Church Folk Mass Market Paperback – March 1, 2005

This book was well written. I enjoyed the direction the author took. It gave details but so much detail that it got boring. I enjoyed the characters and the way the way they handled the problems and how perfect the chosen scriptures fit in perfectly.🙂

This is my first occasion to read a book by Author Michele Andrea Bowen, it was recommended to me by my dear sister-friend, and it doesn't disappoint. Just so happens the church she wrote about, as far as teaching,preaching, education, solace, guidance, training and spiritual growth as well as becoming more involved in our community. Some of our churches have gotten to far away from the true meaning of what we should be focused on and I seek a Church more inline with what's described in the book, everything doesn't need to change and become so far afield that you lose the real meaning and feeling . Kudos Ms. M. A. Bowen

Michele Andrea Bowen's writing captures the era and the culture beautifully while Denise Burse narrates the unfolding events with the style and flavor of an American Southern town during the story's timeline.The story puts the reader in Mississippi among people who may remind them of those with whom they grew up, interacted, or worked. If it does not, this reader can attest to the feelings of authenticity and charm these people bring to the story.Church Folk is an enjoyable read/listen about a black community in Mississippi circa 1961-1963. The plot centers around a young, handsome, black man, Rev Theophilus Simmons, and his courtship of Essie, a young, good, black woman worthy of marrying. The story evolves through the characters' behavior with one another during the days of Civil Rights. Some of the male minor characters, including those of the cloth, use women in the community as objects to satisfy their sexual urges which makes them feel desirable and important. As one elder female citizen points out, some women think that having sex with a man of God is a pathway to grace by way of his penis. This slice of life is fraught with humorous colloquialisms like this. At first, Essie questions Rev Theophilus Simmons' intentions knowing many men, especially good looking ones, like to play the field. She did not want to be a player in any man's field. This quality in Essie is one of the reasons Theophilus courts and eventually marries her. Theophilus proves to be the man Essie believes him to be by his devotion to her and his stance against the corruption in the church.

I absolutely love her books. It ministers to you while also entertaining you. I’ve truly enjoyed reading this. Great job!!

If you thought Church Folks was funny, this one will take you to another level entirely. It is now 1986, and the Rev Theopolis Simmons is in for another problem. Word has reached the mainland that the bishops over in Africa are acting like plum fools, disrespecting the titles they wore and due to the diligence of one of the workers, whose uncle own a watermelon farm and come across a potion(or drug or synthetic) called WP21 that makes men feel like the young boys again for a time but sadly, the comedown from it makes you go into serious cold turkey. Several of the corrupt bishops were content on selling this stuff, but instead they were using up the dang product, which caused some serious problems amongst them and they couldn't really sell it. The guys they used to help out; Cleotis Clayton(Goldean's cousin who served time already for the previous incident in 1963, refer to Church Folks)Dotsy and Gray can't seem to make head or tails how to work this but get someone to help em break it down; Cleotis got Rico Sneed(remember Up at the College)to help with the computer but even as some of you recall have nasty little habits of his own. Add up some skinheads, an aunt, crazy church folks and then some more, and you got a great little story that is wholesome and worthwhile but not without its twists and turns. More Church Folks is worth it.Kudos to Ms Bowen for your stories.

This is my FIFTH time reading this book!!! An all time FAVORITE!!!! I can't put it down once I start

Hilarious in places, a little slow in others. The FBI preacher was a nice twist. It’s a good light read.

Church Folk This Story is a breath of fresh air in literature dealing with the church. Though it is fiction,its bases is rooted in Historical fact,anyone associated with an episcopal-type church setting[churches run by Bishops} can readily see its reality. Thechurch organiztion described is a grass-root organiztion as the clergy are paid a nominal salary inducing some to take shortcuts in gaining funds to downright extortion. Rev. Theophillus Simmons is a dedicated minister who ends up well. Rev. Marcel Browm and cronies break the rules and is brought down by his spurned fiance Saphronia. Saphronia is the real heroine of the story. Hell Has no fury like a woman scorned. The story is set in the rural south between 1960-1964. This story needs a sequel,or a series. It would lend itself to the big screen. the story grips you from the start,it is easy reading . It is worth your time.

This book is excellent. It is the se one time I've bought and read it and enjoyed it just as much perhaps even more. I found myself travelling on public transport and suddenly guffawing, laughing out loud and snickering throughout my journey, in the end having to explain that the book was "absolutely hilarious and I just could hold my merriment."I am a church goer in the UK and found the story lines , plots and character very similar to that in either my church or that of my friends.I just simply loved it. I'm about to read the next instalment.

I liked this book because I like this series of Michelle Andrea Bowen books and wanted to continue reading about the established characters and new ones. I just like the credibility of the characters.

Brilliant read love this author