
Sam Gardner never dreamed he would be thanking God for Harmony's self-appointed general of the religious Right, Dale Hinshaw. God does indeed work in mysterious ways.Amanda Hodge, who has been living with her Uncle Ellis and Aunt Miriam since her parents abandoned her years ago, now faces their return and their desire to be a part of her life again. Dale Hinshaw hovers on the brink of death, in dire need of a heart transplant The whole town is abuzz as the beautiful Deena Morrison marries the town's most eligible bachelor, Dr. Pierce. And in the midst of these triumphs and tragedies, Pastor Sam Gardner helps the people of Harmony negotiate the sometimes rocky road of family life, faith, and forgiveness.Although Harmony's characters develop and grow with each novel, one thing remains constant -- Philip Gulley's ability to capture both the flavor of small-town America and the paradoxical beauty of our own humanity.
When the town antagonist faces a life-threatening health crisis, the residents of Harmony must reconcile their personal grievances with the necessity of grace. Pastor Sam Gardner navigates the complex social dynamics of a small Indiana town as he counsels residents through personal upheaval. The narrative follows multiple threads, including a young woman confronting her estranged parents and a wedding that captures the town's collective attention. These characters operate within the constraints of a tight-knit community where private matters quickly become public discourse. The story is told through a gentle, observational lens that emphasizes the intersection of faith and daily human fallibility.
Readers frequently highlight the gentle, humorous tone that defines the Harmony series. Discussion often centers on the author's ability to balance lighthearted community events with serious themes like illness and abandonment. Critics note that the pacing remains steady and reflective, favoring character growth over high-stakes action sequences. The atmosphere is often described as comforting and grounded in a realistic portrayal of rural life. Many readers appreciate how the narrative avoids moralizing, instead focusing on the messy, practical application of kindness in everyday situations.
Page Count:
256
Publication Date:
2005-06-28
Publisher:
HarperOne
ISBN-10:
0060006366
ISBN-13:
9780060006365
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!