Behind the Magnolia Tree (Magnolia, Book 1) - Softcover

A novel is the ultimate yarn.  It is first spun in the author's imagination.  When imagination becomes reality for the author, a novel is born. The themes of any good tale are universal... good versus evil, love and betrayal, death and resurrection.   I am grateful to the thousands of people who have listened to me "spin a yarn" from the pulpit and lecture hall over the past four decades.  With rabbinical license I have expanded on reality and created fiction in order to instill a message of hope. The various personalities and events in Falls City, Georgia are the product of my own creativity.  While I know that the characters are not real, nonetheless, I have become deeply devoted to each of them and the story line they weave together.  It will be difficult to immerse oneself in the lives of the people on the following pages without seeing the characteristics of someone you know, or your own.  It is my hope, dear reader, that you will be reminded that God uses imperfect people to accomplish the Divine purpose simply because they are the only kind available. The bells in the old First Church Steeple are ringing.  The congregation is gathering.  Welcome to Falls City, Georgia and historic old First Church.  We are so glad that you are here.   Happy reading.

Steele Austin is young.  He is idealistic.  He is an Episcopal priest on fire with enthusiasm for the Gospel.  He is called to be Rector of one of the most prestigious congregations in the old South.  Historic First Church in Falls City, Georgia, however, has its own understanding of the Gospel.  Falls City, itself, is a town that thrives not on Gospel ideals, but secrets.  For nearly two hundred years things have always been done in a certain way.  Secrets are best guarded by familiar traditions and unwritten norms.  The Gospel of the Reverend Steele Austin was bound to clash with that traditional way of life.  Those with the deepest secrets of sex, greed, and power are most threatened.  They will stop at nothing to insure that their way of life is preserved and that their secrets are never revealed.  They will do whatever it takes.  Even if it means they young priest must be...