Casting the Net

By Pam Rhodes

'Light, amusing, but at heart dealing with serious issues of faith and friendship and family.' The Irish Catholic

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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lion Fiction
• Release date: Feb 21, 2014
• ISBN: 9781782640639

Pam Rhodes

Pam Rhodes is known around the world as the presenter of BBC Television's Songs of Praise and her popular Hearts and Hymns programme on Premier Christian Radio. She describes herself as an 'anorak' in her fascination for hymns old and new, and her books on hymn-writers, like Love So Amazing, Then Sings My Soul and Hear My Song are essentials in many a church vestry! A natural storyteller with 25 varied books under her belt, Pam is perhaps best known for her novels packed with down-to-earth characters and situations that inspire and entertain.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Most of the time he just looked down at his boots, counting each dogged step as he paced, one foot in front of the other. The terrain was becoming more rugged, with unexpected outcrops of sharp rock, and cambers on the scrubland that could easily dislodge his footing or twist an ankle. The straps on his rucksack were starting to chafe his shoulders through his cotton T-shirt, and he could feel a sticky trickle of sweat coursing down his back, even though he’d stripped off his jacket and tied it round his waist a mile down the hill. The sun rose steadily in the sky towards the height of the day.

Three hundred, three hundred and one, three hundred and two, three hundred and three, three hundred and four… Some way back, Neil had begun counting his steps, determined not to slow his pace or deviate from his aim to reach the peak of the hill by eleven o’clock. Then he could stop, unpack his rucksack, and get out his Bible. Until then, he would only let himself think about pausing after each five hundred steps to catch his breath, sip from his water bottle or take in the view. Just a couple of minutes would be allowed to muster his energy and purpose before starting off again. It was a discipline he’d set himself – and God knows, his life needed discipline.

Four hundred and ninety-six, four hundred and ninety-seven, four hundred and ninety-eight, four hundred and ninety-nine, five hundred! Relieved, he bent forward, clasping his knees and gasping for breath. For a few seconds he stayed there, doubled up, as his breathing became more relaxed and regular. Slowly pulling himself up, he reached back into his rucksack for his water bottle and downed the lukewarm liquid in short, frantic gulps. Only then did he look up and around him, his gaze taking in the rolling contours and vibrant summer colours of the Derbyshire Dales.

Last time he and Rob had come here, it had been earlier in the previous year, when there was still a frost in the air and a biting wind. That must have been last April – fifteen months, and yet a whole lifetime ago. They’d both been students then, getting away for a weekend of walking before facing their finals at theological college. They were young men full of academic theory, with high hopes for the life that lay ahead of them. Seeing Rob again over the past week, Neil recognized in his friend a new maturity, honed by the year he’d spent as a curate in a large inner-city church.

Could Rob see a similar maturity in him, Neil wondered. Since the ordination ceremony at the weekend, when they had both taken their final vows of priesthood, had Rob seen him as a man of mission and calling, able to bring wisdom and insight to others as he served his community and led others into a deeper relationship with Christ? Would anyone in Dunbridge think that of him without an incredulous grin on their face?

Neil’s shoulders slumped as he thought about his role as curate at St Stephen’s Church in the small Bedfordshire market town of Dunbridge. His parishioners might be kind enough to describe him as being fired with Christian purpose to serve the Lord with dedication and skill, but Neil would be the first to admit the long list of failings they might also mention. Who wanted a curate who was naturally shy and hated the limelight? What good was that when the heart of the job was to give inspirational sermons every Sunday? And if he were being brutally honest, his organizational skills weren’t brilliant. Of course it was helpful to be quite neat and tidy by nature, but when those qualities were paired with a sieve of a mind that regularly forgot what he’d been thinking about just the moment before, his tidy nature didn’t save him from coming across as ill-prepared and forgetful.

And if that sense of inadequacy and muddle weren’t enough to overwhelm him, then his complete failure in affairs of the heart would certainly tip him into depression. Some people might think a man lucky to have two interesting and attractive women declaring love for him, but not if the man’s a priest, for heaven’s sake! He could try to excuse himself by recognizing his lack of experience in relationships with the opposite sex, but he couldn’t pretend ignorance of the fact that one man was only supposed to share love and loyalty with one woman at a time. Somehow he’d found himself drawn to two very different yet equally remarkable girls.

