The Welcome Committee of Butternut Creek

Tales from Butternut Creek #1

by Jane Myers Perrine

Upon his arrival, Butternut Creek Christian Church's newly-minted minister is met by a welcome committee led by Miss Birdie and her friend Mercedes, a.k.a. "the Widows." Their first order of business, to educate him on how things should be done, quickly gives way to a campaign to find him a wife.

When their matchmaking efforts fizzle, the Widows turn to another new bachelor. Amputee and Afghan vet Sam simply wants to be left alone-- a desire that's as good as a red flag to the Widows! Soon they're scheming to pair him up with Willow, his beautiful physical therapist, a divorced mother of two who is afraid of commitment, Perrine's small-town tale is a big-time triumph of gentle humor, fast-paced plot, and wonderfully engaging characters.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Contemporary, Christian, Romance, Humor, Inspirational

463 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

A Missouri native, Jane Myers Perrine earned her B.A. from Kansas State University and her M.Ed. in Spanish from the University of Louisville. She was a finalist in the Regency category of the Golden Heart Awards, and her short pieces have appeared in the Houston Chronicle and Woman's World magazine. A high-school Spanish teacher as well as an ordained minister, she currently lives in Texas with her husband, who is the minister of a local Christian church.

Reviews

[Joleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, so this is another book which shouldn't be listed under Christian Fiction - Religious Fiction, yes, but not Christian. Oh, there was a pastor, and there was a church, and there was prayer. But sex talk, church people in a romance with utterly non-church people, church members feeling their purpose is to get people to come to church, and the gospel never being talked about, all make for a not-particularly-Christian fiction book. This is pretty much a generic church sort of book that has no Christ-centered focus.

It would have been nice if some of the sex talk would have been left out, or if the young woman who was interested in a self-professed heathen would have told him that, because of her faith, she could not engage in what he wanted. Or better yet, wait until he came to know the Lord before she decided to be interested in him. Instead she said that he needed to deal with his issues before she could commit to a physical relationship with him. Or at least that was the gist of it. Meh. I guess the author didn't feel that aspect of the Christian faith was important.

BUT....if I consider this book as just a regular book, and forget the fact that it was labeled Christian Fiction, I'd have to say I really liked it, and it was quite good. I mean, as much as I enjoy other books that have no gospel, (such as, say, a Louie L'Amour book) this ranks up there. Okay, maybe not the caliber of Louie L'Amour, but still not bad.
It was fun.

The story is set around the very small town of Butternut Creek, Texas. The church has a new pastor... new YOUNG pastor... no, a new, VERY YOUNG pastor... 25 to be exact. There's a group of elderly church ladies calling themselves The Widows whose main purpose is to find funding for this and that, and to be match-makers for the singles. One of the widows (Miss Birdie) is intent on schooling the new pastor on how to be a proper pastor that the church will appreciate, including telling him which hymns to choose, to fatten himself up, get a hair cut, and any other number of things she feels it's her duty to chide him about. The pastor (Adam) calls her The Pillar, as in the pillar of the church. Anyway, he's not married, so it's her duty to find him a wife. It's also her duty to find a match for the Marine Captain who just inherited (and is settling down in) his aunt's house in this little town. But he has some major issues stemming from losing a leg and his best friend during a battle in the Middle East. Miss Birdie sees him at the hospital where he's scheduled for physical therapy, and to have a leg prosthesis fitted. Miss Birdie sees the captain catch sight of the new physical therapist, and what she sees on his face is love at first sight. So she sets out to make it happen. And she's relentless.

There are other side-stories that are heart-warming and very sweet. So, all in all, it was great.

Do I recommend it? Well, as long as you don't expect accurate theology, it's a fun beach read, so to speak, and the author has such a cute way with words. I found myself laughing right out loud often. So, yes. I'd recommend it.

[Glenda L · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you ever read Jan Karon's Mitford series and liked it, then you will like this book. It is heartwarming and hilarious and gives you a "feel good" feeling. It is hard not to fall in love with all the characters that live in the small town of Butternut Creek, Texas. I grew up near a small town and can relate to a lot of it. I plan on reading the next book in the series.

[Teela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first time to read anything by Jane Myers Perrine and what a pleasure it was to take this trip to Butternut Creek. Being a PK and then being married to a Preacher (we just celebrated our 40th anniversary) I laughed when we were introduced to the "PILLAR" of the Church, Birdie MacDowell. Oh my, so many times we've encountered someone just like her! Always wanting to whip the new preacher into shape, that is the way she thinks he should be. But this story was such a delight to read, and although it begins with what I think might be the story of the new minister in town, and it really is, but it is so much more. We get to really know the wounded vet, Sam and see how his cold heart quickly warms to Willow and her two sons, Nick and Leo. And how this small community rallies around those that are hurt or needy and with the help and leadership of the Widows, accomplishes almost whatever task is at hand. And how the huge compassionate heart of Ms. Birdie is not going to let a need go unmet, even if it means taking a small child into her heart and home and start the wheels turning to get a family back together. While reading this wonderful story, I was reminded of many similarities w/another story teller, Jan Karon in her Mitford series. I look forward to the next book in this series and hope we get to know the characters in Butternut Creek, even more extensively. As you can tell, I'm already a HUGE fan of Ms. Perrine's and would definitely recommend this book.


I received The Welcome Committee of Butternut Creek from Faith Words (HatchettPublishing) in return for my honest and unprejudiced opinion.

To read the first Chapter please go to : Crosswalk.comThe Welcome Committee of Butternut Creek: A Novel

[Christian Fiction Addiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a book with quirky characters, ones who will soon have you laughing, then look no further than The Welcome Committee of Butternut Creek! I found this first installment of the 3-part series to be absolutely hilarious, leaving me smiling one minute and laughing out loud the next. The character of Miss Birdie is priceless in her earnestness and her no-nonense attitude, and the interactions between Miss Birdie and the young pastor Adam were highly amusing, while providing for some points to consider about how us layfolk treat their pastors! The novel is well-written, and despite featuring a character-driven plot, it held my interest well except while reading through a few chapters in the middle where I found the plot bogged down a bit. Overall, however, I found this to be a highly enjoyable and satisfying read. I come away having been encouraged to live out my faith in action and deed, much like these admirable characters did, whether by bringing food to the needy like "The Widows" do, or opening my home to those with no place to lay their head (although perhaps I'll leave the part about the match-making up to The Widows!).




I grew to truly care about these characters with their misguided but well-intended ways, and I am looking forward to revisiting the town of Butternut Creek when the next book hits the shelves! I give this book a solid recommendation and award it 4 out of 5 stars.




Book was provided courtesy of the publisher for the purposes of this unbiased review.

[Michelle Mcilvoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not like this book nearly as much as I had hoped I would. I read it thinking it would be more similar to the "Home to Harmony" series of books which also portray a minister returning to a small town. Those books are full of quirky and lovable characters. I was hoping for the same magic with this book but it simply was not there. The characters were not all that quirky or funny and things moved way too fast in many ways. The reader was not introduced to enough characters to really get to know the town. I don't even feel like I was able to get to know the main character, Adam. I probably will not be reading anymore in this series.

[chris wilhelm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartwarming story

I enjoyed the story but there are unanswered questions. I will have to look for book 2. It is a good read.

[My Book Addiction and More MBA · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE WELCOME COMMITTEE OF BUTTERNUT CREEK by Jane Meyers Perrine is an interesting Christian Contemporary fiction set in small town Texas. It is Book #1 in the “Widows of Butternut Creek”.What a down to earth story with charming characters,faith,hope, and humor. Butternut Creek is a small town in Texas with quirky residents,a believable plot and characters who will not only seem real to life but who also capture your heart. A homespun story with small town people,Butternut Creek has its share of widows,matchmakers,church drama,charm and romance. A delightful story. Ms. Perrine has written heart warming story for all readers. A must read for anyone who enjoys inspirational read without “preachy”,small town residents,matchmaking Mama’s and romance. Received for an honest review from the publisher. Details can be found at FaithWords,the author’s website, and My Book Addiction and More.
RATING:4
HEAT RATING: SWEET
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction and More

[Melissa (Semi Hiatus Until After the Holidays) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice, sweet novel about a small town. Nothing earth shaking, but a pleasant read.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

a fun read with lots of quirky characters. It was a story of redemption coming in unexpected ways.

[Kathleen (Kat) Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are only two Widows left in the group that used to be six in the town of Butternut Creek, Miss Birdie and Mercedes. They have been with the town of Butternut Creek since what seems like its creation and things don't happen here that either of them are not aware of. So when Adam Joseph Jordan comes to town as their new pastor, Miss Birdie knows she is going to have more than her hands full trying to train this one as young as he is. Miss Birdie and the town of Butternut Creek like things the way they have always been and to say that they are more than resistant to change would be a drastic understatement. When Adam takes up residence in the parsonage, he wasn't expecting a large 5 bedroom Victorian home and he certainly doesn't have even enough to fill one closet. Armed with a small TV, a sleeping bag and a couple bags of clothes, Miss Birdie realizes she has her work cut out for her.

Adam soon understands that by offering him such a large home, they had expected him to fill it with a wife and children. They certainly didn't expect a young single man who has no desire to find a wife and start a family. But that was before he met the Widows. The very next morning they arranged for furniture to be delivered and set up in the parsonage. Miss Birdie makes it a habit to set aside time to meet with Adam to ensure the hymns he selects go hand in hand with what the town likes, not new songs that no one knows. As gracious as he can be Adam understands that Miss Birdies "suggestions" are meant to help, not as a means of training up a new pastor in the way the town expects him to act.

Now all they have to do is find just the right person for Adam to marry and things will begin to fall in order. But with single women in short supply that are young enough presents a problem in the town of Butternut Creek and soon Adam will be dodging more than just miscellaneous notes from Miss Birdie. While the matchmaking continues, the Widows have another issue, long time resident Sam Peterson has returned as an amputee from the war and is struggling to find purpose living in his aunt's old home now that he has inherited it. He certainly doesn't consider himself a hero leaving his fellow Marines behind that couldn't make it home and he doesn't want any pity from anyone. He simply wants to be left alone. But when he notice his physical therapist isn't persuaded by his good looks, there might just be a spark left in Sam's heart after all. Now the Widow's really have their work cut out for them.

I received The Welcome Committee of Butternut Creek by Jane Myers Perrine compliments of Faith Words, a division of Hachette Book Groups for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions are strictly my own. This is the first novel in the Butternut Creek series, and I have read The Matchmakers of Butternut Creek before I got this one. I was so honored to be invited back to the town of Butternut Creek because I believe we all know someone who is like Miss Birdie in our own towns. They are well-meaning but determined and set in their ways to help make things right even if they haven't been asked. They don't like to be told they're wrong even though the have the very best of intentions, they simply want to feel like they are still a contribution and not someone who simply needs to relax and grow old. I easily give this one a 5 out of 5 stars and now can't wait to read the third novel in this series, The Wedding Planners of Butternut Creek!

[Veronica Doran · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was decent, predictable. I will probably continue with the series but only because it is easy reading in between more content-heavy books.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun gentle read. Small town, Texas. Fun characters. I needed a gentle read, and thanks to my local librarian, she helped me find a fun new book series. I even laughed out loud a few times!

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love reading small town series books and I am so disappointed when it seems as though I have read them all because that means I have to start searching all over again. The Butternut Creek series is going to fit the bill.

Adam Joseph Jordan has just had his car break down on a busy highway in Austin, Texas. He had just left Lexington, a newly ordained minister, set to become the new pastor of a small church in Butternut Creek. The Widows, a committee of two and headed by Miss Birdie, decide to polish the young minister and guide him as a good leader for their small, elderly congregation. They could leave it up to the Lord, but they are also good at what they do and they intend to not only show him how it's done in their church, but to also find him a good wife. That huge parsonage needs to be filled with children!

With quirky, meddlesome church ladies who don't have a malicious bone in their bodies, (just bossy ones), I fell in love with the story. They are not just on the path of finding Adam a wife, but also a match for the reclusive recently returned home from Afghanistan, Marine and they scheme and connive and create laughter throughout this book.

I want so much to meet these ladies only who knows what they would find in me that would need their "help". The town and its people bring me back to a time when life was slower, when people genuinely cared about each other and made no bones about it even if their actions seem, well, a little extreme.

With their help and some determination of his own, Pastor Adam does a pretty good job of taking on the church duties and ends up winning the admiration of the community, especially the Widows....until the next time they decide to give a little nudge.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

No unmarried person is safe in Butternut Creek from the Widows.

Birdie and Mercedes (The Widows) enjoy finding new members for their church and new couples for their matchmaking skills.
Adam Jordan, 25, a newly appointed minister headed to Texas from Kentucky to the community of Butternut Creek, where everyone trusts everyone and a place where you can leave your doors unlocked. He has not come into town with much, but the overwhelming generousity of the community is welcome and he quickly finds himself feeling more at home.
Sam Peterson ex Marine in need of a kind word moved back to Butternut Creek to live in his late Aunts house.
Willow, physical therapist along with sons Nick and Leo find challenges even in this small community.

Small town setting with believable people and real life issues.

This is a great concept for a novel and when I started reading it hooked me into the storyline. It drug a bit towards the middle but quickly picked up.
On a positive note: Character development was strong and scenery works. The novel was easy going humorous at times and hearttearing at others especially at times when it focused on loneliness and the need for acceptance.
On a negative note: I feel strongly that profanity has no place in a Christian novel, no exception to that in my opinion. Sometimes the book read more like a secular novel.

For the most part I was entertained and would recommend this book to others especially ones who enjoy secular fiction but who don't mind a "lite" Christian novel. Thanks to Faithwords and Netgalley the ARC for my review.

[Mtl · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Reverend Adam Joseph Jordan comes to Butternut Creek for his first position as a pastor, little does he realize that his bachelorhood would be an invitation to “The Widows” to find the perfect match for him. They are kind-hearted, humorous, and relentless. One of them, Miss Birdie (who Adam calls The Pillar), also feels that she must train him in the ins and outs of the Butternut Creek Christian Church, as well as the community in general. Finally, they set their sights on another single male who has recently moved to Butternut Creek. Sam, an Afghanistan War veteran and amputee with an attitude, is the Widows' next challenge. They decide he would be perfect for his physical therapist, Willow. They see somewhat better results with Sam and Willow, but all is not hearts and flowers. Sam has heavy baggage to overcome and Willow and her two sons must learn to trust again. Small town heart and friendship, plus unforgettable characters, make this a fascinating read.

[Massanutten Regional Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sandra, Shenandoah patron, July 2015, 4 stars:

First book in a series of three.... A new minister comes to Butternut Creek Christian Church, in a small hill country Texas town. The first person he meets up with is the pillar of the church, Birdie MacDowell. She and the Widows group make sure that the church runs smoothly and that things are as they should be by their standards. One of thier favorite things is Match Making and since the new minister is young and unmarried he is a prime target. The Widows think that all ministers should be married and have a family to fill the big yellow Victorian parsonage. Memberfs of the church and community are real and like those of any small town filled with their secrets and pain, but Ms. Birdie has a way of helping to bring it all together.

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a recommendation from an author and I thought I would check it out. I loved it! It reminds me of another series by Jan Karon. Small town, new minister taking over a small congregation and the people that make up the town. I love the different storylines that were developing over the course of the book. Adam the new minister who needs to establish himself with his congregation. The Widows who basically run things and do a bit of matchmaking as well. Bird and Mercedes are a pair. The story of Sam the wounded veteran and Willow the new divorced physical therapist was a nice one to round out the first book. I liked her two little boys as well. I have to say that it was a pleasant read and definitely hooked me for more. Can't wait to start the next one.

[Doris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very well written. Small town sagas are not my usual read, but it was well written, amusing, and I look forward to the next in the series.

I sell these books as "Christian". Sex in this book doesn't fall into what is considered Biblical guidelines. Sex is OK outside of marrage if you're old enough to be responsible for the consequences, and in another place if there is a commitment. Pretty much throughout the book, the main male character is either thinking or trying to get the main female character into bed.

[Carol N · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've just spent a delightful weekend, meeting the pillars of Butternut Creek Christian Church; the newly ordained young minister, Adam; the wounded Afghanistan vet, Sam and Willow, the young divorced mother of two boys. The author has created a novel filled with wonderful, warm characters add to that a love story and now you know why I was glad to gather my cup of tea, snuggle into my favorite chair and enter the town of Butternut Creek.

[Susie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 to be exact. A pleasant book that doesn't break a lot of new ground. We read this for my church book club. It reminds me somewhat of Mitford, which is a good thing. At times a bit clichéd, at times pretty funny, it made some things too simple. But, I liked the idea of the young preacher in a town filled with nice but not perfect people. (The widows pulling out the Barry White CD's was my biggest laugh-out loud moment.)

[Elizabeth Meadows · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such fun! I wouldn't classify it as "Christian" fiction necessarily even though the story does involve a pastor and church members. It was good clean fun, but not really in the same league as Jan Karon's Mitford series.
It is set in a small Texas town with plenty of fun regional references. There were plenty of moments that made me chuckle and lots of quirky characters who speak their minds.
I've already started the second book!

[Bridgette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sweet story. I fell in love with the townsfolk of Butternut Creek. Jane Myers Perrine creates a vivid picture of the characters so I was anxious to learn their outcome. The connection among most of the characters is a Christian church but there are by no means overwhelming viewpoints that would make the book less enjoyable for the reader who is not very religious.

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a disappointment to me with rather mundane writing and considering the author is a pastor and a pastor's wife, a little of the writing was surprising in language. The book lacked creativity.

[J.B. Hawker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good, wholesome, feel good fiction

As a former inhabitant of the parsonage, I found myself smiling in recognition of the characters and events so charmingly portrayed. Reminds me of the work of Phillip Gullet.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a new series for me and in the vein of my type of novel - small-town southern life. It did seem to jump a bit as it seemed to be a book about Pastor Adam, but was mostly about the disabled vet. Still a good story though.

[Suzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it. Had it read in just a couple of days and want to find more by the author, hopefully about the same characters!

[Kim Faires · Rating 3 out of 5]

Light easy read. Cute story.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute,cute book. Love the characters. Very believable.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book. Funny too. Watch out for the widows if your single.
Would read the rest in the series.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read. Gotta love small town living!