Perfect for fans of Barbara Pym 'Rebecca's wit, humour and brilliant observational skills put her in the forefront of village storytelling. I never tire of reading her wonderful novels' Jack Sheffield 'Winning novels of village life' The Times 'A delightful beginning that suddenly gets darker and more dramatic than expected. Totally believable characters and a story line with unexpected twists' Margaret Dickinson When Peter Harris arrives in Turnham Malpas as the new rector, he finds the village people welcoming but set in their ways. Yet despite his own weaknesses, and a deeply felt sadness his wife keeps hidden, he comforts and advises his new parishioners, growing more and more involved with the rural way of life. Then the whole village is rocked by spiteful trick that goes terribly wrong, and a gruesome murder that points to a killer in its midst. Now, more than ever, Peter's pastoral role is crucial - and yet he is wrestling with his own private hell that may still wreck his own life.

A comprehensive, quick reference for all Episcopalians, both lay and ordained. This thoroughly researched, highly readable resource contains more than 3,000 clearly entries about the history, structure, liturgy, and theology of the Episcopal Church—and the larger Christian church worldwide. The editors have also provided a helpful bibliography of key reference works and additional background materials. “This tool belongs on the shelf of just about anyone who cares for, works in or with, or even wonders about the Episcopal Church.”—The Episcopal New Yorker

There are very few leaders in the Anglican Church in North America who could have written a book as helpful as this. "The Rector and the Vestry" is addresses the needs, challenges, structures, canons, other important issues facing any Anglican Church of any size. Filled with wise counsel, frank discussion, and helpful illustrations, this book should be required reading for all Anglican leaders. Every Rector will want a copy of this book for every member of their Vestry. And every Vestry member will surely want a copy for their Rector.

Sixteen warm and witty tales of village life from a much-loved author. Comprises of: THE NEW RECTOR; TALK OF THE VILLAGE; VILLAGE MATTERS; THE VILLAGE SHOW; VILLAGE SECRETS; SCANDAL IN THE VILLAGE; VILLAGE GOSSIP; TROUBLE IN THE VILLAGE; A VILLAGE DILEMMA; INTRIGUE IN THE VILLAGE; WHISPERS IN THE VILLAGE; A VILLAGE FEUD; THE VILLAGE GREEN AFFAIR; VILLAGE NEWCOMERS; A VILLAGE DECEPTION; A VILLAGE IN JEOPARDY.

The Rector’s Daughter is the story of Mary Jocelyn, a woman who fears life is passing her by. Having lost her mother and her beloved invalid sister, Mary shares her days in sleepy Dedmayne with her father, the severe and distant Canon Jocelyn. Then, with the arrival in the village of Robert Herbert, her quiet, ordered existence is changed forever.

Rector Transitions is the only book about Episcopal church transitions written from a lay leader's perspective. It is an invaluable, practical, and Spirit-guided road map that will help you to discern God's vision for your church and to find and establish a strong partnership with the new rector who will join you. With a foreword by The Right Reverend Frank Griswold, 25th Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, this book is a call to spiritual leadership and discernment.

A gentleman of no means is suddenly made rector, and everyone in his new parish suspects him of stealing the privilege from someone else, but the tension is eventually broken up. The writer introduces the readers to characters that are easy to relate to and beautifully describes the virtues and the lifestyle of the people of a small country village.

The incredible and little-known story of Sarah Rector, once the wealthiest Black woman in America, from Coretta Scott King Honor Award winner Tonya Bolden Searching for Sarah Rector brings to light the intriguing mystery of Sarah Rector, who was born into an impoverished family in 1902 in Indian Territory and later was famously hailed by the Chicago Defender as “the wealthiest colored girl in the world.” Author Tonya Bolden sets Rector’s rags-to-riches tale against the backdrop of American history, including the creation of Indian Territory; the making of Oklahoma, with its Black towns and boomtowns; and the wild behavior of many greedy and corrupt adults. At the age of eleven, Sarah was a very rich young girl. Even so, she was powerless . . . helpless in the whirlwind of drama—and danger—that swirled around her. Then one day word came that she had disappeared. This is her story, and the story of other children like her, filled with ups and downs, bizarre goings-on, and a heap of crimes. Out of a trove of primary documents, including court and census records, as well as interviews with family members, Bolden painstakingly pieces together the events of Sarah’s life.

“[A] certifiable masterpiece” from the acclaimed chronicler of New York City’s old money elite (The New York Observer). Widely considered Louis Auchincloss’s greatest novel, The Rector of Justin is an astute dissection of the social mores of the Northeast’s privileged establishment. The story centers on Rev. Frank Prescott, the charismatic founder and rector of a prestigious Episcopal school for boys. With laser-sharp insight, Auchincloss delivers a prismatic portrait of this commanding and complicated man through the eyes of those who knew—or thought they knew—him best. Seamlessly interweaving multiple points of view—from an adoring teacher to that of a rebellious daughter—The Rector of Justin presents a social history of the eighty years of his life: the sources of his virtues and failings, his successes, his love, and his crises of faith. As Jonathan Yardley put it in the Washington Post, “Auchincloss is one of the most accomplished and distinctive writers this country has known . . . [and] Frank Prescott is one of the great characters in American fiction.” “A daring and ambitious book . . . Its poise and taste and intelligence strike one on every page, as do its unerring knowledge and literary skill.” —The New Yorker “[The Rector of Justin] should sit on the shelf of any serious reader of American fiction.” —Jay Parini, The New York Observer “A taut and elegant study of a distinguished American whose closest friends cannot decide whether they like or detest him.” —The Times Literary Supplement “Fascinating . . . We do come to feel the reality, the complicated reality, of Francis Prescott.” —Saturday Review “My favorite of Auchincloss’s novels. Both decadent and demanding, high-hat and frank . . . A subversive in lace-up oxfords and rep tie.” —Amy Bloom