Desperate Pastors' Wives

by: Ginger Kolbaba & Christy Scannell

Published by: Howard Books

Reviewed by Jamie Driggers

Not even pastors' wives are perfect. But for Jennifer, Mimi, Lisa and Felicia--it sure feels like they are expected to be. So when they start meeting in secret at Lulu's Cafe forty miles from town to share in each other's lives, you might expect "a little desperation.

Jennifer is desperate for a baby, the only thing she ever asks God for and His apparent "no" leaves her desperate for faith. Mimi is successful at everything she puts her hands to, but outward perfection leaves her desperate for inward peace. Lisa has taken the backseat to her husband's ministry and is desperate for love. And Felicia never signed up to be the dutiful pastor's wife, but her husband's church thinks they got a two-for-one. Juggling church, family and career leaves her desperate for fulfillment.

I positively burned through this book because it was so enjoyable. I think most women feel like their lives are on display for the world to criticize, but few like pastors' wives, where a sink full of dirty dishes is more than homemaking ability, but possibly a spiritual failing.

Whether you are a pastor's wife, know one (or three), or just a disillusioned woman, you will find something to enjoy about this book. I could relate to many of the feelings expressed by each woman. I could relate to knowing (and dodging) the "villain" perfect pastor's wife and her catty antics. And though I can't relate to being a pastor's wife, it gave me even more insight into their lives in the fishbowl...which seem to be mine multiplied.

Armchair Interview says: Grab this book; you'll be glad you did.