"Going to the Chapel with this entertaining tale!"

It's a tough job being the spiritual leader. But it's even tougher when you happen to be a twenty-something young lady whose congregation is skeptical of your abilities in the first place. Combine that will the overwhelming desire to find a little romance in your life, and you have Reverend Betsy Blessing's dilemma in a nutshell.

In "Heavens To Betsy," author Beth Pattillo delivers a delightful story of a young female minister's life that will amuse readers, as well as make them think a little bit about how they view their spiritual leaders. These folks have a life too, after all!

Betsy Blessing is questioning her calling to the ministry and has about talked herself into going back to law school, when the head minister of her church retires suddenly, leaving Betsy to serve as interim minister until "an appropriate man" can be found to take her place. Betsy becomes determined to do the best job that she can. She turns to her two best friends, LaRhonda -- who is the head minister of a large congregation, and David -- who is the associate pastor of a congregation about the size of Betsy's, to ask them for their advice and guidance. While LaRhonda is facing a crisis of her own, Betsy finds that she is turning more and more to David for solace, and soon finds that she is falling in love with the tall young minister.

In the meantime, Betsy's congregation is raising cain with money disappearing from the collection box, a matron intent on driving Betsy away and a deacon who tends to pass out during services. Betsy struggles to resolve all the problems with the grace and dignity she musters from within, impressing everyone who comes into contact with vivacious young minister.

"Heavens to Betsy" is an entertaining story that will leave readers wanting to know more about what happens between Betsy and David, and her congregation. But never fear, a sequel is in the future!

Reviewed by Sharon Galligar Chance
Posted July 28, 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.