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The Pastor's Wife
Maura Sullivan never intended to set foot in Granger, Ohio, again. But when circumstances force her to return, she must face all the disappointments she tried so hard to leave behind: a husband who ignored her, a congregation she couldn’t please, and a God who took away everything she ever loved. Nick Shepherd thought he had put the past behind him, until the day his estranged wife walked back into town. Intending only to help Maura through her crisis of faith, Nick finds his feelings for her never died. Now, he must admit the mistakes he made, how he hurt his wife, and find a way to give and receive forgiveness. As God works in both of their lives, Nick and Maura start to believe they can repair their broken relationship and reunite as man and wife. But Maura has one more secret to tell Nick before they can move forward. It’s what ultimately drove her to leave him six years earlier, and the one thing that can destroy the fragile trust they’ve built.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2009
258 people are currently reading
2024 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer AlLee
33 books153 followersJennifer AlLee was born in Hollywood, California, and spent the first 10 years of her life living over a mortuary one block away from Hollywood and Vine. An avid reader and writer, she completed her first novel in high school. That manuscript is now safely tucked away, never to see the light of day again.
She has worked in numerous fields, including as a church secretary and as an administrative assistant at a cable company, but wherever she works, writing always becomes part of the job description.
Her first novel was published in 2007. Since then, she's published 11 novels and quite a few novellas with five different publishing houses. While she's thrilled to be living her dream as author, Jennifer considers raising her amazing son to be her biggest creative achievement.
She lives in southern Nevada with her husband, Nic, who is a hunky Englishman and the best cabbie in Las Vegas.
She has worked in numerous fields, including as a church secretary and as an administrative assistant at a cable company, but wherever she works, writing always becomes part of the job description.
Her first novel was published in 2007. Since then, she's published 11 novels and quite a few novellas with five different publishing houses. While she's thrilled to be living her dream as author, Jennifer considers raising her amazing son to be her biggest creative achievement.
She lives in southern Nevada with her husband, Nic, who is a hunky Englishman and the best cabbie in Las Vegas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 239 reviews
March 29, 2012
I found this book interesting but trite.
The writing was a little thin and also a little too sweet for me toward the end.
I could understand and respect Maura's isssues during the marriage. I can also understand how a young person could behave in the rash way that she did. I just am not a big fan of novels where people allow a tremendous amount of time to pass before they attempt to bring relationships to some type of resolution. Even if that resolution is a dissolution of the relationship.
I dont feel that I ever really understood Nick as a person in the novel, he seemed just to be there to reflect Maura's feelings and frustrations.
I was so excited by the premise of this novel but I have to say, I was a little disappointed and I don't feel that it lived up to it's promise.
The writing was a little thin and also a little too sweet for me toward the end.
I could understand and respect Maura's isssues during the marriage. I can also understand how a young person could behave in the rash way that she did. I just am not a big fan of novels where people allow a tremendous amount of time to pass before they attempt to bring relationships to some type of resolution. Even if that resolution is a dissolution of the relationship.
I dont feel that I ever really understood Nick as a person in the novel, he seemed just to be there to reflect Maura's feelings and frustrations.
I was so excited by the premise of this novel but I have to say, I was a little disappointed and I don't feel that it lived up to it's promise.
May 9, 2010
MY REVIEW:
Okay Ladies, here's the deal about this book...
It is a fun, witty, and charming story of forgiveness and reconciliation between a Pastor and his wife. And it has one wonderfully appealing cover, too! I enjoyed the simple story line and the unexpected twist it took. The characters were likable and the story brought to life the real challenges of a ministry couple. It was a fun and touching read that I enjoyed especially since I am a Pastor's wife.
However, while I liked the overall book, there were some details that I didn't appreciate as much. I hold to some differing theological beliefs than what where conveyed in this story and I thought that there were some points that could have been stronger. Also, I recognize that this book is intended for adult woman, but I know that many teens read adult fiction and so on that note I would caution teen girls not to read this book due to one conversation that takes place. It's not that the conversation was wrong, but simply not appropriate for teens.
The authors writing is enjoyable and is an entertaining read, but this book may not be for everyone or may be one that you just borrow.
* * * * *
This review copy was provided courtesy of Abingdon Press, but the opinions expressed our strictly my own.
Okay Ladies, here's the deal about this book...
It is a fun, witty, and charming story of forgiveness and reconciliation between a Pastor and his wife. And it has one wonderfully appealing cover, too! I enjoyed the simple story line and the unexpected twist it took. The characters were likable and the story brought to life the real challenges of a ministry couple. It was a fun and touching read that I enjoyed especially since I am a Pastor's wife.
However, while I liked the overall book, there were some details that I didn't appreciate as much. I hold to some differing theological beliefs than what where conveyed in this story and I thought that there were some points that could have been stronger. Also, I recognize that this book is intended for adult woman, but I know that many teens read adult fiction and so on that note I would caution teen girls not to read this book due to one conversation that takes place. It's not that the conversation was wrong, but simply not appropriate for teens.
The authors writing is enjoyable and is an entertaining read, but this book may not be for everyone or may be one that you just borrow.
* * * * *
This review copy was provided courtesy of Abingdon Press, but the opinions expressed our strictly my own.
April 1, 2020
A good clean romance reminding us it’s important to forgive. Christian Fiction at its best.
This was a great change from my usual genre of murder and mayhem.
Also needed something light to read to keep my mind occupied during these trying times.
This was a great change from my usual genre of murder and mayhem.
Also needed something light to read to keep my mind occupied during these trying times.
February 6, 2010
When Maura Sullivan is named as a beneficiary in an elderly lady’s will, she must return to the small Ohio town she ran away from six years before. Not only that, but she must actually live with her estranged husband for six months before she can claim the beautiful old theater that just might provide the livelihood she’s been searching for. Nick is the pastor of a very controlling and needy congregation, and Maura has no desire to resume her competition with them for his attention. Besides, if she gives in to her returning feelings for Nick, she’ll have to confess the terrible reason she left him without a word six years before.
The Pastor’s Wife is a delightful and well-written romance novel. The story unfolded at a satisfying pace, and Jennifer AlLee drew out the reason for Maura’s desertion skillfully – I never felt like she was being purposefully deceptive, and I was compelled to keep reading to discover the secret. The characters are likable people, with enough conflict to make them realistic. I absolutely loved one of the secondary characters, a no-nonsense youth pastor with a heart for teens. She brought back vivid memories of my own youth group days, and a young seminary student who served as my youth pastor for a year – outspoken, a little sassy, and absolutely loving in the brusque way teens can relate to. Readers who enjoy clean romance novels will not want to miss The Pastor’s Wife.
The Pastor’s Wife is a delightful and well-written romance novel. The story unfolded at a satisfying pace, and Jennifer AlLee drew out the reason for Maura’s desertion skillfully – I never felt like she was being purposefully deceptive, and I was compelled to keep reading to discover the secret. The characters are likable people, with enough conflict to make them realistic. I absolutely loved one of the secondary characters, a no-nonsense youth pastor with a heart for teens. She brought back vivid memories of my own youth group days, and a young seminary student who served as my youth pastor for a year – outspoken, a little sassy, and absolutely loving in the brusque way teens can relate to. Readers who enjoy clean romance novels will not want to miss The Pastor’s Wife.
January 20, 2023
Christian Contemporary Romance
What a unique story! a series of sins and feelings of abandonment, breaks up this brand new marriage, when a new crisis is the last straw, but God's not done with them yet!
The narration was perfect! I giggled each time a "group" of voices were together!
I love how God uses this author to share God's truth in this story! Slightly predictable, it has plenty of chaotic moments to keep it realistic!
What a unique story! a series of sins and feelings of abandonment, breaks up this brand new marriage, when a new crisis is the last straw, but God's not done with them yet!
The narration was perfect! I giggled each time a "group" of voices were together!
I love how God uses this author to share God's truth in this story! Slightly predictable, it has plenty of chaotic moments to keep it realistic!
April 17, 2012
After 6 years of largely unexplained absence, Maura returns to the scene of her wrecked marriage with only the intent to collect on an old woman's will. In doing so, she hopes to salvage her finances and failed family business. What she doesn't count on is running into her estranged husband, who's part in the same will requires them to live in the same house together again for exactly 6 months. Nick still isn't fully sure of the reason his short-lived marriage to Maura fell apart, but he knows his responsibilities to the church he still pastors...and he's harboring the hope that a dead woman's schemes might be the the catalyst to resurrecting a relationship he's not ready to bury...
This honestly wouldn't be the kind of book I'd normally gravitate to, but I received an E-copy of it free, and was looking for a pleasant, light read. I can't say it disappoints at all in that regard. The book is decently written and edited to the point where I didn't pick up on any distracting errors. If you're someone who likes fully chaste, low-tension Christian chick-lit, you'd likely enjoy this quick read. If you're empathetic--or would like to be empathetic--to the kind of pressures and politics that are commonly endured by a small town pastor's wife, then this may be the book for you.
On the flip-side, I feel like I should warn upfront that the heroine, Maura, is difficult to sympathize with. I kept waiting for her deep dark secret to be something more...well...deep and/or dark. At the very least I was hoping for there to be some unique twist to it that would make me more understanding of her conflict avoidance issues. But alas, the plotline is pretty straightforward. Don't expect much by way of surprises.
I did like the character of Nick, even if he was a bit thick. And for the most part, I kept reading to follow his development. As a youthful, small town pastor, he comes across as authentic and genuinely good-willed. He's understandably hurt, and the experience of having his estranged wife back in his life as a reluctant roommate proves to be cause for all kinds of believable awkwardness. His personal journey to forgive and seek restoration felt natural, and the nudging and correction provided by God and his own conscience wasn't at all overdone. At the climax I really faltered on him, however. Without giving anything away, I'll just say that his reaction to having the whole truth laid bare seemed artificially overblown, and wasn't anything I'd ever seen or could relate to.
This honestly wouldn't be the kind of book I'd normally gravitate to, but I received an E-copy of it free, and was looking for a pleasant, light read. I can't say it disappoints at all in that regard. The book is decently written and edited to the point where I didn't pick up on any distracting errors. If you're someone who likes fully chaste, low-tension Christian chick-lit, you'd likely enjoy this quick read. If you're empathetic--or would like to be empathetic--to the kind of pressures and politics that are commonly endured by a small town pastor's wife, then this may be the book for you.
On the flip-side, I feel like I should warn upfront that the heroine, Maura, is difficult to sympathize with. I kept waiting for her deep dark secret to be something more...well...deep and/or dark. At the very least I was hoping for there to be some unique twist to it that would make me more understanding of her conflict avoidance issues. But alas, the plotline is pretty straightforward. Don't expect much by way of surprises.
I did like the character of Nick, even if he was a bit thick. And for the most part, I kept reading to follow his development. As a youthful, small town pastor, he comes across as authentic and genuinely good-willed. He's understandably hurt, and the experience of having his estranged wife back in his life as a reluctant roommate proves to be cause for all kinds of believable awkwardness. His personal journey to forgive and seek restoration felt natural, and the nudging and correction provided by God and his own conscience wasn't at all overdone. At the climax I really faltered on him, however. Without giving anything away, I'll just say that his reaction to having the whole truth laid bare seemed artificially overblown, and wasn't anything I'd ever seen or could relate to.
November 27, 2009
The Pastor's Wife
Jennifer AlLee
Abingdon Press
Releases Feb 2010
Fiction/Christian
Reviewed by Cindy Loven
Maura and Nick Sullivan were in love, madly in love newlyweds, bound for their first pastorate. Maura had no idea, what this would do to her marriage. How disappointed she was to find herself as the second choice to Nick's affections over the church, and church duties. After six months she could take no more, and she left.
Six years pass, they are still married, but haven't seen each other in six years. Then sweet parishner dies, and her will brings a surprise. Miss Hattie included Maura in her will, and also a promise for a large donation to the church fund. There is a condition though, Maura and Nick must live together for six months, in order for Maura to collect her inheritance and the church to get their donation.
Both Maura and Nick are dismayed, but seem willing to give it a shot. Follow this wonderful story and see if Miss Hattie's will matchmaking scheme will reunite the pastor with his wife. See Maura come to love a community she never knew before. Watch as they both make their way. A wonderfully written story. 213 pages $13.99 US 4 stars
This book was provided for review purposes only. No cash or payment was received for this reveiw.
Jennifer AlLee
Abingdon Press
Releases Feb 2010
Fiction/Christian
Reviewed by Cindy Loven
Maura and Nick Sullivan were in love, madly in love newlyweds, bound for their first pastorate. Maura had no idea, what this would do to her marriage. How disappointed she was to find herself as the second choice to Nick's affections over the church, and church duties. After six months she could take no more, and she left.
Six years pass, they are still married, but haven't seen each other in six years. Then sweet parishner dies, and her will brings a surprise. Miss Hattie included Maura in her will, and also a promise for a large donation to the church fund. There is a condition though, Maura and Nick must live together for six months, in order for Maura to collect her inheritance and the church to get their donation.
Both Maura and Nick are dismayed, but seem willing to give it a shot. Follow this wonderful story and see if Miss Hattie's will matchmaking scheme will reunite the pastor with his wife. See Maura come to love a community she never knew before. Watch as they both make their way. A wonderfully written story. 213 pages $13.99 US 4 stars
This book was provided for review purposes only. No cash or payment was received for this reveiw.
September 1, 2012
The book The Pastor's Wife was a simple romantic read. The premise of the story is a preacher and his wife who are estranged and have been separated for 6 years, living apart. Circumstances bring then back together and into closer contact with each other. This was a romance, thus the ending was expected and not at all shocking.
I probably read this book with a bit more of a critical eye than I have read other romance stories. Why? I am a preachers daughter. I know what the inside looks like. I think that the author did a great job with depicting the life of a preacher, the calls that come at any time of the day, the unending demand for the preachers attention, the fear that you will offend the parishoners. She did a fabulous job, weaving these demands into the story as the estranged wife chafed under the restrictions placed upon her. She did a great job with showing that being yourself is how you fit in. The problem that I have with the book, in my experience, I'm not sure that any church would be just peachy ok with having a preacher who's wife up and left him. The reprocussions would have been much greater in my humble opinon.
I probably read this book with a bit more of a critical eye than I have read other romance stories. Why? I am a preachers daughter. I know what the inside looks like. I think that the author did a great job with depicting the life of a preacher, the calls that come at any time of the day, the unending demand for the preachers attention, the fear that you will offend the parishoners. She did a fabulous job, weaving these demands into the story as the estranged wife chafed under the restrictions placed upon her. She did a great job with showing that being yourself is how you fit in. The problem that I have with the book, in my experience, I'm not sure that any church would be just peachy ok with having a preacher who's wife up and left him. The reprocussions would have been much greater in my humble opinon.
March 22, 2010
Jennifer AlLee has tackled a difficult subject with grace and sensitivity in this touching love story about how a young pastor and his estranged wife find healing for their marriage. Nick Shepherd did his best to serve his congregation, never realizing until it was too late how he had distanced himself from his wife. Maura Shepherd never felt as if she fit the "pastor's wife" mold, continually resisting the roles her congregation tried to thrust upon her. Separated for six years, now Nick and Maura have the chance to start over, thanks to the terms of a church parishioner's will. But first they must take an honest look at the mistakes each has made and learn to forgive.
January 22, 2012
This is a very well written book that I couldn't put down. I read it in two sittings in one day. If you are a member of a church congregation this will remind you of the importance of the Pastor and his wife as a couple who need to be together. It also gives a message of the strength of communication and forgiveness. This is a must read for a Christian.
Jennifer AlLee is a talented writer who brings forth a good plot and sound storyline. Her characters captivate the reader who becomes invested in the outcome.
The free Kindle offerings have provided me with an excellent read and a new author who's books I'll be looking for in the future.
Jennifer AlLee is a talented writer who brings forth a good plot and sound storyline. Her characters captivate the reader who becomes invested in the outcome.
The free Kindle offerings have provided me with an excellent read and a new author who's books I'll be looking for in the future.
Read
January 14, 2013Maura returns to Granger, Ohio, to comply with the terms of a will. But she also has to deal with unfinished business - the husband and church she abandoned.
At first, I thought this book should be recommended reading for all pastor's wives - someone understands how you feel. No, it should be recommended for all church members - we need the insight into how we treat our minister's spouse. But this novel has a broader application - for every wife. Sooner or later in every marriage, a husband gets preoccupied with another activity - work, sports, friends - when his wife needs him. "The Pastor's Wife" shows reconciliation is possible!
At first, I thought this book should be recommended reading for all pastor's wives - someone understands how you feel. No, it should be recommended for all church members - we need the insight into how we treat our minister's spouse. But this novel has a broader application - for every wife. Sooner or later in every marriage, a husband gets preoccupied with another activity - work, sports, friends - when his wife needs him. "The Pastor's Wife" shows reconciliation is possible!
January 21, 2013
This was a free read and I probably wouldn't have picked it up otherwise. I am glad I did though. While a Christian romance, the religious references are light and not overpowering. There is a lot there that I think any wife of a clergy member or child of someone in a prominent place in the community can relate to. People in those positions have a lot of unfair projections based on them. The plot is a bit odd but the character development is decent. Nothing sexier than a kiss and not a super light read for a variety of reasons.
December 6, 2020
I have mixed feelings about this book. It took me quite a bit of time to become vested in their love story, and even though I enjoyed the ending, I couldn’t really see them together and truly in love, but the book has a decent message of forgiveness so it ended up being an okay read, just not a strong romance. I give some credit to the narrator, she kept involved enough that I finished the book. Happy reading and listening!
February 18, 2011
Had I realized what a great book this was, it wouldn't have stayed on my TBR pile for so long. I enjoyed the unconventional romance (How often do you see a married couple learning to love all over again?), the realistic characters and the subtle but powerful faith element. This is definitely a keeper.
May 22, 2011
This was a nice sweet read. I liked Maura, she was a strong believable character but Nick was implausible and the book didn't get deep enough into the emotional stresses which had torn them apart. So for me the conflict felt skimmed.
November 20, 2012
It's a cute story. However the characters are rather two-dimensional. Obviously the author hasn't gone through a TRUE crisis of faith, or it wouldn't be solved as easily as having people show up to help you move. I did enjoy it though, even though I had guessed the "big bad secret" 40 pages in.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2015
I think I'm too old to enjoy books with emotionally immature people. The characters and storyline didn't work for me. However, I can see sweet romance lovers enjoying this. Reconciliation and second chances are always a good thing.
June 3, 2018
Cute, Christian, Not Preachy
The title about sums it up. This is a cute story, with a predictable story line. The author does manage a couple unexpected moments along the way. The story is also clearly a Christian POV but it is very natural. A spattering of bible verses, a couple occasions of prayer, (which make sense), make for a pleasant read. Sometimes Christian novels try too hard to tie faith into the story and that does not happen her.
This was a quick read, with a simple story, and likable characters.
The title about sums it up. This is a cute story, with a predictable story line. The author does manage a couple unexpected moments along the way. The story is also clearly a Christian POV but it is very natural. A spattering of bible verses, a couple occasions of prayer, (which make sense), make for a pleasant read. Sometimes Christian novels try too hard to tie faith into the story and that does not happen her.
This was a quick read, with a simple story, and likable characters.
May 18, 2020
Maura Sullivan thought she knew what she was getting into marrying soon to be pastor Nick Shepherd. But things did not turn out well when the other woman turned out to be the congregation. Six years later she is back for the reading of a will and she must face Nick and the congregation again. Not a ver good book will not follow this author again.
June 17, 2017
Five stars
A wonderful story! It has all of the best elements of a romance. Commitment, forgiveness, misunderstandings cleared up. And reconciliation. I needed a hankie for this one.
A wonderful story! It has all of the best elements of a romance. Commitment, forgiveness, misunderstandings cleared up. And reconciliation. I needed a hankie for this one.
July 11, 2017
Good book!
Really enjoyed reading this book. Author did a really good job keeping reader interested in stotyline. I completed reading very quickly--didn't want to put book down. Will be looking forward to reading more books be this author.
Really enjoyed reading this book. Author did a really good job keeping reader interested in stotyline. I completed reading very quickly--didn't want to put book down. Will be looking forward to reading more books be this author.
June 25, 2019
The Pastors Wife
Very good read. Pastors and their wives are imperfect people just like the rest of Gods servants. Don't ever put then on a pedestal.
There is only One God, and His Name Is Jesus!
Very good read. Pastors and their wives are imperfect people just like the rest of Gods servants. Don't ever put then on a pedestal.
There is only One God, and His Name Is Jesus!
May 16, 2020
Separated for six years, Maura and Nick find themselves thrown together again by the contents of an older lady's will. She is set to inherit an old theatre if she lives in the parsonage with her still-husband for 6 months.
Typical happy ending. a nice pleasant read.
Typical happy ending. a nice pleasant read.
September 12, 2022
Over simplified, full of cliches and utterly predictable. A missed opportunity since the subject matter could have been a teachable moment. No one fixes their marriage this easily and the whole “church environment” was contrived. Had it not been an audio book it would have ended up on my dnf shelf.
March 14, 2017
Excellent thoughts
Made you think about the meaning of certain basis of Christian Faith. Loved the book look forward to more. Looks from this author
Made you think about the meaning of certain basis of Christian Faith. Loved the book look forward to more. Looks from this author
July 15, 2017
Nice easy read. Perfect for vacation.
September 9, 2019
Really enjoyed this book
February 21, 2020
3+. Cute little story. Lots of religion, but not cloying about it.
March 18, 2020
I’d say a strong 3.75 stars. It was nice to listen to via audiobook. The story was interesting but somewhat slow, but I held on.
January 12, 2021
Pleasantly surprised by how good this book was.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 239 reviews