Can this small-town girl trade her tarnished past for a respectable life?
During the hot, windy summer of 1870 in the burgeoning prairie town of Assurance, Kansas, Marissa Pierce is fed up with her abusive boss. She longs to start a new life and is growing weary of convincing townsfolk that she is most certainly not a prostitute.
Civil War veteran and preacher Rowe Winford arrives in town intent on leaving the tragic memories of his deceased family behind. Although Rowe has no plans to fall in love anytime soon, the plans of God rarely match those of man.
Faced with adversity and rejection from the town and Rowe’s family, can Marissa overcome her past, renew her faith, and experience the life of love that God has planned for her?
Brandi Boddie writes inspirational romances sprinkled with brass, sass, and a dash of the speculative. She holds a juris doctorate from Howard University School of Law and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Youngstown State University. She lives in Texas with her husband and two rambunctious canines who aspire to be food critics. When she’s not writing or playing dress up in Victorian/steampunk/1940s garb, you can find her hiking, swing dancing, or getting her daily fill of antioxidants through coffee and dark chocolate.
My Impressions:
Brandi Boddie has written an excellent debut novel, in The Preacher’s Wife. Rich historical detail, well-developed and realistic characters, and a great story, make this a recommended read for those who like romantic, historical novels. It is also a wonderful story of God’s love and redemptive power. A bit reminiscent of the book of Hosea, it is highly original and well told.
Arrow Missy/Marissa is a dance hall girl and that is all. But the town of Assurance sees her as only a soiled dove, a painted cat, a harlot. Determined to escape the saloon where she works and make a new life, Marissa faces obstacles along the way — from an abusive employer, to the gossip and disdain of respectable citizens, to her own feelings of unworthiness. But the love and faithfulness of long time friends and the new preacher in town, teach her about God’s love and grace.
There is a lot to like in The Preacher’s Wife. The Old West of 1870 Kansas comes to life in the description of the town of Assurance. A bit rough around the edges, the town is striving to make itself presentable. The characters are realistic in their jealousy and cruelty and love and compassion. More than Marissa make a change in their attitudes. As I said the Biblical story of Hosea seems to be an inspiration for Boddie, but this novel is not a strict retelling. It uses Biblical themes in a fresh way. A great start to the new series, Brides of Assurance, I look forward to more books from Brandi Boddie.
Recommended.
(Thanks to Charisma for a review copy. The opinions expressed are mine alone.)
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