A Review of The Pastor’s Wife by ReShonda Tate Billingsley

In this novel, Pastor Terrance Ellis is pressured by the elders of the church to find a wife in time for the 100^th anniversary Christmas celebration. Why? Because they were concerned that folks may start talking about the handsome and charismatic pastor who in his thirties and has never been in a serious relationship. But the only problem with Pastor Ellis is that he keeps running into a bunch of crazy women who often times mistake his kindness (e.g. going for coffee) for being in a full blown relationship.

Of course, the main person chasing the handsome pastor is Savannah who is well-known both in church and around town as a “floozy.” She would stop at nothing to get her man but she also mush past the test of Pastor Ellis’ three overprotective and meddlesome aunties. Needless to say these three church ladies call it like they see it. They raised Pastor Ellis and were proud to see him turn from a troublesome teen into the man who leads their church.

This was a great premise. However, I found the novel to be slow in many parts. Pastor Ellis being street smart apparently left all that behind because there were times I wanted to help him smack some folks. I know – but he really could have put his foot down many times. Anyway, the story did pick up some steam towards the end when Pastor Ellis finally got a back bone to ditch Savannah who was blackmailing him and pledge his love for Raquel, his secretary. I wanted more action. Nevertheless, it was a good read.

Some of my favorite lines:

“Let me explain something to you Reverend,” Savannah began, her voice laced with attitude. “You don’t play with a woman’s emotions and think it’s over just because you say it’s over.”

“Savannah, please don’t make this ugly.”

She let out a maniacal laugh. “You’ve got to be kidding me. Sweet, trust me when I say things aren’t going to get ugly. In fact, they’ll be quite beautiful.”

Terrance shot her a perplexed look. “What does that mean?”

Savannah flashed him a smile as she headed to the door. “It means, darling that this” –she pointed between the two of them- “isn’t over. In fact, we haven’t even begun. I’ll be in touch.”

Savannah left Terrance looking more confused than ever as she headed back to her car. She hadn’t wanted to go this route, but Terrance had left her no choice. It was time for the trump care, the one that would ensure she’d get exactly what she wanted.”

Rating: 3 stars

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