Casting the Net

The Dunbridge Chronicles #2

by Pam Rhodes

Heart-warming English comedy of manners, featuring the trials and tribulations of newly ordained minister, Neil FisherIn part two of the Dunbridge Chronicles, Neil Fisher returns from ordination inspired by his sense of ministry, but determined to distance himself from the two ladies in his life. This is not altogether well received, and a wide segment of the congregation of St Stephen's, Dunbridge--including the music group--points Neil to the error of his ways.

Meanwhile Neil's close friend Colin and his wife Jeannie are delighted by the birth of a daughter, but is all well with the baby? Neil's mother Iris continues to meddle, to his irritation. Churchwarden Peter has said a relieved farewell to his flighty wife Glenda--or has he? Dunbridge is not as peaceful as it seems.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Humor

256 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2014

About the author

Pam Rhodes for many years has presented the world’s numberone religious television program, Songs of Praise on BBC. She writes for the UK national newspaper, the Daily Mail, and is also a successful novelist—author of The Dunbridge Chronicles, With Hearts and Hymns and Voices, and four other novels, as well as a number of additional books.

Reviews

[Jessica Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the kind of book you want to read with a cup of tea in the afternoon, if that makes sense. It's homely without being stodgy, and cosy without being stifling. It has moments which make you want to cry, moments which make you laugh, and you come away feeling that you've spent a very enjoyable couple of hours!

*I received this book via a goodreads giveaway.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I signed up for this tour I did so thinking that this was a cozy mystery, so when I started reading it I was surprised to find that it was a contemporary Christian fiction novel instead, which worried me because I'm not religious and I wasn't sure how preachy this one would be, so it came as a huge surprised to find out that it wasn't preachy in the least but I that I also really enjoyed it.

I had read some pretty heavy books before I picked Casting the Net Up and this one acted as a bit of a palate cleanser for me because it was just such an easy, feel good funny read that didn't in anyway force religion on me as a reader and focused more on the characters and the story (with a little religion thrown in) but mostly on the relationships of everyone in the small village town of Dunbridge in rural England.

I really liked Neil, he's such a sweet guy and he's still so young and nervous about his role in the vicarage that he comes across as really endearing. He's just one of those guys that you want to stop and have a chat with and be friends with because he's so kind, caring and approachable plus he's actually quite funny. I was surprised by how much I liked him but there I was at the end of the book feeling quite sad that my time in his company had come to an end, but feeling as though I left him in a much better place than he was after about halfway through the book when tragedy struck twice in the tiny town involving people close to his heart.

I thought it was very refreshing that the author decided to write a novel from the male perspective, often times I see women writers (not all of course but a majority) that use women in their novels as their main characters especially in small town settings. I thought the way she wrote Neil was fantastic, right down to his exasperation when it came to dealing with his over bearing mother.

Neil wasn't the only well written character in the book though, I thought the whole cast was lovely even the characters that I didn't care for, such as Neil's horrible ex-girlfriend Wendy. She was a witch and was only thinking of how wonderful it would be to be a Vicar's wife. I didn't like her personality and I really hope she get's her comeuppance in the next book in the series.

Overall, I thought that this was a really well written book. As light hearted as it was, there was also tragedy and sadness and death in the novel as well which gave the characters a more human slant because I was able to see them in happy times and sad times but also saw the strength that they took not only from the Church but took the majority of strength from their friends in family in the community. The book just left me feeling good, because I could see things were finally on the mend.

I would recommend Casting the Net to everyone. As a non-religious person I can tell you that this one isn't in your face about religion at all and I think it offers a cute little glimpse of life in rural England to the reader that will have you laughing often and wishing you could move to a small town.

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my free and honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are 100% my own.

[Meagan Myhren-Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Casting the Net
The Dunbridge Chronicles #2
By Pam Rhodes

Sometimes life throws you some real curves and Neil Fisher has some real doozies to deal with in Casting the Net. First off he has two women vying for a placing in his heart - Wendy and Claire. (In my opinion Wendy is the type person I'd want to run from even if she's a pillar in the church's musical worship group). In like Claire in that she's not so pushy, but Neil is the one who has to make a decision and someone is sure to be hurt, even if it is him.

