A priest, a minister, a pastor, and a shared secret.Father Thomas Abernathy brings together a wellborn Methodist minister, a dogmatic Lutheran pastor, and an enigmatic, evangelical preacher for a poker and drinking club. Father Tom soon finds the Lutheran pastor Rev. Theo Swindberg assuming a preternatural place in his life. The man is nervous and doleful, and to learn what makes him tick, Father Tom attends a service at the Lutheran Church, where he falls under the spell of the pastors wife, Naomi.
When Naomi is diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer, Swindberg calls upon Father Tom to pray over her healing, a request which could be a career-ending departure from Father Toms churchs tenets. Father Tom struggles with his feelings for Naomi, and when he reluctantly agrees to Swindbergs request, he also finds himself struggling with his faith. In the end it isfaith, hope, and lovethat renews them all.
"A captivating and intensely readable tale about men of faith finding friendship and renewal." —Kirkus Reviews
"St. Michael Poker and Drinking Clubis a look into the lives of a handful of clergymen chosen by an unlikely hero, Father Thomas of St. Michael’s. Randle skillfully pulls us into the psyche of these honorable, albeit flawed men. We slowly learn about what really makes these men tick, and perhaps understanding them better helps us understand, with greater clarity, our own motivations where right versus wrong and good versus bad. Ultimately, Randle unravels our inner fears about love, hope, and faith while masterfully weaving a tale regarding the complexities of each intricate and life altering concept." —Kathryn Mattingly, award winning author of novelsBenjamin,Journey,Olivia’s Ghost,The Tutor, and short story anthologyFractured Hearts
"I loved the touching scene in the opening paragraph and was pullelÓ'
![St. Michael Poker Drinking Club [Paperback]](/itemImage/2/1/0/3/2_4301706.jpg "St. Michael Poker Drinking Club [Paperback]")