It is my absolute pleasure to have been asked to take part in the Blog Tour to celebrate the publication of The Doubting Vicar’s Book Club, Rachel Yarworth’s debut novel.
A pleasure because the author is a very good friend of mine, whose heart is to write books that encourage friendship with God. A double pleasure because it is a truly beautiful, well written, hope filled book. And I think you should read it!
My review
Set against the backdrop of English village life, and involving very ordinary, relatable characters, The Doubting Vicar’s Book Club is a gentle, affirming exploration of faith and friendship.
Patrick is a semi-retired vicar, who whilst embarrassingly stumbling over the words of The Lord’s Prayer before a dwindling congregation, finds himself questioning everything. Feeling like he has failed, or missed the mark somehow, he wonders whether he can continue to lead a flock when he is so uncertain of the way forward himself. Why hasn’t he seen God move in power? What is the point if no-one is coming to church anymore?
Anne doesn’t usually go out. Once an adventurous traveller, her life has now been reduced to the lonely existence of live-in carer for a parent suffering with dementia. Grief and guilt over events in the past have her bound. And if she ever had a faith in God, it is buried deep.
Phoenix is a free spirit – on the surface anyway. A young wildlife activist and hedgehog doctor. But her colourful, almost brash exterior hides a heap of hurt, and her true introvert self.
Geoffrey is the hermit-like academic frozen in grief after his wife’s painful death. Work has become all consuming, and self-neglect epidemic.
A powerful story
Somehow these four find themselves connected via a fledgling book club held in the local pub.
As the seasons pass and unlikely friendships develop, we see each one find their strange little community to be a place of healing, hope, and true connection. And for some – renewed and rediscovered faith.
From the moment I picked the book up I was drawn in. These and all the characters that appear are so well written. They all have doubts, fears and hidden pain that we can relate to, or have seen in others. Their stories are beautifully told, in a way that doesn’t avoid the messiness of life but is also brimming with light and joy. Rachel writes from what she knows – yes, she did once have a hedgehog hospital in her shed! But in the thoughts and words of her characters that she also explores her own experience of grief, questioning faith, and what it means to hear and recognise the voice of God. It adds so much power to the story.
God who is interested in friendship
Can I highly recommend The Doubting Vicar’s Book Club to you. It is a lovely read, and more than that, it is full of life, because it is full of Him.
For me the overriding message of the book is that God is interested in the ordinary and every day. He wants to walk with us daily, in friendship, often revealing Himself in the unexpected. Often through the lives of others. His power is not always displayed in big ways, but in small things that can lead to life transformation. Like an unexpected connection with a friend we didn’t know we needed. Or a whisper of hope, or a nagging dream, or a perfectly timed walk to the pub.
This is the perfect book for a cozy read, especially for anyone who is exploring faith, or dealing with doubt. Or just anyone who enjoys good, clean, life-giving fiction.
Written for adults but equally suitable for readers of all ages.
It is available in Paperback at RRP £12.99, or Kindle at £4.99, published by BroadPlace Publishing on 14th Nov 20206
You can purchase your own copy directly from the author here
Or direct from the publisher here
About the Author
Rachel Yarworth is a Christian writer, blogger and editor based in beautiful North Worcestershire. She writes to help people know God in everyday relationship — across memoir, devotional reflection, and now her debut novel — always with honesty, gentleness, and a deep love for the God who wants to be known.
You can find out more about her and her other books/projects here – including the exciting new series of books Walking with Jesus
Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her heart is to share God’s heart for the broken; His love that pursues us, truth that frees us and hope that heals us. Her novels are set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, and tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. She has also published two devotionals based on the person and work of Jesus.
More information on Joy, and her books can be found here
