Book Review: Secrets of the Pastor's Wife by Christina Ryan Claypool

About the Book:

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?

My Thoughts:

Secrets of the Pastor’s Wife by Christina Ryan Claypool offers readers a tale of tragic mistakes, long-held secrets, and the need for spoken truth. Although I’d consider this book a “heavy” read due to the issues it deals with, I enjoyed the gradual unveiling of Cassie’s story. It was easy to relate to Cassie. She loves her husband, supports him as best she can, and strives to follow Christ. Yet, she struggles with unaddressed issues from her past. I have a friend who is a pastor’s wife and based on what she has told me, I think the author offers an honest insider view into the realities of a pastor’s wife’s life.

I sometimes shy away from novellas as I feel they often lack character development due to the shortened form. However, the pages of Secrets of the Pastor’s Wife are packed with a character-driven plot. Although there is some action, Katie’s observations and lots of dialogue serve to put the focus on Cassie’s character growth. Several themes weave into the storyline and I appreciated the emphasis on mentoring/friendship that is shown between Katie and Cassie.

Secrets of the Pastor’s Wife by Christina Ryan Claypool is an inspirational novella that will appeal to readers (and book clubs) who enjoy character development mixed with spiritual truths.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author. All opinions in this review are my own.

Prize of My Heart by Lisa Norato

Captain Brogan Talvis is on a quest to reunite with his son who was secreted away by his unfaithful, late wife. His discovery of the boy's location leads him to the home of Lorena Huntley who cares for the child as her own. In lieu of an immediate kidnapping, Brogan meets with the family under other pretenses and finds himself drawn to Lorena, who has plenty of secrets of her own. As the time to take his son nears, Lorena is suddenly in danger and Brogan must decide whether to rescue Lorena or take his son.


I liked – but didn't love – reading Prize of My Heart by Lisa Norato. I thought the beginning was exceptionally good and liked that the story delivered both adventure and romance. Throughout the story, there was a strong emphasis placed on speaking the truth and knowing a person's background. Unfortunately, I felt that a certain twist later in the story undermined this theme as a prominent character was left not knowing the truth. I can't say more without spoiling things, but it did not sit well with the rest of the story or with me as a reader. Aside from that, Prize of My Heart is an enjoyable read. I recommend it to fans of historical romance who are looking for a little adventure in the story, but I do encourage renting it from the library before buying.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this free advanced reader copy from the publisher via LibraryThing . I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Made to Last by Melissa Tagg

When Miranda Woodruff's fiance left her three years ago, he left gaps both in her heart and in the backstory of her television show, From the Ground Up. Miranda's on-screen personality has a husband who taught her everything she knows about home building. So when rumors and questions arise about her husband, Miranda agrees to pretend to be married. Finding a pretend husband turns out to be easier than expected. However, when attractive reporter Matthew Knox begins poking around, Miranda finds her on-screen story and her real life both wearing thin. Will Miranda sacrifice everything to save her show? Or will she find that truth really will set her free? Read more in Made to Last by Melissa Tagg.

I enjoyed Made to Last, Melissa Tagg's debut novel. This book had a lot of hype and it took a little longer than I would have liked for the story to “hook” me. However, once I really got into it, the story offered refreshing originality and Tagg's writing style was lovely. Though it's classified as a romantic comedy, Made to Last, has plenty of depth and development. I cheered for the characters as they faced life's challenges and lessons.

Just a heads up to anyone who, like me, is keen on plenty of resolution. The ending was sweet, but there were several unresolved situations and issues. It appears that there will be another book that continues Blake's story. However, from the synopsis I read, it doesn't appear that Miranda and Matthew are a focus of the story. This leads me to assume that those issues will mostly likely not be addressed.

Overall, Made to Last is a sweet and entertaining story. However, I recommend renting before purchasing if you have an issue with stories that lack resolution.

Visit the publisher's website to read an excerpt from Made to Last by Melissa Tagg.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."