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Someone They Can Trust: A Novel
Three devoted staff of a thriving, creative church are derailed when a corrupt leader breaks their trust
When art school graduate Maya Devin moves to Pleasant Hill, she’s warmly welcomed into its thriving, diverse church. Music minister, Matt Schuller, who is more than a little attracted by Maya’s faith, talent, and beauty, invites her to be a part of his creative arts ministry. Janice Williams, also on staff, befriends Maya too, supporting her as she learns to be a caregiver to her grandmother with Alzheimer’s. Janice is healing from a wrenching divorce and draws strength from the welcoming community.
The church is a haven for all three until a new pastor puts their faith, hope, and love to a severe test. Not only is their happiness at stake – so is the survival of the church.
Their courage to stand against evil will hinge on one thing – how willing are they to deal with their own brokenness?
“This is a great story with diverse, well-drawn characters you want to spend time with—and a plot that kept me engaged to the last page. The novel also touches on sensitive personal issues and areas of church conflict in a refreshing and insightful way—exploring situations seldom addressed in other works written from a faith-based perspective.”
Tom Long, Writer and Director, Friends of the Groom Theater Company
“What a creative offering that boldly presents the challenges we face and the courageous resolve needed to pursue honesty and health in the church.”
Drew Smith, DMin, Senior Pastor, College Hill Presbyterian Church
When art school graduate Maya Devin moves to Pleasant Hill, she’s warmly welcomed into its thriving, diverse church. Music minister, Matt Schuller, who is more than a little attracted by Maya’s faith, talent, and beauty, invites her to be a part of his creative arts ministry. Janice Williams, also on staff, befriends Maya too, supporting her as she learns to be a caregiver to her grandmother with Alzheimer’s. Janice is healing from a wrenching divorce and draws strength from the welcoming community.
The church is a haven for all three until a new pastor puts their faith, hope, and love to a severe test. Not only is their happiness at stake – so is the survival of the church.
Their courage to stand against evil will hinge on one thing – how willing are they to deal with their own brokenness?
“This is a great story with diverse, well-drawn characters you want to spend time with—and a plot that kept me engaged to the last page. The novel also touches on sensitive personal issues and areas of church conflict in a refreshing and insightful way—exploring situations seldom addressed in other works written from a faith-based perspective.”
Tom Long, Writer and Director, Friends of the Groom Theater Company
“What a creative offering that boldly presents the challenges we face and the courageous resolve needed to pursue honesty and health in the church.”
Drew Smith, DMin, Senior Pastor, College Hill Presbyterian Church
- GenresContemporary
319 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 23, 2023
5 people are currently reading
2 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 17, 2023
⭐⭐⭐💫
Y’all, Someone They Can Trust was a gut-wrenching kind of book, and it’s crazy to say that about something that’s not an action-packed suspense thriller. But even with its even pace, romantic subplot, and everyday events, Someone They Can Trust packs a punch. It’s moving and powerful and can give you chills—often of the unsavory kind.
The lives of three average individuals entwine in a dramatic story of hurt, healing, and forgiveness. Janice, Matt, and Maya had never met prior to the beginning of this story, but becoming part of Pleasant Hill Community Church changes their lives in ways they never would’ve expected.
Over the course of the novel, which is slow in the beginning, we watch Maya struggle with caring for her grandmother with Alzheimer’s, Janice seek healing from her past, and Matt wrestle his attraction for gentle, creative Maya. Once you get about halfway through, the plot really picks up and the story begins to move quickly. (Either that, or I started reading faster, considering I finished the last 50% in two hours.)
Lemme tell ya, some elements of this story were so real that they made me seethe with anger or my skin crawl. (If you know, you know.) You can tell that Scheid, who lives in urban Cincinnati where this story is set, with degrees in counseling and journalism, truly wrote what she knew and applied loads of gritty realism to this story. But for how realistic the story was, it was never dark or depressing. There was a perfect balance of hope and light with the darkness and grittiness.
The messages in Someone They Can Trust were so touching and inspiring. I do think some of them were kind of muddled. Maya introduced this theme of valuing communion with God and letting His Spirit move over doing all the things and checking all the boxes, but the theme never felt fully fleshed out. A lot of the messages were lost in all that the church did and the characters rushed around doing, but perhaps that was the point. We as readers got to witness what happens when the church is too busy being hands that they lose their heart. What we do has to come from our heart—a healthy, Christ-centered heart. If our focus isn’t on serving God, we begin serving man or ourselves, and our efforts are for naught. Even striving to meet a diversity quota and pull in certain people can prevent us from creating a Spirit-filled atmosphere that naturally attracts people of all walks of life.
So even though it was discouraging in some ways to see the dysfunction in Pleasant Hill Community Church, it was a needed reminder of how division—and psychos like Alex—creeps in to tear us down.
I did love seeing the power of the Holy Spirit through healing shown throughout the story! Even if that’s something you’re uncomfortable with, Scheid portrayed it well. Healing and miracles are all about God’s glorification, and we see that when people were healed in Someone They Can Trust.
From a more technical perspective, I noticed quite a few small grammatical errors/typos. Apart from those issues, the writing was strong. It flowed well, and there was a balance between description and action, narrative and dialogue, etc.
I personally really only liked Maya. Her character was sweet and mature, and I truly felt for her. Even though I wanted to shake her several times for being so blind! The other characters were well-written, just not my type, so to speak. Matt specifically didn’t quite appeal to me, but that’s a personal qualm.
Alex was also well-written (as a total dirt-bag, that is), but I feel like his true character was revealed too soon. From the moment he appeared on the scene, both Matt and I knew he was bad news, so it kind of disrupted the flow. I feel like there was this aspect of mystery and suspense that could have been included; it just wasn’t.
Regardless, the story was still good. If you’re looking for something that really grips you emotionally and maybe hits too close to home, Someone They Can Trust is for you. There were a few elements I disagreed with or just didn’t appreciate (like the fact that the characters frequented bars, breweries, etc. I personally am not against drinking, but I’m not for glorifying it either), and for the most part, this isn’t my typical reading fare. But it’s certainly a compelling, thought-provoking read, and I honestly want a sequel! I think there’s more in store for Maya, Matt, Janice, Syd, Eddy, and the rest of the folks at Pleasant Hill!
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the author through BookSirens. I was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Y’all, Someone They Can Trust was a gut-wrenching kind of book, and it’s crazy to say that about something that’s not an action-packed suspense thriller. But even with its even pace, romantic subplot, and everyday events, Someone They Can Trust packs a punch. It’s moving and powerful and can give you chills—often of the unsavory kind.
The lives of three average individuals entwine in a dramatic story of hurt, healing, and forgiveness. Janice, Matt, and Maya had never met prior to the beginning of this story, but becoming part of Pleasant Hill Community Church changes their lives in ways they never would’ve expected.
Over the course of the novel, which is slow in the beginning, we watch Maya struggle with caring for her grandmother with Alzheimer’s, Janice seek healing from her past, and Matt wrestle his attraction for gentle, creative Maya. Once you get about halfway through, the plot really picks up and the story begins to move quickly. (Either that, or I started reading faster, considering I finished the last 50% in two hours.)
Lemme tell ya, some elements of this story were so real that they made me seethe with anger or my skin crawl. (If you know, you know.) You can tell that Scheid, who lives in urban Cincinnati where this story is set, with degrees in counseling and journalism, truly wrote what she knew and applied loads of gritty realism to this story. But for how realistic the story was, it was never dark or depressing. There was a perfect balance of hope and light with the darkness and grittiness.
The messages in Someone They Can Trust were so touching and inspiring. I do think some of them were kind of muddled. Maya introduced this theme of valuing communion with God and letting His Spirit move over doing all the things and checking all the boxes, but the theme never felt fully fleshed out. A lot of the messages were lost in all that the church did and the characters rushed around doing, but perhaps that was the point. We as readers got to witness what happens when the church is too busy being hands that they lose their heart. What we do has to come from our heart—a healthy, Christ-centered heart. If our focus isn’t on serving God, we begin serving man or ourselves, and our efforts are for naught. Even striving to meet a diversity quota and pull in certain people can prevent us from creating a Spirit-filled atmosphere that naturally attracts people of all walks of life.
