The Vagabond Vicar by Charlotte Brentwood Publication Date: October 15th, 2014
Pages: 279
Received: E-copy from the author.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Book Blurb:
William Brook is an idealistic young cleric, desperate to escape dreary England for a mission adventure in exotic lands. It's his worst nightmare come true when he is posted to a parish in a small backwater village, populated with small-minded people and husband-hunting mamas. He’s determined not to form any ties and to escape the country as an independent single man.
A free spirit, Cecilia Grant is perfectly content to remain in her family home in Amberley village - when she's not wandering the countryside at all hours painting. Marriage options are few, but that won't stop her mother from engineering a match with one of the ruling family's sons. Cecilia attempts to win the man, but what is it about the new vicar and his brooding ways that is so appealing? Could he be the only one who has ever really understood her, and can she discover what he is running away from?
As William struggles not to fall in love with the lady's intoxicating beauty and mysterious eccentricity, he finds himself drawn into the lives of the villagers, despite their best efforts to alienate the newcomer. When he makes it clear he's not sticking around, Cecilia strives to restrain her blossoming feelings for him. Just when it seems love may triumph, dark secrets are revealed in Amberley and a scandal from William’s past may see the end of not only his career, but his chance at finding an everlasting love.
The Vagabond Vicar is an unashamedly romantic historical novel you'll fall in love with. If you love Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer, can't get enough of Downton Abbey or Cranford, or just prefer old-fashioned boy-meets-girl stories, try reading Charlotte Brentwood.
Sensuality level: sweet (only kissing) Please note, although there is some mention of religious subject matter due to the hero's occupation, this is not an "inspirational" novel.
I truly enjoyed The Vagabond Vicar! The book blurb does a fantastic job of summarizing the story that I’m not going to do that here. What I am going to do is tell you how much I liked it!
The village of Amberley may be small, but it holds some challenges for the new Vicar. William finds that he doesn’t have to sail to far off places to find adventure and share the gospel.
William Brooke is a refreshing Vicar! He’s not a sniveling toad, who is fawning all over his patrons, the Barringtons. He is bold in the way he tries to reach people, even going to unsavory places to help them and show them God’s love. He is somewhat socially awkward, and past experiences of rejection have left him afraid of love, and because of this he keeps people at a distance.
Cecilia Grant is seen as dim-witted by most people. Always so engrossed in her observations, she often isn’t paying attention to mundane conversations. But in reality, she is very insightful, especially when it comes to William. Within minutes of their first conversation, Cecilia understood William’s desire to be off ministering to the people of some far off exotic place. I loved Cecilia straightforwardness, and I often found her humorous. I loved what she prayed to herself while she was listening to William's sermon, “…help me concentrate on the sermon, not on the vicar’s figure! Amen!”
The Vagabond Vicar is a very charming and sweet read that I would highly recommend! I look forward to reading more from Ms. Brentwood!
FTC Disclaimer: I received an e-copy of the story from the author for my honest review.
Oh yay! I'm glad it was a hit. That is cute about her little prayer to focus.
ReplyDeleteHi Sophia Rose! Yes, I really enjoyed it! This book was well done. Cecilia is great. I liked her. And when I think of a vicar, Mr. Collins always comes to mind. That's one reason I found William Brook so refreshing. ;) Lol!
DeleteI know you have this one on your TBR list, have you read it yet?