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Harmony #5
A Change of Heart
Now in paperback, in the fifth full–length novel in the beloved Harmony series Philip Gulley reunites us with the quirky cast of Quakers in Harmony, Indiana.
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
About the author
Philip Gulley
40 books405 followersPhilip Gulley has become the voice of small-town American life. Along with writing Front Porch Tales, Hometown Tales, and For Everything a Season, Gulley is the author of the Harmony series of novels, as well as If Grace Is True and If God Is Love, which are coauthored with James Mulholland.
He hosts "Porch Talk with Phil Gulley" on the Indiana PBS affiliate WFYI television's flagship show Across Indiana.
Gulley lives in Indiana with his wife, Joan, and their sons, Spencer and Sam—in a rambling old house with Gulley’s eclectic chair collection (64 at last count) and a welcoming back porch.
Gulley is also the Pastor at Fairfield Friends Meeting House in Camby, Indiana. If you find yourself in Camby, you're invited to attend a sermon.
He hosts "Porch Talk with Phil Gulley" on the Indiana PBS affiliate WFYI television's flagship show Across Indiana.
Gulley lives in Indiana with his wife, Joan, and their sons, Spencer and Sam—in a rambling old house with Gulley’s eclectic chair collection (64 at last count) and a welcoming back porch.
Gulley is also the Pastor at Fairfield Friends Meeting House in Camby, Indiana. If you find yourself in Camby, you're invited to attend a sermon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
September 30, 2022
Oh, I had some pleasant chuckles but didn't laugh as much this time overall, what with the past and present aspects of certain Harmony folks' lives that took my emotions for a ride.
Gee. Some of the Harmonians go through it this year, some of their trials being of their own making and others just being...life.
But I was glad to see evidence of Sam making some progress after his personal reckoning in the previous book. And in the midst of the townspeople's various virtues and flaws and quirks, some changes of heart among them gave a bona fide tug or two on my own.
I'm kinda sad I've only got one more Harmony novel left to read. I don't think I'll put off reading it for long, though.
Gee. Some of the Harmonians go through it this year, some of their trials being of their own making and others just being...life.
But I was glad to see evidence of Sam making some progress after his personal reckoning in the previous book. And in the midst of the townspeople's various virtues and flaws and quirks, some changes of heart among them gave a bona fide tug or two on my own.
I'm kinda sad I've only got one more Harmony novel left to read. I don't think I'll put off reading it for long, though.
February 23, 2023
A wonderful installment to this series. It keeps me laughing as human foibles are examined.
A reread..enjoyable!
A reread..enjoyable!
December 20, 2024
I am not a very nice person. I've been afraid of that for awhile, now I know it's true. In this installment of the Harmony series, A Change of Heart, someone really does need a change of heart, Dale Hinshaw is at death's door. He collapses on the street in front of our pastor, Sam Gardner, and Sam performs CPR until the ambulance gets there, despite my yelling, no! let him alone! Then when we find he needs a new heart, there I am saying, please don't find him a new heart donor! Please, just get rid of Dale any way you can, take Fern with you while you're at it. See, I'm not a nice person. At least I've never wished the real Dales and Ferns in my life to die. Even Sam says to his wife:
"Just think," Sam said, after a few steps. "If we had gone where they had real palm trees, I wouldn't have been here to save Dale's life."
"Yes, I guess you're right," she said, leaning her head into him and squeezing his hand. "I'm awfully proud of you."
Sam beamed, secretly hoping the day wouldn't come when he would regret what he had done.
I certainly do. Then there is Sam and Barbara's "beach" vacation:
It was the Tuesday after Easter, and Sam and Barbara Gardner were reclining underneath a palm tree, their eyes closed, their bodies ghostlike after a long winter.
"This is the life," Sam said, sipping his ginger ale, then sighing contentedly.
"It's not quite what I had in mind," Barbara said.
"What do you mean, it isn't what you had in mind?"
"When I agreed to be in charge of the church's Easter program in exchange for your taking me somewhere with palm trees, I wasn't thinking of the Holidome in Cartersburg.".....
"Would you like me to rub suntan lotion on your back?" Sam offered.
"In case you haven't noticed, we're inside."
"We can pretend, can't we?"
"In that case, sure."
Later Sam and Barbara are talking of one of their congregation members who is about to marry a doctor:
"I didn't know he had money."
"Quite a handsome amount, according to Deena. I hope he tithes," Sam said witfully. "We could use some new hymnals."
"That's going to take a lot more than money. That's going to take Bea and Opal Majors dying."
"I can dream, can't I?"
"Sam Gardner, for a minister you sure are cynical."
Some days, cynicism was all that got Sam through.
This makes me wonder what our pastor and his wife talk about when they are home alone. I love these books, at least until Dale makes an appearance. But he does have a bad heart, one can dream, can't they?
"Just think," Sam said, after a few steps. "If we had gone where they had real palm trees, I wouldn't have been here to save Dale's life."
"Yes, I guess you're right," she said, leaning her head into him and squeezing his hand. "I'm awfully proud of you."
Sam beamed, secretly hoping the day wouldn't come when he would regret what he had done.
I certainly do. Then there is Sam and Barbara's "beach" vacation:
It was the Tuesday after Easter, and Sam and Barbara Gardner were reclining underneath a palm tree, their eyes closed, their bodies ghostlike after a long winter.
"This is the life," Sam said, sipping his ginger ale, then sighing contentedly.
"It's not quite what I had in mind," Barbara said.
"What do you mean, it isn't what you had in mind?"
"When I agreed to be in charge of the church's Easter program in exchange for your taking me somewhere with palm trees, I wasn't thinking of the Holidome in Cartersburg.".....
"Would you like me to rub suntan lotion on your back?" Sam offered.
"In case you haven't noticed, we're inside."
"We can pretend, can't we?"
"In that case, sure."
Later Sam and Barbara are talking of one of their congregation members who is about to marry a doctor:
"I didn't know he had money."
"Quite a handsome amount, according to Deena. I hope he tithes," Sam said witfully. "We could use some new hymnals."
"That's going to take a lot more than money. That's going to take Bea and Opal Majors dying."
"I can dream, can't I?"
"Sam Gardner, for a minister you sure are cynical."
Some days, cynicism was all that got Sam through.
This makes me wonder what our pastor and his wife talk about when they are home alone. I love these books, at least until Dale makes an appearance. But he does have a bad heart, one can dream, can't they?
March 4, 2026
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.
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.
April 3, 2018
A change of heart
This installment in the Harmony series by Philip Gulley, like all the others, gives serious insight into the hearts of men. I have to admit, I was sorta hoping that Dale Hinshaw's transplanted heart would turn out to be from a sweet little old lady which might soften his barnacled outlook on life. It turned out okay. And many hearts were changed, even pastor Sam's, who was work worn and about to grow weary in well doing. I look forward to the next Harmony installment, which is waiting for me on my Kindle app.
This installment in the Harmony series by Philip Gulley, like all the others, gives serious insight into the hearts of men. I have to admit, I was sorta hoping that Dale Hinshaw's transplanted heart would turn out to be from a sweet little old lady which might soften his barnacled outlook on life. It turned out okay. And many hearts were changed, even pastor Sam's, who was work worn and about to grow weary in well doing. I look forward to the next Harmony installment, which is waiting for me on my Kindle app.
July 15, 2018
Another good and funny story about Harmony. Sam has been pastor of the Harmony Friends Meeting for 5 years and we learn more about the members and how they act. This story starts with a wedding and then deals more with the Hodges family and Dale Hinshaw. Friendship and forgiveness are addressed. Some good life lessons. The story is funny at times but could be so true of life and gets one to think. Enjoyable.
September 5, 2018
This installment of this series gave me so many good feelings. I really do like this wholesome series. I love to see the relationships and the trials of these characters. It’s not destined to become a great work of literature, but there are profound and thought-provoking ideas throughout the series. This book had all of it. Gulley once again displays human nature in all its seriousness, hilarity, compassion, and absurdity.
October 15, 2018
Second Reading
I have read this book before when it first came out in hardback, but decided to read again on Kindle. Phil Gulley has a way with a phrase and there is always a good lesson to be had hidden among the funny stories. Written from Midwestern values and incorporating small town life from a Quaker perspective, who would not like the homespun and quirky appeal of a well told story? Always a pleasure to visit again or maybe even for the first time.
I have read this book before when it first came out in hardback, but decided to read again on Kindle. Phil Gulley has a way with a phrase and there is always a good lesson to be had hidden among the funny stories. Written from Midwestern values and incorporating small town life from a Quaker perspective, who would not like the homespun and quirky appeal of a well told story? Always a pleasure to visit again or maybe even for the first time.