So even though it was discouraging in some ways to see the dysfunction in Pleasant Hill Community Church, it was a needed reminder of how division—and psychos like Alex—creeps in to tear us down.
I did love seeing the power of the Holy Spirit through healing shown throughout the story! Even if that’s something you’re uncomfortable with, Scheid portrayed it well. Healing and miracles are all about God’s glorification, and we see that when people were healed in Someone They Can Trust.
From a more technical perspective, I noticed quite a few small grammatical errors/typos. Apart from those issues, the writing was strong. It flowed well, and there was a balance between description and action, narrative and dialogue, etc.
I personally really only liked Maya. Her character was sweet and mature, and I truly felt for her. Even though I wanted to shake her several times for being so blind! The other characters were well-written, just not my type, so to speak. Matt specifically didn’t quite appeal to me, but that’s a personal qualm.
Alex was also well-written (as a total dirt-bag, that is), but I feel like his true character was revealed too soon. From the moment he appeared on the scene, both Matt and I knew he was bad news, so it kind of disrupted the flow. I feel like there was this aspect of mystery and suspense that could have been included; it just wasn’t.
Regardless, the story was still good. If you’re looking for something that really grips you emotionally and maybe hits too close to home, Someone They Can Trust is for you. There were a few elements I disagreed with or just didn’t appreciate (like the fact that the characters frequented bars, breweries, etc. I personally am not against drinking, but I’m not for glorifying it either), and for the most part, this isn’t my typical reading fare. But it’s certainly a compelling, thought-provoking read, and I honestly want a sequel! I think there’s more in store for Maya, Matt, Janice, Syd, Eddy, and the rest of the folks at Pleasant Hill!
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the author through BookSirens. I was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 3, 2023
Love this quote…”Don’t worry about whether other people want you to do something. Just ask yourself, does God want it done?”
I enjoyed the depth of the characters and the way Scheid handled the delicate subject matter.
I received an advance copy of this book for the purposes of providing an honest review. I noticed a few spelling/grammatical errors but they didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the story.
I enjoyed the depth of the characters and the way Scheid handled the delicate subject matter.
I received an advance copy of this book for the purposes of providing an honest review. I noticed a few spelling/grammatical errors but they didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the story.
June 28, 2023
This book was really different. I thought the beginning was slow and had it not been a Sirens book I probably would not have finished. But I continued and I was glad I did because it got much better later. For me, an old lady, I was a little unsettled by the language (thankfully no taking God's name in vain!) and the fact that the main characters who were Christians and even one a Pastor went to bars/pubs and drank!
However the story was really interesting and unique and I enjoyed the main characters. Putting the language and drinking aside, the spiritual message was there and well stated.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
However the story was really interesting and unique and I enjoyed the main characters. Putting the language and drinking aside, the spiritual message was there and well stated.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 10, 2023
This unusual but excellent book is a deep look into the workings of an urban church in Cincinnati and the hearts of three individuals. The characters were well-written and realistic, and all of them had realistic struggles. Because of some topics discussed, I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone under 16 or maybe 15, but for the mature Christian reader, this book should be a staple.
October 11, 2023
So I'll start with the criticism since I gave this book only 4 stars instead of 5. It lost a star for me because of the tough start at the beginning and some of the religious elements in the book. It was a slow start but I did warm up to the author's style of writing. However there was too much emphasis placed on physical healing with some implications that Christians who don't get healed are not strong believers. This definitely goes against the gospel of Christ however I don't believe this was the author's intention and she redeemed herself at the end of the book. Those are the only reasons for 4 star.
Now for the positives! This author did a fantastic job of tackling some serious issues! I really got into the book halfway through and she kept me hooked. The issues were very real and thought out and the storyline fit well. I absolutely love the details and descriptions! The author did a great job of painting with her words and piecing together some tough topics. I would read works by this author again.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Now for the positives! This author did a fantastic job of tackling some serious issues! I really got into the book halfway through and she kept me hooked. The issues were very real and thought out and the storyline fit well. I absolutely love the details and descriptions! The author did a great job of painting with her words and piecing together some tough topics. I would read works by this author again.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 25, 2023
"Someone They Can Trust" by Colleen Scheid is an exquisite tale of faith, resilience, and the transformative power of courage. Set in the warm embrace of Pleasant Hill Community Church, the novel introduces readers to a trio of devoted staff members - Maya, Matt, and Janice - who find solace and purpose in their church community.
Maya, a talented art school graduate, finds herself welcomed with open arms into the thriving church. Guided by her love for painting and photography, she discovers an unexpected sanctuary at Spring Grove Cemetery. There, amidst the beauty of nature, she captures the essence of life's wonders with her camera and sketchpad. However, her peaceful existence is abruptly disrupted when she receives a call from Janice Williams, a member of the church staff, informing her about her beloved grandmother's disorientation.
As the story unfolds, Maya's life takes a significant turn when she decides to move in with her grandmother and becomes a live-in companion. Her art takes on a new direction, reflecting the emotional turbulence she experiences as she witnesses her grandmother's struggle with dementia. Through delicate strokes of her brush, Maya explores the complexities of memory, love, and the fragility of the human spirit.
The novel artfully weaves in the charismatic Pastor Alex, a new leader at Pleasant Hill Community Church, whose charm masks a sinister agenda. As the church staff's faith, hope, and love face severe tests, Pastor Alex's true motives come to light, shattering the congregation's harmony. His corruption challenges the core of the church, and the characters are forced to confront their own brokenness to stand against evil.
Amidst the chaos, the triumvirate of Matt, Maya, and Janice becomes a beacon of courage. United by their love for the church and their unwavering faith, they grapple with their vulnerabilities and insecurities, seeking strength in each other and their community.
Colleen Scheid's masterful storytelling captures the essence of human emotions, taking readers on a heartfelt journey of resilience and hope. The depth and authenticity of the characters make them relatable and endearing, while Pastor Alex's malevolence adds a thrilling and suspenseful twist to the narrative.
"Someone They Can Trust" delves into profound themes of trust, redemption, and the power of standing up against darkness. The novel's vivid imagery transports readers to the lush landscapes of Spring Grove Cemetery and the majestic halls of Pleasant Hill Community Church, providing the perfect backdrop for this stirring tale.
In conclusion, "Someone They Can Trust" is an exceptional work of fiction that resonates deeply with its readers. The seamless blending of faith, love, and courage in the face of evil creates a gripping narrative that will linger in the hearts of readers long after the last page is turned. Colleen Scheid's poignant exploration of the human spirit reminds us all that even in the darkest of times, courage and love can conquer all. This novel is a must-read for anyone seeking a transformative and uplifting literary experience.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Maya, a talented art school graduate, finds herself welcomed with open arms into the thriving church. Guided by her love for painting and photography, she discovers an unexpected sanctuary at Spring Grove Cemetery. There, amidst the beauty of nature, she captures the essence of life's wonders with her camera and sketchpad. However, her peaceful existence is abruptly disrupted when she receives a call from Janice Williams, a member of the church staff, informing her about her beloved grandmother's disorientation.
As the story unfolds, Maya's life takes a significant turn when she decides to move in with her grandmother and becomes a live-in companion. Her art takes on a new direction, reflecting the emotional turbulence she experiences as she witnesses her grandmother's struggle with dementia. Through delicate strokes of her brush, Maya explores the complexities of memory, love, and the fragility of the human spirit.
The novel artfully weaves in the charismatic Pastor Alex, a new leader at Pleasant Hill Community Church, whose charm masks a sinister agenda. As the church staff's faith, hope, and love face severe tests, Pastor Alex's true motives come to light, shattering the congregation's harmony. His corruption challenges the core of the church, and the characters are forced to confront their own brokenness to stand against evil.
