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Celebrity Pastor
His Heart Was Right . . . Until It Wasn’tPastor Neil Gentry embarked on his ministry with genuine intentions, unwavering passion, and undeniable charisma. He had a gift for drawing people in and teaching profound truths that resonated deeply with the masses. As his influence grew, so did his fame.
Vine & Branches Church became one of the fastest growing in the world, with campuses in Atlanta, LA, Austin, NYC, and a TV ministry spanning the globe. Soon, Pastor Gentry and his wife Becky resembled royalty, enjoying fame and power—and basking in the adoration of their devoted followers.
Beneath the glitz and glamor, however, whispers of misconduct began to surface.
Accusations ranging from coverup and manipulation to corruption and sexual harassment cast a shadow over the once-glowing reputation of Vine & Branches. Was Pastor Gentry leading his flock above reproach, or was he using them to fuel his own ambitions? Could the rumors of emotional manipulation and abuse of power within the church’s inner circle possibly be true?
As the allure of popularity and power consume the Gentrys, they find themselves plummeting into the abyss of moral compromise. With the weight of their actions threatening to shatter everything they’ve built, one dire question can anything or anyone break the spell before the unthinkable happens? Find out in the latest tension-filled thriller from acclaimed suspense novelist Creston Mapes.
With tension on every page, Amazon #1 Best-Selling author Creston Mapes demonstrates why he is a "Top Pick" among mystery, fiction and thriller lovers.
Fans of Terri Blackstock, Charles Martin, DiAnn Mills, Robert Whitlow, Frank Peretti, Karen Kingsbury, and Francine Rivers will love this thriller from award-winning and bestselling author Creston Mapes.
Vine & Branches Church became one of the fastest growing in the world, with campuses in Atlanta, LA, Austin, NYC, and a TV ministry spanning the globe. Soon, Pastor Gentry and his wife Becky resembled royalty, enjoying fame and power—and basking in the adoration of their devoted followers.
Beneath the glitz and glamor, however, whispers of misconduct began to surface.
Accusations ranging from coverup and manipulation to corruption and sexual harassment cast a shadow over the once-glowing reputation of Vine & Branches. Was Pastor Gentry leading his flock above reproach, or was he using them to fuel his own ambitions? Could the rumors of emotional manipulation and abuse of power within the church’s inner circle possibly be true?
As the allure of popularity and power consume the Gentrys, they find themselves plummeting into the abyss of moral compromise. With the weight of their actions threatening to shatter everything they’ve built, one dire question can anything or anyone break the spell before the unthinkable happens? Find out in the latest tension-filled thriller from acclaimed suspense novelist Creston Mapes.
With tension on every page, Amazon #1 Best-Selling author Creston Mapes demonstrates why he is a "Top Pick" among mystery, fiction and thriller lovers.
Fans of Terri Blackstock, Charles Martin, DiAnn Mills, Robert Whitlow, Frank Peretti, Karen Kingsbury, and Francine Rivers will love this thriller from award-winning and bestselling author Creston Mapes.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2024
228 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
About the author
Creston Mapes
38 books502 followersCreston Mapes grew up in northeast Ohio, where he has fond memories of living with his family of five in the upstairs portion of his dad’s early American furniture store - The Weathervane Shop. Creston was not a good student, but the one natural talent he possessed was writing.
He set type by hand and cranked out his own neighborhood newspaper as a kid, then went on to graduate with a degree in journalism from Bowling Green State University. Creston was a newspaper reporter and photographer in Ohio and Florida, then moved to Atlanta, Georgia, for a job as a creative copywriter.
Creston served for a stint as a creative director, but quickly learned he was not cut out for management. He went out on his own as a freelance writer in 1991 and, over the next 30 years, did work for Chick-fil-A, Coca-Cola, The Weather Channel, Oracle, ABC-TV, TNT Sports, colleges and universities, ad agencies, and more. He’s ghost-written more than ten non-fiction books.
Creston has penned many contemporary thrillers, achieved Amazon Bestseller status multiple times, and had one of his novels (Nobody) optioned as a major motion picture.
Creston married his fourth-grade sweetheart, Patty, and they have four amazing adult children. Creston loves his part-time job as an usher at local venues where he gets to see all the latest-greatest concerts and sporting events. He enjoys reading, fishing, thrifting, bocci, painting, bowling, pickleball, time with his family, and dates with his wife.
