While I find the writing a bit of a mixed-bag,

what Howatch is attempting to do with this series is truly captivating.

Even when the narrative gets a bit rough around the edges, her exploration of integration - spiritually, psychologically, and emotionally - as a fundamental aspect of the Gospel is profound.

She offers an intriguing alteration in the perspective on healing, which at the very least compels one to深思 more deeply about what it implies for the Christian to be healed and to promote healing in others.

Howatch's work challenges the reader to consider the multi-faceted nature of faith and its impact on our inner lives.

It makes us question how we can achieve true integration and find healing in all aspects of our being.

Overall, despite the flaws in the writing, the ideas presented by Howatch are thought-provoking and worthy of further exploration.

This is one of NINE in the series.

Howatch has a remarkable talent for weaving stories of clergy from the Church of England, infusing them with complex theology and psychology.

The series is truly captivating, and I found myself completely engrossed in each and every one of the books.

It's important to note that the series does take some unexpected turns and can get a bit kinky in certain spots.

However, this only adds to the allure and makes the reading experience even more unique.

If you're interested in exploring this series, I highly recommend starting with the first one, Glamous Powers.

Give it a try and see if it piques your interest.

If you do find yourself enjoying it, then you can continue on and follow your way through all nine books.

Just be prepared to be challenged and entertained in equal measure.

It's a journey that's well worth taking.

I had to create a new shelf for this one: strangely uncategorizable.

The reason I bought this book from the bargain rack at B&N was because it was written by Susan Howatch. She had penned several of the Gothic romances that my sister and I devoured back in the late seventies and early eighties. This one, however, was rather different.

This book evolved into a story about the spiritual reawakening and healing of a deeply broken man. Along the way, we are treated to some borderline explicit hetero-acting-as-gay-in-a-prostitution-setting sex. It seems a bit beyond the pale for a book that has so much to say about God and love. Apparently, Howatch wrote this book as part of a trilogy exploring healing practices that were popular in England in the 1990s. Yet, there was a lot more time dedicated to the sickening aspects rather than the healing.

I can't envision to whom I would recommend this book, but I was oddly drawn to it. I liked the part about love and all, but it was off-putting that the hetero-acting-as-gay-male-prostitute referred to Jesus as "The Bloke." I kept thinking of the Mass in Spanish and "El Senor," which always makes me have a bit of a 7th-grade giggle in my head.

My remaining question is, did the author believe that healing was not applicable to the ordinary masses, so she had to create an unbelievably broken character? To me, it made the message slightly weaker. But then again, perhaps she wasn't trying to send a specific message at all.

I have a deep love for Howatch's books.

As an individual who is engaged in the kind of ministry that is vividly portrayed in this cycle of nine novels, I am truly impressed by her depictions.

The way she presents the work and its profound impact on people is not only extremely insightful but also an absolute joy to read.

Her writing allows me to gain a deeper understanding of the ministry I am involved in, and it offers a fresh perspective on the challenges and rewards that come with it.

Each character in her novels is so well-developed that I can easily relate to their experiences and emotions.

Howatch's ability to bring the ministry to life on the pages makes her books a must-read for anyone interested in this field.

I highly recommend her works to all those who seek to explore the complex and fascinating world of ministry through the eyes of a talented author.

This book takes no prisoners.

Almost throughout it is raw, uncomfortable, and indeed offensive. It is, in fact, more so than almost any other book I’ve ever read.

This is moral drama at its most uncompromising and powerful.

The process of writing such a book must have been truly extraordinary. I cannot even begin to imagine what it was like.

However, assuming I’m capable of understanding, I would very much like to know.

Perhaps the author had to dig deep into the darkest recesses of the human psyche to bring forth such a powerful and unrelenting work.

It makes me wonder what kind of courage and determination it took to put these words on paper.

Despite its offensiveness, there is something undeniably captivating about this book.

It forces the reader to confront uncomfortable truths and challenges our preconceived notions about morality and human nature.

In a world where so many books seem to shy away from the hard topics, this one stands out as a bold and unapologetic exploration of the human condition.

In my opinion, this book is the least favored among all of hers.

The subject matter it presents simply fails to capture my attention to the same extent as her remarkable Starbridge series, which delves into the fascinating world of the Church of England.

The Starbridge series had a certain allure and depth that made it truly captivating. It explored the inner workings, the traditions, and the complex characters within the Church, offering a rich and engaging narrative.

In contrast, this particular book seems to lack that same level of interest and excitement. The story may not be as well-developed or the themes as thought-provoking.

Perhaps it is the choice of subject matter or the way it is presented that fails to resonate with me.

Nonetheless, it is important to note that everyone has different tastes and preferences when it comes to literature, and what may not appeal to me might be highly regarded by others.

Even though, theoretically speaking, all the books about Nicholas Barrow have the potential to be read as stand-alone works, it is truly advisable to read them in sequence. There are certain aspects and details that simply make a whole lot more sense when you do so.

The series includes "Mystical Paths", "Wonder Workers", "High Flyer", and "The Heartbreaker".

When taken all together, they form an awe-inspiring story arc with magnificently drawn characters. It showcases Susan Howatch at her absolute best. Each book builds upon the previous one, adding depth and complexity to the overall narrative. By reading them in order, readers can fully immerse themselves in the world of Nicholas Barrow and experience the full impact of his journey.

The characters are brought to life in a vivid and engaging manner, making it easy for readers to become invested in their fates. Overall, this series is a must-read for fans of Susan Howatch and anyone who enjoys a well-written and captivating story.

Having read and been completely gripped by some of Susan's books a few years ago, I was truly excited when I came across this particular one in the library. I started reading it with great anticipation and managed to get through half of it. However, I was put off to some extent by the very explicit language that was used to describe Gavin's job. It was a bit too much for my taste and made me feel slightly uncomfortable.

At the end of my holiday, I decided that I should finish the book. But as I continued reading, I didn't have the same enjoyment as I had with Susan's previous works. Instead, I felt like I was just wading through it, trying to get to the end. It didn't have the same charm or appeal that had drawn me in before. Maybe it was the change in writing style or the subject matter, but whatever it was, it didn't quite hit the mark for me this time.

One of my favorite authors is Susan Howatch.

She is truly amazing in her character developments. Howatch has a remarkable ability to create complex and multi-dimensional characters that come alive on the pages of her novels.

Her characters are not one-sided or predictable; instead, they have depth, flaws, and hidden motives that make them seem like real people.

She delves deep into their psyches, exploring their emotions, fears, and desires with great sensitivity and insight.

Whether it's a tortured priest, a powerful politician, or a passionate artist, Howatch brings each character to life in a vivid and unforgettable way.

Her characterizations are so well-crafted that readers can't help but become invested in their stories and root for them to succeed or overcome their obstacles.

Overall, Susan Howatch is a master of character development, and her novels are a testament to her talent and creativity.

Loved it!

This simple phrase holds a world of meaning. It expresses a deep sense of affection, enjoyment, and satisfaction. When we say "loved it," it could refer to a variety of things - a movie that touched our hearts, a book that kept us on the edge of our seats, a delicious meal that tantalized our taste buds, or a beautiful piece of art that left us in awe.

Loving something means that it has made a significant impact on us, that it has brought us joy and happiness. It could be a small moment of pleasure or a life-changing experience. Whatever it is, when we love it, we cherish it and hold it dear.

"Loved it" is also a powerful form of communication. It allows us to share our positive feelings with others and spread the love. Whether we say it to a friend, a family member, or a stranger, it has the ability to brighten someone's day and make them feel appreciated.

So, the next time you experience something that you truly love, don't be afraid to express it. Say "loved it" and let the world know how much you enjoyed it.

The subject matter of this book makes it not an easy read.

However, I found myself loving most of the characters and their eventual redemption by the end of the story.

The journey of these characters was both captivating and moving.

I'm truly sorry that I've now finished both the Starbridge and St Benet's novels.

They have been a source of great joy and entertainment for me.

The detailed descriptions, complex storylines, and well-developed characters have all contributed to making these novels a must-read.

I will surely miss the world that the author has created and the characters that I've come to know and love.

It's rare to find books that can have such a profound impact on the reader, but these novels have managed to do just that.

I would highly recommend them to anyone who enjoys a good story with a touch of drama and redemption.

I have a profound love for the way Susan Howatch writes, and this particular story holds a special place among my favorites.

She possesses an extraordinary ability to breathe life into the characters, allowing you, as the reader, to embark on a journey along with them.

I was truly captivated by how she skillfully enables you to experience the same story from the perspectives of both characters.

It was an absolute delight to read, and I found myself completely engrossed, unable to put the book down. At the same time, I didn't want it to end, as I had become so invested in the lives and adventures of the characters.

Susan Howatch's writing is a masterclass in storytelling, and this story is a shining example of her talent.

I can't wait to explore more of her works and be transported into new worlds filled with complex and engaging characters.