The author did a great job of conveying the emotions of the characters in the book. I highly recommend it!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading “When Jesus Calls”. Reading about Mary and how she struggled and thrived in her faith in God was extraordinary. This was one of those books that you don’t want to put down until it’s finished and then read it again. Martha Gayle created a wonderful story and I can’t wait for her continuing story of Mary.

A true journey of faith, perseverance and trust in the Lord. It’s filled with scripture and puts into perspective putting Him first through life and hardship. Loved it!

In today’s world, times are very trying. I was given this book by a very dear friend of mine. She told me Martha Gayle had visited our church and wanted her to handout some of her books. I’m sorry to say I didn’t meet her the first time she came. However, this past Sunday I had the pleasure of meeting her and Jim both. Simply amazing people full of God’s love. I don’t as excited to share with Martha how much I loved her book! When I read this book, it felt like I was apart of the book. I couldn’t put the book down. It was amazing! I laughed and cried while reading her book. This is one of those feel good books that you don’t want to miss reading. I just got her new book and I can’t wait to read it. Martha Gayle thank you for sharing your story!!

I love this book so much. So uplifting and filled with encouragement. Mary is the person we all need to strive to be like.

I love that I could see the authors mindset and how relatable the characters were.
This reading flowed well and touched my heart!

Such a beautiful inspirational book! Could not put it down! Really shows God can do so much and how following him truly works in our lives ! A book you will want to read and keep!

What an amazing story of a young woman who walks with the Lord and tells the story as if you were living it with her! I don’t want to give anything away but you will want to get her second book When Jesus leads because you won’t be able to put it down!
Martha, I love you my precious friend.

Martha Gayle’s When Jesus Calls is a heartfelt Christian fiction novel that follows the emotional and spiritual journey of Mary, a woman seeking healing, purpose, and a deeper connection with Jesus after a string of personal heartbreaks. The story unfolds through Mary’s inner reflections, her work at a charming inn, her close friendships, and her life-changing decisions, like buying a cottage by the sea and choosing forgiveness over bitterness. Along the way, Mary grapples with past wounds, discovers the redemptive power of faith, and learns how to let Jesus guide her life.

I found myself emotionally invested in Mary’s story from the very first chapter. Gayle’s writing isn’t flashy, but it’s deeply sincere. She writes with a raw honesty that makes you feel like you’re sitting with a friend who’s laying their heart bare. Her style is intimate, plainspoken, and brimming with warmth. There’s no pretense, just a genuine voice telling a story grounded in love, loss, and the quiet call of God. I admired how Mary’s spiritual insights came through lived experiences, not sermons. It didn’t feel like I was being preached at. Instead, I was invited to reflect right alongside her, which made the story more powerful and real for me.

What stood out most was the emotional depth and vulnerability. I felt Mary’s loneliness. I understood her ache for love, her longing for peace, and her deep need for meaning. Gayle doesn’t gloss over the hard stuff—betrayal, temptation, self-doubt—but instead shows how grace meets us in the middle of the mess. I loved the supporting characters. Mr. Henry, the inn’s general manager, especially touched me. His quiet faith journey and the kindness he showed others brought tears to my eyes more than once. The book reminded me how much we all need community and how God can speak through the people around us.

When Jesus Calls is a quiet reminder that healing is possible, faith is alive, and we’re never too far gone to be called back home. I’d recommend this book to anyone who’s been through heartbreak, who’s questioning their faith, or who just needs a gentle story that breathes hope.

I met Martha at a little church by the creek, while we both were visiting there. I acquired a copy of her first book. And let me tell you. One of the easiest reads ever. And the story – I felt myself in this tale,
soaking up every word as I turned each page.

Such a beautiful, loving account of Gods love for each of us!
I promise you will not be disappointed with your purchase of “when Jesus calls”
Going now to order her second book.

An expression of faith through storytelling, Gayle’s work combines scripture with how to apply it in the earthly world. The main character, Mary, acts as the conduit through which audiences can see the power of prayer and love for Jesus Christ manifested in her daily actions and experiences.

In her earlier years, there is a stark contrast between the carefree Mary who goes camping with her father and the one who fails to guard her heart, leading to betrayal and heartbreak. As the layers of pain and despair pile on, Mary finds herself walking away from her savior, and it is only truly when she walks in on her then-husband having an affair that she understands that true, unconditional love only comes from the love of the Lord, and all else in the world is part and parcel of his boundless love.

Through prayer and relentless faith, Mary experiences the presence of incredible companions, chiefly her adorable pet JJ, who seems nothing short of a timely blessing meant to bring Mary’s focus squarely on prayer and devotion. Prayer brings her the perfect oceanside home of serenity to write her book, a meaningful escape from isolation with a friend like Tiffany, and an incredible job as the sales and marketing coordinator for an inn with an empathetic boss like Mr. Henry.

Overall, Gayle expertly weaves in scripture that fits in seamlessly with the narrative, helping audiences break complex ideas into digestible pieces through anecdotes. Throughout, themes of friendship, chastity, and persistence ring true. The path to Christ is not going to be a smooth one, but it’s tried and true, with faith in the Lord paving the path to mortal and eternal bliss. Easy to understand and follow, Gayle’s book creates a strong connection between readers and Mary, in whom audiences can see themselves and their own journey.

“What a beautiful story! God’s goodness shines throughout this entire book. I love how Mary shares Bible verses that affirm His goodness in everything she does. It’s truly amazing how our lives could change for the better if we would just let God lead.”

When Jesus Calls is the debut novel from Martha Gayle. Simply put, the book is a powerful work of fiction. Mary’s story seemed so true, that you almost forget you are reading fiction. Steeped in Scripture and filled with grace, it is a masterpiece that moves beyond allegory to touch the reader at the deepest level where faith is born. I wonder how much of Mary’s story is actually borrowed from Martha’s life. Mary, in one way or another, is every person who has ever lived without love. Yet she finds love and fulfillment in her relationship with Jesus Christ. This novel transcends mere storytelling, weaving a narrative rich with themes of forgiveness, grace, and the relentless nature of divine love. You cannot read this book and not be changed. I look forward to the sequel.

Mary is a beautiful person. Like all of us, she wants to be her best for Christ, but she’s not perfect. And when she makes a mistake, God does miraculous things in her life when she is willing to repent and ask for forgiveness!

Imagine what He can do in all of us!? I can’t wait for Martha’s next book, so that I can hear the rest of Mary’s story!

I love the way Mary is grateful for every good and perfect gift from the Father. I love the struggle and joy of listening to the Holy Spirit, even when we mess up. What a mighty and loving God! I love how many scriptures you included and especially the list at the end! This book magnifies God that Mary’s faith is in Jesus and, not because of what we’ve done, but what he did at the cross and is still doing today. Recommended for anyone, believer or not.

In Martha Gayle’s book, ‘When Jesus Calls’, Martha walks us through Mary’s life and all that she goes through and her dependence on the Lord. Scripture references are abundant and applicable for our walk.
I was blessed to meet Martha Gayle this year in a very personal way. I made sure I got the book first, as I knew that much of content was about her life. The love towards the Lord you see in the book is more than real! Martha has a heart that is big as Texas, (as they say). And her book expresses her heart. Spending time with Martha (and Jimmie) has been a highlight of my life – no one has ever shown me more kindness. Read ‘When Jesus Calls’, you won’t be sorry.