The Search Committee

The Search Committee

by Tim Owens

From the back cover:

When a small-town southern church throws a hodgepodge of wildly different personalities together in a van and sends them out to look for a new pastor, the dust gets kicked up in more ways than one. There's Travis, a young husband whose ambiguity about becoming a father is threatening his marriage. Dot, a middle-aged busybody whose strong opinions set everyone's teeth on edge. Susie, an attractive single mom coping with a troubled teenage son. Bill, an older man who centers his entire life around caring for his fragile wife. Joyce, a transplanted Yankee who feels like an outsider. Matt, highly educated but socially awkward. And Frankie, who just tries to keep the peace. Jostling along bumpy back roads, they squabble about practically everything, from which pastoral candidates show promise to where to stop for lunch. But gradually the facades fall away, revealing seven lonely souls drawn together in a search for healing and grace. 

My take:

When I read the description of this slightly quirky sounding book, I knew I would enjoy reading it. After finishing the book, I can't say I am disappointed. I really enjoyed Owens' descriptions of all of the characters in the book, and the insight into all of their lives. While Travis and Matt's stories are highlighted the most, I found myself drawn into all of the characters' stories and wish this book had a sequel or was part of a series.

While I am not familiar enough with search committees to know if most search committees are conducted in the way they were in the book, I am now interested to do a little research to find out. Each of the characters in the book were so real, and could be anyone in the church - from gossipy Dot to uncertain about himself Matt, I could relate to a part of each of their lives.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys good Christian fiction. I am looking forward to reading Tim Owen's next book. I give this one a "5."

You can purchase the book here.


About the author: Tim Owens grew up in eastern North Carolina and now lives in Summerville, South Carolina with his wife, Ruth, and their four children. He is an environmental engineer, and in addition to writing, he enjoys working on his old Ford tractor at his farm near Ehrhardt, South Carolina. Once the backsliding son of a Southern Baptist preacher, Tim was led gently by his wife into the Presbyterian church, where he is now an elder. This is his first novel. Visit his website at www.timowensauthor.com.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."