Hidden Secrets at the Little Village Church

By Tracy Rees

After a tragic event changes her life forever, 26-year-old Gwen returns to the tiny village of Hopley to live with her aunt. Jobless and heartbroken, Gwen feels lost and uncertain for her future. Her dreams have come crashing down around her and she is unable to move forward. Life with her aunt is stifling and depressing so to get a few hours escape, Gwen enters the tiny crumbling church at the edge of the village every Sunday.

Here she encounters enthusiastic Vicar Dave, who has to perform his own miracle if he is to save the church from closure. The roof is in dire need of repairs but the cost is astronomical and with a dwindling congregation, the chances of him succeeding are looking slim. But Vicar Dave has a plan, he wants some volunteers to work their way through the visitor’s book and trace those that have left a message to see if they can help. It is a last-ditch effort to save his beloved church.

Painfully shy Gwen with her love of notebooks and order is interested. Having read through parts of the book she is intrigued by some of the messages that have been left there. ‘This may just have saved my life...’ is just one of the messages that make her want to know more. Gwen also realises it is a legitimate way for her to escape from her new home and leave her troubles behind her. She draws up a chart to monitor funds raised, plans out a methodical approach and sets to. And then she is joined by Jarvis – a most unlikely candidate for the job. He is a local artist who has lost his way. He arrives late, hungover and with a bottle of beer is his pocket – the exact opposite to the rather prim Gwen. Jarvis is someone who frequents the pub rather than church and only went to keep his mum happy but he has a hidden agenda. Some years ago, he had a fleeting meeting with someone who has remained in his thoughts. Can he find her again? Can Gwen and Jarvis work together? Is he as committed as she is to saving the church?

As they set to work, this unlikely partnership calls a truce and ultimately become allies and friends. Gwen is drawn into the welcoming household of Jarvis’ family, a welcome relief from the oppressiveness of her aunt’s house and a chance for her to experience a warm loving family once again. Gwen and Jarvis’ united aim leads them to making necessary changes to their own lives and ultimately to their future looking more promising. As they plough through the dusty old visitors’ book, they meet some of the people who have visited the church and want to help save it, discovering the real meanings of the messages that were written and why the church means so much to the writers.

This is a gentle read - at times, funny, sad and poignant. It is a book about people, their diverse lives and how we can come together for the greater good and ultimately change our own lives for the better.