Rating: 
Summary: An Inspiring family drama
Review: Poppy Fraser is consumed with guilt because she happily remembers the times in Baltimore when her husband Duncan was a computer geek reeling in some healthy cash. To her those were the good old days even if her spouse worked seven days a week and rarely had time for her or their children. However, his mid-life crisis was not a younger, taller, blonder siren. It was worse to Poppy as Duncan found God. This led to a radical change in lifestyle for the Fraser family. Duncan is now the Pastor of the Mount Oak Church, but Poppy fails to adjust to the role of pastor's wife. Instead she finds the petty rivalries of the congregation and the jobs expected of her quite tedious as if she is a modern day Job. Another action also fills Poppy with remorse that she failed her spouse in other ways. THE CHURCH LADIES is more than just a well written cheerleading inspirational because of the insightful Poppy. Although racked with guilt and remorse, the intrepid Poppy tries to do the right thing even if she fails and is not always righteous or sisterly. She is human and makes Lisa Samson's CHURCH LADIES into an enthralling modern day tale that readers of contemporary fiction will find quite entertaining. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: Samson took the words right out of my heart . . .
Review: The author has penned a wonderful story that touches, inspires, and captivates. I found it to be very well written and easy to follow. I didn't want to put it down ("I'll just read one more chapter!"), and I was sorry when I finished it. I have felt so many of the emotions and struggles that Poppy experiences, especially wanting to run from a less-than-satisfactory marriage. But it's all about grace and learning to lean on God during times of adversity. I could really relate to the story of Poppy's spiritual restoration and growth. Samson's prose has a "Jan Karon-esque" flavor to it. If you like the "Mitford" series, you'll like "The Church Ladies." I hope there will be a sequel.
Rating:
Summary: Samson took the words right out of my heart . . .
Review: The author has penned a wonderful story that touches, inspires, and captivates. I found it to be very well written and easy to follow. I didn't want to put it down ("I'll just read one more chapter!"), and I was sorry when I finished it. I have felt so many of the emotions and struggles that Poppy experiences, especially wanting to run from a less-than-satisfactory marriage. But it's all about grace and learning to lean on God during times of adversity. I could really relate to the story of Poppy's spiritual restoration and growth. Samson's prose has a "Jan Karon-esque" flavor to it. If you like the "Mitford" series, you'll like "The Church Ladies." I hope there will be a sequel.
Rating:
Summary: Finally, Something Different in Christian Fiction!
Review: The Church Ladies is a welcome departure from a lot of Christian books that make all of us Christians out to be perfect. The characters in Lisa Samson's book are real enough, and flawed enough, to share an iced latte with. Lisa Samson has a unique, wry humor that permeates this book and I will be looking for more books from her!
Rating:
Summary: A fresh and wonderful voice!
Review: The Church Ladies is one of the best books I've read this year. The writing is fresh and witty, and Poppy is one of the most honest characters to stroll across the pages of a book. I laughed and I cried and I was forced more than once to examine my own beliefs. I highly recommend The Church Ladies. -- Robin Lee Hatcher, author of Ribbon of Years
Rating:
Summary: Non-Stereotypical Christian Novel for the Non-Stereotypical
Review: The main character as a sassy first lady showed through her struggles that all is not always perfect or even as good as it seems in the parsonage. I appreciated her struggles and her victory as well as the sub-plot that showed that true Christians cooperate and work together. A wonderful victory for the power of praying women also comes through loud and clear. As an international missionary who doesn't wear floral culottes and has found that dreadlocks bear up best for me in the tropics, I find it healing and validating for author Lisa Samson's to expose some of the church's less comely ways. Thank God for His patience and for her showing that prayer, cooperation, and concentrating on the majors of our blessed hope in Christ can accomplish much in the Kingdom!
Rating: 
Summary: A Refreshing One-Day Read
Review: This book was like a breath of fresh air among Christian fiction. The thing I liked most was that the characters were not flawless "goody" Christians, who never hide any skeletons in their closet. Instead, the characters were vibrant, realistic, and believable. I've known people like them. I found myself in tears with sadness one minute and chuckling out loud the next. Once I got past the allegorical style of writing this book was highly enjoyable. This is a perfect snuggle up for a rainy day read. The prevalent theme of God's healing power and forgiveness help the pages unfold a true life lesson anyone can use. Once I finished the book, I found myself wanting to go to Java Jane's and have a latte.
Rating:
Summary: A Refreshing One-Day Read
Review: This book was like a breath of fresh air among Christian fiction. The thing I liked most was that the characters were not flawless "goody" Christians, who never hide any skeletons in their closet. Instead, the characters were vibrant, realistic, and believable. I've known people like them. I found myself in tears with sadness one minute and chuckling out loud the next. Once I got past the allegorical style of writing this book was highly enjoyable. This is a perfect snuggle up for a rainy day read. The prevalent theme of God's healing power and forgiveness help the pages unfold a true life lesson anyone can use. Once I finished the book, I found myself wanting to go to Java Jane's and have a latte.
Rating:
Summary: A Major Voice
Review: This is the emerging of a major voice in contemporary fiction. You can't help but be drawn to the characters Lisa Samson gives us with such style and insight. Not just a delightful read, The Church Ladies is also a promise of things to come--more books by Ms. Samson!
Rating:
Summary: Not Your Standard Christian Fiction
Review: This well-written book doesn't wrap everything up at the end like a pretty Christmas package like a lot of Christian fiction I've read. The characters are believable and the book is funny. I found her writing similar in some ways to Jamie Langston Turner which is a high compliment. More about the pastor's wife and her journey through accepting God's grace and forgiveness than the "church ladies," this book helps us to see that although life isn't a bowl of cherries, God's grace is sufficient for His children.
| 
