Can I Get an Amen? by Sarah Healy

Can I Get an Amen? is a book that you shouldn’t judge by its cover or title. I’ll admit the cover makes me sing “plastic Jesus” to myself whenever I see it. The title made me a bit wary, but the description pulled me in. I’m glad it did as I really enjoyed this novel and found it to be a great family drama.


Ellen Carlisle grew up in a born again Christian family, but as an adult she threw off her Christianity. Her mother, a pastor’s daughter, believes very strongly in her faith. She is troubled that none of her three children embrace her faith and this causes many conflicts in their relationships.

The novel starts when Ellen’s husband, Gary, comes home one day and tells Ellen he wants a divorce. He “loves” Ellen, but as she is having problems getting pregnant and he wants children, he has decided it is time to move on. Ellen is understandably devastated and moves back home to New Jersey to live with her parents while trying to sort out her life. Once home, Ellen discovers that her parents have their own set of problems to deal with and that going to church is mandatory. She deals with life by bar hoping and meeting random guys. She also is thrown together with a nemesis from the past and meets a wonderful new guy. When Mark won’t let their relationship develop into something more, Ellen discovers that Mark has secrets of his own.

I really, really enjoyed this novel. I thought the characters were all very well written and relatable. The novel is not trying to force Christianity on anyone, but it talks about people who view Christianity as a major part of their live and the conflict it can cause when other people in their family do not view it in the same way. The novel was funny, touching, and kept me interested until the end. I guessed the major plot twist, but I still wanted to see how Ellen would deal with it.

One comment I liked was during an argument between Ellen’s sister Kat and their mother. Kat says, “All you care about is what people think. It’s all you’ve ever cared about.” I’ve used this expression during an argument in my past and it was very relevant to me.

Overall, Can I Get an Amen? Is a funny, relatable, and touching family dramedy that will keep you riveted until the end. If you would like a chance to read this novel, clink on this link and leave a comment on a great guest blog by Sarah Healy for a chance to win the novel.

Book Source: Review Copy from Penguin Books. Thank-you!