The Little Church by the Sea

by Liz Taylorson

Isolated and unwelcome in the picturesque seaside village of Rawscar, Reverend Cass Fordyce has lost her faith and her home. Christmas is coming, and she isn’t looking forward to it. Then she meets attractive local man Hal - twice divorced and with a reputation as a ladies’ man he’s everything that a celibate vicar like Cass should avoid... especially as Hal is hiding secrets of his own, including his past with the mysterious Anna.

Can Cass ever find her way in Rawscar? What secret does Hal have to hide? And is there ever such a thing as a truly fresh start?

Genres: Contemporary

406 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 23, 2017

About the author

After a childhood with her head in a book and a pen in her hand, Liz worked in academic libraries until children interrupted her bibliographic career. Liz then started writing fiction and hasn’t stopped since, joining the RNA New Writers’ Scheme to learn how to write novels properly. Now working as an administrative assistant, she writes romantic fiction in her spare time.

Reviews

[Donna Irwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vicar Cass feels isolated in Ravenscar. Her vicarage has slid into the sea and the village seems closed to outsiders. She has lost her faith as well as her home and struggles to understand what God has in store for her.
This was a lovely story, following not only Cass’s own struggle to find her place but those of a number of other great characters whose stories gradually unravel along the way. Hal, wrestling with his demons, Anna dealing with her sadness and her nightmares, June facing retirement, Jack losing faith, all seem beyond help. Yet the Bishop has faith in Cass and believes that she can help her parishioners, as well as helping herself.
Love is patient. Love is kind. Love never fails.
This is my favourite quote, not just from the Bible, but of all time, and the author uses it so well to bring the novel to a close. A great debut novel with the right balance of seriousness, humour and even religion. Lovely read for this time of year.

Thanks to TBC and the author for this review copy.

[Kel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was looking for a nice light hearted romcom when I chose to read this and it didn't disappoint.

Based around Cass who is relatively new to the village and finding it hard to breakthrough the veil of being an outsider.

The characters in this story are vivid and well described, with their own stories to tell which run alongside Cass the new vicar and how she tries to find her way into the heart of the village.

A lovely feel good read, that is based in a lovely village in the lead up to Christmas. making it a fab seasonal read that will leave you feeling fuzzy.

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first Christmas read of 2017, and it has really helped me get in the Christmassy mood! Nothing beats a good love story to get us feeling all warm and gooey inside. Lovely written and a very good "feel good" book.

[Between The Pages (Gemma M) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely story. Its was perfect for me. It has a little bit of everything, christmas, romance, cute little village and religion but not too heavily to put the reader off. I enjoyed reading this story. It was easy to read, fast paced and contains short chapters.

When I started this book I didn’t want to put it down I just kept reading chapter after chapter. Yes, I was hooked. I fell in love with the characters, the cute little village and adored the hint of Christmas within too. A one of a kind story that is brilliant, I was sad it had to end. I awarded a well deserved five stars and I would highly recommend this story to you all. I also love the cover. A lovely story. 

The Little Church By The Sea will be released on the 23rd of November so pre-order now. You will not be disappointed and have a brilliant story to read just in time for christmas. Enjoy. 

[Kerry Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cass is a new vicar in the village of Rawscar, in the north of England. She is regarded as an “incomer” and her job is certainly not made any easier with the fact her vicarage has just fallen off a cliff into the sea!
Don’t let the religious aspect put you off, Cass is a great character, struggling with her faith, a haunted house, a traumatised house mate and a massive crush on an inappropriate man.
The descriptive writing enfolds you into village life, I really loved Cass as a character and I do hope that there will be a sequel.
I would definitely recommend this as a feel good, festive treat.

[Janet Storar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romance is not a genre I would normally read but thought I'd give this novel a go. Boy was I surprised - great story telling, believable characters, atmospheric and the first novel in a very long time that brought tears to my eyes. Would highly recommend it

[Anne Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost from the first word, you know that Cass Fordyce is not going to be a stereo-typical vicar! As a recent incumbent in the parish of Rawscar, she is having difficulty in feeling accepted by the locals. It is only after Cass watches her vicarage sliding into the sea that she begins to feel more accepted as the locals rally round to help her, including the mysterious Anna. Also on hand is Hal to whom Cass finds herself increasingly attracted, completely inadvisable given that he is twice-divorced. Although the village of Rawscar is fictional, anyone who has visited the North Yorks coast would be able to visualise the quaint cottages and the steep winding streets leading down to the harbour and this adds to the pleasure of reading this book. Although there is inevitably some religion mentioned, in that Cass has a crisis of faith, it is not intrusive. And, perhaps surprisingly, the book is packed with humour. Just don’t mention the vicar’s knickers!

[Elisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cass (short for Cassandra) is the relatively new vicar of Rawscar, a windswept village on the North East coast of England. Not only has she spent her entire ministerial career attempting to overcome ‘Vicar of Dibley’ jokes she also finds that she is not the luckiest person in the world.
One Winter evening Cass returns to her vicarage to find it hanging off the edge of a cliff and all worldly belongings with it.

From then on Cass’ life takes a a downward turn with hostility from the villagers, a troubled young woman and a potentially haunted house. With Christmas looming on the horizon, Cass has to dig deep to find her faith and Christmas spirit.

A lovely read – packed full of something for every reader from humour to heart stoping drama. This book is perfect for snuggling up on a winter’s evening with. Fans of Katie Fforde, Trisha Ashley and Carole Matthews. I really hope that there is a second book about Cass.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This delightful romcom tells the story of Rev Cass Fordyce whose life is turned upside down after losing her house and her faith. She is thrown into the centre of the community from which she is previously isolated. Enter mysterious Anna, with her sad secret and the irresistibly handsome Hal, both of whom change her life.
This is a story of great loss, love, friendship and forgiveness. An easy festive read

[Georgina Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book, it was just perfect. The story was well written, all of the characters were well rounded and it had the perfect amount of will they won’t they in it with regards to the romance. I do hope there’s a sequel as I feel there’s more to tell of Cass and the villagers

[Debs · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read and well written. loved the characters and the turmoil the main character went through - loved the descriptions and would definitely recommend this author x

[Ange · Rating 4 out of 5]

I expected on starting this book to find another Christmas themed romance with a bit of humour thrown in - but The Little Church by the Sea is so much more!
The characters are, without exception, all well rounded. The descriptive prose regarding the fictional seaside village of Rawscar is wonderful. I really felt as if I were among the locals, a part of the community. There is romance - and humour. I laughed out loud in places. What I wasn't expecting, however, were vulnerable characters with dark secrets. Nor did I imagine I would be so affected by the plight of some of the residents of Rawscar. I feel as if I've been on an emotional rollercoaster.
This is a lovely book which I would highly recommend.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous debut by this author. I loved the book from the start to the finish and the last line made me laugh. The writing brought the characters and village to life and I enjoyed the authors writing style. I don't want to give the plot away but think of the Vicar of Dibley meets Doc Martin. Glad the setting was some where other than Cornwall as I seem to have read quite a few books set there recently. The authors writing style reminded me of Ruth Saberton. Thank you to TBC and to the author for the chance to read this title in exchange for a honest review.

[Rachel Coverdale · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful little love story. Not being one for romance, I was out of my comfort zone, but I immediately felt safe in the writer's hands. She is an excellent story teller. The story is set in a fictional fishing village on the North East coast. I could picture the village and the inhabitants so well. It's true romance in the old fashioned sense - lots of sexual tension but nothing too graphic. I loved this story, it's written at a peaceful, gentle pace, yet littered with intrigue which keeps you guessing and turning the pages. I thoroughly recommend this book - a perfect holiday, relaxing read.

[Kaisha (The Writing Garnet) · Rating 4 out of 5]

All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com

I know that Cass Fordyce would be less than amused with what I am about to say, sorry! Honestly, this book reminded me of ‘The Vicar of Dibley’ one hundred percent. Not only does Reverend Cass Fordyce have a less than holy mouth – just like the Vicar of Dibley, she also has quite a few identical personality traits. If I didn’t know otherwise, I would have assumed that I was reading a book of Geraldine Granger herself. Although, Cass Fordyce doesn’t really like to be compared to the popular vicar. No idea why though, she’s fabulous!

I have to say that I was a little bit concerned at first as I am not a religious person at all, and I knew that I would struggle if the storyline was completely religious. Nothing against religion or those who are religious. It’s just isn’t for me. The storyline does contain a lot of religious references, especially as the main character is a reverend. That said, the religious aspects weren’t written in a ‘force down throat’ manner which meant that I was able to enjoy the story without feeling as though I was going to be sent for a coffee with the devil. It really was done in good taste.

I really did enjoy reading ‘The Little Church by the Sea’ as it made me laugh out loud on more than one occasion. I also loved how the Reverend showed us readers a different side to her personality – yes, Reverend’s do have lives outside of the church, who knew! I did find the romance parts a little unbelievable unfortunately – I reckon that those parts could have been extended a little bit so that it didn’t appear to be a rushed romance. Just my opinion.

However, the situation with Anna was a fantastic addition to the book and certainly made me sit up and take notice. Definitely a darker part to the book in comparison to the other characters situations. Personally, it spiced things up and created a mysterious feel to the rest of the book.

Overall ‘The Little Church by the Sea’ was a laugh out loud, touching and poignant read about love, loss and finding your own happy ever after. Whilst this book didn’t blow me away, I was still able to appreciate the heart-felt storyline.

Thanks Manatee Books.

[Nicola Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Little Church by the Sea is what I call a great debut novel. The writing is assured, the story is well put together and the characters are interesting and likeable.

Cass is the vicar at the little church by the sea, St Stephen's. In fact she's the vicar of a hefty four churches within the parish. The book is set in one of the busiest times in the church year, the run up to Christmas. Relatively new to the parish, she's holed herself up in the vicarage by the little church by the sea until it falls off the cliff - yes you read that right, and this is where the story begins.

I loved Cass. She's a dedicated vicar, even when her faith is tested. She's feisty and funny and brave. She comes into contact with Hal Thorburn, a local ladies man and finds herself drawn to him. As a leading man Hal pretty much has it all. Looks, charm, strength - I thought he was great. There are also lots of supporting characters who add so much to this story. They're part of a community in which 'incomers' are never accepted, even those who've lived there 20 years.

I was completely drawn into the story. I thought Cass was perfectly portrayed as a vicar, just what I would expect. There's obviously a fair bit about church life and religion but it's not overpowering. The story wins out and whilst it's one of those books where you know things will work out in the end, it was lovely to follow Cass on her journey to get to that point and through her first Christmas in Rawscar.

I could see this becoming the first in a series, either featuring Cass or focusing on different residents of Rawscar. I just loved the author's writing style and I would love to revisit the characters that I grew to like during the couple of days that I spent reading The Little Church by the Sea.

Such a lovely read and what a perfect and gorgeous cover to match.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isolated and unwelcome in the picturesque seaside village of Rawscar, Reverend Cass Fordyce has lost her faith and her home. Christmas is coming, and she isn’t looking forward to it. Then she meets attractive local man Hal - twice divorced and with a reputation as a ladies’ man he’s everything that a celibate vicar like Cass should avoid... especially as Hal is hiding secrets of his own, including his past with the mysterious Anna. Can Cass ever find her way in Rawscar? What secret does Hal have to hide? And is there ever such a thing as a truly fresh start?
A charming read. I liked how Cass struggled with her faith as do most of the village.
Also that as a vicar,she is down to earth and fun with lots of her own issues.
The story starts dramatically with Cass literally losing her home to the sea.

She then has to depend on the village and others to help her ,some are reluctant as she is an incomer .
Over time barriers are broken down and Cass ends up helping a lot of the village. A nice read.

[Sally Stackhouse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cass is a single, female vicar in her late 30’s who has now been sent to a small coastal village where the vicarage, which is set on top of the cliff, falls in to the sea.

Cass is struggling with her faith, with acceptance as an incomer in the village and being a single female doesn’t help matters.

In the lead up to Christmas and her busiest time of the year she begins to struggle with her faith, her desire to belong, her feelings of guilt over a tragedy in her past and her growing feelings of lust or love with the resident lady’s man who also has his own issues to overcome.

Cass is drawn to helping people, trying to help them overcome their issues as well as dealing with her own. The characters in the story all have stories to tell and bit-by-bit we find out more. A different perspective on the lead up to Christmas.

