John Ward, Preacher

"John Ward, Preacher" by Margaret Wade Campbell Deland is a story set in the late 1800s that centers on John Ward, a dedicated preacher, and his upcoming marriage to Helen Jeffrey, in the quiet village of Ashurst. The novel looks at duty, belief, and the tricky parts of love, especially the disagreements between John and Helen about their spiritual views, which causes tension in their relationship. The book starts right before Helen's wedding, introducing us to characters like Dr. Howe and the Misses Woodhouse, who add to the lively atmosphere of Ashurst. As the wedding gets closer, issues are hinted at regarding John's serious attitude about faith, and his worries about Helen's beliefs about the Bible. John doesn't just care about their love; he's also concerned about Helen's different views on belief and her spiritual well-being, setting up a conflict between personal happiness and religious commitment.