Perfect book in a perfect series (I´m including Starbridge too, of course)

This is truly a remarkable book within an outstanding series. The story is engaging from start to finish, filled with vivid characters and a captivating plot. The author has managed to create a world that is both rich and detailed, drawing the reader in and making them feel as if they are a part of it. Each book in the series builds upon the previous ones, adding new layers and depth to the overall narrative. The addition of Starbridge only enhances the series, bringing in new elements and perspectives. Whether you are a long-time fan of the series or a newcomer, this book is sure to delight. It is a must-read for anyone who loves great literature and immersive storytelling.

I had initially embarked on this task with a certain degree of enthusiasm. However, as I reached the halfway point, things started to take a turn for the worse.

It was becoming increasingly tedious, and I could feel my interest waning. The more I progressed, the less I cared about how it would ultimately end.

At that moment, I knew it was time to call it quits. I realized that continuing would only be a waste of my time and energy.

Although it was a difficult decision to make, I knew it was the right one. I would rather focus my efforts on something that truly mattered and that could bring me a sense of fulfillment.

So, I let go of this unfinished endeavor and looked forward to new opportunities that awaited me.

Howatch's work is often characterized by strong and vivid characters that truly come to life on the page. The shifting points of view add an extra layer of depth and complexity, allowing the reader to see the story from multiple perspectives. However, in this particular case, the length of the narrative seems to be a bit of a drawback.

The story could potentially have been more engaging and impactful if it had been trimmed down and tightened up. While the detailed descriptions and extensive character development are admirable, they sometimes overshadow the overall pacing of the plot. As a result, the reader may find themselves losing interest or getting bogged down in the minutiae.

That being said, Howatch's talent for creating memorable characters and weaving intricate storylines is still very much on display. With a bit of refinement and a more judicious use of space, this could have been an even more outstanding work.

I have a deep affection for the characters in this story.

Alice, while eating her ice cream, presents a relatable image that is easy for the reader to identify with.

However, this is not just a simple tale about one person. It is a story of three individuals who find themselves caught up in a crisis.

Each of them must confront their own unique issues.

Interestingly, as the reader, we can empathize with the type of self-crisis they are facing.

This connection provides us with an opportunity to reflect on and face our own issues as well.

It shows that through the experiences of fictional characters, we can gain insights into our own lives and find the courage to deal with our own challenges.

Overall, this story offers a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition.

I've read Susan Howatch's Starbridge series several times. Most recently, I completed the entire series in order approximately two years ago. When I began this book, I had no idea that it actually featured the same characters as that series!

Regrettably, I believe Howatch has taken a wrong turn. In the initial stages of the series, I was fond of the thoughtful blend of philosophy, theology, and psychology. However, this book has gone to extremes. The characters overanalyzed every minuscule detail to such an extent that towards the end, I was skipping entire pages as each character felt the need to independently explain their philosophies to every other character.

I had no liking for the misogyny, the fat shaming, the tramp shaming, the way women's lives were wrecked by selfish men while the men still managed to obtain everything they desired in the end. It was quite disappointing and left me with a negative impression of this installment.

The Wonder Worker is exquisitely written. It presents an in-depth exploration of charismatic healing.

Susan meticulously crafts an in-depth study of four distinct characters and unfolds the story in four parts, each from the perspective of a different character.

She vividly portrays the characters not only in terms of their spiritual, physical, and mental health but also delves into the perils of the ego within the context of healing.

This book is an extremely captivating read, and the writing is truly incredible. It draws the reader in and keeps them engaged from start to finish, offering valuable insights into the complex world of charismatic healing and the human psyche.

Whether you are interested in the topic of healing or simply appreciate well-written literature, The Wonder Worker is a must-read.

Howatch is truly one of my favorite authors. Her works usually have a certain charm and depth that can attract me deeply.

However, on rare occasions, I will come across one of her novels that just fails to make a lasting impression on me. It's understandable that even great authors need to make a living, but this particular work seems to have some flaws.

The premise of the story was rather irritating, lacking the kind of creativity and uniqueness that I have come to expect from Howatch. The characters, too, were annoying, not having the complexity and relatability that would make me care about them.

And the ending was rather cloying, feeling forced and artificial. Overall, I would recommend skipping this one because there are definitely better novels by this talented author that are well worth reading.

I would read anything Susan Howatch writes.

She is an amazing writer who has the ability to create captivating fictional tales that are not only entertaining but also offer valuable lessons.

The stories she presents are rich in depth and complexity, exploring various themes such as love, loss, power, and redemption.

Through her vivid descriptions and well-developed characters, Howatch draws the reader into a world that feels both real and magical.

Each book is a unique journey, filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat.

Whether it's a historical novel or a contemporary drama, Howatch's writing always manages to touch the heart and engage the mind.

Her work is a testament to the power of storytelling and the ability of fiction to inspire and educate.

I highly recommend her books to anyone who loves a good read and is looking for something that will leave a lasting impression.

So totally engrossing was this experience that I simply didn't want it to come to an end.

From the very beginning, it had me completely captivated. Every moment was filled with excitement and anticipation.

The details were so vivid and engaging that I felt as if I was a part of it all.

Whether it was the beautiful scenery, the interesting characters, or the thrilling plot, everything contributed to making it an unforgettable adventure.

I found myself completely immersed in it, losing track of time and reality.

As it drew to a close, I couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness.

I wished that it could have continued on and on, allowing me to stay in that wonderful world for just a little while longer.

But alas, all good things must come to an end, and this one was no exception.

Nevertheless, the memories of it will stay with me forever.

Can't resist these page-turning clerical bonkbusters (tm, me). Once again, we are presented with a breathless expose of all aspects of a chaotic group of humans. They engage in deep thinking but manage to mess everything up before reaching a suitably melodramatic conclusion.

My to-read shelf currently appears so worthy. This particular book was a refreshingly fast-paced treat. It kept me on the edge of my seat, eager to turn the page and discover what would happen next. The story was filled with twists and turns, and the characters were well-developed and engaging.

I found myself completely immersed in the world created by the author. The writing style was engaging and easy to follow, making it a pleasure to read. Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a thrilling and entertaining read.

My first encounter with this author left me pleasantly surprised. It was an enthralling read that truly captivated my attention from start to finish. I find myself eagerly looking forward to exploring more of this author's work.

The back cover provides a tantalizing glimpse into the story. Young, lonely, and insecure, Alice Fletcher is on the brink of emotional collapse when she seeks refuge in St. Benet's Church to escape the London drizzle. There, she witnesses a group of gifted healers led by the charismatic Nicholas Darrow. Gaining a sense of safety at last, Alice is irresistibly drawn into the complex web of relationships at St. Benet's healing center. What's more, she falls immediately and dangerously in love with Darrow himself.

However, Darrow and his innovative clergy are not all as they appear. While Nicholas's remarkable powers now pose a threat to everything he attempts to save, including his own troubled marriage, Alice's devotion to him only deepens. Then, a devastating tragedy catapults her to the shocking core of the truth. But fueled by her love for Nicholas and a newly emerging intuition, she will strive to hold together the lives that are spiraling out of control, even as she herself is forever transformed.

**Title: A Decent Experience with 3.5 Stars**

I recently had an encounter that I would rate 3.5 stars.

It wasn't perfect, but there were definitely some亮点. The service was generally good, with the staff being friendly and helpful most of the time. However, there were a few moments when they seemed a bit忙, which led to a slight delay in getting what I needed.

The quality of the product or service itself was also quite不错. It met my basic requirements and had some nice features. But again, there were a couple of areas where it could have been improved.

Overall, despite the minor flaws, I still had a relatively positive experience. I would recommend it to others with the caveat that they might encounter some of the same small issues that I did.

I hope that the provider will continue to work on improving and addressing these areas to make the experience even better in the future.