What do you think?
Rate this book
A Valley View Romance #2
Bobbi and Soul
Bobbi Webster wants nothing more than to be the best family practice doctor for her home town in rural Oregon. To accomplish that, she’s enrolled in a two-year fellowship in rural medicine at Valley View Medical Center in Colorado. Sparks fly when Bobbi meets the Reverend Erin O’Rouke, a petite, feisty priest who meddles in the treatment of Bobbi’s patients. To make matters worse, Bobbi wants nothing to do with any religion, much less the woman she dubs, The Elf.
Erin serves as vicar at a small church where a few parishioners have stipulated that she must be celibate, reflecting their “love the sinner, hate the sin” tactic. After she clashes with Erin, Bobbi recognizes how a recent breakup of an abusive relationship has falsely colored her perception of Erin’s world and work. Likewise, when Erin understands how Bobbi’s emotional wounds make her vulnerable, her natural empathy moves her closer to Bobbi.
They find themselves drawn to each other, but how can Bobbi and Erin overcome so many obstacles to find love?
Erin serves as vicar at a small church where a few parishioners have stipulated that she must be celibate, reflecting their “love the sinner, hate the sin” tactic. After she clashes with Erin, Bobbi recognizes how a recent breakup of an abusive relationship has falsely colored her perception of Erin’s world and work. Likewise, when Erin understands how Bobbi’s emotional wounds make her vulnerable, her natural empathy moves her closer to Bobbi.
They find themselves drawn to each other, but how can Bobbi and Erin overcome so many obstacles to find love?
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2019
7 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
J.B. Marsden
7 books7 followersJB "Joey" Marsden wrote her first short story at age ten, but, needing to make a living, spent many years producing academic tomes that no one enjoyed reading. Now, having published novels, she has realized her childhood dream.
JB lives on her family farm in the beautiful Mississippi River valley of western Illinois, where she grew up. Before that, she lived in urban areas in upstate New York, Michigan, and Kentucky. Her wife and sisters surround her with loving support and compete with her in rousing card games. Aside from writing, Joey enjoys reading, photography, outdoor sports and activities, and classic movies. Even though she can be found most often in the quiet of rural living, she travels for work and fun both in the U.S. and abroad.
JB lives on her family farm in the beautiful Mississippi River valley of western Illinois, where she grew up. Before that, she lived in urban areas in upstate New York, Michigan, and Kentucky. Her wife and sisters surround her with loving support and compete with her in rousing card games. Aside from writing, Joey enjoys reading, photography, outdoor sports and activities, and classic movies. Even though she can be found most often in the quiet of rural living, she travels for work and fun both in the U.S. and abroad.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 11, 2019
3.5 Stars. This was a pretty good read. This is the second book in A Valley View Romance series. I did read the first book in the series, Reclaiming Yancy, but I don’t think you have to read it to enjoy this book. While the characters from Reclaiming Yancy do have a role as secondary characters in this book, the main story does stand on its own. Reclaiming Yancy was a debut book, so I was happy to see a good improvement in Bobbi and Soul and I liked it quite a bit more than Reclaiming Yancy.
I would actually put the medical romance label on this book. One of the mains is a doctor and even though the other is a reverend, she spends time counseling patient/parishioners in the hospital too. When the two women meet, they get off on the wrong foot and actually dislike each other. But fate keeps putting the two together and soon feelings began to develop. Can a non-religious doctor and a reverend make it as a couple?
I did like this read but I had one real issue. I felt the pace was up and down for me. Sometime the book was even a little exciting and gripping, other times the book slowed way down. It was not enough that I had to skim, but it was close. I wish there was a few less slow parts to make the book feel more even.
There are some religious parts. I’m not very religious but if there was a progressive church with a gay rev around, like this book, maybe I would go? Even not being religious I didn’t really have any problems about the talk of prayer and other religious issues. I didn’t find the book to be preachy or shoving any beliefs at me so I was okay with it.
I enjoyed the romance and thought it was sweet. One of the mains has been through a horrible past relationship so she had some issues to overcome. I thought that part was pretty well written. Getting back to the romance, it is pretty slow-burn. The characters did have chemistry together but I could have used a tiny drop more. The two mains are really likeable and you want them to be together, so that really helped.
This was not my favorite medical romance but it was pretty good read. It had some moments I really enjoyed and some not as much. I’m glad to see such an improvement from Marsden’s debut book so I have high hopes her next book will be even better.
A copy was given to me for a honest review.
I would actually put the medical romance label on this book. One of the mains is a doctor and even though the other is a reverend, she spends time counseling patient/parishioners in the hospital too. When the two women meet, they get off on the wrong foot and actually dislike each other. But fate keeps putting the two together and soon feelings began to develop. Can a non-religious doctor and a reverend make it as a couple?
I did like this read but I had one real issue. I felt the pace was up and down for me. Sometime the book was even a little exciting and gripping, other times the book slowed way down. It was not enough that I had to skim, but it was close. I wish there was a few less slow parts to make the book feel more even.
There are some religious parts. I’m not very religious but if there was a progressive church with a gay rev around, like this book, maybe I would go? Even not being religious I didn’t really have any problems about the talk of prayer and other religious issues. I didn’t find the book to be preachy or shoving any beliefs at me so I was okay with it.
I enjoyed the romance and thought it was sweet. One of the mains has been through a horrible past relationship so she had some issues to overcome. I thought that part was pretty well written. Getting back to the romance, it is pretty slow-burn. The characters did have chemistry together but I could have used a tiny drop more. The two mains are really likeable and you want them to be together, so that really helped.
This was not my favorite medical romance but it was pretty good read. It had some moments I really enjoyed and some not as much. I’m glad to see such an improvement from Marsden’s debut book so I have high hopes her next book will be even better.
A copy was given to me for a honest review.
February 5, 2019
I really liked this book. It's different from what I’ve read, I enjoyed the story and the development of the characters. The plot is good and intriguing.
Bobbi Webster is a medical doctor who wants to learn everything about family practice in a rural Medical centre in Colorado, so one day she can have her own practice in rural Oregon. But every time she finds this petite feisty woman, a reverend that intervenes in the treatment of her patients. Bobbi doesn’t take well her opinions and she definitely doesn’t want anything with religion. To make matter worst, the reverend triggers some PTSD episodes in her; Reverend Erin O’Rouke is vicar at a small church, where she signed a celibacy clause. She understands how Bobbi’s emotional wounds make her vulnerable, because of her caring nature and after knowing Bobbi more. She gets closer to her as they start feel drawn to each other. The big question is if they will be able to defeat all the obstacles to find love.
I enjoyed very much this book. It had intrigue, romance, and very lovable characters. The storyline moved along and kept me totally involved. was a really interesting story with so many twists and turns. Loved reading Bobbi and Erin’s story very much. I could feel their chemistry right from the start. Even when they didn't like each other in the beginning, you could say there was that spark already. I can relate to Bobbi on this, I'm more on the science part and not really a religious person, but I'm always respectful. It was really interesting to learn new things and to know there are places with a more progressive thinking on the religious side. I thank the author for this new vision.
The only thing was that sometimes it felt rushed and the continuity broken at the end of a few chapters, mostly the first ones.
But this was a really good story, and I love the ending. I can’t say much without giving it away but it’s definitely worth the read.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
Bobbi Webster is a medical doctor who wants to learn everything about family practice in a rural Medical centre in Colorado, so one day she can have her own practice in rural Oregon. But every time she finds this petite feisty woman, a reverend that intervenes in the treatment of her patients. Bobbi doesn’t take well her opinions and she definitely doesn’t want anything with religion. To make matter worst, the reverend triggers some PTSD episodes in her; Reverend Erin O’Rouke is vicar at a small church, where she signed a celibacy clause. She understands how Bobbi’s emotional wounds make her vulnerable, because of her caring nature and after knowing Bobbi more. She gets closer to her as they start feel drawn to each other. The big question is if they will be able to defeat all the obstacles to find love.
I enjoyed very much this book. It had intrigue, romance, and very lovable characters. The storyline moved along and kept me totally involved. was a really interesting story with so many twists and turns. Loved reading Bobbi and Erin’s story very much. I could feel their chemistry right from the start. Even when they didn't like each other in the beginning, you could say there was that spark already. I can relate to Bobbi on this, I'm more on the science part and not really a religious person, but I'm always respectful. It was really interesting to learn new things and to know there are places with a more progressive thinking on the religious side. I thank the author for this new vision.
The only thing was that sometimes it felt rushed and the continuity broken at the end of a few chapters, mostly the first ones.
But this was a really good story, and I love the ending. I can’t say much without giving it away but it’s definitely worth the read.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
April 4, 2020
Reached the end and discovered this was the third in a series - didn't seem to mess with the story though it did explain some of the other characters. A busy story, with some hard subjects - domestic abuse etc - but did well.
February 26, 2020
This sweet story kept me turning pages to see whether the polar-opposite characters ever come together. The main characters were well developed and sympathetic Both are strong willed, competent women. Erin, the Episcopal Priest, turns out to be stronger and more complex of the two. The religious part wasn't preachy, although some of the discussion seemed overly abstract for the average reader and went on a bit too long. There was also more internal dialogue than necessary to make the point, but overall a satisfying read. I enjoyed the book and would recommend it.
March 23, 2021
Sweet and lovely story!
This was a sweet story of two souls that touch on many things. Including PTSD because of domestic abuse as well as homophobia within the church.
Bobbie is a fellow at Valley View Medical in Eastern Colorado. She wants to finish her fellowship and move back to Ketchum Oregon to practice rural general practice which is sorely needed in that area of Oregon where she grew up being a rancher’s kid.
Mother Erin is an Episcopal priest who is a lesbian but her contract requires her to stay celibate while being their parish priest.
Bobbie and Erin get to know each other not under the best of circumstances at first but with each encounter they get to know each other better. Although they become Doctor Bossy Pants and Elf because of Erin’s petite stature, they slowly start a friendship that ultimately became a loving relationship.
The characters were well developed, sweet and sensual when the need arose.
Well done!
This was a sweet story of two souls that touch on many things. Including PTSD because of domestic abuse as well as homophobia within the church.
Bobbie is a fellow at Valley View Medical in Eastern Colorado. She wants to finish her fellowship and move back to Ketchum Oregon to practice rural general practice which is sorely needed in that area of Oregon where she grew up being a rancher’s kid.
Mother Erin is an Episcopal priest who is a lesbian but her contract requires her to stay celibate while being their parish priest.
Bobbie and Erin get to know each other not under the best of circumstances at first but with each encounter they get to know each other better. Although they become Doctor Bossy Pants and Elf because of Erin’s petite stature, they slowly start a friendship that ultimately became a loving relationship.
The characters were well developed, sweet and sensual when the need arose.
Well done!
June 4, 2019
This book was engaging and quickly grabbed my attention from the first chapter. I really liked this book and highly recommend it. This story had some romance, a bit of angst, and a few surprises along the way. You get to see Bobbi's struggles from her past and how she deals with them. The characters are well established, and well-rounded and I love a happy ending. I liked how she wove in some characters from her previous book. I would like a little more heat in the book but it wasn't bad. I have read several books from this author and will be looking out for more since I've very much enjoyed all the ones I've read.
I received the book in exchange for an honest review.
I received the book in exchange for an honest review.
Read
July 15, 2020You wait ages for a lesfic romance with an Episcopalian priest as one half of the central couple, and then two come along at once... It was interesting to read this straight after 'This Is My Body' (Elena Graf) - this one was, I think, less ambitious, so more successful in one sense. But possibly TIMB failed in more interesting ways. Anyway, this was a perfectly competent romance with enjoyable background details (of rural Colorado/of a hospital setting/of local Episcopalian politics).
February 10, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was well written and moved at a good pace. I liked how Bobbi and Erin got together, and how they supported each other. Marsden deals with some tough subjects amazingly well. I would definately recommend this book.
March 11, 2019
I rec'd an ARC from Sapphire Books for an honest review.
A nicely paced romance with leads Bobbi (doctor) and Erin (vicar) that carries you along to a satisfying end. Ms. Marsden deals with some tricky topics quite deftly. Worth reading.
4 stars.
A nicely paced romance with leads Bobbi (doctor) and Erin (vicar) that carries you along to a satisfying end. Ms. Marsden deals with some tricky topics quite deftly. Worth reading.
4 stars.
September 21, 2021
Very good read
I really enjoyed this book. The characters are very interesting and likable.. The love story is very sweet. The community is very supportive and caring. Erin faith and Bobbi's sweetness shines thru. Very feel good read. Thanks
I really enjoyed this book. The characters are very interesting and likable.. The love story is very sweet. The community is very supportive and caring. Erin faith and Bobbi's sweetness shines thru. Very feel good read. Thanks
August 22, 2019
3.5 stars
October 4, 2021
Doctor amd.the Reverend
Bobbi and Erin make a wonderfully sweet couple. This nice medical romance was a complete joy to read. I cannot wait to read more of MS Marsden"s books.
Bobbi and Erin make a wonderfully sweet couple. This nice medical romance was a complete joy to read. I cannot wait to read more of MS Marsden"s books.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews