Signs and Wonders: A Harmony Novel

This is the third Philip Gulley book I have read. Each one has been an inspiration, uplifting, wise and a blessing in the chaos that reigns in the US right now. The clean good humor is a balm to the spirit. Such a talented author is hard to find nowadays and his characters are like our neighbors from years ago in simpler times. Reading the last page of his books made me sad, as if I were leaving family and friends. Yes, they are that good.

This book--well, first let me clarify the "contains some sexual content." There are discussions of characters' sexual loneliness, of attempts to match make, of one gay character who appears briefly without his partner and talks at length with a single woman about otherness; there are perhaps a couple of scenes between the pastor, Sam, and his wife which obviously suggest a warm sexual sharing, none of which is portrayed. That's sexual content for this gentle, but also fierce, series. In this book, the most interesting thing to me was the frustrations of the ministry, the stresses it can put on a marriage, the preciousness of minutes of family life in such a household, the imperfections of the partners in any marriage--even a pastor's. I had a relative who was a pastor (not this denomination); I worked long years in another helping profession before returning to writing and reviewing. The strength, energy, inventiveness, frustrations, endlessness, and the obligations and trust place upon a pastor (or any identified helper) are ongoing and complex. While usually maintaining his humor that so adds human delight to these books, Gulley gives a very good presentation of these aspects of Sam's and Barbara's lives. His secondary characters maintain their usual mix of pull-your-hair-out frustration and coming-through-some-of-the-time (and completely blowing things once in a while), and a new one is introduced; I think interesting storylines will come her way. Gulley also presents particular imperfections in Sam's behavior in this novel; he makes a couple of foolish decisions, and they lead to some preposterous conclusions. One was highly believable; one was a step too far and just not realistic. (But funny!) There is a holiday fest scene that will relieve ever reader of regrets or mortification about our own holiday fiascos; this takes ours to the tenth power. Recommend and enjoyed! Some readers may not like seeing how hard the ministry can be, and there are strong religious right characters who may annoy or offend readers who are Friends or readers who are just not religious right. But a loving, sincere, somewhat true-to-life presentation of familiar community and characters, and a pleasant book, despite the genuine difficulties that for me were very interesting. Sam as a character has evolved considerably in this fourth book of the series, as has Barbara.

Same quirky characters in the series with experiences and outcomes that might surprise you. I enjoy this series because it is so real. Seems like i know folks similar to these people and it makes for a comfortable easy read. Laughs thrown in for good measure and this is the reason i read, for enjoyment.

I said I would read them all in order and I will. I loved this book 3. I'm a reader who enjoys recurring characters in series, especially folks like this small town group at the Harmony Friends Quaker church. Good Ole Dale Hinshaw up to another scheme. Some really good folks and some very busy ones trying to "out-Christian" everyone else. Gotta love it. Fun, fun fun.

The small town Harmony and humor. I lived in a town like this growing up and everybody seemed to take care of each other and share their happiness and sadness

Philip goalie series are fun to read, lighthearted and the antithesis of father Tim in the Mitford series. I have enjoyed each and everyone that they are very very light reading and not a ton of substance

Philip Gulley is an author extraordinaire. I mean it. His books about pastoring a small Quaker church in a little northen town are so simple and straight forward, that at first you think...oh this is too simple...but hold on! Keep reading. His insight into life is so point on and honest. Soon you will be laughing out loud at the scenarios of the church and town's people. So many deep truths are embedded in the stories, not preachy at all, but your heart will be touched, warmed and tickled by them. It is addictive to read his books and this Signs and Wonders is just the tip of the iceberg. People....I think these books are a rare treat and I'm so glad I discovered them. They are every last one of them a solid treasure hidden behind a simple looking book. Don't miss them. Pretty soon they will be hard to find and each one is worthy of passing on to beloved friends and family. Love them...love them.

Walking in a pastor’s shoes through the everyday challenges of reconciling people with one another and with God provides a mirror to evaluate ourselves, smiles, wrinkles, warts and all.