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11 of 11 found the following review helpful:
 Idealistic pastor fights petty politics and bigotry in small town church Jan 21, 2006
By Bob Lind
"camelwest"
Steele Austin is an Episcopal priest, who relocated with his wife Randi from Oklahoma to the small town of Falls City, Georgia, to take on the pastorship of the prestigious First Church. It's not long before he finds out the reason why their pastor search took them halfway across the country: anyone closer, who was familiar with what went on at that church, knew better than to accept that job. Steele is soon put on notice by the church's pretentious and bigoted lay leaders that he is to do what they say, and they are not shy about criticizing his every move, from how he and his wife dress, to the wallpaper they choose for the rectory walls, to whom he can invite to worship in the church. Nevertheless, Steele strives to do what is right, such as starting a soup kitchen program for the homeless, forming an alliance with black congregations in the area, and even hosting a prayer service for persons with AIDS. In return, the lay leaders of the church plot to get rid of Steele, with the aid of a politically-motivated corrupt bishop.
Not a gay story, per se, although there are gay characters (including a closeted gay elder of the church, whom Steele helps to avoid exposure) whom are depicted in a positive, non-stereotypical manner. This appears to be the first novel by the author, who is himself an Episcopal priest, and, as such, can provide a unique perspective into what happens when self-described "good Christians" let their own selfish agendas and politics warp their view of what is right. The story is well written and flows smoothly, with realistic, vivid characters. The only negative notes are some isolated typos and printing problems, which I blame on the self-publishing house rather than the author. The author notes he is working on a second book with the same character, which I would definitely choose to read as well. I give the book a solid four stars out of five.
9 of 9 found the following review helpful:
One of the best page turning books you'll ever read! Oct 12, 2005
By Chris Koonce
Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes in your Church? Dennis Maynard unlocks the doors to the priesthood and politics involved in building up the membership of a small Southern Church. Revered Steele has a battle on his hands not only from the members of the church but his own boss the Bishop. The story unfolds as a non stop page turner gripping you with the desire to find out what happens next! I could not put this book down and read it in one day. I can not wait for the sequel to be finished. This books leaves you wanting more! Buy it.
7 of 9 found the following review helpful:
Behind the Magnolia Tree Oct 19, 2005
By Carol I. Evans
If you want to read a fast paced novel that you can't put down and that makes you think twice about how you treat others, this is the book for you. It's about love, hate, prejudice, sexuality, emotional pain and "good old boys" who have their own agendas. I loved this book. I saw myself in many of the characters. Behind the Magnolia Tree is the most well written book I have ever read. To the point, it is the BEST book I have ever read and my all time favorite novel. This book is powerful !!!
I look forward to reading the next installment about these colorful characters.
Thank you, Dennis Maynard, for giving the world, Behind the Magnolia Tree.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
Wow!! A page turner that subtly teaches Aug 09, 2011
By Bob Pr.
"Bob Pr."
I gave a copy of Maynard's "Those Episkopols" to a friend who's interested in the Episcopal Church (I switched from being an atheist to being an Episcopalian & scientist decades ago). She loved Maynard's views so much that I recently gave her a copy of "Behind the Magnolia Tree." She loved this as well & made me promise to read it; I kept my promise today.
It's fast paced and a compelling read; I fortunately had the freedom to read it through at one sitting which saved being up half the night. Through my life, I've been very close friends with three Episcopal priests and their families so their lives and challenges are quite familiar. (And lived a decade in the Magnolia tree territory.)
Maynard faces his hero, the Rev. Steele Austin, with quite a bit more on his plate than any priest should face in the form of a resentful old-guard which insists any incoming priest cater to their values rather than his own; there's a less than helpful bishop who colludes with this faction.
IMO, Maynard extremely magnifies the usual resistance to change that any "old guard" faction of a parish, long in power, wanting everything to remain the same, would have. But "Magnolia" is sort of a "Sam Spade" detective novel transformed into a clerical setting PLUS with understanding of the diverse peoples' characters, weaknesses, strengths!!
Along the way, terms relevant to the Episcopal church are used and partially explained (e.g., curate, rector, ordained, senior & junior wardens, bishop's roles, Book of Common Prayer, etc.). As pages turn, readers get a subtle education in how the Episcopal denomination and its individual churches are organized and function.
But it's such a compelling read even without that benefit. It would make a marvellous BBC-type series, somewhat on the order of "All Creatures Great & Small" or "Miss Marple" but with pastoral, church issues instead of a murder mystery or veterinarians.
7 of 10 found the following review helpful:
raves Oct 04, 2005
By Trudy MacGregor
This the message I sent to Dennis Maynard:
It was not until yesterday that I was able to start reading this fabulous book. Today I finished it. What a fantastic ride through Falls City and the startling ups and downs of all of the characters. It is a real page-turner and by far the best novel I have read in a very long time.
Rest assured that I will be eagerly awaiting the next installment of life in Falls City.
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