The Miracle at St. Bruno's [Hardcover]

Philippa Carr (Author), Victoria Holt (Author), Jean Plaidy (Author), Eleanor Hibbert (Contributor)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Damask grows up during the reign of Henry VIII. The increasing peril to anyone who is perceived to hold opinions that differ from the king's is a constant threat in her life and in her family's. When her cousin Kate is orphaned and comes to live at the family manor, they become acquainted with Bruno, a boy their age who lives at St. Bruno's, the nearby abbey. Some believe that he is a "holy child," as he first appeared in the Christmas crib on Christmas day. The three children form lasting relationships that, along with the intrigues of 16th-century politics and religion, affect their lives as their stories continue through adulthood, marriage, and children. Anna White, in a rich voice, creates distinctive presences for all the characters and makes the story and time as real as today. Historical detail and suspense hold the listener throughout. Highly recommended.?Melody A. Moxley, Rowan P.L., Salisbury, N.C.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.

From AudioFile

The fascinating worlds of Henry VIII and his various offspring are seen through the eyes of Damask. Narrator White fails to find the right voice for this bright, stubborn, principled, young woman-- adopting clean, hushed tones as though she were reading a bedtime tale to a recalcitrant child. There's little echo of the passions and intrigues in the story. S.F. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 376 pages
• Publisher: Putnam Pub Group (T) (June 1972)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399109773
• ISBN-13: 978-0399109775
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.7 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #696,054 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars St. Brunos Abbey, February 9, 2009

By 

JerseyGirl "Bookworm" (Charlotte, NC) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This is a historical novel about the people and their lives during the reign of Henry VIII. Damask Farland grows up in an aristocratic home near St. Brunos abbey. St. Bruno's abbey has a child within its walls who is considered a miracle because he mysteriously appears at Christmas in the manger scene. Damask and her cousion Kate become friends with Bruno, the miracle child of the Abbey. Their lives are all touched by the violent upheavals of the court of Henry VIII. Damask tells the story of her family and her connection to St. Bruno's abbey and to the miracle child, Bruno. This is not a bad historical but I have read better. I did enjoy reading about the history of Henry VIII and how the people of England fared during his reign.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of Holt's absolute best, December 13, 2009

By 

Jessica Russell "Jessica Russell" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Miracle at St. Bruno's (Paperback)

This is the first novel of the all time popular "Cornwall Saga" written by Philippa Carr (Who is also Victoria Holt.)

As always ,her attention to the detail of historical facts is, in my opinion, matchless. The data is not only superbly correct from a historical standpoint but she can somehow make the most minute fact seem of interest. Characters, whether kings, queens or peasants come to life as real people, not simply historical icons.

The heroine's name is Damask Farland and her name itself is even a tie to the historical period. She was named after the damask rose, brought to England by King Henry's doctor. It would be completely plausible that creative parents would choose it as a name. It's these tiny details that make the book real. When I read it I am not reading ABOUT a period of time. I am BACK there.

The pulsing question underneath all the excellent historical entertainment is; Will Damask find love and come to some peace in her life? Or is it even possible to find happiness in such a turbulent time in history? Readers will not find a typical answer, OR a typical ending.

Richly entertaining with believable, lovable (and sinister) characters! MANY a twist and turn to carry you along.

5.0 out of 5 stars First of 20+ volumes series, October 16, 2011

By 

C. Mathieu "waldenpond88" (Worcester, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Miracle at St. Bruno's (Paperback)

I started reading Victoria Holt novels some 30+ years ago and instantly liked her style.

"Lord of the Far Island", "Mistress of Mellyn", "Bride of Pendorric" and "Devil on Horseback" were similarly satisfying reads, but for me the "Daughters of England" series of books (ca. 20 volumes) is unsurpassed. Victoria Holt wrote "Daughters of England" under her Philippa Carr pseudonym. Volume one (Miracle at St. Bruno's) starts in the 1500's (the closing of the monasteries) and follows the same family through many generations into the 20th century. The first 5 or 6 sequels are especially good and unpredictable!