What do you think?
Rate this book
Righteous Release
David Chambers was born into a strictly religious family. As members of the Eternal
Fellowship, they have chosen to reject the ways of the world and have separated
themselves from the rest of humanity.
As his arranged marriage to another follower - a woman he has come to dislike -
looms ever closer, David decides to break off the engagement. This comes as a
shock to his betrothed, his family and the wider Fellowship community.
When the beautiful Alison Johnson, a non-believer and former classmate re-enters
his life, David makes a series of decisions that will change his life forever.
Righteous Release will captivate the mind of the reader as David begins a life that
is beyond his comfort zone. There are a number of difficulties to overcome as he
adapts to his new existence.
Has David jumped out of the frying pan and into the fire? Will he return to what he
knows or embrace his new-found freedom?
Fellowship, they have chosen to reject the ways of the world and have separated
themselves from the rest of humanity.
As his arranged marriage to another follower - a woman he has come to dislike -
looms ever closer, David decides to break off the engagement. This comes as a
shock to his betrothed, his family and the wider Fellowship community.
When the beautiful Alison Johnson, a non-believer and former classmate re-enters
his life, David makes a series of decisions that will change his life forever.
Righteous Release will captivate the mind of the reader as David begins a life that
is beyond his comfort zone. There are a number of difficulties to overcome as he
adapts to his new existence.
Has David jumped out of the frying pan and into the fire? Will he return to what he
knows or embrace his new-found freedom?
418 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2011
1 person is currently reading
1145 people want to read
About the author
Richard Gardner
3 books221 followersBorn in Southampton, Richard Gardner has
lived in South East London for many years. Married to a nurse, he has a daughter, son and at this moment in time - five grandchildren.
Having obtained a degree in Business Studies, he spent most of his working life in finance but never lost his desire to become a successful author. So far he has written three novels, Righteous Release,
Iniquitous Lives and his latest Deadly Partnership, but he hopes to write many more.
Richard's interests include, travel, history and literature. He also has a fascination for the paranormal which prompted him to write Deadly Partnership.
http://www.bookviral.com/deadly-partn...
lived in South East London for many years. Married to a nurse, he has a daughter, son and at this moment in time - five grandchildren.
Having obtained a degree in Business Studies, he spent most of his working life in finance but never lost his desire to become a successful author. So far he has written three novels, Righteous Release,
Iniquitous Lives and his latest Deadly Partnership, but he hopes to write many more.
Richard's interests include, travel, history and literature. He also has a fascination for the paranormal which prompted him to write Deadly Partnership.
http://www.bookviral.com/deadly-partn...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 21, 2016
I have some memoirs, I have read some honest and open books about peoples lives, abuse, marriages, breakdowns and religious "breakaways". But I have never read one like this before where it is actually written into a novel but its the authors life.
Really a brilliant way to write this and impact more on readers of fiction as well as fact.
David has been brought up in the Eternal Fellowship from a very young age. I discover that its so stringent and so strict that you wonder how people could remain in it and follow things to the letter.
Well, if anyone is wondering this, let me say. I was brought up at a Jehovah's Witness from the age of 7 years old. You are taught such things that you just believe, you do know about others lives, but hey, their life is wrong, you are doing it God's way.
I broke away at the age of 40.
We follow David through his marriage to Ruth. Hmm that was an ordeal in itself.
We see how all outside things are shunned and looked down upon, TV, Cinema, media and such.
Certain things are not celebrated and certain things are. You are different from the "world" and so that means you are not "wordly" but you are doing this for God...right?
David starts to get his eyes opened. He starts to question things, I found that the most interesting, it reminds me of someone waking up from a very long coma.
It has its highs, it has its low moments and it also has some amusing [from my point of view] moments.
I do not look down on anyone's faith, but I am sure you know someone, someone on your street, someone in your life, even someone on your Facebook page that is religious and are totally OTT about it all. My dad used to say there were some 'religious fanatics out there' and I really do know he was right.
Don't be mistaken that this is a book just like a memoir of his life, this is infact a story.
If you love a good story knowing its based on a true account and told from the heart, this is your book.
Richard Gardner has surely written a very readable account of his life.....
but all doesn't end there.
*My thanks to Richard Gardner for sending me the paperback version*
January 1, 2016
Thinking at first that this book, recommended to me, was going to be both religious and American, I was pleasantly surprised on both counts. Although it is about a religious sect, this is not shown in a good light, and the story is set in England. Much as I like some American books, I enjoy being able to empathize more readily with the people and places of my own country; Kent, in particular, being a place that conjures up images and experiences of my own.
Usually I have a bad habit of skimming the pages I am reading until I come across a passage that holds my attention, but here I found that I was reading and following every word, and was genuinely interested in the unfolding story of David's tribulations and triumphs, told in a lucid and logical style.
I also enjoyed the brief glimpse into the business world which I know little about, and later the world of local politics with which I am more familiar.
I have just bought "Iniquitous Lives", the sequel to this story, as I very much want to know what happens to the characters, in particular the likeable David, and his friends who stood by him when he was turned out of a sect that had until then been his life.
Usually I have a bad habit of skimming the pages I am reading until I come across a passage that holds my attention, but here I found that I was reading and following every word, and was genuinely interested in the unfolding story of David's tribulations and triumphs, told in a lucid and logical style.
I also enjoyed the brief glimpse into the business world which I know little about, and later the world of local politics with which I am more familiar.
I have just bought "Iniquitous Lives", the sequel to this story, as I very much want to know what happens to the characters, in particular the likeable David, and his friends who stood by him when he was turned out of a sect that had until then been his life.
June 10, 2015
I was so pleased when Richard Gardner asked if I would like to read Righteous Release in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book, despite the length. Usually I get tired of reading a book when it's over 400 pages. I know of the cult, as I have seen the women on the odd occasion around the area that I live with their young ones. My nephew is married to someone who is in a cult (he converted), so can understand some of David's thoughts and thoughts of others who are unworldly.
I am so glad that David managed to decide what he wanted in life after going around in circles. I hope to read more books by this author in the near future.
I really enjoyed this book, despite the length. Usually I get tired of reading a book when it's over 400 pages. I know of the cult, as I have seen the women on the odd occasion around the area that I live with their young ones. My nephew is married to someone who is in a cult (he converted), so can understand some of David's thoughts and thoughts of others who are unworldly.
I am so glad that David managed to decide what he wanted in life after going around in circles. I hope to read more books by this author in the near future.
November 4, 2017
This is the story of a religious cult, who do not believe in intermingling with outside people or events that is going on around them not even a TV. But as religious as they were they did believe in their wines! This is the story of one young man who did not believe in marriage without love and decided to break away from this religious group.
This is a fast pace book that will keep you reading until the end. I recommend this book to the younger generation and the young in heart.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. This is the second book I read by Richard Gardner (Deadly Partnership was the first) and I enjoy his books very much. If I could give more stars I would.
This is a fast pace book that will keep you reading until the end. I recommend this book to the younger generation and the young in heart.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. This is the second book I read by Richard Gardner (Deadly Partnership was the first) and I enjoy his books very much. If I could give more stars I would.
January 27, 2016
David Chambers is young (early twenties) member of a strictly religious Fellowship, and engaged to be married. His life has been controlled since he was born by his Fellowship-obsessed parents. His future Fellowship wife has decided she will wear the pants in their marriage as they prepare to set up home.
David once held a torch for former school classmate Alison Johnson, a girl with long blonde hair. Alison is a committed political activist, and when they are reunited, Alison draws David into politics by canvassing for their local candidate. The story gives a great insight into world of deeply held beliefs, and also the intrigue surrounding local politics. A well written and entertaining drama with a nice romance, and good touches of light humour.
David once held a torch for former school classmate Alison Johnson, a girl with long blonde hair. Alison is a committed political activist, and when they are reunited, Alison draws David into politics by canvassing for their local candidate. The story gives a great insight into world of deeply held beliefs, and also the intrigue surrounding local politics. A well written and entertaining drama with a nice romance, and good touches of light humour.
January 24, 2016
Wow, I couldn't put this book down. It is very well written and it kept me gripped throughout. It is really interesting how the protagonist David in a way went from one group to another, and how he dealt with living in the real world after being cast out by not only the religious group, but his parents and family/friends too. The way his new work colleagues perceived him was cleverly shown from both David's perspective and from their viewpoint's too. The side stories were interwoven brilliantly and I loved the political campaigning side of it. I highly recommend this book.
December 21, 2017
I have got to be honest I do not normally read books like this anything to do with religion. However I have read one of Richard Gardner other books and really enjoyed it. So I thought I would give this one a go. I was not disappointed at all, I read the first chapter and I just couldn't put it down until I had finished. I was fascinated to read of a religious cult within England. Not that I really know much about cults. I think the most well know to myself is the church of scientology yet this one to me was taking things a step to far on their beliefs. I have always believed everyone is entitled to their own opinion and I for one have no rights in judging anyone's beliefs. However you can not help but feel so sorry for David w/o is the main character in this book. His turmoil of a agreeing to a marriage whilst under the influence of alcohol. Then having to pluck the courage up to tell people how it was a missus understanding, how he did it and to start life afresh. I can not for the life of me understand how anyone can put their religious beliefs before the love of a child. I genuinely think what's made this book more interesting for me is the fact its a true story written has a novel. Very very well done one too. Richard has definitely caught the essence of the character and the religious outlook and written it exceedingly well. This is a brilliant true story told by a geniuses. I highly recommend this book, you will have to definitely read it to appreciate it. Brilliant Author highly recommended
July 12, 2018
An amazing read by Richard Gardner which follows a young man in a sect-type religious group. They do not interact with those outside of the church, attend church daily 5 times on Sunday. No TV, no outside newspapers or magazines, only marry within the church, work for those from the group who own businesses. They do believe in buying the best house, cars and enjoy drinking alcohol which is allowed. Read this book and follow the life of David who was born into The Fellowship as he has questions about the outside world and the rules the Fellowship members must follow and what happens when he leaves the security of the family nest.
May 5, 2015
I enjoyed this novel from beginning to end! I felt sorry for David (the main character) throughout much of the book and I kept pulling for him to find his way through life and to finally figure out who and what he wanted to be. To be raised in such an environment that leaves him totally ignorant of such things as politics, other religions, world or local news of any type, movies and books (other than the Bible) it's no wonder he had such a difficult time trying to act "normal" when living outside of his Religious group. Unfortunately, I did not like David much. He had work and life ethics that were certainly below the bar I set for myself, and for most other people as well (at least I hope most are more ethical than David). Having said that, I recommend this book to anyone that is curious about life in a cult/religious fanatical group and the difficulty of trying to leave such a group to join the rest of society.
January 3, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It's not that often you can truly witness a character change in response to circumstances, but when you do, you feel every jolt and every emotion. Here David was born into a strictly religious family, and separated from the rest of humanity in a cult like grip. You fear for him and his future. When he makes his break and tries to adjust to this strange new normal, you are witnessing something rather remarkable. It was all very believable and I raced through, shedding tears at the end page. Do judge for yourself and read this marvellous, thought- provoking read.
June 17, 2015
An enjoyable read. Twenty three year old David Chambers is engaged to Ruth, a member of the Fellowship, an almost fanatic religious cult, to which David also belongs. But Ruth is domineering, ordering David to paint and refurbish the house before they move in. However, David's thoughts transfer to Alison, a girl he once had a crush on. They meet again, and the politically active Alison soon embroils David into canvassing for their local candidate. Much to everyone's chagrin, including his own parents who immediately disown him,
This is a great book. and definitely worth a read.
This is a great book. and definitely worth a read.
March 12, 2015
I quite liked the premise behind this book, especially with religion becoming ever more polarised. Whilst not a story about religious extremism it did give me an insight into the 'cult' mindset and the influence cults have on their members. If I had one criticism and I would have liked more back story but this didn't detract from my reading pleasure.
September 11, 2015
A gripping, highly enjoyable, carefully researched novel. The central character David’s struggle to leave a sect and adjust to life outside is both moving and authentically told. There are fascinating subplots which cleverly link into the main story line. Excellent story writing, highly recommend.
March 29, 2016
Jehovah witnesses have always intrigued me.
Really enjoyed the insight!
The characters were all well written and I felt like I knew them all. I liked seeing the positives of a religion I am unfamiliar with as well as the negatives. I was wary of the politics side of it! But actually found myself cheering on Jacqui
Really enjoyed the insight!
The characters were all well written and I felt like I knew them all. I liked seeing the positives of a religion I am unfamiliar with as well as the negatives. I was wary of the politics side of it! But actually found myself cheering on Jacqui
Read
July 23, 2017Very good of its kind
I rarely read in this genre--contemporary fiction--but I had read another book by this author and thought I'd give it a try. I'm glad I did. It was interesting and the characters were well developed. I greatly enjoyed the look at British life and thought, particularly the portions concerned with British politics. However, since I have seen a few Americans complain about books being "too British", I will warn you that if you are that provincial, you should give this one a miss. If you enjoy learning about other cultures, you should enjoy this one since it also gives a look inside a religious sect that is based on a real one. The writing is excellent and it is professionally edited. Good job, Mr. Gardner!
