Living the Difference

by Richard Frost

Eastwood Minster newly-weds Sophie and Matt West, together with his daughter Tilly, have all moved on and life is different for them now. The small market town is a close-knit community – with a few dropped stitches. Steve Archibald is one of them, and his antics cause difficulties for Jess Wilson among others. The local vicar, Liz James, finds parish life brings many joys and challenges – and an unexpected surprise or two. Her best friend, Alice, delves deep in to the past and local shop assistant, Nick, understands more about his own.

Beginning on the same weekend that my previous novella, Looking to Move On ended, we encounter some familiar characters and meet new ones as each live with the differences and changes that life brings. Another story of hope overcoming adversity.

Living the Difference is the second book in the Eastwood Story series

187 pages, Paperback

Published November 30, 2023

About the author

Over the years, Richard has written many articles, book reviews and numerous other ways of crafting and enjoying words. He has written seven books (3 fiction; 4 non-fiction) and writes a blog at http://workrestpray.com/ and presents a podcast.

In his paid employment career, he helped people to find or remain in work and specialised in supporting people with mental health conditions. He lives in Devon, UK and is a lay minister in the Church of England. He was appointed MBE for services to mental health in 2018

Reviews

[Sharon Hazel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a sequel to Looking to Move On, although it could be read alone. ‘Living the Difference’ develops the storyline for some familiar characters while also introducing new ones. I found it an easy, encouraging, read, with insight into a slice of English church life – or what I imagine an English church community to be like! The author includes wry observations on the quirks of our very human behaviour while shaping a bigger picture. Faith plays an important part in ‘Living the Difference’ and although it is not explicitly stated we see how everything works together, for good.

[Teresa O'Driscoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

This thoughtful and well-crafted sequel has much for the reader to identify with: highly relatable characters and life challenges. The closely entwined nature of village life is well drawn. This book gives a great insight into the life of a vicar, and how to show them real appreciation. Well-paced, spare, tight writing guides us carefully through the plot’s twists and turns.

[Paula Anne Thwaite · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fireside read - Heartwarming

Something that stood out for me while reading this homely novella, is how, as a parishioner, I forget about all the work involved in being a member of the clergy. It's not just about arranging and preparing each service, it can be about chatting with, for instance, Mary (a name I made up) who lost her dog. Or planning and thinking about Easter in January, even! Or the odd day filled with tragedy, sorting out and reconciliation.
This book is written as fiction (I think one incident is true or based on true events). I found it a gentle fireside read. The ideal book for someone who wants to receive a little hope and a warm heart, but doesn't want to read a 500 page book to search for it!
Im not going to give away the storyline (well, maybe a little): I like how Richard recognises the funny side of people's habits and gently makes light of them. The cracked teapot, for instance, and communication mix-ups by genuine-want-to-be-helpful-helpers - all fictious, of course (my lips are sealed, you'll have to read the book yourself to discover more). I recommend you buy the book and enjoy this read!
There's lots more to this story. Including an offering of gentle spiritual growth. Im also reminded of how Sundays can be easily taken over by other considered important things, and how judgmental some people can be with such little information. But I'd better stop there, or you'll know too much! I recommend you read Living The Difference, along with the first book in this series. Well done Richard.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Living The Difference, the sequel to Looking to Move On, takes us once more into the world of Matt West, his new wife, Sophie and a tight-knit community with connections to Revd. Liz James, Vicar of St Mark’s CofE Church. Anyone who has enjoyed the Vicar of Dibley, or has been part of a church congregation, will know the variety of personalities and needs, or those that literally turn up unannounced on a Vicar’s doorstep. As in Looking to Move On, Richard Frost, has used this template to set some ‘social issues’ hares running, including the effect of crime, illegitimacy, shame, unforgiveness, sexuality, PTSD, counselling, and family history. Meanwhile, Matt and Sophie, with Matt’s daughter Tilly, continue to build a life together. This is a book that shows compassion as a strength in society rather than a sign of weakness.