Bringing in the Sheaves: Wheat and Chaff from My Years as a Priest

by Richard Coles

After a life of sex and drugs and the Communards - brilliantly recounted in the highly acclaimed first volume of his memoirs FATHOMLESS RICHES - the Reverend Richard Coles went on to devote his life to God and Christianity. He is also a much-loved broadcaster, presenting SATURDAY LIVE on Radio 4 and giving us regular reason to PAUSE FOR THOUGHT on Radio 2.

What is life like for the parson in Britain today? For centuries the Church calendar - and the Church minister - gave character and personality to British life. Today, however, as the shape of the year has become less distinct and faith no longer as privileged or persuasive, that figure has become far more marginal.

In BRINGING IN THE SHEAVES, Reverend Coles answers this question. From his ordination during the season of Petertide, through Advent and Christmas to Lent and Easter, he gives us a unique insight into his daily experience in the ministry, with all the joy, drama, difficulty and humour which life - and indeed death - serves up in varying measures.

Written with extraordinary charm and erudition, BRINGING IN THE SHEAVES features a multitude of characters and events from parish life against a backdrop of the Christian calendar.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Religion, Memoir, Christian, Christianity, Autobiography

232 pages, Hardcover

Published October 6, 2016

About the author

The Reverend Richard Coles (born 26 March 1962) is a Church of England priest, broadcaster, writer and musician. Richard Coles was born in Northampton, England and educated at the independent Wellingborough School (where he was a choirboy)and at the South Warwickshire College of Further Education, Department of Drama and the Liberal Arts. He is known for having been the multi-instrumentalist who partnered Jimmy Somerville in the 1980s band The Communards, which achieved three Top Ten hits. He later attended King's College London where he studied theology from 1990. Richard Coles co-presents Saturday Live on BBCR4. In January 2011 The Reverend Richard Coles was appointed as the parish priest of St Mary the Virgin, Finedon in the Diocese of Peterborough.

Reviews

[Connor · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 isn't a bad rating for this book. I liked it quite a bit, but I think the format threw me off at first a little. It is lots and lots of small stories, not told in any order, rather following a calendar structure. I enjoyed many of the accounts but wish I'd got a bit more from it. I'd still recommend it though.

[Clive Gerrard · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you pardon the pun - something of a curate's egg of a book, I'm afraid.
When its good, its fascinating and highly readable. However, there are times when its hard going and the anecdotes seemingly irrelevant, inserted for no apparent reason.
The book moves through the parts of the ecclesiastical year and as a result, some are more interesting than others. I found the section on funerals quite entertaining and informative, as was his trip to the Holy land. But as the anecdotes aren't chronologically ordered, the whole effect is quite 'Bitty' in my opinion.
Never the less, its still a valuable read.

[Tracey · Rating 3 out of 5]

It wasn't what I was expecting. It's a good read and at times very funny. Not very gripping though

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly enjoyable read!
I love listening to the Rev. Richard Coles, because he's so interesting. This book, Bringing in the Sheaves, to me reflects his wit, charm, fantastic knowledge and genuine interest in his parishioners.
The Rev. Coles tells of his life as a man of God, from becoming a Deacon, to becoming a fully fledged Vicar. He tells anecdotes of his life 'warts and all', even when it shows that he's made an unintentional faux pas.
I have learned a lot from reading Bringing in the Sheaves. Richard Coles explains things in a way that I can understand, but without making me feel stupid for not having previously known what he's talking about.
When Richard Coles tells of how he and his partner David received their first dachshund, Daisy, with David meeting the millionaire who is giving them the present in the Randolph Hotel in Oxford, I was sitting in the Morse Bar at that very hotel, waiting for the taxi to take my husband and me to the station to come home from our weeks' stay there.
I also remembered reading about Agnes Askew in a book by CJ Sansom, so I was familiar with parts of her life because of this novel.
I was saddened to read of his father's illness, as my husband has the same condition, so I know what it's like trying to cope with it, not only as a patient but as a wife and unpaid carer.
Throughout this book, there's laughter and tears and I saw how strong a Christian faith Richard Coles has, which is clear through the written word and how it seems to help him cope with the problems that life throws at him.
The Rev. Richard Coles has served in several parishes, varying from poorer communities to richer ones. He compares and contrasts the different types of communities he's served with clarity and wit.
He's lovely, and I felt as though I was making a new friend.

[Jo Hurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. This was more like dipping in and out of a diary than a memoir as such. But obviously confidentiality stops this from being like a straightforward memoir. However once you get used to the way it is put together, that is snippets that don't relate to each other, this becomes wonderful. Full of funny sections, full of beautifully written spiritual sections and full of human honesty. I laughed, I cried and I saw the power of God. Simply brilliant.

