This book was a 4+ in the pleasure it gave -- a page-turning fast read with delightfully vivid characters and an underlying puzzle/mystery that tantalized the characters as well as the reader. It is an interesting combination of historical fiction, Christian fiction, and mystery, with some quality descriptive writing and an observer's talent for fleshing out characters that were real and compelling.Brian Blackstone has spent two long years running around the world and away from the reality that his beloved wife has died. Recovering from a tropical fever, he finally arrives--weary, depressed, and impoverished-- at the door of an inherited castle in England he can hardly bear to claim. He is driven only by the dying wish of his wife that he keep the place and find it as enchanting as she did while being raised there by her aunt, Heather Harding.Blackstone is met by the news that while he was traveling, he failed to get the repeated notices of hundreds of thousands of pounds in death taxes on the property that had never been paid, and a public auction is scheduled the following week. The only bidder is the nasty real estate agent, Hardy Seade, who has the backing of a local chemical company that is determined to tear down the old buildings, doze the beautiful grounds, and erect a research facility. As Brian begins to meet the other residents of the estate and the village of Knightsbridge, and deal with their preconceived notions about the new lord of the manor, he finds a mysterious letter left by the deceased owner that promises to send him on a scavenger hunt of sorts that delves into the mysteries of the ancient estate. Aided by new friends, he becomes embroiled in a race against time and against agents who want to thwart him at every turn. Every new letter leads to another piece of the missing puzzle and more unearthed secrets.Threaded through the story itself is the awakening of dormant faith on the part of both Brian and the town's young doctor, Cecilia Lyons. Nurtured by the loving support of friends and the saintly local vicar, as well as the spiritual lessons imparted by Heather through her mysterious letters, Brian emerges from the sorrow that has overshadowed his last two years, and Cecelia finds that she can trust a higher power not only with her own life, but with the life and death decisions that she and her patients face daily. The mystery and the journeys of faith are entwined in Brian's discovery of an ancient copy of The Book of Hours in a secret hidden cellar chapel. It is a manuscript of prayers that the faithful used centuries before to pray when the church bells tolled every hour...a regular reminder to include God in their lives throughout the day. This part of the story was woven in well without seeming contrived, and I thoroughly enjoyed it all.
This book was an amazingly compiled piece following the adventures of a certain Brian Blackwell as he returns to his inheritance of a relative's home and discovers mysteries hidden for hundreds of years in an attempt to rescue the home before it can be auctioned off to cover his back taxes. After losing his wife two years prior and traveling the world in the time since, Brian finds it difficult to fall back into a normal routine and build relationships with those he meets. Guided by letters from his wife's aunt, his relationship with God flourishes and he finds within himself the capacity to love again.The Book of Hours is filled with dramatic twists, characters with whom the reader can fall in love, and a plot line that remains unrivaled by any other Christian adventure novel I have read. While some aspects of the conclusion were rather predictable, there were others that were utterly shocking, and the path that led Brian there was filled with entertaining discoveries and suspenseful encounters. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a good mysterious adventure. This wonderfully crafted work of art lacks nothing; it contains adventure, mystery, history, romance, faith, and any number of other components that make it the best book I've read in a long time.
What do You think about The Book Of Hours (2000)?
"The Book of Hours" takes place in Knightsbridge, England, a small town near London. We meet Brian Blackstone, recent widower and heir of an estate he's about to lose; Dr. Cecilia Lyons, who left the world's accolades to pursue her dream of community medicine; Vicar Trevor, who wants to preserve the community's spirital heritage by reinstalling the churches' bells to ring the hours of prayer; Hardy Seade, the seedy realtor out to make a profit for himself; and a host of supporting characters. Their paths intersect at the Castle Keep, where lies mystery, danger, treasure, and truth. Predictable and overly flowery, this English-themed mystery is a treat for those who like romance novels. Writing: CVocabulary: APlot: BLevel: EasyRating: GWorldview: Christian
—Josiah
I really liked this book. Here is a peep inside; "If you'll forgive me for saying so, the matter is out of your hands?, replied the real estate agent. "The inheritance taxes are two years overdue, notices have been filed, and a date for the foreclosure auction has been set. I regret to inform you that come the end of next week unless you can raise six hundred and thirty thousand pounds, the estate is not yours to keep"Before he came to the end of his quest to save the property. Brian will learn that the power of prayer can reach through the centuries in a surprising and wonderful way. Will he find renewal for his spirit and healing for his broken heart? And can he learn once again to count each hour as a blessing instead of a burden?This is an intriguing read; one that will make you think differently about prayer. T. Davis Bunn is an author to watch. It’s become a favorite of mine!Disclosure of Material Connection: #AD Sponsored by publisher.I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”Nora St LaurenttTBCN Where Book Fun Begins www.bookfun.org The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
—Nora St Laurent
Impressive! Mr. Bunn created a mystery, healed several souls and revealed quite eloquently the power of prayer. My only criticism is the need for more depth in the characters. The villains were caricatures and the vicar, whom I really liked, needed more fleshing out. I know that the castle needed depth because it is actually a character in the book, but the people needed the author's time as well. Why the title is The Book of Hours is both historically and religiously intriguing. That alone is worth the read. In fact, I will read this one again.
—Carolyn
