Rhett Ellis

Robert Smith is the 37-year-old unmarried pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church in fictional Clegmore, Alabama. He’s an avid library user for his sermons, especially the nonfiction section, so he’s eager to meet the new librarian, Myra Findley. Miss Findley is 24 years old and a recent library school graduate who’s eager to update the library. Robert is immediately smitten.

But there’s something a little, um, shall we say, off, about Miss Findley. As Robert and Myra sort out her issues and their relationship, someone is leaking info about Myra to City Council member Langston Long who is threatening to blackmail our new librarian so he can cut library funding.

A short read at 101 pages, this book is ideal for those who like light Christian fiction, uncomplicated mysteries, and happy endings.… (mere)

Booktalk: Read first line. So starts the story of a preacher who falls in love with the town's new librarian. Rob Smith has no problem preaching to his congregation or handling himself at social gatherings. But there is something about Myra Findley's beauty that has Rob absolutely tongue-tied and terrified. He manages to overcome his shyness just enough to begin getting acquainted with Myra. But one evening while shopping at the Food Fiesta he runs into Myra muttering to herself. She's making up rhymes: "Apple apple, Red red red, There are no apples, In my head." And "If we eat our lettuce, the germs won't get us." Myra doesn't even seem to recognize Rob when he says hello. Later, Rob watches as she doesn't just drive out of the store parking lot, she peels out of there like a bat out of--well, you know. What's up with the new librarian? And can a shy preacher find not just a way to help her but a way to her heart?… (mere)

Continuing my theme of reading booksabout libraries and librarians, I read How I Fell in Love with aLibrarian today. The main character is a preacher who falls instantlyin love with the town's new librarian. As the preacher gets to knowthe librarian better, however, he realizes she occasionally exhibitssome odd behavior, including rhyming all her sentences.This is a very quick read. I would caution anyone intrigued by thetitle that this book is openly and unabashedly Christian and that thenovel's ending may strike some as too pat and too neatly wrapped up.For me, it was a gentle little read.… (mere)