Strong book sales mean second press run on Rowell essay collection

‘What Would Granny Say?’ available as paperback, eBook

A month after its latest book launched, the Advocate Press has sold out of its first press run and is now in its second press run.

“What Would Granny Say? And Other Somewhat Embellished Memories” is a 276-page collection of faith-based essays by United Methodist pastor the Rev. Tony Rowell.

Rowell’s church, Beulah UMC, Gilbert, hosted a book signing June 12, which was well attended. More book signings are in the planning stages now.

For decades, Rowell—a mission trip leader, songwriter, photographer and storyteller—has made it his passion to experience, gather and share stories of the Lord at work in big ways and small. Now, a lifetime of memories is offered in one collection of 79 essays. From fishing with his granny in the Florida Panhandle, to stumbling into boars and bear alike in the Carolina wilderness, to ministry in Bolivia, Colombia and Latvia, Rowell weaves beauty with simplicity and good old-fashioned humor. He has served as both vice chair and chair of the United Methodist Volunteers in Mission in South Carolina and has pastored seven churches. Married to his high school sweetheart, Mary, they have three children and seven grandkids.

His photographs of both nature and people are peppered throughout, along with a healthy dose of Granny’s wisdom, prompting the title.

“Tony Rowell’s writing is beautiful, poignant, funny, evocative and full of wisdom,” said Jessica Brodie, editor of the Advocate and chief editor of this book collection. “Everyone who has read this book says it’s phenomenal.”

“What Would Granny Say” is available for purchase at https://advocatesc.org/what-would-granny-say/. Cost is $15.95 (plus shipping and handling) paperback and $6.99 eBook. To order by mail, send a check for $15.95 plus $3 shipping and handling per book to Advocate, 4908 Colonial Drive, Columbia, SC 29203.