""Holy Island. The jewel in Northumberland's historic and righteous crown. I'm sure it is, but a crown of gold ... or a crown of thorns?"" 34 year old Linda Wilson travels to Holy Island to walk in the footsteps of the past. To relive the memory of days she spent on the island with her husband, who had recently passed away. She comes across a 'stranger' who gradually transforms her life, not always for the good, in a tale that grips the reader from the first chapter. The book is more fact than fiction, and every aspect of the storyline (as regards dates and historical reference) is true. Although it is a novel, it will leave you wondering how much of it is accurate ... in the sense ... what do they REALLY have hidden away on Lindisfarne?

This prayer book follows the rhythms and seasons of the natural and Christian year as it is observed on Holy Island. More contemplative than the very earthy spirituality of Iona, each day of the week has a special theme: Sunday - resurrection and renewal; Monday - creation; Tuesday - incarnation and peace; Wednesday - the Holy Spirit in mission and healing; Thursday - communit and unity; Friday - with broken people at the Cross; and Saturday - leisure (morning) and the Saints (night).

A horror based around a Toll House built in Durham in 1798. Originally built by the Freemasons, it was subsequently taken over by a variety of hosts, who all suffered various consequences. Was the place evil? Probably. But when Victor Schafer arrived, with his band of gypsy nomads, it sunk into the depths of the abyss. He had his own disciples. But, in the end, they took their '30 pieces of silver' and hung him from the gallows. Many people lay claim to having seen him dead, but his body disappeared soon after. Was that the end of Victor Schafer? Perhaps those 'many people' told lies.

The terror, which never truly ended, began as far back as 1798, with the building of the Toll House. Was the place evil? Probably. But when Victor Schafer arrived, with his band of gypsy nomads, it sunk into the depths of the abyss. He had his own disciples. But, in the end, they took their '30 pieces of silver' and strung him from the gallows, Many people lay claim to having seen him dead, but his body disappeared soon after. Was that the end of Victor Schafer? Perhaps those 'many people' told lies.

Detective Chief Inspector Ryan retreats to Holy Island seeking sanctuary when he is forced to take sabbatical leave from his duties as a homicide detective. A few days before Christmas, his peace is shattered and he is thrust back into the murky world of murder when a young woman is found dead amongst the ancient ruins of the nearby Priory. When former local girl Dr Anna Taylor arrives back on the island as a police consultant, old memories swim to the surface making her confront her difficult past. She and Ryan struggle to work together to hunt a killer who hides in plain sight, while pagan ritual and small-town politics muddy the waters of their investigation.

In truth, I found it hard going. It is not clear whether it is intended to be a book of instruction about the Roman conquest of Britain or an adventure story of a young boy who learns the tricks of the fighting trade from the Romans with the intention of using them against the same Romans back in Ireland. It turns out that this will not be necessary, but that he will have to fight his uncle Niall, who up to this point has been painted as a heroic figure. At the end, the future contact with Christianity is foreseen. As an exposition of military and colonial problems in Britain and Ireland in the 5th century, it is a wonderful piece of erudition. The explanation of the different origins of names and customs shows a mastery of the history and politics of the day. Similarly the story of the foreign cavalry in the Roman army/ The problem is that the reader is expecting an adventure yarn, with frequent setbacks and heroic reversals, culminating in some kind of temporary triumph. The longer the book goes on, the less this aspect is important. Clearly the book needs a map of Britain and Ireland and it would make easier reading if the names of the towns and regions were given in English. There needs to be a decision about which characters are important (what happened Sal Bui?) The notes at the heads of the chapters are a distraction – these should form a 20-page appendix at the end of the book. A true adventure story would not have such openings, because the story would be more important than the explanations. I suggest that you break up long paragraphs and have a consisted way of dealing with things like quotation marks, breaks between paragraphs etc. The difference between the followers of Christ and of Jesus is good; so is the account of the raiding pirates from across the North Sea. There are many other excellent things, but ultimately, I feel the book falls between two stools: Roman history and adventure yarn. An example is Ch 2, the initiation of Dathi which appears to have no further relevance to the story.

The Art Of Illumination is a spellbinding book that transports one into a world of wonder, mystery, and divine empowerment. It weaves a tale of long lost wisdom and sprinkles it at the feet of the reader like gorgeous pearls. I cannot recommend it highly enough. A fantastic read. Sonia Choquette, NYTimes best-selling author of The Answer Is Simple. Love Yourself. live Your Spirit The Art of Illumination is the stunning tale of one mans journey into the deepest realm of the soul. A compelling mystery propels this luminous exploration of the human experience of the divine. A wise and beautiful book, it grabbed my heart from the first chapter and never let go. Its a remarkable story, written with startling vision and grace by a promising new author. It will leave you awed, moved and hungering for more. Maureen Boyd Biro, author of Walking With Maga and Voices of the Valley, First Press. This book is amazing - I picked it up just to check a few lines and couldnt stop reading. I felt as though it was educating me, and I could imagine everything as if I was watching a movie. There wasnt one part of the book which did not make me want to quickly turn to another page. June Dally Watkins, Education and Training | Business Finishing College. The year is 1097. Britain has been politically unstable for an age, and it doesnt seem as though things will be settling down any time soon. It isnt just political issues that threaten the population, however. Without an understanding of the nature of pestilence or the knowledge of how to treat it, disease runs rampant through the population, affecting everyone in its path. While tragedy rampages unchallenged, one place stands apart from the events afflicting the world at large. Hidden away in a corner of the land stands the large, stone monastery that serves as a shelter from the terrifying world. It is here that one man finds himself on a journey he never expected he would take. He discovers the art of illumination, not only in the creation of beautiful manuscripts, but in illumination of the soul. In the process, he also uncovers a secret that will propel him into a world he never expected to find.

"Books have long been objects of beauty. For many centuries and in societies across the world, bookmakers have lavished great care on the paper, binding materials, and illustrations that surround the words on a page as well as on the lettering or type in which those words appear. This volume, featuring an array of beautiful books from the British Library's collection, focuses on the sensory experience of holding these objects in your hands. Each book represents a specific moment in the development of the object-from scrolls and bound illuminated manuscripts to paperbacks and formatted digital information. The books range from the seventh century to the present and include examples from China, Japan, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East as well as Europe and North America, with separate features on book traditions in Africa and Oceania. Expert curators and other specialists explore these books from the perspective of design and manufacturing, with original art photographs that zero in on their texture and materials as well as graphics that detail their size, number of folios, and other specifications. Offering a wide-ranging look at the creation and use of books, this volume is itself an object of beauty"--

In The Everything Saints Book, you'll learn about the fascinating lives (and sometimes untimely deaths) of more than 85 saints and the miracles ascribed to them. In this authoritative new edition of The Everything Saints Book, you'll find rare quotes, little-known facts, and captivating stories of heroism and personal sacrifice, including: -Traditional saints -European, African, and Asian saints -Soon-to-be saints -Disappearing saints From Mary, the mother of Jesus, to early European saints like Saint Valentine, to modern men and women who are now being considered for sainthood, The Everything Saints Book reveals the personalities and piety of these intriguing people-and the ways in which their unwavering devotion to God transformed their lives and the lives of those around them.

'Wonderfully romantic, full of mystery and magic. I fell in love with Ballykiltara!' - Cathy Bramley You'll find a warm welcome in this magical story from Ali McNamara, bestselling author of Daisy's Vintage Cornish Camper Van and From Notting Hill with Love, Actually ------------------------------------- One summer, property seeker, Serendipity Parker finds herself on the beautiful west coast of Ireland, hunting for a home for a wealthy Irish client. But when she finds the perfect house in the small town of Ballykiltara, there's a problem; nobody seems to know who owns it. 'The Welcome House' is a local legend. Its front door is always open for those in need of shelter, and there's always a plentiful supply of food in the cupboards for the hungry or poor. While Ren desperately tries to find the owner to see if she can negotiate a sale, she begins to delve deeper into the history and legends that surround the old house and the town. But for a woman who has always been focussed on her work, she's remarkably distracted by Finn, the attractive manager of the local hotel. But will she ever discover the real truth behind the mysterious 'Welcome House'? Or will the house cast its magical spell over Ren and help her to find true happiness? ------------------------------------------ 'Breathtakingly scenic, full of love, friendship, romance, magic... made me want to move to Ballykiltara right away' - Alex Brown, author of The Secret of Orchard Cottage What readers are saying about The Summer of Serendipity 'A really heartwarming novel' - The Booktrail 'Make sure you pack it into your case for any summer trips you might be planning' - t*rexes and tiaras 'A magical read full of mystery, romance and mythical Irish charm. This summery novel will make you look at your own life with new eyes and see that spark of magic in the stories that surround you every day' - Laura Bambrey Books 'An enticing novel, bringing together a wonderful story, filled with friendly, realistic characters, gorgeous scenery, and a little bit of magic' - Whispering Stories 'Another warm and funny love story from Ali and I highly recommend escaping with it this summer' - One More Page