The Stranger: Will a wandering soul find his heart a home?

by Joy Margetts

What do you do when your life’s work lies in ashes at your feet? When your heart and body are broken and your faith is shattered?

Disillusioned, grief stricken and feeling abandoned by the God he once trusted, Brother Silas runs. He sets out on a lonely journey, not knowing where the path will take him, determined to distance himself from his painful past.

But Silas cannot escape the Love that will not let him go. Through the unexpected kindness of strangers, and a series of inexplicable events, Silas’s heart begins to heal. Then an unlikely reunion puts him on the path to rediscovering who he really is.

Will Silas find somewhere he truly belongs or will he remain a stranger forever?

A standalone story in the same series as The Healing, The Pilgrim and The Bride, The Stranger is set among the abbey’s and landscapes of medieval Wales.

‘Beautifully told, humanity is revealed and celebrated in this honest and poignant story of one man’s struggle for spiritual wisdom in the face of adversity. Silas’ spiritual doubts have been echoed by so many down the ages and will be familiar to all.’ C. F. Dunn.

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 25, 2024

About the author

I am a fifty something mother of two grown children, and a grandparent. I have always loved writing but never believed I would have a book published. The Healing is my first novel. I have always loved history and the inspiration for the book came whilst visiting local abbey ruins.
I live with my husband and feisty Jack Russell, on the wild and beautiful North Wales coast, surrounded by history and stunning landscapes. I love the Word of God and teaching it. The Healing is full of both truth and beauty.
I have experienced the redemptive healing power of God in my own life, and hope that my writing gives hope to those who need it.

Reviews

[Natasha Woodcraft · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful book walks us gently through the heartbreak of Silas, a monk who works incredibly hard to set up a new abbey, only to be kidnapped then to experience the horror of seeing the abbey burn. On top of all this, he is accused of abandonment and failing due to his pride, of which, we soon realise, he has none.

Anyone who has experienced the pain of failed ministry, of believing you are giving all to God, only for it to be swept away, or worse, will feel this story deep within their soul. Where is God when things go wrong? Why does he sometimes call us to do things that fail? Is he really there at all, or were we entirely misguided?

Joy Margetts doesn’t skirt around these issues but through stunning storytelling, slowly walks us through them, showing how God is truly strong and kind, even when all “evidence” points to the contrary. Each character is wonderfully depicted and each theme drawn out with the skill of a great storyteller.

[Lisa Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartfelt and convicting story of God’s unending love and provisions.
I stepped out of my “comfort zone” and read this book that is a bit different from what I would normally read and I’m so glad I did. It was a slower read, but I feel that is done be design because it is also a heavier read. I enjoyed slowing my pace and really soaking in Silas’ story, his struggles, and his renewed faith.
Joy Margett combined the Biblical stories of Job, the lost sheep, the prodigal son, and more to create a heart tugging story of losing faith and finding it again. Definitely take the time to read this beautiful story of Gods unfailing love.

*I received this book as an ARC in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review, only one that was honest. The opinions I have expressed are my own and personal thoughts on this book.

[Jenny Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joy Margetts takes us back to medieval Wales for her fourth novel.

Silas is at his wits end and his faith's end. Sent from a mother abbey to being a new one across the English border into Wales, he finds himself yet again with a crushing sense of failure. The new abbey has been razed to the ground by fire and he is still having flashbacks from raids and kidnappings. Dejected and disillusioned, he leads his fellow monks back to Dore Abbey where he feels the disgrace and disdain of the Abbott. Overwhelmed and unable to process his loss of faith and face, he slips away in the night.

So begins a journey of reflection, catharsis and redemption facilitated by a cast of characters who welcome him into their lives and into their homes. In their simple faith and generous hospitality, Silas begins to see the kindness of God, unconditional love, the power of grace and forgiveness, and the hope of a restored relationship with his Creator.

Another beautiful story, well researched and presented without falling into the trap of being preachy. I recognised characters from her other novels, but also elements of doubt in myself and character traits that cast shadows across my own life. Each chapter ends with a scripture – it would be lovely if these were illuminated or in appropriate font. Although this novel is brought to market by a different published there's a pleasing continuity in the style and the cover.

This book is not due to be published until 22nd November 2024, but is already available on Kindle which is how I read it.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Stranger by Joy Margetts is a book I didn’t know I needed and I am so thankful that I came across it through Celebrate Lit! The Stranger, set in the 1200s in Europe, goes on a journey with Silas, a Monk, grappling with grief and the difficulties of his life after the Monastery/Abbey, Grace Dieu, he was a part of went up in flames. After trying to rebuild Grace Dieu unsuccessfully, Silas and his fellow Brothers (other Monks) go to the nearest Abbey–Abbey Dore–for refuge and healing. After the Abbot (the head Monk of an Abbey) of Abbey Dore puts the fault and Grace Dieu’s unsuccessful rebuild squarely on Silas’ shoulders, Silas decides leave to his Calling behind. As Silas journeys on, Silas learns Powerful Lessons about Jesus and the Calling on his life.

The Stranger by Joy Margetts Ministered to me so much! I love the way Ms. Margetts wrote The Stranger. What drew me to The Stranger was the time period because I normally don’t usually read anything set earlier than 1500 unless it’s Biblical Fiction. (And I haven’t read many books that have Monks in them.) I felt everything that Silas was feeling. I truly understood what Silas was going through emotionally, mentally, and Spiritually. I love how even though Silas wanted nothing to do with God, because he felt abandoned by God, Silas kept unconsciously showing God’s Love by helping others. I love the people that God placed in Silas’ path and the lessons they helped to teach Silas. You can definitely tell that the people put along Silas’s Path were God Ordained. I love that whatever Spiritual Principle that Ms. Margetts brought to the book was backed up with Scripture. I love that the Spiritual Principles that were woven into the story came at the perfect time in the storyline. The way Ms. Margetts brought Spiritual Insight to things opened my eyes to a new way of seeing things. I love how Ms. Margetts wrote what Silas was going through as a process and a journey and that it’s normal at times to feel abandonment or like we failed God. Ms. Margetts also emphasized that it is not something that you can get over easily, (I also love the ending because it gave another Powerful Lesson–so read The Stranger!) If you are looking for encouraging read with realistic life lessons and Biblical Truth, then I highly recommend The Stranger by Joy Margetts!

Have you read The Stranger? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank the Publisher and Celebrate Lit Blogging Tours for giving me a copy of The Stranger to review, for letting me be a part of The Stranger Celebration Tour, and for providing the information needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

My review is also on my blog Leslie's Library Escape and Amazon.

[Rob Seabrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Joy delights the reader with some great storytelling, immersing us in the medieval world of monasteries and monks. It is a tale of faith lost and found. A journey of rediscovering the essence of faith, the love of God, that is real and personal to us as individuals.
It is a story of God never giving up on us, always wanting to be in a loving relationship with us. Regardless of how we feel and what we think. It has echoes of the parable of the Prodigal Son, where God the Father is waiting with open arms to welcome us back after our errant journeys.
It reminds us that the only thing that God wants from us, and in fact the only thing of any value that we can give Him, is our heart.
Read the full review at https://www.robseabrook.com/the-stran...

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Stranger” by Joy Margetts was a fun read. It had a lot characters but it just made that that just made the story more interesting.There are other books in this series, but they are all Stand alones. After reading this book, I wanted to read the other ones in the series, but there was only one that was available on Kindle unlimited so I did deal that book, but haven’t read it yet. Each chapter ended with the Bible verse and the reference where you could find it in the Bible. This story showed that even when we are trying to run away from God, he is there with us and protecting us. I was kept turning the pages because I had to know where his journey took him next.there were a few quotes in this book that I really appreciated and I think everyone should read this book, especially if they are doubting if God is really for them.

I received a complementary copy from the author I and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

[Alex Banwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Stranger is book 4 in a beautiful historical fiction series set mostly amongst the monks and Cistercian abbeys of medieval Wales. It follows The Healing, The Pilgrim, and The Bride. Each story can be read as a standalone novel, but for maximum enjoyment, I recommend reading them in sequence.

We first met Brother Silas in The Healing. Now we focus on him at a pivotal point in his faith journey. His life’s mission has seemingly come to nothing, and he fears he has let God down. Or has God failed him? Silas is ready to turn his back on his faith and go his own way. He doesn’t appreciate the depth of God’s love, or the truth that our heavenly Father chases down his wayward children and woos them back to his side.

The book follows Silas on a journey that is both physical and spiritual. We travel with him willingly because his experiences and emotions are so relatable. Along the way, we meet some old familiar friends and make a few new ones. I love the way Joy re-introduces us to well-loved characters from her previous books. The new characters were wonderful too, especially the charcoal burner and Wolf, his faithful four-legged companion.

Although Silas is clearly meant to be the stranger to whom the title illudes, it is through the kindness of strangers that he re-discovers the love of God.

Each chapter ends with a scripture verse chosen to highlight its message, always leading us back to God’s Word as our source of life and hope.

I found brother Silas incredibly relatable, especially near the end when he makes this honest admission.
‘I gave my heart to God, out of love for Him, many years ago. His love for me had drawn me to Him, the love that sent Jesus to the cross. Once I had experienced that love and understood the depth of it, it was easy to give my heart completely to Him. Following Jesus was not easy, even in those early days, but I loved Him so intensely and devotedly that nothing else mattered.
‘I don’t know when the intensity of that love for God faded. Perhaps it was just dulled over the years. Perhaps it was because I believed the greatest expression of my devotion to God was to build something great for Him. Was my desire to see Grace Dieu prosper, my determination to work hard at all costs to keep it from failing, truly out of love for God? I wonder now, looking back, if pride did not come into it. At least partly. I did genuinely want to do something great for God, to honour Him. But I also wanted to prove myself.’

For me, these words provided a huge “Aha” moment. As someone who has always endeavoured to serve and honour God, they helped me understand how pride can creep in, and how easy it is to fall into the trap of believing God measures our worth by what we do for him instead of by what Jesus did for us on the Cross.

Thank you, Joy, for another soul-nourishing and heart-warming read.

[Beverly Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

This historical story is about a monk named Silas who has lost his faith and feels as if the God he served has completely abandoned him, so he decides to leave his service to the Lord. As Silas wanders from place to place, he doesn’t yet know or see that the God he felt abandoned him is actually behind the scenes pursuing Silas and beckoning him to come back to Him, using circumstances and strangers in Silas’ life to bring forth his plan.
Will Silas see the hand of God in his life and come back to where his heart desires or continually wander from place to place as a stranger and never be at peace, nor find a home where he belongs?
This story reminds me of the “Pilgrims Progress” in many ways as it is similar in style. It reads somewhat slow, but that makes it easier to take in everything that Silas is going through in the story. This story is a good reminder that God is always pursuing us either to bring us into the fold or to bring us back to His fold and how He is always directing our path even though we may not see it, or see where He is leading us in life.
Also, there are many Scriptures that are woven in every chapter throughout the book that coincides with the subject of the chapter that brings more depth to the story.
This story may encourage you if you feel you have lost your faith or if you feel you are so far away from God that He cannot find you anymore and bring you back to Him.
There are a few quotes in the book that resonated with me for one reason or another that I feel are worth mentioning.
1- “I knew God was reminding me that He was inescapable, despite all that had happened, despite my fear, doubt and disappointment. I tried running from Him, but was also running from my true self.”
2- “I knew he didn’t abandon you, Silas. I believe His Promises, and He says he never leaves the ones He loves. Whatever you may have felt, He never left your side.”

I was given a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher and wasn’t required to write a review. This is my honest review and strictly my own.

[Lexie Conyngham · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a great sense of place and time here, and we are drawn quickly into Silas’ world and his mental struggles. Silas runs away from his monastery feeling he has failed in trying to establish its daughter house in a hostile environment. On his travels he is the stranger, stealing a coracle (with great incompetence), living with a carpenter’s widow and helping her find her feet, learning from a lonely charcoal burner … though he seemed humble enough he learns a proper humility as those he thinks less religiously educated than himself teach him something else about his faith. While he is a stranger to them, he has tried to make himself a stranger to God, too, but God, of course, does not take this lying down. Silas’ service to others is a strong theme – having felt he failed in this at Grace Dieu, he goes on to help everyone he meets quite unselfconsciously, though he also learns how to accept help from others. Though we can take Silas as the stranger of the title, one character, Cennad, who leads him and encourages him at one of his lowest ebbs is also a key stranger, not seen to speak to anyone but Silas, moving mysteriously and vanishing just when he has seen Silas to safety. This is a lovely and encouraging story, grounded in its historical setting, woven in with appropriate Biblical quotations and insights, particularly from Brother Hywel who has appeared in previous books. It is a delight to see Silas re-encounter God, the God who reminds him, surprisingly, that Silas loves Him (not the other way around, which is the more obvious statement!). A joy to read.

[Deana Dick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Silas is broken when everything is destroyed by fire. He tells the others to get what they can and leave with him. Silas wonders where God is and feels alone. Is this the end for Silas? Has he given up on God? I couldn’t wait to see where his journey would take him. He no longer has fight in him. It reminded me of how we sometimes want to give up and walk away. We can’t run away from our problem. Silas will experience more than he expected as he encounters people along the way.

I loved the scriptures the author uses throughout the book. Silas seems weary about his faith, but there is hope as he begins to receive shelter and a fresh start. When he encounters Lord Abbot the harshness of his failure is spoken with contempt. Did Silas become prideful which caused him to fail his mission? Pride can bring down the strongest of us and the consequences can be hard. Now Silas must deal with his decisions.

As Silas meets different people on his journey, each one pours into his life. They each have a purpose and it was interesting to see what he would learn next. The Stranger is gifted with passages from the Bible as well as lessons of faith and trust. I was intrigued by how Silas started soaking in God’s love for him. He had thought he had lost his faith, but really it was always with him. What he needed was an awakening of God’s power and mercy.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[Anne Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

With this story Joy Margetts returns to the medieval Wales she describes so well and introduces us to Brother Silas, a Cistercian monk who has reached the end of his strength, hope and faith. Surviving being seized as a hostage, and then leading his fellow monks from the burning remnants of the daughter abbey he had set out to build, he arrives back at their mother house Dore Abbey. There, needing the support of his Abbott he instead finds judgement and condemnation from a man who should be trustworthy, but instead is eager for comfort and power. Despairing, Silas sets out alone with little in mind but an escape from his mental torment. He thinks that he is also leaving God behind, but God is not absent no matter how distant Silas feels.

So begins a journey back to faith, via a series of (extra)ordinary people Silas meets along the way, each dealing with their own challenges. These characters are fascinating in themselves and completely believable. I’d love to know more about some of them, and who knows, they may reappear in another of Joy’s stories, as her characters are wont to do.

The Stranger is soaked in spiritual input without ever feeling preachy or heavy. The Bible verses are perfectly chosen and placed, and the tale in itself feels almost like a long parable. It’s a wonderful read and perfect for anyone who loves a good medieval story. And who loves to be reminded about how much God loves his people.

[S.C. Skillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth of Joy’s series set in 12th century Wales, inspired by the abbeys of the area, some of which remain as majestic ruins to be visited today. Grace Dieu is one abbey which no longer exists; it was attacked and burned to the ground by hostile Welsh forces in the 12th century.

This is the story of Brother Silas, a heartbroken monk who has fled from the burning wreck of Grace Dieu, and has returned to his Mother Abbey, Abbey Dore, only to meet condemnation and judgement from the corrupt Abbot.

Silas loses his belief in himself and his faith in God and goes on the run from Abbey Dore. I love stories of an outcast wanderer who endures physical privation along with psychological torment, and nearly loses the battle for survival, but who is saved by the kindness of ordinary people he meets on the way.

This is just such a story; the characters he meets are utterly believable and fascinating: the charcoal burner who is also a gifted wood carver; the boatman; the clerk at Hay Castle; the skilled goldsmith; the kind widow and her mentally handicapped son with a surprising genius for numbers. As a historical novel I found it authentic, heartwarming and quite transformative, acting as a metaphor for the spiritual journey many of us may find ourselves on during our lives today.

Highly recommended.

[D.M. Griffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spiritual gems sparkle in this treasure of a story, The Stranger by Joy Margetts. The poignant tale of a wandering monk battling a spiritual storm evokes emotional responses from every scene reminiscent of Pilgrim’s Progress. As Silas runs away from a rigorous life of devotion and religion, feeling as if he lost his faith, his journey turns into a series of lessons that make faith come alive like never before. Joy Margetts beautifully sprinkles Scripture in between chapters and paints vivid scenes around spiritual takeaways. As God reveals the depth of His heart through colorful, unexpected interactions Silas has with the people he encounters, Joy Margetts pulls the reader into the soul of the story, much like Jesus did when telling a parable. You cannot help but come away with awe-struck wonder at the relentless, pursuant love of God after reading The Stranger. Spiritually Inspirational in a reflective way, the story of Silas losing his faith and finding it was never lost truly moves the heart of anyone who has experienced a crisis of faith. This book offers a unique depth you won’t want to miss. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, but was not required to leave a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Patti Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Stranger by Joy Margetts is a work of Christian Historical Fiction. Brother Silas, a Cistercian monk, is disillusioned and discouraged after the abbey he was part of is destroyed. He and his fellow monks flee to a different abbey, but he cannot stay there. So he sets out on a journey.

As he embarks on his journey, he finds people who share his love of God. The author also demonstrates how the kindness of others can demonstrate God’s love. Often, we have to go through trials to draw nearer to God. Silas sometimes travels alone but always finds a place to lay his head and sustenance, even from strangers.

The author does an incredible job illustrating how God sees us and loves us, even when we struggle with life’s challenges. This story kept my interest from the moment I began reading. It personifies the parable of the prodigal son. I loved seeing Silas enter places as a stranger but left them as friends.

So, if you are looking for Christian Historical Fiction, check out The Stranger by Joy Margetts.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

[Mary Hake · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy historical novels and stories from medieval times, but this tale comes through as a personal one. We feel as if we are experiencing the devastation suffered and the events portrayed along with the main character, Brother Silas, a disillusioned monk. I love the way God worked through the characters as they reached out to one another. They lived out the truths of the Bible and the Golden Rule. This book, although part of a series, can certainly stand alone. I have not read the others by this author. She does a fine job bringing the realistic people to life and showing the action along with the inner journey Silas undergoes. She definitely makes readers care what happens to him. Her research of the time period adds solid authenticity to the drama and the heart-tugging plot. If you enjoy the stories about Brother Cadfael, you should like this book. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Stranger is my first introduction to Joy Margetts' books. The writing style was a little different and unique that I found a bit refreshing. There were a few scenes that were a little slower than I liked but overall I thought it was a good read. I liked the faith element all throughout the story that was inspiring and encouraging. It had some life lessons that many could learn from. It was an honor to be introduced to Silas and being part of his tale.


I am going to give The Stranger four stars. I recommend it for fans of clean historical fiction. I would be interested in reading more from Joy Margetts in the future.



I received a copy of Joy Margetts' The Stranger from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joy Margett’s The Stranger is a gripping and uplifting novel. Set in Medieval times in Welsh border country, it offers a refreshing, hope-filled vision of those times, making a welcome change from the violence and cruelty often associated with that period in history. Silas the monk struggles with his faith and purpose, following deep disappointment and loss. Travelling alone, he battles hunger and the elements, unsure of his path, but the strangers he encounters rescue him and lead him on an unexpected and transforming journey. Margett’s simple style and rich historical detail, together with her profound portrait of faith and deep Biblical knowledge make this tale compelling and joyful. The Stranger is full of wisdom; it is an inspired and inspiring read.

[Susan Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read all the books in this series so far, and I've come to think of Joy's writing as restorative - both to mind and spirit. Although life-changing events may precipitate the crises of the protagonists, it is in the everyday and in those around them that they discover the timeless spiritual truths that lead them back to faith. I also love soaking in the setting of the medieval Welsh border country and monastic life. You don't have to read the books in publication order as each is a standalone, picking up the stories of various characters and moving backwards and forwards in time.

[IAN Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

My first time reading this type of book. I found it totally uplifting and inspiring. Heart felt thanks to you and God bless you

[The Bookish Pilgrim · Rating 5 out of 5]

"For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in;" - Matthew 25:35 AMP

This verse might be one of the themes of Joy Margett's evocatively haunting novel about a wandering Cistercian monk, "The Stranger," set in 1233 Wales and England.

From the burning of his little abbey, Grace Dieu in Wales by marauding Welshmen against an English abbey - the last in a long line of attacks - to subsequent events the novel traces the twists and turns in Brother Silas' life.

Brother Silas and his fellow monks began a small abbey - Grace Dieu in Wales, a country that had little love for Englishmen or their abbey. They face innumerable hardships - from the hard soil of hearts dead set against them, having to scratch out a precarious living from the hard, inhospitable soil that yielded grudgingly to the hoe, to the final raid, sack and burning of the pitiful abbey, taxing Silas' faith and strength to the utmost.

Utterly demoralised, seeing his dreams go up in smoke, wrung and hung out to dry, the little flicker of faith in Silas' soul dies down to a barely burning ember.

He feels like an utter failure and abandoned by God who broke faith with him. Thoroughly disillusioned and disappointed with God and his promises, Silas faces a crisis of faith.

Anyone else feel like that? If you have, you will find that Silas' journey touches your heart.

Joy Margett's deft crafting of Silas' story and her skills as a wordsmith are evident in the hauntingly beautiful tale of a monk who has lost faith and trust in the God he serves. The language and word pictures are so well crafted that you can almost feel the freezing cold, the mizzle and the damp wood smoke Silas encounters along his journey along with unexpected encounters and warm, loving hospitality that treats him like one of their own.

It is a beautiful tale of faith lost and God's incredible love, pursuit and gentleness in the restoration of one of his lost lambs.

Not to be missed or sidelined because it's set in a time and season you're unfamiliar with or because it's a "historical" novel.

I received an e-ARC but was under no obligation to leave a review of any kind. The views expressed in this review are mine alone.

[Susan Sanderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Stranger is the fourth full-length novel by Joy Margetts. Like the earlier books it is set in the 13th century in Wales and the border with England. It is another stand-alone page-turner with a hopeful outlook. My full review is here

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a refreshing book! We follow Silas, a monk, on a journey from his monastery, Grace Dieu, after it burns down. Silas is feeling disillusioned with his faith and with life in general, and he's not sure of his destination. But along the way he encounters several regular folks--among them a new profession to me, a charcoal burner--who give him food for thought (food for his body, as well). One fellow traveler shares, "He (God) has things to say to us that perhaps we are unwilling or unable to hear, because our hearts are broken. God will never force Himself on us, Silas, but likewise, He will never stop pursuing our hearts. We might run from Him, thinking that will ease our pain, but eventually He will find us. Or perhaps it is more accurate to say, He gives us the grace to find Him again." It's a slow, contemplative journey that I think you'll appreciate being on along with Silas. "The Stranger" is well-written, and I enjoyed the setting in medieval Wales.