The Crystal Palace

by Ty Keenum

The action continues as senior Elder Buster Cheatle pushes the boundaries of legal and ethical to ensure that the message and values of the Hawker family are spread far and wide. The Little Church Network explodes the fame of the ministry by televising the services worldwide. A Christian based theme park brings millions to the area. The brand recognition is phenomenal, and everyone associated with the church prospers.

A child prodigy, a gospel sensation, a redeemed libertine, and a beautiful Evangelical superstar all bring challenges and rewards in diverse ways. As the Elders work tirelessly to promote the message, they are challenged to keep the public's focus on the ministry and not their own private lives. Fortunes are threatened when a Sunday service reveals far more than the congregation could have ever anticipated. Can the Elders keep the ministry above water and their secrets buried?

Genres: Fiction

410 pages, Paperback

Published August 2, 2022

About the author

I was born in Asheville, N.C. during the Truman administration. We bounced from poor to middle class repeatedly over my formative years. The changes in circumstances gave me the opportunity to live in multiple southern states and to gain an appreciation for people from all walks of life. The changes in station provided the insight into the characters in my books, "Momma, Can You Hear Me?", "The Little Church in the Valley", and "The Crystal Palace". I currently live in Atlanta Ga, with my wife of forty-plus years. When we’re not enjoying our kids and grand-kids I find time for gardening, writing, and most importantly Georgia football.

Reviews

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway, and I really enjoyed it. I love a twisty-turny book that roasts the hypocrisies of Evangelical megachurche$, and this one was very entertaining. It was timely as well, and even though I had not read the first one, I could jump in right away. Without any spoilers, I think anyone who can laugh at modern American Christianity will enjoy this well-written book. This will be moving to my Little Free Library soon!

[Shanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A witty and intelligent look at the circus that organized religion all too often turns into; The Crystal Palace is somehow even better than Little Church in the Valley.

Our favorite elders are back for this smart sequel and still hiding their own sins and secrets while trying to keep the money flowing in their church. Like its predecessor, The Crystal Palace is honest, sometimes laugh out loud funny, (especially if you grew up in the Pentecostal religion like me), but never mean spirited. I was genuinely surprised by several twists in this one.

The author did a great job of working in the impacts of coronavirus, lockdowns the election, and "Q" on the world of his characters. The book was entertaining, timely, and thought provoking.

Nobody spins a yarn quite like Keenum. Can’t wait to see what he does next.

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Goodreads Giveaway!
I had not read the first book because this was a giveaway, so I did not know what to expect!

However this turned out to be a brilliant book, although I had not read the first book, I was able to understand what had gone on before!
It was well written, exciting and confirmed what I always thought about the Billy Grahams of this world and evangelical churches!
Fact or fiction this was a really good read and maybe I will get around to reading the first book!

[Bruce Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Crystal Palace begins where The Little Church in the Valley ends and serves up many of the same characters and a host of new comical situations. Author Ty Keenum knows the world of evangelism inside and out, and his insights translate into well-defined characters and an intriguing plot.

[Karli · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Crystal Palace begins where The Little Church in the Valley ends and serves up many of the same characters and a host of new comical situations. Author Ty Keenum knows the world of evangelism inside and out, and his insights translate into well-defined characters and an intriguing plot.

[Christine Ritchings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was a great story that shows you what can go on behind the scenes in a organization. And how faith can still prevail.