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The Stories of the Lutheran Ladies Circle #1
Plucking One String
What happens when strong-willed women get tired of one person running everything?A sparkling, comic disregard for change.If you’re looking for a sweet book about dealing with change—this isn’t it. But you will laugh as a cast of lively characters push through conflicted times.The Lutheran Ladies are sassy, have "strong-spine" opinions, and have stepped out of your office, your kid’s soccer club, or your church to live on these pages. They deal with change—sometimes poorly—but with humor and heartache; they’re on life's journey.In Book Vera Henley has pulled the strings of the Lutheran Ladies Circle for years; now everything is unraveling. Traditions are changing. Even the annual rummage sale can't escape modernization. And the independent Circle women are cheering the changes—all except for Vera. Her humorous efforts to stop time time are often heart-breaking. And when her high-maintenance, crazy aunt introduces even more rebellion and upheaval, Vera is forced to pick through the chaos and Which threads of change should she pluck—or can she bend others to doing it her way?
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 3, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
April 29, 2014
Being a life-long Lutheran, (baptized in the church, confirmed in the church, married in the church and God-willing, buried in the church) I had to pick this up. When I began reading I thought, "Oh, no. This is exactly why people prefer corporate greed and the moral ambiguity of the workplace over trying to run the gauntlet of church politics." But thankfully, I was wrong. Yes, at first I looked at the characters and recognized them as people who sat in my pew, but as the book continued, I was more than a little surprised to see myself in the characters. I love how the author explains Lutheran theology and presents all its quirks and faults with a lot of humor. Some of my favorite lines:
"Why don't you ask God where your pen is?"
"I would never presume to bother God about a pen."
"Then your God is too small."
"The-I-can-do-anything. I'm-covered-because-of-grace doctrine. Right?"
"I wanted Easter to be perfect. Easter shouldn't change."
"That's what Pontius Pilate said, too. You crucify a guy, why can't he stay dead?"...
"This is different."
"And my favorite, and this is why I joined the church; 'Why can't that priest at that little church, what's his name? Martin Luther? Yeah. Why can't Luther juts shut-up and let us continue to sell forgiveness for sins? Little, nobody priest trying to change. things.'"
There are many more, but these were a few of my favorites. Recommended for anyone with even a nodding acquaintance of church ladies and all that goes along with their church work.
"Why don't you ask God where your pen is?"
"I would never presume to bother God about a pen."
"Then your God is too small."
"The-I-can-do-anything. I'm-covered-because-of-grace doctrine. Right?"
"I wanted Easter to be perfect. Easter shouldn't change."
"That's what Pontius Pilate said, too. You crucify a guy, why can't he stay dead?"...
"This is different."
"And my favorite, and this is why I joined the church; 'Why can't that priest at that little church, what's his name? Martin Luther? Yeah. Why can't Luther juts shut-up and let us continue to sell forgiveness for sins? Little, nobody priest trying to change. things.'"
There are many more, but these were a few of my favorites. Recommended for anyone with even a nodding acquaintance of church ladies and all that goes along with their church work.
April 11, 2014
I gave this book a five star rating simply because at one point I felt compelled to stop reading, copy three paragraphs, and email it to a friend halfway around the world because she HAD to read this one part as soon as she woke up. HAD TO. A book that screams "share me now" is a good book. Period.
As for the story itself...
I am not Lutheran, so the explanations behind the symbolism used were fascinating and educational, and valuable as they helped me visualize some of the scenes at a deeper level. And even though the book was about a church committee in a church doing churchy things, it wasn't dripping with churchiness (is that even a word?) to the point where I felt like I was at the bottom of a sermon. I didn't at any time feel preached at.
The story itself is two fold. It tells of a year in the life of a church going through changes in both leadership and traditions, as well as what happens in the private lives of a few of the members of that generic Ladies' Committee found in pretty much any church, school, club, or what have you. They are bound together only by a mutual love for their church community, which leads naturally to conflict, tension, mis-understanding, practical jokes, passive aggressive comments, manipulation, and power-plays. There is also forgiveness, empathy, sympathy, bonding, a group hug, and compromise. It is well rounded, taking the reader through several highs and lows, and at no time appears flat or static. Importantly, everything is absolutely believable. It feels real. It feels honest.
The read was quick and light. I laughed out loud (literally) at several moments and sniffled back tears at a few others. The only moment that left me scratching my head involved the incident on Easter morning and Lorena. It felt too vague and I was left feeling that I wasn't getting the punchline and/or message. And I am pretty sure I am a bad person because I thought the hamster incident was incredibly funny. And I loved the whole concept of Saint Scary. And I am leaving it vague so as not to ruin it with a spoiler. My only other negative remark (if you can even call it that) is that some chapters were headed with scripture, and others just standard chapter titles. I wish all were headed with scripture as I felt those were more thought provoking and set the emotional tone without giving anything plot related away.
I haven't had the guts to try the jello salad recipe included at the end. But I love the fact it is there.
As for the story itself...
I am not Lutheran, so the explanations behind the symbolism used were fascinating and educational, and valuable as they helped me visualize some of the scenes at a deeper level. And even though the book was about a church committee in a church doing churchy things, it wasn't dripping with churchiness (is that even a word?) to the point where I felt like I was at the bottom of a sermon. I didn't at any time feel preached at.
The story itself is two fold. It tells of a year in the life of a church going through changes in both leadership and traditions, as well as what happens in the private lives of a few of the members of that generic Ladies' Committee found in pretty much any church, school, club, or what have you. They are bound together only by a mutual love for their church community, which leads naturally to conflict, tension, mis-understanding, practical jokes, passive aggressive comments, manipulation, and power-plays. There is also forgiveness, empathy, sympathy, bonding, a group hug, and compromise. It is well rounded, taking the reader through several highs and lows, and at no time appears flat or static. Importantly, everything is absolutely believable. It feels real. It feels honest.
The read was quick and light. I laughed out loud (literally) at several moments and sniffled back tears at a few others. The only moment that left me scratching my head involved the incident on Easter morning and Lorena. It felt too vague and I was left feeling that I wasn't getting the punchline and/or message. And I am pretty sure I am a bad person because I thought the hamster incident was incredibly funny. And I loved the whole concept of Saint Scary. And I am leaving it vague so as not to ruin it with a spoiler. My only other negative remark (if you can even call it that) is that some chapters were headed with scripture, and others just standard chapter titles. I wish all were headed with scripture as I felt those were more thought provoking and set the emotional tone without giving anything plot related away.
I haven't had the guts to try the jello salad recipe included at the end. But I love the fact it is there.
June 26, 2019
I picked up The Lutheran Ladies' Circle: Plucking One String for some light summer reading and enjoyed it. It's not a romance. Nor is it a mystery. Several older Lutheran ladies living through their multi-generational issues with generally sweet culturally Lutheran allusions. What's not to like?
It's set in Oklahoma, which was a pleasant surprise to me as a Lutheran Okie. There are some colorful characters, but it's a pretty clean read. The most scandalous content to me, beyond your typical gossipy back-pricking, was a passing reference to whether God is male, female, or neither.
As a Christian novel, it was generally heartwarming. There were some liturgical and church year terms and Christian practices explained, which might be nicely reminiscent for some. At the same time, I guess I'd be from "that other Lutheran church" referenced in the book as my church practices have always been so different! And along with that I have to say that when the characters talked about grace, they were talking about themselves more than Jesus. So I wouldn't call it Gospel-heavy by any means. Still, an enjoyable read with some character development and compassion-building.
If I had a Lutheran "Ladies' Circle," I daresay this is a book we could pass along to one another and discuss over a bit of chocolate. Not in a religious way, but as a hat tip to some of the congregational culture we've enjoyed together. :)
It's set in Oklahoma, which was a pleasant surprise to me as a Lutheran Okie. There are some colorful characters, but it's a pretty clean read. The most scandalous content to me, beyond your typical gossipy back-pricking, was a passing reference to whether God is male, female, or neither.
As a Christian novel, it was generally heartwarming. There were some liturgical and church year terms and Christian practices explained, which might be nicely reminiscent for some. At the same time, I guess I'd be from "that other Lutheran church" referenced in the book as my church practices have always been so different! And along with that I have to say that when the characters talked about grace, they were talking about themselves more than Jesus. So I wouldn't call it Gospel-heavy by any means. Still, an enjoyable read with some character development and compassion-building.
If I had a Lutheran "Ladies' Circle," I daresay this is a book we could pass along to one another and discuss over a bit of chocolate. Not in a religious way, but as a hat tip to some of the congregational culture we've enjoyed together. :)
December 29, 2017
Poor Vera Henley. After years of being married to the Pastor the local Lutheran Church and having things done her way (which is always the best - just ask her), her husband had the gumption to up and die on her, leaving her with a congregation who no longer listens to her. Worse yet, they are being led by a young Minister who will be doing God knows what to undermine all the good her husband has done. Vera gets on everyone's nerves with her bossiness and know-it-all attitude, but most are too afraid of her to stand up and say so. The book made me laugh out loud more than once because I could picture all these ladies with their gossiping, their bake sales, and even their backstabbing when it was necessary. In the end, much like the famous Grinch, we find out Vera does have a heart after all. It was just "two sizes too small".
October 21, 2024
nope
I read to the second chapter and noted out of this book.
As a sixty five year old lady myself I couldn’t stand the judgemental and it must be my way or the highway main character. She was awful.
I read a little social media and boomers are being branded badly, this book seems to be the same. Sure the blurb makes it sound like she softens and finds a new way. But the overall premise isn’t flattering.
Maybe some boomer hater will love this book and have a good scoff ‘yeah right’ at the end.
I read to the second chapter and noted out of this book.
As a sixty five year old lady myself I couldn’t stand the judgemental and it must be my way or the highway main character. She was awful.
I read a little social media and boomers are being branded badly, this book seems to be the same. Sure the blurb makes it sound like she softens and finds a new way. But the overall premise isn’t flattering.
Maybe some boomer hater will love this book and have a good scoff ‘yeah right’ at the end.
June 15, 2021
Too much fluff
This book has too many characters and too many conversations! Nothing really happens. But I have to say, it clearly depicts ladies circles in any denomination - lots of talking, lots of eating, lots of nothing.
This book has too many characters and too many conversations! Nothing really happens. But I have to say, it clearly depicts ladies circles in any denomination - lots of talking, lots of eating, lots of nothing.
January 14, 2018
Sweet and sassy slice-of-Lutheran-life. Knorr does poignancy well, and the book would be improved without the overt catechesis throughout. The best education comes when she's not trying so hard to teach.
February 6, 2015
When I discovered this ebook for free on Amazon.com, I had to get it. It sounded so familiar. The outside world imagines that not only the Lutheran Ladies, but all church ladies are saints - sewing clothes for third world children, cooking once a week at the soup kitchen, being the first to volunteer for the winter outerwear drive, and certainly never thinking – much less saying – a cross thing to another soul. Well, welcome to the real world. All of us church ladies are sinners like everyone else. We cop attitudes, we can be slobs, we don’t volunteer at every opportunity. We are human, but we continue to serve Jello salad at every occasion and we will attend all the major church functions.
I liked how this book spoke about the reality of what goes on in probably a lot of churches - things aren't perfect, but neither are they as bleak - or as strict - as outsiders think they are.
I liked how this book spoke about the reality of what goes on in probably a lot of churches - things aren't perfect, but neither are they as bleak - or as strict - as outsiders think they are.
June 28, 2014
I almost didn't finish reading this book. After 50 pages I was ready to quit. I have been a Lutheran for the last 13 years, but have never joined any ladies group. I just couldn't do it. The one or two meetings I went to were almost as disorganized as the meetings described in this book. However, I stuck with the book and gradually could see the strong relationships that existed between these ladies. There was the value of the book for me.
I found the book's characters and the plot were not well developed and it was hard to figure out what was the point, but perhaps that was the author's intent. The ladies' circle was almost chaotic and no one seemed to know what was going on. Yet, the circle continued and did have successful fund raising events and programs.
I found the book's characters and the plot were not well developed and it was hard to figure out what was the point, but perhaps that was the author's intent. The ladies' circle was almost chaotic and no one seemed to know what was going on. Yet, the circle continued and did have successful fund raising events and programs.
June 19, 2015
I enjoyed this book. I was expecting one funny story after another. Instead it was funny stories mixed in with stories about the year-long spiritual/personal journeys of a few singles in a Lutheran church. Well worth the time.
June 13, 2014
I liked this book. The ladies were interesting. Confusing at first, but once I figured out who was who it all worked out.
These ladies will keep you guessing. A sweet, Christian kind of read.
These ladies will keep you guessing. A sweet, Christian kind of read.
September 3, 2015
Slowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
August 5, 2017
All of the characters in this book annoyed the heck out of me until about the last 70% or so. The story ended on a sad/positive note though, so I'm glad I finished reading it.
February 11, 2019
Gosh, that was good.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I downloaded this ebook, which was free at the time. To be honest, I don't expect much from books I can get for free. I know that sounds awful, and to be fair I'm often surprised. This book was no exception.
I found the main character Vera relatable. She is set in her ways and pushes through life with a perceived sense of control that is in reality an illusion. Fortunately for her, God has placed her in a church ladies group full of women who have been seasoned by life and who tell her like it is.
I am certainly adding this author to my favorite list. While I wouldn't say that this book is error free, the author more than makes up for it with her wit, her character development, her dialogue, action which was strategically placed (and unexpected) at the ending of the book, and best of all her understanding of Scripture and how she appropriately applies it to situations inspired by real life. I don't often seek out fiction, as I usually prefer to learn from books that are nonfiction in nature, but boy did I feel ministered to when I read this book!
On another note, I'm not Lutheran but I enjoyed learning about some of the denomination's traditions. I even enjoyed when they poked fun at Baptists, which is my background. What can I say- Baptists truly aren't dancers when it comes to worship!
This book was so fun to read and full of so much wisdom, the kind you'd get from sitting down with an older person over tea and hearing perspective from real-life experiences. Highly recommended.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I downloaded this ebook, which was free at the time. To be honest, I don't expect much from books I can get for free. I know that sounds awful, and to be fair I'm often surprised. This book was no exception.
I found the main character Vera relatable. She is set in her ways and pushes through life with a perceived sense of control that is in reality an illusion. Fortunately for her, God has placed her in a church ladies group full of women who have been seasoned by life and who tell her like it is.
I am certainly adding this author to my favorite list. While I wouldn't say that this book is error free, the author more than makes up for it with her wit, her character development, her dialogue, action which was strategically placed (and unexpected) at the ending of the book, and best of all her understanding of Scripture and how she appropriately applies it to situations inspired by real life. I don't often seek out fiction, as I usually prefer to learn from books that are nonfiction in nature, but boy did I feel ministered to when I read this book!
On another note, I'm not Lutheran but I enjoyed learning about some of the denomination's traditions. I even enjoyed when they poked fun at Baptists, which is my background. What can I say- Baptists truly aren't dancers when it comes to worship!
This book was so fun to read and full of so much wisdom, the kind you'd get from sitting down with an older person over tea and hearing perspective from real-life experiences. Highly recommended.
May 25, 2017
Wanted to like this one more than I did. It is possible that it was because I played it on text to speech so I could work on other projects while listening. Text to speech is not the best way to get a book. The computer can't always pronounce words and it definitely doesn't get intonation, timing, humor, etc... And it is also possible that I wasn't in the right mood for it.
It is also possible that the book moved too slowly for me to follow well while doing other things. Not a lot of excitement in the book. Mostly just the mundane things in life. Typically I can relate to that and even enjoy a book about it. There is humor in the book but the text to speech ruined a lot of that for me. Several times I had the thought that it would have been a funny line if it had been delivered as it was meant to be. I almost want to try reading it myself and see if I like it better but I have an endless list of books to read so I'll probably move on.
It was clean. Might have had a few scattered swear words but frankly I can't remember so it must not have been too bad.
It is also possible that the book moved too slowly for me to follow well while doing other things. Not a lot of excitement in the book. Mostly just the mundane things in life. Typically I can relate to that and even enjoy a book about it. There is humor in the book but the text to speech ruined a lot of that for me. Several times I had the thought that it would have been a funny line if it had been delivered as it was meant to be. I almost want to try reading it myself and see if I like it better but I have an endless list of books to read so I'll probably move on.
It was clean. Might have had a few scattered swear words but frankly I can't remember so it must not have been too bad.
December 17, 2017
I selected this because it was a free e-book, and the cover looked funny. This time of year, I need some humor in my reading choices.
I almost put this book down after the first few chapters. The ladies were selfish and mean. I was baptized and married in the Lutheran church. I don't attend Lutheran church anymore. The rituals that are described were some things I didn't know about the Lutheran church. Narthex anyone?
I'm glad I stuck it out because it turned out to be a decent book. I wouldn't say it was humorous. I don't recall laughing once, but the theme of change as it relates to Vera was nice. It was overemphasized that the theme was "change is difficult," but the book moved along nicely, and the idea of getting through hard times with help from friends was an unstated theme.
I recommend this for anyone who would like to learn a bit about the Lutheran church, and anyone who likes stories about "discarded" or "forgotten" women, who come together and support each other. Overall, it's a good read.
I almost put this book down after the first few chapters. The ladies were selfish and mean. I was baptized and married in the Lutheran church. I don't attend Lutheran church anymore. The rituals that are described were some things I didn't know about the Lutheran church. Narthex anyone?
I'm glad I stuck it out because it turned out to be a decent book. I wouldn't say it was humorous. I don't recall laughing once, but the theme of change as it relates to Vera was nice. It was overemphasized that the theme was "change is difficult," but the book moved along nicely, and the idea of getting through hard times with help from friends was an unstated theme.
I recommend this for anyone who would like to learn a bit about the Lutheran church, and anyone who likes stories about "discarded" or "forgotten" women, who come together and support each other. Overall, it's a good read.
November 28, 2022
Totally captures the Missouri Synod / German Lutheran ambiance I grew up with. A mind-numbing focus on childrearing, over-decorating, and sugar/meat/white flour/high fat food, punctuated by occasional moments of theology and an annual beer and barbeque feast. Sometimes, after the service, while drinking the excellent strong coffee in the narthex, there are brief moments where you discover some of these individuals aren't quite as square as their rigid 1950s cultural habits would lead you to believe.
Great descriptions of children acting up! The overall impression is a screenplay where the acting, sound effects, and visuals carry the day. The characters are initially rather generic and indistinct, and the plot starts out being quite fluffy, so the more substantial content and character development at the end comes as a bit of a surprise.
Thanks to my friend Welling for bringing back a bit of my childhood ... and my wonderfully misspent youth with the Captain. I would never have looked at this book if it hadn't come up on her feed!
Great descriptions of children acting up! The overall impression is a screenplay where the acting, sound effects, and visuals carry the day. The characters are initially rather generic and indistinct, and the plot starts out being quite fluffy, so the more substantial content and character development at the end comes as a bit of a surprise.
Thanks to my friend Welling for bringing back a bit of my childhood ... and my wonderfully misspent youth with the Captain. I would never have looked at this book if it hadn't come up on her feed!
July 6, 2017
Dealing with changes in life is difficult. We turn to our church for stability only to realize the church is also changing. I remind myself the church is made up of imperfect people who really are trying to do their best to live life as they believe God has directed. But God doesn't direct us all in the same ways. I found myself laughing as I read this book. I also found I identified with these women in ways I wished weren't true. I wanted to call my girlfriend in Pennsylvania several times and read a funny excerpt aloud to her so we could giggle together. Change can be good for us once we stop the fighting and accept new possibilities.
October 5, 2018
Unpairing, funny, and heartfelt
I thought this book would be a simply light-hearted piece of amusement poking fun at the church and its many traditions, but it ended up being much more than that. The character were delightfully quirky and funny, while life-lessons and spiritual lessons were weird masterfully into the action in a way that was not “preach” at all! The growth of the main character was believable and heart-warming. And although I shed a tear near the end, most of the book kept me laughing and saying “aha!” Throughout. I definitely recommend this book if you enjoy a lighthearted journey through grief and learning to let go.
I thought this book would be a simply light-hearted piece of amusement poking fun at the church and its many traditions, but it ended up being much more than that. The character were delightfully quirky and funny, while life-lessons and spiritual lessons were weird masterfully into the action in a way that was not “preach” at all! The growth of the main character was believable and heart-warming. And although I shed a tear near the end, most of the book kept me laughing and saying “aha!” Throughout. I definitely recommend this book if you enjoy a lighthearted journey through grief and learning to let go.
January 24, 2020
I love the Lutheran Ladies Circle!
I've read lots of books that used a church as the centerpiece. Most have used it as a springboard to trot out all the cliches about "church people". While there was a little bit of that in this story (after all, cliches are just that because they do have an element of truth to them) I thought that the author did an excellent job of exposing the inner and underlying causes of the behavior of the characters.
I appreciate the fact that she made them "real people" instead of caricatures.
Lots of humor along the way made for a very enjoyable read!
I've read lots of books that used a church as the centerpiece. Most have used it as a springboard to trot out all the cliches about "church people". While there was a little bit of that in this story (after all, cliches are just that because they do have an element of truth to them) I thought that the author did an excellent job of exposing the inner and underlying causes of the behavior of the characters.
I appreciate the fact that she made them "real people" instead of caricatures.
Lots of humor along the way made for a very enjoyable read!
July 26, 2019
AAAAA-MEN!!
I was a southern California "church kid" for most of my "growing up" years; Sunday mornings/Sunday nights/Wednesday nights - like clockwork. In my (much) later years I was the Office Manager for a large church in the Pacific Northwest. I totally "got" this book and found myself chuckling, snorting, tearing up AND laughing out loud! The denomination matters little; the members are what makes a church a church and, my oh my, the Lutheran Ladies Circle members made my heart sing!
I was a southern California "church kid" for most of my "growing up" years; Sunday mornings/Sunday nights/Wednesday nights - like clockwork. In my (much) later years I was the Office Manager for a large church in the Pacific Northwest. I totally "got" this book and found myself chuckling, snorting, tearing up AND laughing out loud! The denomination matters little; the members are what makes a church a church and, my oh my, the Lutheran Ladies Circle members made my heart sing!
January 26, 2023
Lutheran ladies aren't so different from Baptist ladies
I truly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more in this series. The characters reflected traits common in most groups of ladies living in a world of flawed people attempting to find a more acceptable way to live a live of grace in an unsupportive world. This book is full of humor sprinkled with some deep spiritual truths that do not overwhelm the reader with preachy doctrine. My time reading this book was well spent.
I truly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more in this series. The characters reflected traits common in most groups of ladies living in a world of flawed people attempting to find a more acceptable way to live a live of grace in an unsupportive world. This book is full of humor sprinkled with some deep spiritual truths that do not overwhelm the reader with preachy doctrine. My time reading this book was well spent.
August 11, 2025
I know these ladies!
What a lovely peek into the work and relationships of church ladies, particularly of the Lutheran variety. The division of duties (and power) amidst the real lives they live day to day; endearing, aggravating, cherished by each other. This is also about maneuvering big life changes and learning to let go of what was for what God has planned for your future. I enjoyed some chuckles, shed some tears and heaved a big sigh at the end. By the way, I’m pretty sure one of these ladies IS me!
What a lovely peek into the work and relationships of church ladies, particularly of the Lutheran variety. The division of duties (and power) amidst the real lives they live day to day; endearing, aggravating, cherished by each other. This is also about maneuvering big life changes and learning to let go of what was for what God has planned for your future. I enjoyed some chuckles, shed some tears and heaved a big sigh at the end. By the way, I’m pretty sure one of these ladies IS me!
February 7, 2017
Laughter Out Loud
My husband asked what I was reading because I kept laughing. I loved Aunt Ula she so wanted Vera to open her eyes and let go of the past. So many of us had a similar upbringing even if we were not pastor's kids. I loved the little tidbits of Christ love and Word through the story. I can't wait to read the next book. Thank you for the free book or I may not have heard about this series.
My husband asked what I was reading because I kept laughing. I loved Aunt Ula she so wanted Vera to open her eyes and let go of the past. So many of us had a similar upbringing even if we were not pastor's kids. I loved the little tidbits of Christ love and Word through the story. I can't wait to read the next book. Thank you for the free book or I may not have heard about this series.
January 30, 2017
While a chicklit book, I enjoyed it, probably because felt like being in my own church. While the women I know in church are not directly like the characters in this book, the interactions and relations between them are the same.
Aside from the realism, it is a good peek into Lutheran custom and theology.
However, the big tell that is a work of fiction is at the end of the book, they forgive each other.
Aside from the realism, it is a good peek into Lutheran custom and theology.
However, the big tell that is a work of fiction is at the end of the book, they forgive each other.
January 11, 2018
Any book that can make me laugh this much deserves an array of stars.
Strong women with good intentions, but different path ideas, can bring about a lot of conflict. Letting go of the notion that we can maintain control of our lives is an idea to let go of and move away from.
Very has a tight grip on her husband's congregation until he suddenly dies. Trying to find her way in these new circumstances, is not only a trial for her, but anyone else in her path.
Strong women with good intentions, but different path ideas, can bring about a lot of conflict. Letting go of the notion that we can maintain control of our lives is an idea to let go of and move away from.
Very has a tight grip on her husband's congregation until he suddenly dies. Trying to find her way in these new circumstances, is not only a trial for her, but anyone else in her path.
January 15, 2018
Entertaining read (and informative for non-Lutherans). Realistically portrays a lot of church ladies and other members of the congregation that I have known from attending both Catholic and non-denominational churches. Enjoyed author Kris Knorr's writing style - she especially has a gift for dialogue, in both funny and serious scenes. I'm putting the rest of the novels in The Lutheran Ladies Circle series on my TBR list!
March 7, 2018
Fun and relatable.
The characters within this book were very reminiscent of people I grew up attending church with. The constant-but-loving bickering of longtime friends, the sense of duty and commitment to something greater than one's self, and the sense of shared history made this relatable and lighthearted. I found myself wanting to keep reading thanks to good character development, brisk pacing, and universally recognizable character struggles. Overall a fun read.
The characters within this book were very reminiscent of people I grew up attending church with. The constant-but-loving bickering of longtime friends, the sense of duty and commitment to something greater than one's self, and the sense of shared history made this relatable and lighthearted. I found myself wanting to keep reading thanks to good character development, brisk pacing, and universally recognizable character struggles. Overall a fun read.
October 28, 2018
Reminiscent of Ann B. Ross's Miss Julia, Linda Evans Shepherd's Potluck Club, and Lynne Hinton's cookbook creating ladies of Hope Springs, this book is by turns sweet and salty. A look at a year in church life through the the eyes of the recently deceased minister and her friends and adversaries in the Ladies Circle. Scenes that made me laugh, a couple that made me tear up, and more than one that made me think. Looking forward to reading more of the series.
September 20, 2020
This was an entertaining book. Being a Lutheran, I could identify with the season and even see some of our ladies. This book goes through the seasons and how the ladies circle set up the church for the different events. There are toes stepped on and feelings hurt. The one lady, whose husband was the Pastor, until he died, still thinks that if she does not organize, it will not get done. I liked the book.
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