Title: The Vicar of Passmore
Series: N/A
Author: Mark Adlers
Genre: Contemporary Humor
Length: Novella
Publisher: eXtasy Books (February 15, 2012)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥4.5Hearts
Blurb: The country gives you more than fresh air.
When the townsfolk of Passmore get wind of the fact their Vicar’s new verger, Wilson Rooney, is gay, a series of events spark the start of both his and the vicar’s adventures when it comes to keeping the rather interesting flock of Passmore within the fold. Not only that, they’ll have to gain the approval of the parish council before Wilson can be accepted. No small task when it’s headed by one of the most conservative parish council leaders ever to have walked the face of God’s green earth.
Can the vicar get Wilson accepted into the community? Or will his efforts result in a disaster that will divide the town they have been trying to keep together since the decline in population has hit them hard. Time will tell, but not before love blooms in the most unexpected way and the vicar uses some rather unorthodox methods to get his parishioners to see the light about Wilson and his lifestyle choice.
Product Link: http://www.extasybooks.com/the-vicar-of-passmore-4/
Reviewer: Portia
Review: This book opens before Wilson even gets to town. The mayor of Passmore is having fits at the very idea of hiring an openly gay man. The poor vicar is caught in the middle of a debate that has the potential to rip the quiet little village apart.
Okay…confession time. Once upon a time, when I first started reading M/M fiction, I read a free sci-fi piece off of Mark Adler’s website. The main character had a detachable penis…I don’t think I ever finished reading that one. Since then, Mark and I are friends across social media and I love his humor and slant on life. But, sadly, I have never been tempted to purchase one of his books…until now.
I am a huge fan of the BBC sitcom, The Vicar of Dibley, which ran from 1994 – 2007. From page one; I felt like I’d been dropped into the tight-knit world that is an English village. And I giggled through till the end. This is not your traditional romance. Wilson finds true love, sure. But, the cast of characters that we meet and fall in love with are amazing. Mrs. Clump, who misses her dearly departed submissive husband, Mr. Noel, her next door neighbor, who feels he has come to an age where clothing is optional…even to do yard work, and my personal favorite, Farmer Scott, a simple farmer who is very “fond” of his animals. As with all good parody, there is a subtle tread of social commentary, but if you aren’t looking for it…you’ll probably miss it.
I feel confident saying, if all clergy were like the Vicar of Passmore, Karl Edmondson, the world’s houses of worship would be filled to overflowing. He takes his job as shepherd of his flock serious, but loves and respects each one individually. I hope this is not a one-off. I would love to revisit this village again.