Rating: 
Summary: In Denial
Review: I think it's interesting that the only scalding critiques of this book focus on its unbelievability rather than the writing itself. I've lived in a lovely, conservative town for about a decade (conservative meaning overwhelming Republican, Baptist, and dry--no alcohol sales), and during that time period, a beloved physician in one of the largest protestant churches committed suicide because of allegations of pedophilia and a minister was driven out of his congregation because of similar charges--that perhaps stemmed from his willingness to focus on the poor, not his wealthy parishioners. A protestant priest committed suicide because of alcholism and bipolar disorder that he could neither admit nor control. All three men were charasmatic and did much good, along with causing much despair.It is readers like the last handful who make the pious congregants and Dean's insufferable husband all the MORE believable. They don't want to see anything that interferes with their Noman Rockwell view of the world, and, perhaps, contribute to a great deal of pain that some churches cause and the difficulty of following Jesus, in church or outside it, rather than flawed human beings like ourselves. It's good that some writers have the courage to write, not like the sweet and remarkable Jan Karon, about the warm and loving churches, but about the dark side of hypocrisy as well.
Rating: 
Summary: [Bad] Novel-No Prize Here
Review: As did other reviewers, I found this novel wasn't worth the effort. The characters are very predictable, totally unrealistic, and about as interesting as watching a fly stuck in paint. Either Ms. King has had a very unpleasant experience growing up in a religious background or she has a warped sense of
perspective. I have been involved in churches and worked with ministers and their wives for almost thirty years, never have I encountered such blatant misfits as Ben and Dean. To be honest, I found these characters so way off base from reality that I was actually offended by the Ms. King's portrayl of the their characters. Not that I am a prude, but this story was such a slam on people who are respected in this esteem positions and who are good, honest, dedicated leaders of the church. I would
never embarrass the pastors and pastor's wives I know by
recommending this book to any of my friends. The plot, the action, and much of the dialouge is distasteful, contrived, and
recycled from other stories. "Country girl can survive"--how many times have you heard that assessment shouted from the stage?
If there was a zero rating, I would have given it to this book.
Sorry, but there is no prize here.
Rating: 
Summary: Dean needs some backbone
Review: I enjoyed reading this book and read it quickly but had to laugh along the way due to the silly choices made by the characters. On a long road trip, I told the storyline to my husband, and it seemed even more unrealistic. I just found it hard to swallow that Ben, the pastor, could be that clueless about his relationship with his wife or that Dean could be so easily influenced by whomever she was with at the time. Dean goes around like miss fixit without a clue how to live her own life. Cassandra King just carried the truths that are there too far it seemed to me.
Rating: 
Summary: wonderful story
Review: I loved this book. who would ever think a Pastor would be such a jerk of a husband? his wife, Dean, certainly deserves better than what she gets. the story keeps the reader wondering what is going to happen next. I got so caught up in the storyline I didn't want to put the book down. And I loved the ending....
Rating:
Summary: Sunday Wife
Review: Excellent page turning novel with awesome character development. Story of repressed minister's wife quickly becomes hard to put down. Characters are fun, yet poignant. A great read for rainy Sunday afternoons.
