Beth Pattillo Earth to Betsy

Earth to Betsy

Beth Pattillo

Waterbrook, Jun 2006, $12.99

ISBN: 1400071798

Though they have supported one another as they developed their ministries especially the socialization and are attracted to one another Reverends Betsy Blessing and David Swenson never went out on a date until now. However that first date turns into something much more as David proposes marriage. Before she can react, Betsy finds herself attending an engagement party, hers.

Still in shock and not even sure she said yes, Betsy soon is the center of whirlwind activity as David's mother takes charge of the ceremony. While her future mother-in-law, editor of Budget Bride magazine, places high demands on her time, Betsy also worries about the future of her "graying" downtown Church of the Shepard congregation that suffers major financial woes ; she has a bidder that she must consider, but that means relocating in the Nashville burbs.

This sequel to the terrific HEAVEN TO A BETSY is a fine character study that like its predecessor provides a spotlight on the life of a minister. Betsy is a wonderful person struggling between those in her congregation who insist the Promised Land is the suburbs and those who feel it is heresy to abandon their downtown church. As difficult and politicized the issue is dealing with her future mother-in-law is even harder as Betsy just can't say no, which makes her look indecisive and weak. Beth Pattillo provides a fine tale that her fans will enjoy though the plot lacks some of the uniqueness of the first novel.

Harriet Klausner