Saints and Sailors

The Dunbridge Chronicles #4

by Pam Rhodes

Three groups of people come together for a more-or-less godly cruise around the British Isles: to Lindisfarne, the Loch Ness Monster Museum, Iona and Mull, Dublin and the Scilly Isles.

There are familiar faces from St Stephens, Dunbridge; some new folk from Neil's new parish in Derbyshire; and the slightly long-suffering crew, not least her skipper.

A cruise is a great place to make new friends, with leisure for decent conversations. It can also be an awkward, confined space with those you would really rather avoid. Some of the party are facing tough decisions - not least of which, whether to say 'yes' - and some tensions just cannot be left on land.

Genres: Fiction, Christian Fiction

272 pages, Paperback

First published October 16, 2015

About the author

Pam Rhodes for many years has presented the world’s numberone religious television program, Songs of Praise on BBC. She writes for the UK national newspaper, the Daily Mail, and is also a successful novelist—author of The Dunbridge Chronicles, With Hearts and Hymns and Voices, and four other novels, as well as a number of additional books.

Reviews

[Damaskcat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the Dunbridge Chronicles series and it is set on a Christian Cruise round the British Isles. It features old favourite characters from Dunbridge as well as some cameo appearances by real people including the author herself. There are also characters from Neil's new parish in Derbyshire and of course, Clair's Uncle Harry. There are a lot of characters in this book and it's a good thing there is a cast list at the front as I found myself needing to refer to it from time to time.

I loved the background of the cruise and the descriptions of the places visited including Lindisfarne, the Orkneys - especially the Italian Chapel there built by prisoners of war. I feel as though I have visited the places described. Against this well drawn background the human dramas are played out.

I like the author's low key style and I think her dialogue is realistic and reflects the character of whoever is speaking. The religious background to the story is not overdone and the author portrays people whose religion is part of their daily lives. You don't have to have read the previous books in the series but I think it helps if you have done.

[Kate Baxter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story of love; love of family, friends, music, mankind, The Word, one's Creator and His creation. It is the fourth book in author Pam Rhodes' The Dunbridge Chronicles series. Each installment in this delightful series is even better than the last. Ms. Rhodes deftly navigates the compass of human behavior and emotion through her well developed characters. She affirms the goodness within and tenderly portrays forgiveness and redemption. This is a slice of parish life on holiday - the good, the bad and sometimes not too pretty. To the best of my knowledge, this is the first in the series which incorporates active non-fictional characters into the story line - an interesting addition. Well done Ms. Rhodes!

I am grateful to Lion Hudson/Kregel Publications and LibraryThing Early Reviewers program for having provided a free copy of this book. Their generosity, however, did not influence this review, the words of which are mine alone.

[Jalynn Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

About the Book:
Three groups of people come together for a more-or-less godly cruise around the British Isles: to Lindisfarne, the Loch Ness Monster Museum, Iona and Mull, Dublin and the Scilly Isles. There are familiar faces from St Stephens, Dunbridge; some new folk from Neil's new parish in Derbyshire; and the slightly long-suffering crew, not least her skipper.

My Review:
Pam Rhodes has done it again. She has added another delightful tale to The Dunbridge Chronicles series. The author takes us along on this cruise and introduces us to many well known tourist attractions. Neil is with us, as well this go around with some fresh, friendly faces. You will be taken on a joy ride you didn't quite expect when you read Saints & Sailors.

This was somewhat of a light hearted read with a few exciting points dropped in for good measure. I like the well rounded characters and I really liked checking in with everyone once again in this lovely addition to the series. I can't wait to see what the author will do next with this series of great stories.

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author.

[Marcie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy Saints and Sailers from Kregal Publications in exchange for a review. The book is about a group of people who embark on a luxury cruise around the British Isles. The descriptions of the sights they saw, along with this history of the places they visited, were captivating. I could almost see the sights from the written descriptions. There was also a chance to 'meet' the people who were traveling, and to learn about their lives and the real-life issues they were facing. Those issues included dementia, loneliness, pregnancy, death, and relationships. The author even dealt with homosexuality in a thoughtful, non-judgmental way. Overall, though I found the book interesting, I thought it was too heavy with religious overtones.

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

While a novel, and the 4th in the Dunbridge Chronicles series, this book was much more devotional that the first three...I'm sure some will not like its several forays into religious services as a vicarious experience of a Christian pilgrimage. Since I will be doing exactly that in 2 months time (although completely on land, other than flights to/from the location), it was a good introduction and mind-readying exercise for my own pilgrimage.

The hints about the new vicar for St. Stephen's perhaps points to a 5th book in the series (or a new series)??

