A Change of Heart

by Philip Gulley

read by Norman Dietz

I enjoyed reading this book because it continues the story of Amanda Hodge who is being raised by her aunt and uncle. Their   peaceful lives are interrupted by the reappearance of her biological parents. Have they really turned over a new leaf, had a change of heart?

The other change of heart in this book deals with physical heart problems for one of the more troublesome members of the congregation.

The Harmony series has some fun anecdotes and a very serious look at forgiveness and the importance of family.

I have enjoyed several books in this series. My less than positive view of A Change of Heart is based on discussions among the characters. One character goes overboard in pushing his opinions about how things should be done in this Quaker church, especially in terms of outreach. Dale’s outspoken, but less than popular, ideas color everyone’s opinion of him. In one conversation, he quotes the Bible with some pretty strong statements about salvation. The author has the other characters present in the discussion (who are much more likable) countering that they don’t believe Jesus ever said or did what Dale is attributing to Him. Unfortunately, the author does not provide the correction that Jesus did in fact make some very strong statements about a relationship with Him. For example, in John 14:6, Jesus says “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father but by me.” The author is a Quaker pastor. He did a disservice to his readers by leaving them with the impression that Dale is wrong.

Rating: 3/5

Notes: #5 in the Harmony series. It can be read as a standalone, but then you miss out on a lot of character background. The reader of this audiobook had a variety characters and did well with all of them.

Category: Christian, Fiction, Religion and Spirituality

Publication:   2006—Recorded Books