What do you think?
Rate this book
If a Church Pew Could Talk
Everett, a church pew, fears he may be headed to the woodchipper. A resident of Pumpkin Creek United Church for more than 150 years, his fate hangs in the balance with the church members, some of whom prefer chairs over pews. The members’ vote is unanimous. Pews are out. Chairs are in. But where will he go? Or will he be destroyed? While Everett waits for his removal from the only home he’s known, he takes a trip down memory lane with stories from his creation in 1854 until present time. He’s witnessed the lives of unforgettable characters, disorderly visitors, rambunctious children, snooty ladies, and war heroes. Through his stories, Everett shares the good news of Jesus Christ and the transformation only He can make in a person’s life.
- GenresChristian Fiction
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 16, 2023
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 29, 2023
I really enjoyed this faith based fiction. It was so well done! I really loved getting to know all the characters but especially Everett. Oh the stories he held in his heart! ❤️ very easy, much enjoyable read!!!!
May 5, 2024
I love history, cherished family, and old-fashioned church. This book has all three. What it doesn't boast is a human POV. The entire story is told from a church pew's perspective. I'll never forget Everett! I am glad the author named him. He is a wonderful storyteller--the silent observer through the years in Pumpkin Creek United Church; he has a voice as he shares the stories of their lives with the readers. This is a refreshingly different novel. It encapsulates testimonies sure to touch and linger in each heart. I recommend it.
October 31, 2023
What a wonderful heart-warming book! It will touch your heart immediately in the first chapter. Everett, the pew, takes you through the years from when he came into existence in the mid 1800s to present day. Everett has seen lots of changes. Some of them sad, some of them happy. Either way you will be drawn in and unable to put the book down. Awesome read! Loved it! 💚
May 1, 2026
This is a great concept and would probably make a good play. I can easily imagine the idea as a movie montage with all the weddings, gatherings, solitary confessions, etc. Unfortunately, the story does not live up to what I hoped.
The main issue is a lack of character development and connecting theme. We essentially get a short story every few chapters and that works, but the author needed more character and theme focus rather than plot focus as it's overall more suited for a slice of life character and theme driven story than a plot driven one.
What little character description we get is very modern day Mary Sue. Of course the Civil War era people have modern day views on race and slavery! Despite Sherman being a real historical figure who we know was not in way an abolitionist, he gets portrayed as one here. That dude was not anti-slavery, why write him that way?
And the wedding scene was way over top campy slap stick. Why was the bride not at all upset her expensive, definitely painstakingly hand-made and probably passed down wedding dress got a notorious stain leaving food on it? That does not make sense. Sure, I let my dog lay my gown, but my gown was cheap, mass produced, and I have oxyclean stain remover. The bride being willing to fix the torn veil and move on I can get, but the stains all over a very expensive possible heirloom I do not. At best, she was just in her finest dress, but even that would have been upsetting on some level. I'm not saying she should have flown off in a rage and beat the boy or anything, but immediately laughing that off is not believable for the era. Stuff is just stuff (easy for us who don't have to make everything by hand to say!), but manual labor is generally respected when it comes to things requiring a high level of skilled labor. I think it would have been more impactful to show the bride being surprised, then upset, then remembering the purpose of the day is what matters and then moving on. Maybe some tension in the church as she stares in horror at her ruined dress that gets broken when she bursts into laughter?
Then the soldier who got in a fight in a war camp says "not that fighting is the answer." I feel like a soldier would have a more complex and nuanced perspective. Or the irony should have been investigated better. It's an odd line between two soldiers in the context of this chapter. The line felt more like an author insert than a soldier providing his own perspective on fighting. Is this even in a perspective someone from the Civil War era would hold, soldier or otherwise?
The stories and characters get somewhat less one-dimensional and overly happy as they continue. We have a reformed drunk and a preacher with anger issues and hypocrisy regarding his secret TV.
Then a child's funeral.- SKIP. A hard left from being sappy feel good to this? Why? Let's get back to the feel good Mary Sue plots if this is the alternative.
The book then ends with familiar church goers seeing the pew at the museum. It's wierd a randomly mentioned teddy bear is there, but OK.
The main issue is a lack of character development and connecting theme. We essentially get a short story every few chapters and that works, but the author needed more character and theme focus rather than plot focus as it's overall more suited for a slice of life character and theme driven story than a plot driven one.
What little character description we get is very modern day Mary Sue. Of course the Civil War era people have modern day views on race and slavery! Despite Sherman being a real historical figure who we know was not in way an abolitionist, he gets portrayed as one here. That dude was not anti-slavery, why write him that way?
And the wedding scene was way over top campy slap stick. Why was the bride not at all upset her expensive, definitely painstakingly hand-made and probably passed down wedding dress got a notorious stain leaving food on it? That does not make sense. Sure, I let my dog lay my gown, but my gown was cheap, mass produced, and I have oxyclean stain remover. The bride being willing to fix the torn veil and move on I can get, but the stains all over a very expensive possible heirloom I do not. At best, she was just in her finest dress, but even that would have been upsetting on some level. I'm not saying she should have flown off in a rage and beat the boy or anything, but immediately laughing that off is not believable for the era. Stuff is just stuff (easy for us who don't have to make everything by hand to say!), but manual labor is generally respected when it comes to things requiring a high level of skilled labor. I think it would have been more impactful to show the bride being surprised, then upset, then remembering the purpose of the day is what matters and then moving on. Maybe some tension in the church as she stares in horror at her ruined dress that gets broken when she bursts into laughter?
Then the soldier who got in a fight in a war camp says "not that fighting is the answer." I feel like a soldier would have a more complex and nuanced perspective. Or the irony should have been investigated better. It's an odd line between two soldiers in the context of this chapter. The line felt more like an author insert than a soldier providing his own perspective on fighting. Is this even in a perspective someone from the Civil War era would hold, soldier or otherwise?
The stories and characters get somewhat less one-dimensional and overly happy as they continue. We have a reformed drunk and a preacher with anger issues and hypocrisy regarding his secret TV.
Then a child's funeral.- SKIP. A hard left from being sappy feel good to this? Why? Let's get back to the feel good Mary Sue plots if this is the alternative.
The book then ends with familiar church goers seeing the pew at the museum. It's wierd a randomly mentioned teddy bear is there, but OK.
October 24, 2023
Awesome
This book would be enjoyed by all. It touches on all emotions, bringing back memories to us older adults. We who went to church as children where we had pews can relate to the stories told, if only the pews could talk we may or may not want to hear what they would have to say. We might really be surprised. Great enjoyable read.
This book would be enjoyed by all. It touches on all emotions, bringing back memories to us older adults. We who went to church as children where we had pews can relate to the stories told, if only the pews could talk we may or may not want to hear what they would have to say. We might really be surprised. Great enjoyable read.
November 2, 2023
This book leads you into very interesting scenarios. Initially you might say, ‘a story about a church pew, what?’ Well, don’t stop there! The author uses her creativity to draw you in and keep you. Everyone, young & old, male & female will find topics they love. You will not be disappointed! Happy reading!!
December 17, 2025
This book is written from the birth of Everett the Pew made from the oak tree at a special person's home. I think that is a wonderful way to hear the stories of faith. I also enjoyed the history from some of the stories starting in 1854. I recommend this fiction Christian literature. I hope you enjoy it as well.
November 6, 2023
Once I started getting into the story, I couldn’t put this down. I’m actually somewhat sad to have finished it. It reminds me of my days growing up as a pastor’s kid in churches with many pews. The stories are so delightful! Looking forward to reading more from this author and hopefully very soon!
November 15, 2023
Once I picked it up I couldn’t put it down! Everette is a charming character that brings us through a journey of generations of his life stories. Quick read with a faith based story. I look forward to reading more from this author.
November 16, 2024
A charming tale as told through the thoughts of a church pew. Stories of tragedy and triumph of those who walked through the doors of the small town Pumpkin Creek United Church during a period of 154 years. I laughed and cried. Well worth a read.
June 7, 2026
It took me a few chapters to warm up to this one, because a pew for a narrator took some getting used to and I was thinking the whole thing was silly. But by the end, I was totally used to it. I found the story, the people, and this little church so rich and charming!
October 24, 2023
Humorous and touching story
Real life stories of a congregation who have human natures with a desire to be Christ followers! Laughed and cried.
Real life stories of a congregation who have human natures with a desire to be Christ followers! Laughed and cried.
April 16, 2024
I loved this book. It is a real page turner. I also love the cover. I would recommend this book.
March 19, 2025
If you are a church goer (or not) -- you would laugh out loud and also shed a tear. Great book. Can't wait to pass it along to another church member.
March 29, 2025
A most delightful book!
Read
April 27, 2026Interesting concept and I enjoyed reading about the history of a church for the past 150 years and highlights of things that happened there.
November 13, 2023
A charming story. I enjoyed being transported through the decades and seeing life in the community from the eyes of a pew. Touching and heart warming.
May 31, 2026
Change??!!!
Church life from a pew’s perspective. Snapshots … some humorous …some sad… all trace the changes the occur within a church with the passing of time.
Church life from a pew’s perspective. Snapshots … some humorous …some sad… all trace the changes the occur within a church with the passing of time.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews