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In MISS BUDGE IN LOVE Daphne Simpkins offers an entertaining collection of insightful and often humorous short stories that feature the irrisitible Miss Mildred Budge. A retired public school teacher, Miss Budge embarks on a series of slice-of-life adventures that take readers into the intriguing and authentic lives of Southern church women.

167 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 10, 2010

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Daphne Simpkins

28 books66 followers

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5 stars
171 (44%)
4 stars
108 (28%)
3 stars
76 (19%)
2 stars
19 (4%)
1 star
7 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Linda Galella.
1,062 reviews105 followers
March 31, 2025
Miss Budge is most definitely in love. She’s in love with life, her town, her friends, her church and mostly, she’s in love with Jesus.

If you’ve been a regular attender at a church with a congregation that’s blessed to have a 60+ year old women’s Sunday School class, you probably know ladies like Mildred Budge and her friends. These are the ladies who teach the Littles in your church, help out in the nursery, bake all the really yummy stuff at church dinners, knit blankets, gloves, hats, booties, clean up other people’s mess, and do countless other things no one else has time or inclination for. They have hearts for service, love and Jesus.

Author, Daphne Simpkins, has an heart for Mildred and women like her. This collection of very short stories allows readers a tiny sneak peak into what it’s like to be a 60+ woman serving alongside other likeminded women in a patriarchal church with much younger people who have misguided ideas about you. These stories are honest, humble, humorous, heartbreaking, courageous and in the case of the last story - confounding. Sadly, one or two readers have vowed to stop reading this author because of it but I’m praying they will reconsider. Sharing the love of Jesus is not a pamphlet for everyone.

As a woman who could sit right next to Mildred in her Berean Sunday School classroom, I learned, laughed and was convicted right along with her. Thanks for sharing and loving Jesus more, Mildred📚
88 reviews1 follower
February 17, 2025
What a delightful book!

Being a church lady for over 50 years of my 76 years... I could relate to so much of the book. I am married, so I have not had to live the solitude life, yet I enjoy Jesus more and more every day. The last chapter was so interesting and gave me a different perspective on life. I will have to ponder that for a while. Thank you! 😊
121 reviews
April 19, 2019
Stories of Mildred Budge

This collection of short stories covers several events in the life and times of Mildred Budge...her thoughts, reactions, and conversations with others. Through these stories the reader finds out more about Mildred and her faith. A picture of Southern church ladies includes what is expected of them, and how Mildred follows the expectations even though she is often different. The last story, however was the most puzzling of all.
Profile Image for Joan Buell.
207 reviews9 followers
April 5, 2024
Surprisingly good!

Compiled vignettes of Church Lady Mildred Budge and her friends. Though at first seems superficial and humorous, contains many spiritual truths and insights. Much is familiar to those who grew up, and/or attend an evangelical church. While gently poking fun at themselves, these women embody Christ in so many ways. Their transparency gives us a peek into their spiritual lives! A very good read!
56 reviews1 follower
October 9, 2018
This book is a collection of stories in the life of Mildred Budge. Each story has it's own message. Some are more intimate than others. It was a joy to read and experience these glimpses into her life. I know it sounds as if I think she is real. That is because Daphne makes her so real to me.
Profile Image for Rhonda Oliver.
13 reviews
June 2, 2021
It’s good but not nearly as good as the other 3 Mildred Budge novels. The short stories are good as stand all es but they don’t match up with the novels and a few of them are just so strange to be true for this character.
2 reviews
June 29, 2019
Stupidest book I've ever read.

Don't bother reading this book. Title does not apply to the writing. Ending is ridiculous. Not worth any money.
So sorry I wasted my time.
26 reviews
April 22, 2024
A divine appointment at the art studio.

This was my favorite part of the book. As I was reading it, I felt like this was the part I was waiting for. There was mystery & awe. I read slowly because I didn't want it to end. What could possibly happen now. Had Mildred got trapped or was God using her discernment to share her spiritual beauty. Quite a story. I will share with others. I know I will read it again. I am so glad I had the experience of the time I had with a professional artist and the church lady. One was blessed. One was healed. The next time I read this story, my review will be different because I may not have reaped all the truth
4 reviews
December 21, 2021
Read for fun and thought.

I enjoy the characters in these books. Some of the thoughts of Mildred Budge are so real-life, it leads me to contemplate several things. Sometimes I laugh aloud, as well.
Profile Image for Jill.
1,238 reviews9 followers
July 16, 2022
I typically love Miss Budge books. This one started so well as I love her old lady insights and musings. However, the last two chapters ruined everything and I do not believe I will ever read another miss budge book.
44 reviews
July 16, 2024
A different kind of story

I loved this book just like I loved the first and second book. I can’t wait to read the fourth. The short stories drew me closer to our Creator. Each was unique and I pondered each chapter.
31 reviews
October 26, 2024
Delightful!

Wonderful collection of short stories related to one another because they all have Mildred Budge in them. I love this lady! Her way of sharing the love of Jesus is magical and endearing. I wish I knew her in person!
Profile Image for Sandra Southerland.
18 reviews
November 21, 2024
I Love Miss Budge!

I have read the first five of her books. A true look at Christianity. Jesus never fit a mold, and neither should in Christians. I grew up in a strict denomination, but eventually learned freedom in Christ!

Profile Image for Linda Klager.
1,040 reviews48 followers
December 27, 2025
Stories about church ladies

I am sure a lot of people don't realize how older women who follow Jesus' teachings think.

This book tells about a group of church ladies relate to each and with God. There are some funny moments and some soul searching times.
70 reviews
December 30, 2025
Unusual Story

This book is very different. If you enjoy Christian fiction then you will enjoy this. There are lots of examples that can be applied to our own lives. It ended very strangely.
383 reviews
January 1, 2026
What a delightful read. I did not know that I would be so drawn into Daphne Simpkins words and characters. But I absolutely was drawn in. I wanted the book to keep going. The story is unique and thought-provoking. The characters are real and remarkable. Thank you for this book.
Profile Image for Dorothy.
188 reviews2 followers
January 1, 2026
Miss Budge

What a delightful read! Each little vignette, a short look at a life of a fulfilled life. I recommend reading this book, for pleasure, peacefulness, whatever you need in your day.
Profile Image for Kathy Chu.
13 reviews1 follower
May 28, 2019
Such an insightful read.

I would love to meet the real Mildred. I love her steadiness and her love for Jesus. I recommend this book!
Profile Image for Talea.
859 reviews8 followers
February 25, 2020
This was a great little read. As a middle aged (mostly) southern woman I can relate to so many of the stories. The artist and Mildred Budge is hands down my favorite. I felt that one deeply.
490 reviews1 follower
September 30, 2021
Miss Budge in love

Miss Budge is in love with life, Jesus, her neighbors, and probably everybody she meets, in her own way. Loved this book.
Profile Image for Alayne.
2,494 reviews7 followers
December 22, 2025
A lovely collection of short stories which I thoroughly enjoyed.
15 reviews
January 19, 2026
I thought this book was funny and well written. As a non-Christian I almost wondered if it was satire at times.
Profile Image for Arna.
61 reviews2 followers
January 22, 2026
Short sometimes hilarious sketches of a single older Church woman and her group of friends.
36 reviews
February 2, 2026
A Fun Read

Being a Christian, I enjoyed the author’s exposing many thoughts that Christians think but do not share. The character is delightful.
301 reviews
February 3, 2026
I thought was good

I thought this book was good, kinda funny too. It was a lot of small stories of the church woman.
Profile Image for Linda DuPont.
152 reviews
January 5, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Perhaps tongue-in-cheek, but oh, so true. Funny, but good insight. Many life lessons are available if you want to learn, not just read. I liked the format of short stories.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

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