The Dunbridge Chronicles
4 total works
In the parish of Dunbridge the news is out: Claire and Neil are engaged!
And yet, before the celebrations have really begun, Ben, the father of Claire's son, appears back on the scene. It quickly becomes clear that young Sam is not the only person Ben wants to win back. As Neil reels in the face of Claire's confusion at spending time with her first love, Wendy always seems to be there to provide support and comfort. Little does he know of Wendy's involvement with Ben's reappearance: However, Neil has little chance to ponder his love life as the whole weight of running the church and parish descends upon his inexperienced shoulders. Neil's time as a curate in Dunbridge is coming swiftly to an end. Where should he go next, and who will go with him?
Neil returns from his 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 shared, such as the birth of Ellen, a long prayed for baby, and bereavements that shake the community to its core. Neil must continue to step up and shoulder his share of caring for his parish. And of course, there are the women who would take care of him - from his domineering mother, who appears to have moved in, and Wendy, who is sure she should be a vicar's wife, to Claire, who doesn't believe in God, but does believe in Neil.
There is much going on below the surface in this seemingly sleepy town.
Three groups of people come together for a more-or-less godly cruise around the British Isles: to Lindisfarne, the Loch Ness Monster Museum, Iona and Mull, Dublin and the Scilly Isles.
There are familiar faces from St Stephens, Dunbridge; some new folk from Neil's new parish in Derbyshire; and the slightly long-suffering crew, not least her skipper.
A cruise is a great place to make new friends, with leisure for decent conversations. It can also be an awkward, confined space with those you would really rather avoid. Some of the party are facing tough decisions - not least of which, whether to say 'yes' - and some tensions just cannot be left on land.
This book is a delight: full of compassion, humour, and Pam's acute observations.