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Pam Rhodes is best known as the familiar face of BBC Television's SONGS OF PRAISE, interviewing people as varied as The Pope and Dolly Parton. She’s also popular as a radio presenter, from PAUSE FOR THOUGHT on Radio 2, to her own Premier Radio programme HEARTS AND HYMNS. Pam is already a successful novelist, author of With Hearts and Hymns and Voices and four other novels, as well as many other books, short stories and feature articles. A Mum and a Grandmum, Pam lives with her husband in Bedfordshire where she runs a cat sanctuary.
There's never a dull moment at Hope Hall, as its rooms are filled throughout the day with gossipy grandmas, body-popping teenagers, temperamental dancing teachers, a choir without one decent singer to their name, knitters who natter, caterers who bake glorious cakes, slimmers nibbling chocolate, and a nursery group where it's the grown-ups who are near to tears! But it's all in a day's work for administrator, Kath, whose job it is to make sure Hope Hall offers something for everyone! Mind you, she can see that some key members of her team are struggling - like caretaker Trevor, who is nursing his beloved wife who has cancer, and Maggie, their wonderful cook, whose husband of twenty-five years has just left her for a woman half her age. As the team works to pull off their ambitious Hope Hall Centenary Easter Monday Fayre, Kath realizes reinforcements are needed. Brash, loud and inexperienced though she may be, Kath has a feeling that Shirley might be just the ticket! The Fayre is a triumph but when Kath's old flame comes back on the scene, she suddenly has some tough choices to make... Springtime at Hope Hall is the first book in a delightful new trilogy centred on a Victorian church hall, the like of which can be found at the heart of life in so many towns across England - full of friends and neighbours with stories that will have you giggling one minute, and dabbing your eyes the next.
A comfortable, entertaining read, ’Saints and Sailors’ is the fourth in the ‘Dunbridge Chronicles’, following the career of curate, now vicar Neil Fisher and the characterful folk that surround him. ‘Saints and Sailors’ departs village life and sets sail around the coast of Britain, with Neil’s parishioners providing amusement and heartache. The author herself joins this Christian Cruise, with hymns, prayers and a mini Songs of Praise also making an appearance. Pam Rhodes shows off the coast to its best advantage and with simple clear writing, portrays life in all its pain and glory. Although this contains more of a religious undertone than the previous novels, it is a light and enjoyable read. ~ Liz Robinson
In the parish of Dunbridge the news is out: Claire and Neil are engaged! And yet, before the celebrations have really begun, Ben, the father of Claire's son, appears back on the scene...It quickly becomes clear that young Sam is not the only person Ben wants to win back. As Neil reels in the face of Claire's confusion at spending time with her first love, Wendy always seems to be there to provide support and comfort. Little does he know of Wendy's involvement in Ben's reappearance...However, Neil has little chance to ponder his love life as the whole weight of running the church and parish descends upon his inexperienced shoulders. Neil's time as a curate in Dunbridge is coming swiftly to an end. Where should he go next, and who will go with him?
This sequel to Fisher of Men is a charming and engagingly warmhearted read. Dunbridge, the small market town setting, is a perfect backdrop to display gentle rural life in all its glory (with just the occasional bit of scandal and scheming). Although Neil the Curate and the Church are central, the true story on display is life as it really is; full of love, comedic moments, heartbreak hell, tussles of faith and comforts of friendship. Make yourself cozy, relax into this warm, amusing story and enjoy. ~ Liz Robinson
A heart-warming comedy of manners with real spiritual resonance and depth. Who would have thought a sleepy country village could hold so many colourful characters, thorny issues and be such a social minefield? Kind, earnest and shy Revd Neil Fisher is about to find out in a year he won’t ever forget... Fisher of Men is the debut novel and first in a planned series called The Dunbridge Chronicles from well known BBC TV presenter of Songs of Praise, Pam Rhodes. In addition to our Lovereading expert opinion for Fisher of Men a small number of Lovereading members were lucky enough to be invited to review this title - 'This was a charming and touching story that I did not want to end' - Edel Waugh. Scroll down to read more reviews.