May 9, 2022
I didn't enjoy this one as much as the earlier Harmony novels, especially Home to Harmony. The characters in A Change of Heart were more grumpy and resentful instead of endearing and mildly quarrelsome. This iteration didn't have the same warmth and charm that made me fall in love with Harmony in the first place. A Change of Heart did have some scattered loveable moments, but I don't think I'll be returning to this release.
October 6, 2023
The best one yet. Maybe could be a stand alone book but I don’t think it would be enjoyed as much. It is at its best being a part of the harmony series because the series regulars have their characters established and shined up ready to go. What I loved about this one is the story of the prodigal son. Amazing to me that a bible story from thousands of years ago can still have such tangible relevance to this day.
February 24, 2024
It took the whole volume, but by the end of this book, I was in tears. Gulley seems to meander at times, winding through various characters and their doings, and this one seemed that way, but it all became clear at the end that he knew just what he was doing. Even the title has a double meaning, but he used two sub-plots to make a story that may be the best of the series. I recommend these books for their timeless way of showing us what really matters.
August 10, 2022
The personalities that were so relatable or made you shake your head because you for sure knew someone just like the character described in the first book have all blended together and lost their muchness. Everyone is an illogical 60-70 year old who jumps to horrible conclusions and talks like the sheriff of Nottingham.
October 29, 2017
This is probably my favorite Harmony book. I was fully engaged at the end and encouraged by renewed relationships. Although, I did err on the side of skeptism up until that point. Love how the end of the book tied back to the beginning.
February 14, 2019
I love these books because they're gentle, even when they deal with hard things. It's like a break for my brain.
Sam's congregation is full of hard headed people who truly mean well. This one gets tough in places, and I did cry a little at the end. Happy tears, but still.
Sam's congregation is full of hard headed people who truly mean well. This one gets tough in places, and I did cry a little at the end. Happy tears, but still.
April 18, 2022
Simple, heartfelt tale about the "old days" in the midwest. Characters and funny lines were good but the story was less than expected. For a quick, enjoyable read it works. It is a series? I don't think I would read further.
July 15, 2022
an interesting look at life by a small town pastor
This was a different writing style but I enjoyed it. Many insights in the small town life, even though they were exaggerated, are very true to life. Enjoyed it very much.
This was a different writing style but I enjoyed it. Many insights in the small town life, even though they were exaggerated, are very true to life. Enjoyed it very much.
December 4, 2022
Another enjoyable read with stories from Harmony. Dale Hi Shaw was up to his usual antics, but went through trials of his own this time, as did the whole Hodge family. I’m looking forward to completing the rest of the series and then getting to know the characters in the Hope series.
April 27, 2024
feel good book
If you need a lift, this book gives you humor and hope!
Being raised as a PK (preacher's kid)
I can tell you, the church and its members are the same no matter the "brand".
If you need a lift, this book gives you humor and hope!
Being raised as a PK (preacher's kid)
I can tell you, the church and its members are the same no matter the "brand".
July 9, 2024
I an enjoying this series. It has some light and funny moments, some that make your eyes rolls as you know some people are that way and yet there are serious moments with lots of feeling. A nice, easy to read series.
April 28, 2025
This is the next book in the Home to Harmony series. It continues to tell the story of a pastor in a small town with both humor and heartwarming moments. Good thing I have the next book from the library already. ☺️
September 24, 2017
Continued story of a Quaker Paster at in a small town. The funny things that people do and how this pastor looks at life.
March 24, 2018
This book was solidly "ok". I would describe it as a rambly version of Father Tim in Lake Woebegone.
July 22, 2018
I enjoy spending time in this book series.
February 13, 2019
Took listening to 3 by this author, but finally "got into them." Enjoyable - with a message.
October 25, 2020
I love this sweet little series.
November 8, 2020
I think I liked this book even more than the last two or three from this series.
December 8, 2020
really exceptional characters !!!!
June 21, 2021
Seriously funny and full of heartfelt, down home good story telling.
December 27, 2021
Again a good book from Gulley about the life in Harmony. Love this series!!
February 2, 2022
Another visit to Harmony and learning what is new with the people who live there. Heartwarming and funny.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews