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The Hawk and the Dove #8
The Beautiful Thread
William, the capable former cellarer (administrator), has returned to St Alcuins at Abbot John's request to help his replacement learn the ropes. But William's return coincides with a bishop's visitation, a regular event. The bishop, a zealous churchman with a large entourage, has heard rumours of St Alcuins having had in their community one William de Bulmer, who is said to have attempted suicide and left the order - attempted suicide is a felony, and breaking monastic vows is a grave sin. (For those unfamiliar with the series, the bishop is entirely correct). The bishop wants to know where this man is so he can be arraigned before an ecclesiastical court, and wishes to discover what happened and what part Abbot John played in those events. His suspicions are well founded. As the story unfolds, the beautiful thread of the Gospel weaves quietly through the contrasting colours of human frailty, religious zeal and social pretension.
208 pages, Paperback
First published February 19, 2016
17 people are currently reading
287 people want to read
About the author
Penelope Wilcock
30 books135 followersPenelope (Pen) Wilcock is the author of over twenty books, including The Hawk & the Dove Series 1 (9 volumes), and The Hawk & the Dove Series 2.
Having got back the publishing rights to her books, she and her husband Tony Collins have now republished them under their own imprint Humilis Hastings on the Amazon publishing platform. Pen Wilcock shares the profits from all her Humilis Hastings sales with a community of Carthusian monks in Sussex where she lives.
She has been a Methodist minister and has worked as a hospice and school chaplain.
Having got back the publishing rights to her books, she and her husband Tony Collins have now republished them under their own imprint Humilis Hastings on the Amazon publishing platform. Pen Wilcock shares the profits from all her Humilis Hastings sales with a community of Carthusian monks in Sussex where she lives.
She has been a Methodist minister and has worked as a hospice and school chaplain.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 7, 2021
A Benedictine liqueur of a read
Set at St Alcuin’s monastery in 14th century Yorkshire, England, ‘The Beautiful Thread’ takes the reader into the lives of a community of monks surrounding the visitation of a Bishop, the pressures of hosting a wedding with aristocratic guests, and the concealment of an ex-brother essential to pulling the whole thing off.
It is a book rich and deep with spiritual wisdom, and has a fine homily on the marriage relationship, with its key theme of kindness, ‘love’s humble, less exalted, identical twin’, you might wish to read to anyone you're committed to sharing the years with. It is surprisingly earthy too, in a polite way, and deals with love and intimacy in a full and frank manner.
For me it was a Benedictine liqueur of a read with appeal perhaps to a more mature and discerning palate. It has a very satisfying aftertaste that leaves you ready to return for more.
By this reviewer:
February 8, 2017
Another delightful entry into the Hawk and the Dove series. The theme of the book is kindness, perhaps best represented by Father Abbot John, who exemplifies the milk of human kindness by his previous actions and is now reaping their result and the visiting bishop, who exemplifies cruelty and inflexibility.
May 14, 2019
This book will really keep you on your toes! Lots of intrigue, unexpected relationships, conflict, resolution, you name it. Through it all is the "beautiful thread" of learning to be kind, to let Christ's love flow through and heal.
Again, this is a book I need to read again and again to ponder all the deep and challenging spiritual insights and figure out how to apply them in my own life.
Again, this is a book I need to read again and again to ponder all the deep and challenging spiritual insights and figure out how to apply them in my own life.
November 17, 2024
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. I didn't absolutely love some of the middle books in the series, but this one captured my heart again. I love William. I love John. I love the theme of love that runs through these stories. I appreciate how this book pairs compassion with righteousness, the messiness of human life with rigidity of Christ's call. This will be a book to return to again and again.
March 3, 2022
I love the books in the 'The Hawk and The Dove' series. They are a form of pure escapism for me, escape to a more gentle world filled with Grace and beauty. Sadly I have only one more in the series to go. I don't know where I'll go from here.
November 6, 2021
Beautiful!
April 2, 2022
This whole series is amazing. It a story of relationship and human experience. The characters are relatable and even though it is set in history in a monastery, it is still so relatable.
August 18, 2023
I galloped through this book - I've enjoyed the whole series and loved meeting the characters again. It's more than just a story, but muses on people, life and faith.
September 21, 2023
I can't believe there's only one of these to go. By this stage I'm slowing down my reading even more, rationing each page. I don't want this series to finish.
February 8, 2026
Love Penelope Wilcocks writing. I've read the Hawk and the dove trilogy. I didn't realise there were more books until I stumbled on this one in the library
June 3, 2021
Beautiful book. Quick read
February 24, 2016
This is the eighth novel in Penelope Wilcock’s ‘Hawk and Dove’ series, set in a Benedictine abbey in Yorkshire during the 14th century. Like all its predecessors, it's a gem. William de Bulmer, who has broken his monastic vows to marry Abbot John’s sister, finds himself in great danger. Abbot John, having secretly given his blessing to the marriage, has asked William to come and help the monks of St Alcuin’s as they brace themselves for two migraine-inducing events: a visitation from the Bishop, plus a grand wedding where the aristocratic inlaws-to-be are not happy with their son’s choice of bride. This band of brothers cannot afford to put a foot wrong: from Brother Conradus’s culinary marvels to Prior Francis’ diplomacy in handling tetchy guests, the Abbey must run smoothly in every aspect. But will their simple, humble community bear the storm of the Bishop's inspection? - this astute, powerful, zealous man can sniff out heresy at ten paces and the results could be devastating, especially for William, who has sinned against the social and ecclesiastical order of the day. The Bishop also has a keen-eyed equerry (most aptly and humorously named), who turns out to be a smiling sociopath. Will Abbot John and the monks of St Alcuin's be able to protect William? Just to add to this already fraught situation, Abbot John also finds himself falling in love …
Each ‘Hawk and Dove’ novel can be read as a stand-alone (although it will enrich the reader to be familiar with all the backstories). The motif which runs throughout this book is the thread: the threads of love and kindness which bind us to each other, threads of grace to support us despite life’s threats and challenges, and despite our own human frailty. Once again, Penelope Wilcock has crafted a beautifully compelling narrative, combining a sensory medieval atmosphere with keen psychological insight – her characters are vivid and believable, the emotional dilemmas authentic, and the deep, gentle spirituality of the story irresistible. Once I've finished reading a 'Hawk and Dove' novel, it leaves me wanting to be a better person.
One word about the dialogue: all throughout this series the characters sometimes express themselves in contemporary language, both the well-educated characters like William and John, and the more humble-born monks and villagers. This is an effective literary device which provides emotional immediacy without sounding contrived: these people always remain firmly rooted in their time and place. The perceptive reader will guess that the modern colloquial expressions are not meant to be taken literally, but represent the earthy, grounded aspects of medieval life. After all, most of the monks are plain-speaking Yorkshire men.
Each ‘Hawk and Dove’ novel can be read as a stand-alone (although it will enrich the reader to be familiar with all the backstories). The motif which runs throughout this book is the thread: the threads of love and kindness which bind us to each other, threads of grace to support us despite life’s threats and challenges, and despite our own human frailty. Once again, Penelope Wilcock has crafted a beautifully compelling narrative, combining a sensory medieval atmosphere with keen psychological insight – her characters are vivid and believable, the emotional dilemmas authentic, and the deep, gentle spirituality of the story irresistible. Once I've finished reading a 'Hawk and Dove' novel, it leaves me wanting to be a better person.
One word about the dialogue: all throughout this series the characters sometimes express themselves in contemporary language, both the well-educated characters like William and John, and the more humble-born monks and villagers. This is an effective literary device which provides emotional immediacy without sounding contrived: these people always remain firmly rooted in their time and place. The perceptive reader will guess that the modern colloquial expressions are not meant to be taken literally, but represent the earthy, grounded aspects of medieval life. After all, most of the monks are plain-speaking Yorkshire men.
May 9, 2016
About the Book:
William, the capable former cellarer (administrator), has returned to St Alcuins at Abbot John's request to help his replacement learn the ropes. But William's return coincides with a bishop's visitation, a regular event. The bishop, a zealous churchman with a large entourage, has heard rumors of St Alcuins having had in their community one William de Bulmer, who is said to have attempted suicide and left the order - attempted suicide is a felony, and breaking monastic vows is a grave sin. (For those unfamiliar with the series, the bishop is entirely correct). The bishop wants to know where this man is so he can be arraigned before an ecclesiastical court, and wishes to discover what happened and what part Abbot John played in those events. His suspicions are well founded. As the story unfolds, the beautiful thread of the Gospel weaves quietly through the contrasting colours of human frailty, religious zeal and social pretension.
My Review:
Each one of the books in this series is just simple and sweet. Even though there are people or situations that would deem it very serious, I still find that the story that the author is telling is just sweet and simple. I have fallen in love with the characters. They are just very true and authentic. Even though the series deals with real life issues and somewhat serious conditions it is a well researched series that is always leading back to authenticity for each character.
The author has done a terrific job in defining the characters well and details the habits of a monastery to a "T". She is very well researched and the plot line is very strong with notable characters. My favorite is William. He seems very resolute but very kind. I just have really fallen in love with his character and can't wait to learn more about him.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author.
William, the capable former cellarer (administrator), has returned to St Alcuins at Abbot John's request to help his replacement learn the ropes. But William's return coincides with a bishop's visitation, a regular event. The bishop, a zealous churchman with a large entourage, has heard rumors of St Alcuins having had in their community one William de Bulmer, who is said to have attempted suicide and left the order - attempted suicide is a felony, and breaking monastic vows is a grave sin. (For those unfamiliar with the series, the bishop is entirely correct). The bishop wants to know where this man is so he can be arraigned before an ecclesiastical court, and wishes to discover what happened and what part Abbot John played in those events. His suspicions are well founded. As the story unfolds, the beautiful thread of the Gospel weaves quietly through the contrasting colours of human frailty, religious zeal and social pretension.
My Review:
Each one of the books in this series is just simple and sweet. Even though there are people or situations that would deem it very serious, I still find that the story that the author is telling is just sweet and simple. I have fallen in love with the characters. They are just very true and authentic. Even though the series deals with real life issues and somewhat serious conditions it is a well researched series that is always leading back to authenticity for each character.
The author has done a terrific job in defining the characters well and details the habits of a monastery to a "T". She is very well researched and the plot line is very strong with notable characters. My favorite is William. He seems very resolute but very kind. I just have really fallen in love with his character and can't wait to learn more about him.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author.
June 10, 2016
"...The grief of human aloneness in the uncertainty and vulnerability of life; the grief of choosing...even with all the richness of its gift and possibility; the grief of renouncing, of not clinging, of giving back, surrendering, asking nothing."
In The Beautiful Thread, I first became excited about meeting Madeleine and William and Brother Conradus again and others of St. Alcuin's Abbey. Then, I became happy about an upcoming wedding with Rose, Madeleine's mother, as a helper. Then, Penelope Wilcock's The Beautiful Thread introduced the friendship of Abbot John and Rose. It's such a wonderful friendship. So, it is again Yorkshire in the 14th Century at the St. Alcuin's Monastery. The book is emotional. When is love not painful and exciting, a mixture of everything?
The love between Abbot John and Rose led me to think and ask questions. Is it wrong for people who give their life to God to fall in love with another person? Is it ever possible to have a close friendship without thoughts of passion? Is the emotion of love between two people simply too powerful for any of us to control? Should a person worry about how their friends will feel about their relationship?
After reading Brother John's experience, I feel it ever more important to be aware of God's Everlasting Forgiveness. Forgiveness of ourselves is important because as humans we tend to walk where angels fear to tread. Guilt must not become a weight. It can destroy us. Too much of anything is not good. Abbot John's feelings wear him down. His struggles are written about with empathy by the author. I still think of Rose.
Life is complicated. If we are not judged and have friends with open and loving hearts it is impossible to grow and never stop loving God and ourselves no matter the circumstances. The novel is again about love and friendship and trials. I will gladly read another novel by Penelope Wilcock. Her heart is deep. kregel.com/fiction/the-beautiful-thread/
In The Beautiful Thread, I first became excited about meeting Madeleine and William and Brother Conradus again and others of St. Alcuin's Abbey. Then, I became happy about an upcoming wedding with Rose, Madeleine's mother, as a helper. Then, Penelope Wilcock's The Beautiful Thread introduced the friendship of Abbot John and Rose. It's such a wonderful friendship. So, it is again Yorkshire in the 14th Century at the St. Alcuin's Monastery. The book is emotional. When is love not painful and exciting, a mixture of everything?
The love between Abbot John and Rose led me to think and ask questions. Is it wrong for people who give their life to God to fall in love with another person? Is it ever possible to have a close friendship without thoughts of passion? Is the emotion of love between two people simply too powerful for any of us to control? Should a person worry about how their friends will feel about their relationship?
After reading Brother John's experience, I feel it ever more important to be aware of God's Everlasting Forgiveness. Forgiveness of ourselves is important because as humans we tend to walk where angels fear to tread. Guilt must not become a weight. It can destroy us. Too much of anything is not good. Abbot John's feelings wear him down. His struggles are written about with empathy by the author. I still think of Rose.
Life is complicated. If we are not judged and have friends with open and loving hearts it is impossible to grow and never stop loving God and ourselves no matter the circumstances. The novel is again about love and friendship and trials. I will gladly read another novel by Penelope Wilcock. Her heart is deep. kregel.com/fiction/the-beautiful-thread/
June 4, 2016
The Beautiful Thread continues the saga of the brothers of St. Alcuin’s monastery in northern England. Much has changed throughout the years, but grief, betrayal, and death cannot shake the firm foundation of their faith. Each book in the series focuses on a specific character amid the backdrop of the larger community. Favorite characters from previous books continue their supporting role in the life of the monastery. And I suppose you could pick up any book and start reading, but I recommend that you start with book one and work your way through the series. Each book is less than 300 pages and quickly read, so you will be caught up in no time!:)
In The Beautiful Thread, which follows immediately after The Breath of Peace, Abbot John is confronted with his own foibles and failings. He is buffeted on all sides by pretentious and contemptuous people. Kindness, as it is lived out, is the theme of this book; the beautiful thread that elevates and encourages the vulnerable around us. In a turn around of roles, it is William who counsels John to find his way again. There is one character I hope never to see again in Wilcock’s books, but his casual and unconscious cruelty is a good contrast to the way God calls us live.
As I read the Hawk And The Dove series, I am always surprised by how much I like these books. With well-researched historical details in custom, dress, and cuisine and a faithful depiction of monastic life, these books are remarkably modern in their outlook and application. But truth is always ageless, and Wilcock has a wonderful way of portraying truth through the simple life of complex men.
Highly Recommended.
Audience: adults.
(Thanks to Kregel and Lion Hudson for review copies. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
In The Beautiful Thread, which follows immediately after The Breath of Peace, Abbot John is confronted with his own foibles and failings. He is buffeted on all sides by pretentious and contemptuous people. Kindness, as it is lived out, is the theme of this book; the beautiful thread that elevates and encourages the vulnerable around us. In a turn around of roles, it is William who counsels John to find his way again. There is one character I hope never to see again in Wilcock’s books, but his casual and unconscious cruelty is a good contrast to the way God calls us live.
As I read the Hawk And The Dove series, I am always surprised by how much I like these books. With well-researched historical details in custom, dress, and cuisine and a faithful depiction of monastic life, these books are remarkably modern in their outlook and application. But truth is always ageless, and Wilcock has a wonderful way of portraying truth through the simple life of complex men.
Highly Recommended.
Audience: adults.
(Thanks to Kregel and Lion Hudson for review copies. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
June 1, 2016
Having proven himself a gifted administrator, it's no surprise that Abbot John calls upon William de Bulmer, to assist with two very important events taking place in quick succession at the abbey: the impending visit of the Bishop, and the upcoming wedding of local parishioners. The former is complicated by the need to have all in order while keeping William out of sight (due to some past conflicts). The latter is complicated by an interfering mother of the groom who would like to put a stop to the wedding.
William demonstrates that he is just as gifted in the administration of people as he is of property. But these skills are put to the test trying to make sure all is ready on short notice. The Bishop arrives early and then he doesn't seem to want to leave! With amazing discretion and grace, William tackles one problem after another. And what was meant to be a few days visit, has stretched out much longer. Which means William may face the displeasure of a wife so long neglected at home!
Readers will delight in the resourceful ways the brothers work together to serve their guests as well as one another. You won't soon forget the beautiful threads that are woven together into the unique and beautiful tapestry of St. Alcuin's Abbey.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of The Beautiful Thread from Kregel Publications for the purpose of review.. No other compensation was received.
William demonstrates that he is just as gifted in the administration of people as he is of property. But these skills are put to the test trying to make sure all is ready on short notice. The Bishop arrives early and then he doesn't seem to want to leave! With amazing discretion and grace, William tackles one problem after another. And what was meant to be a few days visit, has stretched out much longer. Which means William may face the displeasure of a wife so long neglected at home!
Readers will delight in the resourceful ways the brothers work together to serve their guests as well as one another. You won't soon forget the beautiful threads that are woven together into the unique and beautiful tapestry of St. Alcuin's Abbey.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of The Beautiful Thread from Kregel Publications for the purpose of review.. No other compensation was received.
June 3, 2016
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second of this series that I have read right after Breath of Peace, and this author keeps impressing me! I wasn't quite sure if the author would be able to continue to keep my interest, but she makes reading this series absolutely realistic. I found myself (yes, reading during lunch at work), gasping and wincing at the absolute depravity of one of the characters we meet in this book.
The newly installed abbot, Abbot John, the very same brother of Madeleine, William's wife, that we met in previous books, is now in a pickle. A society wedding, and the bishop's inspection visit all at the time same. After having just finished an inspection of my work place myself, I can completely empathize with the stress that Abbot John is going through. On top of that a society wedding...I am truly surprised this poor abbot didn't keel over from the stress!
I can't help but love the realistic writing of the author, how much I felt I was in the whole book, how I cheered for characters, cursed others, and laughed at certain places.
This is a book that is well-driven by the character development and the personalities, rather than action and adventure.
This is the second of this series that I have read right after Breath of Peace, and this author keeps impressing me! I wasn't quite sure if the author would be able to continue to keep my interest, but she makes reading this series absolutely realistic. I found myself (yes, reading during lunch at work), gasping and wincing at the absolute depravity of one of the characters we meet in this book.
The newly installed abbot, Abbot John, the very same brother of Madeleine, William's wife, that we met in previous books, is now in a pickle. A society wedding, and the bishop's inspection visit all at the time same. After having just finished an inspection of my work place myself, I can completely empathize with the stress that Abbot John is going through. On top of that a society wedding...I am truly surprised this poor abbot didn't keel over from the stress!
I can't help but love the realistic writing of the author, how much I felt I was in the whole book, how I cheered for characters, cursed others, and laughed at certain places.
This is a book that is well-driven by the character development and the personalities, rather than action and adventure.
May 30, 2016
Abbot John has to face the consequences of his previous good deeds—and none go unpunished
In this eighth novel of the Hawk and the Dove series, William, has returned to St. Alcuins at Abbot John's request to help his replacement learn the ropes. But William's return coincides with a bishop's visitation, a regular event.
The bishop, a zealous churchman with a large entourage, has heard rumors of St. Alcuins having had in their community one William de Bulmer, who is said to have attempted suicide and left the order—attempted suicide is a felony and breaking monastic vows is a grave sin. The bishop wants to know where this man is so he can be arraigned before an ecclesiastical court, and wishes to discover what happened and what part Abbot John played in those events.
As the story unfolds, the beautiful thread of the gospel weaves quietly through the contrasting colors of human frailty, religious zeal, and social pretension.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Kregel Books on behalf of Lion Fiction to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
In this eighth novel of the Hawk and the Dove series, William, has returned to St. Alcuins at Abbot John's request to help his replacement learn the ropes. But William's return coincides with a bishop's visitation, a regular event.
The bishop, a zealous churchman with a large entourage, has heard rumors of St. Alcuins having had in their community one William de Bulmer, who is said to have attempted suicide and left the order—attempted suicide is a felony and breaking monastic vows is a grave sin. The bishop wants to know where this man is so he can be arraigned before an ecclesiastical court, and wishes to discover what happened and what part Abbot John played in those events.
As the story unfolds, the beautiful thread of the gospel weaves quietly through the contrasting colors of human frailty, religious zeal, and social pretension.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Kregel Books on behalf of Lion Fiction to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
May 3, 2016
Thank you, Lord, for Penelope Wilcock. I could enjoy as many books about life in the monastery as she might like to write, I think. This one is about kindness. And, as usual, it is about leadership and the care of souls, as the abbot has his own frailty, his clueless overseer to assuage, conflicts to manage, and a surprising gift of a godly woman to receive. I always love how Wilcock manages to draw out the core issues of her characters and get them to relate with them and forgive them. She makes friendship and community seem possible and faith a beautiful journey.
August 6, 2016
This is the 8th book in The Hawk and the Dove series. I enjoyed reading more about the brothers of St. Alcuins and how they handle the appearance of less-than-savory bishop. William is one of the main characters; I always enjoy him and Abbott John. Once again, there is a definite Christian message to the book and several good small sermons by John. He is tempted just a bit in this novel, so we get to see another humble side of him as he deals with this.
July 13, 2016
I'm sorry, but I could not finish, as it was so uninteresting to me. I hate not being able to give a favorable review. Just not for me.
September 4, 2016
Just love this series. Perfect vacation read for foggy days on the Oregon coast.
August 1, 2020
This series should be read in order.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews