Pruning the Magnolia

Book Three

By: Dennis Maynard

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

The idealism of Episcopal Priest, Father Steele Austin, continues to conflict with the determination of the leaders of a historic parish. The leaders are unyielding in their desire to keep things just the way they have always been. Steele, on the other hand, is equally determined to battle bigotry and prejudice in the congregation and the community. In this, the third book in The Magnolia Series, Steele is forced to defend himself against a plot to accuse him of embezzling church funds. Not only is his integrity as a priest being threatened, but there are those in his own congregation determined to see that his new home will be a federal penitentiary. While defending himself against his latest assault, Steele and his wife, Randi, struggle to decide if they wouldn't be better off to leave Falls City and accept a call to a new parish in Texas. Then, an unusual pastoral crisis bonds him to one of his most vocal antagonists. Could this also mark a new day for Steele at First Church? You won't want to miss this, the third installment, of life in Falls City, Georgia. You will nod your head with smiles of recognition, enjoy a chuckle and perhaps a tear. "We can't stand it. The books in your Magnolia Series have been passed around the congregation so much they're probably worn out. Seriously, we are enjoying them very much." Dick Stanley - Greenville, South Carolina "You need to put a warning label on your novels. 'May alienate spouses and injure ribs!' We didn't speak to each other for two days. One while I read your last book and another while my wife did the same. Not quite true - we each quoted a great portion of it to each other. Thanks for a hilarious two days." Gene Holly - Las Vegas, Nevada. "I laughed and cried, sometimes at the same time." Netha Brada - Iowa Falls, Iowa.