Customer Reviews

She Stays

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This book is partly autobiography and parly inspirational, depending on what you get out of it. It was published by Thomas Nelson Publishers, a Christian firm in Nashville, TN.

While country singer/songwriter Ricky Van Shelton was pursuing his dreams, the dutiful wife waited at home on their 150-acre ranch outside Nashville, in Davidson County. He'd collected fifties model cars, Coca-Cola signs, cowboy memorabilia, and a life-size cigar store Indian, but his absence hurt.

Bettye had earned a degree in music business from Belmont University, (called Ward Belmont College for Young Ladies initially) in a beautiful setting where a strange-looking metal statue of a phoenix has its home hid behind some magnolia trees there (almost unnoticed now) on campus. When my son Zach was a student of creative writing at Belmont, he introduced me to this mythological character which had arisen out of its own ashes and it was fairly new at that location. Perhaps Bettye thought of this statue as she tried to rescue her marriage from ashes (almost).

Before he became a star, they'd enjoyed happy, fun-filled, but simple, life. Afterwards, it became a struggle and turmoil in her personal life which threatened to destroy their marriage. She had the courage to endure and fight for what she knew was worth keeping.

She confided to a woman she scarcely knew who was engaged to her husband's producer. They became close friends and Andy Landis wrote: It was a privilege to have been called to your side; "I wouldn't have missed it for the world." I wrote those same words to a person I met three years ago, quite by chance, and value enough to try to tame some of my innate impulsiveness and enthusiasm. James Van Praagh wrote in his book TALKING TO HEAVEN: "So often in life it is our desire to be loved that we tend to fall victim to our own making. Because we believe it is what is expected in order to have the love of someone else, we compromise who we truly are. We create an image. We have given our power and a piece of ourselves to the beloved. We have left our centeredness and given away a part of our self-wholeness. We can never be truly happy until we live our own lives."

With the help of her new friend, Andy, Bettye discovered this and worked hard to salvage what she could from the ashes of a slightly-chipped (not broken) marriage to the person she truly loved. This intimate story shows that there is a way to 'heal an unmended hurt.'

It portrays a woman (two women, really) who have intelligence, compassion, integrity, and enough grit for 'tough love.' It takes a strong person to endure and perservere. Bettye's 'angel in the flesh' confesses to being a 'late bloomer.' So was I. It is as much her story as the Sheltons, as we follow her own personal demons and triumphs.

'She Stays' is a featured song on the 'Common Ground' CD (a duet sung by Andy Landis and Ricky Van Shelton), as they pay tribute to Bettye's courage and commitment to her marriage -- which she saved through the pain of forgiveness. The song was written by Allen Shamblin in collaboration with Andy Landis. It was included in this CD of 'Songs of Faith, Love and Inspiration,' a compilation including other country music singers.

I just finished Mrs. Shelton's book, "She Stays" this past month. Like my Mom, I read it all at once. I loved it. It is the greatest book I have ever read! I am so happy for Mr. and Mrs. Shelton. I am so pleased that they were able to find God like that. Also to Andy, I hope I can have a friend like her, through the miracle of God. I feel like Mrs. Shelton is my Aunt, and I am so happy for her. It is so great that she can have a happy marriage with Ricky Van Shelton, and share their awesome story with the world! I am 16 yrs. old, and plan to have my own daughter read "She Stays" some day.

I think that Bettye Shelton has shown us how love, devotion, and prayer can change your life. She endured a time in her life when she easily could have walked out on her husband, Ricky Van Shelton. She chose to stay, and work through it because of her love for him, and her faith in God. Her friends were there for her when she needed them, and helped her to gain back her self esteem and to "fight the good fight" to win back her husband. I could not put this book down, and have now read it three times. A must for every woman who loves her husband.

She Stays is a wonderful book of spirit and dedication that a wife has for her husband, and to what lengths she will go to keep him. Reading this book is so similar to reading an experience in your Guideposts, entitled "God's Mysterious Ways". Everything from Andy Landis showing up to help Bettye just when she was on the verge of giving up, was absolutely a blessing to read. I have read this book several times over, and highly recommend it, especially for those having trouble with faith. This will restore your faith!

I have read this book three times! Ihave gone thru some very hard times in the past year and many,many times when i felt like there was no hope i would go back to this book and find just the right inspiration i needed to go on.The book makes you realize that even though Ricky is a superstar,Bettye and Ricky are still real people and go through the same kinds of problems we do.It was very kind of them to open theyre lives up for all the world to see just to help others. I for one feel they are two very wonderful and special people who because of this book have helped me to realize that no matter how far gone someone seems to be, with God and someone praying for them that refuses to give up all things are possible! This is a wonderful book ,written by a special lady about a special couple!

A truly inspirational book showing what faith and friendship can accomplish. Gives true meaning to "Let Go, Let God." Bettye is a hero. It took great courage to write this book but I know by the many times I have read it and others have too, that it touches everyone in someway. Bettye, Ricky & Andy gave a precious gift-themselves-in the hopes of helping others.

It really grips you. I couldn't put it down. Carole Gift Page is definitely one of America's best authors. Not only does the book encourage you spiritually, it encourages your relationships with others. It was excellent. This is a book anyone can read and should read.

OUTSTANDING!
A must read, I couldn't put it down.She Stays is a great example of Gods glory throught the power of faith, love and prayer.And if we are obedient to stand in the covenent we made before God that he will take back what the enemy meant for evil and turn it around for his glory.

Sharon

Great Amazon purchase. My transaction was prompt, the book was in excellent shape, and I loved the story.

I have always been a Ricky Van Shelton fan so I am partial to this book. I was in his fan club, and had the opportunity to meet him backstage after one of his concerts. He was nothing but polite and professional. I could not wait to hear what his wife, Bettye had to say about him. I was shocked when I read what they, as a couple have been through. Her book basically describes the ups and downs of her husband, his career, their marriage, and finding God. While reading it, I found my emotions all over the place, from anger, to sadness, to peace & happiness. I am glad I found this book.

As I read this real life story of how God used Andy to bless Betty and her husband I found myself going through all the emotions that Andy and Betty experienced. Andy has a real love for Betty that shined in her eyes as we talked about the book and the song by the same title at a Christian Women's Retreat. A must read for every woman struggling to maintain God's will in her marriage.