[Kathryn Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

my saturday morning with proper coffee read. lovely tales of life as a priest and I nodded my head a lot at the types of folk and stories told. funny, moving, hopeful

[Katie O'Neil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book was ok. Wasn't what I was expecting. It was a bit to heavy going for my liking. I
liked his other books better

[Ken Sampson · Rating 3 out of 5]

[25 Aug 2025] This is the second memoir that Richard Coles has written and although, of course, his life has considerably changed, his writing style and readability remains on form. It is well constructed and an easy read, based on the structure of the Christian Calendar - he is now an ordained minister. It's interesting and in particular, his descriptions of quirky parishioners, odd interactions and funny events remain engaging. However, having said that I do think because his life has become more stable, predicable and conforming - so has his writing. Although you can in places read between the lines - the unpredictable twists and turns and the excitement isn't there anymore. The amount of detail about his personal life has been toned right down too.

There are in places lengthy descriptions of ancient writers, long-forgotten saints, Christian traditions and spiritual philosophy that seem slightly out of place and on a couple of occasions, i'm sorry to say, a bit like padding. Richard comes across as a deep thinker, a kind and compassionate man and one that - here at least - has to tone down aspects of himself, presumably understanding that his church colleagues, parishioners and new-ish friends would be reading and as a consequence and in comparison to his first books this renders this book ever-so-slightly flat.

However it is a good book, well written and an easy read

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I expected to enjoy this book and wasn’t disappointed. Richard Cole’s writing is so engaging, witty and full of touching moments. The stories and anecdotes do jump around a bit but once you got used to that it was a wonderful journey through the Church calendar, from a very personal perspective. He is so knowledgeable and explains religion and faith in a way that made sense to me and I love that he laughs at himself. I would recommend this book which is a charming, intellectual and funny insight into a devoted life.

[Adrian Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a rather ragtag odds & sods collection of stories and anecdotes, some only a sentence or two, others taking a number of pages, mostly semi-humourous in nature, but with plenty of serious topics and events covered too, arranged semi-randomly into chapters covering a year of various holy days and holidays. In that context this is almost a disguised "bathroom book", something that you could dip into at any point, and read for as little or as long as you like, with no narrative to worry about losing your way in.

However, it's an enjoyable, light read, with much theological background information and philosophical discourse spread amongst stories of his times with the BBC as a now-seasoned broadcaster, interactions with his various parishioners over the years, and personal insights as to being that rarest of things; an out, gay, married priest, especially one with a past as a chart-topping pop star...

... talking of which, those solely interested in that time of his life as part of The Communards will be disappointed in this book, and they should head for his autobiography "Fathomless Riches" instead, but most others will enjoy spending some chatty time with him via this collection.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this well-titled book about Richard Coles' post-ordination life, although it was bittersweet knowing what was to come for him and David (and perhaps what was going on for David at the time)

I was not raised in the Church of England and find it all quite bewildering. The endearing and the exasperating features (or some of them) are well conveyed, and the contrasts between parishes (I'd not registered his Knightsbridge stint before, I don't think)

Of course his priestly life is leavened by his other work in broadcasting which is included, and by what I trust is a comfortable financial cushion from his previous existence creating glorious music (there is a lovely simple encounter with Jimmy Somerville related) So there's a good deal of travelling which you might not get from an average vicar struggling to make a stipend stretch... but its not your average celebrity fare even then.

[Soozee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read the first autobiography of 'Fathomless Riches' which told the story of his life from pop icon in 'The Communards' to becoming ordained, I expected this book to continue and tell of his life as a priest. And in a way it does, but it is not chronological and doesn't really dwell on his life, but rather a pastiche of events that have influenced his faith, interspersed with stories from his parishioners and from history. The book loosely follows the liturgical year.

The author writes in an interesting and humorous manner, and he provides some lovely insights into faith and provides much food for thought. I thoroughly enjoyed the book.

[Jeff Howells · Rating 4 out of 5]

Richard Cole’s’ second memoir, is a vicar’s eye view of life in the church. Rather than being arranged chronologically, it’s like a diary - a grab bag of thoughts and anecdotes grouped together around important events in the church calendar (Advent, Easter) as well as important tasks (births, marriages and deaths or as he puts it hatches, matches and dispatches).
It’s as equally as wry and entertaining as his memoir of his life as a pop star. He is clearly now in the National Treasure phase of his life.

[wheeliereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book follows on from Richard’s Fathomless Riches book and follows his journey into life as a vicar. It’s not really an autobiography as such as it’s more a mixture of anecdotes with facts about the Church of England. I think the book would appeal to those interested in its history or people who are Christians. I’m a Christian and really enjoyed this book a lot. I am a big fan of Richard Cole’s as well, he writes beautifully but I’m glad I used a Kindle as I need to check a few of his big words! I am definitely going to read more from Reverend Coles!

[Mick Meyers · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do like these type of books,life of vets,policeman and vicars gets.if you are after a cosy read then this falls just short of the target.interesting anecdotes some more relevant than others.i get the impression even though he is good at his job,Richard comes across as a bit of a prickly personna and dosent suffers fools gladly. I am still interested in his other book which I have on my to read list.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is entertaining, full of compassion, often funny, but a little bit disjointed. It roughly follows the structure of the church year (but doesn't start in the usual place), but some of the stories seem a bit irrelevant to the part they are in. (One thing in particular I learned from this book - the plague of "values" statements which has spread to organisations up and down the land seems to have been a thing at the BBC for years. Why am I not surprised?)

[Don · Rating 4 out of 5]

A remarkable, and remarkably entertaining, collection of stories, reminiscences, incidents and essays arising from Coles’ experiences as a village priest, broadcaster, musician and one-time rock star, reflecting his very extensive knowledge of and reflection on the Christian church in England, especially the Church of England, particularly towards the Anglo-Catholic end. Interesting, informative and entertaining.

[Angela Incigneri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I only gave it 4 stars as not everyone is comfortable with religion. This book is a collection of short stories and anecdotes strung together under religious themes. I think that reading it slowly and contemplatatively would enrich it even more. If you are English and an Anglican i feel you would enjoy this book.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had to renew my loan at the library as it wasn’t the ‘straightforward’ memoir I was expecting. As people have said it’s a bit of a mixed bag and for me at least wasn’t one to read in one go. Dipping in and out of the pieces worked much better for me and while I found some heavy reading, others were joyful, interesting and eye opening.

[Liz Owen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hesitate to use the phrase "curate's egg." This book is excellent in places, but I'd say that to thoroughly enjoy it, you'd need to be very interested in religion. The book structure is based on the festivals of the Church, and at times it seems loose and disjointed.
I totally loved Richard Coles's writing in "The Madness of Grief", and so I was slightly disappointed in this earlier book.

[Ian James Perryman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping!

I enjoyed all aspects of this good-value book, as an avid Saturday listener on those morning radio 4 occasions. An interesting insight into the misty world of High Church, unknown to me as a Sacristan in an outreach normal parish church, and a choral singer (Faure fanatic) for 70 plus years. Recommend reading.

[Jane Riordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gentle, reverent and humorous look at the church year.

Having moved away from the traditional Anglican church into one of the more progressive denominations, I found this telling of the rituals and routines of the church year deeply nostalgic and rather lovely, the gentle rhythms which herald the changing seasons and colours of the year.

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyable memoir covering a Church Year. Will appeal to those across the range of faith or none. It's an incredibly spiritual book surrounded by fascinating gossip. Great insights into Christianity today and modern British society.

[Lady · Rating 2 out of 5]

dull as dish water . The stories was way too short so many times I'm saying what's the point in that one. or you are reading a story and then you go on to the next paragraph and your like is the the old story or the new one.

[jane king · Rating 3 out of 5]

Strange, I wanted to like this so much but I found it somewhat disappointing, disjointed and dull. Some of the anecdotes, whilst amusing, seemed to have no relevance to what preceded them or came after. Pity really as I like Rev Richard usually.

[Shelley Wild · Rating 2 out of 5]

So desperately wanted to enjoy this, as Rchard Coles is funny and entertaining but I didn't. Random stories, rather dry. I love reading about religion as well, but no. A shame. Perhaps just not my kind of style of book.

[Patrick Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is really a commonplace book, which accounts for the common (and not inaccurate) claim that it's disjointed. But it's still delightful. Richard Coles remains one of the most appealing representatives of Anglicanism on the public stage.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Richard Cole’s writing and anchoring his anecdotes to the liturgical year gave the book a pleasing structure and rhythm.
Not sure I can forgive the use of ‘gurney’ for stretcher of ‘oriented’ for orientated. Looking towards USA sales perhaps.

[Zareen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is compelling, gripping & immensely readable. Rev. Richard Coles has thoroughly researched the book. It is organised by the Church’s calendar along its feasts but also within themes.

I want to know more about Richard Coles. It is full of amusing anecdotes.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing. Attended a literary festival where Richard was interviewed, he came across as entertaining but this book was very dry.