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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
A pleasant story but lacks something, July 21, 2009
I bought this book not knowing anything about it other than the fact that it is written by one of the best writers of western romances--Cheryl St. John. I've slowly accumulated a collection of her books and will read anything she writes. Why? Because she has the ability to create vulnerable characters that really provoke a strong emotional reaction.
Though "The Preacher's Wife" has vulnerable characters in Samuel the widower struggling to raise 3 daughters and Josie the lonely widow, the story just didn't move me. I can't precisely put my finger on it but I missed some depth with how Samuel and Josie dealt with each other. Their roles are not defined. Does Josie think she is just going to be a stepmother to the girls? Does she know if she will also share a marriage bed with Sam? Would she be okay with both possibilities? Sam offers for her after a relatively short period of mourning, out of necessity. Does he make certain Josie knows what he wants of her? Shouldn't he clarify during his brief proposal? Does he find a way to let her know that it's too soon for them to have a physical relationship but not an impossibility in the future? Later on we find out they are sharing a marriage bed but there was nothing leading up to that, which must have been a difficult decision for Sam and the perfect opportunity to show that vulnerability.
I see that the book is published under Steeple Hill, a division of Harlequin that is more religious themed. Perhaps their writing guidelines effect what an author can write about. This story is pretty tame in the romance department.
Still, overall the book is good. Cheryl St. John is an excellent writer. I hope she continues to write books with characters that pull at our heartstrings.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Preacher's, June 25, 2009
The Preacher's Wife, by Cheryl St.John, is one of the best books I've read in a long time. I finished it in one evening, then had to go back and reread some parts the next morning. I thought the cover picture was also appropriate and appealing.
I liked that it wasn't suspenseful, but was just a sweet heart-warming story that brought tears to my eyes several times.
Cheryl St.John is such an excellent writer and made her characters come to life. They depicted such realistic behaviors and conversations. I hated for the book to end and will look forward to her sequel: Elizabeth's Story. I hope we'll see more of these characters in the new story.
I also have learned not to read the back cover, as it gives away who will end up with whom, though you usually know on the first page anyway. I liked that there were two potential 'preacher' suitors for Josie and by not reading the back cover, I wasn't sure which it would be for awhile.
This was such an endearing book to end the day with and bring sweet dreams. Thank you Cheryl St.John for such a good read!
Barbara H.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Tender and Joyous, June 29, 2009
I loved this book. Josie embodies unselfish love, and Sam is one of the finest heroes I've encountered. No spoilers here, but the ending put tears in my ears. It's perfect!
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