I can't get through this book. I really hate reading books that are written in the first person. It gives a limited view of the world and of other characters and often leaves you feeling overloaded with one person's baggage, trapped in their ordeal with little perspective on the situation from any other view. I recently have read too many books written in this style. It leaves me drained of spirit and feeling dredged. I'm glad that other people got something out of it but it's just too depressing for me.

I love the Mitford books and the Phillip Gulley books because while there are a lot of terrible things that happen there are all sorts of perspectives that make it seem more healthy in the end.

As both an author and reader of fiction, I was impressed with "the Church Ladies." Maybe it is because I have always enjoyed a book that could hold my attention and make me think at the same time. In a nutshell, the characters are believable and yet a little out of the ordinary and the story line interesting. Give this book a try.
Tommy Taylor
Author - The Second Virgin Birth

Poppy is an unlikable character whom I grew to care about. I see myself in her, and I see others in her, too. A woman driven by others expectations to either swallow her pain and shame and end up resenting those who expect her to be who she is not, or to rebel and inflict further pain onto her already struggling psyche.

This reluctant pastor's wife is like a lot of us. She clutches a horrible, shameful secret that leaks out in her attitudes and behavior and sorrow and remains hidden from the healing touch of God. Poppy doesn't understand God. She doesn't understand herself, or her husband, or children or mother.

If you are a pastor's wife, or a Christian woman who feels very much like you are going through the motions, that your heart is not in it, that you don't deserve mercy that is new every morning, you might want to read this book.

Consider this a parable and maybe Poppy's road doesn't have to be yours.

If you think that all Christian's are perfect and never screw up, while thinking you have sinned beyond God's ability to forgive, read this book.

If you tend to judge far too easily and then feel awful about your sinful attitudes and lack of love, The Church Ladies would be a good one to pick up.

I absolutely loved this book. The story is told in the first person by a quirky, fun hearted Christian pastor's wife, mom and friend named Poppy. For once, it was not that pastor could not measure up to his job - rather Poppy, the pastors wife did not feel up to the task of " pastor's wife ." It was humourous, encouraging and sad all at the same time. This is not primarily the tale of Poppy's unhappiness as a pastor's wife, but rather other's tragedies and how Poppy gradually meets other pastors wives of varying Christian denomations, backgrounds, and ages, and together they help one another, and Poppy gradually learns to love her life.

Lovely story and I have read several more books by Lisa Samson and am a great fan!

I did not think I was going to like this book when I started it. It was a chore for me to read through the first few chapters. But I am glad I persevered! Once I got into it I found the book delightful. As it ends up, I thought the book was a much needed reminder that to seek forgiveness from others, we must forgive ourselves first. In the end, I was glad I read it.