And the Widow Wore Red: A Novel

by Lynette Chambers, Janice Lee

For Gavin McKinley, the lead pastor of a growing congregation in southern Mississippi, life could not get any better. His hard work and long years of sacrifice have finally paid off. That is, until his wife, Gillian, becomes pregnant with their third child against Gavin's wishes.

In the meantime, Gavin is exposed for having an illicit affair and is asked to step down from the pulpit after twenty years in ministry. Gavin sees his world crumbling, and the loss of control terrifies him. In a frantic attempt to take matters into his own hands, Gavin unwittingly involves a young man from his congregation. In a twist of fate that turns deadly, their lives are changed in the blink of an eye.

Can Gavin McKinley find forgiveness for his sins? Will Gillian hold true to her faith, even when all seems lost? Could God possibly take a terrible situation and make it right?

Throughout And the Widow Wore Red, it is clear that the choices we make are often life altering, and not always for the better.

We are reminded that God's grace is sufficient and His mercy is everlasting. God is exalted in this tale of love gone awry, of faith tested beyond endurance, and of forgiveness extended when least expected.

202 pages, Paperback

First published January 2, 2014

About the author

Lynette Chambers has worn many hats in her lifetime. Central among them has been the role of pastor's wife, friend, and mentor. Lynette loves speaking at women's events and retreats.

As a wife, mother and grandmother she strives to live a life that is pleasing to God.

Many of her books and stories reflect her years in pastoral ministry and her life as a child growing up in the Ozarks. Her writings will bring you closer to God in a way that you might never expect.

Lynette is an award-winning author of four published novels. She is a contributing author in the upcoming Chicken Soup for the Soul book, My Very Good, Very Bad Cat.

Lynette has also written numerous articles and short stories and has been featured on a number of radio talk shows.

Some days she is found working in her comfys, drinking endless cups of coffee as she researches ideas and details for her next novel or story.

Lynette loves sharing about her work with everyone she meets. Please feel free to view the video trailers of her first two novels.

Chasing Rainbows - A Novel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v74ec...

The Emerald Rainbow - A Novel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GKsh...

Please feel free to check out her Facebook page at:

https://www.facebook.com/lynette.b.ch...

Reviews

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Total page turned with a great surprise ending!

[Charlene Yager hudspeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!Slip into something comfy because the plot twists and vibrant characters will have you glued to the pages! Highly recommend!

[Ms. Reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book from Goodreads First Reads. I was a little disappointed in this book, which was a very quick read (I read this book in under 3 hours). It could've easily been a better read, but I felt that it was very weak, very predictable, lacked important details, and rushed way ahead of itself. For example, it zoomed through her pregnancy and when you thought that she was still in her first trimester she was actually ready to give birth. Then when you thought her baby was still a newborn, in fact he was far older but without the details and explanations to make up the time that went by. It created a lot of confusion. The book lacked interest and though it had a good storyline, I felt like it was poorly written and was a little upset on how it touches the topic of physically and emotionally abusive husband who was a womanizer with multiple affairs, as well as a father rejecting his child so coldly. I felt like it brushed these sensitive issues off as something that wasn't nearly as serious as it actually was. Though the wife's diligence and loyalty to her husband is touching, it sends a very poor message to all other women who are in abusive marriages.

[Bridgett Cosgrove · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good story but I would like to have had more of it. It was confusing when it came to who was raising the baby. I see the potential of a really good read but it finishes in a hurry.