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. ( )

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