This is an absolutely amazing book that manages to bring together a plethora of elements.

On one hand, it presents as a romance, yet the relationships within are anything but simple. They are complex and multi-layered, adding depth and intrigue.

What sets this book apart is its deeply spiritual aspect. There are also segments that are nearly instructional, offering valuable insights into spiritual direction and healing.

It is far more than a conventional romance; in fact, it goes beyond what one might typically expect from a romance novel.

So, why not give it a full 5 stars? Well, there were moments when my interest wavered. But perhaps, if I were to read it again, I might change my mind and rate it a 5. After all, it is a very rich and engaging read.

I'm eagerly looking forward to the next installment in this series.

This was a truly strange book.

It was not at all what I was anticipating. I had expected it to be an easy-to-read mystery, but that was far from the case.

For the first third of the book, I constantly found myself wondering what on earth I was reading. The story seemed to be going in a direction that was completely unexpected.

However, in the middle section, I did start to become interested. I began to accept that it was different from what I had initially thought.

Even so, it never truly became a "page turner" for me. I didn't feel that sense of urgency to keep reading and find out what happened next.

Now that I have finished it, I don't have the urge to immediately grab another Susan Howatch book. While it had its moments, it didn't leave a lasting impression on me.

I'm not sure if I would recommend this book to others, as it may not be to everyone's taste.

Perhaps those who are more open to experimental and unconventional writing styles might enjoy it more than I did.

Overall, it was an interesting reading experience, but not one that I would rush to repeat.

If I could, I would have given this book 2.5 stars. It is the second book in the Strabridge series, which takes one of the characters from the first story and tells us his story.

Jon Darrow is an Anglican monk who realizes that it's time to leave the monastery and enter the world. The book then details his trials and tribulations, as well as his struggles to reconcile his faith with what he discovers.

Although I enjoyed this book, I believe that in many ways, it would be better appreciated by a non-Christian as a pure story rather than by myself as a Christian. I found some aspects of it very difficult to accept as an accurate portrayal of Christianity.

My main issue is Jon Darrow's use of his glamorous powers, which seem to include things like hypnotism and his belief that he alone can heal people. This is completely contrary to the Bible, and in fact, hypnotism is specifically prohibited. It seems odd that someone so senior in the church would be led astray in this manner.

I was also very uncomfortable with the whole Catholic influence. I was aware of High Anglicans, but not to the extent depicted in the book. It seems very wrong for him to impose such foreign practices into the small village church.

All in all, it is a good book, and I look forward to reading the next in the series.

Rereading the Starbridge novels nearly 30 years after my initial encounter with them is a fascinating experience. I can scarcely recall the details of the stories, which means I'm just as astonished by the unexpected twists and turns as a first-time reader would be.

My hazy memory suggests that this was my least favorite among the six Starbridge novels. And I can now understand why. The main character, Jon Darrow, really grated on my nerves.

However, this is precisely the mark of Susan Howatch's skill. She crafts incredibly lifelike characters. And since the stories are told from the first-person perspective, she ingeniously employs the aspect of the unreliable narrator. Jon Darrow frequently criticizes the people he meets, highlighting their flaws. But upon closer examination of his interactions with those individuals, I often realize that the fault actually lies with Darrow himself, even though he remains oblivious to this in his narration. It's truly clever and astute writing.

I liked the first one more, but this was also good.

I have a master's in theology, and even I thought this was a bit too focused on theology.

So, if you have no interest in the Church of England's theological movements or writers, this book may not appeal to you.

It's a strange kind of hybrid book that combines different elements.

On one hand, it offers in-depth discussions of theological concepts and ideas.

On the other hand, it also includes personal anecdotes and reflections.

The author's writing style is engaging, but the content can be quite dense at times.

Overall, it's a book that requires some effort to understand, but it can be rewarding for those who are interested in theology.

If you're looking for a light read or something completely different, this may not be the book for you.

However, if you're willing to explore the world of theology and engage with complex ideas, it's definitely worth a look.

I'm currently re-reading this series, eager to discover if it still holds the same captivating charm for me as it did when I was in my 30's. The resounding answer is indeed yes.

However, I must admit that during this re-read, I found the first half of the story to be rather slow-paced. It made me pause and reflect.

Moreover, I'm not entirely convinced that Anne would have been as compliant as she was portrayed. Maybe it's because we live in a different era now.

But despite these minor observations, the overall allure of the series remains intact. It continues to draw me in, making me eager to turn the next page and uncover more of its secrets.

As I progress through the re-reading, I'm looking forward to seeing how my perspective might change or evolve, and how this beloved series will continue to touch my heart.

JUST SO GOOD.

It is truly excellent prose that catches the reader's attention from the very beginning. The words flow smoothly, painting vivid pictures in the mind.

The author's use of language is masterful, with a perfect balance of description and emotion.

Each sentence seems to be carefully crafted to convey the intended message with precision and beauty.

The prose has a certain rhythm and cadence that makes it a pleasure to read aloud.

It engages the reader on multiple levels, appealing to both the intellect and the heart.

Whether it's a description of a beautiful landscape or an exploration of a complex emotion, the prose manages to bring the subject matter to life in a way that is both captivating and memorable.

Overall, it is just so good that it leaves a lasting impression on the reader and makes them eager to read more.

This was the second book in a series.

I will give it 4 stars, as it was excellently written. The language was engaging, the characters were well-developed, and the plot was full of twists and turns.

The problem was, I had read it before, in the first book of the series. The story was essentially the same - a man goes on a quest, but he bollocks it up out of pride. He then has a major crisis, which is partially sexual in nature, and resolves it all with the help of a kind and supportive [and amazingly insightful] spiritual director. Only the "names were changed to protect the innocent."

I probably will not read the third in the series, though the odds are high it will be excellently written. The blurb about it makes it sound like it will be similar to the first two books, and I'm not sure I want to read the same story again. However, if the author manages to bring something new and fresh to the table, I might be persuaded to give it a try.

Tonight I had the singular satisfaction of completing my reading of "GLAMOROUS POWERS."

It has all the hallmarks of a well-crafted novel. The narrative is robust and engaging, pulling the reader in from the very beginning. The plot is filled with twists and turns that keep one on the edge of their seat. The characters are so vividly drawn that the reader can easily relate to them.

In this novel, Jon Darrow, a 60-year-old Anglican priest with unique psychic powers, takes center stage. We last saw him in "Glittering Images" where he helped a young Anglican clergyman overcome a personal spiritual crisis in 1937. Now, he has a vision that compels him to question his own commitment and place within the Fordite Order, of which he had been a part for 17 years.

In the process, Darrow embarks upon a long and difficult journey. This journey re-connects him with his past, his two children from a previous marriage (his wife had died many years earlier), and his role in the wider world.

This is a very well-written novel, with hardly a word wasted. The author's attention to detail and ability to create a rich and immersive world is truly remarkable. I recommend it highly to anyone who enjoys a good story with complex characters and a thought-provoking plot.

After reading Glittering Images, I was filled with an intense eagerness to learn more about Jon Darrow, the hero of the book. His insightful and powerful spiritual direction had truly impressed me.

As the author surely intended, like many other readers, I soon became disillusioned when Darrow was revealed to have numerous weaknesses, regrets, and wounds. Just as in Glittering Images, the narrator embarks on a journey of self-discovery through ignored advice and warnings from tough allies or enemies who see through his facade, experiences the natural consequences of poor decisions, and ultimately endures a complete breakdown. It's as if one is watching a runaway train; you know that the outcome will be bad, yet you simply can't look away.

And, following the formula, the ending is redemptive after the trial of suffering. Jon is humbled, but at the same time, he is also healed. This story serves as a reminder that even the most seemingly perfect individuals have their flaws and that through facing our own weaknesses and challenges, we can find a path to redemption and growth.

It makes me reflect on my own life and the times when I have ignored advice or made poor decisions. It shows that no matter how difficult the journey may be, there is always the possibility of finding healing and a new beginning.

Overall, Glittering Images offers a thought-provoking and engaging exploration of the human condition, leaving readers with much to contemplate and discuss.

Oh, Jon. He is such a stupid man in so many ways. However, I can relate to him on a deep level. I'm beginning to think that perhaps I've missed my true calling and should have become an Anglican monk.

Once again, Susan Howatch has crafted a character that I truly care about and sympathize with. It's a completely different way than I felt about Charles Ashworth in Glittering Images. I found myself getting extremely frustrated with Jon because he refuses to be honest with the people he loves. But I understand where he's coming from; I've been in his shoes myself. And the payoff at the end, when he finally lets go of his pride and his need to impress, makes all the constant "Seriously, Jon?!?" moments throughout the book well worth it.

I'm really curious to read the next book in the series and find out if it will resonate with me as much as these first two have. I can't wait to see what adventures and challenges lie ahead for the characters and how their stories will unfold.

I truly LOVE this series.

It stands out as one of those remarkable books that have had a profound impact on me. It made me come to the realization that fiction has an incredible power to communicate truth in a way that non-fiction sometimes struggles to achieve.

The characters in this series are deeply psychological and truly compelling. Even though they can be a little bit annoying at times, that's part of their charm and authenticity.

Moreover, the series incorporates a little bit of history, which adds an extra layer of depth and interest. It also provides a fascinating glimpse into the politics of the church in England, offering a unique perspective on that particular aspect of society.

Overall, this series is a captivating and thought-provoking read that I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys well-written fiction.