Heavens to Betsy (Center Point Premier Romance (Large Print)) [Large Print] [Library Binding]

Beth Pattillo (Author)

Book Description

Series: Center Point Premier Romance (Large Print) | Publication Date: December 2006

Blessed Are the Fabulous.

Life would be perfect for Reverend Betsy Blessing if it weren't for parishioners who keel over during her sermons, steal money from the collection box, and set her up with ex-cons. Not to mention the very inconvenient feelings she is suddenly having for her long-time friend, fellow seminarian, and verbal sparring partner, David Swenson. It isn’t until Betsy is thrust into the position of senior minister for her church, however, that she discovers the real cause of her discontent: her fear of failing has become stronger than her faith in herself.

Is it really possible to keep a good woman down? Can Betsy reclaim her confidence while reconciling her clerical robe with high heels and the right shade of lipstick? A fun-loving look at a single girl’s life on the other side of the altar, Heavens to Betsy is also a hilarious and joyful celebration of strong, stylish, and faithful womanhood.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Beth Pattillo is an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). After twelve years in parish ministry, she now serves as executive director of Faith Leader, a spiritual leadership development program in Nashville, Tennessee. The author of one previous novel, Beth is married to a university administrator and is the mother of two children. She believes a good sense of humor is the biggest blessing of all. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Library Binding: 287 pages
• Publisher: Center Point Large Print (December 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1585478741
• ISBN-13: 978-1585478743
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,748,611 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Beth Pattillo's love for Jane Austen was born when she studied at the University of London, Westfield College, for one glorious semester. Her passion quickly became an obsession, necessitating regular trips to England over the past twenty years. When not dreaming of life 'across the pond,' Beth lives in Nashville with her husband and two children.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Chick-Lit in Clerical Garb - Fun!, September 25, 2005

By 

Peggy Blann Phifer "Peg" (Las Vegas, NV USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Heavens to Betsy (Paperback)

It's not easy for a woman who enters a realm normally occupied by men. Just ask Betsy Blessing and she'll emphatically agree. But Betsy faces a particularly difficult situation-she's an ordained minister. Not only that, she's assistant pastor at Church of the Shepherd, an old church of mostly old folks and governed by a group of crusty and cantankerous board members.

Betsy is also single. And of course she is subjected to the match-making efforts of her friends. On the other hand, after suffering through these impossible "dates" one wonders if her friends aren't enemies in disguise.

The real fun starts when Betsy must step in to fill the pulpit for the ailing senior minister. Now she has all the responsibilities of being senior minister, but none of the respect that goes along with it. A leaking baptistery, money disappearing from the collection box, and disapproval of her association with David Swenson, pastor of a "rival" church, will keep you totally entertained.

When her best friend decides Betsy needs a make-over, televised for the whole world to see, the results are disastrously hysterical. Her congregation does not approve of the `new' Betsy. You'll laugh out loud as you follow Betsy through the struggle not only with her congregation, but with herself. She deals with a past she's not proud of, her awakening feelings for David, who up to now has just been a friend and sparring partner, and her relationship with God.

You'll love Betsy - she's delightfully human, and this is a fun romp through the life of a lady preacher who finally comes to terms with who she really is. And the author, Beth Pattillo, is herself an ordained minister, which lends credibility to this brisk, fast-paced read.

Peggy Phifer ©2005

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Smooth Combination of Inspirational-Chick Lit!!!, July 10, 2005

By 

Kristi Ahlers (Illinois) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Heavens to Betsy (Paperback)

Ms. Pattillo has penned a very entertaining, but moving story with the main character Betsy, an ordained minister who is just like the rest of us, struggling with insecurities, looking for love, and dealing with life's everyday issues.

Betsy doesn't think that preaching the word of God is her true calling. At least she hasn't found "bliss" in doing this. Truth is she's been fired from one church, and is now just a mere fill-in until the retiring minister can be replaced. On top of that her best friend David is now making her feel things best friends just shouldn't feel. It's over popcorn that she comes to the realization that she loves him and wants him for her very own. But, does she have the faith and the courage to go for what she wants, or will she play it safe?

Betsy is a wonderful character and Ms. Patillo has done a wonderful job conveying that Ministers are people too. Ms. Patillo has deftly woven a story that will pull the reader in just too see what Betsy will do. The ensemble cast of secondary characters is great addition to this page turning read. I look forward to the next in this series. Will Betsy get her man and finally walk down the isle, and more importantly will she stay with the ministry or will she try her had at being a lawyer???

Official Reviewer for Romance Designs

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Funny and compassionate, July 8, 2005

By 

D. M. Flis "Nord Designs.com" (New England area) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Heavens to Betsy (Paperback)

Beth Pattillo has created a funny, compassionate and romantic story with Heavens to Betsy. Being young, single and full of self doubt, Associate Reverend Betsy Blessings has all the same trials and tribulations of any young career women. The book gives some interesting insight into the lives of those who have chosen to be involved in the church without being patronizing. I would probably go more often if I ever found a church with a minister like Betsy. This book was a really fun, light read. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for something a bit different in a romance genre.