Paul Hudson seemed like the perfect pastor to lead Centerville Christian Church and Eunice was the perfect pastor’s wife. When Paul accepted the call to pastor the struggling church, he had no idea what to expect. But it didn’t take long for Paul to turn Centerville Christian Church around. Attendance is up, way up, and everything is going so well. If only his wife could see it that way. Still, he tries not to let her quiet presence distract him. But Eunice knows that something isn’t right and it hasn’t been for a long time …
Eunice closed the bedroom door quietly and knelt beside her bed. I am drowning, God. I’ve never felt so alone. Who can I turn to but you, Lord? Where else does a pastor’s wife go for help when her marriage is failing and her life is out of control? Who can I trust with my anguish, Lord? Who but you? Grasping her pillow, she pressed her tightly to her mouth so that her sobs would not be heard …
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"This book was such a realistic portrayal of what happens when we stop relying on God, quit listening to the Holy Spirit and do things in our own strength. I loved this book. It is so applicable to the Church today, every Pastor needs to read it and heed the warning. "
— Beth (5 out of 5 stars)
" This is another story by Francine Rivers which inspired me to great lengths. It taught me to never give up for matters that you are praying for. Once I started listening I could not put it down until it was complete. Thank you Francine Rivers for books that inspire. "
— Juanita Steyn, 5/19/2020" I have bought this book first as abridged audiobook, then as a paperback and finally as an unabridged audiobook. All the forms were really excellent. "
— Evangelia, 9/6/2018" It's one of my favorite books because it's about things that happen in a church. "
— Evangelia Alti, 12/14/2015" This is my 5th Francine Rivers book. I love that it is an easy read, but still has spiritual applications. "
— Milli, 2/20/2014" should be required reading for all people involved in a church! "
— Sandy, 2/19/2014" A good look at the damage that can be caused by focusing on quantity over quality in a church. A cautionary tale, a parable about the importance of humility and love instead of efficiency and worldly success. "
— Betsy, 2/9/2014" Not her best work, in fact was a little disappointed. However, I liked the recurring theme of redemption though. "
— Jerri, 2/8/2014" Pretty good -- she's a good author. "
— Jan, 2/4/2014" this book changed my life "
— Vanessa, 2/2/2014" A must read for all Pastors & Pastor's wives.......or anyone in who wants to learn what can happen in a church or how to help a young couple called to minister to a church. Your heart will go out to this young wife! "
— Sheila, 1/10/2014" I read this years ago and cannot for the life of me remember what it was about... clearly it wasn't very memorable. "
— Shélah, 1/7/2014" Another one of the books that brought me to tears. There are just so many life lessons in this book. So many things that you will have seen or know someone who has seen....and it reminds you how much love means, and how many things it can over come. "
— Monica, 1/7/2014" A reminder - "that we are Christains first" "
— Dorinda, 12/18/2013" Love Francine Rivers...great book..frustrated me a bit about the actions of the pastor in the story but so real... "
— Karen, 11/23/2013" Very mixed feelings about this one. Has good points but I'm not sure they outweigh the bad. This is DEFINITELY fiction and the ending may even be classified as a fairytale! Can't wait to talk about it at book club! "
— Shelly, 11/15/2013" Francine Rivers captures the challenges of the modern church perfectly. "
— Simamile, 5/31/2013" This was the best education in what NOT to do in ministry! "
— Bonita, 12/3/2012" I would give this a 4 1/2. "
— Jenn, 7/11/2012" Excellent! This book should be required reading for all seminary students, worship leaders, and anyone in a position of authority in the church. "
— Karen, 4/2/2012" WOW...this book rocked my world... "
— Jillain, 3/12/2012" Good overall message. A little hard to get through in the middle. "
— Amy, 12/20/2011" This is a wonderful book. It makes me realize that I must depend on God for EVERYTHING! Reminds me that it is easy for any Christian to start thinking they're in charge. "
— Kdesoto, 11/11/2011" This was a pretty easy read. It was cheesy at times but gave a pretty good glimpse into the world of an average pastoral family's life and complexities of what pride does to us. It kept my attention b/c I wanted resolve. "
— Von, 10/22/2011" It was ok, but I had a hard time relating to a person who had such an old fashioned name as Eunice. The struggles in her marriage were hard to read. "
— Sarah, 8/25/2011" This is a Christian Fiction that EVERY church member should read. "
— Judy, 8/6/2011" Pretty good book but not her best. About a minister who gets the big head when his church begins to grow and he forgets about who God is and to keep Him exalted above all... "
— Shelia, 7/16/2011" Although I rarely read Christian fiction, a coworker recommended this book. Wow! I think pastors both young and old should read it. Sadly, I have witnessed some of the stuff that happens in this book happen in churches today. "
— Maryjo, 4/9/2011" What an awesome story of how God can take any situation and work through it to bring his children home. "
— Michelle, 3/14/2011" Accurate portrayal of unhealed people in ministry. "
— Donna, 1/9/2011" Powerful story of what could happen when we forget that its all about God and not about us. "
— Cheryl, 1/7/2011" Started slow but got a little better. Not my favorite book of hers but entertaining. "
— Corrie, 1/1/2011" Note: hard to read through such a troubled story but makes you analyze your own life. "
— Jill, 11/1/2010" A must read for all Pastors & Pastor's wives.......or anyone in who wants to learn what can happen in a church or how to help a young couple called to minister to a church. Your heart will go out to this young wife! "
— Sheila, 8/26/2010" I really enjoy Francine's redemption storylines, as in The Last Sin Eater. "
— Marla, 8/6/2010" Another awesome book by Francine Rivers! "
— Cindy, 7/29/2010" Responsible for many late nights.... I was a little disappointed in how quickly all of the loose threads were wrapped up in the last two chapters. Without a doubt, a riveting, thought-provoking read. "
— Miriam, 7/20/2010" The book was well written, but it really made me sad. "
— Amanda, 7/16/2010" Great Christian principles taught but definitely not her best. One of the main characters was intolerable... if I hadn't wondered what would happen with the rest of the characters, I may not have finished it. "
— Melissa, 7/8/2010Francine Rivers published a number of novels in the general romance market until 1993, when she released her first book in the Christian book market. The Mark of the Lion series has sold half a million copies, and her total book sales are over one million. Since then all of her books have all been bestsellers. She has won numerous awards and was named to the Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame in 1997.
Ruth Ann Phimister has appeared off Broadway and in numerous regional productions, including Life with Father with Robert Reed. She has also worked in television, film, and commercial voice-over.