Writing: 5.0; Theme: 5.0; Content: 5.0; Language: 5.0; Overall: 5.0

This, the second in the Harmony series, continues the story of the Quaker community of the midwestern town in Indiana. In this tome, Pastor Sam Gardner must regain his spiritual vitality after doubting God's hand in the work at Harmony, Wayne and Sally reunite after the sad news of their separation is revealed, and Asa and Jessie Peacock make an unbelievable decision that will change their lives forever. Wonderful and inspirational stories continue in this series of books. Highly recommend.

***November 9, 2023*** ( )

This second book in the Harmony series is another entertaining read that weaves in comedy as it addresses an assortment of serious issues. I'd say the novel likely has as much humor as the first.

(And it was a smart move to switch to third-person narration for this book. Sam's first-person narration in the previous novel was all right in the scenes involving him, but it didn't make sense that he somehow had the omniscient knowledge to also narrate the scenes about the other townsfolk's lives.)

Granted, given my frame of mind, I didn't chuckle as much this time, what with my frustration with several of the characters. It's a laughable but crying shame how much the satirical picture the author paints does indeed reflect the church—how certain professing Christians, confident that they're doing great services/favors for the Lord, have really just made a religion out of being indifferent, ignorant, or straight-up horrible to other people, in the (misappropriated) name of "righteousness."

Eeesh. It was an utter relief at one point to finally encounter a little compassion and kindness from a particular cluster of characters.

Now, in light of one repeated idea in a main thread of the novel, I just gotta give my take: If you're dealing with a crumbling marriage, you don't try to rebuild it because "you owe it to the kids." Kids, even as important as they are, are third parties. They aren't the basis of a marriage relationship. The kids didn't make the marriage vows and sign the marriage license or contract, and in a few years, once they grow up and go off to lead their own lives, you'll be left with the person you're married to. Hence, if you're looking to heal your marriage at the root, you and the person you're married to should be the two key people you're doing it for.

Also in light of the story, I'd say similar sentiments can apply if you base your relationship with God on third parties. But anyhow.

Having the chance to process some frustration may be the reason I actually enjoyed this book as much as the first. Fiction serves various purposes, after all. I'm looking forward to continuing the series. ( )

This novel tells of Sam Gardner's second year as pastor of his quirky flock in Harmony, the small town with the kindly spirit whose endearing and eccentric residents are like old friends.

This was quite dissapointing. I read the first book of the series on a whim, and loved the heartfelt, realistic, hilarious and touching stories of a Quaker congregation portrayed in it. I picked up this, and expected the same. Instead, everything felt exaggerated, forced, unreal, and almost sacrilegious at times. Quite dissapointing. The few bright spots were Sam's storyline. Nicely done, about the only realistic part of the book. Also, Wayne, Deena, Miriam, Sally, and Ellis were all very sweet characters. The storyline with Wayne, Deena and Sally was very sweet, and had me guessing.

Overall, not recommended. Read the first book and call it good. ( )

I loved this, very entertaining. ( )