The Parish House — Deborah Meyler

In a starred review, Booklist called Deborah Meyler's enchanting debut The Bookstore “witty and poetic…a deeply satisfying novel you will keep close to your heart.” Now fall in love with a new cast of colorful characters in this charming novel about a young woman who thinks she can hide from life but instead finds a new reason to live.

Orphaned by the sudden death of her father, vicar's daughter Rose Blythe abruptly drops her studies and takes a job at his sleepy old Cambridge church, fearful of trying to succeed when fate has dealt her so many blows. In this neglected spot, she hopes to lay down her grief and settle into a simple life. But the church that seemed quiet from the outside is swirling with interior passions. A new vicar arrives, glittering with ambition and malice, as Rose finds friendship with stained glass artist Bea and an elderly man petitions to be buried next to his lover. While Rose is earnestly championing the old man's wishes, a handsome young academic wanders in to look at the medieval carvings, and life begins to seem a little less frightening after all.

Amid a hilarious cast of retirees, strays, clergy, and shopkeepers, Rose must find her feet, her voice, and her moment -- in time to save her father's beloved house...and herself.