Susie: The Life and Legacy of Susannah Spurgeon, wife of Charles H. Spurgeon

by Ray Rhodes Jr.

The definitive biography of Susannah Spurgeon. While many Christians recognize the name of Charles H. Spurgeon, the beloved preacher and writer, few are familiar with the life and legacy of his wife, Susie.  Yet Susannah Spurgeon was an accomplished and devout woman of God who had a tremendous ministry in her own right, as well as in support of her husband. Even while dealing with serious health issues, she administered a book fund for poor pastors, edited and published her husband’s sermons and other writings, led a pastor’s aid ministry, wrote five books, made her home a hub of hospitality, and was instrumental in planting a church. And as her own writing attests, she was also a warm, charming, and fascinating woman. Now, for the first time, Susie brings this vibrant woman’s story to modern readers. Ray Rhodes Jr. examines Susannah’s life, showing that she was not only the wife of London’s most famous preacher, but also a woman who gave all she had in grateful service to the Lord. Susie is an inspiring and encouraging account of a truly remarkable woman of faith that will delight Spurgeon devotees and fans of Christian biographies alike. “I am writing in my husband’s study, where he thought, and prayed, and wrote. Every inch of the place is sacred ground. Everything remains precisely as he left it. His books (now my most precious possessions), stand in shining rows upon the shelves, in exactly the order in which he placed them, and one might almost fancy the room was ready and waiting for its master. But oh! That empty chair! That great portrait over the door! The strange, solemn silence, which pervades the place now that he is no longer on earth! I kneel sometimes by his chair, and laying my head on the cushioned arms, which so long supported his dear form, I pour out my grief before the Lord, and tell Him again that though I am left alone, yet I know that ‘He hath done all things well’…”

Genres: Biography, Christian, Nonfiction, History, Audiobook, Biography Memoir, Faith

320 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2018

About the author

RAY RHODES, JR. serves as founding pastor of Grace Community Church of Dawsonville, GA and as president of Nourished in the Word Ministries. He has served four congregations over three decades of pastoral ministry and for fifteen years, he has led Nourished in the Word. Ray has published several books and holds theological degrees from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div.) and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (D.Min.). He is married to Lori and they are blessed with six daughters and four grandchildren. Ray has long been a Spurgeon enthusiast, and his doctoral thesis focused on the marriage and spirituality of Charles and Susannah Spurgeon.

Reviews

[Ray Rhodes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since I am the author, this review is not objective. However, I love the story of Susie Spurgeon and I hope that many will get to know here via this book. Thanks for reading. I have read it at least 10 times and am often moved to tears of conviction and joy at her life.

[DeAnna · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know that question people sometimes ask, “If you could have dinner with anyone, alive or dead, who would it be?”

I’m convinced now Susannah Spurgeon would be my number one choice. She lived her adult life in love with the Lord, supporting her husband and his ministry, mothering her two sons with grace and endured suffering with strong faith. Of course she was imperfect and had struggles like we all do. She battled loneliness when her husband’s obligations took him away, she felt anxiety when her sons moved away to start their own ministries and she had to persevere during long bouts of health problems.

When I think of Titus 2, I think of how Susannah Spurgeon lived her life and I want to strive for that. This book thoroughly lays out her path from salvation as a young adult, marriage to Charles Spurgeon, becoming a mother to twin boys, experiencing widowhood and her own death and legacy.

Susie loved to read, she had an immense appreciation for Creation and took seriously whether or not her life truly glorified the One she loved the most.

4.5/5 ⭐️ - I really enjoyed this one! 👏🏼

[Amanda Geaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! What an example of biblical womanhood and marital unity. This is a love story through and through, for Susie's love for God, Charles, and the Church seemed inexhaustible. Women young and old will be moved by the passion and compassion of this remarkable lady. I'll be recommending her biography to individual readers and Christian book clubs alike.

[Keri · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful introduction this has given me to the life and work of Susannah Spurgeon! It has whetted my appetite to know more about her and read more about her and Charles' life and ministry.

I love C.H. Spurgeon's books and sermons, but never really thought much about his wife until now. I was a little lost at times, since I hadn't studied either of their personal lives or ministries till now, but I caught on as it went.

Battling chronic illness starting in her early 30s, Susie is a testament to the power of Christ to provide joy, endurance, and love in the midst of long-term physical and emotional suffering. Despite her pain and multiple surgeries (in the 1800s!!!) the Lord enabled her to raise her two boys to love the Lord, serve poor pastors with her Pastors Book Fund ministry, and maintain a sweet, iron-sharpening-iron romance with her husband that stands today as an example of godly marriage through life's sins and sorrows.

I loved the author's comparison: Susie Spurgeon is considered by many to be the Queen Victoria of the Christian world.

Highly recommend!

[Yibbie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am really sorry to have to rate a book about a truly inspiring woman so low. The author was very careful to show Susie, in all her strengths and weaknesses, and to give full glory to God, as she would have wished. I did learn a lot about her through this book, but it just wasn’t an enjoyable read.
It contains a lot of information, but it reads like a series of compiled notes. It’s choppy. Thoughts don’t flow smoothly even inside a paragraph. Then, the whole book is also choppy. The author picks a project or an event and follows it out to the end of her life, and then returns to it over and over again in the following chapters. Even as he is describing a scene he repeats himself, stating a thought numerous ways.
I found it hard to keep interested and a bit hard to follow. It had good information, but it was not compiled in an easily readable way.
I received this as a free ARC through NetGalley and Moody Publishers. No favorable review was required. It was my pleasure to provide my honest opinions.

[Bambi Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review here:
https://bambimoore.wordpress.com/2019...

[Shirley · Rating 3 out of 5]

An amazing woman

I was moved by the story of Susie but felt cheated in the writing of the story. The dates went back and forth and was broken up with a lot of what other people said rather than taking the time to weave all of the accounts into a cohesive story that did credit to this godly wife, mother, friend and servant. I will look for a more complete biography to get a better and more complete picture

[Anna Molder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I admit to finding the matter of fact writing style a little difficult at first. But as I read on I was thankful that Ray chose to take very little creative license, but rather filled the book with well researched quotes and information. Susanna was an extraordinary woman whose entire life is marked by service to her King. May the Lord grant us all the wisdom to live as faithfully as she did.

[Brandalyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED this book! I listened to it on audio and really enjoyed the narration. It was clear and engaging and I felt like I was sitting right there next to both the narrator and to Susie, having a cup of tea, listening to the intimate details of the lives of the Spurgeon family. I will be buying the physical book to go back through and mark specific areas which were especially profound.

This book is filled with such beautiful imagery, you feel like you are indeed transported back to the Victorian Era. Susie was such an incredible woman. She and Charles faced many challenges but were faithful and obedient in serving Christ, spreading the gospel, and doing such amazing kingdom work in spite of those challenges it is truly inspiring and faith-building.

Susie described her life's journey with Charles and the challenges they faced as two pilgrims treading this highway of life together. Hand in hand, heart linked to heart. Susie remembered their trials together as rivers to be forged, mountains to be crossed and fierce enemies to be fought. So many dangers to go through. Though in the midst of their challenges she continually said that their Guide was watchful, their Deliverer unfailing. The book uses such profound and beautiful words to describe the majesty and power and love and faithfulness of Christ, nothing like I have ever heard before.

So many beautiful quotes and references. Here are some of my favorites:

Charles suffered greatly with emotional challenges, but was faithful in serving God in spite of those challenges. Even so, his ability to persevere, to serve the Lord, and to give him glory through it all without fail, is truly astounding. The Spurgeon family was truly a testament of God's faithfulness. In the book both Charles and Susie are transparent in talking about their physical and emotional challenges. Of his emotional challenges, Charles says, "every year of my life has had a winter. I am sometimes lifted to the very heavens and then I go down to the deep. I am at one time bright with joy and confidence and at another time dark as midnight with doubts and fears."

"His love, in time past,
Forbids me to think
He’ll leave me at last
In trouble to sink:"
- Text from old hymn titled Begone, Unbelief.

Spurgeon said of Susie and her passion for the book fund which was to provide books to ministers across the world starting in 1875 - "May the dew of heaven ever fall on that house where she abides, who, in great weakness has not ceased these many years to feed the minds of those who feed the flock of God."

"Charles and Susie were not ones to test the wind's direction to determine their convictions. They simply sought to be faithful to Christ."

I love that Charles affectionately called Susie wifey. They had such a beautiful and authentic relationship. Deeply thankful and appreciative of one another and keenly aware that they were each precious earthly blessings to each other.

[Marci A. Ferrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susie is a well written, complete biography filled with historical records, personal writings from the Spurgeon’s and wonderful testimonies from family and friends. Ray is a great storyteller. The hardcover book is beautiful and the photos are great!

Susie accomplished much in her earthly life in addition to being the wife of the Prince of Preachers. She was an author, she started a book fund for pastors, planted a church, was a student of the Word, hiked the Swiss Alps, was the mother of twin boys, content in the shadow of her husband, served Christ faithfully, loved the gospel and provided a warm, loving home that was prayerful.

Susie’s life reminded me that every day is a gift and all is grace. God is good and faithful always. Suffering is part of our earthly life, and the hope is we will respond with faith and trust in our God with hearts that are joy-filled and thankful. Her story encouraged me of the importance of being a supportive and encouraging wife to my husband. I desire to be an excellent helper to him and not hinder the work of the Lord in his life but help flourish it in any way I can.

The book was edifying and challenging. You will be blessed by it, and if you enjoy Charles Spurgeon, it helps give a better picture of who he was through the life of his wife. Charles would not be Charles without Susannah.

[Challice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how well done this biography was! It focused on Susannah Spurgeon's life but it also illustrated enough of the people around her so that you got a full scope of her life.

It's hard to really do a well-written review for this. I listened to it on audio and I think that while I really enjoyed it, I would have preferred a physical copy because there were certain passages that I would have liked to have written in my heart.

This tells the story of an extraordinary woman that balanced out the calling of womanhood, Christian and ministry so beautifully. She weaved it all together in a beautiful blend of life. I really enjoyed learning more about this woman that suffered a great deal physically but did not let that stop her from living the best life she could for the Lord.

[Rachel {bibliopals} · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was continually amazed by Susannah's life throughout this book. From the moment of her conversion to her death, she constantly strived to minister to others--even after Charles' death. She started book ministries for poor pastors, wrote books, fundraised to build churches, planted a church, etc...all while being ill and too weak to even write a letter on some days.
I found myself praying while reading. Praying to have wisdom like Susie, so I could pass on that type of legacy to my kiddos.
“Take courage, my beloved, the sun has not ceased to shine, nor has our God forgotten to be gracious.”

[Lea Berryreadinbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great biography! I learned so much about both Charles Spurgeon and his wife Susie. Before this book, I knew him as the man almost every pastor could agree on as an inspiration and worthy of quoting.

I didn’t know that Charles Spurgeon formed a college for pastors and Susie managed a book fund which sent Charles‘s books to poor pastors across the world. I was surprised to learn that Spurgeon was quite famous during his lifetime, and it was not his books that earned him such wide regard originally, but his preaching. I learned that Susie suffered greatly from pain throughout a large portion of her life. Also, Charles had suffered from mental illness and deep bouts of depression that may have been treated as bipolar if diagnosed today. But what stood out the most was 1) how beautifully made for each other Charles and Susie were, 2) Susie’s deep intimate knowledge of God’s gentle care for those who are suffering, and 3) how fully these two embraced the blessings of home and family.

Charles and Susie were essential to each other both in ministry and in the home. Charles invited Susie to “help him put away his uncouth eccentricities and to correct his mistakes in language or history.” She was able to assist him, and Spurgeon’s biographer claimed, “Spurgeon could never have attained the eminence he reached without the help of his wife.” Susana was an encouraging comforter when Charles faced attacks from opponents. She stood like a shield between him and “the arrows of wickedness quenching their fiery darts most easily with the shield of domestic love.”

The Spurgeon embraced the blessing of home and family. Susie delighted in her husband and found “sweetest content and solace” when she was around him. His fellowship and fondness for her were the backdrop in which she served her family. “The domestic circle is her kingdom that she may there create happiness and comfort.” Susie’s prayer for her boys written to them in a letter at school, “Lord, keep my boys from the evil that is in the world. You will hear and see and learn things from other boys that perhaps you never dreamed of before. Oh my darling, my precious son, turn resolutely away from anything that looks like vice or wickedness and keep yourself pure unto the Lord. Temptation will be very strong sometimes, but cry into the Lord. Cry mightily and he will deliver you. Treasure up my words darling, and above all trust Jesus, and distrust self.

Susie knew suffering. She lived with pain for a good portion of her life. It’s burning touch left her bed ridden, limited her interaction with her church, and reared its ugly head just when she hoped it was gone. Yet, she knew God’s presence and care through all of this: “No darkness, no distance, no dividing stress of any kind can separate thee from His constant care. Do remember dear friend that the God you love, the Master you serve, is never indifferent to your grief or unwilling to hear your cry.”

“I quite understand your feelings, I have fellowship with you in fear and faintness of heart, but I bring afresh to you today the sweet comforting assurance that you’re blessed Lord knows all your sorrows, sees all your sorrows, is watching over you with a divine love and care which knows no cessation and will in his own good time, either restore or release you.

“My times are in thy hand. Not one or two important epics of my recent history only, but everything that concerns me. Joys that I had not expected, sorrows that must have crushed me if they could’ve been anticipated. Sufferings which might have terrified me by their grimness had I looked upon them. Surprises which infinite love had prepared for me, Services of which I could not have imagined myself capable, all these lay in the mighty hand as the purposes of God’s eternal Will for me.”

[Tori Samar · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Not one or two important epochs of my history only, but everything that concerns me;—joys that I had not expected,—sorrows that must have crushed me if they could have been anticipated,—sufferings which might have terrified me by their grimness had I looked upon them,—surprises which infinite love had prepared for me,—services of which I could not have imagined myself capable;—all these lay in that mighty hand as the purposes of God's eternal will for me."

Don't think of Susannah Spurgeon merely as C.H. Spurgeon's wife. While her role as wife is a significant and admirable part of her story, there is more to her life than that. Susie was a woman of godliness and an ardent laborer for God. She was steadfast in her suffering, confident in God's providence, committed to the spiritual welfare of her sons, dedicated to helping needy pastors through her book fund, gracious in her widowhood, and so much more.

This biography is very readable, though lacking a certain "spark" in the writing. If you've read C.H. Spurgeon's autobiography, you will also find a lot of overlap up until the point of C.H. Spurgeon's death. For that reason, I personally enjoyed the latter part of this book more because all the information was completely new to me. Those who have not read Spurgeon's autobiography already, however, have much to look forward to learning.

[Read-n-Bloom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished this ebook last night. Recommended for everyone, especially those who love to hear about Jesus Christ and work done for Him and His glory. Susannah was the wife of the famous Baptist preacher in London in the 1800's, CH Spurgeon. It's about Susannah, his wife, and all she did to further the cause of Christ and how she was a help to her husband in his efforts to do this, as well. It is a great read. I love reading about all her life.

[Marina · Rating 5 out of 5]

DElightful!!!!!! Just wonderful! Gods work in her life and her faithfulness is so encouraging and sweet. Would highly recommend!

[Becky Pliego · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it so much!

(Not so much the reader, though.)

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

So very interesting to read about Susannah Spurgeon. I did not realize all the hardships she and her husband went through. I hope to be able to get my hands on some of her writings.

[Elisabeth Brown]

Took me a literal year but I finished 😅

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

To read Ray Rhodes’ recent biography, Susie: The Life and Legacy of Susannah Spurgeon, is to witness a life of utter surrender to service. As much as Susie was able, she offered herself fully and wholeheartedly to supporting her famous husband’s ministry. She made an early vow to “never hinder him in his work for the Lord, never try to keep him from fulfilling his engagements, never plead my own ill-health as a reason why he should remain at home with me” (62). Rhodes mines every possible source to provide a well-rounded view of Susie’s faith and times. Seeing how much she dedicated her life to her husband’s career, one has to wonder just what his ministry would have been without her.

Her ill-health would remain an issue most of her life, but as far as her biographer can tell, she kept her vow to the uttermost. They endured long separations to allow him to teach and then to travel to France where he went frequently to recover his health. She read commentaries aloud to him to help him prepare, prayed for him earnestly, and encouraged him constantly. During the years when she was more or less housebound, her relentless efforts to get his sermons and books into the hands of poor pastors through her Book Fund ensured that his excellent preaching would be even more widely influential. She was a woman of talent and force, and she offered all of it to her husband, and ultimately, to her Lord.

Rhodes weaves in glimpses of their love story throughout the book. In many ways, this book shows how a generous husband and wife can enrich one another. He maintains a steady focus on Susie even when including pertinent details about Charles’ career, and often celebrates their shared sensibilities. For example, he summarizes a great deal of their writing by pointing out how “Charles and Susie perceived messages in flowers, gentle flowing water, the cool breeze on a fall morning, and in the parting of trees that allow glimpses of the blue sky above. Nature provided sermons and stories, readily employable as descriptors of Christ, the gospel, and the Christian life” (194-195).

Reading this biography as a modern pastor’s wife was intimidating. Her devotion is admirable but sounds unattainable. (I was grateful when Rhodes pointed out that she likely had up to a dozen staff working at their home, freeing her to do her work on the Book Fund.) Mostly, I found myself fascinated by her Victorian sensibility and how it contrasted with our era. I winced at her idealized description of a grateful, poverty-stricken pastor receiving her books: “He has broken down completely now, the tears are running down his cheeks, but they are rills from the fountain of joy, not of sorrow, and will refresh and heal his spirit. The Lord Himself has spoken to him, an angel has strengthened him…” (142). No doubt, her heart was dedicated to ensuring the gospel went forth but she did seem rather out of touch with the day-to-day demands of ordinary ministry life. Her life seems to provide an ideal of the Victorian era pastor’s wife, but I fear seeing her dedication as the standard would exhaust my modern-day peers.

Rhodes honors her finest attributes but provides the proper context for her life story that helps modern readers to better understand the Victorian era in which she lived. Susie is a thorough, engaging, and readable biography and I, for one, hope to see more biographies like this one that let us into the marriages between renowned pastors’ and their wives.

[Dr. David Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Behind every great man is a great woman - or so the saying goes. The same could be said about the mighty men of God: “Behind every godly man is a godly woman.” Such is the case of the Prince of Preachers, Charles Haddon Spurgeon. In his book, Susie: The Life and Legacy of Susannah Spurgeon, Ray Rhodes Jr. introduces Spurgeon’s wife and reveals how this godly woman stood behind the famous Baptist pastor.

Very little has been written about Susannah Spurgeon. This makes Rhodes’ book somewhat of a landmark book that will educate and encourage students of Spurgeon. The book is an inside look at the Spurgeon’s marriage and ministry and helps readers understand how they navigated their way through trials, including physical suffering and persecution.

The book reveals the stalwart faith of Susannah Spurgeon and highlights her rock-solid support of her husband. It also shows how she ministered to poor pastors in London and around the world through her Book Fund and was instrumental in planting a church in the memory of her beloved husband.

This work is best summed up in Susie’s timeless words, “Look to Jesus.” “This message,” writes the author, “she offered to non-Christians and Christians alike. She would say to every Christian grieving over, fighting against, and hating their sin, or suffering through physical or emotional pain to look to Christ for help.”

Susie: The Life and Legacy of Susannah Spurgeon is a deeply moving book - one that is sure to inspire many and encourage anyone who is enduring the loss of a loved one. Susannah Spurgeon is a model of Christian maturity who lived Coram Deo, ”before the face of God.”

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.

[NinaB · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an informative book about Susie Spurgeon, the famous preacher’s beloved wife. I enjoyed reading more about her beginnings, family, marriage and life after Charles. She was a long-suffering wife who endured physical pain for most of her adult life. All the while, she was a mother to twin boys and a help-meet to one of the “celebrity pastors” of their time.

The book introduced me to their unique marriage that left me wondering what constituted a “good” marriage back then. For example, she was often too ill to hear her husband preach, so was she part of the church body at all? As a pastor’s wife, I cannot imagine not being a regular part of my husband’s ministry. Charles often went on extended trips, but left his ill wife at home. Again, I cannot imagine my husband going on vacation alone, without me, especially if I’m sick myself.

Perhaps, these were standard practice back then, or that I just don’t fully understand the extent of their physical suffering. Regardless, if you want to know more about Susannah Spurgeon or have benefited from her husband’s writings like I have, I highly recommend this book to you.

[ValeReads Kyriosity · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this, but it just didn't rock my world. The writing felt like a first draft that made it to print without needed tender editorial ministrations (and by "tender editorial ministrations," I mean the vigorous application of everything from jackhammers and chainsaws to scalpels and sandpaper). And I'd've been a little more patient with that side of things if I'd made any sort of connection with the subject, but that, too, disappointed. The florid Victorian prose every time we heard Susie's voice certainly didn't help. I'd started listening to Charles's autobiography a while back and just kind of forgot about it for much the same reason—just no connection, and just too many verbal curlicues. I know this practically makes me a heretic, but... 🤷‍♀️

As for the narrator, let's just say he didn't help the situation.

[Gabie Peacock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic Read

This biography of Susannah Spurgeon was done with great care and excellence. Ray Rhodes beautifully articulates her upbringing, ministry, love story, and sorrows. Reading this has encouraged me to read all of Susannah's writings. I recently read the "Cluster of Camphire" which was incredible and I enjoyed seeing quotes from it in this book. Why not 5 stars? The book was dense and hard to get through some details that I felt could have gone without. I tried picking this book up several times but then would get overwhelmed with keeping track of names/places/dates. However, I understand the author desiring to be thorough and true to her story. I am glad I finally gave it a real go and I really enjoyed it!

[Jon Pentecost · Rating 4 out of 5]

Encouraging read. Susie Spurgeon was a remarkable woman. A loving and supportive wife, invested mother, and active in encouraging and equipping pastors, even helping plant a church in her later life.

It's striking to see how active in ministry the Lord allowed her to be, even though during her life I think much of the activity would not have been apparent (given her poor health, and how for years at a time she was unable to even gather with the church).

This book tells you a lot, but also leaves you wanting to learn more about both Susie and Charles. Very encouraging to read about a faithful, loving marriage, on top of everything else.

[Margaret Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read on the life of susanna spurgeon-written by her great, great granddaughter. Susie and charles were so intertwined in love that by learning about her we also learn about her husband charles spurgeon. Besides mothering their twin boys she also encouraged and supported charles throughout his lifetime. It's wonderful to see how much they loved one another and she was the one who forwarded his sermons on to so many people. She also cared for pastors and started a book fund, wrote several books and engaged in church planting. She was quite the woman all the while pointing to Christ who enabled her to keep going despite much pain that se was in for about 30 years.

[Sophie Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was all I wanted it to be, with the exception of one slight criticism. The author (whose doctoral thesis was on the marriage and spirituality of the Spurgeons—#DREAMS) discussed Susannah and Charles’ suffering and trials in the physical pain and grief, but I would love to have read more of their struggles with sin itself and how she battled specific things with that. Regardless, it was a wonderful book and, though I didn’t think it possible, I love Susie and Charles even more now. What a gift they are to the church and to me personally. Seriously, you need to read all you can by and about them.

[Kevin Halloran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this right after Dallimore's masterful biography on Spurgeon—a great choice. Ray Rhodes does a great job explaining Spurgeon's better half; her faith, her love for Charles, her health battles, and her ministry of books (and surprisingly, church planting!). Before my mom died, she joked that she wanted to have brunch with Susie Spurgeon in heaven. Now I know why.

One story that has stuck with me is how Susie never could visit Spurgeon's favorite vacation spot in Mentone, France with him due to her poor health. But a few months before Spurgeon's death, God gave Susie enough health to go with her husband and enjoy the vacation together.

[Christina Boodhan Juras · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley.
I am always interested in reading about the woman behind the man: in this case, Susie is the wife of revered preacher Charles Spurgeon and the book covers her life and her initial reluctance to follow religion.
Unfortunately, I am struggling with this due to the poor formatting. I realize that they don't want the book to be circulated in advance of its release date but the formatting was a real distraction.
I hope I will be able to finish it in time to write a more extensive review.

[Sarah Robbins · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I love the content of this book but the quality and trajectory of the book make it a 3.5, possibly 4 star read for me. I loved the story but really disliked the chronology of the biography. It jumped around throughout Spurgeon's life in a way that was inconsistent and frustrating. The substance of Susannah Spurgeon's life still makes this a must read book for me that I will continue to recommend highly though.