Returning to Amanda

Aloevale #1

by Shirley Corder

Amanda “Mandy” Kirkpatrick was once a rising star in the art world. But when she fell in love with pastor Owen Douglas, she put her dreams on hold and her paints to one side. Mandy focused all her energies on supporting her husband and creating for their children the loving, stable home-life she herself had lacked. She planned to return to her career when the kids started school, but as the years passed her brushes remained dry. Then came a move that changed everything.

Owen’s new congregation has rigid ideas of how their pastor and wife should behave. He throws himself into the work and expects the same of Mandy. The congregants swamp her with expectations beyond her abilities or desires. With a precocious teenager, two mischievous twins, a workaholic husband, and an interfering elderly neighbor, life becomes progressively stressful.

As a pandemic begins to advance around the globe, relationships come to a head, and Mandy makes a life-changing decision that will affect not only herself but her husband, the children, and the congregation. She tries to talk things through with Owen, but he is too fixed in his ideas of needing her by his side as a committed pastor's wife. Is there any hope for her to return to her painting? Or is she destined to remain struggling to be someone she doesn't feel equipped to be?

320 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 22, 2022

About the author

Shirley Corder is a freelance author, retired registered nurse, cancer survivor, pastor's wife, mother, mother-in-law and granny. Somewhere inside that mix, you'll find the real Shirley. She and her husband live near the sea in Port Elizabeth, South Africa's "Windy City".

She is passionate about coming alongside those in the cancer valley and encouraging them. Strength Renewed is her book of 90 meditations for all those in that situation, whether as patients, survivors or those who care.

Her most recent book is her debut novel, Returning to Amanda, the first in the Aloevale series. More details about her writing can be seen on her Amazon Author Page.

Please visit her cyber home at Write to Inspire

Reviews

[Trudy Cordle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was sooooo good!! Mandy finds herself again while visiting her Mom, and they are able to restore their relationship, and learn something about each other and themselves in the process. While Mandy is gone, Owen is left to fend for for himself and the children, who are also forced to grow up some. Owen comes to realize that HE is part of Mandy's problem, and sees where he needs to change. When Mandy realizes that not only is she ready to go home, she really NEEDS to go home, she still refuses to tell Owen where she is, so her Mom steps in, though is it too late?? I think a lot of couples go through the same struggles, though maybe not to the same extreme, and maybe even worse sometimes. I love how both Amanda and Owen are open to learning and changing and listening to God. Amanda really struggled with hearing from God, until she talked to Peter. Sometimes, we do the same, too, and each time, God is still there, waiting for us to pay attention.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.

[Tracy Crump · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shirley Corder addresses a taboo topic with candor and grace. What happens when a pastor’s wife leaves her selfish children, an unrealistic congregation, and a demanding pastor husband who wants her to be something she’s not? We can’t return to the past, but we can grow into what God wants us to be.

In her delightful style, Shirley Corder shows us how we can be true to ourselves while fulfilling the role God created us for.

[Deryn Tang · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters are well portrayed, showing their growth in understanding and character through the trial the family faced. I related well to Amanda because I am also an artist and have faced similar challenges in using my God-given gifts. The story was engaging as I followed the progress of the family versus church struggle. I would recommend this book to my friends and those who want to see more activation of the spiritual gifts in their churches.
I hope the author writes more books in this series because I want to know the outcomes for the church and family community. Is Owen able to implement the plans he had formulated? Did he have resistance from the congregation, and was Amanda happy?
I look forward to reading more books by this author because she chose an interesting topic, which she fully understands and so can write with authority on the subject. I love the way she can open a spiritual conversation about a subject that could have different interpretations and handles it with sensitivity through her characters.
I enjoyed the way the author was able to address a problem that was both personal and spiritual that affected not only the family but the church as well. Fictional characters can work out the nuances of social problems without pointing fingers but also open the conversations to take place in real life. A good read. The author gave me a copy to review without prejudice or payment.

[Anna Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like Christian stories with a deeper meaning underpinning the action, you're in for a treat with Returning to Amanda.
Shirley Corder's debut novel is a story of identity and purpose - where are they found and how are they determined?

[Dianne Andre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely entertaining and thought-provoking. Shirley Corder takes readers straight into the heart of conflict between a pastor, his wife, and the church . . . a must-read for every church leader and its members . . . don’t miss it!

[Mary Humes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting and enjoyable story, but cerebral as well. This was very well written. I think that every Christian woman can identify at some time with Mandy.

[Val Waldeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Returning to Amanda is a fascinating book. It focuses on a Pastor's wife who doesn't fit into the normal mold expected by churches. Her creative gifts are amazing, but not valued by the community who have other expectations for her. She runs away and finds out from the Lord exactly how she fits in. This is a heart-warming, positive, and instructive book for any woman tired of being a square peg in a round hole. This book will change your thinking and your life. I highly recommend it.

[Vida Sik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought-provoking debut novel
If you’ve ever felt frustrated because life is passing you by and you don’t get to use the gifts God blessed you with, then you’ll relate to Amanda.

She’s a woman who feels neglected, unloved, and unappreciated by her husband, children, and the church community she’s meant to serve. So she takes off to rediscover herself, her purpose, and role in life. But she’s not the only one who has to learn a few lessons along the way. It’s great to see what happens to those she left behind.

This is a great debut fiction novel by Shirley Corder. I have previously read a few of her spiritual books, and it’s refreshing to see her tackle a different genre. The story is easy to read, and filled with some memorable supporting characters that add to the entertainment.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Allyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great addition to the library of Christian women’s fiction readers.
Shirley Corder’s debut novel – Returning to Amanda – is a story that many of us could relate to as we reminisce about our younger selves. The passage of years, together with the addition of a husband and children to a busier, less self-focused lifestyle, can often lead to a ‘could have, should have, didn’t’ frame of mind. Ms Corder very sensitively and skillfully captures this inner battle in Amanda Douglas’ journey to rediscovery.
I received the book as an advanced copy, but I was not obliged to give a favourable review.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relearning who they are

This book is packed full of wisdom. What a great story to show us how God can restore a church and even a marriage when the people only ask Him for help. It kept my attention all the way through, and I can't wait to read the next book when it is available! Very well done!

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shirley Corder has a gift for utilizing the senses and setting the scene. I highly recommend her books. Purchase a copy for yourself and send a couple of Kindle editions as gifts.

[Teresa Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm Hooked

I wanted something different to read, something that would hold my attention. This definitely did. I laughed, I cried, and I read straight through.

I love how Mandy "ran away", how relationships were restored and how she "found" herself.

How often do we try to fit in someone else's box?

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a "Must Read" book! It hooks you on the first page and doesn't let go. It's full of emotions and will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. I highly recommend this book. Loved it!

[Janetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

A DEFINITE PAGE TURNER

I'm glad there's a Book 2, because I didn't want Mandy and Owen's story to end. Wow! It is a must read. Shirley Corder, I cannot express how much your story touched my heart. Can't wait to get the next in the series. Outstanding!

[Ella · Rating 5 out of 5]

A light read that went deep. I need to read the sequel to find out about the children.

[Brenda Bishop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Returning to Amanda is a lovely story about a woman who is the wife of a pastor and mom to three children. It is captivating right from the first paragraph; starting immediately with her unusual response to the stress which has built up over a period of time. She faces a personal crisis - needing to know her true identity - and the story continues as she faces this challenge and sorts through her role as wife, mother, daughter and child of God, and finds answers. Themes include marriage conflict, parenting roles, the role of a pastor and his wife to their church plus a strong emphasis on motivational gifts in the church. Shirly has drawn on her own personal experience of pastoring a church with her husband and set this novel in her own home country, South Africa

[Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very readable, tightly written thriller. Didn't realize Christians could write in this vein. A long time fan of Shirley Corder, this was a rewarding read. I have finished two books this year and this was one of them. Holds you in the palm of its hand and redeems you at the end. Can't wait for the next one.

[Jeannette Harbottle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was compelling reading and I just wish that the prequel was already available. Many churches have hurt people in the same way Amanda is hurt, and it's good to be reminded that God can take the broken and make them whole again.