Ray Rhodes Jr.

Few pastors or theologians from the 19th century get the attention that Charles Haddon Spurgeon garners. With good cause, many biographies have been penned about his life, ministry, and the out-sized influence he held for 50 years in Britain and around the world. His wife, Susie, has also been the subject of a few biographies (including one by the author of this book). She certainly deserves the attention, having accomplished so much in support of her husband and in the ministries she show more personally championed while overcoming debilitating health problems. Yet, few (if any) entire books have been written about the romance, love, and devotion shared between Charles and Susie Spurgeon. Ray Rhodes has filled that void quite ably.

This book is worth the read. It story of Charles and Susie shows how faith binds together a home, how distance can be overcome by intentional communication, and how great tragedies can be traversed together. Charles knew great success, but he also was well-acquainted with struggles. He lived much of his life under the shadow of depression, compounded by debilitating gaut episodes. Susie had tremendous gynecological issues that left her bed-bound for long spells at a time. Yet, their marriage is inspirational. Rhodes writes in a way that reflects solid academic methods but with a popular touch that makes this book easily attainable for clergy and laity alike. show less

This is the most inspiring book! I had never read anything about Susannah Spurgeon before so had no idea about her life with Charles or her help in his ministry or anything about her own ministry.

This book is not a dry biography. It's a story brought alive by great writing and I was completely compelled by it. It is definitely a page turner and I really feel that I know these people in a deeper way. What was fascinating to me is that Susie was alive during the Victorian age - an era I have show more been heavily reading about lately. I thought about the restrictions put on women yet Susie never let these restrictions keep her from doing the work of Christ. She felt called to write and also had a book ministry where she would send her husband's books to other ministries about the country and also help them and their families in their ministries. She did this despite her own health and pain issues and continued even as a widow.

The love story between her and Charles is so sweet and tender. They did a lot of things together and she was his rock and encourager throughout their marriage and through his ministry. They were there for each other as they suffered with chronic illnesses and I was, personally, encouraged by this. In our society, we feel as though our worthiness comes from what we do but Susie showed me it's in living for Christ! Just as Susie took refuge in Christ through her illness, so can we. I was so encouraged by her example.

This is a wonderful book for everyone to read. It was inspiring and encouraging and just a great read about a very godly woman. I highly recommend it and give it 5 out of 5 stars.

*This book was provided to me by Moody Publishers. I received a copy of this book to review but I was not financially compensated in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and are based on my observations while reading this book. show less

This is a beautiful biography of Susannah Spurgeon. She was a pastor's wife and she struggled with chronic illness most of her adult life. God used her mightily in the midst of her struggles. I loved her story!

Good concept, could have shortened the book. Repeated some of the same observation about her life and marriage over and over again