The last of the original six.

This statement holds a certain significance. It implies that there was an initial group of six entities, and this particular one is the final remaining member.

The series was later expanded, which means that after the original six, more elements were added to the series.

This expansion could have brought about various changes and developments. It might have increased the complexity, diversity, or scope of the series.

Perhaps new storylines, characters, or concepts were introduced, enriching the overall experience.

The expansion could also have attracted a wider audience or satisfied the demands of existing fans.

However, with the expansion, there may have also been challenges and adjustments.

The new elements had to be integrated smoothly with the original six to maintain the coherence and integrity of the series.

Overall, the expansion of the series after the last of the original six is an important event that has the potential to shape the future of the series.

This is part of Howatch's excellent Church of England series.

It is truly remarkable how she weaves the main figures from previous books into the current one.

This creates a sense of continuity and depth that is truly engaging for the readers.

The way she includes these characters adds an extra layer of interest and complexity to the story.

It allows the readers to see how these characters have developed and changed over time.

Moreover, it also gives a sense of a larger, interconnected world within the series.

Howatch's ability to bring these characters together in a seamless and believable way is a testament to her writing skills.

Overall, this aspect of her Church of England series makes it a must-read for fans of historical fiction and character-driven stories.

The experience was truly disappointing after the others.

The piece seemed overlong and wordy, lacking the necessary brevity and clarity.

It was in desperate need of good editing to trim the excess fat and make the message more concise and engaging.

Without proper editing, it fails to capture the reader's attention and convey its intended meaning effectively.

A thorough rewrite and careful editing would have transformed this into a much better and more impactful piece.

As it stands now, it leaves a lot to be desired and fails to meet the expected standards.

Hopefully, with some attention and effort, it can be improved and turned into something more worthy of praise.

I truly enjoyed each and every one of the 6 installments. However, this particular one stood out as the absolute best of the bunch. It had a certain charm and quality that made it shine above the rest.

The story was engaging, the characters were well-developed, and the plot twists kept me on the edge of my seat. I found myself completely immersed in this world and reluctant to let go.

But now, as the series comes to an end, I can't help but feel a sense of sadness. It's like saying goodbye to old friends. I will miss the excitement and anticipation that came with each new release.

Nevertheless, I am grateful for the wonderful journey that this series has taken me on. It has provided countless hours of entertainment and has left a lasting impression on me. I will always cherish these memories and look back on this series fondly.

A very good end to a very good series.

This particular installment is not quite as memorable. At least, I found nothing in it that I could recall from reading it some 20 years ago, aside from who the narrator is.

However, it does a remarkable job of wrapping up the series. It not only ties up the loose ends regarding the characters but also delves deep into the theological themes that have been present throughout the series.

The author has managed to bring the story to a satisfying conclusion, leaving the readers with a sense of closure and a deeper understanding of the overarching themes.

Despite not being as immediately memorable as some of the other books in the series, this final installment is a worthy addition and a fitting end to a truly great body of work.

When we encounter Charles Ashworth in the middle of his life, he appears to be highly successful, affluent, and esteemed. He is regarded as a cornerstone of church morality, and he has a sexy wife. However, we somehow sense that it's all going to come crashing down.

I have frequently asked myself why Howatch's stories have such a hold on me. They do have some formulaic moments, like the fact that being a wife in this series doesn't seem to be a very good thing. The sex scenes are hilariously non-erotic, and there is an abundance of theology. But if you think this would be a bore, you're mistaken. These stories are completely gripping, full of fun, and populated with characters that you would love to spend time with.

Ashworth might initially come across as a bit of a prig, but like all of Howatch's characters, we are aware that beneath his human flaws lies a good and devout man. She has the ability to see the humanity and the divine in even the most troubled of her churchmen. There isn't a single bad book in this series. It's a testament to Howatch's skill as a writer that she can create such engaging and complex stories that keep readers coming back for more.

I'm extremely excited as I just registered a book at BookCrossing.com!

This wonderful platform allows book lovers from all over the world to share their reading experiences and spread the joy of books.

By registering my book, I'm giving it a chance to embark on a new adventure.

It can travel to different places, be read by various people, and leave a trail of memories along the way.

The provided link, http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/12878633, will serve as a record of its journey.

I can't wait to see where this book will end up and what kind of stories it will collect.

It's like sending a little piece of myself out into the world, hoping it will bring happiness and inspiration to others.

BookCrossing.com truly enriches the reading community and makes the world of books even more magical.

Intelligent Christian fiction is a fascinating genre, and no, I am not making that up.

The Church of England series, in particular, is truly EXCELLENT! It offers a unique blend of engaging storytelling and profound spiritual insights.

The characters in these books are well-developed, and their struggles and growth make for a captivating read. The plots are carefully crafted, keeping readers on the edge of their seats while also exploring important themes related to faith, love, and redemption.

What sets this series apart is its ability to present Christian teachings in a way that is both accessible and thought-provoking. It doesn't shy away from the complex issues that believers face in today's world, but rather offers practical guidance and inspiration.

Whether you are a devout Christian or simply interested in exploring spiritual themes through literature, the Church of England series is definitely worth checking out. You won't be disappointed!

I didn't see this when it came out, so I read it some time after the others.

The way the author uses her characters makes it relatively simple to pick up the story.

It's interesting to have all the characters appear and then disappear again.

This creates a sense of mystery and keeps the reader engaged.

The story seems to unfold in a unique way, with the characters' comings and goings adding an element of unpredictability.

It makes me wonder what will happen next and keeps me turning the pages.

Overall, it's an interesting read that I'm enjoying despite not having read it right away.

I'm looking forward to seeing how the story continues to develop and how the characters will interact in the future.

I have just adored all of her books, and this particular one is truly outstanding.

Her literary works predominantly focus on the human interactions that occur within the domain of religion, specifically centering around the Anglican Church in England.

The clergy in her stories engage in various power struggles and sometimes even get involved in mischievous activities. However, there is always the presence of divine providence, which seems to be working towards the greater good.

It is fascinating to observe how she weaves together the complex web of human relationships and the influence of the spiritual realm.

Her vivid descriptions and engaging narratives make it easy for the readers to immerse themselves in the world she has created.

Each book offers a unique perspective on the inner workings of the church and the people who inhabit it.

Overall, her writing is a delight to read and leaves a lasting impression on the readers.

What a truly lovely end to the series!

The conclusion was so satisfying and heartwarming. I have loved these books with all my heart.

They have taken me on an amazing journey filled with adventure, mystery, and wonderful characters.

I know for sure that I will read them all over again.

Each time I pick up these books, it's like entering a whole new world.

The stories are so well-written and engaging that I can't put them down.

I can't wait to experience the magic of these books once more.

They will always hold a special place in my heart.

'Absolute Truths' is the sixth and final installment in Susan Howatch's captivating 'Starbridge Series' centered around the Church of England. This remarkable volume brings the entire story full circle as we once again cross paths with Charles Ashworth, who has now risen to become the Bishop of Starbridge. It was Ashworth who set the events in motion way back in the very first book, 'Glittering Images'. While each book can be enjoyed independently, I cannot stress enough the importance of reading them in order to truly understand and appreciate the complex dynamics that exist between the characters. Howatch does an excellent job of tying up the loose ends and rounding out the stories of past characters. Take Neville/Stephen Aysgarth, Ashworth's long-time nemesis, and Jon Darrow, Ashworth's trusted advisor, for example. They were both prominently featured in previous volumes, and their stories are given the attention they deserve in this final book. The characters in this series are anything but simple. They are filled with depth and complexity, with numerous twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. Just when you think the story might start to feel a bit stale, Howatch surprises you by switching things up and taking the plot in a completely unexpected direction. She is truly a master storyteller, and if you are a fan of Susan Howatch, you are sure to love this series. Even though 'Absolute Truths' is the last book in the 'Starbridge Series', I am excited to learn that Howatch's 'St. Benet's Trilogy' picks up some of the same characters and continues their stories with the next generation. I have already obtained the first book of this trilogy and am eagerly looking forward to delving into it and seeing what new adventures and challenges await these beloved characters.