There's never a dull moment at Hope Hall, as its rooms are filled throughout the day with gossipy grandmas, body-popping teenagers, temperamental dancing teachers, a choir without one decent singer to their name, knitters who natter, caterers who bake glorious cakes, slimmers nibbling chocolate, and a nursery group where it's the grown-ups who are near to tears! But it's all in a day's work for administrator, Kath, whose job it is to make sure Hope Hall offers something for everyone! Mind you, she can see that some key members of her team are struggling - like caretaker Trevor, who is nursing his beloved wife who has cancer, and Maggie, their wonderful cook, whose husband of twenty-five years has just left her for a woman half her age. As the team works to pull off their ambitious Hope Hall Centenary Easter Monday Fayre, Kath realizes reinforcements are needed. Brash, loud and inexperienced though she may be, Kath has a feeling that Shirley might be just the ticket! The Fayre is a triumph but when Kath's old flame comes back on the scene, she suddenly has some tough choices to make... Springtime at Hope Hall is the first book in a delightful new trilogy centred on a Victorian church hall, the like of which can be found at the heart of life in so many towns across England - full of friends and neighbours with stories that will have you giggling one minute, and dabbing your eyes the next.
As I stand at my kitchen sink and look across at what we optimistically call our herb garden, to one side I see an old wooden sign on which are carved the words 'Arthur's Garden'. Arthur doesn't live here. My wonderful great-uncle died nearly thirty years ago having spent most of his long life in the Victorian terraced house in which his mother had brought up eleven children. The sign had stood in the garden there for decades, a gift to the man who'd always cherished that small patch of Kent, creating a riot of glorious colour which lit up the row of long, narrow strips that tumbled down to a line of back gates from which you could look across the lane to the local coal yard below. In Arthur's Garden, Pam Rhodes collates a heart-warming collection of songs and poems, advice and tit bits about the glorious, very ordinary, English garden - told through the life of her Uncle Arthur. This is a gardening book, with a story.
Pam Rhodes is a passionate advocate for our heritage of splendid hymns. Hymns, she explains, help us respond to God: they are prayers in our pockets . With her warm personal touch she describes how these hymns came to be written, and considers the perceptions they contain. This book is a treasury of fascinating detail, but it is also a source of devotion: as you consider each hymn and the story behind it you will be drawn into worship. Each reflection concludes with a short prayer.
Hymns are prayers in our pockets , writes Pam Rhodes, expressing how hymns help us to respond to God. Pam brings together reflections on some of her favourite hymns. Drawing on her experience of presenting Songs of Praise and sharing the stories of hymn writers past and present, she helps us to make use of their words in expressing our joys and sorrows to God, and finding hope and inspiration in them. Whatever our circumstances, these hymns turn us again to the God who created, knows and sustains us with that love so amazing described in the immortal words of hymn writer Isaac Watts.
Pam Rhodes is best known as the familiar face of the BBC's Songs of Praise, and here she brings together her personal selection of carols, poems, Bible readings and other inspirational passages from a wide range of sources. As well as the usual old favourites - from Hark the Herald Angels Sing to the stories of the shepherds and the wise men visiting the baby Jesus - there are plenty of lighter moments, with excerpts from Gervase Phinn's memoirs and funny poems by modern writers. Alongside the items themselves Pam shares some of her own Christmas reminiscences and explores the resonance of the Christmas story for all our lives in her trademark inviting and heartwarming style. There is something here for everyone, from those wanting to enjoy dipping in for a taste of Christmas to those needing a sourcebook to inspire selections for Christmas services. Enjoy!
Pam Rhodes is a passionate advocate for our heritage of splendid hymns. Hymns, she explains, help us respond to God: they are 'prayers in our pockets'. With her warm personal touch she describes how these hymns came to be written, and considers the perceptions they contain. This book is a treasury of fascinating detail, but it is also a source of devotion: as you consider each hymn and the story behind it you will be drawn into worship. Each reflection concludes with a short prayer.
Pam Rhodes is best known as the familiar face of the BBC's Songs of Praise, and for this special audio CD she has selected the very best of the carols, poems, Bible readings and other inspirational passages from the book Tidings of Comfort and Joy. As well as the usual old favourites - from The Holly and the Ivy and the Hallelujah Chorus to the stories of the shepherds and the wise men visiting the baby Jesus - there are plenty of lighter moments, with poems like 'Twas the Month After Christmas' and Pam's own Christmas reminiscences. This lovely audio journey is the perfect opportunity to explore the resonance of the Christmas story for all our lives in Pam Rhodes' trademark inviting and heartwarming style. There is something here for everyone, from those wanting to enjoy dipping in for a taste of Christmas to those needing a sourcebook to inspire selections for Christmas services. Enjoy!
A sparkling novel about the BBC 'Songs of Praise' team recording a Palm Sunday broadcast from a small idyllic Suffolk village. As the outside broadcast vehicles roll in, ambitions and emotions run high. Producer Jan Harding finds the vicar, Clive Linton, hopelessly absent-minded. His practical wife Helen gets on well with the television team - perhaps a little too well, where the charming, enigmatic Michael is concerned. Charles, the Parish Council chairman, is deeply opposed and resents the enthusiasm of other villagers - including his wife Betty. Bunty Maddocks, queen of every local committee, plots to get round the ban on church flowers during Lent; retired accountant Jack Diggens finds purpose, faith and friendship as he plans tickets and seating; and teenage soloist Anna surprises herself with her success. This delightful story will make you laugh and cry.
A comfortable, entertaining read, ’Saints and Sailors’ is the fourth in the ‘Dunbridge Chronicles’, following the career of curate, now vicar Neil Fisher and the characterful folk that surround him. ‘Saints and Sailors’ departs village life and sets sail around the coast of Britain, with Neil’s parishioners providing amusement and heartache. The author herself joins this Christian Cruise, with hymns, prayers and a mini Songs of Praise also making an appearance. Pam Rhodes shows off the coast to its best advantage and with simple clear writing, portrays life in all its pain and glory. Although this contains more of a religious undertone than the previous novels, it is a light and enjoyable read. ~ Liz Robinson
In the parish of Dunbridge the news is out: Claire and Neil are engaged! And yet, before the celebrations have really begun, Ben, the father of Claire's son, appears back on the scene...It quickly becomes clear that young Sam is not the only person Ben wants to win back. As Neil reels in the face of Claire's confusion at spending time with her first love, Wendy always seems to be there to provide support and comfort. Little does he know of Wendy's involvement in Ben's reappearance...However, Neil has little chance to ponder his love life as the whole weight of running the church and parish descends upon his inexperienced shoulders. Neil's time as a curate in Dunbridge is coming swiftly to an end. Where should he go next, and who will go with him?
This sequel to Fisher of Men is a charming and engagingly warmhearted read. Dunbridge, the small market town setting, is a perfect backdrop to display gentle rural life in all its glory (with just the occasional bit of scandal and scheming). Although Neil the Curate and the Church are central, the true story on display is life as it really is; full of love, comedic moments, heartbreak hell, tussles of faith and comforts of friendship. Make yourself cozy, relax into this warm, amusing story and enjoy. ~ Liz Robinson
A heart-warming comedy of manners with real spiritual resonance and depth. Who would have thought a sleepy country village could hold so many colourful characters, thorny issues and be such a social minefield? Kind, earnest and shy Revd Neil Fisher is about to find out in a year he won’t ever forget... Fisher of Men is the debut novel and first in a planned series called The Dunbridge Chronicles from well known BBC TV presenter of Songs of Praise, Pam Rhodes. In addition to our Lovereading expert opinion for Fisher of Men a small number of Lovereading members were lucky enough to be invited to review this title - 'This was a charming and touching story that I did not want to end' - Edel Waugh. Scroll down to read more reviews.
The words of a favourite hymn can be a lifeline in difficult times, providing an outlet for feelings that may threaten to overwhelm us. Hymns also help us celebrate life - to see joy in the ordinary stuff of the everyday, as well as in those moments when we feel particularly touched by God's love. Pam Rhodes' reflections in this absorbing volume - on subjects such as weariness and comfort, faith and forgiveness, prayer and guidance, community and creation - are given added resonance by the inclusion of background information on the writers of the 160 or so hymns featured. Containing original line drawings and decoration, this is a beautifully packaged book that can be enjoyed for many years.
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