But all Neil's problems aren't related to matters of the heart. He has members who are the financial backbone of the church who aren't happy with the modern trends in the worship service. Try as he might Neil seeks a balance that will make everyone happy at least part of the time while not alienating everyone in the process and if possible to bring in new members (or visitors who keep coming back).

And then there is life in general that Neil and the congregation of St. Stephen's have to deal with. There are the joys of birth and the utter heartache and despair of death. There are marriages and there is the loss of health. Through it all Neil offers support and caring even as some have their faith and beliefs shaken to the core.

Casting the Net is an apt title as this is what Neil is doing - he is casting his net and being a fisher of men and women. Though there are a few bumps along the way that snag his net.

Want to make some new friends? Take a trip to Dunbridge where life is never boring. You'll have times of laughter and times of tears, but you'll enjoy your trip and want to come back again.

Though Casting the Net is set in a totally different time something about it reminds me of the Cranford PBS series based on Elisabeth Gaskell's works. I think it has something to do with the daily interactions between the various characters and their care for one another.

Grad a cup of your favorite tea and settle in for a visit in Dunbridge...

I was provided a copy of this book by Kregel Blog Tours in exchange for my honest review.

[Susan Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neil has gone through his ordination ceremony and is now a priest and able to take on more duties to help Margaret in the parish. He takes a few days off to hike and think. When he returns, he is still undecided between Wendy and Claire, but after talking with Margaret, he is more inclined to Claire though he knows many people would consider Wendy the better choice. But when Harry has a heart attack early one morning, Claire reaches out to him for help and support (he does live next door). During that time while waiting for Harry to get through surgery and see how he is doing, the talk of faith and belief. Neil tells her that faith is a journey and they pray together for Harry. Claire fills Neil's senses in a way that Wendy does not. Wendy is pressuring him and when he backs away, she refuses to see him or talk to him. But she only intends to punish him a little for refusing her. However, Neil takes it that she is no longer interested and feels free to continue getting to know Claire. He has no idea that Wendy is playing games and doesn't understand he isn't interested (or rather, refuses to accept it). Then Margaret's husband dies of a burst aorta and she is too devastated to continue as rector. So Neil takes on the full burden of the churches in their diocese. Neil and Claire become engaged, but Wendy is not giving up. She finds Claire's old boyfriend and invites him to come for as visit to visit his son........

[Jo Hurst · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the second in the series and it didn't disappoint. Even as a Christian I found this a little preachy at points and the author appears to struggle to know her audience at times, either explaining in to much detail what Easter means or just being a little over the top with the Christian values and meanings at times. The book had me in floods as there are a number of very sad scenes which were handled well. Neil and the gang again continue to have little depth at times but remain engaging and delightful. Bring on book 3!

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series about Neil - a second year curate in the Anglican Church and his trials, tribulations and joys in his discovery of himself and the real practice of religion in a small countryside village in England. Truthful about the problems ministers face each day! With assurances and doubts.

[Denita · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Dunbridge Chronicles. I enjoy reading stories about people in English villages and in particular stories that involve vicars and churches. These stories have Christian messages that are not preachy but very practical. I look forward to Book 3.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good series. Like all of the characters.

[Judio · Rating 2 out of 5]

She did it again. Thought that this was a TV serial and - stopped! Just like that. This is annoying. The next book of hers that does that will get just one star. Just for pulling a stunt like that.

[Beckie Burnham · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have rather mixed emotions about Casting The Net, the second book in The Dunbridge Chronicles by Pam Rhodes. I very much liked the cast of characters and the charming English village of Dunbridge. I liked the wonderful sense of community that Rhodes has created in the parish of St. Stephens. I also liked the look into how Christianity is lived out in a culture different from my own. But the theology of the book gives me some pause. It definitely got me thinking!

Neil Fisher is a young curate embarking on his second year of potty-training or curacy in the Anglican parish of St. Stephens. He begins with a bit of confusion and hesitation over his abilities as curate and his romantic feelings. By the end of this challenging year, Neil has grown into a more confident and knowledgeable minister. His love life seems settled too, but of course the next book in the series could produce even more challenges for him.

