I could have rated this as high as 4 stars if it had been 200 pages.

However, 600+ pages was just bloating and exhausting. I plodded on through it because it was required for a spiritual direction practicum, and I was determined to find out why it was chosen.

Thankfully, there is some good stuff here about forgiveness and the art of spiritual direction.

So, I forgive the teacher for assigning such a long work, but only so long as he repents and finds shorter works for future assignments.

And that is the absolute truth. I truly believe that a more concise and focused text would have been more beneficial and engaging for students.

As it stands, this overly long book was a bit of a struggle to get through, but I did manage to glean some valuable insights along the way.

Hopefully, in the future, more thought will be given to the length and readability of assigned materials in spiritual direction practicums.

This series has gradually captivated me, to the extent that I found myself completely immersed in the world of Starbridge.

It is truly the backdrop of theological wrangling that gives the narratives and characters an added dimension and elevates them to a whole new level.

The complex and thought-provoking discussions about theology add a layer of depth and authenticity to the story, making it not just a simple fictional tale but a profound exploration of human beliefs and values.

The characters, too, are shaped and influenced by this theological backdrop, their actions and decisions driven by their own interpretations and understandings of the religious concepts at play.

As I delved deeper into the series, I couldn't help but be drawn in by the rich and detailed world that the author has created, a world that is both fascinating and engaging.

The combination of a compelling storyline and a thought-provoking theological backdrop makes this series a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the intersection of faith, fiction, and human nature.

The Starbridge series is truly incredible.

It has touched me in a very deep way.

If you are seeking a book that can stir your emotions from the very depths of your being, have a profound impact on you, and bring about a significant change, then this is the perfect choice for you.

The stories within the Starbridge series are filled with such rich and complex characters, engaging plots, and powerful themes that they have the ability to draw you in and hold you captive.

You will find yourself completely immersed in the world of Starbridge, experiencing every joy, every sorrow, and every moment of growth along with the characters.

It is a series that will leave you with a lasting impression and a newfound appreciation for the power of literature to touch our hearts and transform our lives.

So, if you are ready to embark on a journey that will change you forever, pick up the Starbridge series and prepare to be amazed.

What really surprised me was how delving into the life of a pastor who is grappling with his faith could be so utterly compelling. The plot, it's true, isn't overly focused. But the portrayal of the day-in-day-out experiences is both fascinating and heartbreaking. We get to see the pastor's inner turmoil, his doubts, and his attempts to hold onto his beliefs in the face of various challenges. It's a story that makes you think about the nature of faith and how easily it can be shaken. The small details of his life, the interactions with his congregation, and the personal sacrifices he makes all add up to a powerful and engaging narrative. It's a reminder that even those who are supposed to have unwavering faith can have their moments of weakness and uncertainty.

I have an intense love for this series.

Every time I pick it up and read, I discover something new and fascinating about theology.

The profound insights and the depth of knowledge presented in these books never fail to amaze me.

It's like embarking on a continuous journey of exploration and enlightenment.

As I reach the end of each reading, I find myself already looking forward to the day when I can re-read the series again, perhaps in another 10 years.

I know that with each successive reading, I will gain even more understanding and appreciation for the subject matter.

This series has truly become a cherished part of my intellectual and spiritual growth, and I can't wait to see what new revelations it holds for me in the future. : )

I truly love this series of books.

It's a captivating collection that has a wide range of characters, each with their own unique charm and flaws.

Some of the characters I find myself hating, perhaps due to their unlikable traits or actions. However, there are also those that I absolutely love.

Charles Ashworth is definitely one of my favourites. He is a complex and interesting character, and his story arc throughout the series is both engaging and satisfying.

The series comes to a brilliant end, tying up all the loose ends and leaving me with a sense of fulfillment.

It's been a wonderful journey reading this series, and I will definitely be recommending it to others.

I can't wait to see what the author comes up with next.

I read this particular book (along with the first five books in the series) approximately 20 years ago. It's quite interesting to note that some reviewers here had the opinion that it was overly long. However, for me, I relished every single word.

You see, I have a penchant for Anthony Trollope's works. In certain aspects, the Starbridge series can be regarded as a modern-day equivalent of the Chronicles of Barset.

The detailed characterizations, the complex web of relationships, and the vivid描绘 of the social milieu all contribute to making this series a truly engaging read.

Therefore, I highly recommend it. But do remember to start from the very beginning. That way, you can fully immerse yourself in the rich and captivating world that the author has created.

Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

I was truly heartbroken to have finally reached the conclusion of Susan Howatch's Starbridge series!

This is an absolute masterpiece, teeming with fascinating characters and set against the truly one-of-a-kind backdrop of the fictional Starbridge Cathedral.

I firmly believe that Howatch did an outstanding job of bringing the series to a close with this novel. Her characters are so exquisitely human, allowing her to deftly capture the eternal duality of human nature, ranging from the base and debased to the lofty and divine.

The only option available to me now is to embark on a reread of the entire series!

It's as if I can't bear to part with this wonderful world she has created. I long to immerse myself in it once more, to relive the adventures and emotions of the characters.

Howatch's writing is so engaging and powerful that it has left an indelible mark on my heart and mind.

I know that each subsequent reading will reveal new details and nuances, deepening my appreciation for this remarkable series.

This extremely busy book is the sixth and final installment of the Starbridge series. It is narrated by Charles Ashworth, the Bishop of Starbridge. By this point in the series, all the characters have truly come to life for me, and all the events seem to have actually occurred. I am deeply engaged.

Events unfold at a rapid pace, almost faster than I, the reader, can fully absorb. Lyle, the much-loved yet somewhat distant wife of Charles, passes away. When her journal is discovered, Charles realizes that she had a far more profound inner spiritual life than he had ever conceived. Alongside his nearly overwhelming grief, Charles must also grapple with the insecurities of his eldest son, the rebelliousness of his younger son, a cathedral that emits negative vibes, the suspicion that its Dean, Neville Aysgarth, is mishandling the cathedral's assets, an apparent ghost who has recently taken up residence in the cathedral, a controversial divorced priest who wishes to establish a Healing Center in the diocese, a pushy archdeacon, and another priest who has been amassing pornography.

Despite being 88 years old, Jon once again comes to the rescue. He manages to pick up Neville and guide him back onto a spiritual path, and helps both him and Charles reach an understanding regarding the operation of the cathedral. The controversial priest, Lewis Hall, metaphorically purifies the cathedral and rids it of the negative vibes. He confronts the ghost, who turns out to be a former Bishop simply trying to be helpful, and resolves the issue with the priest and his inappropriate pictures. In the end, everything resolves itself, just as it should in a great novel.

Sixth and final in the Starbridge series, this novel delves into the lives of ministers within the Church of England during the 20th century.

Set in the 1960s, it is narrated from the perspective of Charles, the protagonist of 'Glittering Images', now a significantly older man who has settled into his role as a Bishop. The conflicts he has engaged in throughout the previous books reach a climax, presenting him with a major crisis. Through this ordeal, he gains profound insights into himself.

Although this book can stand alone, it is most rewarding to read as the conclusion of the series, as it neatly ties up numerous loose ends. It is a remarkable and thoroughly satisfying work that offers a rich exploration of faith, personal growth, and the challenges faced by those within the Church.

Overall, it is a must-read for fans of the Starbridge series and anyone interested in historical fiction with a spiritual undertone.

I really liked this book. At first, I had a preconceived notion that I wouldn't be interested in it. However, as I delved deeper into the story, my perception completely changed. By the end, I was absolutely devouring it!! The characters were so well-developed and the plot was so engaging that I couldn't put it down. It truly captured my imagination and held my attention from start to finish.

I am now definitly eager to read the others in the series. I can't wait to see what other adventures and stories await me. This book has left me with a sense of anticipation and excitement, and I know that I will not be disappointed. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good read.

Deeply layered, this latest installment in the series is truly a delight.

It builds upon the foundation laid by the previous five novels, which I had the pleasure of reading in their proper order.

The story weaves together multiple plotlines and character arcs, creating a rich and complex tapestry.

The author's attention to detail is remarkable, as every scene and interaction feels purposeful and contributes to the overall narrative.

Each character is well-developed, with their own unique personalities, motives, and flaws.

As I delved deeper into the story, I found myself becoming more and more invested in the characters' fates.

The writing is engaging and flows smoothly, making it easy to lose track of time while reading.

Overall, this novel is a must-read for fans of the series and anyone who enjoys a well-written, immersive story.