Just Shy of Harmony

Harmony #2

by Philip Gulley

Sam Gardner's second year as minister in quaint and charming Harmony, Indiana, is fraught with trials and incidents, a crisis of faith, a marital catastrophe, and a church elder's ill-hatched scheme to scramble scripture with eggs. But a loving heart and a strong sense of humor is almost certain to see Sam through . . . even if all of Harmony is expecting a miracle comeEaster morn.

Genres: Fiction, Christian Fiction, Christian, Humor, Inspirational, Religion, Contemporary

272 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published May 1, 2001

About the author

Philip Gulley has become the voice of small-town American life. Along with writing Front Porch Tales, Hometown Tales, and For Everything a Season, Gulley is the author of the Harmony series of novels, as well as If Grace Is True and If God Is Love, which are coauthored with James Mulholland.

He hosts "Porch Talk with Phil Gulley" on the Indiana PBS affiliate WFYI television's flagship show Across Indiana.

Gulley lives in Indiana with his wife, Joan, and their sons, Spencer and Sam—in a rambling old house with Gulley’s eclectic chair collection (64 at last count) and a welcoming back porch.

Gulley is also the Pastor at Fairfield Friends Meeting House in Camby, Indiana. If you find yourself in Camby, you're invited to attend a sermon.

Reviews

[Fergus, Weaver of Autistic Webs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some Cozy Reading novels hit you right where you LIVE.

And THIS book is one of ‘em! Five stars, and may you live in peace in the heaven you so richly deserve, Pastor Gulley.

For Pastor Sam is me. “Words, words” - that’s what Sam believed will save lives - and I thought the same when I joined GR. I thought the right words saved souls.

“Boy was I wrong,” thinks Sam. And me too, now.

I now see souls are saved by believing in fully expressing their own humanity.

Like Sam’s picky ‘n griping parishioners. When we see their - and our - failed humanity is Loved by God.

Sam doesn’t see it yet.

When he thinks he’s a failed Minister and Christian he is wrong. No - he’s just a Bad Listener. He lacks EMPATHY!

And in fact, God has given him a Treasure - in the parishioners of Harmony. He has buried it in the Field of his Frustrated Altruism. For Pastor Sam wants to Change the Whole World, instead of delighting in the world’s sheer humanness.

Like the poor bipolar guy who wants to incorporate his idea into a company specializing in mail order Prayer Eggs?

At least his heart is in the right place, Sam! Live and learn.

BEAUTIFUL, Mr. Gulley.

Reading this, I bought the Whole Series!

[Sarah Grace Grzy · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Mike (the Paladin) · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know what, life's frustrations are quite often beyond my ability to understand. This book full of humor, frustration and pathos is a good read and it will also fall under the "Christian read" heading. I believe most however can enjoy this book (and the one which came before) whether Christian or not. This is a somewhat fictionalized story of effort, burnout, recovery and a lot of other "stuff".

I like it.

I do however wonder why it seems that if one sets out to find "Christian Fiction" what you mostly find are Father Brown Mysteries and a whole library of sappy romances?????

Men read Christian Fiction also.

Just sayin'.

Anyway, good book. i can recommend it. Enjoy.

[Darla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this second installment of the Harmony series to be just as enjoyable, if not more, than the first. We see changed in the lives of Sam and his congregation and watch them as they go through joys and sorrows in their lives. The town of Harmony is really growing on me. Definitely want to continue with the series.

[Annika · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't find the first book of the Harmony Series, so I was advised to just pick this one up and get started, that this series isn't really written to be read in a certain order. This part is true.

I loved this. I read it in about two days. It's quite a different writing style than I'm used to, it's very concise and neat. It reads more like a good newspaper column than a novel. And each chapter has the feel of its own short story. So it's a very easy put-down book (not for me, though).

Philip Gulley is an excellent storyteller. As I understand it, he's a Quaker minister in Indiana, so he sets his story around a Quaker congregation, presumably in Indiana. Gulley's fictional preacher, Sam Gardner, is the main man of the stories, but the entire congregation really carries the stories.

Sam is a quiet, observant preacher who has grown up in Harmony and ministers to the Friends church. We meet some of the members of that church, the Peacocks, the Hinshaws, the Hodges, just some people of Harmony who shape small-town life into what it is...and only a small-townee could capture Harmony so sweetly.

