The Beautiful Thread (The Hawk and the Dove Series) Paperback – February 19, 2016

This is one of those series that you must read. For the first time I picked up the book the Hawk and the Dove, I fell in love with it.It's a series about a monastery in the life of a monks. When I sit down to read it I am drawn into it and hate that I have to put the book down to do work. Penelope Wilcock is a brilliant author. I wish this book could go on forever but I know someday it will end. Being a monk I have to laugh at times because I realize the same thing that she is writing about about the struggles of monks have are the same struggles that we have today.

Although setting is old, the same human nature is current and addressed beautifully with depth and meaning. One of my favorite authors. The whole "Hawk and the Dove " series is excellent

Penelope's books are a joy to read. This one is no exception. Heart stirring and thought provoking it is filled with helpful insights to our relationships to each other and the liberties God has given to each of us. I hope she finds the time to continue writing.

Penelope Wilcock has a gift for expressing the struggle of life that all of us contend with, whether we live in a monastery on the Yorkshire moors or in a flat downtown. The answer to this struggle is to find who we are in Christ - with all the joy, sorrow, peace and struggle that entails. Her books find the broken place in each of us and point us to the only one who can heal it.

Love this series of books. Beautiful stories of life in another era.

Best series of books ever

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.

"...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 gladlyGénial. Bon produit et envoi rapide.Tout est magnifique read another novel by Penelope Wilcock. Her heart is deep.[...]

A little shorter than previous volumes, it brings much loved monks back into my life.I have learned so much from this wonderful series.

Loved this, once again an awesome book. Its not that I am hooked on this series but downloaded this in error on my kindle doh, then had to buy the paperback how sad am I ?

A gently paced tale. Not for those who want heads to roll or plagues and wars to stalk their medieval landscapes. A novice gets cold feet and disappears from St Alcuins. How does his absence impact the community of brothers?The story is about seeking God in ordinary life. The narrative thread is strung with the Hours of a monastic day, measured out by prayer and acts of kindness.I'm always impressed with Penelope Wilcock's grasp of the details of Medieval monasticism.I thought I'd found anachronisms in mention of a rosary and the sacred heart but no; it seems both those devotions date back to the Desert Fathers

Sad to come to the end of this terrific story. I shall re-read them all- much encouragement and guidance about relationships, honesty and compassion

Great series