I found the story repetitive in places, some the characters didn’t quite gel for me and I found the language for a vicar was rather strong and coarse.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am usually wary of first novels but this book was worth reading. From the beginning I was hooked and wanted to know what happened next after such a dramatic opening.
The strength of the book for me are the characters. From Cass the vicar to Anna, Hal and the rest of the village they bring the book to life and I wanted to know more about them. I'm not sure if this is going to be a series but I could see other books about the village and its residence.
It deals with a community with history and secrets and I wanted to know more. Also it reminds the reader that everyone has something going on in their lives.
Although it is set at Christmas time it is still suitable for anytime really.
I hope there are more books about these characters and I look for ward to the next book by Liz Taylorson.

[Maja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cass, the new vicar of Rawscar certainly has her work cut out for her. Besides being ‘new blood’ in an old, old village, Cass’ trials only begin when her vicarage is washed away into the sea. As I followed Cass on her journey to win the hearts of some staunchly suspicious village folk (and her shenanigans with the irresistible Hal), I couldn’t help but laugh and cry with her. She’s a disarmingly honest and keen vicar with a sense of humor to boot…and definitely a person I’d like to meet again.

Liz Taylorson’s debut novel is definitely one to watch out for; it’s heartwarming and funny without being pretentious...in short, they are real and very believable . I look forward to reading more about Cass and her trials at Rawscar.

[Arkgirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is definitely a feel good festive read and there are some interesting story threads that work together in a satisfying manner.
Cass, the new vicar in a small North Yorkshire community, is struggling to fit in and wondering whether she is still being called to be in this place and this job. As she is forced to move into a new house when her cottage is lost in a catastrophe Cass and her interactions with other villagers is told with gentleness and I hope we get to revisit these characters.
The location was easy to visualise as it is my part of the world and the difficulty that incomers face is very believable.
Great Christmas read.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book much more than I ever imagined. Far from feeling alienated from the main character, I found myself embracing her completely and really rooting for her as the story went on. The characters are rich, flawed and ultimately loveable - Hal is like no other I have read, and I have read many!

The other elements in the story, which I won't spoil, kept me gripped and the ending was very satisfying. This book is a little cracker, and not just for Christmas either. It challenges stereotypes, which in today's strange times is not easy, and this made me love this debut all the more.

Much more than a heartwarming Christmas tale.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've not read anything by this author before but I will be seeking out more books by her.

I really enjoyed this book, set in a small coastal town, and written around the local vicar, Cass, and the fact her house fell over the cliff during a storm. There's reticence that Cass has come to the town as she wasn't born and bred there, can she overturn that?

There's another story alongside Cass's, what caused the rift between a daughter and a father, a local family who have lived in the town all their lives.

An enjoyable story which is worth reading.

[Mamieg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this easy to read Christmas romance. This was a perfect combination of a romance with a little mystery tossed in, all happening in a small English coastal town that doesn't seem to make the female priest feel welcome. It's a story of losing and finding faith in God and humanity, all without being preachy.

[Katey Lovell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this romcom about vicar Cass trying to fit into the community of coastal village Rawscar.

Romance, mystery and warm, Northern humour made this a perfect read, as did the gloriously imperfect love interest Hal.

If you enjoy books by Katie Fforde and Lucy Diamond, this might be right up your street.

[Laurie Ellingham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a little worried when I first received a copy of The Little Church by the Sea. How would I relate to the main character being a vicar? But by the end of the first page my worries were completely dispelled.

Liz has a beautiful and easy flow to her words and I found myself pulled into the little village of Rawscar and the struggles of its inhabitants immediately.

There is so much to love about this book, from relatable characters, to the beautifully picturesque seaside village, as well as how deftly the author handles serious topics with sensitivity, skill and humour. There are some heart in mouth moments, some hurry up and kiss moments, and some oh no moments that had me turning the page all the way to the end.

The Little Church by the Sea is a book about loss, love, and life in between. It is beautifully crafted from the first line to the last! And boy did I love that last line.

Thank you Manatee for an advance copy of this book. It was a joy to read.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has everything - warmth, humour, romance, mystery... I loved it! The characters have real depth, even the minor ones, and the setting of Rawscar is fabulous - so well described that I could feel the sea breeze and smell the salt in the air. I can’t wait for Liz Taylorson’s next book.