One of my all-time favorite stories is truly a masterpiece.

I just reread it for the umpteenth time, and I am still astounded by the masterful way in which Christian themes are seamlessly woven into a book that may not necessarily be labeled as Christian fiction.

The concept of becoming a new creation is a central and powerful theme. It shows how individuals can break free from their old selves and embrace a new life filled with hope and purpose.

Redeeming a future from past mistakes is another crucial element. It emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and the possibility of transformation, no matter how dire the circumstances may seem.

The references to the Good Friday darkness that precedes Easter add a layer of depth and significance to the story. It reminds us of the sacrifice and suffering that Jesus endured for our salvation.

Adding the story of the woman suffering from the issue of blood to the opening chapter is a brilliant move. It immediately draws the reader in and sets the stage for the theological exploration that follows.

I simply love this book and the entire series. It has touched my heart and challenged my faith in the most profound way.

I like this book for a plethora of reasons.

It transports the Starbridge reader from the South West firmly into Nicholas Darrow’s ministry. It does so in a new age, specifically the 1980s.

Moreover, it brings to life the familiar geography, social mix, and the day to day heat and dust of the City of London.

The characters within the book are highly believable, which adds to the overall charm. The storyline is also extremely good.

It delves into the age of ecclesiastical insecurity and marks the beginning of the fragmentation of the Church of England through its so-called ‘ministry of healing’, which is essentially missionary work by another name.

This aspect of the book provides a fascinating exploration of the religious and social context of that time period, making it not only an entertaining read but also a thought-provoking one.

The original article:
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Expanded article:
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Another book that I finally managed to complete after countless starts and stops.

This book was truly strange. I realized that I had to read it slowly and meticulously in order to grasp every detail, but this made the book's pacing extremely slow and it felt far too long.

The characters were mostly dreadful, yet the desire to discover what would happen to them compelled me to continue reading.

I was taken aback by the ending, but unfortunately, the characters never managed to redeem themselves.

I would not recommend this book. The approximately 525 pages simply are not worth the effort.

It's a pity that such a long book couldn't offer more engaging characters or a more satisfying conclusion.

Perhaps for some readers, the slow pace and the flawed characters might hold a certain charm, but for me, it was a bit of a disappointment.

I'm glad to have finally finished it, but I don't think I'll be picking it up again anytime soon.

This article contains a significant number of adult themes such as sex, suicide, sexuality, murder, dating, and mental illness.

Due to these mature and potentially disturbing elements, it is not suitable for a younger audience.

Nevertheless, the way the story is told is truly captivating. The underlying psychology within the narrative is engaging and enjoyable to follow.

Moreover, there are numerous unexpected twists and turns that constantly keep the reader on their toes.

These elements combine to create a complex and thought-provoking story that, while not appropriate for all, can be highly appealing to those who are interested in exploring deeper and more mature themes.

It offers a unique and challenging reading experience that requires the reader to confront some difficult and uncomfortable topics.

Overall, despite its adult nature, the story has its own charm and吸引力 that can draw in certain readers who are looking for something different and more intense.

I was truly relishing this book. At the beginning, it progressed a little sluggishly, but as I delved deeper, I found myself completely engrossed and couldn't bear to put it down. It was steadily climbing from a 4-star rating towards a 5-star one.

However, everything changed when I read the last two pages. Those final two pages seemed to shatter the illusion that had been carefully constructed throughout the book. They introduced a plot twist that was so unexpected and, in my opinion, rather jarring. It felt as if the author had sacrificed the coherence and flow of the story for the sake of a shocking ending.

As a result, my initial enthusiasm for the book waned significantly. Instead of the 5 stars it seemed to be headed towards, I now found myself reevaluating it and considering a lower rating. The disappointment caused by those last two pages was enough to overshadow much of the enjoyment I had previously experienced while reading the book.

I have read this several times, though not for a few years.

Each time I revisit it, I am struck by how much better it gets with re-reading.

Once one has a familiarity with the plot, it becomes possible to focus on the truly excellent exploration of interpersonal relationships and the profound depths of the human psyche that the story offers.

The characters are so well-developed that they seem to come alive on the page, and their interactions are both realistic and engaging.

The author's ability to delve into the inner workings of the characters' minds and hearts is truly remarkable, and it adds an extra layer of depth and complexity to the story.

Whether you are a first-time reader or a seasoned veteran, this is a book that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

This book, which consists of more than 500 pages, can be quite dense at times. It is filled with theological and psychological jargon that, due to some repetition, may become tedious and demand a certain amount of effort to get through.

For the most part, it is well written. I persisted in reading it because I became engaged with the characters, and I was satisfied with most of the well-crafted plot twists.

It required some determination on my part, but I am glad that I embarked on this reading journey and completed it.

The book offers a complex and detailed exploration of various themes, although the abundance of technical language can be a challenge. However, the engaging characters and interesting plot developments make it worthwhile.

Overall, it is a book that demands patience and perseverance, but those who are willing to invest the time will likely find it a rewarding read.

Although this book was very much a psychological intuitive one,

I truly felt the complete gamut of emotions, ranging from intense anger to deep compassion,

and then to the questions of "why?" and "what kind of love is this?"

It was truly Susan Howatch at her absolute best.

She has this remarkable ability to draw the readers in and make them experience a wide variety of emotions within the pages of her book.

The story unfolds in such a way that it keeps you on the edge of your seat, constantly wondering what will happen next and how the characters will deal with their complex emotions.

Howatch's writing is so vivid and engaging that you can almost feel as if you are a part of the story, experiencing everything along with the characters.

This book is a must-read for anyone who loves psychological novels that explore the depths of human emotions.

I truly have a great fondness for Susan's novels.

I have devoured all the Starbridge novels and have now delved into the first St Benets book.

I relished it to a great extent.

It is essential to note that a significant portion of the background story pertains to faith and integrity, as well as psychological balance.

This aspect imparts a potent dimension to the narrative.

You are not merely reading about situations, actions, and their consequences in the temporal realm but also in the spiritual sense.

It is truly excellent.

Her writing has the ability to transport readers into a world where both the physical and the spiritual are intertwined, creating a rich and engaging reading experience.

I look forward to exploring more of her works and uncovering the hidden depths within each story.

Overall, Susan's novels are a must-read for anyone who appreciates thought-provoking and spiritually enlightening literature.

An Intriguing Tale

I have never delved into the works of Susan Howatch before. It was only because my mum's friend gave her a copy of The Wonder Worker that I came across it. Fascinated by the sound of the synopsis, I decided to give it a try, and I was truly impressed.

The book revolves around a Healing Centre in the City of London and is presented through the eyes of several protagonists. There's the shy and dumpy Alice, who has been suppressed and attempts to remain invisible. Then there's the irascible Lewis, an elderly priest grappling with the ageing process and the rapidly changing world around him. Rosalind, the wife of Nicholas, the vicar in charge of the centre, is a lonely woman whose seemingly perfect marriage is far from it. And finally, there's Nicholas himself, a handsome and exciting man who elicits feelings of passion and worship in all who encounter him, but in reality, he is a fallible human being.
The story is told from four perspectives, and Howatch is astute enough to make each voice so distinct that you empathize with them, making it easier to view all sides of the situation. There is a death that catches you off guard and an ambiguously happy ending.
I will most definitely be exploring Ms Howatch's books in the future.

This book has opened my eyes to her talent and has left me eager to discover more of her literary works.

Susan Howatch's remarkable series delves into the diverse factions within the Church of England.

Those of my generation might recall Howatch as a writer of romantic suspense during the 1960s. In my opinion, the skills she acquired then in captivating readers and making them eager to turn the pages are effectively utilized in the Starbridge books.

Nonetheless, individuals who are less intrigued by church matters than I am could very likely become bored.

I encourage you to give it a try and form your own opinion.

You might be pleasantly surprised by the depth and complexity of the stories, or you might find that it doesn't quite hold your interest.

Either way, it's worth taking the time to explore Susan Howatch's work and see if it speaks to you.