The Jericho Band — Leslie J. Sherrod

Antoine Johnson keeps a horn on his lips and a pretty girl by his hips and believes life is as good as it gets. It's all good, that is, until he overhears the beautiful voice of the doe-eyed church soloist, Melinda Wright, sparking an unshakeable stirring in his soul and challenging all he knows. The people of First Community Church haven't been kind to Antoine or his history, so he's as puzzled as they are when he's drawn back to their pews; first to hear Melinda's sweet singing again, but then for something more. Will the church survive the presence and plans of Chippenbough County's most notorious jazz musician? Not if Sister Florence Taylor, Chairlady of the Missionary Circle, has her say. She is on a mission to put an end to the heathen hoopla Antoine Johnson and his ilk bring to their sanctuary. However, Sister Taylor has secrets of her own, sweet Melinda learns, lending to an unexpected crescendo that may be instrumental in getting the church back in tune.   Approx. 8000 words or 30 pagesOriginal © 2012; Reprint © 2024