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“I celebrate Harold Bales’ book "The Southern-Fried Preacher." Harold’s a preacher, a writer and a genuine storyteller who will have you weeping both from laughter and from sentiment. From ‘Ode to Okra’ to the funny things that happen at church to Harold’s thoughts about 50 years of marriage, this collection of writings is a treasure to be read and shared. Just don’t read it over meals. Something’s bound to get snorted out a nose!”

Beth A. Richardson

Editor, “Alive Now”

The Upper Room, Nashville, TN

 

“If you need a smile, an ‘LOL’ or just permission to enjoy the mundaneness of daily life, read this book. It is a gem of fun and realistic delight. Everyone can relate to Harold’s stories. Get a perspective on life and laugh. We loved it!”

Barbara and Curt Needham

Authors of “Charting a Course for My Loved Ones,”

ShadowBox Productions, LLC

 

“Harold Bales’ brand of Southern humor and folksy wisdom is a delight to read. Whether you read this book one tale a day or all in one sitting, you’re sure to want to read it again and again. Harold’s tales are rooted in real life experience and his message is timeless. He has entertained my newspaper’s readers for years, and now his pearls of wit and wisdom are available to everyone. I am a huge fan, and I’m sure you will be, too.”  

Andrew Warfield

Editor, “Lake Norman Citizen,” Huntersville, NC

 

“Harold Bales is a wise and funny guy. With his pastoral background and empathic nature, he sees life’s everyday experiences from a ‘laid-back, tell-it-like-it-is’ perspective. His unique style of humor gives the reader a completely different impression of what seems like a serious matter.”

Marcus Hamilton

Cartoonist, Hank Ketchum’s  “Dennis the Menace” Daily Editions

 

"From ‘Amazing Grace’ to ‘Talking About Gizzards,’ Harold finds both the humor and God’s vision for us in every situation. This book is a treasure and will bring joy, comfort and inspiration to all who read it.”

Norris Frederick

James A. Jones Chair of Philosophy and Religion

Director, Center for Ethics and Religion

Queens University of Charlotte

 

“Harold Bales’ vision of Hades does not include fire so much as frowns.  ‘One of my nightmares is that I will die and go to heaven only to discover that God is as humorless as some Christian folk I have known,’ said Bales. ‘To spend eternity with a dill pickle would be...well...hell.’”

Ken Garfield

Former Religion Editor of “The Charlotte Observer”

Author of “So Go On Sing”

 

“I can’t wait to hold this book in my hand and re-read the stories I’ve loved over the years, while discovering those I missed along the way. Whether the message is wise or humorous, profound or light-hearted, it is sure to offer a good start to every day.”

Marty Folsom,

Graphics/Webministry Coordinator

Western NC Conference of the United Methodist Church