This is the best of Susan Howatch's C of E books.

It stands out due to the inclusion of mystical elements that add an air of mystery and intrigue. Additionally, the character portrayals are excellent, bringing the characters to life in a vivid and engaging way.

Yes, it's true that as the series progresses, it can get a bit formulaic. However, the first 3 - 4 books are truly very enjoyable. And this particular book is most definitely one worth reading.

It offers a captivating story that draws the reader in and keeps them hooked from start to finish. The combination of the mystical elements and well-developed characters makes it a standout in the series.

Whether you're a fan of Susan Howatch or simply looking for a good read, this book is sure to satisfy.

I recently embarked on a second binge of Susan Howatch's works, and this time, I delved into an entire series. It was an immersive experience that had me completely captivated from start to finish. Howatch's writing is so engaging, with complex characters and intricate storylines that draw you in and keep you hooked. As I read each book in the series, I found myself becoming more and more invested in the lives of the characters, their struggles, and their triumphs. The series explores themes such as love, loss, power, and redemption, and Howatch does an excellent job of weaving these themes together in a way that is both thought-provoking and emotionally satisfying. I would highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys well-written, character-driven fiction.

I embarked on this series right in the middle with this particular book, which is highly uncharacteristic of me. To my surprise, I found it to be completely improbable yet utterly unputdownable.

On the surface, it revolves around a shy and rather unattractive young woman named Alice Fletcher. She becomes deeply infatuated with a charismatic individual, Nicholas Darrow, who is part minister and part mystic-healer. She encounters him quite by chance at his church in London.

However, given that Susan Howatch is a maestro of intricacy, there are numerous unexpected plot twists as Nicholas grapples with his faith, his family, and his parishioners. The story weaves a complex web of emotions, conflicts, and revelations that keep the reader on the edge of their seat, eager to discover what will happen next. It's a captivating tale that explores the depths of human nature and the power of love, faith, and redemption.

I thought I knew exactly what I was getting myself into when I selected this as a Light Summer Read. I was fully prepared for all the clichés and the story of unrequited love that it might entail. However, what I ended up reading was far more absurd and far-fetched than any daytime soap opera I had ever come across.

So, if you have a penchant for that kind of over-the-top DRAMA DRAMA DRAMA, then I can wholeheartedly recommend this book to you.

The most I can truly say is that Susan Howatch definitely managed to create characters that I had a love-hate relationship with. They were the very reason that compelled me to finish this rather rambling and repetitious novel. Despite its flaws, there was something about those characters that kept me engaged and interested until the very end.