He could see that Wendy, the music teacher who ran the worship group at St Stephen’s, would make the perfect wife for an eager young curate. It was less easy to imagine a future with the other woman who had burst her way into his heart. Claire was his neighbour, prickly, challenging and very attractive in an off-beat sort of way. Quite simply, he’d never met anyone remotely like her – a single mum who described herself as an atheist – and yet, in the year since he’d come to Dunbridge, they’d both been surprised to recognize the unlikely, deeply unsettling connection that constantly sparked between them.

Too much thinking and not enough walking! Stuffing his water bottle back in his rucksack, Neil glanced at his watch, then set off again, singing out loud to give himself a beat to march to.

Onward Christian soldiers, marching as to war,

With the cross of Jesus going on before!

Four verses later, the hill had got steeper, his path less clear – and he was taking the hymn at a much slower pace. By the end of his second rendition, his singing was barely above a whisper, as he no longer had the breath to sing the words out loud.

His thoughts drifted to the music at his ordination service in the abbey the previous Saturday. The glorious harmonies of the opening anthem, and the fullness of the congregational hymns echoing around the ancient walls, which were steeped in centuries of song, prayer and worship – somehow they blended together to fill the huge space of carved arches and curving ceilings with joyful celebration one moment and deeply reverential prayer the next. In some ways, Neil wished he could remember more of the detail of the service. He’d prepared for it for so long, and knew the words by heart, but sadly the whole thing had become a bit of a blur, with just the odd gleaming moment shining in his memory with absolute clarity. Most of all, he could feel again the crackle of energy that seemed to go through him as the supporting group of local clergy stood around him, their hands on his shoulders, while Bishop Paul blessed him and welcomed him into full priesthood. That moment was the culmination of his life’s purpose so far, and pointed him towards the path he must follow from now on. He would relive that moment over and over again in years to come – although perhaps not just now, with his lungs ready to explode and a large blister mushrooming on his left heel as it rubbed savagely against the back of his boot.

The summit of the hill loomed clearly into view at last, thankfully not that far above him. Within minutes, he’d got to the top, where he leaned over to get his breath back for a while before lowering his backpack, untying his jacket and spreading it out over the damp grass in front of him. Then he reached into the rucksack to pull out his water bottle, gulping down half the remaining contents. Refreshed at last, he pulled out his Bible and laid it before him as he carefully knelt down on the jacket.

Ouch! His knee made contact with something hard and sharp in his jacket pocket. Pulling out his car keys, he placed them on a flat rock behind him, then settled himself into a position for prayer.

It was a good half hour before the cramp in his knees got too severe for him to stay in that position a minute longer. Pulling himself gingerly to his feet, he stood for a moment to savour the colour and spectacle of the layered hills around him. It had been a good idea to come here, where the wind could blow fresh thoughts into his head, and God himself could whisper in his ear. This walk had served its purpose. He knew now what he had to do.

Quickly gathering his things together, Neil started the downward journey with new energy and commitment. This was how those old-time missionaries must have felt as they ventured out to face unknown dangers in far-flung corners of the world. Now he understood their zeal, their sense of mission, and their certainty that God was with them always. He had joined their holy army! Look out, world, here I come!

He didn’t even bother to stop for a break on the way down, and forty-five minutes later he was striding across the gravel towards his car. With a smile of anticipation, he peered through the window into the back seat. There it was – the ice box he’d asked the hotel to fill for him before he set out. His mouth watered at the thought of crusty bread filled with home-baked ham and spicy pickle, the crisp salad, and the slice of lemon drizzle cake, all to be washed down with a thermos of hot coffee.

But as Neil fumbled through his pockets, an awful truth dawned on him. Suddenly he remembered where he’d left his keys. He could picture the small rugged outcrop where he’d stopped at the top of the hill, and the low, flat rock on which his car keys were no doubt glistening in the midday sunshine at this very moment.

From his mouth, unbidden and unforgivable, came a very un-Christian expletive – not just once, but twice – and, louder still, three times, four, five – until the sixth completed its echoing journey around the circle of hills in time to smack him in the face like a hard punch.

Ashamed of his language, Neil bent his head in a quick prayer of humble apology. Then he straightened up and grabbed his rucksack to check on his water supplies. Dwindling, he thought miserably, as he shook the water bottle. Still, the sooner he set off, the sooner he’d be back at the car tucking into those ham sandwiches!