[Denita · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is Book 4 in this series. This book sees the congregation from St Stephens in Dunbridge coming together with the parishioners from St Judes in Burntacre for a cruise around Britain, Scottish Islands, Ireland, Scilly Isles, Guernsey and the Normandy Coast line. It was a lovely story combining many historical places with the Christian element.

[maggy bater · Rating 5 out of 5]

It makes Christian living sound normal. Well wtitten and. Believable. It is an interesting story and the characters and story lines are blended well

It us an interesting story and the characters and story lines are well blended. It shows Christians as normal people.

[Sally Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely read

I found the whole series of books wonderful. You can read this one as an individual or read the whole chronicle. All i want to know is,is there to be more

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good book. Didn’t like it as much as the others in the series but still enjoyable. The story was finished off nicely.

[Blue North · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've traveled on a joyful Christian journey to Iona, Guernsey, Scilly Isles and around other pieces of the British Isles with Pam Rhodes and congregants of Bishop of Bedford and his wife, Margaret in Saints & Sailors by Pam Rhodes. Amazingly, Pam Rhodes has written herself into this novel as a character. The Christian cruise is filled with the happy and sad moments of the passengers. It is also filled with quotes from the mouths of Christian saints. There are quotes from St. Columba, St. Ninian and St. David and Christian leaders like Charles Wesley. I could never tell all that happens on the sea trip. The book review would become too long. This is a small taste of it.

There are many characters in Saints & Sailors. I didn't think it possible to see each character as an individual. However, I soon found the characters beginning to stand up and shout "look at me. I'm important. You will learn something from my life on this ship!" I first became concerned with Rob and his wife. I've always thought all couples leave their problems at home. No, not true. Big problems between couples can come aboard with everything else including the luggage.

Nothing is funny about the sadness felt by Jill, the wife. Rob is distant from her. I think the sight of her is repugnant to him. She feels all of his venom and doesn't know where it's coming from and neither does she know why or if his feelings will reverse. The chasm between the two is huge. While the two live or don't live their lives on board and off board, the other passengers, congregants of the same church, are experiencing adjustments too. I came to feel that life on a ship is a little like life at home. The only change is on board ship there is the beautiful scenery and the stops on land along the way.

I certainly will remember Holy Island, Iona and the Gardens of Scilly. There is also the entertainment. I met an Opera star named Rhydian. He is world famous. There is Songs of Praise and the forming of the Gospel choir. On and on this novelistic carousel goes. Where it stops, you will never guess. For sure, you will remember the times when there were prayers and lessons about God. Must I stop writing about this fourth novel in The Dunbridge Chronicles? Yes, but I will add there are many aides at the beginning of the novel: One is Who's Who in Dunbridge?

Without a doubt, this is a trip that can stay on your heart and mind and in your life. The dedication at the beginning of the book is a honest one. "For pilgrims everywhere -- blessings on you wherever your journey takes you."
pamrhodes.co.uk/shop.html
kregel.com/fiction/saints-and-sailors/
bbc.co.uk/programmes/profiles/pam-rhodes

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this novel may be the best yet in The Dunbridge Chronicles. It was a joy to read. While it is the fourth in the series, it would be worth reading even if the previous novels have been missed.

Neil and his flocks set off on a Christian cruise. That's right, both his flocks - the people in Dunbridge, where Neil learned the ropes as curate, and the people of Burntacre, where he now serves. The two groups start out as strangers but by the end of the cruise have become friends.

What a delightful book. Rhodes again does a great job with characters. There is the jealous choir director who gets huffy because she hasn't been chosen to lead the choir. There is the couple who are finally beginning to test the edges of romance and begin contemplating marriage. There is the long married couple with a gruff husband who seems to be bent on ending their marriage. There's the middle aged woman who will make the stop in Dublin with thoughts of seeing her parents – parents who threw her out of the house 24 years ago and whom she hasn't seen since.

In addition to the greatly depicted characters are the history lessons. We journey along to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne and learn of St. Aidan and the monastery established there in AD 635. We visit Orkney and hear of the Italian prisoners of war brought there to work on the Churchill Barriers. Then on to the Isle of Iona and the community St. Columba founded there. We find delight in the Abbey Gardens and the Isles of Scilly and then go on to Guernsey. What fun to find out about the spiritual history of these places through the eyes of the travelers.

And the most fun may be the appearance of the author, Pam Rhodes, the popular host of BBC Television's Songs of Praise program. She is instrumental in designing the musical aspect of this Christian cruise. It was as much fun to read about her as I am sure it was for her to put herself into the story.

During the nine days of the cruise, people bicker just like they do at church. New relationships are made and old ones heal. Some people are moved by what God is doing while others seem to be as crabby at the end as they were at the beginning.

I highly recommend this novel. I love the characters and I really enjoyed the history I learned. Unlike some British Christian novels, the Christianity in this one will be well recognized as evangelical by American readers.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

[Carole Jarvis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reviewed at The Power of Words: http://bit.ly/1LYTr6C

Let me begin by saying that I am a huge fan of British fiction with its small-town settings and quirky characters. Pam is an excellent writer and has created a series that I’ve come to enjoy overall.

The theme of Saints and Sailors is so much fun – church members from Neil’s current church and his previous one coming together for a Christian cruise around the British Isles, tracing the footsteps of ancient Celtic saints who represent the cradle of Christianity in England. It was wonderful to visit places like Lindisfarne, the Isle of Mull, and Honfleur, learning of their history through the characters’ experiences.

Through her entertaining ensemble cast, Pam tackles several real-life issues that readers can identify with – grief, loneliness, pride, dementia, teen pregnancy, second chances, and death. Some scenes were humorous, others touching – such as Ida, who suffered from dementia, responding to the singing of beloved hymns, and Arthur recalling his D-Day experiences to his family.

Having been a church musician for more years than I care to admit, I found the theme of hymnody especially enjoyable. I had to laugh at the scene where Carole, pushing for her own ideas of what the musical standard should be, told Clifford: “At our services to date, your ill-prepared team have come up with far too many modern choruses which may be known today, but will certainly be forgotten tomorrow.” That controversy is still going on in churches around me!

However, there was one element involving the Christian faith that rubbed me the wrong way. While other issues that the characters were facing seemed to be dealt with in a straightforward biblical way, the advice to follow your heart was given by Clifford to a young musician dealing with same-sex attraction: “This is your life, your time. The decisions you make must feel right for you.” I’m not trying to single out this controversial issue, because no matter what the fleshly desire is, those words kind of came from nowhere and seem at odds with a loving and holy God who says that “to obey is better than sacrifice.” So while there’s much that I liked about this story, I don’t believe it’s one that conservative readers would enjoy.

Thank you to Kregel/Lion Fiction for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Beckie Burnham · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is no secret that Christians across denominational and national lines disagree on many things. There wouldn’t be so many different churches if that was not true. Besides worship styles, doctrinal and social issues divide us. Some of the thoughts expressed in Pam Rhodes series, The Dunbridge Chronicles are counter to what I believe, but that has not stopped me from enjoying (for the most part) her tales of a young Anglican priest’s day to day experiences. Saints And Sailors is the fourth book in this series. Its cruise ship setting offers a unique perspective on the hurts and hopes of modern day people as it visits historical settings where faith has triumphed. Rhodes is ambitious in tackling a number of issues involving grief, shame, second chances, love and death, and in most cases handles them very well. Its wide cast of characters are engaging and fit the story. I was really enjoying this book when the author inserted what I feel is a cliche take on an issue that many Christians are stuggling with. Two young, intelligent, charming, talented and handsome men are involved in a homosexual relationship. This story line is treated briefly with the attitude that love is the most important thing, certainly more important than whether mum will get those grandchildren. No matter where you stand on the issue of same-sex relationships, it is a disservice to ignore what God says on the matter. Rhodes didn’t ignore the Bible when tackling marital problems or the death of a child or restoring lost relationships. She did, however, treat this issue with a politically correct statement that suggests if you feel otherwise you are at fault. For me, the other messages the author tried to convey were drowned out by this.

I am in the minority on my opinion of this book, at least on Amazon, but that is okay.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to Kregel for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

[Victor Gentile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pam Rhodes in her new book, “Saints & Sailors” Book Four in The Dunbridge Chronicles series published by Lion Fiction continues the story of Neil Fisher.

From the back cover: Freshly-fledged vicar Neil Fisher and a group of his new parishioners in Derbyshire join members of his old church in Dunbridge on a cruise around the British Isles.

They set off on the high seas with high hopes, and even higher spirits. Neil’s motley flock of pilgrim sailors face delights and disasters as friendships blossom, relationships evolve, secrets are revealed, and old hurts nursed. As the ship circles Britain, visiting the Scottish islands, Ireland, the Scilly Isles, Guernsey, and the Normandy Coast, Neil’s fellow passengers learn as much about themselves as they do about the places they visit. And love is in the air!

I do believe that of the four books in this series so far, this one is the best! I like taking a cruise and taking a Christian cruise makes it astronomically better. The pace is slow and easy and everyone begins to get to know the other people. Plus the ports-of-call are very interesting with quite a few of the destinations having been featured in other Christian books by other talented authors. Neil Fisher returns and he definitely has his hands full but the people are varied and interesting and there is even romance. This is a fun read that you are not going to want to put down until you have finished it! It is just that good.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Kregel Publications. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Narita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saints and Sailors
The Dunbridge Chronicles
By Pam Rhodes

This was my first book to read by Pam Rhodes. I have a mixed review. The story centers around an Anglican priest who joins his previous and new church members on a cruise that highlights historic religious locations.
I had a lot of trouble getting into parts of the story. There were far too many characters, and I had difficulty keeping them straight, even with the list of their names and descriptions at the front of the book. It was not until the middle of the book that I was able to keep them straight. Also, the accounts of the special sites they visited on their tours, did not interest me.
Don’t get me wrong, the book was well written. In spite of a very large character cast, I enjoyed the glimpses into their personal lives and struggles. There was a wonderfully board representation of the varied personalities people possess and how they interact or in some cases clash when put together. All of them had different reasons for taking the cruise. There was humor, sadness, personal discovery and even tragedy scattered throughout. I found it true to life and very interesting how the characters appeared one way in public, careful to hide actual problems and emotions from their fellow shipmates. I reminder that we have no clue what others are facing their private lives. I thought it was very clever of the author to cast herself as a character using her real name and doing what she does in real life!
I received this book at no charge from Kregel Publications in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Mayda · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 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.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are three other books in this series, but this is the first that I have read. It is interesting in that you are taking a cruise with Neil’s old parish on the cruise together, they begin the journey as strangers, but become friends.
I love the descriptions of the places we traveled and some historical information, it was so interesting. I loved the humor presented here, and would have loved to be on this cruise, or maybe a fly on the wall.
With a Christian cruise things should be smooth sailing with like minds aboard, right! I loved how the ladies came to the aid of one of their own when her husband was abusing her with snide remarks, and they tell her all of her confidence has been knocked out of her by her husband, enjoyed how they helped her.
We visit beautifully described places and learn a lot about the history of the area, I love history and this about places I’ve never heard of and oh so interesting.
Sign me up for the next one of these cruises, I really want to go, and they really do exist!
I received this book through Kregel Blogger Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Beth Withers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like the three books before this one, I enjoyed reading more about the characters I have come to love. Neil's new congregation meets the old on a Christian cruise. Once again, I enjoyed that what happens in the book is so realistic, just like in the previous books. There is happiness and sadness, life and death, just as it would be in a real congregation. One thing I truly enjoyed in this book was the places that were visited on the cruise. I would read, then go to my computer and find images and information on the locations. Consequently, not only did I enjoy the story, but I also learned about some interesting places that I hope to visit myself one day. The message is strongly Christian and uplifting.

[Tammy G. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the Dunbridge Chronicles by Pam Rhodes. I've been able to read three of the four books and find the stories are all shaped around an angelical priest, Neil Fisher.
This story involves Neil Fisher and some of his congregants as they take a cruise together. An interesting cruise.
This is also a read that includes mainly British people traveling in a ship to have a holiday of sorts.
I had a bit of a problem with some of the transitions in the story. . . I just didn't get it. The story was slightly slow for me.
This particular story wasn't my cup of tea but if you enjoy British life and travels that include a lot of conversations then you will enjoy this read.
*This book was provided for review by Kregel Publications*

[Donna Bresnak · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book was a very Christian book, lots of prayers, and discussions of religion mixed into a story of characters on a pilgrimage cruise of sorts. the book had a lot of touristy background and at times felt like a history lecture. I don't normally read Christian fiction but this was a free book I received. I enjoyed it. it reminded me of the Mitford series but had much more prayers and religion than I was comfortable with. the plot was fairly predictable and crew of characters what one would expect in a community.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

For some reason, I'd expected a mystery novel, which this is not. It's more of a cosy, soap opera-style of narrative. But although the characters and situations are predictable, the totality is satisfying; it's good to have all the loose ends tied up now and then, since it never seems to happen in real life. Another plus is the description of the cruise itself, which features some wonderful places. I've been lucky to visit a couple of them and would love to do the entire trip.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful Christian story of two church groups who go on a wonderful cruise. They visit many religious sites that saints of the past lived, a pilgrimage for many.
There is a wonderful cast of characters including the author Pam herself. There are new friendships formed, and one even passes on while on board.
A well written story that I highly recommend. I ordered the first three books in the series to get to know these wonderful people better.

[Laune · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have not read the previous books in the Dunbridge Chronicles, but find this book enjoyable with interesting characters that portray human behavior and interaction from three different groups that come together. It is a delightful tale.

[Verity W · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review to follow - reviewed for Novelicious.

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warm and uplifting