A Lesson in Hope

Hope #2

by Philip Gulley

Sam Gardner has been pastor of Hope Friends Meeting for just four months when ninety-eight-year-old member Olive Charles passes away. What's more shocking news is that Olive has left her entire estate--worth nearly one million dollars--to the meeting. At first the gift sounds to Sam like a like a godsend. Yet as word of the unexpected windfall spreads, it stirs up a storm of conflicting opinions amongst the church members as to how the money would best be used. And before the estate is even released to the meeting, Olive's estranged niece, Regina Charles, turns up tipsy and furious in Hope and threatens a lawsuit over what she believes is rightfully hers. Although it may be an opportune time to ask for a raise, Sam finds himself questioning his future in Hope while trying to guide his lively congregation and find a peaceful way to deal with Regina.

Genres: Fiction, Christian Fiction, Humor, Christian, Contemporary, Spirituality, Holiday

260 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2015

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

[Sally Lindsay-briggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I purchased this at my library’s book sale along with 2 other books by the author. Unfortunately, reading the others isn’t a big possibility. It was not my favorite read. It lacked reality and action. Sam is a pastor of a Quaker Friends Meeting. A woman has left her entire estate to the church. It creates a host of problems but there is a lesson in hope.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Lesson in Hope by Philip Gulley is a Christian novel and is the second book in the Hope Friend Meeting series. Sam Gardner is a Quaker pastor for Hope Friends Meeting. Sam has only had the job for four months, when Olive Charles, their oldest member, passes away at age 98. Olive leaves Hope Friends Meeting $800,000, a 1979 Ford Granada, her home and its contents. This could be a blessing for the group. Unfortunately, things are never easy when money is involved (and a group of people). Everyone has an idea on how the money should be spent. Then Olive Charles’ niece, Regina Charles arrives in town. Regina has decided to contest the will. As she is leaving their meeting house, Regina “trips” on the church’s sidewalk and sues them for damages (what a coincidence). Then, Sam finds out that his parents are moving to town. Actually, just down the street. Sam’s patience is really going to be tested during the coming weeks.

A Lesson in Hope is an entertaining novel. The book is nicely written and easy to read. I especially liked the quirky characters. The tone of the humor was just right in this book (and I rarely say that). We get to read about the life of a pastor in a small town. A pastor’s life is not his own and that is especially true for Sam Gardner. I give A Lesson in Hope 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). I appreciated the theme that there is always a little hope. A Lesson in Hope is part of a series, but it can be read alone (easily). I look forward to reading the other books in this series and other novels by Philip Gulley.

[Phyllis Barlow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always enjoyed Philip Gulley's books, and when I realized my library had this, I pounced on it with joy. I was not disappointed; reading his home-spun tales always make me feel like I'm visiting with an old friend. However, after I got started, I realized that this was the second in this series, and I must have missed the last one in the Harmony series because it referenced him being fired from his other church and I don't remember reading about that. An oversight I will surely correct. :-)

If you like books dealing with small town life with a bit of humor (actually more than a bit. I found myself smiling a lot, and just cracking up a few times!!) You will like this book. It will be more enjoyable if you read the Harmony series first because he references characters from those books but it's not a requirement. Thank you, Mr. Gulley. Long may you write!!

[Jan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Can’t tell you how many times I laughed out loud at this second in Philip Gulley’s Hope series. But what began as a quick and diverting read devolved into something less than Gulley’s typical rewarding and uplifting tale of a Quaker pastor’s life. “A Lesson in Hope” included more than the usual number of annoying church and family members, prompting pastor Sam Gardner to engage in frequent fantasies of killing them off. It got very old and made me wonder if Sam should look for a new career. And that he softened his opinion of some of the irksome folks by the end just wasn’t supported by the narrative. I might re-title this “Hope Dwindles.”

[Connie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have always enjoyed Philip Gulley's books; I was very excited when I saw his new book at my library.

I must say that I was not happy with this title. A "blurb" on the back cover refers to this book being "gentle and humorous."

I disagree. Using alliteration, I would say that Sam Gardner, the main character is snarky, sarcastic and self-absorbed. The humor was so nasty and biting that I did not find the comments to be funny.

This will most likely be my last Phillip Gulley book.

[Jeff Clausen · Rating 4 out of 5]

More good stuff from Pastor Sam and gang. Unsure whether their move from Harmony to Hope would pan out, I was pleased to see that a new cast of characters has stuck and hence new adventures are to come. Excellent!

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book did have some funny moments...but it also veered into inappropriate territory at times. Proceed with caution.

[Nadine Keels · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another overall entertaining read about Sam, though I think it's best to start with the previous series featuring him, the Harmony series.

As much as Sam's small-town, familial, and Quakerful experiences do give me literal laugh-out-loud moments, I don't find all of his violent thoughts funny. I mean, thinking about how you'd wring a nursing home resident's "scrawny little neck" because she left your church a generous gift y'all don't know how to handle? Nothing about the visual of a middle-aged man strangling an infirm, elderly woman makes me laugh. And certain jokes about Alzheimer's disease, death, and Hitler pinched some of my bones rather than tickling my funny one.