Off he marched, chin up, eyes on the horizon, determined that neither the throbbing pain in his heel, nor the bruise he could feel developing on the ball of his foot, would hold him back. Perhaps he should have kept his eyes on the ground, because he failed to notice the cluster of small stones that brought him crashing to his knees.

That word rang out again across the hills – and again, and again, until the hill finally demanded all his breath for climbing.

CHAPTER 2

"A re you limping, Neil?"

Churchwarden Cynthia Clarkson – but please call me Cyn – turned round to glance at him as he hobbled into the church hall kitchen two days later.

Just a couple of blisters from my walking holiday.

New boots, were they?

The boots were fine. It’s me that’s falling to bits. I thought I was good at hill walking, but honestly, I’m aching from top to toe.

Oh dear, tutted Cyn, her eyes sparkling more with laughter than sympathy, you poor old thing! Not the spring chicken you thought you were, eh?

I wouldn’t mind, grumbled Neil, but I’m still in my twenties. I can’t believe how out of condition I am.

What you need, said Cyn, is a bit of home cooking and good company. You are coming on Sunday, aren’t you? I reckon there’ll be about forty of us for lunch. I’ve already started baking. Got all the puds made and in the freezer, so I’ll just have the cold meat and salads to prepare on the day. All our own produce, of course.

The mention of food definitely got Neil’s attention.

I wouldn’t miss it for the world!

Neil propped himself against the work surface as she dried the coffee mugs and stacked them neatly in the cupboard while she chatted. She’d been one of the two churchwardens at St Stephen’s for more than five years now, deftly combining the demands of that role with the needs of the large, warm-hearted Clarkson family of which she was undoubtedly the matriarch. Neil sometimes wondered if she ever slept, because she seemed so full of energy and purpose that she could be exhausting, humbling company. Mind you, he thought pragmatically, what a blessing Cyn was to all of them there. Every church could do with a Cynthia Clarkson in their midst!

What wouldn’t you miss? asked Margaret, the rector of St Stephen’s, as she joined them in the kitchen, still clutching the papers she’d just been sorting in the office.

A good meal! grinned Neil. Cyn’s been telling me what’s on the menu after Ellen’s baptism next Sunday.

Did I tell you, Margaret? Ellen’s going to wear the Clarkson christening gown that’s been handed down through the family for almost a century.

Heavens! What’s it made of? Is it something delicate like lace? Will it stand up to all the youngsters wanting to hold the baby on her special day? Goodness knows what Ellen’s going to make of all those boy cousins who’ll be bossing her about!

Oh, we Clarkson women know how to sort our men out, grinned Cyn. She and her husband Jim had always had an easy relationship with complementary roles: he was the boss when it came to running the farm, but she was in charge of everything else.

Ellen will have them wrapped around her little finger before they know what’s hit them. And you’re right, the dress is delicate – and quite small too. I suppose when my great-great-grandma made it all those years ago, babies were baptized when they were only a few days old, in case they didn’t last long. That was life then, wasn’t it? Of course, Ellen was small when she was born, coming early like that, so it’ll fit her OK. Jeannie says she’ll just let her wear the gown for the service, then change her into something more practical later on.

Jeannie seems to have taken to being a mum as if she’s done it all her life, said Margaret. Considering how difficult that pregnancy was, she’s just looked better and better every time I’ve seen her recently.

That’s contentment for you. Cyn turned away from the sink to face Neil and Margaret, wiping her hands on the cloth as she spoke. They waited so long for that little girl. All those miscarriages – it wasn’t just the physical problems. It was hard for Jeannie emotionally, and for Colin too. But they’re strong together. Made for each other, those two. And now, at last, they’re the parents they’ve longed to be, thanks to IVF – and God! Our prayers were certainly answered.

Amen to that, agreed Margaret quietly. Now, do you need any help with the catering on Sunday? I could always get Frank to knock up one of his fruit cakes.

What we want is for our new little wonder to be welcomed into the world and the church. And for all our church family to come over to the house and celebrate her safe arrival. It’ll be good to treat you for a change, Margaret. You’ve been great, visiting Jeannie as much as you have, especially when she was so poorly. She was only saying the other day how much receiving Communion meant to her – all those weeks when she was in hospital, and then later when she finally came home with Ellen in her arms. It gave her strength when she needed it.

Margaret reached out to squeeze Cyn’s hand, plainly touched by her words.

It was a pleasure, honestly, and we’re looking forward very much to Sunday.

Good! Oh, I must go, replied Cyn, glancing at the cock-eyed clock on the kitchen wall, which had been hanging at an odd angle for months, too high up for anyone to sort it without the help of a ladder. I’ll see you both at the meeting on Wednesday. Seven o’clock, isn’t it? Must go. Bye!

You OK for St Gabriel’s? asked Margaret, turning to Neil as Cyn left. I wonder if a good-looking, newly ordained priest will be more of a draw than I’ve ever been? If you get more than the usual eight, your name will be down for St Gabriel’s every Sunday from now on!

Thanks, chuckled Neil. I’ll consider that a challenge.

Margaret laid her papers down on the counter and leaned back comfortably, plainly ready to chat.

"I can’t tell you how nice it is not to have to cover every service myself after all these years. Every priest I know is stretched to breaking point now, with so many churches to look after in every parish. Last year, of course, you were a bit wet behind the ears…"

Neil grimaced in agreement. … but now you’ve been ordained priest, it’s good that we can share the load.

I hope so, I really do. I don’t want to let you down.

Her smile was kind. Certainly not so far. Your sermon this morning was right on the button, although I can definitely tell you’re a bit nervous when you lead the Eucharist…

That’s an understatement.

Don’t be too hard on yourself, Neil. It’s early days. You’re still a curate, and your training will continue for at least two or maybe three more years. Just don’t beat yourself up if you lose your way or feel uncertain. That’s why we’re here in this parish together, to support each other. There will be things I’ll go off at the deep end about…

I’ve noticed!

And so I should, if your lack of knowledge or expertise causes trouble for the church or its members – but that would be as much a lesson for me as it is for you. My responsibility is to support you as you learn, to teach you everything I can, then stand by like a parent and watch you become more than I ever could be.

There was disbelief in Neil’s reaction.

Hardly. You make things look so easy. You’re at ease with everyone, wherever you meet them, in church or in the street. But then, I think you’re naturally a much more confident person than me. I can’t imagine ever being able to get up and give a sermon without writing down every word and reading it verbatim – and I really can’t picture a time when my knees won’t be knocking together like castanets whenever I stand up to lead the Eucharist. I’d love to be able to talk to people like you do – you’re relaxed with everyone. Can you imagine how embarrassing it is to feel myself going bright red the moment I start to think about how I’m probably getting all sorts of things wrong?

You’ll get there. I have no doubts about that.

Neil fell silent.

Ask if you’re unsure. Sharing is the key. Talk about your worries and concerns – to me, to other Christian friends – to Wendy, perhaps?

Neil’s silence went unnoticed as Margaret continued.

Wendy’s grown up in the church. She understands church life and its challenges. And from what I know of her, she’s a practical young woman, good at dealing with most situations. Being a teacher in a busy school probably helps – all those doting parents to deal with! You couldn’t have chosen a better partner to talk things through with.

When Neil didn’t answer, Margaret looked at him with interest.

"She is your partner, isn’t she?"

It seems that way.

To her, do you mean? What about you? Do you think of the two of you as partners?

Well, we do spend a lot of time together. She’s great company, talented too. How could music at St Stephen’s ever manage without her family – Mum running the choir, Dad on the organ? And Wendy’s done wonders with the music group!

That’s true.

And she’s so pretty, really kind and thoughtful.

Very.

She was absolutely wonderful before my ordination. She drove me all the way down to the Retreat House so I didn’t have to bother taking my car. That’s typical of her. She thinks ahead, sorts everything out so that it all goes smoothly…

Neil felt Margaret’s eyes fixed on him as she spoke.

She loves you. That’s plain to see.

I know she does. She tells me all the time.

And you? Do you love her?

Neil considered the question carefully.

I think so.

But you’re not completely certain.

"I don’t know how to explain my feelings. I definitely fancy her

Reviews for Casting the Net

[jostars-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

In this second book in the delightful Dunbridge Chronicles, Neil Fisher has become a newly ordained Anglican priest. The book focuses on his relationships with his parishioners as well as on his personal relationships. There is an unexpected twist at the end of the book which sets the stage for book three, If You Follow Me, due out in October. I hope this charming series has a long life.

[kmt01_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Casting the Net provides a good picture of modern life and religion. Neil Fisher has personal problems as well as problems ministering to his congregation, who are a mixed bag such as we are likely to find today. In his personal life, he must choose which woman is better, the one who would make an ideal, typical clergyman’s wife or the won who is different and pretty far from that ideal. The big problem he faces is that he feels sparks with one and not with the other. He also encounters a congregation who are accepting and not so accepting of the way things are changing in today’s world and religion. How Neil deals with all this makes for a pretty good and interesting story. The book is not all that long and reads pretty fast because the author has developed a folksy, easy writing style. The characters are true and easy to relate to. The situation is very believable. This is a good book for someone who might want to explore the life and decisions of an Anglican priest as he makes his way through his early years. The writing reminded me of the Mitford series books, but that may be due to the similar subject matter. I think anyone who enjoyed those books would find this series equally as refreshing and enjoyable. Though I normally do not read books of this genre, I found this one easy to read and get into, as I think many other readers would. I received this from Library Thing to read and review.

[njstitcher · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed the first book in this series when I got it as an early reviewer, so I was very glad to get this second one. Neil is now ordained and faced with choosing between two women, one who is doing everything possible to nab her perfect husband and the other who does her best to keep her distance. Once again there were scenes and side stories that moved me to tears. The secondary characters continue to be well developed and contribute to the overall story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the third installment.

[vintagebeckie · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

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 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.)

[rphalliburton · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Another good book from Ms. Rhodes. Although it takes place in England and our churches operate differently the same issues come before our preachers.Neil is in his second year as a curate and an "appropriate" wife has been chosen for him by almost everyone (especially) Wendy. I had read Fischer of Men and the ending of the booki left you in suspene as to who he will choose. This book will tell you his choice.Neil has an amazing Rector who he admires and they get along well. When her husband die uddenly her faith eems to fail and it really throws him for a loop. The book is so well written you feel as if you are there in the mist of all the troubles and joys.

[maydacat_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Neil has settled in at St. Stephan’s for his second year as curate. He is certainly more sure of himself, but is still under the guidance of Margaret, friend and rector. There are always projects underway, services to plan, and people to serve. Joys abound but sorrow also shows its face. While Neil has immersed himself in the day-to-day happenings of the parish, Wendy is plotting to endear herself to him, making sure he sees just how perfectly she fits into his life as curate. Unfortunately for Wendy, Neil is attracted to another, less perfect mate. But Wendy is not one to be thwarted in her quest, even if she has to resort to some subterfuge. Author Pam Rhodes has masterfully developed these characters and placed them in a delightful plot. She is spot-on when it came to describing the problems involved with pleasing members of the congregation who have decided that no matter what you do, the service is too contemporary/too old-fashioned and not meaningful/too serious, all at the same time. This delightful series is liberally sprinkled with humor and yet does not shy away from addressing more serious issues. A solid, 5-star novel of worth.

[joyanne-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

In the mood for a quick book without much depth? This is one of those. The storyline was better than the story, it could've been much more. Saying that I did enjoy the book somewhat. The setting is perfect and the two women the priest is attracted to (one romantically, one for her abilities) are interesting characters. This is supposed to be Christian fiction though having an Angelican priest interested in a woman proclaiming to be athiest is certainly unusual for this genre. Throw in a mother who is hard to please and you've got an interesting read. (I won a copy of this book from LibraryThing, my opinion is my own)

[chive_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I found the story of this book quite calming and mildly diverting, even if it was a little twee at times. There were moments when emotions could have been very heightened but I felt they were not. It was just too calm. Characters also seemed to have massive personality changes, particularly the curate's mother, without any real reason.I have to say I found the writing somewhat frustrating. The characters, especially at the beginning of the book, seemed to have to speak in discourses explaining who they were and what their history was instead of having it revealed through the text.

[ladyofthelodge · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book continues the chronicles of Neil, a newly ordained curate at an Anglican church in the small village of Dunbridge. If you read "Fisher of Men," the first in the series, you will recognize some of the characters. Neil struggles with two women who vie for his attentions, his mother and her overbearing ways, and several crises of faith. This book in the series seemed to contain more sad notes and situations, rather than the lighter tone of humor found in "Fisher of Men". I still enjoyed it, and the ending is a surprise--definitely "to be continued." I am anxious to see how this all plays out in the third installment.

[koalamom_1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Neil Fisher has just had his ordination and is now serving as curate at St. Stephen's/St. Gabriels's parishes. He's a bit overwhelmed by his new duties but soon proves to be up to the task. His love life is another story as the two women in his life vie for his attention. He wants one and not the other, but many problems will soon be arising with his decision.