Safe Harbour

by Graham Janice

As Canon of the Parisian cathedral of St Michael's, Crispin Wakefield has attracted both a loyal, devoted following but also the jealousy of his Dean. And while his faith demands frugality, the expensive indulgences of his wife and daughters are threatening financial ruin. Into this turmoil steps Julia Kramer, international actress and childhood friend from Crispin's family home back in Kansas. And despite the different paths their lives have taken, Julia and Crispin find comfort in a friendship deeply rooted in a common past. With her partner Jona frequently away, Julia is drawn into the cocoon of Crispin's family and his beloved cathedral. Deeply indebted, Julia uses her celebrity and wealth to promote Crispin's career, and offers him the moral strength he needs to stay the course. But though it is Crispin who guards the secrets of Julia's traumatic childhood, he knows nothing of the crippling fears that have left her dangerously in thrall to Jona. When Jona's business dealings lead him into deadly waters, she turns to Crispin for support, igniting vicious gossip that consumes the already fragile underpinnings of their lives ...

Genres: Fiction

Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Dale Harcombe · Rating 4 out of 5]

The setting is Paris, where Crispin Wakefield is canon of St John’s Cathedral. His wife, Phoebe, is not thrilled that he traded in his high paying career to go into the ministry and she still spends like he has a significant income. The reality of being a minister’s wife and the change in financial status doesn’t seem to impinge on her consciousness. His three daughters tend to follow their mother’s example of wanting more than he can afford. Crispin Wakefield is a likeable character who has a great compassion for others. He has won the allegiance of many in the congregation, a fact which seems to antagonise his superior.
The other main character is Julia Kramer an actress. She and Crispin knew each other as children in Kansas and Julia knows she owes her life to him. He is the only one who knows of her traumatic childhood but even Crispin does not know of the fears that haunt Julia’s every day and control her actions.
The setting and the main characters in this book are well drawn. I quickly became interested in this story. It does give a lot to think about. One is how what appears to be reality may not indeed be the truth. It is a story of hurt, loss and betrayal by those who should have been a support. It is also a novel of real love. I liked this book. Maybe a couple of minor characters weren’t quite as fleshed out as they could have been, but still I found this an engaging and thoughtful read. My first book by this author, I would be interested to read another one. An interesting story about a man of integrity.

[Ann Mat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hey, two decades after and I’m just glad that this kind of plot does not exist anymore. It's my first time reading this kind of stuff. It makes me remember that episode about Rachel and Joey's dirty book (except it wasn’t that staunchly done but both sides are married and has incredible absurd plot line) and I realize how old this is.

[Karen Hogan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved firebird and Sarah's window by Janice graham, but this novel about a movie star and her childhood friend just wasn't compelling enough. One positive part about the story was it's setting though: Paris. Who doesn't love Paris?

[Sally Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

My friend was getting rid of a few books so passed this on to me. I don’t normally read this but it was okay. It’s all about relationships between children and parents but mainly about love conquering all.

[Rebecca]

A predictable story of old/lost friendship developing into a complex relationships that questions life beliefs and values.

[Jacqueline Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

My friend gave me this novel to read, it is not something I would usually choose but I'm very grateful because I really enjoyed it and now feel free to choose something other than chick flick feel good books!
Felt like I was reading a true story, very interesting ... I reccommend!

[Rick Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read!!

I’ve read all of Janice Graham’s books and I have loved them all individually. You get drawn in to her characters. They are real, struggling with life’s many hills and valleys. I can’t wait to read her next book!