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.
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📚
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! 😊
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.
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!
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.