The Good News From North Haven: A Year in the Life of a Small Town

Granted, I love this book in part because, as a pastor and writer, I have a few similarities with the author. Though written about the specific context of Presbyterians in the rural Midwest, these stories came alive for me. I recognized similar people in my current town, though it is thousands of miles away and separated by several decades. Most of all, I love his work because Lindvall loves his characters (as exasperating as they can be!). He tells the truth, laying bear the faults, insecurities, guilt, and shame that - if we are honest - plague all of us. This truth, however, is spoken in love, which often leads to redemption. This book, though firmly located in its own time and space, offers good news for all of us.Andrew Taylor-TroutmanDublin, VA

Michael Lindvall's book honestly addresses some of the issues of ministry in a small town (interesting characters, privacy issues, financial struggles, etc.). He writes in an easily accessible, warm-hearted style, and fairly depicts some of the blessings and challenges of serving in small town ministry. This book takes place over the course of a year, anchored by special church events to mark the beginning and end of a year. I found this book to be very much in the same style as Philip Gulley's, Home to Harmony. As a minister in a small town setting, I appreciated how Lindvall describes life in a small town, how time and expectations move at a different pace. Lindvall is an accomplished story teller; this is a book that is well worth reading.

Well, I was looking for just "Good News from North Haven" but received a hard backed, combined printing of that book with another book. Was not able to gift it as planned, but I kept it anyway.

Great combination of wit, wisdom, nostalgia and some adventure added for good measure.

I love the book and would recommend it to anyone. It is a wonderful book, depicting vignettes of a small town Presbyterian church in southern Minnesota, through the eyes of their pastor. Easy read and just plain charming!

A marvelous story of a pastor's first year in a small town church that rings true to any pastor. I have used these stories in sermons for many years for their humor and their pithy heart felt message.

I enjoyed the stories.I often laughed and sometimes cried. Although they were fiction, they rang true to my experiences serving as a pastor in many small churches.

Michael Lindvall's "Good News from North Haven" is a tremendous, wonderful read."A Year in the Life of a Small Town" isn't just for small town folks. It's a reflection on humanjourneys that is worth more time reflecting. I am fascinated, and uplifted.