Embracing Darkness

by Christopher D. Roe

Phineas Poole is notorious for making bad decisions. Blindly accepting the position as pastor of a small, unknown church in rural New Hampshire isn’t the worst choice he could make. Yet he and Sister Mary Ignatius, an overbearing, foulmouthed, glue-sniffing nun, choose to risk everything when they secretly open their rectory to shelter abused children. Their trouble begins when they take in Zachary Black, an antisocial misfit with no conscience and a burning hatred for those around him. Assuming the boy’s malevolence to be a cry for help, the priest focuses all his attention and efforts on Black, who has neither the desire to be helped, nor the intention to be reformed. Ultimately, this situation puts the lives of those whom Phineas loves in peril and forces him to reveal the sins of a dark past.

723 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 6, 2012

About the author

Christopher D. Roe is the penname of Christopher J. De Rosa, a native of New Rochelle, New York. He holds a Masters Degree of Professional Studies from Manhattanville College in the area of Foreign Language Education and is a French and Spanish Teacher in a suburb of New York City. Embracing Darkness is his first novel. He lives in northern New Jersey where he continues to write.

Reviews

[Stefano Ferrucci · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a clever and eccentric world where the mundane has no place here, You are plunged into a brilliant period piece set against the backdrop of the first half of the Twentieth Century in New England. The author does a fine job at setting the stage for a gripping story that will leave you salivating for more with each page. You feel yourself not wanting to find out what happens, but NEEDING to. I must say, I wasn't prepared for the heavy duty social topics the book dealt with, much less the cruel and villainous character of Zachary Black. But it certainly opens up much discussion about the long-heated debate over abortion. There is comedy and tragedy intertwined in this very intriguing and pager turner of a book. I agree with another review I read that the characters are all so wonderful that you will miss them. I miss two especially: Sister Ignatius and Jessica Benson. Get the book and plunge into darkness! Embrace it! You won't be sorry!!!

[Randy Beas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I read the synopsis and thought it would be a pretty intriguing
read. ED turned out to be one of those books that just kept getting
better and better. It's one you won't be able to put down. The
characters are both humorous and yet tragic. They are interconnected in
many intricate and complex ways but the author links them superbly and
unexpectedly. Some characters you'll love and others you will love to
hate. The plot thickens with each page and each chapter and although the
many in the book do deepen the story, you don't feel lost. The author
keeps you engaged in the telling of the story and the introduction of a
new character only enriches the plot even more.I plan to read it again.
It is a rather long book (720 pages) so just make sure you have time
because trust me once you start it you WON'T put it down!

[Constantine Fernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This epic novel spans fifty years and speaks to all emotions. I laughed, I cried and at times got chills as the many social issues the story deals with strike many a nerve. The myriad of colorful characters make this a story that will be hard to leave once you finish it. It's a remarkably haunting tale as it will stay with you and keep you thinking about it days after you finish reading it. A definite page turner and each chapter ends with a teaser that makes it difficult to put down. Humor mixed with heavy drama, human frailty, fall from innocence, gripping tragic events and ultimate redemption make this truly a great work of literature. Chris Roe is a brilliant new author with a great mind for storytelling!

[Vanessa Monell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic story!

Although it took me a while at first to get into it, I'm
happy I did. One of the best stories I have read in a while. It has a bit of history, a lot of fabulous interesting characters, well defined scenarios and people who you would want to know better. I love this book. I recommend it wholeheartedly.

[George R. Mugno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a genre I typically read, but i thoroughly enjoyed this story

Though this is not a genre I typically read, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was pretty cool the way the author wove together the many threads that started out seemingly unrelated.
I'm looking forward to reading Chris' next work :-)

[Patricia Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful and fantastic read that keeps you involved especially with
the characters. The author Roe is an engrossing story teller, his
characters come to life as though you know them personally. The nun is
a hoot and will have you in stitches at times. I read this book on my
neighbors kindle and want to read it again so yesterday ordered a copy,
can't wait for it to arrive, it is that good. So many ups and downs and
twists and turns the author Chirtopher Roe gives you a roller coaster of
a ride with this amazing book!

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put it down. Embracing Darkness is one of those books that will leave you wanting more with every new chapter. The characters in the fictional town of Holly, NH are connected so beautifully and naturally that you wonder if in fact Holly does exist. The issues touched upon are the same issues that we face today. Zachary Black is the type of villain you can't get enough of. I look forward to Roe's next novel.

[Joann]

My very good friend wrote this book. I am so very proud of what he has done. Was very impressed with his writing. To all my friends out there. Please read. You will not be disappointed!

[Anna Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good book.