"chick lit goes pulpit"

In Nashville, thirty years old Associate Reverend Betsy Blessing is planning to tell the congregation at the Church of the Shepard that she is quitting the pulpit though she remains a staunch believer. Her problem is not doubts, but fear of failure letting down the Congregation. Betsy believes the most difficult task will be to tell her two best friends, Reverends David Swenson and Laronda Mason.

Betsy and David go to a movie together as friends when he reaches over to grab her popcorn and touches her thigh instead. She feels the electricity of his touch and reassess how she feels about her friend. However, Betsy vows not to act on her sudden attraction for David because she believes two reverends in a family always lead to divorce as neither has the time to provide full emotional support to the other. When Reverend Black decides to retire, Betsy takes over the ministry, but besides her fears of failing her flock she fears her feelings for David have grown deeper; could he be falling for her too?

This chick lit goes pulpit is an entertaining contemporary romance starring a likable protagonist who provides a deep understanding into the lifestyle of a reverend. The friendship turning romance will remind the audience of that Bonnie Riatt hit song and the barbs between the pair are amusing but also show how supportive they are of one another. Though her conversion from the queen of frump to enlightened looks seems a stretch, readers will appreciate this insightful look at the romance of two reverends.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted May 8, 2005

Summary

Blessed Are the Fabulous. Life would be perfect for Reverend Betsy Blessing if it weren't for parishioners who keel over during her sermons, steal money from the collection box, and set her up with ex-cons. Not to mention the very inconvenient feelings she is suddenly having for her long-time friend, fellow seminarian, and verbal sparring partner, David Swenson. It isn't until Betsy is thrust into the position of senior minister for her church, however, that she discovers the real cause of her discontent: her fear of failing has become stronger than her faith in herself. Is it really possible to keep a good woman down? Can Betsy reclaim her confidence while reconciling her clerical robe with high heels and the right shade of lipstick? A fun-loving look at a single girl's life on the other side of the altar, Heavens to Betsy is also a hilarious and joyful celebration of strong, stylish, and faithful womanhood.