widow. He’s a rancher with too much on his shoulders. Neither expected to fall in love—until God weaves their broken stories together. But when the past resurfaces, will they choose healing or walk away? (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
Meet Me on Blueberry Hill by Lisa Jordan — On an island where everyone knows everyone, Asher Quinn is a mystery Sadie Hudson never meant to solve. Once a hopeful songwriter, Sadie’s dreams faded after her sister’s tragic death five years ago. Now jobless and adrift, she returns to Jonathon Island to care for her beloved grandma, Henrietta. Just as she begins to find solace in the island’s charm, a fallen tree damages her grandmother’s home, forcing Sadie to accept help from the gruff yet intriguing neighbor, Asher Quinn. Though he seems kind, Sadie can’t shake the feeling that he’s hiding something. Asher has his own demons, seeking solitude on the island to escape a past that haunts him-especially when he discovers he’s responsible for Sadie’s sister’s death. As they navigate their shared pain, can these two wounded souls find the courage to be honest and embrace love, or will their pasts keep them apart? (Contemporary Romance from Sunrise Publishing)
Plays By the Book by Carolyn Miller — Britta Johnson knows she’s ordinary, and she’s totally okay with that. She’s secure in God, in her purposes on the planet, and romance is something she finds between the pages of a book. She doesn’t need that in real life. So when a hockey player asks for advice on how to woo his long-distance girlfriend, she knows her heart is safe. Until it’s not. Mitchell Reilly might be feared on the ice-rink, but even he’s intimidated by this little ninja librarian who can whip teenagers into line with a single look. She knows her books too, and seems the perfect candidate to help him find some romantic fictional heroes he can impress his girlfriend with. Until she’s not. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)
Down in the Dumpster by Susan Page Davis and Page M Davis — You never know what you’ll find in a Dumpster. If Cassie had known the misadventures she’d get into on her stopgap job, she would have kept checking the help-wanted ads. With her crabby dispatcher hounding her, she collects the rubbish from a senior citizens’ complex in her garbage truck. When she empties the dumpster, a witness sees a body fall into her compactor. How will she explain this to Mac? And just as important, can rubbish and romance mix? (Cozy Mystery from Scrivenings Press)
An Uncharted Dream by Abbey Downey — Leonora Thornton always envisioned following in her father’s footsteps-exploring the world and chasing adventure. But after his tragic death, she can’t get past the debilitating fear…until she meets an explorer who promises to take her on his expedition to the very place where her father died. Marcus Turner knows a con man when he sees one, and after years of hiding his family’s shameful financial situation, he won’t let anyone he cares about be swindled again. Especially not Leonora, his longtime best friend and the woman he secretly loves. Joining the expedition, Marcus embarks on a mission to protect Leonora from the swindler, no matter the cost. When betrayal leaves them stranded far from their destination, Leonora and Marcus must determine if they can rely on God-or each other. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)
The Neighbor and the Gifts by Danielle Grandinetti — When Manitowish Waters librarian Olivia “Ollie” Larson finds a package on the library steps, she expects the children’s books she ordered, not a taxidermied partridge. By the fourth gift from her unknown and unwelcome True Love, disappearing to her grandfather’s isolated cabin in the Northwoods is the only way she can escape him. Deputy Titus Wilburn is happy to escort the lovely librarian to her grandfather’s house on his way to the neighboring Yarwood cabin. After all, he’s been smitten with her since they attended school together, and she needs his protection. However, the plan fails when Ollie’s uninvited suitor discovers her new location. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)
Uncharted Joy by Keely Brooke Keith — Daydreaming of running a restaurant sparks joy in Anna Cotter’s solemn heart while she works in her mother’s bakery with her two sisters. Her dream seems impossible until she inherits a charming cottage in the heart of Good Springs. Determined to make her restaurant a blessing to the village, Anna faces challenges from the elder council and a group of rebels who gather at her tables. New-in-town schoolteacher Caleb McIntosh spends his evenings researching the outsiders who have come to the Land in recent years. He uses the village’s new restaurant to work on his manuscript and is struck to the core by the proprietor’s confidence, beauty, and uncrackable demeanor. Anna can handle demanding customers and the council’s edicts, but when the village’s new know-it-all schoolteacher spreads his papers across her corner table every day, her resolve is tested. Yet, as Caleb introduces her to new ideas about the world, faith, and love, her carefully constructed walls begin to crumble. (Historical Romance from Edenbrooke Press)
A Lesson in Love by Linda Shenton Matchett — Born and raised in London, Isobel Turvine knows nothing about farming, but after most of the students in her school evacuate during Operation Pied Piper, she’s left with little to do. Then her friend Margery talks her into joining the Women’s Land Army, and she finds herself working the land at a manor home in Yorkshire that’s been converted to a boys’ school. A teacher at heart, she is drawn to the lads, but the handsome yet stiff-necked headmaster wants her to stick to farming. Left with an arm that barely works from the last “war to end all wars,” Gavin Emerson agrees to take on the job of headmaster when his school moves from London to Yorkshire, but he’s saddled with the quirky manor owner, bickering among his teachers, and a gaggle of Land Army girls who have turned the grounds into a farm. When the group’s blue-eyed, raven-haired leader nearly runs him down in a car, he admonishes her to stay in the fields, but they are thrown together at every turn. Can he trust her not to break his heart? (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press)
Unending Hope by Cindy Kay Stewart — April 1940. Nazi Germany carries out a devastating invasion, trapping Americans David Jensen and Natalie Thompson in Norway. Determined to use their medical skills to aid the Norwegians, David and Natalie embark on a harrowing journey to treat the injured and evade the Nazis. Natalie, a dedicated Red Cross worker, values deep relationships. Fearful of settling for a shallow marriage, she broke off her engagement to David several years before. But she never stopped loving him and spending time working together in Norway plays havoc with her heart. David, a charismatic and confident doctor with the Red Cross, desires to advance his career and rekindle his relationship with Natalie. Even though she once rejected him, he believes she is the only woman for him. But years of keeping others at arms’ length guarantees that winning Natalie back will be the biggest challenge he’s ever faced. (Historical Romance from Hope Springs Press)
Hannah’s Quest by Jodie Wolfe — Hannah Moore escapes the overbearing grip of her relatives and forges her own way in Shippensburg, PA, far away from their clutches. Despite Hannah’s sheer determination, she finds life on her own daunting as she loses job after job. Unsure where she fits in, Hannah wonders if she’ll ever be good enough. She feels as if God has forsaken her and questions if she will ever find a place to belong. The last thing she needs is an ignorant shop keeper constantly questioning her abilities and standing in her way. Hannah will take almost any position available so as not to return to the place of her upbringing. Luke Weiser has one goal in mind—finding a way to save his grandmother and restore her health. Only trouble is, she has other ideas about what is best for her. Gran longs to see Luke’s return to faith in the Lord, but he blames God for his grandmother’s sickness and the tragic events of his childhood. After the death of his mother, followed by his father’s abandonment, Luke refuses to trust his heart to anyone, and certainly not a wife. When Hannah keeps popping up in the hardware shop where he works, Luke is forced to think twice about his convictions. (Historical Romance, Independently Published)
A Secret Heart by Wendy Klopfenstein — The last thing middle brother Ed McGraw wants is to be tangled up in a scheme to find a mail-order bride for his black-sheep brother. But that’s right where Ed finds himself…writing love letters and not signing his own name. Intrigued by the woman who writes back. Rebekah Edwards keeps her dreams to herself and finds contentment working for the local newspaper running matrimonial advertisements. Until the day a new ad appears—one written by the very rancher Rebekah has pined for her entire life. But just as she strikes up a correspondence, Rebekah finds herself drawn inexplicably to Ed McGraw—the wrong McGraw brother for her. What will happen when she finds out the author’s true identity? (Western Romance from Sunrise Publishing)
Five Alive by Luana Ehrlich — Silas faces the most challenging case of his career at Discreet Corporate Security Services. He has seven days to rescue five oil workers kidnapped in a remote area of Saudi Arabia, and the future of the mission is in the hands of someone who betrayed him in the past. Can he trust her? (Crime Suspense, Independently Published)
Perilous Tides by Elizabeth Goddard — Three years after her mother’s suspicious death, forensic artist Jo Cattrel is in hiding, working at a storm-watching lodge along the Washington coast. When her father sends her a disturbing and cryptic message, Jo leaves the safety of the lodge to find him. But during the ferry crossing, Jo witnesses a murder–and becomes a target. More surprising to Jo than being in danger is the identity of the person who steps in to protect her–none other than her ex, former Green Beret Cole Mercer. Now a private investigator, Cole has been looking into her mother’s death. If he can just uncover the truth, maybe Jo can end her self-imposed captivity and the two of them can pick up the pieces and build a future together. As Cole and Jo search for answers, the past rushes in like a dangerous tide before the truth can be revealed. (Romantic Suspense from Revell)
Alaskan Police Protector by Megan Short — When a minivan slides off the road into an icy lake, Officer Samuel Miller narrowly rescues a woman and child from certain death. Only, Rachel Harding insists the crash is no accident—it’s eerily similar to how her sister and brother-in-law recently died. As the unexplained attacks escalate, Samuel is determined to protect Rachel and her orphaned niece at all costs. But when they make a shocking discovery, their investigation becomes even more dangerous, and survival may be impossible. (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired Suspense [Harlequin])
Burning Truth by Kelly Underwood — Dani Barlow, disgraced journalist, has been given one last chance to redeem herself—follow a tip about a secret militia compound in the Alaskan wilderness and get the scoop that will put her back on top. But when her investigation takes a dangerous turn, she finds herself running for her life. Dani’s only hope is the rugged hotshot firefighter who comes to her rescue. As danger closes in, she’ll have to trust this mountain man with her life… He’d risk everything to protect his home… Grizz has one goal: fight fires and protect the Alaskan forests he calls home. But when a reckless, albeit beautiful, reporter trespasses on his territory, he finds himself in the middle of a terrorist plot bent on destroying everything he’s got left to care for. It seems he’ll have to do the very thing he swore he’d never do again: trust. (Romantic Suspense from Sunrise Publishing)
Maranatha the Victory Battle by Blossom Turner — What if the greatest battle you’ll ever fight is the one you cannot see? Mara has faced the unthinkable—abuse, betrayal, and loss—but nothing can prepare her for the final battle ahead. As demons scheme in the shadows and angels stand guard, she must confront her deepest fears. With her marriage hanging by a thread, an abandoned child thrust into her arms, and a relentless enemy determined to destroy all she holds dear, Mara must decide: will she trust in God’s sovereignty, or will fear consume her? (Supernatural Suspense, Independently Published)
Timebender by Demi Griffin — A girl born in the Age of Augury but raised in the Age of Mythic, Everwyn grew up in the tranquil seclusion of Everlasting’s Ruins without fully understanding her identity. Time was irrelevant. Growing up in a secure and predictable environment, she enjoyed a warm family life that allowed her to mature peacefully. To her, her parents were just that – parents. Everwyn had no idea about her true lineage as the daughter of the Realm Caster and Librarian. Building an unexpected friendship with a tracker, Everwyn’s limited world broadened. At the tender age of twelve epochs, she discovers she is a girl without a homeland, evading Time. Her once simple life took a complicated turn as destiny revealed itself. Betrayed and facing shattered dreams, Everwyn embarks on a winding path that leads her to unexpected places. (Speculative Fiction/Fantasy, Independently Published)
Cassia’s Calling by Rachel Blanchard — King Peter seems like a man who cannot be changed. With her otherworldly ability shadowed by uncontrollable hurt, how will Cassia answer her heart’s call? (Speculative Fiction/Fantasy)
Love’s True Measure by Lori DeJong — As Hunter and Shannon navigate their growing bond, unexpected challenges force them to confront their fears and priorities. Both must either choose to trust God’s plan is far greater than their own, or risk losing the love of a lifetime. (Contemporary Romance)
Revealed Courage: A Journey Forged Through Fire by Eve M Harrell — The ruthlessness of the new world order is unlike anything he has ever seen. Can he protect his family from an apocalypse he has no control over? Will they have the courage to stand when the forging begins? (Young Adult)
Mothers of a Nation by Carlene Havel and Sharon Faucheux– Rachel, Leah, Bilhah, and Zilpah reveal their hearts as each tells her own story of joy and sorrow. Never realizing the historical significance of their roles, these four ordinary women became the mothers of a nation. (Historical Biblical)
The Puzzle Within by Gina Holder — They must confront their own failures and unravel the secrets hidden within themselves to rescue Bridgette … and survive a madman’s twisted game. Because one thing becomes clear: Enigma’s real target is much bigger — and far more personal. (Romantic Suspense)
The Garden down the Beach: A Novelette by Annette M Irby — Online followers, and Gramps, want to see Kamber and Shiloh spend time together, but each is focused on building their careers. Is there room for a relationship in all their planning? (Contemporary Romance)
Project Sentinel by Elle E. Kay — With lethal agents on her trail, Faith must unlock buried memories, rescue her kidnapped son and outwit Project Sentinel’s surveillance before the conspiracy that murdered her husband silences her for good. (Romantic Suspense)
Golden Horizon by Darlene Panzera — When a jealous miner blackmails Maggie and uses dynamite to trap Ben inside a collapsed river cave, Maggie is faced with an impossible choice. As the town rallies for a rescue, both Maggie and Ben must decide—what is truly more valuable, gold or love? (Historical Romance)
The Final Word by Laura Thomas — When aspiring author, Sophie Brooks, trades the vibrancy of Paris for the tranquility of the English countryside, she doesn’t expect her fairy tale romance to turn into a fight for her life as she’s pursued by the relentless darkness of her past. (Romantic Suspense)
I do read the Bible, which includes a lot of poetry, but most of that is in the Old Testament (especially in Psalms). Technically, that’s not Christian poetry because it predates Jesus.
The last book of poetry I read was the clean but definitely not Christian Pam Ayres. If you haven’t heard of Pam Ayres, she’s a comedic English poet who rose to fame in the 1980s (or perhaps earlier). My grandfather, who normally favoured biographies and Winston Churchill, enjoyed her poetry.
The other poetry I read, when it crosses my Facebook feed, is Brian Bilston. They are short and to the point, but also not Christian.
My initial assumption, on reading the title of this novel, was that the codebreaker would be male. Please forgive me for that patriarchal assumption, because this is a mother-daughter story, and the codebreaker in question is Lillian, Dinah’s mother. The story takes place over two timelines–Dinah’s propaganda work with the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) in World War II, and Lily’s codebreaking work in World War I.
Lily/Lillian is a viewpoint character in both timelines, so we see her struggle with letting her adult daughter go, and we see Dinah’s struggle to be the independent adult daughter. We also see the power of friendship.
The story is best encapsulated in the quote above. The Codebreaker’s Daughter isn’t like so many World War II stories, stories of ordinary people dong extraordinary things. It’s more a celebration of ordinary people doing ordinary things–the things they are called to do–and being satisfied with that.
Recommended for fans of World War II fiction from authors such as Jennifer Mistmorgan, or fans of fiction featuring codes and ciphers from authors such as Roseanna M White.
Thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
Amy Lynn Green is a lifelong lover of books, history, and library cards. She worked in publishing for six years before writing her first historical fiction novel, based on the WWII home front of Minnesota, the state where she lives, works, and survives long winters. She has taught classes on marketing at writer’s conferences and regularly encourages established and aspiring authors in their publication journeys. In her novels (and her daily life), she loves exploring the intersection of faith and fiction and searches for answers to present-day questions by looking to the past.
If she had lived in the 1940s, you would have found her writing long letters to friends and family, daydreaming about creating an original radio drama, and drinking copious amounts of non-rationed tea. (Actually, these things are fairly accurate for her modern life as well.)
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It’s First Line Friday! That means it’s time to pick up the nearest book and quote the first line. Today I’m sharing from His Surprise Return by Kayla Tirrell, a new-to-me author. Here’s the first line from the Chapter One:
Ever since her husband died, Erin’s been doing her best to make ends meet and provide a normal life for her children. She thinks she might be getting close until a familiar face from her past shows up and sends everything crashing back down.
Logan ran away from his hometown years ago with no intention of ever returning. Now, he’s back to fix up the house he grew up in and get it ready to sell before leaving for good. He never thought he’d find Erin living there—a shell of the woman she used to be.
Spending time together for the first time in years, Erin and Logan reminisce on happy memories while creating new ones. They both feel a pull toward one another but with such different plans for their futures, can they find one together?
His Surprise Return is a faith-filled romance that will make you believe in second chances and remind you of God’s faithfulness even in the darkest of storms.
And you can click here to check out my previous FirstLineFriday posts.
If we’re going to count the Bible, then my favourite author would be Luke, who wrote the gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts (I considered saying St. John, then remembered he’s also responsible for Revelation … so maybe not).
My Kindle says I’ve only read one nonfiction Christian book this year, Here by Lydia Sohn. I enjoyed it, but one book from an author isn’t really enough to make them a favourite.
I love Becca Syme’s books about writing (and not writing). Becca is a Christian, but her books are written for writers regardless of their faith so they don’t really count for this question either.
My other favourite possibly doesn’t count because he is a prolific and respected author and Bible teacher, I haven’t actually read any of his books yet (although I do have a couple on my to-read pile). I got to know him through his podcast, Ask N T Wright Anything, where NT (Tom) Wright grapples with listener questions about the issues of our time.
So my answer is John Mark Comer. In The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry and Practicing the Way, Comer encourages us to slow down and live the life God wants us to life. This means consciously avoiding the rush-rush-rush do-do-do that can lead to feeling disconnected from God, and slow down and connect.
I have been reading quite a few rom-coms recently, many of which use the marriage of convenience (or inconvenience) trope. Few have had any Christian content, and none have been overtly Christian.
And I loved that. Lily’s mother is looking for a son-in-law who meets the five C’s: Christian, career, condo (or house, cash … and Chinese. The family also has a traditional of the older siblings marrying before the younger, which is an issue for Lily as her five-years-younger sister, Jasmine, has been dating the same guy for years and is ready to get married.
So Lily decides to fake an engagement so her sister can get married. When her first blind date incorporates a PowerPoint presentation and an unexpected proposal, Lily accepts a surprise offer from Hunter, a work colleague who meets four of the five C’s.
Hunter has been crushing on Lily since they met a year ago, so proposing marriage–even a short-term fake marriage–seems like a great idea. Who knows. If they’re living together and pretending to be married, maybe something will develop?
Each chapter starts with a quote from another author. I’m not usually a fan of epigraphs, but Her Inconvenient Wedding Date is the exception that proves the rule. Quotes like these only improve the book:
Quotes like these will mean I will remain not being a fan of epigraphs, because that is going to be hard to beat.
It’s a fun, quick read, with likeable characters and a believable relationship. Recommended for Christian rom-com fans.
Thanks to the author for providing a free ebook for review.
Liwen Y. Ho works as a chauffeur and referee by day (AKA being a stay at home mom) and an author by night. She writes sweet and inspirational contemporary romance infused with heart, humor, and a taste of home (her Asian roots).
In her pre-author life, she received a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Western Seminary, and she loves makeovers of all kinds, especially those of the heart and mind. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her techie husband and their two children, and blogs about her adventures as a recovering perfectionist
As the eldest daughter, my life’s basically one long checklist of responsibilities—especially when it comes to making sure my younger sister gets her happily ever after. And apparently, that means I need to tie the knot first.
Groan.
I’m an engineer by day, a beauty blogger by night, and a problem-solver 24/7. But even I wasn’t prepared for the solution to my marriage problem to show up in the form of Hunter Payne—my tall, charming, and goofy coworker who just so happened to save me from the world’s most awkward date.
Out of the kindness of his heart, he offers to marry me. For three months only. Just until the family pressure eases up. Totally platonic, totally practical.
Until it’s not.
Because three seconds into our union, a surprise kiss makes some very inconvenient emotions rise to the surface.
How am I going to survive this marriage without falling for the one guy I promised I wouldn’t catch feelings for?
It’s First Line Friday! That means it’s time to pick up the nearest book and quote the first line. I’m quoting from The Billionaire’s Nanny by Elizabeth Maddrey, the first book in her Billionaire Next Door series. I’ve read (and loved) most of the others, so don’t know how I managed to miss this one …
Here’s the first line from the Chapter One:
When I convinced my friends to join me in a scheme to play the stock market, it paid off beyond our expectations. Honestly, most days I don’t even remember that I’m a billionaire. But it was big news for my family. In fact, my cousin made me guardian of her son in the event something happened to her.
At face value, it sounds kind of nice.
But I never really knew my cousin.
And I only found out about her decision a week before the kid showed up on my doorstep.
Thankfully, the woman who brought the boy out to me on the plane is willing to stay and be his nanny.
Since all the local daycares have a waiting list, I don’t have the luxury of being picky. Maybe I have reservations about sharing my home with a beautiful woman, but it’s a completely professional relationship.
She’s going to look after the kid.
I’m going to look after my heart.
And you can click here to check out my previous FirstLineFriday posts.
