Binding: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 813.54
EAN: 9780060727666
ISBN: 0060727667
Label: HarperOne
Manufacturer: HarperOne
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 220
Publication Date: 2004-03
Publisher: HarperOne
Release Date: 2004-03-16
Studio: HarperOne

Welcome to Harmony ...

In this acclaimed inaugural volume in the Harmony series, master American storyteller Philip Gulley draws us into the charming world of minister Sam Gardner in his first year back in his hometown, capturing the essence of small-town life with humor and wisdom.

Customer Rating:
Summary: A funny, funny book!
Comment: Philip Gulley's Harmony series are nothing short of hilarious! His characters are eccentric, rude, genuine,funny, and caring, just like real people! The story centers around Sam Gardner, Quaker minister and his flock at the Harmony Friends Meetinghouse. Each chapter is a slice of life in the fictional town of Harmony, Indiana. Gulley's books are compared to Jan Karon's Mitford series. To me, aside from the central characters being ministers there is not much to compare. Each author has their own style and each are great story tellers. Gulley is a bit more effecient in that each chapter is a short story and could stand on its own. They do link together to give the reader a complete idea of what life in a small, mostly conservative town is like. This reader finds all the Harmony novels wonderfullly entertaining and eager to read more about what each character will be up to next! Thanks Mr. Gulley!

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Customer Rating:
Summary: A delightful slice of Americana
Comment: I found this book by chance while browsing the shelves at the library and enjoyed it so much that I went back and read the whole series. I bought a copy as a Christmas gift. Each chapter in this book is a stand alone short story with enough personal relevance to invite the reader to pause and reflect before moving on to the next chapter. The book weaves together the stories of people in a small town forming a fun patchwork quilt of small town America. The author creates interesting characters with quaint quirks and charm. A delightful read.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Home to Harmony
Comment: This is a wonderful lighthearted book. It is fun to read, and just right after a hard day, when you need some good laughs and relaxation. I would definitely recommend it.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: There is a balm in Harmony.
Comment: This first of Gulley's Harmony novels, set in the absolutely spot-on smalltown of Harmony, Indiana, introduces readers to the characters which have been accurately described as "the biggest collection of crusty, lovable characters since James Herriot settled in Yorkshire." Having grown up in rural Hoosierland, I know many of these characters. They may have had different names, but they were there during my formative years, and they remain there today. Some have negatively criticized Gulley for often being too sweet, too poignant, too accurate in his compassionate portrayal of life's inequities. Still, this is all total balm for beleaguered souls here at the front end of the 21st Century. I'd certainly pity any readers so jaded and deeply inured that they'd leave these books and not feel at least a modicum better about themselves and their fellow travelers on the planet. The humor is gentle, but still uproariously funny. Great soothing holiday reading, anytime you need a holiday.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: wonderful book
Comment: Harmony is a place that will capture your heart. Be sure to start at the beginning of the series: Home to Harmony. Then enjoy hours of pleasure meeting the citizens of this mythical community.

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