Summer holiday book for reading by the pool. Effortless reading.
New vicar arrives in small Cornish village to fill in for one year, to mixed reactions from the locals. Welcomed by some, viewed with suspicion by others.
An easy read; uncomplicated plot with few surprises.

Angela has turned her back on her career as a journalist to enter the ministry and has been assigned a year's tenure at a church in Cornwall for her first parish. Not everything goes to plan and poison pen letters soon start. Plenty of twists and turns, and some well developed, likeable characters. A good, fun holiday read.

The characters in books by Fern Britton feel like one's own neighbours. The story is gentle and in some ways quite ordinary, but nevertheless engaging. Families always have a back story or a secret and the characters in this novel are no exception. It is an uplifting book even if there is not always happiness in the story line. A good summer read.

I enjoyed so many things about this book, but had a few niggles too. I liked the English village setting with the recognizable characters - not least the battle-axe Audrey who runs the WI and every other conceivable organization in the church and village. Angela the new vicar was likable and warm, and her family believable. The story arc kept me interested, with the surprising opening and the eventual denouement.

What I took issue with was the faith element in the book. Angela pledges allegiance to ‘the church’ and not God. Would she really give up her work in media to become a vicar because of a love for the church? I wasn’t buying it. And none of the people who go to the village church seem to go because they have a relationship with God. One is a white witch and others are self-proclaimed atheists, but they still attend.

As one married to a vicar I found this aspect sadly lacking and not believable.

This is the first book I have read of Ferns and o found it really interesting. I loved all the characters in the village and also the village life Brilliant reading

Mixed emotions about this book. The book started really well, I enjoyed the descriptions of the Cornish countryside, characters were all developing nicely, storyline was excellent, however in the middle of the book the book seemed to lose its way. The plot became bland, characters nice but uninteresting and the ending just seemed rushed. I was quite disappointed, however on reading what Fern was going through in her private life when she wrote this book I can understand why it became this way .
It would be a nice holiday read when you don’t want anything too taxing .
I would however like to read Ferns other books as the book started so promising .
Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review

A charming and gentle read that is perfect for reading on the sun lounger. I am a huge fan of Fern's books and this didn't disappoint.

This is the first book that I have read by Fern Britton. I often see books written by her in bookshops, and I have heard good things about her books. I was offered a copy of this book to review from Netgalley, so I decided to read it.
Angela is offered a temporary post as the local vicar in the parish of Pendruggan in Cornwall. As she tries to adapt to a slower pace of life after living in London, she finds that not all of the locals are willing to adapt to changes.
This book is an easy and pleasant read. After I read it, I discovered that there were previous books set in Pendruggan. Although this book can be read as a standalone book, I feel that I would have enjoyed it slightly more if I had read the previous books in the series.

This ARC was courtesy of netgalley - all thoughts and opinions are mine and unbiased

Loved this

I have read other books that Fern Britton has written and enjoyed this just as much

I've never been to Cornwall but Ms Britton clearly loves it and this comes through so strongly - the way she writes about it, the way she describes the area - makes me want to go there

A great, fun, holiday read

I would highly recommend this

I loved this book! Its the first Fern Britton book I have tried and I'm ready to read more from her. Cornwall is a wonderful setting for any novel and it works wonderfully for The Newcomer. Novice minister Angela Whitehorn moves to Pendruggan with her husband Robert and daughter Faith, to take over the congregation of the parish while the resident minister, Simon, is on year long mission in Brazil. The family must navigate the changes from life in London to the more close knit world of a coastal village. I especially love the characters of Angela's Aunt Mamie and the village post mistress, Queenie. An easy read, great for the beach!

This was the first Fern Britton book I have read and I enjoyed it immensely.
The story is set in the beautiful village of Pendruggan and follows the story of Angela, the new vicar and her husband and daughter. The story had more twists and turns which I didn’t expect. I really felt absorbed into the book and the characters were portrayed so well, I felt I knew them personally.
I’m now off to look at more of her books! Thanks for a great read

This wasn’t my cup of tea I’m afraid, it was an alright read but a bit disappointing.
I found it too much fluff and not enough substance. Sorry.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is a nice, easy book to read with an enjoyable cast of characters and an intriguing storyline.

Reverand Angela Whitehorn, her husband and daughter are moving to the small seaside community of Pendruggen in Cornwall, while she takes up the temporary position as vicar; her first parish. The quiet, peaceful village is full of interesting and diverse characters. I loved the people, they were well written and highly believable. I really liked Anne and her aunt Mamie is hilarious, I loved her humour and non-conformity.

This story isn't exactly what it seems at fast, there are twists and turns in it, intrigue and drama. Everything you need for a good story. this one is the sort you will want a good cup of tea and packet of chocolate digestives by your side while reading.

If you enjoyed Britton's other books you will love this one as it is written in a similar style. I haven't read any of the previous books, but this did not inhibit my understanding or enjoyment of this book. A female vicar is some-what Vicar-of-Dibley-esque, but the plot is entirely original. Its a warm-hearted tale set in Cornwall and I recommend it as a good summer read.

Just a lovely story- some drama and minor intrigue but overall exactly what the cover promises- a relaxing and very enjoyable sunshine-y read!
The new vicar and her dishy husband, shunned by the harridan of the village but determined to make the parish work, the wealth of slightly odd and eccentric characters and the gentle plot all make for a great afternoon of reading. I will certainly be looking out for more books from Fern Britton.

I have read and loved the other Pendruggan books in this series and this one didn't disappoint. The community spirit mixed with a bit of love, jealousy and hate mail give this book a page turning winning combination.
Thanks for another brilliant read.

This is a glorious novel about Rachel, a newly ordained vicar, who is taking charge of a parish in Pendruggan, in Cornwall, whilst the vicar is doing missionary work in Mexico. Her husband Robert, who is a well-know journalist (political) decides to have a year being a house husband. Their daughter Faith is not too keen on the move, but seems to settle down when she makes friends with another newcomer Ben, who has just come out as gay.
The parishioners, on the whole, welcome them and try to make them feel at home. The one exception is Audrey, who is the local busybody, and tries to be in charge of everything. Rachel suggests a Pet Service, a May Day fete, and trying to rediscover the village pond.
Everyone gets involved, but Rachel has some misgivings about some people, and also starts receiving anonymous letters.
The characterization in this book is superb, the plot believable and draws you to read on and on. A delight. I would recommend this whole-heartedly.

This was the first of Fern Britton’s books I have read, and although I enjoyed it, felt it could have been shorter.

Angela Whitehorn and her husband Robert have arrived in Pendruggen for her first post as the local Vicar, she is taking over from a vicar and his family who have travelled to Brazil on a sabbatical for a year. Angela plans to make a big impression, but a few locals are not happy with the plans she has, and threats are made. Can Angela rise above it all and turn people’s opinions around.

With Angela’s husband taking a year out from his presenting job to support her, a daughter who is a typical teenager and Aunt Maime who loves to tell the village all her stories, life is never boring.

This is the first book I have read written by Fern Britton but it will not be the last. From the minute I started reading this book I was hooked and it only took me 2 days to read. Now I have got to read her other novels.

What a totally enjoyable, feel good story this is. Fern is a fabulous, descriptive writer, who always manages to make you feel you are immersed in what is happening in the page yourself.

One of my favourite reads this year.