Amidst the chaos, the triumvirate of Matt, Maya, and Janice becomes a beacon of courage. United by their love for the church and their unwavering faith, they grapple with their vulnerabilities and insecurities, seeking strength in each other and their community.
Colleen Scheid's masterful storytelling captures the essence of human emotions, taking readers on a heartfelt journey of resilience and hope. The depth and authenticity of the characters make them relatable and endearing, while Pastor Alex's malevolence adds a thrilling and suspenseful twist to the narrative.
"Someone They Can Trust" delves into profound themes of trust, redemption, and the power of standing up against darkness. The novel's vivid imagery transports readers to the lush landscapes of Spring Grove Cemetery and the majestic halls of Pleasant Hill Community Church, providing the perfect backdrop for this stirring tale.
In conclusion, "Someone They Can Trust" is an exceptional work of fiction that resonates deeply with its readers. The seamless blending of faith, love, and courage in the face of evil creates a gripping narrative that will linger in the hearts of readers long after the last page is turned. Colleen Scheid's poignant exploration of the human spirit reminds us all that even in the darkest of times, courage and love can conquer all. This novel is a must-read for anyone seeking a transformative and uplifting literary experience.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 24, 2023
Someone They Can Trust by Colleen Scheid is a powerful Christian contemporary novel that consumed me.
There is such a lot to say about this story that it is hard to know where to begin. The story is about a church and the community including the leadership. We see that churches are made up of flawed individuals in need of a Savior. Churches are not places for the perfect (there is no such thing, only Jesus is perfect) but places where the lost, the hurt and the hopeful can find and follow Jesus. “ ‘God loves you’… ‘Why? I’m useless and selfish and a hot mess.’ “ God does His best work with broken vessels.
We see the huge theme of trust and a wider theme of innocence vs. experience. We trust those who are older, believing them to be wiser. It is wicked when those in power abuse their position.
We all have a past. Sometimes we have hurts in our past that we have pushed so far down, they are hidden, even from ourselves. God sees our hurts. He wants to transform us, not just for today, but for our past hurts and our future ones too. “A sense of God cleaning up her past, transforming what had been shameful… into spiritual encounters that healed.”
Everyone needs to have good influences in their lives. “Someone who could help him towards God rather than luring him away.” We all need someone to point us to Jesus. If we do not tell people about Him, who will?
Prayer is powerful. It can be as simple as “Silently prayed, Jesus, help me.” God hears our heart’s longing even when we cannot form the words.
Sometimes we are so busy doing things for Jesus, that we miss Him. “I’m too task-orientated and not listening to God very well.” We need to make time to be still and to find Jesus. He is in the silence. He is in the sunrise. He is in our hearts calling to us.
There is the heart-breaking topic of Alzheimer’s as we watch a character slip away little by little.
All the characters were delightfully drawn and realistic. They struggled with issues that are relevant to us today – pride, anger, envy and more. They were realistically flawed human beings striving to be a better version of themselves.
I thoroughly enjoyed Someone They Can Trust. It was a powerful, relevant read.
I received a free copy from the author. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
There is such a lot to say about this story that it is hard to know where to begin. The story is about a church and the community including the leadership. We see that churches are made up of flawed individuals in need of a Savior. Churches are not places for the perfect (there is no such thing, only Jesus is perfect) but places where the lost, the hurt and the hopeful can find and follow Jesus. “ ‘God loves you’… ‘Why? I’m useless and selfish and a hot mess.’ “ God does His best work with broken vessels.
We see the huge theme of trust and a wider theme of innocence vs. experience. We trust those who are older, believing them to be wiser. It is wicked when those in power abuse their position.
We all have a past. Sometimes we have hurts in our past that we have pushed so far down, they are hidden, even from ourselves. God sees our hurts. He wants to transform us, not just for today, but for our past hurts and our future ones too. “A sense of God cleaning up her past, transforming what had been shameful… into spiritual encounters that healed.”
Everyone needs to have good influences in their lives. “Someone who could help him towards God rather than luring him away.” We all need someone to point us to Jesus. If we do not tell people about Him, who will?
Prayer is powerful. It can be as simple as “Silently prayed, Jesus, help me.” God hears our heart’s longing even when we cannot form the words.
Sometimes we are so busy doing things for Jesus, that we miss Him. “I’m too task-orientated and not listening to God very well.” We need to make time to be still and to find Jesus. He is in the silence. He is in the sunrise. He is in our hearts calling to us.
There is the heart-breaking topic of Alzheimer’s as we watch a character slip away little by little.
All the characters were delightfully drawn and realistic. They struggled with issues that are relevant to us today – pride, anger, envy and more. They were realistically flawed human beings striving to be a better version of themselves.
I thoroughly enjoyed Someone They Can Trust. It was a powerful, relevant read.
I received a free copy from the author. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
September 14, 2023
4.5 stars
What a faith-stirring read! This story really came to life. I felt like I was getting a glimpse into the lives of real people who were dealing with real situations. There was an honesty and authenticity that shone through the pages.
I liked the fact that this story followed the lives of three different characters - Maya, Matt, and Janice. I instantly cared for them. They were likable, and I loved that there was something about all of them that I could relate to.
I loved that this story had a very strong Christian message but wasn't judgmental or heavy-handed in its delivery. And while this wasn't an action-packed book, I couldn't put it down and was reading as fast as I could. I was so invested in these characters' lives. I really enjoyed this story and highly recommend it.
I received a copy of this book via BookSirens and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
What a faith-stirring read! This story really came to life. I felt like I was getting a glimpse into the lives of real people who were dealing with real situations. There was an honesty and authenticity that shone through the pages.
I liked the fact that this story followed the lives of three different characters - Maya, Matt, and Janice. I instantly cared for them. They were likable, and I loved that there was something about all of them that I could relate to.
I loved that this story had a very strong Christian message but wasn't judgmental or heavy-handed in its delivery. And while this wasn't an action-packed book, I couldn't put it down and was reading as fast as I could. I was so invested in these characters' lives. I really enjoyed this story and highly recommend it.
I received a copy of this book via BookSirens and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
September 19, 2023
I could not open the four pages between 236 and 298 as they did not load. They were just blank pages. However, pages 298 and 299 did have script. So I am commenting on what I was able to read.
The church in this book represents what is wrong with so many modern day churches. They are more focused on programs and how to draw more people to their church than they are on God and His message.
I liked all the characters in this book other than Alex. When you read this book you will understand why.
All of the characters were believable as the author did a fine job of bringing them to life. The story of Maya's past helped explain her present day actions. I think there would have been more clarity to the ending for me if I could have seen the missing pages. But even so, I did enjoy the book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. The opinion stated is entirely my own.
The church in this book represents what is wrong with so many modern day churches. They are more focused on programs and how to draw more people to their church than they are on God and His message.
I liked all the characters in this book other than Alex. When you read this book you will understand why.
All of the characters were believable as the author did a fine job of bringing them to life. The story of Maya's past helped explain her present day actions. I think there would have been more clarity to the ending for me if I could have seen the missing pages. But even so, I did enjoy the book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. The opinion stated is entirely my own.
September 28, 2023
This book is hard for me to review. I waffle between 3.5 & 4 ⭐. The beginning was slow and I often felt lost because of how many characters and descriptions there were. It took until about 35% before the story picked up for me. There are several hard hitting topics and events that take place throughout the story and they are done well. Some things mentioned are close to my heart so I was able to resonate with them. I liked how much faith content (scripture verses) was present. There are some definite trigger warnings to be aware of if you choose to read the book.
Dementia/Alzheimer's
Physical assault/abuse
Thank you to Book sirens for allowing me to read an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
Dementia/Alzheimer's
Physical assault/abuse
Thank you to Book sirens for allowing me to read an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews