Rating: 
Summary: I believe the word is....Blasphemous!
Review: Just because a book has Bishops, Reverends and a couple of Amens-it doesn't make it Christian Fiction. After reading the biographical sketch about Mrs. Bowen, I wonder was this book written to reveal the misdeeds and acts in her church/church family?Mrs. Bowen's novel began as a very good love story which could have been developed and served as the plot throughout the story. Essie and Theo's "forbidden" love, her unacceptance by the "proper" church folk, etc. To bring in prostitution, drinking, fighting, and bribery took things out of the Christian Fiction genre into a ludicrous Contemporary Fiction work. This was nothing more than a story about a bunch of thugs (I believe a term Mrs. Bowen,herself, used to describe one of the Reverends) making money and wearing attire of the clergy. Sure there were parts in the book that were very humorous-people losing teeth and wigs- but for those who are looking for a Christian story to hold your attention while covertly providing a lesson, you will be thoroughly disappointed. Overall rating 2.5 stars. Better luck next time Mrs. Bowen.
Rating: 
Summary: The Rev. Theophilus Simmons was the man!
Review: ...And we all know behind every good man there is a strong woman who makes it possible. Essie was the woman we all strive to be. A woman who loves herself, her man, and the Lord unconditionally. The cast of supporting characters were nothing short of awesome! From Lee Allie, Uncle Booker, Miss Coral, and Pompey who were all well developed and the reader felt like you were reading about your relatives. Saphronia and her grandmother were the neighbors who the neighborhood just tolerated. But they both came through when they needed too. The love Willie and Thay had for each other, family, friends, and the church made you want to pull up a chair to get your share of love. There were numerous characters which added to the enjoyment of the story, well developed, some likeable and some you disliked. Church Folk is an entertaining look inside of the drama that goes on within the church. Yes, the devil sits on the front pew and even in the pulpit!
Rating: 
Summary: What can I say????????
Review: This book was so so good. I just couldn't believe the drama, actually I can. I just couldn't believe that things like that happen in the 60's. Church folks is one to pick up and believe me it is good. I love the storyline between the two main characters and those that knew them. This one is very funny, entertaining and full of things about the carnal mind of church folks. Thank God for the Christians in this book.
Rating:
Summary: Good first time effort by Author ... Can't wait to read more
Review: Church Folks by Michele Andrea Bowen. Even though it was printed on Warner Bros, religious press, it's a good piece of fiction. Set in the 60's it's about a southern minister, the women who eventually becomes his wife, and the turmoil they encounter from other ministers in the ministry. Being raised in the south and attending many different Christian Conferences it brought back so many memories. What I especially liked about this book was that, even though religion/ministry was the background, it doesn't come across as preachy or shoving religion down your throat. Simple people encountering everyday situations.
Rating:
Summary: Amen Church, Amen
Review: This was the most exciting book I've read in a while. It was so realistic. I was thoroughly impress with the characters. My heart sank to even think that this kind of thing happens in church and at church conferences. It just goes to show you, that ministers and bishops are human, and they can fall into temptation. I felt as if I was in church and hearing the Rev. Simmons preach. It was truly amazing to read such realistic scenes that could very well happen in the churchs of all denominations around the world. Thumbs up to Michele Andrea Bowen. Girl you did your homework!
Rating:
Summary: The Devil was busy at Church
Review: This was a story that will probably shock many to read and believe . Just how busy the devil can be. Not just with what we call church folk but the leaders of the church too . We got a chance to meet some of the fine preachers and bishops of the Gospel United Church. A first hand look at the corruption that went on. Rev. Marcel Brown, Rev. Sonny Washington, and even Bishop Otis Carrather surprised me. It certainly proved that a Man is a Man. Even if he is a preacher, or a bishop. Can they not control themselves? There were some indiscretions and corruption going on at that Conference. Imagine this taking place at in funeral home. Wow, this is one you do not want to miss. See what those church folk were up to .
Rating:
Summary: Can I Get An Amen?
Review: First-time novelist, Michelle Andrea Bowen, gives us an entertaining and soul-stirring story titled Church Folk. Church Folk is the latest release from Walk Worthy Press and lives up to the tradition that has made this publishing company successful…novels of real people rediscovering His plan as they confront their most difficult challenges—and face the biggest decisions of their lives. Rev. Theophilus Simmons was the new and very eligible pastor of Memphis Greater Hope Church. He’s a respectful, down-to-earth, caring and romantic gentleman that any parent would want for their daughter. Rev. Simmons has quite a few suitors but he only has eyes for Essie Lee Lane. To many parishioners, Essie Lee is an unlikely candidate for First Lady. She’s a small-town girl from a humble background, she doesn’t belong to any of the elite, exclusive African-American social clubs and she speaks her mind. Rev. Simmons believes that Essie has everything a pastor needs in a wife—compassion, brains and a sincere desire to share in the ups and downs of his ministry. The honeymoon isn’t quite over before the Simmons marriage will be tested. All around them Church Folks got stuff going on…and plenty of drama and more drama. Folks involved in ..., ..., ..., and then there’s prostitution rings, physical abuse, blackmail, politics, greed…and these situations only involve the highly respected leaders of the church…you know those men called preachers. Rev. Simmons will be tested as he’s called by the elders of the church to help straighten out and rectify these terrible situations that the church has gotten itself into. Given his age and inexperience…will his word be respected as the Gospel and will he be able to lead the flock? Church Folk, while set in the early 60s, gives us topics and antics that still occur in the church today. At times the subject matter might be very controversial and over the top and one might wonder whether or not the plot twists and turns are realistic…all I can say unequivocally is …YES. Four decades later and Church Folks are still being Church Folks and giving us colorful characters, witty dialogue, vivid imagery and drama and more drama. If you seek a book that entertains while enlightening then pick up Church Folk today…it's a compelling read that will hold your attention until the last page. And you will remember the characters long after you’ve finished the book. Reviewed by Yasmin
Rating:
Summary: Very Good, A GOOD BOOK FOR EVERYONE!
Review: This has to be one of the best books I've read in 2001. This book made me think, made me laugh, and also made me mad. Theophilus and Essie made a very good couple. When in church and the lady's wig fell off, whew, that was funny. Reading about all of the corruption in the church made me mad. Read the book, trust me, you won't be disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Debut Novel
Review: I must say I laughed and laughed and then I Howled at the antics and ongoing for the folks in CHURCH FOLKS. It is an excellent debut novel for Ms Bowen. And If you have ever been to a convention for the COGIC. PAW, or the Baptist Convention you will recognize some of the on going that happened during the Gospel United Church conventions. She was right on target.Now I laughed at the 5 minute stroll of Ms Goldean and the brothel in the funeral home. But I howled when Ms Essie used the hat pin to stick the women who was trying to hit on her man.Oh, and how could I forget the teeth falling out. I really liked how Ms Bowen, showed that the young pastor Theo could be passionate to his wife and preach on Sunday mornings full of the spirit. The characters were colorful and funny. The descriptions of some of the Sunday mornings services were so real and moving it made me think I was right there praising God with them.Ms Bowen, you did a wonderful job with this one. I anxiously await another novel from you!!
Rating:
Summary: Extremely entertaining and enlightening
Review: Kudos to Sister Michele Andrea Bowen. For this to be her first novel, it was written with excellent insight and cutting wit. I was reading while on a plane and could stop myself from bursting out with laughter. You can definitely relate to a lot of characters in this book. If you do not see yourself, you can and will see someone you know whether you were a churh member or not. I am fully anticpating the next novel from Sister Bowen. This one was worth the wait. Annette
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