4.5/5 I want a peach cobbler now.

3.5

In all of my being, I loved this short story collection. Every single one was great with enticing, round characters and a depth to their story. One of the books that I'll 100% read again

I absolutely loved this. It's an incredible collection of short stories, that's so insightful and poignant. Not a word is wasted and it’s just beautifully written. Deesha is definitely a new fave author.

I couldn’t stop reading this book. What a perfect and wonderful collection.

I just really want more stories.

The Secret Lives of Church Ladies is a strong debut short story collection. Philyaw has an amazing way of giving deep insight into the minds of hearts of her characters in very brief spans of prose. While it took me a couple of stories to warm up to the collection, it won me over. The writing was absolutely fantastic, and Philyaw’s character development in such bite-sized stories blew me away. This collection not only contains brilliant in terms of character studies, but social commentary. So much is said about faith, sexuality, identity, family, and so much more. What’s even more impressive is that Philyaw never, not once, comes across as preachy in any way. She highlights the failings of love in religious families when a child doesn’t mirror the parents’ morals, but in a way that leaves hope open. This is conditional love is a failing in the faith that breaks my heart, and one that is distressingly common. Philyaw handled it very well. I didn’t love every story in the collection, but the first stories in the middle were all excellent. My favorite story in the whole little book was “How to Make Love to a Physicist,” which was simply beautiful in every way. The self exploration and cautious acceptance of love were simply stunning. “Jael” was a clever story, and “Peach Cobbler” was amazingly well rounded and was one of the deepest character studies in a book that was full of them. “Snowfall” made me appreciate my Mama and my home state, and “Dear Sister” was a fun look at an unconditional family. The other four stories in the collection were still good stories, but didn’t capture me in the same way. Overall, I thought this was a solid collection, especially for a first solo publication. (Side note: This is great on audio.)

Incredibly cohesive as a collection, far better than most, I’d argue. Interesting characters and themes, deeply rooted in family and community and nourishment and hypocrisy. Sometimes funny, sometimes disturbing, always in a humanizing, though. It does feel unique and interesting when looked at from the outside, with the full context of each story. But while those components really worked for me, the prose and voice itself didn’t grab me. It’s hard to codify because I listened to the audiobook. Maybe the cadence of the writing was meant to be read, or maybe I just didn’t get on with the narrator; I’m not entirely sure. But whatever the reason, I found it hard to keep my attention. Might just be the diction; without active language my mind tends to wander.

I want to take a star off because this book is too short! Each story in this book was perfect. That she put peach cobbler and instructions in the same book without making it cliche. The story about Jael was so cleverly done! Basically, I need to get a copy of this for my bookshelf! Thank you, NetGalley for the chance to read and review this book!

Y'all, How to make Love to a Physicist. Read it if nothing else.

What a great collection of short stories. While I felt some were stronger than others, I would recommend them all

Maybe *3.5*? The stories were all really good and engaging but something was just missing, I’m not sure what but something

I often struggle with short stories. It's such a difficult medium to get right and with so little room for error. Deesha Philyaw really shows how it's done, with a lovely deft touch. Her stories centre on a variety of Black women and their relationships to both the Church and marriage. These women self-possessed and full of strengths that the people and institutions around them don't recognise or take for granted and Philyaw Laura bare the abuse and exploitation they often suffer as a result of their colour and their gender. The narrow pathways of the church and patriarchal family structure cast out the women in three stories who love other women. Each story is a microcosm of heartbreak but because each of the women is both ordinary and so remarkable the vital sparks of hope, intimacy and love are what really shine through.

I debated giving this book both 3 and 5 stars and somehow 4 just doesn't work for me, but it definitely isn't a 3-star book. All of the shorts in this book are an intimate look into the live of black women at varying stages of life, age and wellness, all with some connection to the church, the book explores the idea of internal and external personhood, faith, colours and sexuality. For me, there are 3 stand out short stories in this book -Jael - peach cobbler -how to make love to an astrophysicist I really wish I had a physical copy of this book so I could push it on people with tabs on and say “just read this short” Now I'll explain why I nearly gave it 3, I found it really difficult to stay zoned in to all of the stories, I read it as an audio book and though the narrators voice was gorgeous I found the lack of tone change between stories made it hard for me to understand I was in someone else head. I went back and are read my favourites as an e book and found the experience far more enjoyable.

Every single one of these short stories was nothing short of excellent.

Spectacular and moving. Layered and emotional. Outstanding.

This is exactly what it promised to be. 9 gripping stories about women their relationships, sexuality and relationship with god. The voices are so well written and I flew through this book. It hits you where you least expect it and The Secret Lives of Church Ladies will linger in the back of your mind. Deesha Philyaw is a talented writer and I can't wait to read more from her! Thanks Netgalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.