Yet Essie Lee isn't ready for the Reverend Theophilus Simmons, the new and very eligible pastor of Memphis's Greater Hope Church. Down-to-earth, caring, romantic, and oh-so-fine, he is one of the most respected young preachers in the African-American church during this time of vast social change. He's everything Essie thought she'd never find -- a man who loves God, respects her for her straight-talking ways, and who ignites her with a divine fire all his own. And Theophilus realizes that Essie has everything a pastor needs in a wife -- a First Lady with compassion and brains who will share the joys and challenges of his ministry.

Soon Essie and Theophilus discover that dealing with the Greater Hope congregation won't be any honeymoon even after they're married. For many church members, it's bad enough that their First Lady personally helps needy, "less-refined" congregants. It's even worse that she won't join the African-American elite's exclusive clubs, and that she and Theophilus don't seem to understand the importance of keeping their wealthier members happy. Then the minister's still-hot old flame Glodean Benson joins Greater Hope, determined to get even with the man who left her, and all hell breaks loose!