A Darkly Hidden Truth, by Donna Fletcher Crow

I’ve just been reading excerpts from Julian of Norwich’s writing. How enormously satisfying to open a novel that begins with a reminder of the woman (and daughter of a woman) behind the words! Meanwhile in the present day, there's a young American Felicity, rebellious church reject now studying her new-found faith in England and considering becoming a nun; a handsome Anglican priest with a wonderful way of describing and explaining church history, an obvious passion for his calling and a certain interest in said woman; the mysticism and beauty of ancient icons; the longing for church unity; and more… It all combines into a mystery adventure with danger, beauty and drama, gorgeously evocative in its descriptions of English sacred places, woven with haunting memories of the past, and enlivened with great side-characters and wonderful dialog

A visit from Felicity’s estranged mother prompts thoughts of what lies behind love and loyalty. Secrets of the past begin to heal memories of the present. And the future beckons. Will Father Anthony and Felicity find the thief before anyone else is murdered? Will Felicity manage to choose between love of God and that elusively gentle romance, or are both possible? And what has Julian of Norwich got to do with it?

A pleasing novel that combines English and American characters, genuine faith, well-researched history and wonderfully evocative locations with murder and mayhem, this one’s got me hooked. Now I need to find, and find time to read book one, and three, and... a perfect read for any fan of Brother Cadfael and Agatha Christie.

Disclosure: I won a free copy of this novel from the author. Lucky me!!! Now I’m hooked.