Pam Rhodes

I stopped around halfway through this ChristFic novel, checked some of its reviews, and belatedly learned something I prefer to know before starting a book.

This novel doesn't exactly have an ending.

It doesn't crash to a halt with a cliffhanger smack dab in the middle of heightened action. But the read is more of an extended introduction to Neil and the issues that Dunbridge townsfolk (mostly some church folks) are facing. After certain events that may ultimately turn out this way or that, show more the novel stops without really resolving much.

When it comes to the first book in a series, I typically don't mind a loose end or two if the main plot for that book is resolved. But I don't like it when basically the novel as a whole feels like an incomplete story.

So. Given that after about a week away from it, I came back and read the rest of this book despite knowing it wouldn't really conclude, it says something about its draw on me.

Now, considering comparable small-town fiction about ministers, I didn't find the writing or characterizations here to be as sharp as in Jan Karon's Mitford Years series. And this book wasn't on the engrossing and absolutely hilarious level of Philip Gulley's Harmony series for me.

Still, I could settle into a sufficiently comfortable place watching Neil's beginnings in cozy little Dunbridge. So, while I was reading a different novel I couldn't settle into, I paused from that one and returned to this one to relax.

Granted, I'm not in agreement with some of the messages this book seems to send about spousal obligation when a marriage is severely broken. (Can't speak with total finality on those marital situations in this book, since the full resolutions may be pending.)

Also, I'm not wild about the central love triangle this story sets up. On top of the issue of romantic indecisiveness I often see in triangles, this one has the added issue of awkward two-timing, since the romantic party in the middle is so unsure about what's happening and what to do—and not to do—about it all, coming off as a rather spineless party being dragged along one side of the matter.

Aside from that, again, the reading was a comfortable experience for me. And because it can be aggravating not to find out until the last page that no ending is there (a reader like me will usually abandon a series like that if I don't already have the next book on hand), it's fortunate that I knew the non-ending was coming. I'm curious enough to continue on to the next book. show less

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series from its beginning and I always look forward to the next book. That being said, this book was somewhat of a disappointment. Set on a Christian cruise and peopled with its passengers, this novel has too many new characters and not enough “page time” with the old ones. What made the other books so enjoyable, or perhaps I should say “who,” is the Reverend Neil Fisher and his exploits. Neil is sorely missing in much of this tale, along with his wry show more sense of humor. So many characters are featured in this tale, none were really developed very fully. Thoughtfully, the author provided a list of characters which proved to be very helpful because it was a bit difficult to keep everyone straight. Goodness, even the author herself was in this tale! Still, it was an interesting adventure, and indeed, some serious things do happen in it that advance the plot of series. But I enjoy reading about the humorous goings-on in church life, and this book could have had more of that aspect. Not the best book in the series, but certainly still very good. Hopefully, the next book will find Neil back on terra firma and dealing with his own parishioners and their complaints and problems in his own unique way. show less

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 show more 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.) show less

I felt as if I was connecting with old friends when I read this book.I really enjoy this entire series. This book is no exception in this regard. It is always fun to catch up with the main characters and find out where they are going for the next adventure. The setting on the cruise ship adds extra interest to the story.

I had to give this book three and a half stars though, because of the overt preachiness in some parts that went on and on. I read Christian novels and enjoy them, but their show more message is usually more subtle. I skimmed over the two-page sermons and the inclusion of all the verses of some popular hymns. I also would have liked to know more about what the characters did when they got off the ship, instead of paragraphs that read like excerpts from travel brochures. There was also the entire chapter devoted to the funeral of a character (spoiler alert!) and the cliff hanger ending. (Personal opinion here--I thought it was arrogant for the author to include herself as one of the characters, but that is just my own thought.) I will continue to read other books in the series if they appear, since I really like Neil. But I thought this one was a disappointing comedown from the others in the series. I received this book as part of Early Reviewers. show less