Except on Sunday

by Regena Bryant

The Rev. Dr. Finus Gideon Gates is the charismatic, intelligent, wealthy and decidedly single favorite son of his denomination, the Baptist Methodist Assembly, where it is a "truth universally acknowledged" by the senior choir that he needs a wife. He thinks his reasons for not dating are a closely held secret. But every single woman in the Assembly
and her mother know why he's not dating, and they are working overtime to get him to change his mind.

When Dr. Cassandra Brownley, a shy, sensible high school principal, accepts a consulting project with the BMA, she is caught between two opinions regarding the project's leader. The Rev. Dr. Gates is pompous and condescending from the pulpit and she can't stand him. Away from church he's witty, warm and wonderful. Can she love him-except on Sunday?

353 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Maurice Jr. · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Reverend Finus Gideon Gates has sworn off dating, but is ready to change his mind when he meets Dr. Cassandra Brownley. She finds "Doc" to be a charming and pleasant companion, but not on Sundays when he ceases to be Doc and becomes Reverend Gates.

I found myself drawn to these characters, to the point where I wanted to smack Rev. Gates upside his thick head for acting like a butt with Dr. Brownley at times. The author did a good job in explaining why each of them was resistant to dating, and a great job of establishing Rev. Gates as a difficult man to get to know. I was starting to believe that Dr. Brownley should just leave him to the thousand other women vying for his attention until the author revealed an extenuating circumstance behind his attitude problem.

I liked the supporting cast of characters, but I caught myself wishing for more of Cassandra's sister Yolanda. There was a good opportunity to explore the effect a single mom's active dating life can have on her children that I think was missed.

In my opinion it was a bit longer then it needed to be, but overall, this was a good inspirational romance and worth reading.

[SassyMama · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall I found this debut to be an INTRIGUING page-turner. I couldn't wait to discover what lay ahead for Doc & Cassandra. At times I found it quite DIFFICULT to like Finus or "Doc" as he was called, his treatment of Cassandra(despite his ailments)was just UNACCEPTABLE. And I felt Cassandra was too accepting of his rude or often times plain ol' mean behavior. On top of that she also had to deal with the "UNKIND" behavior of her family, his congregation, and the "so-called" friends throughout. I thought she was CRAZY to put up with any of it! That being said I was quite IMPRESSED with Mrs. Bryant's writing style and I look forward to reading more of her work.

[Shone · Rating 4 out of 5]

The well poised, educated ugly ducking (she thinks) meets Mr Right who just happens to be a Rev. They have to contend with her shyness, his secrets, and other women wanting to be the first lady.

[Patricia Bridewell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read! This was my first time reading this author's work and I must say that it was a page turner.

[Odessa Nance · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the book. The characters were real life and well develop. I was really into the book and want to hurt Rev. It was very entertaining.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a slow start but I actually enjoyed it once I got into it. Doc was something else with his multiple personalities but it was a good read. Would recommend to others.