First the pros of Casting The Net. Rhodes has done a wonderful job of creating a village and parish church that teems with life. The characters are very realistic and run the gamut from lovely and loving people to busy-bodies to those who use manipulation to get what they want. You can find these characters in any setting in real life! The triumphs and trials of their lives mirror real life as well. The main character, Neil, is by far my favorite. I liked the way he grew in his understanding of both his congregation and himself, ministering to people with God’s grace. Rhodes also tackles issues that don’t have easy answers — the death of loved ones, divorce and marriage. Culturally, the Anglican church in an English village is much different than my conservative, evangelical church in the Deep South and it was interesting to see what was accepted and what was not. While raising hands and singing praise songs is seen as a bit alien for them, regular visits to the pub and having a pint are a way of life.

Now the cons. When it comes to the theological issues, Rhodes presents views that are all over the spectrum. Neil presents one of the best explanations of why evil exists and God’s rule within a fallen world that I have read. But later in the novel, when faced with someone who does not share his faith, he offers a somewhat vague statement about there being many paths. Neil is a committed Christian, yet I don’t get the sense that he believes it is necessary for salvation. Neil is a bit on the fence when it comes to personal morality. He takes a strong stance in some areas, in others he looks the other way. I find it unusual for a priest not to be concerned with being unequally yoked. Relationships with others seem to take precedence over his relationship with God.

So do I recommend Casting The Net? Maybe. I liked it even though I could not agree with many of its sentiments. I liked the look into a church and community so different from my own. If you liked Jan Karon’s Mitford series, you will probably like this book. If you expect a book to express conservative Christian values, you may want to pass.

(Thanks to Kregel for a review copy. The opinions expressed are mine alone.)

[Blue North · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is nothing like falling in love with the characters and place in a novel. This is what happens in Casting The Net by Pam Rhodes. From Neil, the priest, to his wanna be fiancees, Wendy and Claire, there is love, loss and almost any emotion possible to name. The novel takes place in Dunbridge, England. Almost the whole town goes to St. Stephen's. The congregation is very close to one another feeling the joy or sadness of one another. I will never forget Margaret. She is the woman in the church who has a deep understanding for those who are grieving. However, when Margaret suffers personal loss, the death of her husband, the congregation waits anxiously to see if she can pull herself up and go on with her life. Through her battle, I learned the lesson that it is impossible to foretell how we will react to hurt when it comes our way.

Another character who will stay with me is little Ellen. Baby Ellen suffers with eye cancer. Having a child was not easy for Ellen's parents. They had fertility problems. For this reason there love for Ellen is extra strong. Dealing with her illness, is an awful experience for both parents. It is these type of situations which tied me to the people in Dunbridge. Of course, Neil, the priest, has his situations to face too. When his mother, Iris, comes to visit, he really has his handsful. Unfortunately, she nags him to no end. Still, there is room for growth even in the life of a woman like Iris.

Every word of this novel seems lovingly written. It's as if these are real people Pam Rhodes must have befriended in her life. However, I had one problem with my visit to Dunbridge. What in the world does it look like? I have the address of Neil's parsonage. I know there is Paddington train station and King Cross. Sadly, there isn't any descriptions of places. So I felt as though Casting The Net by Pam Rhodes happened in only God knows where. I am sure Dunbridge is a lovely town. I suppose that's one of the reasons Iris chooses to move from her home town to Dunbridge. I wanted the author to share the beauty or the mediocrity of the town with me. There must be beautiful stained glass windows in St. Stephen's, but there is no description of the pews, the pulpit or any other place in St. Stephen's. I definitely want to continue reading this wonderful series, The Dunbridge Chronicles, no matter what. Still, I hope the author will share what the town looks like with the readers. Really, there is no clear idea what the characters look like either. Odd, because the characters are so well developed. What does Neil look like?

I also would like to know a bit of background about the characters. Why is Claire an atheist? What happened in her life to sway her away from God? Where was Neil before he came to Dunbridge? In seminary school? I'm sure answers to all these questions or questions like them can only make a swell novel an excellent novel. Lion/Kregel, http://www.pamrhodes.co.uk/

[Victor Gentile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pam Rhodes in her new book, “Casting The Net” Book Two in The Dunbridge Chronicles series published by Lion Fiction continues the story of Neil Fisher.

From the back cover: Neil Fisher returns from ordination inspired by his vocation, and determined not to let his love life get in the way. Some might think a man lucky to have two women declaring their love for him, but it’s not that straightforward when you’re a priest!

Neil’s second year as curate of St. Stephen’s, in the small town of Dunbridge, promises to be no quieter than the first. There are joys to be celebrated, worries to be shared, and bereavements that shake the community to its core.

And of course, there are the women who mean to take care of him – from his domineering mother, Iris, who appears to have moved in, and Wendy, who knows she’d make him the perfect wife, to Claire, who doesn’t believe in God, but does believe in Neil…

Neil Fisher returns and he is definitely living up to his name for he is a fisher of men and women. The little town of Dunbridge needs him and he needs to people of Dunbridge. Together this is a win-win situation. There is a lot going on in conflicts, births and deaths are just some of what Neil has to contend with. Then there is his mother and the women who want to marry him. This story is the kind that plays out best in a small town in an English countryside. Dunbridge is a town that I would not mind living in. The people who there are terrific and life, while it has its ups and downs, is slow and easy. I am glad Ms. Rhodes has given us this new taste of life there I can hardly wait to visit again Neil and the people of Dunbridge.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Kregel Publications. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first book in The Dunbridge Chronicles, Fisher of Men, so I was thinking I would like this one just as much as I did the first but unfortunately for me this one didn’t pull me in as the first one did. Don’t get me wrong I enjoyed visiting Dunbridge again and getting to visit with Neil, Margaret and all the other town citizens – it was like visiting with old friends but there were so many crisis among the people and since I was have my own family crisis it was hard for me to really see past all the character’s messes. I love the way Pam Rhodes writes as it’s friendly and down to earth and I love the British terms for such things as mundane as a parking lot, so all that was great and very enjoyable but as I said it was probably stemming more from my own crisis than anything really wrong with the book.



I must say the real issue I had was the attitude toward divorce and remarriage – even though the divorce was precipitated by an affair but when the wife tries to come back she is advised to just leave her husband so he can marry the woman he loves and there also seems to be no batting of the eye in regards to a couple who begin living together and then become pregnant. I’m all for the whole love the sinner but hate the sin but it seemed like things are quite liberal even within Dunbridge’s church and their young curate doesn’t know how to really get his hands dirty (but then again he is engaged to a non-Believer). Overall though the book was a delightful read and I was so happy to read that Neil and his mom had made repairs in their relationship and I hope that in book 3 Margaret can come to a peace about her faith struggles after he husband suddenly passes away. I honestly do look forward to reading the next book in the series.

**I was provided a copy of the book from Kregel Publications in exchange for my honest opinion, no other compensation was given.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some years ago, I read a couple of the books by Jan Karon that have been so popular, and didn't really care for them. This series is somewhat along the same lines of those books, but I find myself enjoying them far more. I loved the first book, and found myself liking the second one even better.

In this book, Neil, the main character, is finding his footing more as a vicar. The same interesting and sometimes odd characters from book one are back for this, along with the two competing love interests for the new minister.

I am more used to the main character hanging out a tavern and drinking ale, but I could still do without that, but I still found myself completely enjoying the book. Neil is constantly finding himself in funny and difficult circumstances, and also finds himself struggling a bit with his call.

Not all is fun and games in this book, as a seasoned leader loses faith in the midst of loss, and Neil is left scrambling to fill a void he doesn't feel ready to fill, while trying to plow through the question of whether God is truly good in the midst of loss.

I do find the idea of a minister becoming involved with a nonbeliever against what the Bible teaches, but this is fiction, and that may be worked out in the next book. The book was a quite satisfying sequel, and though a departure from my usual suspense/mystery novels, is still a book that kept me turning the pages as fast as I could turn them. This is a series worth reading, and one that men might enjoy more than a lot of the fiction that is geared for women,

[Gayle Pace · Rating 3 out of 5]

REVIEW

The author wrote a light fiction with the setting being a small church.. It has snippets about the life of the town's vicar. I myself am not much into reading these kind of religious based books., but this one was rather interesting. A little liberal but with an open mind it's not a bad read. I always thought as I was growing up that Priests didn't marry or have any intimate relationships. They were in a sense, married to God. So I learned some things about the priesthood. The author kept you interested by the many different characters and the situations they got themselves into. The book put personal aspects that touch us all such as, death, anger, love, sadness and so many others, into the book. We all struggle with one or more things in our lives so this book was true to the point about this aspect. The author showed some who accepted their situations with grace. That is not an easy thing to do at times. I feel the book was an easy read without a lot of serious spirituality mixed in. I feel the book is a good read for the doctor's office or when you're waiting on the kids at soccer practice. I just have a hard time reading religious based books. It's just my own opinion. Grab a copy of CASTING THE NET and develop your own opinion.

I received a complimentary copy of CASTING THE NET by Pam Rhodes from Kregel Publication Blog Tours for my view. No other compensation took place.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Casting the Net provides a good picture of modern life and religion. Neil Fisher has personal problems as well as problems ministering to his congregation, who are a mixed bag such as we are likely to find today. In his personal life, he must choose which woman is better, the one who would make an ideal, typical clergyman’s wife or the won who is different and pretty far from that ideal. The big problem he faces is that he feels sparks with one and not with the other. He also encounters a congregation who are accepting and not so accepting of the way things are changing in today’s world and religion. How Neil deals with all this makes for a pretty good and interesting story. The book is not all that long and reads pretty fast because the author has developed a folksy, easy writing style. The characters are true and easy to relate to. The situation is very believable. This is a good book for someone who might want to explore the life and decisions of an Anglican priest as he makes his way through his early years. The writing reminded me of the Mitford series books, but that may be due to the similar subject matter. I think anyone who enjoyed those books would find this series equally as refreshing and enjoyable. Though I normally do not read books of this genre, I found this one easy to read and get into, as I think many other readers would. I received this from Library Thing to read and review.

[Damaskcat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Neil Fisher has just been ordained and is returning to Dunbridge to continue his work as a curate with fresh inspiration for his work. His private life is not in quite such good order as he is not at all sure he actually wants to marry music teacher, Wendy because he is very attracted to Clare. The private life of his parishioners is far from peaceful too and their faith in God is going to be well and truly tested before the end of this book.

If you have the idea that any type of fiction with a Christian background must be full of goody goodies who never put a foot wrong and always turn the other cheek then think again. This book is full of flawed characters making the sort of messes of their lives that we all make at times. No one in the book is wholly bad or wholly good – even the clergy.

There are some laugh out loud moments and some poignant moments too and I thought the book is well written and presents an interesting picture of small town life. Prayers are always answered but not in the ways which people might expect. This book is part of a series – The Dunbridge Chronicles – but it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone novel.

I received a free copy of this book for review purposes.

[Mayda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neil has settled in at St. Stephan’s for his second year as curate. He is certainly more sure of himself, but is still under the guidance of Margaret, friend and rector. There are always projects underway, services to plan, and people to serve. Joys abound but sorrow also shows its face. While Neil has immersed himself in the day-to-day happenings of the parish, Wendy is plotting to endear herself to him, making sure he sees just how perfectly she fits into his life as curate. Unfortunately for Wendy, Neil is attracted to another, less perfect mate. But Wendy is not one to be thwarted in her quest, even if she has to resort to some subterfuge. Author Pam Rhodes has masterfully developed these characters and placed them in a delightful plot. She is spot-on when it came to describing the problems involved with pleasing members of the congregation who have decided that no matter what you do, the service is too contemporary/too old-fashioned and not meaningful/too serious, all at the same time. This delightful series is liberally sprinkled with humor and yet does not shy away from addressing more serious issues. A solid, 5-star novel of worth.

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 of the Dunbridge Chronicles...Book 3 [If You Follow Me] due out October 27, 2014.

This is a fun romp through the life of Neil Fisher, curate (ordained, assisting the pastor of a small rural parish) in England...reminds me of Jan Karon's Fr. Tim Kavanagh series.

Neil is choosing between two possible future wives...one who is agnostic at best & atheist at worse and a dedicated musician and parish member who would be a perfect mate for any vicar. He is having to deal with a steep learning curve, especially after the pastor's husband dies suddenly and Neil has to take over the entire parish's work.

There are numerous side stories...Will Debs & Graham remain as partners or get married? Will Iris keep interfering in Neil's life? How about Harry?

Well worth reading...a few twists & turns, but a satisfactory and satisfying read.

[Katherine Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Pam Rhodes first book in the Dunbridge Chronicles and opened this second installment with anticipation of another pleasant read. But this one didn't quite match the first. It was good, but not great. Too many additional characters were added, making it harder to follow and the author made significant choices with two characters that just did not sit well with me. The first is Margaret's loss of faith following Frank's death. The second was Wendy's character. Her character has always seemed one-dimensional to me. We are told repeatedly that she is a great catch and very nice, but we only ever see her doing selfish and manipulative things. Her good side is never really illustrated. Anyway, we are told on the final page that Neil's misadventures continue in "If You Follow Me," but I think that for me, they are finished.

[Anne Harvey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second in the Dunbridge Chronicles series, this is a light-hearted look at the second year of Neil Fisher's curacy. Now fully ordained, he is more involved with the day-to-day running of the parish. When an unexpected tragedy overtakes rector Margaret, he is thrust into the complete running of the parish, with all its attendant problems. As before, Neil's love life is problematic. When he tells the eminently suitable Wendy that he isn't ready to commit to her, she develops an uncharacteristic vindictive streak and throws a long-distance spanner into the works which may well have repercussions on his love for spiky single mum Claire. The book is very God-centred, which may not suit some people, but I found it a warm, inspiring read. Can't wait for the final one in the series.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Neil is in his second year as curate in a rural England village. We follow him around as he experiences funerals, weddings, visiting the sick and elderly and fending off the young woman who is madly in love with him. American readers must remember this is Christianity in England, not as cut and dried as in the U. S. there are some things in the book evangelical Christians would disagree with. But if you want a picture of Christianity in rural England, this is a good novel to read.
See my complete review at http://bit.ly/1nk3Dfb
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

[Beth Withers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second installment in the Dunbridge Chronicles is just as good as the first. I enjoyed reading of life in the English town of Dunbridge and its central church, St. Stephens. Neil, the curate, has more experience now but still has a lot to learn. His romantic life continues to confound him. There is also much sadness in the life of his church also. As hard as some of it is to read, I like it because it is real. Life in any church will include triumphs and tragedies; not all is rosy and sunny all the time. I like the mixture of humor and sadness that Rhodes portrays in her books.

[Jodi N · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book in a goodreads giveaway. Thank you for picking me.

Neil is a second year curate who has been supported by his community, taught by his rector, loved by those around him, and his faith tested. He is coming into his own, taking on more than he originally thought and making the best decisions possible.

I found myself cheering for the shy curate and want to see what else happens in his life. I am however a little concerned over what that Wendy chick has planned.

[Kate Baxter · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable English country village vignet with young curate, Neil Fisher facing the challenges of serving in a small town where everyone not only knows your business but they're certain they know what's best for you and which path you should follow. The story is a slice of life where folks share in simple joys and stand together through sorrow. The characters are warm, each with their own strengths and shortcomings. This book was an enjoyable diversion from busy life.

[Victoria Brinius · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book about a small town called Dunbridge. There are so many people that are willing to help each other in this town. That also means that a lot of people know each others business. I liked that there were repeat characters form other books in the series, and we got to know them better. There were also characters that I could swear are my neighbors! This is a great book! I am giving this book a 4/5. I was given a copy to review from Kregel, however all opinions are my own.

[A C · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second of The Dunbridge Chronicles picked up the threads that had been left hanging in 'Fishers of Men'. Having enjoyed the first book it was nice to see the development of the characters with their all too believable human failings.
It is a gentle critique of Anglican Parish life handled with sympathy and humour.
Neil Fisher begins his second year as curate at St Stephen's still with a lot to learn about relationships and how to show God's love to the wider community.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this second book in the delightful Dunbridge Chronicles, Neil Fisher has become a newly ordained Anglican priest. The book focuses on his relationships with his parishioners as well as on his personal relationships. There is an unexpected twist at the end of the book which sets the stage for book three, If You Follow Me, due out in October. I hope this charming series has a long life.

[Keith Beasley-Topliffe · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second book in the series is very like the middle of a trilogy: conflicts get prolonged rather than resolved and it ends with a cliff-hanger as the good woman gets her evil on and the right woman will be hurt. And in the midst of it all, our hero is still learning how to be a priest with unexpected responsibilities thrust upon him.

[Andree · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely book! A gentle but not twee novel about the life of curate Neil in a village church and the surrounding community.