Keep informed of special deals, giveaways, new releases, and exclusive updates from Creston: crestonmapes.com/contact
For Creston’s eBooks, audiobooks, and paperbacks: amazon.com/author/crestonmapes
STAND ALONE THRILLERS
Celebrity Pastor
I Am In Here
Nobody
SIGNS OF LIFE SERIES
Signs of Life
Let My Daughter Go
I Pick You
Charm Artist
Son & Shield
Secrets in Shadows
Who Is My Neighbor?
THE CRITTENDON FILES
Fear Has a Name
Poison Town
Sky Zone
ROCK STAR CHRONICLES
Dark Star: Confessions of a Rock Idol
Full Tilt
He set type by hand and cranked out his own neighborhood newspaper as a kid, then went on to graduate with a degree in journalism from Bowling Green State University. Creston was a newspaper reporter and photographer in Ohio and Florida, then moved to Atlanta, Georgia, for a job as a creative copywriter.
Creston served for a stint as a creative director, but quickly learned he was not cut out for management. He went out on his own as a freelance writer in 1991 and, over the next 30 years, did work for Chick-fil-A, Coca-Cola, The Weather Channel, Oracle, ABC-TV, TNT Sports, colleges and universities, ad agencies, and more. He’s ghost-written more than ten non-fiction books.
Creston has penned many contemporary thrillers, achieved Amazon Bestseller status multiple times, and had one of his novels (Nobody) optioned as a major motion picture.
Creston married his fourth-grade sweetheart, Patty, and they have four amazing adult children. Creston loves his part-time job as an usher at local venues where he gets to see all the latest-greatest concerts and sporting events. He enjoys reading, fishing, thrifting, bocci, painting, bowling, pickleball, time with his family, and dates with his wife.
Keep informed of special deals, giveaways, new releases, and exclusive updates from Creston: crestonmapes.com/contact
For Creston’s eBooks, audiobooks, and paperbacks: amazon.com/author/crestonmapes
STAND ALONE THRILLERS
Celebrity Pastor
I Am In Here
Nobody
SIGNS OF LIFE SERIES
Signs of Life
Let My Daughter Go
I Pick You
Charm Artist
Son & Shield
Secrets in Shadows
Who Is My Neighbor?
THE CRITTENDON FILES
Fear Has a Name
Poison Town
Sky Zone
ROCK STAR CHRONICLES
Dark Star: Confessions of a Rock Idol
Full Tilt
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
June 16, 2024
4.25🌟
Audiobook (narrated by Drew Bott)
First, as a follower of Jesus, it is hard to “love” a book that is about a pastor who abuses his position and has descended to the degree Neil Gentry did in this story. Second, I’ve seen this type of thing (sex, money, power corrupting people) happen throughout my many years as a Christian. The devastation left behind is alway wide and long-lasting. Which is why believers need to follow Jesus and not a man, no matter how charismatic that man is. This story is raw and well-told. The deeper I got into it, the more I needed to keep reading to find out how it would be resolved. In addition, the narrator of the audiobook was absolutely perfect!
Robin’s Ratings
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Loved it. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Liked it. Glad I read it.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed others so much more.
1🌟 = I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.
Audiobook (narrated by Drew Bott)
First, as a follower of Jesus, it is hard to “love” a book that is about a pastor who abuses his position and has descended to the degree Neil Gentry did in this story. Second, I’ve seen this type of thing (sex, money, power corrupting people) happen throughout my many years as a Christian. The devastation left behind is alway wide and long-lasting. Which is why believers need to follow Jesus and not a man, no matter how charismatic that man is. This story is raw and well-told. The deeper I got into it, the more I needed to keep reading to find out how it would be resolved. In addition, the narrator of the audiobook was absolutely perfect!
Robin’s Ratings
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Loved it. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = Liked it. Glad I read it.
2🌟 = The book was okay, but I’ve enjoyed others so much more.
1🌟 = I didn’t like it and can’t recommend it.
July 31, 2024
Content: Infidelity, black mail, violence. killings. Discussions of married people flirting with other partners and discussion of past sexual indiscretions and abuse.
September 17, 2025
Page turner from the start. This was filled with scandal I didn’t see coming… Timely and relevant to current events. Loved this one… 10/10
March 21, 2025
I seem to only give good reviews but that’s bc I have 20x the amount of books I’ve gotten a small way through and gave up on. All that to say, hands down a top fav for me.
I have been following the Daystar scandal as well as many others and this book was divinely appointed for the climate of the church. I feel like this made me feel like a fly on the wall for all these horrific things that go on. But in a way that I needed to be.
This book gave a voice and perspective to the many affected by the tragedies that have been plaguing far too many spiritual leaders in the church. Highly recommend!!!!
