To Have and To Hold

by Barbara Edema

Welcome back, Pastor Maggie!

Pastor Maggie of Loving the Lord Community Church has settled into her new position and finally gained the trust and respect of her congregation, but they will all be tested when the church comes under attack through a series of malicious break-ins and vandalism. Maggie tries to hold everyone together and determine if the threat is from an outsider or someone actually sitting in the pews of her church each Sunday. Can she keep her beautiful church safe? Will she still be able to accomplish the planned mission trip to Ghana if the money from a fundraiser is stolen?

While Maggie desperately waits for a whisper from God, she also fears that a major event will be ruined by the well-meaning, very loving members of the church. How will she maintain her own blossoming romance with tall, dark, and scrumptious Dr. Jack Elliot and support the daily needs of her congregation through life-and-death matters when it all feels one step away from collapsing?

Will they catch the villain before he ruins everything?

370 pages, Paperback

Published February 14, 2017

About the author

Barbara Edema grew up in Southern California in a pastor's home. A trip to Israel led her into the ministry. She graduated from Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan with an M.Div. and a Doctor of Ministry while being the mom of four children and serving a church.

Barbara loves to write in her red and white checked wingback chair overlooking Pentwater Lake in Pentwater, Michigan. In Sickness and In Health is her fifth book in the Pastor Maggie Series. She lives in DeWitt, Michigan with her husband, Doug, and four rescue cats.

Reviews

[Leanne Harker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first book in the series, but this one is even better! Loved the characters, the mystery in the story, and the romance! Couldn't put it down!

[Lori Spielman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another feel-good, uplifting Pastor Maggie novel, showcasing the quirky, lovable characters from Cherish, Michigan. Barbara Edema writes from the heart, sprinkling her story with spirituality, sweetness, and hope! Barbara Edema's novels will restore your faith in humanity.

[Marsha Ann Rinke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I greatly enjoyed this book and all its lovable, quirky, familiar characters. Complex human relationships and the supporting role of church families are gently explored in this cozy mystery. Maggie's story is spirit-filled as she grows into her role as pastor, always loving and learning more about being God's shepherdess to her people, her community, and the world.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Ms. Edema's first book and was excited to read this one too, because it promised a mystery to go with the continuing story of Pastor Maggie's life. She writes a compelling story that brings one to laughter and tears. Her characters are fully developed and I appreciated the explanation of the residents of their city in the beginning of the book.

Joy Nelson

[Laurie Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Pastor Maggie, and this is a wonderful continuation of her story by a talented writer. Lose yourself in her life in Cherish; it's a true treat.

[Ann Sneller · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you'd like a feel-good escape book, I suggest the Pastor Maggie series. If you're from Michigan, you'll especially love the Michigan connections in the stories.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has such engaging plot and endearing as well as despicable characters that I found it hard to put down. I look forward to reading Book 3 in this series.

[Jennifer Eenigenburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Pastor Maggie books. The characters are well developed and I find myself looking forward to finding out what they do next! Can't wait for the next book!

[Jennifer Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving this series! Reading through this book, I found myself laughing, crying and gasping at surprises...out loud...sometimes in public! :-)

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened on Audible while reading on Kindle.

So far in the series, I’ve thought the books have started out on a rather superficial note, for me. I suppose that’s because I’m still comparing the series to The Mitford Series by Jan Karon. While there really is no comparison, there are elements that one can put on a list and check off for both books. I’ve read a lot of books that Mitford fans are supposed to enjoy according to recommendations. This is the first series I’ve actually ENJOYED reading that comes close.