I rarely read in this genre--contemporary fiction--but I had read another book by this author and thought I'd give it a try. I'm glad I did. It was interesting and the characters were well developed. I greatly enjoyed the look at British life and thought, particularly the portions concerned with British politics. However, since I have seen a few Americans complain about books being "too British", I will warn you that if you are that provincial, you should give this one a miss. If you enjoy learning about other cultures, you should enjoy this one since it also gives a look inside a religious sect that is based on a real one. The writing is excellent and it is professionally edited. Good job, Mr. Gardner!
June 30, 2018
Fascinating, drew me in.
This book really played to my curiosity. The author manages to weave an interesting narrative through two divisive religious and political standpoints. He paints a great picture with his characters, some of whom I loved, some of whom I loved to hate! A very gentle cynicism and humour runs through the novel, helping to make it real. I have already recommended the book widely.
This book really played to my curiosity. The author manages to weave an interesting narrative through two divisive religious and political standpoints. He paints a great picture with his characters, some of whom I loved, some of whom I loved to hate! A very gentle cynicism and humour runs through the novel, helping to make it real. I have already recommended the book widely.
June 8, 2015
Righteous Release
Richard Gardner
A Novel about Religion, Politics, Romance, and Murder: It must be about real life.
This is an interesting and engaging morality tale about the role of strict religious communities and their struggle with modern society. The chief protagonist, David, is a member of a very strict community of faith that seeks to protect its members by shielding them from the larger society. To escape an arranged marriage, he chooses to separate himself from the community. His journey out into the larger world, his introduction to politics, romance, and social media and the tension of value conflicts make up the bulk of the story.
When I read that the author was fascinated by religion but held no particular beliefs himself, I was prepared for a rather naive and superficial characterization of the religious scene. I was pleasantly surprised at the author’s attempt to wrestle with the tension between strict religious beliefs and a secular society that lacks boundaries. I think anyone who enjoys wrestling with the role of religion in society will find this an enjoyable tale. The story takes place in England which adds an extra element of interest for an American reader.
As Gardner writes his next book, I hope he will develop a stronger appreciation for the issues of Point of View and Time transition. At times it was confusing as he switched from one character’s viewpoint to that of another. Also, he would take leaps of time between two paragraphs without indicating any transition. I also wish he had spent a little more time developing the characters who led the community. I would like to know more about what they were thinking and feeling as they dealt with David.
However, having written my own mystery novel with a spiritual edge, A Star and a Tear amzn.to/1aTDdgs, I know that this is nitpicking and should not dissuade a potential reader from enjoying a really good and engaging story. Whether you are a believer or nonbeliever, you cannot escape the fact that religion and its believers impact our society. By reading this novel, you will have a better appreciation for some of the challenges that all of us face in living together.
Richard Gardner
A Novel about Religion, Politics, Romance, and Murder: It must be about real life.
This is an interesting and engaging morality tale about the role of strict religious communities and their struggle with modern society. The chief protagonist, David, is a member of a very strict community of faith that seeks to protect its members by shielding them from the larger society. To escape an arranged marriage, he chooses to separate himself from the community. His journey out into the larger world, his introduction to politics, romance, and social media and the tension of value conflicts make up the bulk of the story.
When I read that the author was fascinated by religion but held no particular beliefs himself, I was prepared for a rather naive and superficial characterization of the religious scene. I was pleasantly surprised at the author’s attempt to wrestle with the tension between strict religious beliefs and a secular society that lacks boundaries. I think anyone who enjoys wrestling with the role of religion in society will find this an enjoyable tale. The story takes place in England which adds an extra element of interest for an American reader.
As Gardner writes his next book, I hope he will develop a stronger appreciation for the issues of Point of View and Time transition. At times it was confusing as he switched from one character’s viewpoint to that of another. Also, he would take leaps of time between two paragraphs without indicating any transition. I also wish he had spent a little more time developing the characters who led the community. I would like to know more about what they were thinking and feeling as they dealt with David.
However, having written my own mystery novel with a spiritual edge, A Star and a Tear amzn.to/1aTDdgs, I know that this is nitpicking and should not dissuade a potential reader from enjoying a really good and engaging story. Whether you are a believer or nonbeliever, you cannot escape the fact that religion and its believers impact our society. By reading this novel, you will have a better appreciation for some of the challenges that all of us face in living together.
January 1, 2016
This review has been crossposted from my blog at The Cosy Dragon . Please head there for more in-depth reviews by me, which appear on a timely schedule.
David Chambers is part of a religious sect – one that is so closed minded that eating with non-followers is anathema, and planning your own life is secondary to helping the others of your church. When he finds himself engaged to a woman he can never love, he decides to head into the wild world and try his luck there.
I confess: I read this novel, and didn’t know how I felt about it. So I just kept putting off my review, and putting it off, and then, damn. I seem to have forgotten most of the points I had thought of about why I liked it, and yet couldn’t give it any less than about 3 stars.
The ending, the ending! Arg! Perhaps the ending is what left me feeling so confused about this novel. I didn’t understand how his loyalties could shift so rapidly. As shallow as it may sound, it was only a woman!
And his friend Rachael? I couldn’t understand how she could settle for it. Perhaps for her (despite seeming to have a questioning mind which to me meant that she would never be happy in such an enclosed environment), having children and a secure life was the most important thing. Which to me, would never be good enough. I need something more in life (but we all know that I think differently to other folks).
The balancing act between the characters and the intertwined plots could have been used to more effect. I found some of the writing clunky and difficult to read, and it did interfere with my enjoyment of the novel (and my ability to read it in a single sitting – I read it over a couple of weeks, interspersed with other novels). For a debut novel though, taking in such a broad and contentious topic, it was fantastic.
I think I’d recommend this novel to read, but only if you can suspend your disbelief that some people can be so damn stupid!
David Chambers is part of a religious sect – one that is so closed minded that eating with non-followers is anathema, and planning your own life is secondary to helping the others of your church. When he finds himself engaged to a woman he can never love, he decides to head into the wild world and try his luck there.
I confess: I read this novel, and didn’t know how I felt about it. So I just kept putting off my review, and putting it off, and then, damn. I seem to have forgotten most of the points I had thought of about why I liked it, and yet couldn’t give it any less than about 3 stars.
The ending, the ending! Arg! Perhaps the ending is what left me feeling so confused about this novel. I didn’t understand how his loyalties could shift so rapidly. As shallow as it may sound, it was only a woman!
And his friend Rachael? I couldn’t understand how she could settle for it. Perhaps for her (despite seeming to have a questioning mind which to me meant that she would never be happy in such an enclosed environment), having children and a secure life was the most important thing. Which to me, would never be good enough. I need something more in life (but we all know that I think differently to other folks).
The balancing act between the characters and the intertwined plots could have been used to more effect. I found some of the writing clunky and difficult to read, and it did interfere with my enjoyment of the novel (and my ability to read it in a single sitting – I read it over a couple of weeks, interspersed with other novels). For a debut novel though, taking in such a broad and contentious topic, it was fantastic.
I think I’d recommend this novel to read, but only if you can suspend your disbelief that some people can be so damn stupid!
October 5, 2015
The book is the story of a 23 year old man, David Chambers. He is the member of a closely knit cult called the Eternal Fellowship who follow the Bible with a stricter interpretation than normal. They do not allow members to interact with other worldly humans as they are perceived as corrupted. They do not embrace modern technologies like Computers, TV, Politics, even makeup.
David is happy in his life and is not missing anything till he gets engaged to Ruth. David realizes he doesn’t love her and is put off by Ruth’s bossy attitude. Though Fellowship members are normally engaged for life, David decides to break it. He is boycotted by his family and the Fellowship.
Suddenly David is like fish out of water. He finds it difficult to adjust to wordly life. He is stumped by technology. Even simple things like newspaper and television are novelties. But, there is another motivation for David to break free. It’s his childhood crush on the beautiful, Alison Johnson who is not Fellowship, and therefore taboo.
David is happy in his life and is not missing anything till he gets engaged to Ruth. David realizes he doesn’t love her and is put off by Ruth’s bossy attitude. Though Fellowship members are normally engaged for life, David decides to break it. He is boycotted by his family and the Fellowship.
Suddenly David is like fish out of water. He finds it difficult to adjust to wordly life. He is stumped by technology. Even simple things like newspaper and television are novelties. But, there is another motivation for David to break free. It’s his childhood crush on the beautiful, Alison Johnson who is not Fellowship, and therefore taboo.
March 6, 2013
David Chambers is a member of the religious group ‘the Eternal Fellowship’. Their beliefs forbid any involvement with the outside world, and any temptation to embark upon a life with the ‘wordlies’ is considered a betrayal of the Lord. David’s loyalty to the Eternal Fellowship is discovered when marriage looms ever closer; a realisation that he is not destined to wed a woman who was chosen for him and, with thoughts of exploring the big wide world, he makes a decision that will ultimately turn his entire family and friends against him. Righteous Release will capture the mind of the reader with an engrossing tale of a young man’s convictions as he enters a world that is far from the life that he has been accustomed to. Outside of the Eternal Fellowship awaits the world of politics, and one that will open the door to the future he has chosen.
October 7, 2015
Righteous Release introduces us to life as a follower of the Eternal Followers, a strict religious sect who expect their members to shun "wordlies", the non-believers, and their sinful temptations, such as books, computers and television. Some parts of the story seem unlikely, notably the hit-and-run accident and its consequences, but the Eternal Fellowship is loosely based on the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, who shun followers who fall out of favour. Richard Gardner set out to write a story that is both entertaining and thought provoking and I would say he's succeeded.
full review on my blog : http://madhousefamilyreviews.blogspot...
full review on my blog : http://madhousefamilyreviews.blogspot...
August 25, 2019
This was a captivating read and much deeper than I'd anticipated. This is one of the few times I wish I belonged to a book club so that I'd have other people to discuss this with.
Though the book is mainly about a man finding his place in the world, there are strong political tones. I wasn't expecting this from the description. This is one of the few books I've read where the politics weren't a huge turn off for me. They were presented passionately and logically.
Though the book is mainly about a man finding his place in the world, there are strong political tones. I wasn't expecting this from the description. This is one of the few books I've read where the politics weren't a huge turn off for me. They were presented passionately and logically.
January 26, 2015
I though the premise behind this book was very good and I liked the exploration of the religious cult and how it came to influence its members. I thought the main character David was developed nicely and I got a real sense of his personality and his struggle. I have the other book in this series on my to read list and hope it is as good as this one was.
March 9, 2015
I read Richard Gardner's other book and knew I would enjoy a thought provoking and well written book. I wasn't at all disappointed! What I particularly like about these books is the style of writing which makes you feel you are getting a private glimpse into someone else's life and there is always plenty of opportunity for reflection which I always think is essential in a good read.
October 4, 2015
Interesting easy read
May 25, 2017
I won this book in a giveaway, so here I am writing its review.
I am not a literary critic, so I don't consider myself qualified to say whether it's a good book or not, but I can describe it in terms of how much I enjoyed it.
I decided to give it 3/5 stars because I did enjoy the story, and I liked the theme. The description of the religious group and its rules, and how the character felt as regards them was pretty well developed, and it made me feel like I could put myself in his shoes. I think it depicted the realities of such sects accurately. However, sometimes I felt like it was more a documentary than a novel. It would have been interesting if the author had chosen to intertwine the events with the sect description and rules, because at times I felt I was reading a really long Wikipedia article on some religious group. I think that the characters were a bit flat and not attractive enough to make me fall in love with them or to want to support them fully in their decisions. I also felt that the author put so much effort into describing the feelings and thoughts of the characters, and the religious sect, that he forgot to include more precise descriptions of places and people.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy easy-reading romances with a complicated religious background.
I am not a literary critic, so I don't consider myself qualified to say whether it's a good book or not, but I can describe it in terms of how much I enjoyed it.
I decided to give it 3/5 stars because I did enjoy the story, and I liked the theme. The description of the religious group and its rules, and how the character felt as regards them was pretty well developed, and it made me feel like I could put myself in his shoes. I think it depicted the realities of such sects accurately. However, sometimes I felt like it was more a documentary than a novel. It would have been interesting if the author had chosen to intertwine the events with the sect description and rules, because at times I felt I was reading a really long Wikipedia article on some religious group. I think that the characters were a bit flat and not attractive enough to make me fall in love with them or to want to support them fully in their decisions. I also felt that the author put so much effort into describing the feelings and thoughts of the characters, and the religious sect, that he forgot to include more precise descriptions of places and people.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy easy-reading romances with a complicated religious background.
December 20, 2017
Interesting story
It took me a little while to get into the story. Mainly because its not the sort of book I would normally read. I really felt for David as it seemed he didn't know where he fitted in and of course he had misgivings that he had made the wrong choice, that he should never of left the Fellowship.
All seems to have worked well for him, after he married Alison. I did enjoy reading this book Richard thank you and now onto another of your books.
It took me a little while to get into the story. Mainly because its not the sort of book I would normally read. I really felt for David as it seemed he didn't know where he fitted in and of course he had misgivings that he had made the wrong choice, that he should never of left the Fellowship.
All seems to have worked well for him, after he married Alison. I did enjoy reading this book Richard thank you and now onto another of your books.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews