Father William brought trials and
ultimately understanding to St. Alcuin's. In Brother Tom's words, “it
was a bit like lightning making a direct hit on the house – we
learned a lot, and so did he.” Continuing the story from “The
Hour Before Dawn,” William has fallen in love with Abbot John's
sister, Madeline. They struggle against this illicit passion, but it
wears them down. William agonizes over his vows and his very real
love for St. Alcuin's and Abbot John, but Madeline has his heart.
The story of a growing love between two
mature adults is told with simplicity and beauty. Not being children,
they have to weigh the choices already made in their lives against
this new overwhelming love. I think this story is one of the most
beautiful and painful of the Hawk and the Dove Series. I've loved all
of them, but this one made me cry.
If nothing else, this book is worth
reading for Abbot John's homilies on the Eucharist, remember me. I
always find so much more than a good story in Wilcox's books. They
make you think about your faith and other people and how all our
lives and choices affect each other.
The characters in this novel are very
real. Wilcox has a tremendous insight into the difficulties of life
in a community. The setting is beautiful and the details of medieval
life very well done. I highly recommend this book.
I reviewed this book for Crossway.
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