And only a preacher's eye could capture the telling of People like this.

I laugh and (want to) cry at the same time. Because while my favorite stories feature Highlanders, boy wizards, games of thrones, teenagers in dystopian war games, fallen angels and vampires and werewolves...I've never MET any of those. They are entirely up to my imagination.

The churchfolk in Harmony...I KNOW them. I don't know Fictional Fern Hampton...but I KNOW her. I know Dale Hinshaw. I know good, quiet, salt-of-the-earth folk like the Peacocks and the Gardners and the Hodges. I know what it's like to sit in a church planning meeting and want to bang my head on the table. I know what it's like to answer a church telephone and have people "fishing" for information.

I already know, after this first book, that I will be grabbing up and devouring every other Harmony book I can find.

Recommended for anyone who wants a quick, funny read, a regular churchgoer who needs a laugh, or people who enjoy small-town America stories with a nostalgic feel.

[Shannan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book - perhaps even more so than the first one. The Harmony series is a simple, Christian themed epoch of people who live in a very small midwestern town - perhaps in the 90’s? It is sweet Americana type fiction. It shows that despite being people of faith, we are still human who struggle very much. And the move through the humanness of struggle is a common theme always. I not only love the small town feel of the books but I love the model of how to move through life’s problems from salt of the earth kind of people. Just because you are a believer doesn’t mean you are exempt from strife or that you love everybody or that you will be wealthy and whole. I like that this book series shows what it is like to work through illness, annoying neighbors, gossipy cohorts, and financial difficulty with grace and faith.

[Book Concierge · Rating 3 out of 5]

From the book jacket:Master storyteller Philip Gulley returns to the winsome ways of Harmony, Indiana, … [and] follows the happenings of an eventful year spanning two Easters, in which Quaker pastor Sam Gardner and the members of his flock discover surprising answers to life’s challenging mysteries.

My reactions
This is book 2 in the Harmony Series, and I just love them. They are gentle stories with a good sprinkling of humor, and a few life lessons learned, but without being preachy. I have to admit that Dale Hinshaw does tax my patience … but his schemes for bringing THE WORD to heathens are ever entertaining.

[Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this as an audiobook, and it definitely provokes smiles and laughter. But I must admit that at times I get really frustrated at the repeated foibles of the church folks, and their lack of true commitment to God and His Word. They live with so many of their own mistakes, sometimes without learning from them. At the end, it causes me to ponder how God would truly want me to respond to some of the situations in the book, including repenting of personal sin and submitting sincerely to whatever the Lord wants, based on His Word. But for relaxation--without turning off your reasoning skills--this is a fun story. I just hope that true Christians don't behave like the characters in the book!

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I preferred the first person style of the first book, but once I got into it I didn’t mind so much. Same quirky characters, new funny stories, heartwarming and comforting and honest. Looking forward to continuing the series.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a fan of Jan Karon’s Mitford books and picked this up because it looked similar. I had not read the first book in this series but it was no problem to jump right in with this one. I enjoyed reading about Pastor Sam Gardner’s loss of faith and his interesting congregation. His experiences are similar to Father Tim’s in Mitford. Both series paint a charming picture of small town life, but the stories in Harmony are less rosy and a little more real. I am looking forward to keeping company with the Harmony Quakers again in the next book.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny, ridiculous, frustrating, enchanting, redeeming are some of the adjectives that describe the people and situations in this story. Almost put it down because it was so goofy; glad I didn't - had some good chuckles!

[Jeff Clausen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gulley is expanding his characters here in volume #2, and giving us plenty to look forward to. Several townsfolk that seemed unpleasant continue so, but not without having their rough edges sanded down a bit. And the protagonist becomes much more fully human when crisis of faith occurs. Lots of drama revolving around a prodigal daughter after her return, and a faith healer. Predictable, this is not!

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another fun book by Philip Gulley. The Harmony series make you laugh and cringe as well. You shake your head at the legalism and the way Christians treat each other, only to realize it's all too familiar.

Self-righteous Dale Hinshaw has more bright ideas in reaching the lost for the Lord. This one involves chickens laying eggs. He'll use the bible to try to persuade people to do things his way, manipulating the Word to pour on the guilt. He passes the collection basket in church and reads a particular check amount aloud of what someone had given.

