Even churches are not free from drama.
At least, that is what Belvedere author Kenneth Perry expressed in his debut novel, Lorde Baptist: Get Ready to Meet the First Family of Drama .
The book takes place in the fictional town of Ramblewood, S.C., where the Lorde family is the head of the Tabernacle of Praise Baptist Church.
In a news release, Perry stated that the Rev. Ernest Lorde, his wife and his five children take control of all the ministries in the church.
"His actions create the reputation throughout the community that the church belongs to the Lorde family and not to God," the release said.
The book further investigates each family member, and deep secrets surface.
"I was just drawing on my experiences and things I have heard," Perry said in a recent interview. "I thought I could bring to life things people read or hear on TV, through a story."
It took Perry, 37, 10 years to finish the book. After holding down a full-time job and attending Southern Wesleyan University full time, finding time to write was a challenge.
One of his professors told him in 2003 that she saw something in his writing, he said, and that helped give him the determination to finish the book.
Not only is the first book finished but the sequel also is complete.
"Lorde Baptist is my launching pad with 63,000 words," he said. "The sequel has a little over 102,000 words and will hopefully be available by April."
Secrets uncovered in the first book include adultery and stealing money from the church.
"The mother also comes to terms with being molested as a child," Perry said.
The book is not completely Christian, he said.
"The book has a Christian title, but the characters are not all Christians," he said. "There are love scenes and strong words."
Perry said the book is for adult readers and said that both men and women should be able to relate to the plot.
The main idea behind the novel is that nobody is perfect, Perry said.
"People can expect to read about things they wouldn't ordinarily see in a church setting," he said. "People are going to be very shocked with the ending."
Without giving away many details, Perry said that not all seven family members return in the sequel.
The novel can be purchased at www.publishamerica.com, www.amazon.com or www.booksamillion.com.
On Dec. 17, the book will be available for purchase in stores. As of now, Perry knows that B. Dalton book store in the Aiken Mall will carry his novel.
For more information about the author, contact Perry at (706) 231-4499.
Reach Crystal Garcia at crystal.garcia@northaugustatoday.com.
