Glastonbury Tor

"Glastonbury Tor (Glastonbury Grail Book 1)" by LeAnne Hardy, published by Birch Island Books. I am a coward. Were I not, I would have died this morning on the Tor with the others, but I fled and hid. The Abbot told me I should be gone to Wales by now, but I hadnt even the courage for that. My father spoke truer than he knew. He said I would never amount to anything as a monk, and he was right. I close my eyes and mutter the prayers of protection for the dying. . . . From the ancient enemy: free and defend their souls, O Lord. . . . Across the moors three gallows loom atop the Tor. Three bodies swing in the cold November dawn. I draw my cloak about me. The bundle that is my treasure presses against my side, safely wrapped in the wool of my old habit. I try again to pray, but it is the warm baritone of the priest in my old parish in Wales, that fills my mind. More than a year has passed since he chanted those prayers for my mother. The pain still runs deep, and it is for her that I weep. The ancient olivewood drinking bowl that young Colin finds in the treasury of Glastonbury Abbey, was disregarded as worthless wood by King Henry VIIIs men when they inventoried the abbeys treasures. But Father Dunstan, the tortured prior who preaches forgiveness, treasures it. Father Bede, as demanding as the hated father from whom Colin has fled, covets it. Abbot Whiting finds in it the courage to face his enemy, even as monasteries are being dismantled all over sixteenth century England. Will Colin find the personal faith and sense of worth he seeks? Can he ever forgive his father... or himself? ** Review A compelling story of forgiveness with the mystique of Glastonbury and the very real grace of God. (Carolyn R. Scheidies Author's Choice Reviews 20070105) Glastonbury Tor convincingly portrays details of the monastery and other aspects of life in 16th-century England. Recommended to historical fiction fans who enjoy strong spiritual elements that spring naturally from the setting itself. (Joseph Bentz Aspiring Retail ) Writing of this quality is a rare find, and though difficult to put down, it also left me feeling very content. This is a must-have book, not just for historical fiction lovers, but for anyone who just loves a good book. (Lori Fox titletrakk.com ) From the Back Cover His mother wanted him to be a monk . . . his father wanted him to be a man . . . a priest tempts him to pursue power . . . but Colin must find his own way. After his mothers tragic death, seventeen-year-old Colin Hay is so consumed with anger that he tries to kill his cruel father. Running from these tormenting desires and his home, he seeks the protection and cleansing of the Glastonbury monastery, at a time when King Henry VIII is closing monasteries all over England. But Colins past has followed him to Glastonbury. As he now pursues forgiveness and salvation, Colin is conflicted by the doctrines he learns at the monastery and the grace he receives from a local family with a forbidden English Bible. And then there is a quick-tempered priest whose lust for power threatens to compromise Glastonbury Abbey, and to destroy the astonishing treasure it holdsthe Holy Grail. Hardys accurate grounding in the history of the period and the geography of the setting make this a convincing and atmospheric tale of a young mans coming of age. Elizabeth Wein Author of The Winter Prince , A Coalition of Lions , and The Sunbird LeAnne Hardy has lived as a missionary in six countries on four continents. Her plots and settings are inspired by these diverse locations. She currently lives in Johannesburg, South Africa, where she teaches writing and writes for children affected by HIV/AIDS. (20070105) Book details: published 2013. Order now on BookShops.in with fast, reliable delivery across India.