Nazareth's Song (Millwood Hollow Series #2) [Paperback]

Patricia Hickman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2004

The further adventures of a drifter-turned-pastor and a trio of loveable orphans in this second installment of her series.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In Fallen Angels, the talented Hickman introduced readers to outlaw Jeb Nubey and three abandoned children caught up in the troubles of the Depression. They land in Nazareth, Ark., posing as a preacher and his family, but are soon unmasked. In this likable sequel, the Reverend Gracie becomes ill and Jeb, who has been studying hard to become a bona fide minister, takes the helm of the Church in the Dell. Readers will love the genuinely poignant break-out-the-hanky scene of the passing on of an inscribed key by Reverend Gracie to Jeb to encourage him in his new role. Leading with integrity as the pastor of the church proves more problematic than Jeb envisions, and he finds that "his faith in himself ebbed and flowed by the hour." A lack of cash causes Jeb to take a questionable side job, which later elicits heavy costs for a family in his congregation. There's trouble at home as well: Angel, now 14, has taken up with a young ruffian, and as Jeb tries to cope, he questions his abilities to care for his makeshift family. Further complicating matters is Fern Coulter, Jeb's romantic interest from the first book, who has turned cold toward him, while the wealthy Winona Mills is in hot pursuit. Hickman's language is sometimes heavy on metaphors and similes, but she knows how to spin an endearing yarn. This sweet story should delight readers of faith who enjoy a gentle, well-written read.
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Review

'Hickman's grasp of Southern style is impeccable!.Fans will look forward to the next installment in this entertaining series.'-Library Journal 'This sweet story should delight readers of faith who enjoy a gentle, well-written read.' -Publishers Weekly 'As deliciously Southern as black-eyed peas with corn bread!!A fun and heartwarming read.' -Lawana Blackwell, author of The Gresham Chronicles --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: FaithWords (June 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446692336
• ISBN-13: 978-0446692335
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.9 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,586,827 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Patricia Hickman, M.F.A., is an award-winning author of fiction and non-fiction whose work has been praised by critics and readers alike. Patricia first studied creative writing at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and then went on to do graduate studies in creative writing at Queens University. She writes for major publishers and is currently at work on her eighteen book, a novel set in the North Carolina Piedmont. Her next novel,The Pirate Queen, will release Summer 2010, a story that takes readers journeying from suburban Lake Norman, NC to the sailing villages of the Outer Banks. She has served as a writing professor at UNCC and taught in writing workshops across the country offering her popular "Creating Characters-Giving Story People Life" workshops and courses on fiction.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well Done!!, October 29, 2004

By 

CINDY C. (Miramichi, New Brunswick Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Nazareth's Song (Millwood Hollow Series #2) (Paperback)

Wow, I enjoyed this installment of the series more than the first one. The writing captivated you and kept you wanting more. I could not put it down and read it in one day. When a book keeps one that captivated, the very least you can give it is 5 stars. I loved the way the story kept you hooked and the characters all were so well written. I am looking forward to the next one in the series. Well done!!!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book, July 28, 2004

By 

lor369 - See all my reviews

This review is from: Nazareth's Song (Millwood Hollow Series #2) (Paperback)

In this book, Jeb is raising the 3 kids that were abandoned in Book 1 of this series. After studying under Gracie, he becomes the Church in the Dell's minister. Jeb is really struggling to put food on his table. Jeb is also struggling with Angel and her rebelliousness, probably stemming from her mom being mentally ill and in a hospital. And Jeb is also struggling with being a "delivery boy" for Horace, since Jeb is unknowingly doing some dirty work for Horace and Ace Lumber.

I thought the book portrayed the Great Depression well. Everybody was struggling so much and it appeared that some people really went off the deep end during that time. I thought Jeb was portrayed well. He is struggling with his conscience as he is making his deliveries for Horace. You can also see this as Jeb tries to decide whether to continue raising the Welby kids or if they would be better off with someone else.

I look forward to the next book in this series. I hope we find out more of Angel and if she overcomes her rebelliousness, and what happens with Jeb and Fern. Also, I would be interested in finding out about the Welby's older sibling, Claudia. She was mentioned in book 1, but not in this book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars deep inspirational look back at the 1930s Deep South, May 27, 2004

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Nazareth's Song (Millwood Hollow Series #2) (Paperback)

During the Depression, criminal Jeb Nubey and his three-abandoned FALLEN ANGELS reached Nazareth, Arkansas where he posed as a preacher and they as his children until they were caught. To his shock Jeb likes the town, adores his "children" and loves schoolteacher Fern Coulter, who he wants to marry. Surprisingly, Jeb enjoys preaching and he is studying to become a minister.

When the highly regarded Reverend Gracie becomes ill, Jeb takes over as Minister of the Church in the Dell. However, faking the role vs. living the post proves quite different even with the encouragement of his loved ones and Reverend Gracie. Jeb wonders if he has the faith to perform the job. Due to a lack of funds he takes a second job, but that adds to his woes with the congregation and worse with his oldest child teenage Angel hanging out with a bad element. He cannot turn to Fern for comfort as she has become aloof towards him, but there is Winona who makes him feel more like Jeb than Job.

At times the poetic language slows down the deep inspirational story line, but fans of a pleasant well-written tale with a message will appreciate this soothing novel. The character driven plot grips readers as Jeb struggles with setbacks with the woman he loves, his adopted family, the townsfolk, and his faith. To succeed in his endeavors he must regain his belief that if he does the right thing all will be right in his world. Simple philosophy that make for a fine look back at the 1930s Deep South at a time when many only had faith to hold onto.

Harriet Klausner