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Tales from Butternut Creek #2
The Matchmakers of Butternut Creek
A traumatic experience as a college freshman has left Gussie Milton 'once bitten, twice shy.' Although she'd like a relationship, she's frightened, so she's thrown herself into caring for her aging parents, her photography business, and her church. In the eyes of Miss Birdie and her friend Mercedes, aka 'the Widows, ' Gussie would make their young pastor the perfect wife. And though the attraction proves mutual, first Gussie's past and then the pastor's hopes for the future threaten to keep them apart. Can the Widows' meddling be the catalyst that changes the couple's lives forever
462 pages, Library Binding
First published January 1, 2012
47 people are currently reading
463 people want to read
About the author
Jane Myers Perrine
15 books57 followersA 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
June 11, 2024
DNF'd in the first chapter. Ms. Birdie is still in charge, and it was mentioned that if the preacher didn't please her, she would "open a can of whoop ass on him." I'm not opposed to language in books, but when it's supposed to be "Christian," it's certainly distasteful. This series is far from Christian and should not be labeled as such. If it were just plain secular fiction, I think I would have enjoyed it more. I didn't like narration. The narrator isn't bad, but I didn't think it was a good fit for the book in general. The narrator is too mature for the characters.
July 12, 2025
TW: SA
The book held the promise of being cute but the further I got the worse it felt. It was a terrible handling of a sensitive subject, honestly. The plot was predictable, but it didn't hold anticipatory tension--it dragged on with stilted and formal dialogs that didnt feel like it came from real people. The Widows are AWFUL and take an attempt of nosy but sweet Southen women to a rude and caricatured extreme. They're embarrassing to a cringing level ans so inappropriately invasive and not "Christian" in the slightest. and set a terrible example to the youth of the church, who were in turn, inappropriate invasive with their pastor.
Adam was a wimp of a pastor and a selfish milquetoast of a man. His inability to live his life as an adult in the face ot the pushy widows is not endearing, it's embarrassing. I was livid at how he handled his relationship with Gussie---she TOLD HIM she had been 🍇ed and she was broken and need him not to push her and two MONTHS (not two years) in of casual dates, he was giving her a guilt trip about the marriage bed, and pushing that he wants more and what was going to happen. Unacceptable from anyone but especially from a pastor who has been TOLD the situation. Two months of casual dating does not give you the right to sail past all her explicitly stated boundaries in the name of your needs.
Yes, Gussie needed to address her PTSD in therapy but that was NOT Adam's place. And her therapist gave me the heebie jeebies by forcing her to recount her assault again and again. It felt cruel and counterproductive.
Sidenote: the woman preacher who twisted Adam's arm twice into an unwanted date was also ridiculous and heavyhanded.
All in all, a bummer for me.
The book held the promise of being cute but the further I got the worse it felt. It was a terrible handling of a sensitive subject, honestly. The plot was predictable, but it didn't hold anticipatory tension--it dragged on with stilted and formal dialogs that didnt feel like it came from real people. The Widows are AWFUL and take an attempt of nosy but sweet Southen women to a rude and caricatured extreme. They're embarrassing to a cringing level ans so inappropriately invasive and not "Christian" in the slightest. and set a terrible example to the youth of the church, who were in turn, inappropriate invasive with their pastor.
Adam was a wimp of a pastor and a selfish milquetoast of a man. His inability to live his life as an adult in the face ot the pushy widows is not endearing, it's embarrassing. I was livid at how he handled his relationship with Gussie---she TOLD HIM she had been 🍇ed and she was broken and need him not to push her and two MONTHS (not two years) in of casual dates, he was giving her a guilt trip about the marriage bed, and pushing that he wants more and what was going to happen. Unacceptable from anyone but especially from a pastor who has been TOLD the situation. Two months of casual dating does not give you the right to sail past all her explicitly stated boundaries in the name of your needs.
Yes, Gussie needed to address her PTSD in therapy but that was NOT Adam's place. And her therapist gave me the heebie jeebies by forcing her to recount her assault again and again. It felt cruel and counterproductive.
Sidenote: the woman preacher who twisted Adam's arm twice into an unwanted date was also ridiculous and heavyhanded.
All in all, a bummer for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2019
This was a little more bittersweet than the first book in the series. I mainly enjoy the characters that Perrine has developed.
March 28, 2013
As an avid reader and fan of sweet love stories, I wanted to like this book. As a Christian, I wanted to LOVE this book. However, neither can be said, which makes me sad that I spent two days reading it, when I could have (and should have) moved on to another book.
The story simply put is about a group of older women, who are the matchmakers for their small town of Butternut Creek. These women are not likeable in any fashion. They connive. They gossip. They are bossy and rude, without a care for other's privacy or well being. They focus on their "mission" of marrying off their preacher, and begin hounding him and their chosen candidate the ENTIRE BOOK. There are passing mentions of their good works, a term I use very loosely, because even in the good works, it is all about them and their image in helping others. Shameful.
