I truly love reading this particular book and all of her other books as well.

Her writing style is so engaging and captivating that it always manages to keep me entertained from start to finish.

Each of her books seems to have its own unique charm and story line that draws me in and makes me eager to turn the page.

Whether it's a mystery, a romance, or a thriller, she has the ability to create characters and plots that are both believable and exciting.

I can't wait to see what she comes up with next, as I know it will be just as entertaining as all of her previous works.

I would highly recommend her books to anyone who loves a good read and is looking for something to keep them entertained.

She is definitely one of my favorite authors and I will continue to read everything she writes.

This book penned by Susan Howatch was truly a remarkable and wonderful read.

It has the power to warm the heart with its engaging and touching storylines. The characters are complex and multi-faceted, making them feel like real human beings.

Moreover, the element of Christian living is seamlessly incorporated into the narrative, adding an extra layer of depth and meaning.

J. Robert Ewbank, the author of "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the 'Isms'", has also praised this book, which further attests to its quality.

Overall, it is a book that not only entertains but also启迪 and enriches the reader's understanding of life and faith.

It is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good story with a spiritual dimension.

This was the only book of the series that I read, so perhaps I overlooked certain details.

The aspect of Christian healing was quite interesting. It delved into the power of faith and its potential impact on one's well-being. However, the remainder of the book seemed to be filled with a great deal of self-reflection and introspection, which, at best, could be described as navel-gazing.

Nonetheless, it must be acknowledged that the book was well-written for what it aimed to achieve. The author's prose was engaging and the story was presented in a coherent manner. Despite its flaws, it still managed to hold my attention and provided some food for thought.

Overall, while it may not have been a perfect read, it did have its redeeming qualities. I would be curious to see if the other books in the series offer a different perspective or build upon the ideas presented in this one.

The story is not without its charm, but it does have a certain irregularity. This is particularly evident when the narrative delves into the realm of exorcism and other religious fantasies.

For those individuals who have an interest in Howatch's literary works, I would highly recommend beginning with the first series. The main character in this particular book, along with the subsequent ones - Nick Darrow and his acolyte, Lewis Hall - make appearances in the previous novels.

This provides a more comprehensive and连贯的 reading experience, allowing the reader to better understand the development and evolution of these characters. By starting from the beginning, one can fully immerse themselves in the world that Howatch has created and appreciate the subtleties and nuances of her storytelling.

Overall, while this book may have its quirks, it is still a worthwhile read for fans of Howatch and those interested in exploring the genre of religious and psychological fiction.

When plain overweight Alice stumbles across the Healing Centre run by the charismatic Nicholas Darrow, her life is forever changed.

Alice, who has always felt a sense of inadequacy and dissatisfaction with herself, finds herself drawn to the centre and its mysterious owner.

"A Question of Integrity" is a captivating novel that delves deep into the themes of healing and regeneration. It explores how we often delude ourselves, believing in false hopes and dreams, in order to escape the harsh realities of our lives.

The story follows Alice's journey as she confronts her own insecurities and begins to search for what is truly real and honest. Along the way, she discovers that the path to self-discovery and healing is not an easy one, but one that is well worth the effort.

With its engaging characters and thought-provoking storyline, "A Question of Integrity" is a must-read for anyone who is seeking to find meaning and purpose in their lives.

"Unputdownable and Chilling"

This description immediately grabs the reader's attention. An unputdownable story is one that has such a captivating hold that the reader simply cannot tear themselves away from it. It keeps them engaged from the very first page, compelling them to turn each successive page with bated breath.

And when it's described as chilling, it adds an extra layer of intrigue. A chilling tale has the power to send shivers down the spine, to evoke a sense of unease and dread. It might involve elements of mystery, horror, or the unknown, leaving the reader on the edge of their seat.

Such a combination of unputdownable and chilling makes for a truly unforgettable reading experience. It's the kind of story that lingers in the mind long after the final page has been turned, leaving the reader with a sense of awe and a desire to share it with others. Whether it's a novel, a short story, or a work of non-fiction, a piece that can be described as unputdownable and chilling is sure to make an impact.

Ultimately, I found myself rather seriously challenged, especially when it came to the craft. Of course, I knew the name and the connection to Seattle Pacific. Much of the narrative seemed dated. The idea of women priests felt very 1970s, and likewise, linking the paranormal to scientific language. Also, all the angst about being gay or not gay, divorce, and remarriage.

However, the characters were truly marvelous. The first two sections had a delightful, snarky Jane Austen-like quality. The pages just flew by, and I absolutely loved Lewis. Once we got into Rosalind's part, the pace slowed down, in part because she was so obsessively damaged. But Howach delved into the contradictions of her character with great skill, peeling back each layer until I could truly feel the frustration and tensions that were tearing her apart.

There were also occasional surprises, like the demon possession/exorcism that wasn't really possession because we have better words now.

Until the very last page, which was pure Kraft Singles. Argh.

But overall, I learned a great deal about character contradictions and how to handle them. So, yes - Howach is a voice that I have to take seriously.

I very rarely abandon a book or skip pages. However, with this particular book, I nearly did the former and, in fact, I did do the latter!

Whilst reading this, I was constantly wondering whether I was reading an old-fashioned farce and, as such, should be chuckling, or if, as I suspected, it was not a farce at all and was meant to be taken seriously.

The story seemed to have elements that could be interpreted in either way. There were moments that were comical and light-hearted, but there were also others that had a deeper, more serious tone. It was as if the author was trying to walk a fine line between the two genres, and I wasn't quite sure which side of the line I was supposed to be on.

This uncertainty made it difficult for me to fully engage with the book. I found myself constantly second-guessing my reactions and wondering if I was missing something important. In the end, I decided to skip ahead and see if the story would clarify itself, but unfortunately, it didn't. I was left with a sense of confusion and dissatisfaction, and I'm not sure if I would recommend this book to others.

The first installment in the 'St Benet's' series, which is recognized in the USA as 'The Wonder Worker', is truly a remarkable piece of literature.

Set in the context of an Anglo-Catholic healing centre in London, this amazing book tells the story of Alice, an overweight cook who suffers from extremely low self-esteem. She finds assistance from Nick, the main preacher and healer at the centre.

The book is written from multiple perspectives, which enriches the narrative by providing different insights into the events that preceded. The characters are meticulously developed, making them feel real and relatable. The conversations are believable, adding to the authenticity of the story. Moreover, the plots are cleverly intertwined, keeping the reader engaged from start to finish.

While I thought the ending was a bit too dramatic and sudden, overall, I found the book to be great. It was the first Howatch book I ever read, and it definitely won't be the last. I look forward to delving into the rest of the series and exploring more of her captivating writing.

This piece of work is not as good as some of her earlier efforts.

It seems to lack the same level of creativity and innovation that was present in her previous works.

The ideas may feel a bit stale or unoriginal, and the execution might not be as polished or refined.

However, it's important to note that everyone has off days or projects that don't turn out as well as they hoped.

Maybe she was facing some challenges or distractions during the creation of this work.

It's also possible that she is simply evolving as an artist and this is a step in a new direction.

We should give her the benefit of the doubt and look forward to seeing what she comes up with in the future.

After all, her earlier work has shown that she has great talent and potential.

A 3.5 for me.

I had read other books by this author and really liked her writing style. However, this particular book was a bit too wordy for my taste.

Although I have a great love for a good story, there were just so many shenanigans happening that I found myself getting confused and tripping over the different story lines.

And what about the ending? The fat girl, who incidentally is a great cook, loses weight and miraculously gets the guy!?? Come on...

P.s. And all of this takes place within the hallowed halls of a healing center and rectory. It all seemed a bit too convenient and predictable for my liking.

I was hoping for something more unique and unexpected from this author, but unfortunately, this book didn't quite hit the mark for me.

Having delved into most of the Starbridge novels and the other two books in the St Benet's Trilogy, I discovered that this particular book was an absolute page-turner. The image of the members of the healing team at St Benet's is etched vividly in my mind. I feel as if I have an intimate understanding of them, warts and all. They are not just fictional characters but real, breathing individuals with their own vulnerabilities. Susan Howatch masterfully presents their sorrows, joys, wrong choices, remorse, and anguish with astonishing clarity. The extended passages of psychological conflict are so intense that after reading them, I feel as emotionally drained as Nicholas Darrow himself after a session with his spiritual director.

I especially adore Susan Howatch's technique of seamlessly transitioning from one character's viewpoint to another. When I am immersed in one person's perspective, I completely empathize with them. Then, when I see that same person through the eyes of someone else, my perception changes, just as it does in real life. We often only see and experience others from the outside and lack true insight into their innermost selves (unless, of course, we possess psychic abilities like Nicholas Darrow and Lewis Hall).

During the description of Nicholas's treatment of his wife Rosalind, from her point of view, I was truly shocked and almost traumatized. It was as if my previous idealized view of a man I idolized was suddenly and dramatically shattered, just as it might be in real life.

Susan Howatch is an extraordinary writer who has the unique ability to shine a light into the deepest recesses of our souls, a feat accomplished by very few other writers.