Monday, September 15, 2014

Review + GIVEAWAY: A Place Called Hope


A Place Called Hope
By Philip Gulley
Hope Series, #1
Center Street, 2014


Summary

Fans of the critically acclaimed Harmony  series will delight in the return of its central character, Sam Gardner, in this new series by Gulley.

When Quaker Pastor Sam Gardner is asked by the ill Unitarian minister to oversee a wedding in his place, Sam naturally agrees. It's not until the couple stands before him that he realizes they're two women. In the tempest of strong opinions and misunderstandings that follows the incident, Sam faces potential unemployment. Deeply discouraged, he wonders if his pastoral usefulness has come to an end. Perhaps it's time for a change. After all, his wife has found a new job at the library, his elder son is off to college, and the younger has decided to join the military once he graduates high school.

Sam is contemplating a future selling used cars when he receives a call from a woman in the suburban town of Hope, Indiana. It seems Hope Friends Meeting is in desperate need of a pastor. Though they only have twelve members, they also have a beautiful meetinghouse and a pie committee (Sam is fond of pie). But can he really leave his beloved hometown of Harmony?


My thoughts

Philip Gulley's stories are a delight and A Place Called Hope is a great beginning to this new series. With its humor and focus on small-town life and quirky characters, this story is the perfect cozy read. Fans of Philip's previous Harmony series will enjoy being reunited with Quaker minister Sam Gardner and other characters from Harmony, and new ones as well.

Although this book revolves around a Quaker minister and his congregation, I would describe it more as mainstream rather than Christian fiction, for it deals with some intense and controversial issues in an accepting and open-minded way that will make some readers uncomfortable. I don't think Philip has an agenda, though; it felt like he was merely writing his personal beliefs into the story. And that's okay, because the strengths of this book made it an enjoyable read for me - its humor, colorful characters, and Philip's great ability to bring out the eccentricities of small-town America.

Sam is an interesting character - he likes people and loves the ministry. But while ministry is rewarding, it can also be difficult - and it seemed that Sam had more than his share of difficult people to deal with on a daily basis. I liked that he was quick to admit his failings and even laugh at himself. I don't know much about the Quaker faith and found that aspect interesting also.

A Place Called Hope is a book about change - society's changing attitudes, a different personal life after their boys leave home, a change in ministry, and possibly even a career change. But at its heart is hope as Sam experiences closure and the excitement of a fresh start.

I find much enjoyment and laughter in Philip Gulley's writing and look forward to the next book in this series. Recommended to those who like to read mainstream stories about small-town life and populated with warm, quirky characters.

A Place Called Hope can be purchased online at Barnes & Noble, Books a Million, and Amazon. Book two, A Lesson in Hope, releases in 2015.




Philip Gulley, a Quaker pastor, has become the voice of small-town American life. Along with writing Front Porch Tales, Hometown Tales, and For Everything a Season, he is the author of the Harmony series of novels. Gulley lives in Indiana with his wife, Joan, and their sons. Connect with Philip online at philipgulley.com.

Thank you to Katie Connors and Center Street for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.


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GIVEAWAY

To enter the drawing for A Place Called Hope, simply leave a comment answering the question below. E-mail address are required for the drawing and be sure to leave them in a safe format - [at] and [dot]. If you're willing, it's also helpful to share about this giveaway on Facebook and/or Twitter.


Question:
Do you find stories with small-town settings enjoyable?

Please "like" my Facebook page, ThePowerofWordsBookReviews, if you haven't already. And new followers of this blog are always welcome!


  • E-mail required, one entry per person. Odds of winning are based on number of entries.
  • Contest ends at midnight PST on Wednesday, September 24. No purchase necessary.
  • Winner will be chosen by Random.org and contacted by e-mail  by Saturday, September 27. Respond within 48 hours of notification or another winner will be chosen.
  • Eligibility: US residents, 18 and older

30 comments:

  1. This is a book on my to read list! clshamion (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. Got you entered! Have you enjoyed other books by Philip Gulley?

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  2. Thanks for this look at Gulley's new book. I liked his Harmony series, although I didn't quite finish it. I still have the last book to read. It has been on the shelf for a looong time. His humor is a great escape when life gets stressful. Thanks for the review.

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    1. Beckie, I read the first two books in the Harmony series and loved them, but haven't made time to read the others for some reason. Philip Gulley's humor and the colorful characters make for great reading and I'm glad to get back into his writing. You're entering the drawing, right?

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  3. Wow! This sounds like an interesting read just from the catchy stuff at the intro. I cant help but wonder what he did....
    I love books that deal with intense and controversial opinions. Some times its necessary to address the nitty gritty. Sounds like he does this in a humorous way.
    I had never heard of him before.
    Thanks for sharing with us.
    Would love to be entered in the drawing! Oh and BTW the answer to the question... I do like small town books because I live in a small town. I can relate!
    amylsmith at bledsoe dot net

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  4. Yes, I enjoy books about small towns, they are enjoyable and cozy. Gives you a sense that you are part of the friends and they town, a welcoming feeling. Thanks for the opportunity to win :)

    Terry C

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    Replies
    1. Terry, I've always been drawn to small-town settings, maybe because things seemed more simple then. Thanks for visiting, and be sure to leave your e-mail address in order to enter the drawing.

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  5. Yes, I always love small town stories because they always seem more personal to me and I feel like I can really get into the story with the characters.

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  6. Always enjoy meeting a new author. Sounds like an interesting read. Enjoy books in small town settings. Thank you.

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  7. Thank you for sharing and a chance to win. Philip is a new author to me. I have been wanting to read a Quaker book and this sounds like a good one to start with. I love small town settings . ~ Blessings ~ lisastifler(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  8. Yes, I love to read books about small towns. I always love the fact that neighbors know neighbors. I would love to read this book!
    I have not read any books by Philip Gulley.
    Thank you for a chance to enter this book giveaway.

    Elaine
    tinkerbell2by2@gmail.com

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  9. Yes, love reading about small towns, especially since I grew up in one and even after 45 years, we are all still in touch, even on Facebook!..Love some towns! Sonja dot Nishimoto at gmail dot com

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  10. Sam sounds like an interesting character would love to read this...
    dkstevensne (at) outlook .com

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  11. Yes and I would love to read this. Sounds great.

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    Replies
    1. Fern, be sure to leave your e-mail address so I can enter you. And thanks for visiting!

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  12. I love small town stories. You get to know the people, I've always wanted to live in a very small town.

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    Replies
    1. Same with me, Pat. Big city conveniences are nice, but I'd only want to travel there for occasional shopping. Thanks for visiting - and be sure to leave your e-mail address, Pat.

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  13. I do like books with small town settings. I've grown up & raised my children in small towns of less than 500. I smile when the author catches the real feel of a small town. My father-in-law always wanted his pie & coffee before a meal. Ahhh, you brought back a wonderful memory :) dkstevensne at outlook .com

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  14. Love stories with small town settings. This really sounds like a fun read. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy.

    Ann Ellison
    abilene_nana@yahoo.com

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  15. I love reading about life in small towns. You can visit without having to leave the house. We have Mr. Gulley's books in the church library. Thanks for entering me in your giveaway.
    Janet E.
    von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

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  16. Really enjoy stories set in small towns. Bonnie Traher momtr3(at)ya(dot)com

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  17. I LOVE stories in small town settings or in the country. I lived in the city too many years and got tired of that life. I live in the country now between two small towns & I love it.

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  18. Yes, I do like small town stories.

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  19. Yes, I do enjoy 'small town stories.' Thanks for the chance to read this novel...love the cover art :)

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

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  20. yes we live in a small town and i really enjoy stories of small towns

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  21. I like reading about small towns, because I live in a small town where everyone knows everyone. Love this series, and I can't wait to read this one, thanks for the opportunity.

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  22. Thanks for the opportunity to win this book. I love this series, I have read most of the books. I like small towns, because I live in a small town. Everyone knows everyone, and are always willing to help if you need it.

    Tina (sweeps4us at gmail dot com)

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  23. I've not read anything by Philip Gulley, but have had a neighbor who I have shared books with recommend him to me! Would love to win and copy and check his writing out.
    I grew up in a small town and always enjoy books with small town settings.

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  24. I love small towns. I was raised in a small town, married and moved to a small town, and a number of years ago, moved again to an even small town. Friends and neighbors that you wave to or give a smile...nothing like I it!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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  25. I didn't realize Gulley had started a spin-off series. Thanks for sharing this at Booknificent Thursday! Always a pleasure to have you!
    Tina

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