Secondary to the story line, is the preacher himself and the woman he likes, Gussie. These two characters are about as predictable and formal as you will ever read. First of all, NO ONE talks like these people talk. Even the town *teenagers* speak formally and with no individual personality. I know for a fact that Christians, while not cursing or taking the Lord's name in vain, do occasionally make jokes and speak like normal people, not "pure as snow" robots at all times. Don't get me wrong, it was lovely to read a book without a single curse word in it, but the language itself was so simple, so "dumbed down", that I kept glancing at the cover to make sure I hadn't accidentally picked up a Young Adult novel from the library.
The story plods along predictably, and in fact you as the reader can guess at every turn, exactly what is going to happen. The lady love interest has a "secret" and honestly, by the time it is revealed, you already know what it is and that she will eventually get over it by the end of the book. The preacher is painted as a good guy, but even he never stands up for himself to the matchmakers and just seems to let life happen to him.
There is a prequel to this book that I did not read, nor will I read the sequel to it either. I'm not sure why I even finished reading it truthfully, other than the fact that I hate to stop a novel once I've finished it, and usually only do so when the reading is profane or just to gratuitously vulgar. Unless you have nothing better to do with your time, I do not recommend this book.
The story simply put is about a group of older women, who are the matchmakers for their small town of Butternut Creek. These women are not likeable in any fashion. They connive. They gossip. They are bossy and rude, without a care for other's privacy or well being. They focus on their "mission" of marrying off their preacher, and begin hounding him and their chosen candidate the ENTIRE BOOK. There are passing mentions of their good works, a term I use very loosely, because even in the good works, it is all about them and their image in helping others. Shameful.
Secondary to the story line, is the preacher himself and the woman he likes, Gussie. These two characters are about as predictable and formal as you will ever read. First of all, NO ONE talks like these people talk. Even the town *teenagers* speak formally and with no individual personality. I know for a fact that Christians, while not cursing or taking the Lord's name in vain, do occasionally make jokes and speak like normal people, not "pure as snow" robots at all times. Don't get me wrong, it was lovely to read a book without a single curse word in it, but the language itself was so simple, so "dumbed down", that I kept glancing at the cover to make sure I hadn't accidentally picked up a Young Adult novel from the library.
The story plods along predictably, and in fact you as the reader can guess at every turn, exactly what is going to happen. The lady love interest has a "secret" and honestly, by the time it is revealed, you already know what it is and that she will eventually get over it by the end of the book. The preacher is painted as a good guy, but even he never stands up for himself to the matchmakers and just seems to let life happen to him.
There is a prequel to this book that I did not read, nor will I read the sequel to it either. I'm not sure why I even finished reading it truthfully, other than the fact that I hate to stop a novel once I've finished it, and usually only do so when the reading is profane or just to gratuitously vulgar. Unless you have nothing better to do with your time, I do not recommend this book.
August 21, 2015
Well, the three Widows of Butternut Creek are back. Ok, there are technically only two widows and one spinster (who is now engaged), but they are the backbone of Butternut Creek and Miss Birdie, the leader of the group is considered by young pastor Adam Jordan to be the "pillar" of the church. Miss Birdie has her own ideas about how everything and about everything should be done.
In The Welcoming Committee of Butternut Creek, the first book in the series, the widows set out to find their pastor a suitable wife to fill up the parsonage and the church pews with babies...lots of them. They didn't do so well with Adam, but they still thought themselves to be pretty successful when they found a wife for the recently returned Marine who had lost a leg and was quite anti-social. Of course, the widows don't realize that the match was probably going to happen with or without them. Still...they are out to matchmake again and they are bound and determined. Poor pastor!
Once again, I loved the quirky characters and their determination, bless their little hearts. They truly mean no harm and they are quite comical in their novel ideas. I laughed and enjoyed.
In The Welcoming Committee of Butternut Creek, the first book in the series, the widows set out to find their pastor a suitable wife to fill up the parsonage and the church pews with babies...lots of them. They didn't do so well with Adam, but they still thought themselves to be pretty successful when they found a wife for the recently returned Marine who had lost a leg and was quite anti-social. Of course, the widows don't realize that the match was probably going to happen with or without them. Still...they are out to matchmake again and they are bound and determined. Poor pastor!
Once again, I loved the quirky characters and their determination, bless their little hearts. They truly mean no harm and they are quite comical in their novel ideas. I laughed and enjoyed.
May 14, 2024
Mixed with the familiar characters of book 1, book 2 continues with the story of young Adam Jordan, pastor, and the Matchmakers quest to find him a wife. Jane Myers Perrine builds upon the lives of Adam's neighbours and friends, including the homeless kids that now call the parsonage home. While there are many humorous scenes, this book also deals with a traumatic and painful experience Gussie had as a college freshman. The Matchmakers are convinced she is the perfect match for Adam. But will Gussie be able to work through her past trauma and move forward in her relationship with Adam?
No spoilers but I must say the subject matter may be triggering for some women. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed book 2 of the Butternut Creek novels.
No spoilers but I must say the subject matter may be triggering for some women. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed book 2 of the Butternut Creek novels.
January 22, 2013
I can't get into this book.
September 3, 2023
Storyline got a little boring
April 21, 2024
Despite the description, the main character is male, and the audio book is read by a male narrator. This means that when he tries to imitate the female voices, the young ones sound much older than they actually are and it's confusing. The book drags and gets repetitive. With all the goings on of the young people, the relationship between Adam and Gussie sort of takes a back seat for most of the book.
Narrator mispronounces several words and mis-reads one character at one point, distracting and annoying.
Trigger warnings-rape and sex are discussed.
The characters themselves are very formal the way they talk to each other, so it doesn't feel very realistic. But then it's hard to believe people are that much into each other's business anyway.
I can't say I enjoyed this book.
Narrator mispronounces several words and mis-reads one character at one point, distracting and annoying.
Trigger warnings-rape and sex are discussed.
The characters themselves are very formal the way they talk to each other, so it doesn't feel very realistic. But then it's hard to believe people are that much into each other's business anyway.
I can't say I enjoyed this book.
January 21, 2019
This is the second book in the series. A nice story, not quite as good as book 1 but I still enjoyed it. There were some powerful and sweet moments but I didn't connect as much with the characters. The focus was much more on Adam and Gussie and less on Sam and Winnie who I really, really liked in the first book. That said, I liked it enough to read book three.
Overall, this is a nice, heartwarming, and somewhat spiritual series but not really as powerful and wonderful as Jan Karon's Mitford series.
Overall, this is a nice, heartwarming, and somewhat spiritual series but not really as powerful and wonderful as Jan Karon's Mitford series.
April 1, 2020
The Widows and Their Minister
Gussie loved Adam but how would she ever tell him why it was so hard for her to open up to him or anyone. Her parents and her therapist, who she had not talked to in three years, we're the only people who knew her story. Adam had a lot of questions but he loved Gussie and was trying to be patient. You must read this book and meet the Widows who are trying to get Adam, their young minister married and they just know Gussie is the one.
Gussie loved Adam but how would she ever tell him why it was so hard for her to open up to him or anyone. Her parents and her therapist, who she had not talked to in three years, we're the only people who knew her story. Adam had a lot of questions but he loved Gussie and was trying to be patient. You must read this book and meet the Widows who are trying to get Adam, their young minister married and they just know Gussie is the one.
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March 15, 2021I enjoyed this book, but haven't give it a star rating since it's not a genre I usually read, so my personal rating wouldn't be fair. Readers who enjoy a slow pace and a plot that revolves around small town relationships, with a touch of romance thrown in, will like this book. I found the discussion questions at the end of the story exceptionally insightful - reading through these gave me a new appreciation for the breadth of issues touched upon in the novel.
January 21, 2021
The Matchmakers are persistent. Adam continues to grow as a preacher and a foster parent and at times it makes me wonder if this is what a younger version of Mitford's Father Tim by Jan Karon might have been like. Good fun characters who have huge hearts even when they are not wanted. I like the way the characters are growing as they go forward and backward from time to time.
February 7, 2018
Two weddings down, two to go... Another fun and enjoyable book with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments! Will the Widows succeed in their plans in the next installment? It looks like they are facing their greatest disappointment here...
August 28, 2020
So glad I found this series! Oh to visit Butternut Creek and sit in the midst of the Widow's shenanigans, the ins and outs of Hector and Janey's lives, and the discoveries for Adam and Gussie.
Another wonderful book. Looking forward to read the third.
Another wonderful book. Looking forward to read the third.
November 28, 2020
Good read just took a minute to get into the story. Love the fact I never would have thought that the character Gussie had the past she has, didn’t see that coming. Looking forward to read the next one.
May 22, 2018
I loved this entire series. I just stumbled upon it and found it to be fun and entertaining to read. I loved all of the different characters in the book and quickly read the entire series.
July 9, 2018
I like the minister Adam and how well he treats all he interacts with.
July 24, 2018
This book was a nice break from heavy books. About a Pastor who the members of his congregation want to help marry. Silly and sweet. Too long for the plot.
August 6, 2018
Awesome sequel! Just good clean fun!
August 27, 2018
Read for ELCHO Book Club. August 2018
March 5, 2019
This one was a little more interesting than the 1st book but a fun read. Moving on to next book.
February 14, 2020
I read the first book in the series years ago and was tickled to find a follow up to the series. I love reading cozy reads with nosy characters who have the best of intentions.
March 9, 2020
Cute story. Some sadness and some laughter. One of the main characters has to deal with the repercussions of a rape she suffered many years ago.
October 3, 2020
Fun, relaxing read.
August 31, 2021
A delightful & humorous look into the life of a single pastor. Ministry is rewarding and stressful. This book brings laughter to the mayhem! Loved it!
June 15, 2022
Overall I liked this book. I wish I knew a Pastor like Adam. I felt like the Gussie/Adam story dragged out too long. And Adam should have used some of his trust fund money to buy a new car.
December 24, 2022
What a wonderful series. I can't wait to read book 3.
March 8, 2023
Awww! 🥰 Such a cute story.
February 17, 2024
Another enjoyable read in this series. I love the clean books and the struggles of a pastor dealing with a lot of quirky characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews