English Archives – Reflections

An improbable quest

A Very Private Grave by Donna Fletcher Crow

Why did Father Dominic give Felicity a wrapped-up journal just before he got himself murdered? And what was so significant about that cryptic notebook, which recorded his travels in the footsteps of the medieval Saint Cuthbert? Somebody – could it be a fellow member of the monastery, the American wife of the author of a controversial book about the Saint, the mysterious bird-watcher, or someone else? – seemed hell-bent on getting their hands on that diary, even if others had to die on the way.

Emotional hangups

Just Benny by Alex Banwell

Setting

Benny’s dad, Ola Welander, rejects him. Janet, his mum, pampers him. His sister, Emma, loves her little ‘Pestie’ but finds him exasperating at times. Other kids mock ‘Weedy Welander’, all because he suffers from frequent epileptic seizures. As a result, Benny withdraws to the only place where he feels safe: his mother’s arms. ‘I’m rubbish at everything’ are his favourite words.

Football, fun and furry friends

Two Old Fools – Olé by Victoria Twead

This is the second of many in Victoria Twead’s Old Fools series. Having sold up everything in the UK, Vicky and Joe have relocated to a tiny village in the Spanish mountains. We hear of their adventures with colourful residents and furry friends.

Peek below the surface

The Victor by Patricia St John

Philo, the son of a fisherman in first century Tyre, is traumatised by his sister’s sinister illness. When his father drowns, the family is thrown into poverty. Only little Ione provides a ray of sunshine.

The rise and fall of a unique Christian shrine

Glastonbury: The Novel of Christian England by Donna Fletcher Crow

Donna Fletcher Crow’s epic historical masterpiece brings to life the mystical Glass Isle of Glastonbury with its imposing Tor. In each era, the ruling monarch and a key spiritual leader are highlighted. As conflicts rage, we follow the wavering spark of faith in Jesus Christ and the icons that assure its continuity.

What’s going on in the world?

I’ve been thinking about Jesus’s promise to his followers:

My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. (John 10:10)

To whom does that apply? And where are the people who enjoy this rich and satisfying life?

Will their stars bring them to Eden?

Find me in the Stars, by Jules Larimore

Another fascinating tale set among the tensions between the Catholic authorities and the Huguenot recluses in southern France during the seventeenth century reign of the Sun King Louis XIV.

This second book in the The Huguenot Trilogy introduces new aspects: romance and the dangers and vicissitudes of flight to the relative safety of the Protestant neighbour countries.

History through the eyes of New World settlers

“Call of Freedom” by Paul C. Monk continues the saga of the Huguenot family Delpech. Having fled the oppressive dragonnade in France to find refuge in Ireland, in 1699 the family decides to brave a dangerous sea crossing and seek a new life in New York.

Female tenacity facing injustice

Wheel of Fortune, by C F Dunn

As a child, Isobel looks on in horror as the Earl, Lord Langton, executes his father’s murderer in the yard of her father’s manor. At least, he reluctantly spares the traitor’s nephew, Thomas Lacey, whom Isobel recognises as her friend and intended husband.

In fifteenth century Yorkshire, landed gentry and their clans vie for power. Which king will they support? For the Earl, as well as Isobel’s father, Sir Geoffrey Fenton, it is clear: Edward, Duke of York, though not a strong character, is the rightful heir to the throne.

“Mine was a very happy childhood”

Road to the Dales: The Story of a Yorkshire Lad by Gervase Phinn

In his inimitably prosaic manner, Phinn recounts the life of an ordinary boy, who met some extraordinary people, and the journey he was able to embark on as a result of the many doors opened for him in his early life.