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Pastor's Aid Club #1
Pastor Needs a Boo
Michele Andrea Bowen made a name for herself years ago during the African-American inspirational fiction craze. Now, in Pastor Needs a Boo, she's back with an amazing journey of faith, drama, and love.It was a regular New Jerusalem Gospel United Church work day for Reverend Denzelle Flowers when Veronica Washington, Keisha Jackson, and Marsha Metcalf showed up after losing their jobs on the same day, same morning, and almost at the same time. Denzelle struggled to solve that first problem. The other problem—the lovely Marsha—would be much harder to solve. Denzelle didn't even know how to fight wanting to turn in the playah's card and getting "booed" up with the poster girl for "church girls." Marsha Metcalf and her fellow unemployed church members aren't Denzelle's biggest problem, though. He is running for bishop, and his enemies—a more ruthless consortium of corrupted clergy—want power badly enough to go to rather extreme lengths for it because the stakes are just that high. Now, his ex-wife was back and sleeping with the enemy, digging for dirt. Reverend Denzelle can't fight this battle alone. This pastor needs a ‘boo' who will stand by his side. Before the dust settles, both Marsha and Denzelle's faith and love will be put to the ultimate test.
402 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 8, 2014
18 people are currently reading
454 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
January 31, 2019
I know I know the name of this book it’s self for me was reason enough not to read it however I did read it and I must say I was pleasantly surprised. so we have the very confident very knowledgeable and fine as hell Pastor Flowers!! and might I say pastor Flowers is unmarried. enter stage right the prim and proper Masha. she is grown and sexy but she plays down that sexy because she loves the Lord and wants to do the right thing at all times as it turns out. Pastor flowers and Masha have known each other for quite some time and they definitely notice one another but you both are afraid to approach one another. and this story is about them getting together this is a Christian love story so it’s going to be none of that sex stuff throughout the book but I have to say I chuckled several times listening to the antics of the black church! i’m sure you’re going to love this book as I did!
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July 4, 2014I requested this book because I thought it would be a fun read. I spent my formative years as a PK so the world of being called to and serving in Ministry isn't foreign to me at all. In fact my father is an Elder and my mother is a Minister. A great many of my friends serve in ministry.
That doesn't mean, however, that those that are called to ministry aren't human. I've seen a few Pastors fall because, in the end, we are all fallible. That seems to be the main theme of this novel-- Denzelle Flowers is a man of God, a man of the cloth, but he needs a woman. And he sees the answer to this need in Marsha Metcalf, a woman in his church who has just lost her job, but has caught his eye.
The first few chapters of this novel were intriguing, especially the prologue. I like feeling like people in novels have real problems to solve, not 'rich people problems'. Past that, it seemed like I was drowning in back story. Every character has two to three pages of filler- background information meant to make their presence in the book more meaningful but only served to drag it out. The POV changes on the fly and it's hard to keep track of who's telling the story.
There are some details I had a hard time with. I don't know what denomination these folks are supposed to be, but sitting in the Pastor's office gossiping about another Pastor, listening to Jill Scott, quoting Rick Ross and drinking Crown Royal.... I checked out after that. I know there are some denominations that are looser than others, and growing up in the life I know that people are human.... I really couldn't suspend my reality to go that far with it. I also had a very hard time with how full of lust Pastor Flowers was. How does he open his bible for a word from the Lord and then drool over a member of his church. I was quite uncomfortable.
I skipped around a bit to try to get the gist of the story but ultimately I have so many other books I would rather read. It would probably be great entertainment for a person who loves black romance and faith based novels.
I've opted not to rate this novel and I will not be posting a review at The Sweet Escape. I received an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley.
That doesn't mean, however, that those that are called to ministry aren't human. I've seen a few Pastors fall because, in the end, we are all fallible. That seems to be the main theme of this novel-- Denzelle Flowers is a man of God, a man of the cloth, but he needs a woman. And he sees the answer to this need in Marsha Metcalf, a woman in his church who has just lost her job, but has caught his eye.
The first few chapters of this novel were intriguing, especially the prologue. I like feeling like people in novels have real problems to solve, not 'rich people problems'. Past that, it seemed like I was drowning in back story. Every character has two to three pages of filler- background information meant to make their presence in the book more meaningful but only served to drag it out. The POV changes on the fly and it's hard to keep track of who's telling the story.
There are some details I had a hard time with. I don't know what denomination these folks are supposed to be, but sitting in the Pastor's office gossiping about another Pastor, listening to Jill Scott, quoting Rick Ross and drinking Crown Royal.... I checked out after that. I know there are some denominations that are looser than others, and growing up in the life I know that people are human.... I really couldn't suspend my reality to go that far with it. I also had a very hard time with how full of lust Pastor Flowers was. How does he open his bible for a word from the Lord and then drool over a member of his church. I was quite uncomfortable.
I skipped around a bit to try to get the gist of the story but ultimately I have so many other books I would rather read. It would probably be great entertainment for a person who loves black romance and faith based novels.
I've opted not to rate this novel and I will not be posting a review at The Sweet Escape. I received an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2017
More like a 3.5. I was really surprised at how well developed the story line and characters were. I've avoided reading it forever because the name is so cheesy, but I really liked it. Definitely going to check out the author's back catalog.
May 21, 2017
Ridiculously stupid book with scriptures thrown in. If there is this much drama in the church who'd want to join. I hate to list this book on my good reads but I'm trying meet my yearly goal.
January 10, 2024
I read this book for a book club and otherwise I might not have finished it. At almost 400 pages this book had so many plots and characters it was hard to keep track. Having never read another book by Andrea Bowen it wasn’t revisiting characters from her previous books it felt distracting from the story with Marsha and Denzelle. It felt like every wild soap opera drama storyline imagine was fit into this book to the point it felt silly. Another issue I had with this book was that I wasn’t sure who the audience was. It seemed to be struggling between portraying Christians as awful people who are out backstab one another and sharing Bible verses and comments on christian marriage. It was hard to root for these characters when I didn’t find them likable or got to know them.
June 27, 2018
I usually don't read these type of books, unless I feel like it, I do like "Ura=ban Christian Fiction" books too. But I will say this book it was an okay book. This book gives you the details of the corruption and drama that goes on in the church and shows how faith and truth prevail in the end.
June 4, 2021
A big "no" to this one. After reading Church Folk and More Church Folk I expected so much more. This book was a disappointment.
Denzelle was a player or "playah," and so and so has game. We know, we know, because the author has told us so too many times to count; if this were a real-life scenario I'd be tempted to think thou protesteth too much.
The building up to the Dancing with the Stars night resulted in a bit of a letdown, although the event presented some funny moments courtesy of the more creative contestants. What wasn't funny was Denzelle and Marsha wandering into Denzelle's office where their mutual declaration of love is solidified in the most ridiculous, implausible way.
I loved Bowen's previous pair of Church Folk books because of the hilarious way she depicted those ostentatious bishops and her descriptions of their equally-pretentious processions, complete with showy robes and coordinating alligator shoes. In this book there is some humor, but it is nowhere near the caliber of those earlier works. (Stacy Adams shoes with the toes cut out, however, elicited a laugh from me, at least).
On the plus side, even though some readers express impatience with this author's tendency toward wordy descriptions I actually find those written illustrations interesting. It is obvious from the details that Bowen has very good taste, particularly in home furnishings and even in the tasteful attire sported by the less-fashion flagrant pastors, bishops, and their wives. Her keen observations of Sunday morning chit-chat among some of the ladies in the congregation evoked laughs from me, as well, as they assess and appraise, from head to toe, one woman's designer outfit, purse, and red-soled shoes.
Even if I had not read Church Folk and More Church Folk prior to reading this book, I would not have liked this story. Too much slang that borders on "ghetto," too many loose threads that become hard to keep straight, and improbable plot lines that create multiple tangles of confusion in anyone trying to follow along.
If Andrea Bowen continues to write I'm hoping she does a third Church Folk - or something really similar - rather than expanding on this mess.
Denzelle was a player or "playah," and so and so has game. We know, we know, because the author has told us so too many times to count; if this were a real-life scenario I'd be tempted to think thou protesteth too much.
The building up to the Dancing with the Stars night resulted in a bit of a letdown, although the event presented some funny moments courtesy of the more creative contestants. What wasn't funny was Denzelle and Marsha wandering into Denzelle's office where their mutual declaration of love is solidified in the most ridiculous, implausible way.
I loved Bowen's previous pair of Church Folk books because of the hilarious way she depicted those ostentatious bishops and her descriptions of their equally-pretentious processions, complete with showy robes and coordinating alligator shoes. In this book there is some humor, but it is nowhere near the caliber of those earlier works. (Stacy Adams shoes with the toes cut out, however, elicited a laugh from me, at least).
On the plus side, even though some readers express impatience with this author's tendency toward wordy descriptions I actually find those written illustrations interesting. It is obvious from the details that Bowen has very good taste, particularly in home furnishings and even in the tasteful attire sported by the less-fashion flagrant pastors, bishops, and their wives. Her keen observations of Sunday morning chit-chat among some of the ladies in the congregation evoked laughs from me, as well, as they assess and appraise, from head to toe, one woman's designer outfit, purse, and red-soled shoes.
Even if I had not read Church Folk and More Church Folk prior to reading this book, I would not have liked this story. Too much slang that borders on "ghetto," too many loose threads that become hard to keep straight, and improbable plot lines that create multiple tangles of confusion in anyone trying to follow along.
If Andrea Bowen continues to write I'm hoping she does a third Church Folk - or something really similar - rather than expanding on this mess.
July 9, 2014
I absolutely loved this book! It is hilarious! These church folk are out of control in their quest for more money and more power. Some were creeping, hiring hit men and taking bribes. A few times I had to ask myself just what or who do these people really believe in? The well-developed characters kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next. I am so glad that Pastor Denzelle Flowers, Marsha and the other devoted members stayed true to their beliefs. I received this book, free, in a Goodread's First Read's Giveaway. Thank you! Although it is my first book by this author, it won't be my last!
August 25, 2014
I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway book and I can't say I really enjoyed it.
The characters all seemed really forced and stereotypical. Some parts felt a bit like reading the script from a episode of Maury. There was no depth to the personalities, everyone was basically good or bad. And overall pretty cheesy.
Also, I'd recommend the author get someone to do a better job of editing the book before it is fully released. There was a ridiculous number of typos and places where the wrong word was used, in some cases it looked like something was just autocorrected and made no sense at all.
The characters all seemed really forced and stereotypical. Some parts felt a bit like reading the script from a episode of Maury. There was no depth to the personalities, everyone was basically good or bad. And overall pretty cheesy.
Also, I'd recommend the author get someone to do a better job of editing the book before it is fully released. There was a ridiculous number of typos and places where the wrong word was used, in some cases it looked like something was just autocorrected and made no sense at all.
August 24, 2014
This book was cleverly written and very detailed. I imagine the scenes being played out and can actually see it transform into the small screen. The title in no way should be the deciding factor in choosing this book. I wanted to give this book more stars however there were to many loose ends and a strong suspicion that a sequel will be released in the future.
January 27, 2015
I really had to force myself to read this book. It was extremely repetitive. I almost screamed by the amount of times I read "who ever heard of the fox trot......" I also understand that pastors and members of a church are human, and all types of things go on in some churches; however cussing, drinking, and constant sex on the brain doesn't agree with my personal moral compass.
March 3, 2015
I really enjoyed the book it had quite a few funny parts; which is what I like about her books. Ms. Bowen tends to make church people real. I think we tend to forget they go through the same ups and downs as everyone else. This book did drag on for a moment to the point that I just couldn't wait to finish.
December 10, 2017
I would rate this as a 3 1/2 It was a good story but i just feel like it was to much back story and side story. It kept me intrigued cause I wanted to know how it would end. It really started getting good at chapter 35.
August 5, 2014
I tried and tried, but I could not get into this.
August 25, 2014
The book stared out slow, but a good book overall. These church folks were off the chain. A bunch of church folk chasing a dollar instead of chasing Jesus…..
December 15, 2014
I really had to force myself to read this book. Very repetitive until the end of the book.
January 28, 2015
This novel was not a page-turner for me. It could not hold my interest. There was too much detail and too many characters.
December 29, 2020
I really enjoy what I know I will get from this authors writing. Her books are humorous, explore church fellowship, adds a classy romance, and a good moral story. Her books read like a well told movie where you can picture every scene. I loved the adult romance done in a most sophisticated way. I love the funny characters and enjoyed this read. The book starts super funny in the first 30 pages. It's slow between pages 75-200, but from 200-390 you are in for a good story. I met this author years ago at a book signing and she was so sweet, funny, and down to earth.
July 29, 2021
I was hoping that the writing style would have improved and it did not. My issue with the writing style is that you are provided descriptions that you really don't need and back stories for characters that are not really part of the story but are just mentioned for a page or two. The story plot is nice but the writing style ruins it, as there are times when I just want to skip parts to get back to the story.
September 3, 2023
The title of the book is a turn off! I had said to myself if it's an audiobook, I'll listen & follow along with the library book. Well it was audio & I did follow along. I enjoyed the book, it was ridiculous & hilarious, if Christians folks carried on this way in church, I don't think they're would be any Christian. I'm glad it ended with the whole congregation on their knees praying to God!🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
January 8, 2018
Great, easy read
I chose this book because I LOVED the first series! I was not disappointed by my choice. I would have given a 5 if not for some editing issues... I hope the next readers enjoy it as much as I did!
I chose this book because I LOVED the first series! I was not disappointed by my choice. I would have given a 5 if not for some editing issues... I hope the next readers enjoy it as much as I did!
January 18, 2018
I really wanted to like this book. The core storyline had merit but the tired lines and phrases no one would ever say was just too much. With every character, I felt myself asking, “really?? Who says stuff like that.”
November 21, 2017
The Book was enjoyable from front to back reading Michelle Bowen's books you don't want to put it down and you don't want it to end
June 25, 2019
My cotton candy read!
July 8, 2019
It was definitely a page turner I didn't want to put it down so it was definitely a good read. I would like to read more books like this.
March 26, 2022
Great read!
Michelle Andrea Bowen does it again. I'm looking forward to 'Praying Like Crazy' due to come out in July 2022!
Michelle Andrea Bowen does it again. I'm looking forward to 'Praying Like Crazy' due to come out in July 2022!
December 10, 2022
Really good
This book is very good. It took minute to get into ,but the ending is very good. Will read part 2.
This book is very good. It took minute to get into ,but the ending is very good. Will read part 2.
March 11, 2023
Ok but struggled to finish.
October 20, 2014
Reverend Denzelle Flowers is faced with a tough dilemma when three of his parishioners in New Jerusalem Gospel United Church in Raleigh, North Carolina lose their jobs. What can he do to help his flock? The only thing Denzelle can think of is to use money from the Pastor’s Aid fund. But, that money can only be used to fund activities for the Pastor’s Aid Club. Reinstating this club may be difficult since the past head of the organization, Mrs. Clara Mae Davidson, did not leave church members with a fond memory of her or the Pastor’s Aid Club. Nonetheless, re-instituting the club will solve the employment problem for these three parishioners and also help Denzelle to get started on his newest endeavor. However, for that to happen, Veronica Washington, Keisha Jackson, and Marsha Metcalf must be willing to serve on the committee. Convincing the three ladies that running the Pastor’s Aid Club is a worthy cause isn’t easy, but Denzelle gets them on board. The turning factor is that they’ll actually be helping run Reverend Flowers’ campaign for bishop.
Pastor Denzelle may have solved the problem of jobs for his unemployed church members, but he has another problem on his hands. This problem comes in the form of the lovely Marsha Metcalf. How in the world is he supposed to fight the desire to turn in his playah’s card and “get “booed” up” with the epitome of a Proverbs 31 woman? Denzelle hasn’t slept around since getting saved and rededicating his life to the Lord, but that doesn’t mean he’s ready to put his heart into the hands of one woman for the rest of his life. He did that once and ended up with a woman who was a bigger player than he ever was.
Reverend Flowers has some experience running away from what God has planned for him. As a young man, Denzelle pledged Kappa Alpha Psi in college and enjoyed great times with his fraternity brothers filled with drinking, beautiful women and anything else a handsome young man could get into. When God called on him to become a preacher, Denzelle instead wanted to go after his dream of becoming an FBI agent. Denzelle did get his dream of becoming an FBI agent but also found out that you can’t run from God and ended up a preacher as well. He soon retired and focused on pastoring. But, Denzelle hadn’t fully mastered the ability to hear and follow the plan the God has for his life. Denzelle married a gorgeous woman named Tatiana, against the advice of those who cared for him. Tatiana outplayed the playah and actually cheated on Denzelle; it turns out that she was just a gold digger who doesn’t have the ability to love anyone but herself. Now in his forties, you would think Denzelle knows better than to think he can set God’s plans aside until he’s ready to follow them. Yet, this pastor is avoiding the virtuous woman that God has placed in his path as if she’s a snake in the grass.
Nevertheless, Marsha isn’t Denzelle’s biggest difficulty. He will face a multitude of obstacles in his run for bishop. Denzelle has made enemies among the corrupt clergy who will do anything to have their candidate win the one bishop spot that is coming open. Their plotting consists of imposing a new rule that would make it impossible for a divorced preacher to become bishop. Also, Denzelle’s ex-wife is back in the game and sleeping with Denzelle’s enemies in the hopes of gaining power and prestige for herself, as well as hurting Denzelle along the way. With enemies surrounding him, Denzelle needs a “boo” to stand by his side. Will Denzelle be able to put aside his playah’s card and fear of a good woman in order to receive the blessing God has planned for him?
Pastor Needs a Boo is a funny and exciting tale of what can go on in the African American church scene. The author keeps it real, but also tasteful, in this story of a smooth Kappa man and ex-FBI agent turned preacher and the spurned but still faith-filled woman God has made for him.
Pastor Denzelle may have solved the problem of jobs for his unemployed church members, but he has another problem on his hands. This problem comes in the form of the lovely Marsha Metcalf. How in the world is he supposed to fight the desire to turn in his playah’s card and “get “booed” up” with the epitome of a Proverbs 31 woman? Denzelle hasn’t slept around since getting saved and rededicating his life to the Lord, but that doesn’t mean he’s ready to put his heart into the hands of one woman for the rest of his life. He did that once and ended up with a woman who was a bigger player than he ever was.
Reverend Flowers has some experience running away from what God has planned for him. As a young man, Denzelle pledged Kappa Alpha Psi in college and enjoyed great times with his fraternity brothers filled with drinking, beautiful women and anything else a handsome young man could get into. When God called on him to become a preacher, Denzelle instead wanted to go after his dream of becoming an FBI agent. Denzelle did get his dream of becoming an FBI agent but also found out that you can’t run from God and ended up a preacher as well. He soon retired and focused on pastoring. But, Denzelle hadn’t fully mastered the ability to hear and follow the plan the God has for his life. Denzelle married a gorgeous woman named Tatiana, against the advice of those who cared for him. Tatiana outplayed the playah and actually cheated on Denzelle; it turns out that she was just a gold digger who doesn’t have the ability to love anyone but herself. Now in his forties, you would think Denzelle knows better than to think he can set God’s plans aside until he’s ready to follow them. Yet, this pastor is avoiding the virtuous woman that God has placed in his path as if she’s a snake in the grass.
Nevertheless, Marsha isn’t Denzelle’s biggest difficulty. He will face a multitude of obstacles in his run for bishop. Denzelle has made enemies among the corrupt clergy who will do anything to have their candidate win the one bishop spot that is coming open. Their plotting consists of imposing a new rule that would make it impossible for a divorced preacher to become bishop. Also, Denzelle’s ex-wife is back in the game and sleeping with Denzelle’s enemies in the hopes of gaining power and prestige for herself, as well as hurting Denzelle along the way. With enemies surrounding him, Denzelle needs a “boo” to stand by his side. Will Denzelle be able to put aside his playah’s card and fear of a good woman in order to receive the blessing God has planned for him?
Pastor Needs a Boo is a funny and exciting tale of what can go on in the African American church scene. The author keeps it real, but also tasteful, in this story of a smooth Kappa man and ex-FBI agent turned preacher and the spurned but still faith-filled woman God has made for him.
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September 5, 2019If I wasn't sure that some of these people exist in the churches I have attended or visited this would be hilarious to the point of being unbelievable. I love this author and have enjoyed the other books she has written with these characters. I enjoyed listening to Marsha and Denzelle frankly voicing something that a lot of saved singles struggle with regularly
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews