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For the Love of God
He was the handsome stranger who had rescued Abbie on a lonely highway, then vaulted into his green sportscar and disappeared. As he drove away, she forgot the broken heart that had brought her home to Arkansas. She only remembered the rugged face of Seth Talbot, the town's new minister - the object of all eyes - and gossiping tongues. Seth was independent, passionate, dangerously masculine - and openly interested in her. But even as his ardor aroused her deepest needs, she shrank from the vicious rumors spread by other women - rumors that threatened to destroy an extraordinary love!
188 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1981
About the author
Janet Dailey
411 books1,881 followersJanet Anne Haradon Dailey was an American author of numerous romance novels as Janet Dailey (her married name). Her novels have been translated into nineteen languages and have sold over 300 million copies worldwide.
Born in 1944 in Storm Lake, Iowa, she attended secretarial school in Omaha, Nebraska before meeting her husband, Bill. Bill and Janet worked together in construction and land development until they "retired" to travel throughout the United States, inspiring Janet to write the Americana series of romances, where she set a novel in every state of the Union. In 1974, Janet Dailey was the first American author to write for Harlequin. Her first novel was NO QUARTER ASKED.
She had since gone on to write approximately 90 novels, 21 of which have appeared on the New York Times Bestseller List. She won many awards and accolades for her work, appearing widely on Radio and Television. Today, there are over three hundred million Janet Dailey books in print in 19 different languages, making her one of the most popular novelists in the world.
Janet Dailey passed away peacefully in her home in Branson on Saturday, December 14, 2013. She was 69.
Born in 1944 in Storm Lake, Iowa, she attended secretarial school in Omaha, Nebraska before meeting her husband, Bill. Bill and Janet worked together in construction and land development until they "retired" to travel throughout the United States, inspiring Janet to write the Americana series of romances, where she set a novel in every state of the Union. In 1974, Janet Dailey was the first American author to write for Harlequin. Her first novel was NO QUARTER ASKED.
She had since gone on to write approximately 90 novels, 21 of which have appeared on the New York Times Bestseller List. She won many awards and accolades for her work, appearing widely on Radio and Television. Today, there are over three hundred million Janet Dailey books in print in 19 different languages, making her one of the most popular novelists in the world.
Janet Dailey passed away peacefully in her home in Branson on Saturday, December 14, 2013. She was 69.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 6, 2025
3 stars is generous as the heroine (23) is rather dull. The hero (early 30s) is also rather bland, but has a fun side. I didn’t mind him being a minister, but she was way too much like a bad Essie Summer’s character - more like 53 than 23. The ending was a little cringy as well.
March 26, 2012
This is my favorite JD book and probably the best story she has ever written. And I know Simon & Schuster think so too, as they set the price of the kindle version at over eleven dollars. (Originally published as a Silhouette romance in 1981 for well under two dollars) This quibbling aside, it is a beautiful little love story set in a picturesque town in the Quark Mountains. The characters, more cosmopoliton than townish, are wonderfully rendered, as the budding romance emerges between the very handsome minister and the lovely legal secretary. Having a religious theme might put some readers off,(no bodice ripping) but the theme is deftly handled and by the end of the book,(maybe even at the beginning) you will fall in love with Seth as much as Abbie does.
January 2, 2018
Hot young minister in small town America romances fiesty young heroine. Always makes me regret being Roman Catholic.
August 25, 2008
Reviewed for THC Reviews
"4.5 stars" For the Love of God is an unusual book that skirts the fine line between mainstream and inspirational romance. It probably has a little too much religion to be considered purely mainstream, but also has too much sexual tension to be considered purely inspirational. For me though, that meant it was just right.;-) Considering that this book was originally published by Silhouette, I was surprised at how much of a role the characters' faith played in the story, particularly for Seth, yet in my opinion, it wasn't the least bit preachy. Since he is a minister, of course he attends church every Sunday, and performs all the duties expected of a man of God. There was some mild discussion of Biblical content, and I was quite impressed with a rather sensual scene where Seth and Abbie read The Song of Solomon to each other (complete with Bible passages quoted). Since that happens to be one of my favorite books of the Bible, I absolutely loved the scene, and thought it was beautiful and romantic. However, I realize that other readers on both sides of the mainstream/inspirational fence may find it offensive for completely opposing reasons. Because of this, and some other mild sensuous content, as well as one mild profanity, I doubt a Christian publisher would touch it. Seth and Abbie share some passionate kisses and moderate caressing which built some surprisingly good sexual tension, but they never completely crossed that line. In fact, they chose to wait until marriage (which doesn't actually happen in the book), so there are no full-blown love scenes, which should make it appropriate for most readers.
Seth was an extremely appealing hero. I rarely see a minister character outside of the inspirational romance sub-genre, so that alone was intriguing to me. I loved that he was so laid back, not really caring much about the small-town gossip that was being generated by him dating Abbie. I've never cared much for pulpit-pounding ministers, and it seemed that the retiring pastor who Seth was replacing was one of those. Seth, however, couldn't have been further from that himself. He was much more a teacher than a preacher, and also exhibited genuine care and concern for his flock. As a minister, he was just about perfect for me, but he certainly raised a few eyebrows when he came to town. No one, including Abbie, thought that he looked or acted like a minister, because of his stunning good looks, his little, green sports car, and the fact that he'd rather wear jeans and t-shirts than a clerical collar when he wasn't “on duty.” He was extremely charming though, winning most people over pretty quickly, and those he didn't, he just didn't sweat it. I liked that he was looking for the right woman for him and not the right woman for his profession. When half the ladies in town started bringing him casseroles and cakes and coming to church on Sundays even when they hadn't attended in years, he just took it all in stride, and never seemed to be interested in anyone but Abbie. I just love a hero who is single-minded in his pursuit of the heroine. It took a while, but Seth finally convinced her that he was only flesh-and-blood, like any other man, and shouldn't be put up on a pedestal.
Abbie was a really likable heroine who had returned to her small home-town after a bad breakup. When Abbie first met Seth, she was very attracted to him, but when she found out he was the new minister, she wasn't quite so sure if a relationship between them would work. At first, she was a little intimidated by his position, but Seth deftly charmed her into one, then two, then more dates, and before she knew it, she was falling in love. Along the way though, Abbie fell prey to some of the town gossip, and worried that she and Seth shouldn't be together or that he was just toying with her. I wish she'd had a little more faith in Seth and his love even though he hadn't come out and told her yet, but overall, her doubts weren't too overblown in my opinion. She was just a really nice girl who'd had her heart broken once already and wasn't quite sure until Seth convinced her.
There weren't many prominent secondary characters, but I did enjoy Abbie's relationship with her parents, especially her dad, for whom she works. I also liked the two elderly sisters from the church, who are complete opposites. Since they're always telling stories, Seth encouraged them to write a book, and they ended up writing a racy romance which amused him. Some of the background townspeople could get a little ornery about trying to imply or outright tell Seth who he should/shouldn't be dating/marrying, but I was very happy to see Seth put them in their place by doing what he thought was right.
For the Love of God was first published in 1981, but surprisingly it didn't feel all that dated to me. There was a mention of Trans-World Airlines (TWA), which no longer exists, and if one paid close enough attention, the fashions and lack of cell phones might show its age, but overall it seemed like it could be taking place today. For the Love of God was a really sweet, feel-good romance, and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. It might have had something to do with feeling like the author found that delicate balance between religious content and sensuous content, or maybe it was a yummy hero and appealing characters in general, but this book has found a place on my keeper shelf. It was my first read by Janet Daily, but it has left me interested in checking out her other works.
"4.5 stars" For the Love of God is an unusual book that skirts the fine line between mainstream and inspirational romance. It probably has a little too much religion to be considered purely mainstream, but also has too much sexual tension to be considered purely inspirational. For me though, that meant it was just right.;-) Considering that this book was originally published by Silhouette, I was surprised at how much of a role the characters' faith played in the story, particularly for Seth, yet in my opinion, it wasn't the least bit preachy. Since he is a minister, of course he attends church every Sunday, and performs all the duties expected of a man of God. There was some mild discussion of Biblical content, and I was quite impressed with a rather sensual scene where Seth and Abbie read The Song of Solomon to each other (complete with Bible passages quoted). Since that happens to be one of my favorite books of the Bible, I absolutely loved the scene, and thought it was beautiful and romantic. However, I realize that other readers on both sides of the mainstream/inspirational fence may find it offensive for completely opposing reasons. Because of this, and some other mild sensuous content, as well as one mild profanity, I doubt a Christian publisher would touch it. Seth and Abbie share some passionate kisses and moderate caressing which built some surprisingly good sexual tension, but they never completely crossed that line. In fact, they chose to wait until marriage (which doesn't actually happen in the book), so there are no full-blown love scenes, which should make it appropriate for most readers.
Seth was an extremely appealing hero. I rarely see a minister character outside of the inspirational romance sub-genre, so that alone was intriguing to me. I loved that he was so laid back, not really caring much about the small-town gossip that was being generated by him dating Abbie. I've never cared much for pulpit-pounding ministers, and it seemed that the retiring pastor who Seth was replacing was one of those. Seth, however, couldn't have been further from that himself. He was much more a teacher than a preacher, and also exhibited genuine care and concern for his flock. As a minister, he was just about perfect for me, but he certainly raised a few eyebrows when he came to town. No one, including Abbie, thought that he looked or acted like a minister, because of his stunning good looks, his little, green sports car, and the fact that he'd rather wear jeans and t-shirts than a clerical collar when he wasn't “on duty.” He was extremely charming though, winning most people over pretty quickly, and those he didn't, he just didn't sweat it. I liked that he was looking for the right woman for him and not the right woman for his profession. When half the ladies in town started bringing him casseroles and cakes and coming to church on Sundays even when they hadn't attended in years, he just took it all in stride, and never seemed to be interested in anyone but Abbie. I just love a hero who is single-minded in his pursuit of the heroine. It took a while, but Seth finally convinced her that he was only flesh-and-blood, like any other man, and shouldn't be put up on a pedestal.
Abbie was a really likable heroine who had returned to her small home-town after a bad breakup. When Abbie first met Seth, she was very attracted to him, but when she found out he was the new minister, she wasn't quite so sure if a relationship between them would work. At first, she was a little intimidated by his position, but Seth deftly charmed her into one, then two, then more dates, and before she knew it, she was falling in love. Along the way though, Abbie fell prey to some of the town gossip, and worried that she and Seth shouldn't be together or that he was just toying with her. I wish she'd had a little more faith in Seth and his love even though he hadn't come out and told her yet, but overall, her doubts weren't too overblown in my opinion. She was just a really nice girl who'd had her heart broken once already and wasn't quite sure until Seth convinced her.
There weren't many prominent secondary characters, but I did enjoy Abbie's relationship with her parents, especially her dad, for whom she works. I also liked the two elderly sisters from the church, who are complete opposites. Since they're always telling stories, Seth encouraged them to write a book, and they ended up writing a racy romance which amused him. Some of the background townspeople could get a little ornery about trying to imply or outright tell Seth who he should/shouldn't be dating/marrying, but I was very happy to see Seth put them in their place by doing what he thought was right.
For the Love of God was first published in 1981, but surprisingly it didn't feel all that dated to me. There was a mention of Trans-World Airlines (TWA), which no longer exists, and if one paid close enough attention, the fashions and lack of cell phones might show its age, but overall it seemed like it could be taking place today. For the Love of God was a really sweet, feel-good romance, and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. It might have had something to do with feeling like the author found that delicate balance between religious content and sensuous content, or maybe it was a yummy hero and appealing characters in general, but this book has found a place on my keeper shelf. It was my first read by Janet Daily, but it has left me interested in checking out her other works.
June 16, 2013
I loved this. It's going in my favorite book pile. It was so real and honest. It made me FEEL something and that is always a sign of a good book. The fact that this book was published before I was born and I could still relate to these characters was also another tell-tale that this is a classic slice of life. I'm surprised that I haven't read this before and I'm surprised that I haven't stumbled across more books with a similar plot.
I couldn't put it down. I flew through reading it. Six stars. Bravo.
I couldn't put it down. I flew through reading it. Six stars. Bravo.
October 14, 2017
Not one of her best.
This was a good story but not one of her best.
It was too short and I feel the book could have been expanded to make it a little "meatier" and the characters a little more in depth.
I like to feel like I got my money's worth and that feeling was lacking in this book.
This was a good story but not one of her best.
It was too short and I feel the book could have been expanded to make it a little "meatier" and the characters a little more in depth.
I like to feel like I got my money's worth and that feeling was lacking in this book.
November 10, 2024
Abbie Scott is traveling back to Eureka, Arkansas when her car, Mabel, blows a hose and starts shooting stem from under the hood. Up drives a green sports car with the hood down and a dashing Good Samaritan leaps from it to assist. A knight in shining armor?
Seth Talbot is Eureka’s new young, handsome minister arriving the week the previous pastor is retiring. Tongues wag, church attendance improves.
Abbie’s knight in shining armor wear a clerical collar!
Seth Talbot is Eureka’s new young, handsome minister arriving the week the previous pastor is retiring. Tongues wag, church attendance improves.
Abbie’s knight in shining armor wear a clerical collar!
March 18, 2021
Loved the story, the real to life characters and the happy ending
Read
July 21, 2022No es el mejor libro que he leído pero era cortito y me entretuvo.
Aparte me costo luca
Aparte me costo luca
September 14, 2026
Adorable!
October 11, 2014
Along time ago in a galaxy far far away, I became a romance fan by reading Janet Dailey. Some of her books stayed with me over the years, and this is one of them. Romance novels gave changed over the years, but this one held up surprisingly well. I stumbled on to an old box of books and several of her titles were there packed away and forgotten. I plan on going on a nostalgia binge read soon.
March 13, 2011
Janet Dailey's style of writing is enjoyable and completely comprehensible. There are a few subtle messages in "For the Love of God" that you can't miss if you read the book, and it is the kind of story that leaves you feeling warm and satisfied.
January 2, 2017
My favorite of Dailey's category romances (Harlequin/Silhouette). Originally published during my senior year of high school (and thus giving the book a nostalgic factor, I'm sure), I re-read this book every few years.
September 25, 2009
Modern
January 11, 2016
Devil damn! Quick, simple read. Dating between minister and local girl.
Read
September 20, 2016DNF.
December 8, 2016
Super sweet story. Found on a HaBO on SBTB. I enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews