What happens when a girl grows up in a church where women can’t speak, music is forbidden, and shame is gospel truth?

In this gripping coming-of-age novel, Wife Material explores the traumatic grip of religious fundamentalism in the modern Church of Christ—a conservative American denomination that silences women and bans instrumental music, all while enforcing rigid codes of purity.

Elizabeth Campbell, daughter of professional violinists, is raised in a paradox. Her father may be gay. Her mother lives under the weight of silent suffering. Their church preaches obedience over truth, and Elizabeth is caught between her longing for freedom and the suffocating roles expected of her.

At Waltham University—the denomination’s flagship college where conformity reigns and suicides haunt the dormitories—Elizabeth finds herself fast-tracked to marriage and deeper repression. But liberation comes through a series of so-called sins: questions, kisses, broken rules, and the brave act of walking away.

Originally published in 2015, this revised edition includes a new foreword by author Deborah Cox reflecting on the evolving sociopolitical climate and her own spiritual transformation. Wife Material is a darkly funny, emotionally raw, and ultimately hopeful story for anyone who’s ever felt trapped by religion—and dared to escape.

About the author:

Deborah L. Cox is a licensed psychologist, EMDR therapist, and artist, board certified in Couple and Family Psychology, who practices in Springfield, Missouri where she co-hosts the ReConceive podcast.

Deborah writes about anger, EMDR, and creativity in her blog at www deborahlcox com. Another of her most recent books is The Art of Self-EMDR for Trauma Recovery, the first in a series on self-help EMDR techniques.