Rating:
Summary: Marrying the Minister
Review: Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be married to a man of the cloth? Imagine the pressure any woman would feel to always be pleasant and polite. Imagine what it must feel like to always be onstage. In her novel, The Sunday Wife, Cassandra King explores this theme and others which answers some of these questions in an enjoyable novel. Dean and Ben Lynch have been married for over twenty years when Ben becomes the Minister of a Methodist Church in Crystal Springs, Florida. Ben is overly ambitious and from the very beginning courts the wealthiest and most prestigious families in this community. Dean, the minister's wife is a bit more skeptical and cautious about the members of the congregation. But when she voices her opinion about the people, then Ben never fails to remind her about her less than sterling family background, which he intimates is her reason for disliking these people. He also frequently has to remind Dean to mind her manners and her mouth and behave more like a minister's wife. Dean finds herself retreating from all social activities spending time playing her Dulcimea, an ancient musical instrument which soothes her nerves. Just when Dean thinks she won't make friends with anybody, the August and Max Holderfield seek out Ben and Dean offering their friendship. And when Dean and Augusta become quick friends, nothing in any of their lives will ever be quite the same again. The Holderfields are among the oldest and wealthiest families in Crystal Springs and while they are Methodist they rarely if ever attend Church. Their friendship opens the door for Ben to mount a campaign encouraging them to join with the congregation on Sunday mornings and ultimately to donate money to the Church. Augusta, smart, witty and beautiful takes Dean under her wing much to Ben's disapproval. Augusta encourages Dean to play the Dulcimea at her annual Halloween party and to break loose from Ben's control and oppressive ways. And as Dean becomes friendlier and friendlier with Augusta, she finds herself at the point where she begins to question her own values and life. All the while I sensed trouble brewing and then a senseless tragedy occurs which will change the principal character's lives forever. I must admit that my initial interest in this book was one of curiosity. Curious to see if the wife or a well loved Southern writer, Pat Conroy, could write an equally interesting book and worthwhile read. And I found much to my pleasure that Cassandra King can not onyl write well but provided me with a most enjoysble title in The Sunday Wife. From almost the first page of this book, Ms. King captures the essence of what it is like to be a minister's wife and the control exerted by thjis Minister over his wife. And if King captures Dean's predicament, she also provides us with a wonderful cast of quirky characters like those found in books by authors Alice Hoffman and Anne Tyler. Characters like Celeste, the Roumanian fortune-teller and storeowner, who the "kind ladies" of the Methodist Church would like to see leave the community. Or the gay couple Rick and Godwin, who remain fiercely loyal to Augusta and Dean despite what this friendship ultimately costs them. But most of all I will remember Dean, Ben, Augusta and Maddox who are set on a course which will leave them untethered and changed. At times poignant and at times funny, Cassandra King offers her readers a good book set in the South. In the tradition of other Southern writers like Fannie Flagg, Adriana Trigiani and Billie Letts, King has crafted a novel, which depicts a slice of Southern life. I truly enjoyed this book. I love to find new authors and look forward to reading more books by Cassandra King.
Rating:
Summary: My new favorite author!
Review: This book is absolutely wonderful. Like many other people, I bought the book because Ms. King is married to Pat Conroy. Mr. Conroy, you did well! Your wife is as talented as you are! I was blown away by Casandra King's entrancing story plot which kept the interest building to the point that I couldn't put the book down. Her use of language makes you really picture the scenes and action of the story. I am looking forward to reading her first novel and all upcoming novels!I am giving a copy of this book to my minister's wife! I'd love to hear her reaction
Rating:
Summary: The Sunday Wife
Review: This is the first book I have read by Cassandra King and I was not disappointed. The only reason I bought the book was that she is married to Pat Conroy, but she proves that she does not need to be overshadowed by his writings. It was a great read and left me hungering for more.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful novel.
Review: This should be very familiar to many southern people of
all ages. The author really captured the true essence of
the south. I could not put it down and it will be in a lot
of my friend's Xmas package this year. Sure hope she's
already hard at work on her next one.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderfully absorbing
Review: This is a terrific book - what a pleasure it would be to have a conversation with both the Conroys to enjoy their exquisite use of words. Cassamdra King is an accomplished author whose reputation is solidly established with this terrific book. The reader is immediately drawn into the world of the minister's wife and is allowed to observe the hypocrisy and kindness that exist side by side within the church members through her eyes. I found all the characters very believable - particulary the depictions of southern women. This is a book that I will re-read and continue to enjoy - "The Great Santini" is my favorite book, and it is easy to see what drew these two authors to each other. Please continue to inspire each other to write.
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