What a Church of England novel! It is a fascinating blend that combines the profound realm of theology with the captivating allure of romance.

On one hand, we have the exploration of deep religious and spiritual concepts, delving into the mysteries and doctrines of the Church of England.

On the other hand, there is the element of romance, which adds a touch of passion and human connection to the story.

But it doesn't stop there. The novel also delves into the complex and often scandalous topic of infidelity, exploring the moral and ethical dilemmas that arise.

And to top it off, there are the Cathedral staff meetings, which provide a glimpse into the inner workings and politics of the Church establishment.

Together, these elements create a rich and engaging narrative that offers a unique perspective on life within the Church of England.

I did not like this story line. It really saddened me.

However, Susan Howatch is indeed a good writer. I picked up this book mainly because I have been intrigued by Salisbury Cathedral ever since I first visited it.

The theological discussions in the book that revolved around "Honest to God" were quite interesting. Howatch presented different perspectives and made me think deeply about certain religious and spiritual concepts.

Although the story line didn't appeal to me, I still appreciate Howatch's writing skills and her ability to explore complex themes. Maybe I will give another one of her books a try in the future.

This book contains a significant number of words. Essentially, it is an essay that delves into the moral struggle that human beings encounter, particularly in the context of Christians. At certain points, it reads similar to a textbook, which I could have done without. However, I understand the author's intention. I skimmed through those sections, pausing intermittently to extract a thought-provoking essence. For me, the ending redeemed the entire work. It truly moved me.

I found that although some parts were a bit dry and textbook-like, the overall message and the way the author presented the moral dilemmas were quite interesting. The skimming process allowed me to focus on the key ideas and gain a better understanding of the author's perspective. The ending, in particular, had a profound impact on me, leaving me with a sense of reflection and inspiration.

Overall, despite its flaws, this book has the potential to make readers think deeply about their own moral compass and the choices they make in life. It serves as a reminder that moral struggles are an inherent part of the human experience and that we should strive to make the right decisions, even when faced with difficult circumstances.

Oh, Susan Howatch, how devilishly entertaining you are!

I don't know why I find the Church of England novels so oddly comforting. There is something about them that just draws me in and makes me feel at ease. And indeed, sometimes I'm nearly ashamed of how delightful it is to read about members of the clergy screwing up their lives. It's like a guilty pleasure, but one that I can't seem to resist.

At any rate, while this wasn't my favorite Howatch novel, it was certainly among the more enjoyable fiction I'd read in awhile. The characters were well-developed and the plot was engaging, keeping me hooked from start to finish. I especially liked the way Howatch explored the complex relationships between the clergy and the people they served, as well as the internal struggles that many of them faced. Overall, it was a great read and I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good Church of England novel.

The Starbridge series, which focuses on the ministers in the Church of England during the 20th century, has its fourth installment.

This particular book is set in the 1960s and is narrated from the viewpoint of Venetia, a young woman who finds herself in love with an older priest. The backdrop of the story involves theological debate and argument surrounding the book 'Honest to God' and the ideals of platonic love.

The book cleverly weaves in subplots that involve characters from the previous books in the series, who are now older. It is both gripping and believable, yet in some places, it can be rather sordid and depressing.

I first read this book in 2000 and loved the series so much that I re-read them in 2001. Now, I am slowly working my way through them again, interspersed with other books. While this is probably my least favorite of the series, it is still extremely well-written. The author's ability to create complex characters and a thought-provoking storyline is truly remarkable. Despite its flaws, it offers a unique and engaging look into the world of the Church of England during a particular time in history.

Fantastic series.

This series is truly amazing. It takes the viewers on an unforgettable journey filled with excitement, adventure, and mystery. The storylines are engaging and keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

The characters are well-developed and each has their own unique personality and backstory. You can't help but become attached to them and root for them throughout the series.

The special effects are top-notch and add to the overall atmosphere of the show. They make you feel like you are actually a part of the action.

Overall, this is a must-see series for anyone who loves a good adventure. It will leave you wanting more and eager to see what happens next.

Whether you're a fan of science fiction, fantasy, or just great storytelling, this series has something for everyone. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

You won't be disappointed.

On to number four in the series, we are introduced to a previously peripheral figure, Venetia Flaxton, who becomes the first female narrator. The book delves deep into the seemingly mutual obsession that develops between this young woman and her older man. Set in the early Sixties, it provides a vivid description of the social upheaval of that time. In a modern context, we would easily recognize the grooming behavior for what it truly is. However, in the era in which the story is set, the dynamics might have been perceived differently. The tale is well-told and engaging, portraying a sexual predator in a compelling light. Given all the recent revelations and historic child sex abuse cases in religious settings, as well as the links between vulnerable individuals seeking support and the abuse of power, I'm certain that I'm not the only reader who can't help but wonder about the implications and parallels within this story.

This particular installment in the series is my least favorite.

However, it is still a worthwhile read if one desires to obtain the complete and comprehensive picture.

Although it may not possess the same allure or excitement as some of the other books in the series, it contains crucial details and plot developments that are essential for a thorough understanding of the overall story arc.

By reading this book, readers can gain valuable insights into the characters, their relationships, and the events that unfold.

It fills in the gaps and provides a more in-depth exploration of the themes and concepts presented throughout the series.

So, despite its shortcomings, it is an important part of the collection and should not be overlooked by those who wish to fully immerse themselves in the world created by the author.

The book I was reading was really interesting, but unfortunately, I couldn't finish it.

I had been looking forward to getting my hands on this particular book for a long time. The moment I started reading, I was hooked. The story was engaging, the characters were well-developed, and the writing style was captivating.

However, due to various commitments and a lack of time, I found myself unable to complete the book. It was a real disappointment as I was eager to know how the story would unfold and what would happen to the characters.

I hope to have the opportunity to pick up the book again in the future and finally finish it. Until then, I will continue to think about the story and wonder what I'm missing.

Maybe one day, I'll be able to sit down and fully immerse myself in the world of the book and enjoy it from start to finish.

I didn't actually read the whole book.

It was very small print and was not holding my interest.

This book was book 4 of a six-book series about the Church of England in the twentieth century.

It takes place in a small English city which is home to a beautiful Cathedral.

The person who takes the scandalous risks was the married archdeacon, the minister of the Cathedral.

He had a love connection with a woman thirty years his junior. She was the daughter of a local prominent gentleman.

The book starts with the woman returning to the Cathedral. The archdeacon is now dead.

It then proceeds with the woman telling the story of her past.

The story seems to be filled with drama and secrets. The relationship between the archdeacon and the younger woman is bound to cause a stir within the Church and the community.

As the woman reveals her past, we can expect to learn more about the circumstances that led to their affair and the consequences that followed.

Perhaps the book will also explore the themes of love, morality, and the power dynamics within the Church.

Although I didn't read the whole book, the premise sounds intriguing enough to make me want to pick up the other books in the series and find out more.

This is book #4 in Susan Howatch's 'Starbridge Series'.

It is narrated by Venetia Flaxton, who had a brief appearance as a young child in Book #3, 'Ultimate Prizes', which chronicles the story of Neville Aysgarth.

Fast forward 20 years, and the action is set in the early 1960s. Venetia, now a young adult, falls in love with Aysgarth, a married cleric and the father of her best friend.

The story is complex, but that's Howatch's forte. Just when you think your interest might wane, she throws a curveball, and you're once again hooked on her storytelling.

Characters from the previous three books also make appearances, and it's a great delight to see where they've ended up.

When I began the series, I didn't think I'd like it, but each book has been better than the last.

In Book #4, we're introduced to Nick Darrow, the son of Jonathan Darrow, a mystic. Nick seems to have inherited his father's psychic abilities, but he remains in the background as Venetia and Neville's affair unfolds, despite Nick's warnings.

Book #5 tells Nick's story, and I'm eager to delve in!

Glittering Images is a truly captivating work.

It presents a world filled with vivid and enchanting visuals that seem to come alive on the page.

The author has masterfully crafted a narrative that weaves together elements of mystery, beauty, and imagination.

Each image described is like a precious gem, shining with its own unique allure.

The story takes the reader on a journey through a landscape of dreams and desires, where the boundaries between reality and fantasy are blurred.

The use of language is rich and evocative, painting a picture in the reader's mind that is both detailed and breathtaking.

Glittering Images is not just a book; it is an experience that will leave you spellbound and longing for more.

Whether you are a lover of literature or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of art, this work is sure to delight and inspire you.

It is a testament to the power of the written word to transport us to another world and make us believe in the impossible.

So, if you are looking for a book that will ignite your imagination and leave you with a sense of wonder, look no further than Glittering Images.