Wayne whose wife left him about a year previous, is interested in Deena who owns the Legal Grounds coffee shop. Unfortunately Wayne is still married. Just when things start looking good for him and Deena, things get complicated. Really complicated.

Sam, while working about 60 hours per week and on call 24/7, is experiencing burnout and thinks he may have depression especially after reading the warning signs. Folks think he should do more. When he breaks his news to the board members, he receives different responses, some not so loving.

Jessie Peacock who won the lottery previously, had turned it down and keeps getting letters from the lottery about receiving the winnings. She and her husband Asa are in dire straits financially and stand to lose the farm. The deadline is fast approaching when she will forfeit all claims to the money/lottery winnings. Meanwhile, Asa is working at a poultry plant where his job is lopping the heads off chickens. He's having nightmares about being pecked by them and also a nightmare of the pet chicken he had while growing up.

While some are interested in beautifying the ladies room at the meetinghouse and some want a gymnasium, there are others whose hearts are for helping others in need.

God moves in mysterious ways...

[Gillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet, easy read that I picked up rather randomly from the library. The story of a small-town Quaker pastor and the goings on of his quirky flock. Was fun to get a backstage peek at the workings of a church, albeit a fictional one. Was also nice to read a story that was bound to have a happy ending. Sometimes I just really need a light, happy ending. This did that for me.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

A disappointment, perhaps because I read this first rather than another in the series. A far cry from the Mitfiord series which is filled with warmth as well as foibles and quirky personalities. This book seems to demonstrate the worst of organized religion and individuals in the church - petty bickering, a pastor who loses his faith, limp wristed theology - YUK!

[ClaraBelle]

I thought this book would be like Jan Karon’s Mitford series but I was sorely disappointed with it.
WHY I DID NOT LIKE THIS
The main character, a pastor, was more involved in his congregation than in his family’s lives and that’s not a good thing😢. The congregation was too gossipy and too embarrassingly open about their marital lives in jokes.
Rating: no stars
Recommend: no one

[Jenny Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this, very entertaining.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! I love reading this authors books because you feel like you live in the little town with them. You get to know everyone and don't want to leave, its a excellent series.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well I'm back in Harmony, Just Shy of Harmony is where we are and it is the second book in Philip Gulley's Harmony series. This time we still have Sam Gardner as the pastor of Harmony Friends Meeting. Sam's wife Barbara, their two sons, more townspeople. Unfortunately Dale Hinshaw is still living in Harmony and I would swear I know this guy. He's the guy who annoyed me the most of all the people I ever knew, he went to church with me, until I changed churches, only partly due to him. Like the Dale of the book, my annoying guy was also named Dale, and was also an insurance salesman. If I lived in Indiana I would think it was the same Dale. But the town of Harmony and it's townspeople are in Indiana, and I've never been to Indiana, so there must be more than one Dale in the world.

In this book Sam Gardner finds himself depressed as his church, instead of following the goals it once had of spreading the gospel, helping those who are hungry, helping those who are homeless, now have goals such as what type of vanity table to put in the ladies' restroom. Here's a conversation of church goals between Sam and his wife:

"I was looking at the calendar," Barbara said, "I had forgotten this Sunday is Goal-Setting Sunday."

Sam groaned. "Oh, that's right. I'd forgotten too. I don't think I'll go."

"You have to go. You're the pastor."

"Maybe I'll get lucky and die before then."

Sam decides to look over past Goal-Setting Sundays and finds that on the first Sunday in 1970 they had set three goals, to spread the gospel to every tribe and person in the world, to end world hunger, and to carpet the Sunday school rooms. They carpeted the Sunday school rooms first, donated a box of canned goods to a food pantry, and then lost their enthusiasm to do anything more. Goal-Setting Sunday, we're told, had gone downhill from there. Last year Dale had proposed painting Jesus Saves on the roof of the building as a witness to people in airplanes. Sam suggests just getting rid of Goal-Setting Sunday since they never seem to do any of their goals anyway, but as he tells us:

That had gone over like a pregnant pole-vaulter.

Any deviation from tradition had Dale Hinshaw prophesying an outbreak of fornication in the church pews. It took Sam several years to learn he was better off keeping quiet and not suggesting anything new.

I'm not sure I ever met a pastor like this guy. But they never have to paint messages for airplanes, Dale gets wrapped up in his "Scripture egg project" which has to be the dumbest thing I ever heard of. He gets a bunch of chickens, feeds them Scripture verses, and supposedly the chickens lay eggs with the Scripture verses in the yolks which then will reach the unsaved when they crack open the eggs, something like that. He spends most of the rest of the book bothering people with these eggs of his, whether there are Scripture verses in any of them I have no idea.

Another church member wants to start a basketball team and call it the "Heavenly Hoops" saying, you know what they say in the Bible, "All work and no play makes Johnny a dull boy." All this does is to get everyone arguing about whether it said that in the Bible. And Sam sits there thinking of churches that have homeless shelters and soup kitchens and raise money to send doctors to Africa to help lepers. It goes on:

He wished there was a leper in Harmony they could help. There's nothing like a leper to stir up a church, he thought.

And I will leave you with that, the next Harmony book is waiting for me.

[Richard Propes · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's no question that Quaker minister and author Philip Gulley is one of my favorite faith-based writers, a writer whose works I enjoy whether he's writing fiction, reflections, exegesis, or pointed social commentary.

I'd never read any books of the Harmony series, however, and was quite pleased when I found this book at a local Goodwill. I often worry about starting a series out of order and, indeed, I can't help but wonder if that may have hindered my enjoyment of "Just Shy of Harmony" a little bit.

While there are multiple plot threads in the book, it essentially centers around pastor Sam Gardner's crisis of faith and the church that largely explains that crisis of faith. He'd started as an enthusiastic pastor, but after several years of experiencing the stagnancy that can be a small town, patriarchal/matriarchal church it appears that Sam is super burned out and even questioning the existence of God (which even for the more progressive Quakers is kind of a big deal).

While the book maintains Gulley's usual calm literary demeanor and rather folksy approach to tackling big subjects, here including such things as adultery and life-threatening illness among other things, I must acknowledge that the book's multiple threads grew weary and the structure got tiresome as I would gain interest in one thread only to have it diverted to a less interesting and even irritating thread.

There is a redemption of sorts for the church toward the book's end, though it feels rushed and not particularly earned. The pastor's growth also feels inauthentic.

However, there are other plot threads in the book that are genuinely immersive, emotionally resonant, and even entertaining. At times, I was surprised how emotionally invested I became in characters but given the abrupt transitions from chapter-to-chapter it was often short-lived.

While it's obvious this church and its people are meant to be recognizable and endearing, the truth is for a good majority of the book I found this a church I would quickly leave and render a dysfunctional mess even when the story moves it toward a healthier resolution. I found several characters utterly unlikable even as their story arc turned more positive, while there were some characters, such as Asa, Jessie, and Miriam, whom I adored.

Overall, I don't regret having read this book but it's certainly not on my list of Gulley favorites. It's a pleasant, low-key read and will ring true for many people who've experienced both the quirks and the wonder of small town church life.

[Nadine Keels · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 book 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.

[Dean McIntyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

JUST SHY OF HARMONY by Philip Gulley -- This may get characterized as Christian Fiction, but it's more than that. Sam Gardner is a pastor in his second year at the Harmony, Indiana Friends Meeting House, a Quaker congregation. His flock is made up of the town's citizens, simple, rural folk, committed to each other, their town, and to doing the Lord's work. Pastor Sam does his best to minister to them in their joys and sorrows, their successes and failures, yet he finds his faith failing and his frustrations with his people rising. He confesses his condition to the Elders, who decide to relieve him of his preaching duties and take over the pulpit. With humor, compassion, and understanding, the author shares the trials and crises and the miracle that Pastor Sam is promised on Easter Sunday. This is an enjoyable heart-warming read, part of a series of books by Gulley, who, himself, is the Pastor at Fairfield Friends Meeting House in Camby, Indian, where he lives with his wife and two sons.

[Reading Fury · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I ever meet Dale Hinshaw in real life, I am afraid I cannot be held accountable for my actions. This is one utterly pompous, irritating, self-righteous puff-brained character. That said, Pastor Sam's inability or reluctance to rein Dale in causes all kinds of trouble and kills off a bunch of innocent chickens. I would go so far as to say Pastor Sam, who suffers a crisis of faith in this installment of the Harmony series, deserves what he gets. There is a surprise about Dale's past, and it explains a lot of his behavior, but Dale is not one to learn from mistakes. Sam is down in the dumps because he feels he isn't truly making a difference and bringing people closer to God. Well, guess what? He's right. The saving grace (pardon such a pitiful pun) is that Sam does have the capacity to change, but not without a whole lot of help from a few folks in the community. There is a miracle plot and a lot of human drama, more so than in the other books. The humor is gentle, but the constant poor decision-making skills of humans really can't be laughed at. Some readers will see this as the strongest entry in the series, or the weakest. I am with the latter.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

Another quirky, small town, Christian series similar to the Mitford books. Our preacher in this series is Sam, a Quaker minister with his flock of Friends. Some good messages in this second book about how people should treat each other, avoiding gossip and assumptions, and not being petty. Some of the lessons spoke to me, and other parts of the book made me want to strangle the characters. However, I generally like the different characters, some more than others...also, there was not enough focus on Sam and his family, although his very real crisis of faith added to the "realness" of the characters. One of my favorite parts was "to be or not to be a millionaire" and how winning the lottery can affect (or not affect) how you live your life. I like to think I could be like the couple in the book...they are to be admired.

I will keep going with this series!

[Sally Andrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had trouble reading this book in bed with my husband asleep beside me because I kept wanting to laugh right out loud! Such a funny little book! The characters are warm and witty. Of course, I didn't like Dale, but I guess we aren't supposed to. I sort of hoped he'd get more of a "Come to Jesus" meeting in the end, but he didn't.

I really think the church was kind of overdone in how goofy some of the members could be, and yet....maybe not! LOL Kind of like every church, some are more worried about money and buildings and getting their own agenda out there while others are true servants and worshipers.

Anyway, I had a fun time reading this book, as I do with all of Gulley's. Light read, which I need right now.

[Hank Pharis · Rating 3 out of 5]

(NOTE: I'm stingy with stars. For me 2 stars means a good book or a B. 3 stars means a very good book or a B+. 4 stars means an outstanding book or an A {only about 5% of the books I read merit 4 stars}. 5 stars means an all time favorite or an A+ {Only one of 400 or 500 books rates this!).

The great news is that I can listen to a book a day at work. The bad news is that I can’t keep up with decent reviews. So I’m going to give up for now and just rate them. I hope to come back to some of the most significant things I listen to and read them and then post a review.

It is not often that you enjoy the sequel more than the original. But I very much more enjoyed this one than the first one. Not only fun but gives great insight into what it is like to be a Pastor.

[Laura Beasley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good and funny book in the Harmony series. The book is about Sam who is the preacher of the Quaker church in a small town called Harmony. Once again the members of the church have some wild ideas and drive Sam crazy. In this book Sam finds he is having trouble believing in God and has the members do the sermons. Some of the sermons are hysterical and some of the other ideas they have are off the chart crazy. But then they come thru with some good ideas in times of need. Love th characters and each book develops them more. Once again it reminds me of a small town church. Quick, light and enjoyable read. Look forward to reading more of the series.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the second book in Philip Gulley's Harmony series begins, Sam Gardner, minister of Harmony's Friends (Quaker) Church, is having a crisis of faith as he deals with the church's quirky and eccentric elders, congregants with money and marriage problems and at one who is dying of leukemia. This book doesn't have quite as much humor as the first book, but there are definitely laugh-out-loud moments even in the face of trials and tragedies. I love Gulley's down-home storytelling style. This book, like the first one in the series was an uplifting, thought-provoking, faith building delight to read. I will look forward to reading the other books in this lovely series.

[Deb Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book differed from the others as it was written in third person. I suppose that is because in spite of the typical quirky antics of the townspeople of Harmony and the parishioners of Harmony Friends Meeting are offset by other serious subject matters of everyday life. It is also a testament to detrimental effects that busyness can have on your faith. Faith is something to be nourished internally by our relationship and communication with God, which helps counterbalance the discouragement that presents itself by well-meaning people in our lives.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the audio version which was well done. The story kept me interested. The author creates caricatures, which we know are embellishments and are appropriate for this genre, though I had to suspend belief a couple of times in regards to elements of nature and medicine (daffodils just starting to emerge at a time when you can hear peeping frogs, and the early, off stage, course of a disease of one of the main characters). It was a pleasant listen on a long car ride.