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Secrets of Heathersleigh Hall #1
Wild Grows the Heather in Devon
On the windswept downs of Devonshire looms Heathersleigh Hall, the ancient and majestic home of the Duke of Heathersleigh and his family. But an age-old secret lies hidden within its wallsthe key to a mystery that will forever change the lives of those who abide there. Charles Rutherford, The Duke of Heathersleigh. A man of the times, a socialist, evolutionist, and powerful politician, until a startling encounter begins to lead him toward faith. Lady Jocelyn Rutherford. A woman whose unhealed scars cause her to struggle against, and long for, the love of a good God. Amanda Rutherford. Their fiercely independent and rebellious daughter, who rejects her parents' growing faith and the changes it brings. She strikes out on her own, determined to make her mark on the world at any cost. While the shadow of war threatens England's peaceful slumber, the family's long-kept mystery begins to unravel. Who will be the first to discover THE SECRETS OF HEATHERSLEIGH HALL?
447 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1998
314 people are currently reading
818 people want to read
About the author
Michael R. Phillips
250 books612 followersLibrarian Note: there is more than one author with this name in the Goodreads database.
Michael Phillips has been writing in the Christian marketplace for 30 years. All told, he has written, co-written, and edited some 110 books. Phillips and his wife live in the U.S., and make their second home in Scotland.
Michael Phillips has been writing in the Christian marketplace for 30 years. All told, he has written, co-written, and edited some 110 books. Phillips and his wife live in the U.S., and make their second home in Scotland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
April 27, 2012
I just couldn't decide how to rate this book. I love the historical fiction aspect. And I like reading Christian fiction because there isn't foul language that I have to ignore. Further, I don't mind an author expanding on the characters' journey through their Christian faith - including basic foundational messages and truths of the Christian faith. As a Christian, it's important to continually fill your mind with the Truth. However, since the majority of the people who will read Christian fiction will most likely be Christians themselves, I thought this book went a little overboard with stating the Christian message. As the author states in the introduction, it's always a wonderful thing when a book causes you to be intellectually and spiritually challenged. But I'm guessing the vast majority of readers will already have a well established foundation in Christianity. So I'm not sure how much they would be spiritually challenged by this book. Further, I just don't see too many non-Christians picking up this book to read when the genre is given as Christian fiction. And those are the readers who may need the pages upon pages of doctrine that make up this book in order to be spiritually challenged. I would suggest, though, that non-Christians would be turned off by the overwhelming amount of discussion of Christian ideals and wouldn't hear the whole message anyway. I really wanted to enjoy this book. However, sadly, I thought it just became a tedious read that I was anxious to get finished so I could move on to another book on my reading list.
January 16, 2016
I'm amazed I finished this novel, if it can be called such. It was sheer, dogged determination.
It had a nice title. It started with a lovely mystery that lures you in. It feels like it might be something akin to George MacDonald's Donal Grant. It is not.
Set in a wondrous time, it takes the main character who is fascinated by the changes and inventions of his time, gives him religion, and turns him into a dull man.
And then it completely derails into religious and political debate. And poorly done, at that.
I appreciate good religious essays, but these were weakly argued, at best. Furthermore, I don't pick up a fictional novel to get bogged down in these type of theological questions and have all forward motion of the story completely stop. You are walked through how a man is converted by reason and then forces his wife to convert as well so they can completely withdraw from any action other than prayer and discussion of scripture. This is a ridiculous representation of a faith I hold very dear.
I read the whole book to find out more about the interesting mystery that drew me in, but no. I know nothing more and I do not wish to read any more of this man's writings.
I don't even want to talk about this book anymore. I wish I could have given it half a star...
It had a nice title. It started with a lovely mystery that lures you in. It feels like it might be something akin to George MacDonald's Donal Grant. It is not.
Set in a wondrous time, it takes the main character who is fascinated by the changes and inventions of his time, gives him religion, and turns him into a dull man.
And then it completely derails into religious and political debate. And poorly done, at that.
I appreciate good religious essays, but these were weakly argued, at best. Furthermore, I don't pick up a fictional novel to get bogged down in these type of theological questions and have all forward motion of the story completely stop. You are walked through how a man is converted by reason and then forces his wife to convert as well so they can completely withdraw from any action other than prayer and discussion of scripture. This is a ridiculous representation of a faith I hold very dear.
I read the whole book to find out more about the interesting mystery that drew me in, but no. I know nothing more and I do not wish to read any more of this man's writings.
I don't even want to talk about this book anymore. I wish I could have given it half a star...
November 30, 2015
Good book however...
Great story line and many lessons however the author at times pounded them in again and again and again - preaching over and over when the point already been driven home; sometimes it went on for pages and I just wanted to quit reading. Sigh. The characters were described well although I found it hard to imagine Charles Rutherford, a strong and wise leader, unable to discipline his own daughter or even speak to her clearly - some of his discussions with Amanda were confusing and waffled on the reasoning making it as if he was confused about his own words.
Great story line and many lessons however the author at times pounded them in again and again and again - preaching over and over when the point already been driven home; sometimes it went on for pages and I just wanted to quit reading. Sigh. The characters were described well although I found it hard to imagine Charles Rutherford, a strong and wise leader, unable to discipline his own daughter or even speak to her clearly - some of his discussions with Amanda were confusing and waffled on the reasoning making it as if he was confused about his own words.
March 23, 2019
Amazing book! Be sure to read the introduction before starting the book as it contains important information. He shows how society changes, and how worldly thinking affects people, and what happens to them and how they think when they get saved, and finally, how they grow. But he also shows what happens when one or more family members don't give their hearts to the Lord and the conflicts that come from it. What's neat though is that he doesn't just show the conflicts, he shows how the unsaved person is thinking, as well as the saved members of the family. It's really an amazing book, and I imagine that the whole series will be just as wonderful. I've added portions of it to notes in my bible, it's so good, and I've learned a great deal from it. Even though it's historical fiction from an earlier time, the way people began thinking during that time and how it corrupts faith, is what is affecting folks even more today.
January 4, 2014
This is a good book. It challenges you both to remember historical events and to evaluate what you believe. To help understand what I mean by evaluating what one believes I give the following as examples: one of the main characters struggles for a while with the goodness of God due to some previous life experiences, while another has to deal with his beliefs about the origin of the world before they are able to accept God as their loving Father and Savior.
January 23, 2016
I absolutely loved this book, not only the story but the writing style used by Michael R. Phillips. He "got me" in his introduction to the story and kept me right with him all the way through over the 10 day period it took me to read it. I started it at the beginning of a trip to the Caribbean and it was perfect reading for our flight to and from our destination and, as it is a very long book (700 plus pages), I was able to sneak in some reading time while vacationing and visiting. The story starts from the 1800's and takes the reader through various life styles and political and historical events through to the mid-1900's. It centers around a "well-to-d0" family (the Rutherfords) living in Heathersleigh Hall and passes down through a few generations until we reach Charles and Jocelyn Rutherford and their three children, George, Amanda and Catharine. All goes well with the family until Charles and then Jocelyn make some major changes in their lives - changes which are accepted readily by young George and Catharine, but certainly not by the strong-willed Amanda. She has visions of following in her father's footsteps and making a big name for herself, but when her father decides to change his career, Amanda is devastated, and wants nothing more to do with her parents' new way of life. This story will keep you thinking and will pull at your heart-strings, as your follow the delightful characters through trials and tribulations. I definitely want to know more about this family and about the mysteries of Heathersleigh Hall.
August 5, 2012
In the introduction to this book, author Michael Phillips writes that he enjoys lengthy novels more than regular-length films. As an avid reader, I feel the same way to a degree, and Wild Grows the Heather in Devon is quite the literary journey. A novel that spans years and took me almost three days to complete, this book is quite enthralling and is perfect for any historical fiction fan. I can't wait to read the sequel!
July 9, 2020
I've read it again and again throughout the years along with following books in this series. That is my opinion and review in a nutshell. Actions speak louder than words.
Low keyed, introspective story telling but still gripping. You read the first book, then HAVE to start the next one. Find a quiet nook and jump into this book to journey with the characters. Also a wonderful example of historical fiction at it's best. Be entertained and educated simultaneously.
Enjoy.
Sincerely, Laura-Lee
Low keyed, introspective story telling but still gripping. You read the first book, then HAVE to start the next one. Find a quiet nook and jump into this book to journey with the characters. Also a wonderful example of historical fiction at it's best. Be entertained and educated simultaneously.
Enjoy.
Sincerely, Laura-Lee
January 15, 2016
This book began with a promise it did not deliver. Mysteries were set up, but they were not resolved. Reading 521 pages should have been enough to finish the story!
There was so much sermonizing throughout that it should be billed as a handbook for turning to Jesus and being a Christian parent. It was not worth the time it took to read it. I'm also surprised that the flowery language was written so recently.
There was so much sermonizing throughout that it should be billed as a handbook for turning to Jesus and being a Christian parent. It was not worth the time it took to read it. I'm also surprised that the flowery language was written so recently.
May 13, 2019
This book poses some very deep questions for a fiction book, and needs to be read and enjoyed slowly. I enjoyed the growth and self-examination of Charles and Jocelyn. Changing your views as an adult affects everyone, especially if you change your whole life because of becoming a Christian. It was difficult to read about the rebellion of Amanda. I will be interested to see how she turns out as I read the rest of the series.
October 27, 2018
DNF. Couldn't get into the writing style. Too many other books to read to keep trying to complete this series!!
April 20, 2017
I was intrigued by this novel set in the beginning of the twentieth century and found it to be quite interesting, but not because of the plot.
Michael Phillips attempts to challenge turn- of- the- century scientific attitudes and enthusiasm for growth and progress by undertaking a plot that would be familiar to many; the battle between good and evil within the hearts of his characters. As the plot morphs into the political arena, he weaves in a family crisis and shows the heartbreaking emotional upheaval when a child rebels.
There is a *lot* of theology in this book. It's never too difficult to understand or follow, however, as some other reviewers have mentioned, it does at times get a little tedious (being honest here), and I think, there is a little too much of a 'drumming it in'. Certainly there is an obvious zeal in the author's writing to portray how changed a person can become, in every area of their lives, once he surrenders his preconceptions and embraces Christianity. The author writes realistically and truthfully portrays several typical responses when a family member does take the 'leap of faith' and sometimes suffers the loss of position or esteem, even from those of his own family.
The author has chosen an ambitious task and includes the events escalating in Europe to add interest, but I really don't think this can be called a historical fiction novel as such. The characters *exist* within a certain historical period and events happen around them but they are not focused on. Rather than plot-driven, this is a character-driven novel with conflicts being played out mainly, internally. I appreciated the brief appearances of Winston Churchill and learning a little bit more about England's political parties; the Tories and the Labour party's viewpoints.
"Wild Grows the Heather" won't be a novel that fits everyone. I admire the author's attempts to show so much within one book, however, I wish he divulged what the secret hidden within the manor of Heathersleigh actually was! In order to find out, I will have to read the next book in the series.
Michael Phillips attempts to challenge turn- of- the- century scientific attitudes and enthusiasm for growth and progress by undertaking a plot that would be familiar to many; the battle between good and evil within the hearts of his characters. As the plot morphs into the political arena, he weaves in a family crisis and shows the heartbreaking emotional upheaval when a child rebels.
There is a *lot* of theology in this book. It's never too difficult to understand or follow, however, as some other reviewers have mentioned, it does at times get a little tedious (being honest here), and I think, there is a little too much of a 'drumming it in'. Certainly there is an obvious zeal in the author's writing to portray how changed a person can become, in every area of their lives, once he surrenders his preconceptions and embraces Christianity. The author writes realistically and truthfully portrays several typical responses when a family member does take the 'leap of faith' and sometimes suffers the loss of position or esteem, even from those of his own family.
The author has chosen an ambitious task and includes the events escalating in Europe to add interest, but I really don't think this can be called a historical fiction novel as such. The characters *exist* within a certain historical period and events happen around them but they are not focused on. Rather than plot-driven, this is a character-driven novel with conflicts being played out mainly, internally. I appreciated the brief appearances of Winston Churchill and learning a little bit more about England's political parties; the Tories and the Labour party's viewpoints.
"Wild Grows the Heather" won't be a novel that fits everyone. I admire the author's attempts to show so much within one book, however, I wish he divulged what the secret hidden within the manor of Heathersleigh actually was! In order to find out, I will have to read the next book in the series.
June 14, 2018
I don't know quite what to make of this novel, although I enjoyed it very much. This is apparently the first of a series calling itself "The Secrets of Heathersleigh Hall." Scant attention is given to the mystery during this first book.
It is an enjoyable historical fiction concerning the 1890-1910 in the area of Devonshire and London. Liberal/Tory politics are prominent in the first half but really disappear in the second. A wide variety of interesting topics are touched on, including the rise of Communism, women's suffrage, the industrial revolution, and evolution, all seen through the eyes of Victorian England.
The essential question is what would happen to a modern family of the age when they are called to follow the Lord? It is an interesting treatise and it is well, and enjoyably, covered. I found it a facinating read.
It is an enjoyable historical fiction concerning the 1890-1910 in the area of Devonshire and London. Liberal/Tory politics are prominent in the first half but really disappear in the second. A wide variety of interesting topics are touched on, including the rise of Communism, women's suffrage, the industrial revolution, and evolution, all seen through the eyes of Victorian England.
The essential question is what would happen to a modern family of the age when they are called to follow the Lord? It is an interesting treatise and it is well, and enjoyably, covered. I found it a facinating read.
January 14, 2019
What a wonderful story that could be real! The way people change their perspectives when the Lord touches them, how your priorities might change, how you relate to other peoples, how your path changes. I love the setting, the gardens, the cottage, the secret, the children's personalities, the mother displaying attitudes real to women, the spoiled teen who fights against her parents, but really against God. I should be receiving the next #2 in the series soon. I can feel the Holy Spirit moving and am excited. This would be a great read for someone on the edge of believing the gospel "good news" and making it a personal belief.
Second read, not as exciting as first time, but written so well.
Second read, not as exciting as first time, but written so well.
March 17, 2016
I have discovered a new author. This is not generally my genre of novels, since I am a fan of neither historical fiction nor what is usually marketed as "Christian" fiction. This novel is long, very detailed, and perhaps a little too philosophical and religious at times. The author is one of the most skilled writers I have read in quite some time - is use of the language is precise, and his writing style is smooth and effective. I greatly appreciate the fact that he writes of Christianity not as some "feel good - almost fairy godmother's magic" kind of spirituality but as a genuine, intelligent experience of living as God's child in the world. His theology, while sometimes too heavy, is sound and steady.
November 22, 2017
This was amazing! In the beginning of the book, Charles Rutherford is very much against God. He simply doesn't believe that God exists. Then, he meets Pastor Diggersfeld, and this is how he is led to the Lord.
His wife, Jocelyn, takes a little longer to accept the Lord, because she feels that God could never love someone with scars. No matter how much Charles tries to make his wife see the truth of the Lord. After meeting Maggie, she finally accepts the truth.
Their daughter, Amanda, refuses the Lord fully. She keeps fighting with her parents, saying that she doesn't believe as they do. Eventually, she tells them that she has an invitation to go participate in the social season.
I hope to one find the rest of the series so i can find out what happens next!
His wife, Jocelyn, takes a little longer to accept the Lord, because she feels that God could never love someone with scars. No matter how much Charles tries to make his wife see the truth of the Lord. After meeting Maggie, she finally accepts the truth.
Their daughter, Amanda, refuses the Lord fully. She keeps fighting with her parents, saying that she doesn't believe as they do. Eventually, she tells them that she has an invitation to go participate in the social season.
I hope to one find the rest of the series so i can find out what happens next!
July 12, 2015
Michael Phillips produced a great 4 part series that explores the Rutherford family secrets, mishaps, and life growth in the beautiful Devonshire lands of England. A coming to salvation, gaining wisdom, tackling the trials of life and all it's bustling changes, this family grows in stature and truth even amidst bad decision that reflect the influence of our social settings. As with every good series, there is romance, secrets, mountaintops, valleys, and death.
Some of the deep reflective thinking done by each character give the reader pause to consider his/her own character flaws and strengths.
It's been years since I've read it, but I must read it again, as it was life impacting.
Some of the deep reflective thinking done by each character give the reader pause to consider his/her own character flaws and strengths.
It's been years since I've read it, but I must read it again, as it was life impacting.
February 7, 2016
Uplifting and educational as well as interesting and thought-provoking. You definitely are getting a "full course meal" when you read one of Michael Phillips' books. Jocelyn is my favorite character, as, like her, I've lived with a kind of "handicap" my whole life. Learning to embrace that has been a struggle for me. Reading about Jocie's inner struggles both in the past and her present situations greatly affected me. I'm thoroughly enjoying the 2nd book in the series, and intend to read every single one! I'm anticipating the "big secrets" being uncovered. Personally, I've always been intrigued with secret passageways, etc., in large homes and castles!
July 17, 2017
It has taken me along time to read complete this book. I kept putting it down because I kept losing interest.
Sir Charles and Lady Jocelyn Rutherford are liberal people of influence and quite wealthy. While embarking on their Christian journey, their children have mixed reactions to the changes taking place in their lives. Mr. Phillips attempts to set the mood of the Victorian era in England. However, the book moves slowly and lacks enough meat to keep me interested. I expected more than just spiritually rich conversation without fulfilling the promise in the beginning of the book.
I doubt that I will continue on with the series.
Sir Charles and Lady Jocelyn Rutherford are liberal people of influence and quite wealthy. While embarking on their Christian journey, their children have mixed reactions to the changes taking place in their lives. Mr. Phillips attempts to set the mood of the Victorian era in England. However, the book moves slowly and lacks enough meat to keep me interested. I expected more than just spiritually rich conversation without fulfilling the promise in the beginning of the book.
I doubt that I will continue on with the series.
August 25, 2007
An interesting tale set in England in the late 1800's/early 1900's. Sir Charles and Lady Jocelyn Rutherford -- people of influence, liberal in their thinking and quite wealthy -- become Christians. As they embark on their new life, they develop different thinking. Their two youngest children accept the changes, but the oldest does not. The book moves at a relatively slow pace, on purpose according to the author as he tries to create the kind of mood typical of the Victorian era when people took the time to sit and talk about life issues as a main form of entertainment.
January 12, 2014
I read this because a friend selected it for our book discussion group, and it's not necessarily something I would normally choose to read because it is pretty slow-paced. Nevertheless, it was interesting.
Phillips purposefully set out to examine how the embracing of christianity would affect the life of an intellectual, affluent couple in the early 1900s in England. While intellectualism, evolution, universal reconciliation, socialism, and feminism were sweeping the world, what impact were they having on christianity?
Phillips purposefully set out to examine how the embracing of christianity would affect the life of an intellectual, affluent couple in the early 1900s in England. While intellectualism, evolution, universal reconciliation, socialism, and feminism were sweeping the world, what impact were they having on christianity?
July 5, 2016
a telling of life at heathersleigh hall...
this is a telling of the lives of the Rutherfords of heathersleigh...if one is seeking recreation quite possibly it would best serve to pass this telling on by...to best enjoy oneself within these pages a sort of in- dwelling must occur...to be so immersed that it's hard to put the book aside for sleep or work...as a Christian tale it leaves no doubt...insights and longings for the kind of relationships these characters have and cultivate caused me some consternation...loved every minute at featherweight hall...
this is a telling of the lives of the Rutherfords of heathersleigh...if one is seeking recreation quite possibly it would best serve to pass this telling on by...to best enjoy oneself within these pages a sort of in- dwelling must occur...to be so immersed that it's hard to put the book aside for sleep or work...as a Christian tale it leaves no doubt...insights and longings for the kind of relationships these characters have and cultivate caused me some consternation...loved every minute at featherweight hall...
December 22, 2016
I realize the main characters embarked on a spiritual journey to find themselves and God but sometimes I felt that the author spent too much time on that and not the other aspects of the story and characters. The part of the book that intrigued me the most was the way the author started out the story but he only came back to that very infrequently and guess that all will be revealed in the novels that follow this one in the series, but I am on the fence as to if I want to read another one at this point.
November 2, 2011
I think there is a good story in here...somewhere. But it's buried under hundreds of pages of...something else. Way too long winded and preachy. I usually don't mind that, but this was just ridiculous. I'm just baffled by the whole book. I gave up reading halfway though. I just couldn't take it any longer. I wish I could get the cliff notes because I really did want to know the "secret". That part was interesting.
June 23, 2016
Thought provoking
This was a very good theological book showing the difference between evolutionary thinking and biblical thinking. I was personally challenged to apply what I read. I rated it a five because of how thought provoking it is. I would recommend this book to any who feel stagnant in their walk with the Lord. The setting of the book post Victorian England allowed me as the reader to see history unfold and experience in part an innocent and simple world.
This was a very good theological book showing the difference between evolutionary thinking and biblical thinking. I was personally challenged to apply what I read. I rated it a five because of how thought provoking it is. I would recommend this book to any who feel stagnant in their walk with the Lord. The setting of the book post Victorian England allowed me as the reader to see history unfold and experience in part an innocent and simple world.
August 24, 2016
I'm really torn over how to rate this book. Every series of Phillips that I have read was interesting, had depth and beautiful word pictures. While this book is spiritually rich, it lacks a storyline that you can dive into. It presents as many conversations with little else going on. Not until the last fifty pages is there some drama that makes me hopeful the rest of the series will satisfy. This first in the series was a bit of a disappointment.
January 23, 2013
I like Michael Phillips books. This one kept me going because it never would bring an answer to earlier things. And I kept wanting to just jump ahead! Then it ended and STILL no answer! So now I HAVE to keep reading the series! LOL! Takes place in England from 1829 to about 1908...the times after the Boer War but leading up to WW1.
December 10, 2015
In the introduction the author cautions that he writes stylistically as in the times. He does so to disappointing effect. Most notable is the one dimensionality of the characters. And the plot doesn't have much spark. I appreciate the Christian theme, but grew weary of the preachy tone.
On the plus side, the relationship between Charles and Jocelyn is sweet and believable.
On the plus side, the relationship between Charles and Jocelyn is sweet and believable.
January 12, 2016
Intriguing!
In the beginning 4 sections I didn't enjoy this book at all. It seemed to be only a narrative, where I discovered only 1 thing each about 4 unrelated characters. I am thrilled that I kept reading! This is my first book by this author, but will NOT be my last one!! I am now a fan, and I expect you will also become a fan ...
In the beginning 4 sections I didn't enjoy this book at all. It seemed to be only a narrative, where I discovered only 1 thing each about 4 unrelated characters. I am thrilled that I kept reading! This is my first book by this author, but will NOT be my last one!! I am now a fan, and I expect you will also become a fan ...
April 3, 2016
Wonderful!
Even though the setting is another time, much of this writing can be applied to present times. Clarity of the human condition is skillfully brought forth. Mystery, history, and love make this a very thought-provoking read. Appreciate the style of writing along with great effort on the author's part to keep you interested in the story.
Even though the setting is another time, much of this writing can be applied to present times. Clarity of the human condition is skillfully brought forth. Mystery, history, and love make this a very thought-provoking read. Appreciate the style of writing along with great effort on the author's part to keep you interested in the story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews