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Betsy #1
Heavens to Betsy
Blessed Are the Fabulous.
Life would be perfect for Reverend Betsy Blessing if it weren't for parishioners who keel over during her sermons, steal money from the collection box, and set her up with ex-cons. Not to mention the very inconvenient feelings she is suddenly having for her long-time friend, fellow seminarian, and verbal sparring partner, David Swenson. It isn’t until Betsy is thrust into the position of senior minister for her church, however, that she discovers the real cause of her discontent: her fear of failing has become stronger than her faith in herself.
Is it really possible to keep a good woman down? Can Betsy reclaim her confidence while reconciling her clerical robe with high heels and the right shade of lipstick? A fun-loving look at a single girl’s life on the other side of the altar, Heavens to Betsy is also a hilarious and joyful celebration of strong, stylish, and faithful womanhood.
Life would be perfect for Reverend Betsy Blessing if it weren't for parishioners who keel over during her sermons, steal money from the collection box, and set her up with ex-cons. Not to mention the very inconvenient feelings she is suddenly having for her long-time friend, fellow seminarian, and verbal sparring partner, David Swenson. It isn’t until Betsy is thrust into the position of senior minister for her church, however, that she discovers the real cause of her discontent: her fear of failing has become stronger than her faith in herself.
Is it really possible to keep a good woman down? Can Betsy reclaim her confidence while reconciling her clerical robe with high heels and the right shade of lipstick? A fun-loving look at a single girl’s life on the other side of the altar, Heavens to Betsy is also a hilarious and joyful celebration of strong, stylish, and faithful womanhood.
288 pages, Paperback
First published June 7, 2005
6 people are currently reading
230 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
May 27, 2014
This book was one of the most enjoyable books I've ever read. Beth Pattillo's writing style is fun, humorous, and touching. After reading this book, I feel like I know Betsy. Even though she's a fictitious character, she was very real.
So often it's easy to forget that people in the ministry are human. They have a lot on their shoulders and it takes a special person to give their all for God and their parishioners. I'll be looking at my pastor now, with keener vision. And I also intend to make certain he realizes how much he's appreciated.
Betsy's love story is priceless. I was pulling for her through the entire book. I highly recommend "Heaven's to Betsy!"
So often it's easy to forget that people in the ministry are human. They have a lot on their shoulders and it takes a special person to give their all for God and their parishioners. I'll be looking at my pastor now, with keener vision. And I also intend to make certain he realizes how much he's appreciated.
Betsy's love story is priceless. I was pulling for her through the entire book. I highly recommend "Heaven's to Betsy!"
May 24, 2021
This is my third Beth Pattillo book and I really enjoyed it.
The main character is a female minister. She has to deal with hostility from some parishioners and lack of respect from others she works with/for. She also has to deal with her emerging feelings of love for the man she has been best friends with every since seminary. Luckily they have another best friend from seminary who helps keep our Betsy on track.
The story is more complicated with deeper themes than that, but you get the gist...!
The main character is a female minister. She has to deal with hostility from some parishioners and lack of respect from others she works with/for. She also has to deal with her emerging feelings of love for the man she has been best friends with every since seminary. Luckily they have another best friend from seminary who helps keep our Betsy on track.
The story is more complicated with deeper themes than that, but you get the gist...!
July 9, 2017
Loved this cute story. Clever writing that had me smiling the whole way through! I also really enjoyed getting a peep inside the workings of a church, which wasn't at all what I had expected.
Such a fresh breath of air, this story. Really fun and easy read.
Such a fresh breath of air, this story. Really fun and easy read.
February 11, 2019
Nice read.
May 23, 2023
Nice little romance/mystery. Not to fluffy quick read.
March 2, 2017
Book 1 of 2
February 27, 2009
Betsy Blessing is the interim Senior-Minister at the Church of the Shepard where she is constantly reminded that she is still single and that she will never fill the shoes of the many male ministers who've come before her. After divinity school and 8 years of friendship, Betsy has finally come to the realization that she's hopelessly in love with her best friend and fellow minister, David. Troubled by her inability to confess her feelings to David and even more by her parishioners' growing resentment towards her, Betsy must fight to clear her name when she is fingered by Edna Tompkins, a wealthy church benefactor, for stealing the cash offering.
This is a fast-paced novel that features short chapters and paragraphs that consist of plenty of dialogue. The story is told from the first person perspective and gives readers an inside view to the main character's thoughts, hopes, and fears. Characterization is by far the most important element of this book as everything revolves around the main character. Additionally, the secondary characters' storylines are filled with just as much drama, emotion and hardship as Betsy's story. The storyline is split between character centered and issue oriented as Betsy's single status is as much of a focus as the issues her parishioners have with a woman serving as the interim Senior-Minister. Particular attention is paid to the description of Betsy’s job and the challenges and tasks associated with her position in the church. As such, the tone of the novel dances back and forth between light, flirty, and romantic to serious and professional. Special attention is paid to Betsy's makeover throughout the course of the novel. A considerable portion of the novel is devoted to Betsy's evolving hairstyle, wardrobe, and makeup, which adds to the light and, at times, humorous atmosphere. Pattillo's style is conversational and direct and contains current popular culture references which make for a light, fast, enjoyable read.
This is a fast-paced novel that features short chapters and paragraphs that consist of plenty of dialogue. The story is told from the first person perspective and gives readers an inside view to the main character's thoughts, hopes, and fears. Characterization is by far the most important element of this book as everything revolves around the main character. Additionally, the secondary characters' storylines are filled with just as much drama, emotion and hardship as Betsy's story. The storyline is split between character centered and issue oriented as Betsy's single status is as much of a focus as the issues her parishioners have with a woman serving as the interim Senior-Minister. Particular attention is paid to the description of Betsy’s job and the challenges and tasks associated with her position in the church. As such, the tone of the novel dances back and forth between light, flirty, and romantic to serious and professional. Special attention is paid to Betsy's makeover throughout the course of the novel. A considerable portion of the novel is devoted to Betsy's evolving hairstyle, wardrobe, and makeup, which adds to the light and, at times, humorous atmosphere. Pattillo's style is conversational and direct and contains current popular culture references which make for a light, fast, enjoyable read.
August 8, 2008
Wow! I loved this so much that I had to jump in the day after reading it to give my review! We just read this in my English class, and my classmates and I all loved it!
It's a lot like Bridget Jones, so if you are a fan of the diaries, you should like this. It's from the heroine's point of view. She's witty and self-deprecating as she tries to find her voice and truly go after what she wants in life.
What I appreciated the most is the fact that while the writer is a Christian, the book doesn't come across as preachy. Instead, she exposes some of the hypocrisy in the church, and her struggles to be a female reverend. It gave me great ideas about how I could incorporate my own faith into my writing without having a particular agenda, but simply showing how it fits into my day-to-day life. She is far from perfect, and it's great to watch her journey. Enjoy!
It's a lot like Bridget Jones, so if you are a fan of the diaries, you should like this. It's from the heroine's point of view. She's witty and self-deprecating as she tries to find her voice and truly go after what she wants in life.
What I appreciated the most is the fact that while the writer is a Christian, the book doesn't come across as preachy. Instead, she exposes some of the hypocrisy in the church, and her struggles to be a female reverend. It gave me great ideas about how I could incorporate my own faith into my writing without having a particular agenda, but simply showing how it fits into my day-to-day life. She is far from perfect, and it's great to watch her journey. Enjoy!
April 25, 2009
I was definitely in the mood for a fluff book, and this fit the bill. It was like a chaste version of chick-lit :) I really enjoyed the first 4/5 of the book...and I mean, really enjoyed - like I was grinning from ear to ear while reading it. The end was a little rushed though. I have to say that probably my number one pet peeve in books is when the heroine/hero has a light-bulb moment (that really doesn't deserve to be called a light-bulb moment b/c it is so obvious) and then magically every major plot point gets tied up all neatly with a bow in the last chapter. Unfortunately, this book had that happen, otherwise I would have given it a much higher rating, given my early enjoyment of it.
September 29, 2007
I really loved this book. The only thing about it is that she's a girl pastor which I'm still uncertain about if women should do that. I know girls can do anything and I'm sure some girls are awesome pastors but I think as women we're too emotional to have such a position of high authority in the church.
March 17, 2010
A young 30-something, single woman in ministry and all the ups and downs that come with that unique role. To say that I could relate to the main character...well, let's just say it was like reading something I could have written. Furthermore, the author is a Nashvillian, so it was set in Nashville. It is a fun, easy read. A great take to the beach book.
April 10, 2012
Betsy Blessing is a Christian Minister with lots of spunk, but also insecure. In some ways she doesn't know if she wants to stay with the ministry or not. There's this guy that she is head-over-heels in love with, but she doesn't think the feeling is reciprocal. Her church committee is hassling her over numerous other things, too.
It really is a fun and delightful read!
It really is a fun and delightful read!
February 12, 2013
Betsey is having some issues. She's in love with a man that doesn't notice her in "that way", her parish would rather have a male minister, money from Sunday collection is missing and she may just have a change of heart regarding her calling.
And it was just what I needed. It was a fast and funny read.
And it was just what I needed. It was a fast and funny read.
February 4, 2014
Excellent Christian fiction! The unfolding life of Betsy Blessing (don't you love the name for a minister???) gives readers a chance to learn about the many characters that make of a church. We learn about the difference between a dream and a goal.
I think you'll love the writing in this novel if given a chance. Good reads!!
I think you'll love the writing in this novel if given a chance. Good reads!!
February 23, 2011
Betsy is an associate minister at a downtown church, dealing with the struggles of women in ministry AND her sudden romantic feelings for her best guy friend. The plot really pulled me along - I read almost half the book in one sitting. I especially liked all the Nashville references. :)
August 8, 2011
As a woman going into ministry, I was interested in reading this book. It was a fun read, but I found myself getting aggravated at some of the protagonist's issues. Still, I liked the book a lot, and would like to continue reading the series.
August 5, 2014
Gave me insight on the life of ministers in other religions, especially female ones. I found the descriptions of the politics interesting. I make this sound like a dry book, but it wasn't. It was a romance, believe it or not. And a good one.
January 10, 2008
really fun read. betsy is a priest in nashville. what fun. and a really good sense of humor too. i laughed all the way through this book even though i knew from the first how it would turn out.
March 14, 2008
I have no idea why I read this, but I remember it made me laugh.
August 14, 2008
It made me think of my friend Steph, which is why I probably liked it so much.
March 16, 2009
This was a quick read with all the best parts I like. Betsy sort of reminds me of a religious Bridget Jones. Such a cute book!
July 27, 2009
Cute, light, clean, easy read.
September 21, 2009
I thought it was very predictable, it was very easy to guess what would happen next.
October 22, 2009
Fun book to read with some LOL moments! Thanks Dellory for introducing me to this author. I'll read more!
June 21, 2010
Just not my thing....did not finish it.
August 30, 2010
A light-hearted summer read and interesting peek at the challenges of being a female minister.
July 26, 2011
I like Betsy. She has questions and doesn't know where she's heading. She goes through a lot in this book. The quirky girl comes out with a plan. This was a fun quick read.
September 26, 2011
Better than I thought it would be given the subject.
February 28, 2012
I love reading books that are fun, clean, and don't hit you over the head with the romance stuff. I think Beth Pattillo is in the running for my favorite author!
March 24, 2012
I thought that it was a three-star storyline, but I added an extra point for the humor and for the rare look at the issues faced by a female minister.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews