The Bride's Room: The Adventures of Mildred Budge

The Adventures of Mildred Budge #3

by Daphne Simpkins

Always a bride's maid--never a bride. That's part of the story of the life of Mildred Budge in this third novel in the series. But there is more to know about this Sunday School teacher who has been recruited to be a maid of honor for her good friend's wedding. As someone who has routinely had to muzzle herself at weddings by not calling out when the preacher asks if anyone knows a reason these two should not be wed, "It's not going to work out," this new role of supporting the bride has its challenges for this church lady of the South, Mildred Budge. But being a bride's maid also has its benefits for by the time the journey is over--by the time the bride herself walks down that aisle--Mildred Budge has become a different woman. Renewed. Refreshed. And she's not alone either. In The Bride's Room, readers will delight in the everyday antics of Southern church women and their neighbors. But readers will also be at ease, at peace, moving at the preferred pace of grace that Miss Budge lives out in her daily life. If you enjoy Southern fiction and stories that showcase an older heroine, you will surely want to live with Mildred Budge and her friends in the garden district of Montgomery, AL, called Cloverdale. And you will enjoy your time in the bride's room, too. It's real and Mildred Budge abides there with her friends. To enjoy more time with Mildred Budge, download the first novel in the series, Mildred Budge in Cloverdale, and the sequel, Mildred Budge in Embankment. Since the publication of The Bride's Room, the fourth novel Kingdom Come has also been released.If you enjoy shorter fiction, you'll find three volumes that capture slice-of-life adventures in Mildred's life. Those books Miss Budge in Love, The Mission of Mildred Budge, and a Christmas story, Miss Budge Goes to Fountain City. To learn more about the creator of Mildred Budge, Daphne Simpkins, follow her here on Amazon or connect with her or Facebook.

Genres: Christian, Fiction

295 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 10, 2020

Reviews

[Kathryn Spurgeon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet

Mildred Budge is a relatable, warm, and compassionate heroine. Love reading about her. Best series I’ve read in a long time.

[Tammy Jata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent book in the Mildred Budge series. These books are definitely written by someone who understands how “church ladies” think and operate! It’s absolutely comical in its accuracy.

I also love the comfortable friendship between Mildred and Fran. Every woman needs a friendship like this. Throughout this 4 book series, Simpkins depicts Mildred’s spiritual life in beautiful ways. Our main character goes through life with a complete awareness that Jesus is right beside her. She’s as comfortable sharing every thought with her Lord as she is in sharing her thoughts with Fran. Simpkins, in describing Mildred’s morning times with Jesus, shows us what it really means to meditate in Gods word.

The author explains meditation in downright practical homespun ways. These books will leave you wanting to up your own meditations in your morning devotions so that you too can go unruffled about your day, knowing it’s all in Jesus hands. I highly recommend this series!

[Sienna S'Zell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautifully-written story really touched my heart. I grew up with "church ladies." And had my own internal dialogue with Deity as a teenager, trying to survive all the angst in the home. The author manages to create a real relationship between lifelong friends that encompasses humor, honesty, and enough care and knowledge to leave space to overcome and to heal. There were sweet little vignettes in the book, too: Millie buying the perfect dress; the relationship between Millie and Sam; the arrival of Mark and Millie's ability to see through to the man behind the mask; Millie's welcoming anyone into her life, especially children in need. Just a lovely story.

[Jennifer Marsden · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bride’s Room- Excellent

I really enjoyed this book number three in the series bringing to life Mildred Budge, church lady among church ladies. Mildred has a wonderful Alice faith and a deep trust in God. The story was so interesting and I felt the author knew he personally as she wrote about Mildred having to buy a dress for the first time in a long time. I could have been Mildred! I learned so much about myself from the handling of this delicate situation. Thank you Daphne. I think if you’ve enjoyed books 1 & 2 you will love this one.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mildred Budge shines again in this sequel. It’s a bit different than the other books, but equally rewarding as you admire the positive characters of this southern church lady who has her life priorities in order. She exudes the love of Christ to a broad variety of unloveable people. The most intriguing story is that of her getting into a scary predicament on a first date, which serves as a very wise warning. I hope there will continue to be Mildred Budge books, as they are all delightful!

[W Gardnar O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bride's Room

The storyline held my interest with believable characters and situations. Each chapter is a contemporary Aesop's Fable.

All. "Church Ladies" are not stereotypical judgmental, goody-goodies. There is much to admire about women who abide by The Golden Rule.

Church Ladies reminds me of Lake Woebegon Days.

[Bonnie Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the church lady and all her thoughts!

This is the first series I have wanted to read all the way through. The retired single school teacher walks through life with experiences I can relate to. My mother had Alzheimers and so much of the lostness and wanderings of Sam Dearborn help me understand her before the Lord took her home.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have mixed emotions about finishing this delightful book. I felt like I was back with my friend, Mildred Budge, and did not want it to end. So many people issues are explored in her books. I have read all Daphne Simpkins' books and will so welcome the next one.

[jane m tosten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this series

Light reading, held my interest. The characters became my friends. I feel another series in the making...what happens with Chase, what becomes of the friendship and the new baby? Time for Miss Daphne to Get bust😇

[Darlene Webster · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Story of God’s Guidance

Mildred is a church lady, past her prime, but dedicated to serving others. She has rescued a little abused boy, allowed a woman’s baby to stay with her while the mother finishes her prison sentence, and cares for all. She is an amazing lady!

[Wendy J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Mildred Budge!

These Mildred Budge books are heartwarming and delightful…and filled with spiritual encouragement. She’s so very real and open to whatever God has next for her.

[Jo-Anne Uphill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daphne Simpkins reminds me so much of the writer Alexander McCall Smith and his clever writing of the number one ladies detective agency in Botswana🥰🥰🥰 really enjoyable and Christian content was great🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 I’m now reading another one of hers🙏🙏🙏 thank you Daphne💚💚💚

[Beverly Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bride’s Room.

I loved this series of books, and hope they continue. I love all the quirky characters and want to know what happened to them all.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Mildred Bulge is a constant delight. I'm loving the storyline progression with Dixie, Sam and Chase most of all. Highly recommend this series about this sweet yet strong little church lady!

[Alice LaJuett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love these stories

I have so loved these books about Mildred Budge! I knew this one would be great and it did ?.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so love this series and I hope it continues for a very long time.

[Missy · Rating 5 out of 5]

heartfelt

I thought all was as it should be,
The wedding ceremony, I could not
have enjoyed it more , I felt part of
Mildred friends.
Highly recommend!

[Sandy Holmes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This third book was more inspirational than amusing. It was another good installment in the life of Mildred Budge.

[Pam Hill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the story.

Relationships continue to develope. I like the storyline. A bit wordy sometimes but I like a novel about the life of a character.

[Cynthia Hager · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truly enjoyed this story, with it many twists and turns. So happy with how people from earlier books have evolved.

[verlis w. guinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

cozy

This book is like a dress. Try it for size.
You may like the steady outlook after all.
Walking with Jesus is a steady, firm, walk.

[Lori Heckman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great One!

Book 3 had me loving Mildred, her friends and the Lord just a little more. These books are a pleasure to savor.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened on Audible (Included) while reading on KU. Virtual voice narration.

Miss Budge just makes me happy. I think it’s because I can identify with her most of the time. I’m grateful for the VV narration, because I’m just such a slow reader, otherwise. I wish there was actual human narration for all the Daphne Simpkins books, because Miss Budge is a hoot! That VV gal narrating is too dead pan in her inflections.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

June 25, 2021
4.5 stars

Nov 9, 2022
Even better the second time. 5 stars