Barbados Joy (The Newton Westerby Chronicles #4)

Description

Much to her mother's disappointment vivacious Connie Foster considers exchanging the blue sky, aqua sea and warmth of her Caribbean home for the cold, grey environs of distant shores. Driven by a desire to research her family roots and widen the scope of her degree in the humanities, Connie contemplates a teaching post away from home.

Despite a sheltered upbringing, Connie shows an awareness of differences in current, as well as historical, events and social change in separate geographic localities. The young teacher has a keen appreciation of diversity in daily living between her home and a new environment, yet takes time to absorb the contrast in many things such as weather, architecture, language and food, even smell and taste, with minimum fuss.

Connie's West Indian Christian heritage colours her participation in village activities, her vibrant faith underpinning her actions and lifestyle. However, in a small community that is suspicious of incomers, her presence is not accepted by everyone. But Connie does not shrink from negative attitudes directed towards her but turns their individual cultural diversity into a learning tool and expression of Christian love. She demonstrates her consuming interest in the educational development of children in her class by meticulous preparation and perseverance. She soaks up the new things she discovers about a divergent way of life but is astonished at her pupil's lack of knowledge about what is on their doorstep and endeavours to broaden their horizons.

Over time Connie's distinctive style has an impact on pupils, staff and villagers; even the most crusty and belligerent pensioner responds to her infectious laugh. When the headteacher, Jackie Cooper, commends her for the contribution she has made to the school's positive progress Connie brushes it aside. However, when Connie suggests Jackie expands her own geographic and cultural understanding of the world outside of her own village, for the educational benefit of her pupils, she is met with rebuffs.

Love is not on the agenda of either young woman but when they meet young men who cause their hearts to dance they each face a dilemma. Is it possible to surmount barriers that have been erected against faith and romance? Will they discover that God can make a way?

Written with liveliness, colour and humour, and at times discerning insight, Barbados Joy reflects Gwenyth Clare Lynes' shrewd understanding of human character and depicts the importance and place of faith and joy in the life of Connie Foster and the people she encounters, especially her colleague, Jackie Cooper.