The Starbridge series left me hanging, but now, that's all in the past!

This is the very first book in the 'St. Benet's Trilogy', and I have to say, I absolutely adored it.

The story unfolds in a captivating manner, drawing you in from the very beginning.

The characters are well-developed and full of life, making it easy to become invested in their journeys.

The plot is filled with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat, eager to see what happens next.

Whether you're a fan of the Starbridge series or new to the author's work, this book is a must-read.

It offers a fresh and exciting take on the genre, and I can't wait to see where the rest of the trilogy takes us.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a thrilling and engaging read.

Loved this story.

It was truly captivating from the very beginning. The plot was engaging and filled with unexpected twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. The characters were well-developed and had unique personalities that made them easy to relate to. I found myself emotionally invested in their lives and rooting for them throughout the story.

The writing style was also excellent. The author had a way with words that painted vivid pictures in my mind and made me feel as if I was actually a part of the story. The descriptions were detailed and the dialogue was realistic, which added to the overall authenticity of the narrative.

In conclusion, this story was a real gem. It had everything I look for in a good read - a great plot, interesting characters, and beautiful writing. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good story.

Alice, by chance, stumbles into a healing service, mistakenly thinking she is seeking refuge in a quiet City church. From this moment on, her life undergoes a steady transformation.

The story is told from the viewpoints of four main characters. Alice commences and concludes the novel. Lewis, a traditionalist priest, takes up the narrative. In stark contrast, the tale is advanced by Rosalind, who is Nicholas Darrow's wife and an outsider not belonging to the St Benet's Community. Nicholas, a forty-five-year-old man, takes over where his wife leaves off, telling the story from her perspective. Alice then narrates the concluding part.

Each part begins with a quote, and each chapter has yet another quote from a different source. The themes explored in the novel include loss and grief, misunderstanding and confusion, as well as integrity and insincerity.

The book is written in a clear and uncomplicated style, making it easily accessible and enjoyable to read. It delves into the complex emotions and experiences of the characters, drawing the reader into their world and making them empathize with their struggles and triumphs.

The convergence of physical, mental and spiritual health persists in this Howatch novel.

As clergy, I truly delight in the portrayal of those who serve both God and people with their complete humanity, including flaws, sins, and gifts!

In certain respects, “The Wonder Worker” can be regarded as a sort of soap opera. However, it extends the boundaries and horizons to convey a crucial truth: there is a God who is distinct from us and who arranges our lives in ways that are beyond our comprehension to safeguard us!

This novel not only entertains but also makes us reflect on the deeper aspects of our existence and the role of a higher power in our lives. It shows that even in the midst of our imperfections and mistakes, there is a greater plan at work.

The characters in the story, with all their flaws and struggles, serve as a reminder that we are all on a journey of growth and redemption.

Overall, “The Wonder Worker” is a thought-provoking and engaging novel that offers valuable insights into the human condition and the power of faith.

I am an extremely passionate fan of Susan Howatch's books. Her works have always had a certain charm and allure that have deeply attracted me.

However, when it comes to this particular book, I must admit that I was rather disappointed. It started off very slowly, taking a long time to build up the story and engage my interest.

The beginning seemed to drag on, and I found myself having to force myself to keep reading. And then, when it finally reached the end, it was quite anticlimactic.

The conclusion felt rushed and unsatisfactory, leaving many loose ends and unanswered questions. It was a real shame, as I had been looking forward to this book with such high expectations.

Overall, while I still have a great deal of respect for Susan Howatch as an author, this particular book did not live up to my standards.

I really enjoyed this book. It served as a great break from the anthropological non-fiction that I've been engrossed in during my free time.

The story had its merits and the characters were decent. I was given 3 Howatch books as a gift. So far, I have liked the other 2 better. However, I felt that I needed to read this one to fully establish the characters.

I'm not entirely certain if I would re-read them. But my plan is to pass the set on to my sister once I've completed reading all of them. I think she might also find some enjoyment in these books. It's always nice to share good reads with family.

Maybe she'll have a different perspective on this particular book and might appreciate it more than I did. Overall, it was a worthwhile read, even if it didn't quite match up to the other two in the set for me.

Well, here I am, having spent two weeks reading yet another book, even though it's the Christmas season.

It was quite a challenge for me to distinguish between the storyline and the overly abundant theology within it. The book is written in the first person and divided into sections, each dedicated to a different person.

I have to admit that I got stuck on Lewis's section. He is just plain boring. And to wrap up my review, it's not the typical excellent writing of Susan Howatch that I've come to know in the past. It's a little too psychological for my taste.

Alice's sections were the best. Her storyline about her aunt and her former employer at the beginning were the highlights. The best phrase, in my opinion, is on page 72: "....I consider the word 'tricky' to be a Masterpiece of English understatement."

Overall, while there were some redeeming qualities, this book didn't quite meet my expectations.

I truly adored this book and its captivating characters.

Written in the first person from the perspectives of the four main characters, the five sections, with the first and last being by the character Alice, develop with growing complexity.

I gained a wealth of knowledge about the intersection of the healing community, the medical community, and the Anglo-Catholic church.

What becomes evident is that things are not as straightforward as they initially appear when Alice, by chance, first stumbles upon St. Benet's healing center.

The suave leader, Nicholas, charms her and most of the other female members of the center.

All the characters deeply ponder and worry about their relationships with God and the people in their lives.

As we view them as whole and "integrated" humans, we are drawn into their relationships and the unexpected twists and turns.

I now have a strong desire to read the previous series of books featuring these same characters.

This particular book, I believe, is set to initiate a new trilogy.

I fully intend to read each installment as they are released.

Enjoy!

I was recommended to read Susan Howatch by my writer's group, and when I discovered this series was set in an Anglican church in London, I was intrigued.

The book truly held my attention. I ended up reading the second half in one long afternoon when I really should have been occupied with other tasks. However, I wasn't completely satisfied with the ending. I felt that the particular conclusion didn't have sufficient support throughout the plot.

I did enjoy reading a book that didn't avoid spiritual and religious themes. It didn't rely on broad generalizations and clichés, nor was it overly critical. That being said, one of the characters in particular was extremely long-winded. There were multiple times when I just wanted him to stop talking and get to the point.

So, while it wasn't my all-time favorite read, it was good enough that I might look up the other two books that Howatch has written which focus on the same context and characters. I'm curious to see if they will offer a more satisfying reading experience.

This is the first book in the St. Benet's series. However, I regard it as the seventh book of the Starbridge series. The reason is that it resolves many loose ends for me.

The story is set in St. Benet's-by-the-Wall, a small church and healing center located in London's inner city. It appears that Nicholas has at last discovered a means to utilize his psychic abilities without sacrificing his religious vocation.

Many of the Starbridge characters make appearances in this story. Lewis Hall, for instance, is Nick's associate and mentor at St. Benet's. The mystery surrounding Rosalind, Nick's wife, is finally解开 for me. I had never understood the reasons for their marriage, but as the marriage begins to disintegrate in this book, my questions are largely answered.

Venetia seems to be finally getting her life in order. She is a character I was very concerned about in the earlier books. The characters from these books have become extremely real to me, so I was pleased to achieve some closure for some of them.

At the very end of the book, Howatch starts to get very strange, and that is the point where I lost interest. Fortunately, she embarks on her paranormal tangent with mostly new characters with whom I hadn't formed an emotional connection.

This is a truly captivating tale about psychic ministry within the Church. Just like "Pennmaric," it is presented from multiple perspectives. Alice Fletcher discovers the small church, St. Bennets, while struggling to take care of her elderly and terminally ill aunt who raised her. She is the first narrator. Then we hear from the charming Reverend Nicholas Darrow (whom every woman adores), Darrow's wife, and Father Lewis, and finally back to Alice. Amidst a curate of questionable sexual orientation who was sexually abused by an older homosexual man and Francine, a church befriender who turns psychotic, the plot unfolds rapidly.

Although the ending surprised me as being rather unconventional, it did conclude the story quite abruptly, as if Ms. Howatch had become weary of the plot and simply stopped. However, as always, it is a well-written narrative.

I have enjoyed nearly all of her books. They have a certain charm and depth that keep me engaged from beginning to end. Her ability to create complex characters and weave intricate storylines is truly remarkable. I look forward to reading more of her works in the future.

Loved this!

It's truly fascinating to explore the world of spiritual healers and their connection to the Church of England. Spiritual healers have long been a part of religious and spiritual traditions, offering comfort, guidance, and a sense of hope to those in need. The Church of England, with its rich history and established presence, has also played an important role in the realm of spiritual healing.

Many people turn to spiritual healers when they are facing physical, emotional, or spiritual challenges. These healers may use a variety of techniques, such as prayer, meditation, laying on of hands, and the use of natural remedies. They believe that by tapping into the power of the divine and the body's own natural healing abilities, they can help bring about a state of wholeness and well-being.

The Church of England has recognized the importance of spiritual healing and has incorporated it into its ministry in various ways. Some churches may have dedicated healing services or offer pastoral care and counseling to those seeking spiritual healing. The church also provides a framework and support system for spiritual healers, ensuring that their work is carried out in a way that is consistent with the teachings and values of the faith.