There's also a comedic marriage proposal I disliked because it's a bad idea to get engaged or married to someone because you were prodded into it to make other people more comfortable with your romantic relationship. Yes, I know the characters' situation is meant to be funny here, but... (*Sigh.*) It wasn't clear to me whether she really loves him, the person, or if she just goes along with his impromptu proposal because she wants a family, he says he loves her, and his people put the two of them on the spot.

On the other hand, I laughed at what wasn't a minimal number of underwear jokes in the novel. So I'm not impossible to please.

In other news, I don't know why a certain character who started off single and then had a momentous wedding in the previous series, Deena, is making moves in this series like a single woman, with absolutely no mention of her husband or marriage. Did the author forget that he once married her off? Or did something happen to Deena's husband in the previous series and I missed it? Even if the missing is on my part and her husband died or they got divorced or something, it doesn't make sense to me that this book wouldn't mention that fact at all.

Also, speaking of missing...I do miss Harmony. While enough of the main church members there are a pain, certain aspects of that town and its townsfolk do have their own quirky charm. And even with the Harmony series' touches of irreverence and all the irony in the stories, the overall makeup seemed warmer to me, especially in some particular books. Here, despite one pleasant moment when Sam feels like a "wealthy man" for being a pastor, I rather get the impression that the only reason he doesn't resign and do something else with his life is because he's in his fifties and pastoring is all he knows. It's all he's professionally employable for.

Yet, even if that is the truth about Sam, it wouldn't be unrealistic. And I'd find it more problematic if he were depicted as a clerical angel, with his spiritual situation painted over in convenient, rosy religious tones.

Besides, I did still enjoy the overall easy reading, seeing the progression of Sam's family and having some laughs and all.

[Hila · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's been 4 months since Sam Gardner accepted the pastor position for Hope Friends Meeting in Hope, Indiana. Overall, things have been going well. Church attendance is up, and Same is hopeful it will continue to grow. His wife Barbara is enjoying her job as the elementary school librarian, and life is settling down.

But then one of his elderly church members goes and dies and leaves the church nearly a million dollars. Now it's chaos as the members fight over how the money should be used; the deceased unfavorable niece wants a piece of the pie and will sue to get it; and Sam's prayers about the niece's change of heart are answered in an unexpected and tragic way... As if that weren't enough, Sam's parents have decided to buy a house down the road, and Sam can't seem to stop thinking about the town veterinarian Gretchen and her French braid. Sam can't help but wonder if there's any hope left for him in Hope after all.

***I decided to pick this novel up, because I'd read the previous one about Hope, plus all the Harmony books. I've always loved the Harmony books, and highly recommend them. But again, this one set in Hope was disappointing. Sam's character seems so much less of who he was before. More whining, less grateful. In fact, the character sounds like he is going through a crisis of faith a lot of the time. Added to that is how there seems to be more irreverence for things. The deep, poignant thoughts shared in the Harmony series are gone. The book is an easy read, but there is very little depth to it. Clean as far as language and other such things are concerned. But really just a lot of fluff. And I wonder if the author is trying to make his character ring truer with society today, which, to me, is a sad case if so.

[Carroll · Rating 3 out of 5]

Phil Gulley has gotten the second book in his "Hope" under his belt and has a lot of openings for the plot of his next book. His protagonist, Sam Gardner, is now the pastor of the Quaker meeting in Hope, Indiana. A long time member dies and leaves her estate worth nearly a million dollars to the small congregation. The story unfolds introducing a large cast of characters; the members of the congregation - including a pie committee, his two sons - one a college student and the other an army medic, Otis Pringle - the current pastor of Sam's former congregation and father of brother Roger's girlfriend, Sam's parents who move down the street. Sam even has a would be love interest that tempts him. There are almost too many plot leads which are never totally resolved, but could continue in books to come.
This isn't the strongest of Gulley's fiction, but it shows promise. I look forward to reading the next volume in the series.
Sam is a bit of Phil's alter-ego and sometimes shows ideas and reflections from Gulley's life as a a Quaker pastor in small town Indiana. If you read his books you will feel right at home if you get to meet Phil.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having been a Pastor's wife, I was particularly interested in reading this book. It was side splitting at times as the author presents the bickering that goes on whenever a group of people are disatisfied and centered on themselves. You will love the humor and the challenges presented to this church in Hope. So many reasons to argue about any issue and then a huge surprise comes their way and they all want something different from it. Unity seems beyond reach. Some welcome visitors and some don't want their routine changed. I can vouch that it's all very probable. Enjoy!

[Michele Eskelin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first religious fiction book I have ever read and I wasn't disappointed. Reading it felt like a cozy cup of tea. This book was funny, and it had a nice rhythm to it. I enjoyed the flawed characters. I especially enjoyed that Sam, the main character/pastor in the book was a human being with human thoughts. The book had a delightful message about boundaries; what happens when you put them in place, and what happens when you don't. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam, the good natured Quaker pastor, may have moved away from Harmony but I am so happy that his story lives on and that several of the characters from the past are traveling with him on this new adventure. This is a great story to help you appreciate that goodness comes from within, despite all the crazy that may be exploding around you.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the second book in the Hope series, Sam has been the pastor of Hope Friends for four months when a wealthy church member passes away and leaves the fortune to the church. Of course, arguments and discussions abound as the members seek to spend the money. Lots of humor and colorful characters. A quick read and as enjoyable as the first book.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gulley's books are always filled with hope--not just the community about which he writes, but for the reader as well. If anyone has ever been closely involved in a church, the caricatures of the members of the Hope Quaker church will evoke lists of laughter -- and hope as well.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sam and Barbara are now settled in Hope - let the trials begin! I found myself laughing at some of the situations and the reactions of these two! It becomes home to them, and to the reader. It was a gentle read about a gentle place, yet a place no different than where we are.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really more like 3.5, but a good story with some laughs along the way. A small Quaker group has plenty of characters - just ask their pastor - after a member dies and leaves a big sum of money to the church!

[Cathy Hodge · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one, but not as much as the previous books.

[Sandy Holmes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable! I always enjoy his humor! Just a comfortable, pleasant book to read.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part way into this second book of the Hope series...I could have sworn I read it but couldn't find in my reviews that I did..so maybe this is just along the lines of a book from the Harmony series...anyway, One of the Friends from Hope Meeting passes away leaving a ton of money, her house and her car to the Quaker church of Hope. Everyone has an idea of what the money should be used for and Sam tries to field the requests best he can until the niece of the deceased shows up out of nowhere and sues for her aunt's inheritance. The girl is a drunk and a trouble maker and becomes a thorn in Hope Church. Meanwhile, Sam's parents move to Hope, which he isn't too thrilled about and then his brother as well. Hope has the same feel as Harmony and as much as I enjoy these books I get a little tired of Sam's passive behavior, although he seems to overcome that a little in this book. Enjoyable, funny, make you feel good, I do love these books.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again, Philip Gulley's writing and descriptions of his congregants has me laughing until I can't breathe! His wife Barbara is really a gem. I want to meet Bruno and have him want to kill my husband and marry me! The part of the Mormon underwear and Sam's problem with Gretchen of the French Braid - just cracked me up. The ending was so sweet - the church gets its money and sell the house to some unknown people with much squabbling. Sam's description of helping his parents move and pack up their home was just as bad as he imagined - all parents please clean out your houses before you die!!! I'm not sure a minister would really get away with telling off and hanging up on their superior the way Sam did. It seemed like every time Sam counseled someone, it also related to something similar Sam was doing! Can't wait to read the next book - hope it isn't the last!

[Sheila Holmes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmm...
Ok, I think that maybe this author took something good, something funny, something clever, then mashed them altogether and ran with them. That's not a bad thing, unless, in this case, it was so overboard that it was somewhat offensive, or at least obnoxious at times. Funny thing is, obviously this author is very bright and very observant, because he captured a lot of actual happenings in churches today, but somehow I can't imagine to THIS extent.

Still, I read the whole thing, and am glad I did. There were some exceptionally funny passages. I will actually plan on reading some of his further works.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Gulley's books. I have read the Harmony series, and now into the Hope series. New town, new characters in Hope! Just as funny as the CHRISTMAS SCRAPBOOK and the Harmony series. I borrowed this one at the Library as it had a Thanksgiving cover, so this was my Thanksgiving read!!!! If you need a good laugh or chuckle and I think we all do, try this one of one of Gulley's other funny books!!!!

[Marti · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Homemade pie could cast a positive light upon the most tragic event."

Pastors don't like preparing the weekly bulletin.

"Some potato chip name. Lays or Ruffles of something like that." It was Pringle.

Letters to Addison in the Army. Barbara wants to visit Paris. Wayne's favorite Bible verse.

. . . "an avid collector of all things useless." Of Charlie.

And, a family proposal at Sunday dinner.

[Madelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy the writings by Philip Gulley. He is a Quaker pastor who has a gift of understanding small churches and can see the humor in situations. In this book, a 98 year old member of the church dies and leaves her entire estate to the Hope Friends. A storm of conflict ensues among the members as to how the money should be used.

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tale of humor, reality, and the truth of people and what they will do. How a fortune left to the church can stir up so many difficulties.

I won a copy of this book during a Goodreads giveaway. I am under no obligation to leave a review or rating and do so voluntarily. So that others may also enjoy this book, I am paying it forward by donating it to my local library.

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

This second book in the Hope series was a little darker than the first, but was funny overall. There were a few times I laughed out loud. Sam has a way of getting caught up in sticky situations, but he always gets out somehow.

[JLS10 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy book 2 in Gulley’s Hope series. I would say the Harmony series is still my favorite, but there are several characters in the Hope books from the Harmony series, so all still feels familiar to Harmony.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. Gulley is a master at making down-to-earth characters that we, as readers, can relate to. He's a very witty writer. His books make me laugh out loud frequently. I look forward to the next one in the series.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was up and down for me. Some was quite funny but other parts just seemed drawn out. I can tell the series is near end and have enjoyed the life changes if Sam and family. Hopefully the series ends well ...