Inspirational Fiction

CHURCH FOLK

Michele Andrea Bowen

Warner/Walk Worthy 

0-44652-799-8

June 2001

(4+)  Wayne Jordan

PLOT SYNOPSIS: 

 Despite the follies, foibles, and idiosyncrasies of their parishioners, Theophilus Henry Simmons, a young pastor, and his wife, Essie Lee Lane, are determined to hold their congregation together and teach them the true meaning of faith and love.

REVIEW: 

When my copy of CHURCH FOLK arrived in the mail about a week ago, my hands trembled with anticipation, but I had to wait a while before I could read it.  I was already working on another book for review.  One week and five hours later, I closed the cover of what to me, is one of the best books of 2001.  I had discovered what others were already saying - Michele Andrea Bowen is a talented writer.

I closed CHURCH FOLK still trembling.  Ms. Bowen’s debut release had had a profound effect on me.  In my mind raced questions about the power of God’s love and my own spirituality.  To me, a great writer is defined by his or her ability to dig deep into the soul of the reader, and take them through a range of emotion.  CHURCH FOLK did that for me.  I cried, laughed, got angry, and laughed again…

CHURCH FOLK is inspirational fiction, but does have very strong elements of romance.  It is not only the sory of a peoples’ love for God, but it is the love story of Theophilus Simmons and Essie Lee Lane.

Ms. Bowen’s message to the reader is clear, and she sums this up one of Theophilus’ sermons in which he teaches about one of the most important ingredients in any relationship.  He believes that there is a need of “juice” in any relationship, especially between a man and his wife.  The church is shocked at his message, but some of them are able to see the true in what Theophilus says; others continue to be blinded by their self-righteousness.

At every turn, Ms. Bowen presses the button of conservatism, and gives the reader a story that is bold, honest and realistic.  She refuses to let the reader see the world where Theophilus and Essie live with rose-tinted glasses.  Instead, she bares all that is good and bad, and shows us that embracing goodness, and rejecting corruption is the only way to find happiness.

Theo and Essie are two wonderfully creations.  Theo is not perfect.  For the beginning of the book, we see his weakness.  He loves women and he knows it.  What is endearing about this hero is his honesty and his own ability to recognize this weakness, but knows that he must place it in God’s hands, if he is to be victorious.  What makes Theo even more endearing is the capacity he has to love, and he is not afraid to show his passion to his wife.  He ensure that the “juice” is a integral part of his marriage.

Essie is strong no nonsense woman, the perfect partner and First Lady for Theo.  But she is wary of those groups of pastors, who go to the pulpit on Sundays professing to love God, and still indulge in women and wine.  The difficulties Theo encounters in his pursuit of her, only serves to show his strength of character and determination.  Their courtship is a joy to see, and when Theo finally wins Essie’s hand in marriage, we know that he has fought a good fight and has been victorious.

CHURCH FOLK is a major achievement for a first time author and Ms. Bowen is sure to make numerous fans with this book.

wayne@romanceincolor.com (1st June 2001)