I like quirky books, and this one was definitely quirky (as if the priest leading a circus elephant on the cover couldn't clue you in). This was a fun book and overall I liked it. But yet... something kept me from *really* liking this book (and bumping this up to the coveted four star position). For all that the characters are complex and the story is multi-faceted, in the end, the book was still too simple. The resolution of the one-upmanship contest with the Pentacostal church was too simple and seemed almost a cop out. As was the ending of the book -- not that I had a problem with the ending, but it felt like the author took the easy way out and ended the book THERE so he wouldn't have to deal with the repercussions.

But, the book made me laugh. And almost made me cry. Which, in the end, is really all I had wanted from the book. ( )

I liked reading it until I didn't. I found the small town society charming and stifling in equal amounts which sounds about right. The protagonists's refuge in alcohol was off putting if realistic. Miss Rita's role as muse while wearing a t shirt that reads "I am not your magic negro" is problematic. Now that I think of it, with the one leg and the whiskey in the nursing home, she reminds me of Walt Longmire's sherriff mentor. Not quite recommended. ( )

Made me laugh! ( )

A suprisingly fun read, really amusing. ( )

Delightful, easy to read, light-hearted but with sharp insight into human nature. Father Steve's small town church is rolling along peacefully, but boringly, when a large family of Pentecostals moves in not far away, intent on building a large church and pulling in all the locals. This is war. On top of Father Steve's current frustrations (he's not gay), comes Vicky, the child of the former priest at this little church, and Mark, a gay priest from another local church, who quits the priesthood and moves in with Father Steve temporarily.

Festivals are already heaped on top of each other in this part of Louisiana -- any excuse to drink and party is welcome. What to do? How about The First Annual Grand Prairie Rabbit Festival? With elephant and rabbits. The whole shebang. Carnies running rides, games, food, beer. The irreverent and often-drunk Father Steve delegates the work to others and proves useless in most situations except his resolve to stop the Pentecostals from taking all his parishioners.

Join in the confusion and fun! Lively writing. ( )