I have been following the Daystar scandal as well as many others and this book was divinely appointed for the climate of the church. I feel like this made me feel like a fly on the wall for all these horrific things that go on. But in a way that I needed to be.
This book gave a voice and perspective to the many affected by the tragedies that have been plaguing far too many spiritual leaders in the church. Highly recommend!!!!
June 12, 2024
A book for our time could not put it down!
June 14, 2024
Nailed it !
Be ware your sins will be made know. Great characters and suspense. Highly recommended but start early you will want to finish it.
Be ware your sins will be made know. Great characters and suspense. Highly recommended but start early you will want to finish it.
August 18, 2024
This book was hard to put down. I thought that the pastor went a lot further than most would though making it slightly unrealistic. But I think what I liked the most, which is odd for me because I usually like the opposite when reading a book, is that there wasn’t a lot of closure at the end. there’s a lot of open ended things with people that needed to heal. You could spend time thinking about what they’re healing might look like on your own- filling in the pieces using a biblical lens.
January 20, 2025
Captured me at the beginning.
It was hard to say how I felt about this book. All I know is that I have seen this in many churches. Look at the many downfalls of megachurches. I'm not a fan of the smoke and attempts of putting on a show instead of worshipping the Lord. Satan is really trying to invade our churches. Its why we should always pray for our pastors!
It was hard to say how I felt about this book. All I know is that I have seen this in many churches. Look at the many downfalls of megachurches. I'm not a fan of the smoke and attempts of putting on a show instead of worshipping the Lord. Satan is really trying to invade our churches. Its why we should always pray for our pastors!
June 12, 2024
Creston Mapes has excelled himself. ..again!
This is perhaps his best book. It deals with the tragic situation of a church leader,Pastor , who slowly takes his eyes off The Lord.
At first I was unsure whether the book would flow, having finished it in two sittings, I assure you it's as gripping as any other psychological/ suspense drama.
We have seen the beginnings of power players in church and fled. ..after warning the leaders of what was happening.
The questions for discussion, are frequently to my mind, the author's way of making up the word count. They go on forever.
Thank you for redeeming that thinking for me! The questions were succinct ,open-ended and genuinely worthwhile.
If you've got this far, please allow me to say not all churches ,mega or otherwise, are like the one in this book. Some are truly amazing filled with lovely genuine people.
All people make mistakes, that's why God sent Jesus to save us and then put us into church families. They should mould us ,rub off our awkward corners encourage and love us. Don't be put off , rather ensure you are in a church community where you can ask questions and receive biblical answers,given with love and encouragement.
I cannot recommend this book enough, particularly to anyone aspiring to become a church minister, or anyone who has been in ministry for several years, or even wondering how involved they should become in any church.
An unputdownable fast paced read that has left me reconsidering my own priorities.
This is perhaps his best book. It deals with the tragic situation of a church leader,Pastor , who slowly takes his eyes off The Lord.
At first I was unsure whether the book would flow, having finished it in two sittings, I assure you it's as gripping as any other psychological/ suspense drama.
We have seen the beginnings of power players in church and fled. ..after warning the leaders of what was happening.
The questions for discussion, are frequently to my mind, the author's way of making up the word count. They go on forever.
Thank you for redeeming that thinking for me! The questions were succinct ,open-ended and genuinely worthwhile.
If you've got this far, please allow me to say not all churches ,mega or otherwise, are like the one in this book. Some are truly amazing filled with lovely genuine people.
All people make mistakes, that's why God sent Jesus to save us and then put us into church families. They should mould us ,rub off our awkward corners encourage and love us. Don't be put off , rather ensure you are in a church community where you can ask questions and receive biblical answers,given with love and encouragement.
I cannot recommend this book enough, particularly to anyone aspiring to become a church minister, or anyone who has been in ministry for several years, or even wondering how involved they should become in any church.
An unputdownable fast paced read that has left me reconsidering my own priorities.
June 24, 2024
Celebrity Pastor by Creston Mapes is a timely novel that zeroes in on what happens when pride and popularity are chosen over spiritual integrity. When several women come forward to accuse a mega pastor of inappropriate attention, his carefully constructed house on the sand begins to crumble. There is more to Pastor Neil Gentry than anyone could have guessed. Told through a series of newspaper articles, interviews, and character observations, this novel moves quickly while giving readers the depth of story they deserve.
June 16, 2024
A Must Read for Everyone
Pastors and congregants should read this book to remind us that we all are to follow God and biblical teachings. All pastors are human and need to surround themselves with people to truly hold them accountable. This story could happen in any church without accountability.
Pastors and congregants should read this book to remind us that we all are to follow God and biblical teachings. All pastors are human and need to surround themselves with people to truly hold them accountable. This story could happen in any church without accountability.
November 6, 2025
This is great read! Creston Mapes does it again!! Pastor Gentry is like so many pastors who start with a servants heart for GOD. Their intentions are to teach others of Christ & bring them into GOD’s kingdom.As the church starts grow Pastor Gentry lets fame, lust, pride & greed greed get the best of him. These four sins are Satan’s 4 favorite downfalls to use against man. Mr Mapes is a phenomenal writer but this book was just not long enough!! It was awesome. Even though he wrote about some horrible sins he did it in a way that was not dirty to read, I thank him for that. This is a powerful book but had a great ending. I can see where Nicole was drawn into this charismatic preacher. Her sin was to be in the “popular” church group. She desired importance & recognition and ended up adding lust to her list of sins.
This is an easy short read but full of action & lessons to learn.
This is an easy short read but full of action & lessons to learn.
June 18, 2024
A Very Compelling Book!!
I couldn’t believe what I was reading how fame, money and power went to the preachers head and created an arrogant, proud and evil man. He totally turned his back on God for material things and couldn’t find his way back. A very powerful book!!
I couldn’t believe what I was reading how fame, money and power went to the preachers head and created an arrogant, proud and evil man. He totally turned his back on God for material things and couldn’t find his way back. A very powerful book!!
June 29, 2024
This was so good. A page turner for sure.
June 17, 2024
Excellent story line. I liked the approach, kind of easing the reader into the characters from others’ point of view. Well done!
June 17, 2024
Such a credible story, it sent chills up my spine.
June 12, 2024
I got this book the day it was released, and have already finished reading it. It was THAT good. I highly recommend Creston Mapes. When a talented pastor sees huge growth in his church, the temptation becomes too strong to make it all about himself, and the consequences are tragic.
June 16, 2024
Truly amazing.
What a wonderful work of Christian fiction. After I had started it, I could hardly put it down.
I highly recommend it and you won't be disappointed.
What a wonderful work of Christian fiction. After I had started it, I could hardly put it down.
I highly recommend it and you won't be disappointed.
May 15, 2025
It was so exciting that I was reluctant to put down my book. I heartily recommend this book and the author.
October 15, 2025
We are all guilty of following the blessing instead of the Blesser though Jesus clearly tells us “Follow Me”.
April 14, 2025
Very interesting.
I loved the plot and characters in this book. The unbelievable became something that could happen in every day life.
I loved the plot and characters in this book. The unbelievable became something that could happen in every day life.
October 4, 2025
Another great story by this author
August 13, 2025
Creston Mapes is not a best-selling author by chance! The Celebrity Pastor is a riveting, thought-provoking read that grips you from the first page and doesn’t let go until the final word. With masterful storytelling and deep insight into human nature, Mapes pulls back the curtain on the seductive lure of fame, the dangers of unchecked power, and the tragic unraveling of a man who began with the purest of motives.
Pastor Neil Gentry is a character you can’t look away from—at one time Spirit-filled and inspiring, how devastating the fall to that place where pride, money and power rule the day . The meteoric rise of Vine & Branches Church, the intoxicating pull of celebrity culture, and the whispers of scandal all combine to create an atmosphere thick with tension and intrigue. Mapes writes with authenticity and emotional punch, weaving faith, suspense, and moral complexity into a page-turner that feels both disturbingly real and spiritually relevant.
For fans of Charles Martin, Terri Blackstock, and Frank Peretti, this novel delivers everything you could want: a gripping plot, complex characters, and a sobering reminder of the cost of losing sight of the One who called you.
A must-read.
Pastor Neil Gentry is a character you can’t look away from—at one time Spirit-filled and inspiring, how devastating the fall to that place where pride, money and power rule the day . The meteoric rise of Vine & Branches Church, the intoxicating pull of celebrity culture, and the whispers of scandal all combine to create an atmosphere thick with tension and intrigue. Mapes writes with authenticity and emotional punch, weaving faith, suspense, and moral complexity into a page-turner that feels both disturbingly real and spiritually relevant.
For fans of Charles Martin, Terri Blackstock, and Frank Peretti, this novel delivers everything you could want: a gripping plot, complex characters, and a sobering reminder of the cost of losing sight of the One who called you.
A must-read.
June 29, 2024
Creston Mapes has given us a story that we all need to read (although very hard emotionally) because what happens to the pastor could happen to any Christian who takes their eyes off of God and places them on himself / herself. The enemy wants to destroy families and churches and he will do whatever he can to do so. The enemy knows God's word is true and Proverbs 16:18 tells us "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" and that is exactly what we see transpire in this story.
This book tells the story of a pastor who started out with the right intentions but let sin creep in and before he knew it had taken over. Once it was left unchecked, it became easier and easier to continue living the lies and abusing his power. However, God sees all and He will not let sin continue to be unchecked -- consequences always follow and those consequences will impact more than just yourself!
As you read this, keep in mind this could happen anywhere but thankfully it does not happen everywhere!
This book tells the story of a pastor who started out with the right intentions but let sin creep in and before he knew it had taken over. Once it was left unchecked, it became easier and easier to continue living the lies and abusing his power. However, God sees all and He will not let sin continue to be unchecked -- consequences always follow and those consequences will impact more than just yourself!
As you read this, keep in mind this could happen anywhere but thankfully it does not happen everywhere!
September 29, 2025
Sad possibilities for destroying a growing ministry
Much of the dynamics and human behaviors seem so real. Maybe not all mega church leaders hire hit men, but power and money can lead to psychosis. God fearing people must pray constantly for direction in daily life. I will read more books by this author.
Much of the dynamics and human behaviors seem so real. Maybe not all mega church leaders hire hit men, but power and money can lead to psychosis. God fearing people must pray constantly for direction in daily life. I will read more books by this author.
December 7, 2024
Creston is one of my favorite Christian authors- he always sucks you in, turning the page to find out what happens next, and next. This book is no exception.
What initially seems like it will be a narrative about just another failed, corrupt spiritual leader quickly escalates into a tale of hubris, betrayal, greed, pride, and eventually a roller-coaster ride with life-threatening stakes.
The characters come across as living, breathing, people- highly engaging- with a peek into the psyche of a truly bad man, his motivations and thoughts.
A great read you won't be able to put down!
What initially seems like it will be a narrative about just another failed, corrupt spiritual leader quickly escalates into a tale of hubris, betrayal, greed, pride, and eventually a roller-coaster ride with life-threatening stakes.
The characters come across as living, breathing, people- highly engaging- with a peek into the psyche of a truly bad man, his motivations and thoughts.
A great read you won't be able to put down!
October 23, 2024
Super convicting. Even though none of us who read the book are likely to be “celebrity pastors,” many of us in America live in luxury and have become very accustomed to it. I found myself repenting of this while reading the book. In addition to the book being convicting, it was also a very interesting story, and I basically read the entire thing in one day (I finished a few minutes after midnight last night). This is definitely a book I’d recommend.
January 21, 2025
Man seeks fame rather than God
In the years of Jimmy Swaggart and Jim Bakker with their scandals coupled with Mega preachers with their Mega churches, this book hits home with scandals and the price of being a celebrity. Lies, mistresses and money loom big in this novel, well written by Creston Mapes. I read this book in two days, inhaling every word, every wrong doing and every redemption.
In the years of Jimmy Swaggart and Jim Bakker with their scandals coupled with Mega preachers with their Mega churches, this book hits home with scandals and the price of being a celebrity. Lies, mistresses and money loom big in this novel, well written by Creston Mapes. I read this book in two days, inhaling every word, every wrong doing and every redemption.
June 22, 2025
Church in crisis!
Pastor Neil Gentry is the man everyone in the church looks up to. But behind the scenes he is not the same person. Neal's team protects him at all costs. But Nicole, one of his church members, is determined for the truth to come out. Some secrets go so deep that those that hold them are willing to do anything to keep them from coming to the light of day.
Creston Mapes writes stories that pull the reader in. I will need to find more of his books!
Pastor Neil Gentry is the man everyone in the church looks up to. But behind the scenes he is not the same person. Neal's team protects him at all costs. But Nicole, one of his church members, is determined for the truth to come out. Some secrets go so deep that those that hold them are willing to do anything to keep them from coming to the light of day.
Creston Mapes writes stories that pull the reader in. I will need to find more of his books!
June 10, 2024
Celebrity Pastor
I liked this book. It's a little different from the rest of Creston Mapes other books, but it makes you think about your relationship with God, church, each other. Also what would you do if confronted with wrong doing, would you tell or keep on going with your lifestyle, especially if you were rich and famous?
I liked this book. It's a little different from the rest of Creston Mapes other books, but it makes you think about your relationship with God, church, each other. Also what would you do if confronted with wrong doing, would you tell or keep on going with your lifestyle, especially if you were rich and famous?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews