Customer Reviews

The Book of Hours: A Novel

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
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From the first words, I was riveted by The Book of Hours. It's the story of a man who has lost his wife and who is, himself, recovering from a tropical disease. His life is further wrecked when he goes to claim an eccentric mansion that was left to him by his wife's aunt, only to find that there are exorbitant outstanding death taxes on it.

He finds his first friendship in a lady doctor who resides in Rose Cottage, what used to be the gatekeeper's house on the mansion's grounds. She assists him when he finds a letter left to him by the old aunt, which both apologizes to him for her past behavior and gives him the first of many clues to a puzzle that might eventually save him from the poor house.

This is one of those books that makes you want to leave the last page and go right back to the first one, to reread it over. I was bewitched by the plot and subplots of this book and by its eclectic characters. I could not recommend it more highly.

Brian Blackstone wants nothing to do with the crumbling English mansion he's inherited upon his wife's death. To honor her dying wish, he finally makes his way to England after wandering aimlessly for two years. Brian isn't exactly welcomed with open arms at Castle Keep. Everyone is suspicious or downright antagonistic for reasons the reader will soon discover.

Suspenseful and romantic, The Book of Hours pulls the reader in from the very beginning. The description of the English countryside and character colloquialisms bring the story to life. Beautiful story of redemption and renewal.

The Book of Hours has elements that should appeal to a wide range of readers -- mystery, humor, romance, and a message that's uplifting without being overbearing. The plot is interesting, and the characters are very real and likable. This is the most enjoyable book that I've read in a long time.

This is the best little piece of modern fiction I've happened across in a long time. Mystery, romance, and a Christian storyline - wow - grab a copy and be delighted!

This book is the only book besides the Bible that made me laugh and cry with every glance at the words. The characters are so warm and inviting they seem to leap off the pages and into your very lives. The location is splendid. As if you are right there. Everyone should have a copy of this book.

This book takes all kinds of twists and turns. It's a page turner to find out what how the riddles are solved and what the next letter may contain. Loved the writting, loved the characters, love the town and all the people. Wished I lived in a town that had church bells!

This was a good piece of fiction, well done, and very Christian to the end. It's a mystery tangled with a love story, mixed in with mourning of lost love--well thought out and, not preachy. The focus is on the relationships, not the house, though the house brings the relationships into focus.

I "had to" keep reading to see what happened next.It was always a thrill to find out what the next part of the mystery was. Watching a small town band together for the good of the community was refreshing. Mix in a "hint" of romance and you have the makings of a best seller. Good guys, bad guys, past loves, mysteries, faith. It's a pleasant read and one you will come back to again!

So this is somewhat conservative, wrapped up in a mystery, and even more, the setting is England? Hmm. Wasn't quite sure what I was getting myself into, but I couldn't get my nose out of it once I started! I always look forward to reading Bunn's work, so when the opportunity presented itself to borrow this from my DAD'S church library, I took it. If you happen to come across this, take the chance.

Brian Blackstone trudges reluctantly to his inheritance. The reluctance is because his beloved wife left it to him. Would this bring back painful memories? He soon realizes that he doesn't have too long to enjoy what is his, because it just might be up for auction. Then the good doctor, Cecilia Lyons decides to get involved, immediately disliking Brian upon meeting him. But there could also be a possible interest for him in her mind! But this isn't all about romance, so can that idea. Yet there is more to all this than meets the eye. And then the riddles begin to appear. Clues! What's going on? Could there possibly be something valuable about this, or is this just a cruel joke? I'm here to tell you that this is full of surprises, littered with treachery here and there, and it doesn't let up. It is great!

Bunn reminds us that with faith in something higher than ourselves, that there is always hope and a future. That's regardless of age or circumstances, or regardless of whoever YOU are for that matter! God has no limits. God, just like this amazing read, has great surprises, and they won't always come in the way we think they should appear. The surprises will exceed what we expect. That's exciting! Go through this with your favorite tea or coffee. Read it with an open mind. And an open heart!

I loved this book! I've been a Christian since I have been 15 years old; however, I have not really been into Christian fiction because I've found more enjoyment in Christian non-fiction and secular fiction. Also, from my past experience, it seems that Christian fiction has been too syrup-y sweet and too preachy. I absolutely adore this book. The story line is wonderful. It has romance, suspense, mystery, drama....all rolled in one. The book also touched me by how God works in our lives to put us on the path that He feels is best for us ...and all the while we can glorify Him by helping and being of service to others (those lovable and those unlovable also). I highly recommend this book. I also look forward to reading more of T. Davis Bunn's books and also other Christian fiction.