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All Churched Out: The Weary Wife of the Pastor-Book 1
Forced into the new First Lady role at Shady Hill Missionary Baptist Church, Leah Westchester-Jackson’s true gifts and passions are stamped out by impossible expectations. To cope, Leah creates a fake identity, attempting to appease her father and husband. Already suffering from the effects of family drama, including sibling rivalry, favoritism fueled by colorism, and a lack of maternal bonding, Leah finally loses all restraint when her heart shatters into millions of pieces from the chaos of betrayal, legalism, and hypocrisy. Leah plummets onto a search for completion outside of the walls of the traditional church, where she gets caught up in metaphysics, transcendental meditation, mind science, gender confusion, and more.
Will Leah find her true identity and healing during this adventure without her traditional Bible study notes?
Kyle Jackson is the new Pastor of Shady Hill, and has his own battles to fight. Climbing out of the dangerous gutter of his past life and landing in the safety of the Westchester family ministry has given him a great new start… but will his skeletons come out to haunt him and disrupt his already-broken marriage and ministry?
“Leah”, whose name means “weary” takes the term “level up” to new heights as she attempts to define true worship, spirituality, and love while overcoming the family drama that threatens to steal her soul in the name of the church.
Will Leah find her true identity and healing during this adventure without her traditional Bible study notes?
Kyle Jackson is the new Pastor of Shady Hill, and has his own battles to fight. Climbing out of the dangerous gutter of his past life and landing in the safety of the Westchester family ministry has given him a great new start… but will his skeletons come out to haunt him and disrupt his already-broken marriage and ministry?
“Leah”, whose name means “weary” takes the term “level up” to new heights as she attempts to define true worship, spirituality, and love while overcoming the family drama that threatens to steal her soul in the name of the church.
- GenresChristian Fiction
125 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 4, 2022
351 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 15, 2024
Messy
I don’t even know where to begin. There were too many things left unexplained.
At times it felt as if the author was just throwing scripture around for the fun of it.
Kyle is selfish, trifling and messy. The father is selfish too and the sister??? Don’t get me started on her. Messy.
I don’t even know where to begin. There were too many things left unexplained.
At times it felt as if the author was just throwing scripture around for the fun of it.
Kyle is selfish, trifling and messy. The father is selfish too and the sister??? Don’t get me started on her. Messy.
January 28, 2023
I see why Leah is "all churched out". When you're brought up in the church, and expected to walk in the footsteps of a woman (your mother) who didn't necessarily care for you much that's a tough position to be in. Add to it a controlling manipulative father, a sneaky sister, and a husband who really isn't in love with you and it's a recipe for nothing but heartbreak and heartache. I felt so bad for Leah because she didn't have anyone on her side and she was surrounded by wolves. I was thoroughly intrigued all the way through this book, and although I don't care for series' too much these days I think I will continue this series at some point to find out what happens next.
November 4, 2022
Title: All Churched Out...The Weary Wife Of The Pastor
Author: Denise Cook-Godfrey
Publisher: Denise Cook-Godfrey
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"All Churched Out...The Weary Wife Of The Pastor" by Denise Cook-Godfrey
My Assessment:
After reading this excellent novel, all that is left to say is WOW! This author did a fantastic job with this storyline. However, I am not sure who I felt sorrier for after all was said and done. One sure thing...all needed prayer from our Heavenly Father!
All of the characters from this story... Pastor Joseph Westchester, his wife, Agatha, his daughters, Leah and Rebbie, son-in-law, Kyle, Aunt Zelle, the sister-in-law, Deacon & wife, and a few others...I left out to keep one's interest to the very end.
With all that goes on in this story...one will be shaking their head and saying oh my God. But, as I was reading, I felt poor Leah needed therapy all by herself to talk freely with someone who would listen to her. This situation reminded me of a time in my life when treatment was needed, and the first thing I said to my therapist was I want to talk, and you listen. One can be left thinking, was this what Leah needed?
Yes, Leah had reason to be angry because of how her mother and father had treated her, along with that husband, and let us not leave out the sister Rebbie but surely Leah will not turn from God. All I will say about Leah's husband Kyle and Rebbie [her sister] left me shaking my head and saying ... wow! But as things were going on in this story, I wasn't too surprised at what had happened between the two. I don't want to tell too much of the story, so you will pick up this read and see how well this author brings it all out.
To say who started all of this mess was definitely with Pastor Westchester, who thought he was doing right in picking out Leah's husband... Kyle. But after Pastor Westchester found out what was going on, there is so much more to this picture with Kyle...who was a piece of work, and so was it with Leah's sister Rebbie. So all that is left to say is that they all need help from God!
After the family finally decides to talk about this horrible situation, what will happen next for Leah as she leaves her home and stays at a hotel for a few weeks? What will come of it when Leah is dining at the restaurant and gets a note from someone telling her..."Your sister was not the only one you know! Poor little Leah…always getting the short end of the stick! First, your mom didn't, and now your husband scorned you." Directly, who sent this to Leah, and why would someone be so cruel?
Will "Leah be able to find the strength to move beyond the pain and betrayal that she has encountered from her husband and sister? What about her past hurt and bitterness?" To get more of "All Churched Out," the reader must pick up Book 2 to see how well this author brings more of this story out to the reader. There will be a total of three Books on this story..."All Churched Out...The Weary Wife Of The Pastor," so there will be much more interesting information as the story continues.
Author: Denise Cook-Godfrey
Publisher: Denise Cook-Godfrey
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"All Churched Out...The Weary Wife Of The Pastor" by Denise Cook-Godfrey
My Assessment:
After reading this excellent novel, all that is left to say is WOW! This author did a fantastic job with this storyline. However, I am not sure who I felt sorrier for after all was said and done. One sure thing...all needed prayer from our Heavenly Father!
All of the characters from this story... Pastor Joseph Westchester, his wife, Agatha, his daughters, Leah and Rebbie, son-in-law, Kyle, Aunt Zelle, the sister-in-law, Deacon & wife, and a few others...I left out to keep one's interest to the very end.
With all that goes on in this story...one will be shaking their head and saying oh my God. But, as I was reading, I felt poor Leah needed therapy all by herself to talk freely with someone who would listen to her. This situation reminded me of a time in my life when treatment was needed, and the first thing I said to my therapist was I want to talk, and you listen. One can be left thinking, was this what Leah needed?
Yes, Leah had reason to be angry because of how her mother and father had treated her, along with that husband, and let us not leave out the sister Rebbie but surely Leah will not turn from God. All I will say about Leah's husband Kyle and Rebbie [her sister] left me shaking my head and saying ... wow! But as things were going on in this story, I wasn't too surprised at what had happened between the two. I don't want to tell too much of the story, so you will pick up this read and see how well this author brings it all out.
To say who started all of this mess was definitely with Pastor Westchester, who thought he was doing right in picking out Leah's husband... Kyle. But after Pastor Westchester found out what was going on, there is so much more to this picture with Kyle...who was a piece of work, and so was it with Leah's sister Rebbie. So all that is left to say is that they all need help from God!
After the family finally decides to talk about this horrible situation, what will happen next for Leah as she leaves her home and stays at a hotel for a few weeks? What will come of it when Leah is dining at the restaurant and gets a note from someone telling her..."Your sister was not the only one you know! Poor little Leah…always getting the short end of the stick! First, your mom didn't, and now your husband scorned you." Directly, who sent this to Leah, and why would someone be so cruel?
Will "Leah be able to find the strength to move beyond the pain and betrayal that she has encountered from her husband and sister? What about her past hurt and bitterness?" To get more of "All Churched Out," the reader must pick up Book 2 to see how well this author brings more of this story out to the reader. There will be a total of three Books on this story..."All Churched Out...The Weary Wife Of The Pastor," so there will be much more interesting information as the story continues.
March 6, 2023
My! My! My!
It is hard for me to say this but I really did not care for this family except for Kyle. Now here is this preacher man who allowed his wife to mistreat his oldest daughter knowing what happened to Jacob favoring one child over the others. Then scripture clearly states not to choose a recent convert because he could fall into condemnation of the devil 1 Timothy 3:6. Kyle should have never been offered that position to begin with he was not ready! Then Leah with her complaining was definitely not ready to be a first lady! And then Rebbie why was she going to therapy with her sister and her husband? That made no sense! I want to go on but I hate spoilers so please just read the book and perhaps, Gods will, I can say more because believe you me I have plenty. On to book 2 of this crazy saga of church folk who clearly are hearers of the word only but then not sure if the good preacher of Leah and Rebbie has even read the whole bible? Read this book and learn what not to do! Five stars!
It is hard for me to say this but I really did not care for this family except for Kyle. Now here is this preacher man who allowed his wife to mistreat his oldest daughter knowing what happened to Jacob favoring one child over the others. Then scripture clearly states not to choose a recent convert because he could fall into condemnation of the devil 1 Timothy 3:6. Kyle should have never been offered that position to begin with he was not ready! Then Leah with her complaining was definitely not ready to be a first lady! And then Rebbie why was she going to therapy with her sister and her husband? That made no sense! I want to go on but I hate spoilers so please just read the book and perhaps, Gods will, I can say more because believe you me I have plenty. On to book 2 of this crazy saga of church folk who clearly are hearers of the word only but then not sure if the good preacher of Leah and Rebbie has even read the whole bible? Read this book and learn what not to do! Five stars!
January 1, 2023
First Lady
A controlling father. A deceased mother who favored one of her children. And two sisters with differing views of their family dynamics. One sister, Leah, suffers from bouts of depression along with female related problems and is overwhelmed in her role as First Lady. Her sister, Rebbie, is outgoing, successful, learned the inner workings of the church through her closeness with their mother and is near perfect. But sinful acts change everything and it remains to be seen who will survive the mess.
It's a decent story, however the writing seems underdeveloped. I almost returned the book without finishing but I considered the high ratings which were the reason I downloaded the book to begin with. I'm interested to see how the story ends despite the writing style.
A controlling father. A deceased mother who favored one of her children. And two sisters with differing views of their family dynamics. One sister, Leah, suffers from bouts of depression along with female related problems and is overwhelmed in her role as First Lady. Her sister, Rebbie, is outgoing, successful, learned the inner workings of the church through her closeness with their mother and is near perfect. But sinful acts change everything and it remains to be seen who will survive the mess.
It's a decent story, however the writing seems underdeveloped. I almost returned the book without finishing but I considered the high ratings which were the reason I downloaded the book to begin with. I'm interested to see how the story ends despite the writing style.
May 4, 2023
Wow! Will Leah come back from this?
The first thing we want to do reading A story like this is to pass judgement! However it would behoove us all to remember that we all have sinned and come short of the glory of God! There are a lot of things in this story that should have, could have and possibly would have had the daddy not mettled, had the mother showed her first born love, had the dad left the young man to love which ever one of his daughter's was in his heart. It did not happen and now this family's faith in the faithfulness of God will be tested! I am anxious to see if this will strengthen or break their faith in God and their relationship with each other! This is my first read of this author's work and I find I like her story content and will read more of her work.
The first thing we want to do reading A story like this is to pass judgement! However it would behoove us all to remember that we all have sinned and come short of the glory of God! There are a lot of things in this story that should have, could have and possibly would have had the daddy not mettled, had the mother showed her first born love, had the dad left the young man to love which ever one of his daughter's was in his heart. It did not happen and now this family's faith in the faithfulness of God will be tested! I am anxious to see if this will strengthen or break their faith in God and their relationship with each other! This is my first read of this author's work and I find I like her story content and will read more of her work.
December 17, 2022
All Church Out ( Book 1)
Wow what a drama in the church. Pastor think he could do love connection for his daughter but it come back and hit him real hard. Leah is depress her mom never care much about her. Rebbie was Pastor and first lady princess, with all the friends. Kyle was the thug who pastor took from Rebbie . He have Kyle Married to Leah have him position as Pastor and Leah first lady who know nothing about church . Kyle was upset with the marriage and the depression Leah had so he come clean to Rebbie so they got back together and Rebbie got pregnant so the church and it's organization take Kyle from his position, until they marriage is fix . This is corruption in the church ⛪. Love it . First time reading this Author books.
Wow what a drama in the church. Pastor think he could do love connection for his daughter but it come back and hit him real hard. Leah is depress her mom never care much about her. Rebbie was Pastor and first lady princess, with all the friends. Kyle was the thug who pastor took from Rebbie . He have Kyle Married to Leah have him position as Pastor and Leah first lady who know nothing about church . Kyle was upset with the marriage and the depression Leah had so he come clean to Rebbie so they got back together and Rebbie got pregnant so the church and it's organization take Kyle from his position, until they marriage is fix . This is corruption in the church ⛪. Love it . First time reading this Author books.
November 5, 2022
It Happens
Amazing from beginning to end. Read in a matter of hours. I gave it five stars because there was Never a dull moment. I love how the author boldly paints a picture of a small piece of typical church life when it comes to traditional religion vs. relationship. Dynamics and consequences of favoritism in the home and in the church is on full display in this read. Definitely reminds me of Jacob’s story in the Bible. Can’t wait to see how Leah navigates through this ordeal and how the author brings it all home. We all have an Aunt Zelle. Not afraid to tell it like it T. I. S. and clearly speaking from a place of hurt herself. Love It!!!!
Amazing from beginning to end. Read in a matter of hours. I gave it five stars because there was Never a dull moment. I love how the author boldly paints a picture of a small piece of typical church life when it comes to traditional religion vs. relationship. Dynamics and consequences of favoritism in the home and in the church is on full display in this read. Definitely reminds me of Jacob’s story in the Bible. Can’t wait to see how Leah navigates through this ordeal and how the author brings it all home. We all have an Aunt Zelle. Not afraid to tell it like it T. I. S. and clearly speaking from a place of hurt herself. Love It!!!!
October 21, 2023
Rachael & Leah Revived
OMg, what a hot mess! “All Churched Out: The Weary Wife of the Pastor - Book 1 (A Christian Fiction Thriller)” was an intriguing modern version of Laban, Jacob, Rachael & Leah’s (Gen 29-32) story, life application through fictional characters: Daddy Westchester, Kyle, Leah & Rebbie) and an excellent read. Looking forward to reading book 2 and the mystery man’s golden note “Your sister was not the only one, you know!” WHAT ⁉️…are there eleven more little Kyle seeds 🤨😬🤦🏾♀️🤭⁉️
OMg, what a hot mess! “All Churched Out: The Weary Wife of the Pastor - Book 1 (A Christian Fiction Thriller)” was an intriguing modern version of Laban, Jacob, Rachael & Leah’s (Gen 29-32) story, life application through fictional characters: Daddy Westchester, Kyle, Leah & Rebbie) and an excellent read. Looking forward to reading book 2 and the mystery man’s golden note “Your sister was not the only one, you know!” WHAT ⁉️…are there eleven more little Kyle seeds 🤨😬🤦🏾♀️🤭⁉️
December 13, 2022
All Churched Out
Although Agatha is not really written about you feel her presence all through this book. Everyone in Leah's immediate family circle betrayed her . Her mom by treating her as if she didn't exist. Her dad by manipulating someone to be with her. Kyle for knowing he wasnt in love with Leah. Rebbie for acting on her emotions and sleeping with Kyle.
I hope Leah comes through the fire and becomes the woman that she was created to be.
Although Agatha is not really written about you feel her presence all through this book. Everyone in Leah's immediate family circle betrayed her . Her mom by treating her as if she didn't exist. Her dad by manipulating someone to be with her. Kyle for knowing he wasnt in love with Leah. Rebbie for acting on her emotions and sleeping with Kyle.
I hope Leah comes through the fire and becomes the woman that she was created to be.
December 13, 2022
Betrayal from "close family" is a mother!
Great job Denise! You have written a real page turner. I couldn't put it down. I "needed" to know what was going to happen next. I can hardly believe the turn of events. And now I MUST read Book 2 to find out who the mysterious note passer is. C'mon everyone. READ!
Great job Denise! You have written a real page turner. I couldn't put it down. I "needed" to know what was going to happen next. I can hardly believe the turn of events. And now I MUST read Book 2 to find out who the mysterious note passer is. C'mon everyone. READ!
January 10, 2023
Wow
I know Debbie and Kyle had something going on before it happened. Leah never had anyone on her side, her mother didn't love her. Her father felt sorry for her because of the way her mother treated her. Kyle never loved her because she was forced on him. Wow can't wait to read the second book.
I know Debbie and Kyle had something going on before it happened. Leah never had anyone on her side, her mother didn't love her. Her father felt sorry for her because of the way her mother treated her. Kyle never loved her because she was forced on him. Wow can't wait to read the second book.
August 23, 2023
Enjoyed this story! My heart goes out to Leah because she was unloved by her mother and still not over it! Her father knew this and tried to make up by using Kyle to get with her when the other daughter was truly in love with him! Now the sister is having a baby with her husband! What a tangled web we weave when trying to deceive! On to part two!
August 23, 2023
Hurting
I like this book because I understand how your mind works after you’ve been hurt by friends or love ones. The author has thoroughly written a riveting and realistic story detailing our experiences.
I would totally recommend this heartfelt story to family and friends. I am ready for the next book!
I like this book because I understand how your mind works after you’ve been hurt by friends or love ones. The author has thoroughly written a riveting and realistic story detailing our experiences.
I would totally recommend this heartfelt story to family and friends. I am ready for the next book!
March 5, 2025
She You Never Think Your Worthy
Denise, good read. Oh my what a way to live. Leah never got the love she deserved. With all this mess she is dealing with who is at fault? Church folk hurt folk. They hide behind the church and expect things to be ok. I can't wait to see what the real secret is. Rebbie was cheated as well. Oh such a tangled web.🤗🤗🤗🤗
Denise, good read. Oh my what a way to live. Leah never got the love she deserved. With all this mess she is dealing with who is at fault? Church folk hurt folk. They hide behind the church and expect things to be ok. I can't wait to see what the real secret is. Rebbie was cheated as well. Oh such a tangled web.🤗🤗🤗🤗
August 25, 2025
page turner for sure
Kept my ears prickled the entire time. You kinda see it coming but then the story gets suspenseful, who are these unknown men? Will he leave her? What happens to the baby? Does she find her own man? Does she take her sister’s husband? Is the father dying? Where’s the preachers wife?
Kept my ears prickled the entire time. You kinda see it coming but then the story gets suspenseful, who are these unknown men? Will he leave her? What happens to the baby? Does she find her own man? Does she take her sister’s husband? Is the father dying? Where’s the preachers wife?
January 2, 2023
Messiness if Church and Family
When your family meddles, it more than likely will end in mess. This is exactly what Leah gets. A broken heart and mess from parents who pushed her into something she didn’t want. Now, she’s left broken and weary. Looking forward to part 2
When your family meddles, it more than likely will end in mess. This is exactly what Leah gets. A broken heart and mess from parents who pushed her into something she didn’t want. Now, she’s left broken and weary. Looking forward to part 2
June 16, 2023
Wonderful Christian Urban Book
Loved the fact that it related back to the Bible and kept all the church things accurate while keeping the love scenes classy. Would definitely read again
Loved the fact that it related back to the Bible and kept all the church things accurate while keeping the love scenes classy. Would definitely read again
January 22, 2024
real life happens
This book gave insight to what I dealt with in my marriage. You gave real life accounts that I could relate to and it opened my eyes. I pray Leah does it the correct way. You have became one of my too authors ma’am.
This book gave insight to what I dealt with in my marriage. You gave real life accounts that I could relate to and it opened my eyes. I pray Leah does it the correct way. You have became one of my too authors ma’am.
March 7, 2024
All Churched Out
A nice quick read but not a happy Christian family. The characters were not Christians.Held my interest with not really nice characters. I already purchased book 2 so I will read it
A nice quick read but not a happy Christian family. The characters were not Christians.Held my interest with not really nice characters. I already purchased book 2 so I will read it
March 25, 2024
Very good book by this author whom I never have had the pleasure of reading. Believe it or not, the things she wrote in the book really do happen. Yes, even in the church. I don't know who to feel sorry for. Maybe the 2nd book will help with that. Well, can't wait to read the next.
April 14, 2024
Decent Novella
There were errors the took away from my reading because I had to re-read lines over to make sense of it, but it was a good story that left a cliff hanger. I am moving to book 2.
There were errors the took away from my reading because I had to re-read lines over to make sense of it, but it was a good story that left a cliff hanger. I am moving to book 2.
November 7, 2025
Oh my😱
Heartbreaking, however, this happens in our world even in the church community. All this craziness and chaos occurs because people try and "handle" other people's lives. Anticipating reading the second book in this series.
Heartbreaking, however, this happens in our world even in the church community. All this craziness and chaos occurs because people try and "handle" other people's lives. Anticipating reading the second book in this series.
April 29, 2023
I definitely enjoyed this book & I’m looking forward to the series. If you “grew up in church” you will definitely make connections. However, the themes in the book are universal.
July 10, 2023
Gots To Be More Careful
Wow what's up with these pastors..smh..he.is a.trip. Po Ole wife having issues and this dude knocking her sisters socks off...
Wow what's up with these pastors..smh..he.is a.trip. Po Ole wife having issues and this dude knocking her sisters socks off...
September 4, 2023
Inter struggle
This story should title don't keep the devil away. If anything you get more attached. Get help from some one. Talking it out seams to set you free
This story should title don't keep the devil away. If anything you get more attached. Get help from some one. Talking it out seams to set you free
October 14, 2023
Great Read
I really enjoyed this book. I can’t wait to read the next one. It was hard putting it down. I hope that Leah overcomes.
I really enjoyed this book. I can’t wait to read the next one. It was hard putting it down. I hope that Leah overcomes.
November 8, 2023
Wow
This was very intriguing I can't wait to see how Leah handles this situation she he landed in Five stars all the way
This was very intriguing I can't wait to see how Leah handles this situation she he landed in Five stars all the way
August 3, 2025
Book 1 of 3. Deals with sin, repentance , unconditionally love and hopefully forgiveness. ends on a cliff hanger so im on to book 2
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews