Book description by Amazon.com:
“Wherever Cassandra Martin goes, her secrets go with her. And hiding her past is beginning to take a toll.
Cassie lives in a small white parsonage in the village of Maple Grove. For 15 years, the beautiful and talented artist has appeared to be the perfect wife for Rev. John Martin, the new pastor at Maple Avenue Community Church.
The couple has moved frequently, and Pastor John is too busy with other people’s problems to notice Cassie’s distress. She has no close friends to confide in, fearing her secrets could jeopardize her husband’s position.
That’s until Maple Grove coffee shop owner Katherine “Katie” Montague embraces Cassie as if she were the daughter she never had. Sensing her pastor’s wife is haunted by something tragic, the caring widow begins praying for her. Will Cassie trust Katie with the pain of her past or will she let the secrets destroy her?
Secrets of the Pastor’s Wifefeatures discussion questions for women’s book clubs, church small groups, and recovery ministries. Entertaining and inspiring fiction, this compelling storyline will encourage emotional healing, forgiveness, and restored faith.”
My Review:
Christina Ryan Claypool has given us a compelling story about a pastor’s wife, Cassie, who suffered tragedy in her younger years. She truly loves her husband and her life as a pastor’s wife. However, Cassie has kept the tragedy in her past hidden, even from her husband. Katie realizes that Cassie needs a friend she can safely confide in, and the story becomes one of Cassie’s journey to peace and forgiveness.
The author did a great job of drawing me into the story and almost immediately finding sympathy for Cassie. This book has themes of forgiveness, love, and God’s grace in our lives. It’s a reminder to us as women to be a true friend to those who are hurting and have a listening ear and a caring heart as they share their burdens with us.
Just a note: This book has some adult themes that are handled appropriately, but would not be appropriate for a younger teen girl.
Although the story felt complete and not rushed, this book is a little bit shorter than some. (155 pages) I am hoping the author returns to Maple Grove and we learn more about some of the residents there.
I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.