The Beautiful Thread

By Lion Fiction

William de Bulmer, no longer a monk, but still a most capable administrator, returns to St Alcuins to help the new cellarer manage the challenges of a big society wedding. But this event, fraught with difficult relationships, coincides with their regular Bishop's Visitation. William tries to conceal his presence from Bishop Eric, who wants to bring him to justice for the felony of breaking his monastic vows and the grave sin of attempting suicide. Astute and zealous, the bishop sets out to hunt William down. Meanwhile the arrival of Brother Conradus's mother brings problems of a completely different nature As the story unfolds, a beautiful thread of loving-kindness weaves quietly through the contrasting colours of human frailty, religious zeal, and social pretension.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lion Fiction
• Release date: Feb 19, 2016
• ISBN: 9781782641469

Reviews for The Beautiful Thread

[janerawoof · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Another delightful entry into the Hawk and the Dove series. The theme of the book is kindness, perhaps best represented by Father Abbot John, who exemplifies the milk of human kindness by his previous actions and is now reaping their result and the visiting bishop, who exemplifies cruelty and inflexibility.

[veragodley · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Abbot John has to face the consequences of his previous good deeds—and none go unpunishedIn this eighth novel of the Hawk and the Dove series, William, has returned to St. Alcuins at Abbot John's request to help his replacement learn the ropes. But William's return coincides with a bishop's visitation, a regular event.The bishop, a zealous churchman with a large entourage, has heard rumors of St. Alcuins having had in their community one William de Bulmer, who is said to have attempted suicide and left the order—attempted suicide is a felony and breaking monastic vows is a grave sin. The bishop wants to know where this man is so he can be arraigned before an ecclesiastical court, and wishes to discover what happened and what part Abbot John played in those events.As the story unfolds, the beautiful thread of the gospel weaves quietly through the contrasting colors of human frailty, religious zeal, and social pretension.DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Kregel Books on behalf of Lion Fiction to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

[lcjohnson1988_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Title: The Beautiful Thread (The Hawk & the Dove #8)Author: Penelope WilcockPages: 208Year: 2016Publisher: Lion FictionMy rating is 4 stars.The focus on this eighth book in this series is again William du Bulmer and Abbot John. This time, however, the drama is not on William’s love life, but Abbot John’s. St. Alcuin’s is to host a big wedding. As a result, Father Conradus, who is in charge of the kitchen, needs extra help with all the food preparations. It is suggested that he notify his mother to have her come and help. This being done, she agrees and soon arrives at St. Alcuin’s. Abbot John immediately feels comfortable in her presence and wants to spend more time with her under the guise of showing her around the monastery and other excuses. Some of the other monks immediately notice the change in their abbot’s attitude toward this woman. Will St. Alcuin’s lose another man to a woman?The other situation going on in the story is a visit from one of the higher ups in the monastic hierarchy. His visit happens to coincide with all the wedding plans and incoming guests, so tension is running high among the monks as they try to get everything ready for both events. Bishop Eric inspects St. Alcuin’s property, grills the novitiates and applauds the food from the kitchen. Then he hears from his assistant that William de Bulmer has been seen at St. Alcuin’s. Bishop Eric now is on a manhunt for William to bring charges against him, excommunicate him and then execute him! Can William escape the noose a second time?As always, this book portrays these monks with great care in their vulnerability, transparency and humanness. They strive to be Christ like, but sometimes fail just like us. They ask for forgiveness, try to do better and sometimes succeed just like us. I really liked the idea of the beautiful thread revealed in this story; it really hit home what I can do to be more like Christ in my treatment of others. I am so looking forward to the final book in the series, A Day and a Life, due to be released in September 2016 to see what the monks are up to next!Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.”

[hobbitprincess · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is the 8th book in The Hawk and the Dove series. I enjoyed reading more about the brothers of St. Alcuins and how they handle the appearance of less-than-savory bishop. William is one of the main characters; I always enjoy him and Abbott John. Once again, there is a definite Christian message to the book and several good small sermons by John. He is tempted just a bit in this novel, so we get to see another humble side of him as he deals with this.

[vintagebeckie · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Beautiful Thread continues the saga of the brothers of St. Alcuin’s monastery in northern England. Much has changed throughout the years, but grief, betrayal, and death cannot shake the firm foundation of their faith. Each book in the series focuses on a specific character amid the backdrop of the larger community. Favorite characters from previous books continue their supporting role in the life of the monastery. And I suppose you could pick up any book and start reading, but I recommend that you start with book one and work your way through the series. Each book is less than 300 pages and quickly read, so you will be caught up in no time!:)In The Beautiful Thread, which follows immediately after The Breath of Peace, Abbot John is confronted with his own foibles and failings. He is buffeted on all sides by pretentious and contemptuous people. Kindness, as it is lived out, is the theme of this book; the beautiful thread that elevates and encourages the vulnerable around us. In a turn around of roles, it is William who counsels John to find his way again. There is one character I hope never to see again in Wilcock’s books, but his casual and unconscious cruelty is a good contrast to the way God calls us live.As I read the Hawk And The Dove series, I am always surprised by how much I like these books. With well-researched historical details in custom, dress, and cuisine and a faithful depiction of monastic life, these books are remarkably modern in their outlook and application. But truth is always ageless, and Wilcock has a wonderful way of portraying truth through the simple life of complex men.Highly Recommended.Audience: adults.(Thanks to Kregel and Lion Hudson for review copies. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

[bgknighton · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The thread in this book is kindness, in some cases more important than love. It can be given even when you don't like the other person and heals both of you.