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369th out of 917 books
—
286 voters
The Book of Hours
Castle Priory is a crumbling Oxfordshire mansion, one Brian Blackstone's wife considered a place of extraordinary enchantment. But for Brian there is no enchantment, only the burden of trying to honor Sarah's dying wish that he hold onto the property.
With the local doctor, Cecilia Keeble, Brian begins to explore the mysteries of the old estate. In the process he discovers...more
With the local doctor, Cecilia Keeble, Brian begins to explore the mysteries of the old estate. In the process he discovers...more
Paperback, 324 pages
Published
March 30th 2000
by Thomas Nelson Publishers
(first published 2000)
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This book was a 4+ in the pleasure it gave -- a page-turning fast read with delightfully vivid characters and an underlying puzzle/mystery that tantalized the characters as well as the reader. It is an interesting combination of historical fiction, Christian fiction, and mystery, with some quality descriptive writing and an observer's talent for fleshing out characters that were real and compelling.
Brian Blackstone has spent two long years running around the world and away from the reality that...more
Brian Blackstone has spent two long years running around the world and away from the reality that...more
This book was an amazingly compiled piece following the adventures of a certain Brian Blackwell as he returns to his inheritance of a relative's home and discovers mysteries hidden for hundreds of years in an attempt to rescue the home before it can be auctioned off to cover his back taxes. After losing his wife two years prior and traveling the world in the time since, Brian finds it difficult to fall back into a normal routine and build relationships with those he meets. Guided by letters from...more
Lightweight warmhearted christian fiction. Not usually my choice, but it's a book club selection at my library. Brian Blackstone lost his wife two years ago to illness. Since then he's been traveling the world. Finally he arrives in an English village to take on the castle he inherited from his wife's aunt. The thing is, the castle is about to be auctioned off since the death taxes haven't been paid. Living in the downstairs flat is a retired couple and living in the little cottage on the proper...more
Despite having what I think is an uninspiring cover, I really enjoyed this book! It has a great unfolding mystery involving an old historical house in a small town in England so whats not to like. I am currently reading a lot of historical ficiton and although this is set in present day, there was enough history and old stuff to keep me really happy. The mystery didn't involve a murder so that was also refreshing. Along with a really good mystery/treasure hunt there is a tender romance and most...more
I found this book at a garage sale and the front cover drew my attention because it had a cat on it and the back description sealed the deal. Set in an ancient English village the characters are very colorful and interesting and the secrets of the inherited crumbling manor house are absolutely fascinating. There is history, mystery, sadness and loss, a puzzle solving scavenger hunt as well some really hilarious incidents. Most of all there is a spiritually within the pages and a surprise you won...more
"The Book of Hours" takes place in Knightsbridge, England, a small town near London. We meet Brian Blackstone, recent widower and heir of an estate he's about to lose; Dr. Cecilia Lyons, who left the world's accolades to pursue her dream of community medicine; Vicar Trevor, who wants to preserve the community's spirital heritage by reinstalling the churches' bells to ring the hours of prayer; Hardy Seade, the seedy realtor out to make a profit for himself; and a host of supporting characters. Th...more
The Book of Hours was a nice, wholesome mystery/romance. The male character was grieving, and the female character had a few issues, but the imagery and dialog were just lovely. It is by a Christian fiction author, but it was not preachy at all. However, God was present throughout the book.
I have recommended this book and given it as gifts to my mother and daughter. Both loved it. I've also recommended it to others as well.
Funny--everytime I give away a copy of the Book of Hours, somehow I eit...more
I have recommended this book and given it as gifts to my mother and daughter. Both loved it. I've also recommended it to others as well.
Funny--everytime I give away a copy of the Book of Hours, somehow I eit...more
Brian reluctantly travels to his deceased wife's inherited property only a few days before it is to be sold to pay for outstanding death duties (inheritance taxes). Castle Keep is an old and decaying English manor. The elderly ground floor tenants have been there for years while a young local doctor lives in it's Rose Cottage. As a keeper of an old house myself, I was intrigued by the mysteries found in The Book of Hours.
This was one of those books that I just happened to pick up off the shelf at the library and checked out without really knowing anything about it. It was a very quick read, but I got into it really quickly and it kept my interest throughout. I don't normally read Christian fiction, or at least I don't seek it out, but this book wasn't really "preachy" like some books are.
My rating was more of 3.5, but I settled for the 3 stars because of the writing style itself. The plot was brilliant, 5 stars. But for such a book, the description of measurements and smells and textures and timelines has to be very detailed, though the author also has to avoid being tedious. Bunn did not conjure up the mental picture well enough for me, so it's three stars.
This was a good book, however slow and very predictable. Brian is grieving over the lost of his wife. After 2 years he returns to a house in England that was left to him by his late wife's aunt. As a scavenger hunt is laid out for him he learns more than what is expected. Trying to save the manor from auction, he also discovers the power of prayer.
Apr 28, 2012
Lisa
rated it
2 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Christians
Recommended to Lisa by:
Julie/book club
I've tried reading mysteries, but they really don't interest me. They always seem so contrived and convoluted. I'm disappointed when book club chooses a mystery, but I try to read it.
At least this book doesn't start out with a slew of gory murders and it has a Christian angle.
It wasn't offensive, just predictable.
At least this book doesn't start out with a slew of gory murders and it has a Christian angle.
It wasn't offensive, just predictable.
Sep 09, 2012
Debra
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
People who like mysteries about old houses and historical fiction
Recommended to Debra by:
Goodreads
Goodreads recommended this book to me because I liked Whispers of the Bayou by Mindy Starns Clark.
It's a mystery, it's some historical fiction, and it's an encouragement to pray and bring God into our lives in all we do.
I love these stories about old houses and the mysteries and history they contain. This one takes us back to Medieval times.
It's a mystery, it's some historical fiction, and it's an encouragement to pray and bring God into our lives in all we do.
I love these stories about old houses and the mysteries and history they contain. This one takes us back to Medieval times.
I absolutely loved this book. It was a gift from the mother of one of my Sunday School kids I teach. She told me that if I liked The Shack then I would certainly like this one. Interestingly, these two books are very different. The biggest difference is that I didn't cry when I read The Book of Hours. This book was very funny while still being inspirational and powerful. It makes you question your way of life, what you're actually willing to do in your Christian walk, which I believe any decent...more
I really enjoyed the mix of mystery and suspense. Clearly someone has foul intentions, but it takes a bit to discover who and exactly why. In the mean time it is quite fun to discover this secret-holding old house with the owner.
Loved the storyline, and once started could not put it down. Bunn obviously has a deep spiritual maturity that comes through in his writing. Now, I wish the library was open so I could get another of his books!
Wonderful book. Written novel with a well balanced Christian point of view. Learned about the custom of the ringing bells and and the real Book of Hours and how people would be reminded to pray.
My FAVORITE book! A great Mystery and treasure hunt thru an old Castle in an English village. A letter has Brian Blackstock on a search for a secret. Sweet romance and Great Read!
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This book definitely had its good moments. If you enjoy romance mixed with a little bit of adventure and a looming "cliff," I believe you'll enjoy this offering from Davis Bunn.
I want to give this book 6 stars!!! Wonderful read. Interesting characters. Brought a deeper meaning to my faith. Curious to see what the real Book of Hours looks like.
One of my absolute favorite books! I've read it several times. Includes some mystery, adventure, intrigue, history and wonderful characters. Highly recommended!
Beautiful prose, endearing characters and an engaging plot. I wanted to join right in with this bunch on their treasure hunt. It just got better and better. But I so wish this novel had a better title and cover. Couldn't it be called Rose Cottage with a lovely depiction of that setting on the cover? I'm telling you, that's all this book needs.
This is not the sort of book I usually read but I thought it was really good. Perhaps a little too much religion in it but it fit with the story.
I picked this book up for a book club, and found that I liked it very much.
The history behind the church bells was very cool to read about.
The history behind the church bells was very cool to read about.
this book was like a deep breath. a great story of moving past the past and embracing life. very descriptive and the mystery kept me up until 3am.
So fun reading a modern day mystery in a medieval castle. Lots of suspense and a very mild romance.
Very peaceful enjoyable read.
Very peaceful enjoyable read.
i didn't expect a christian sermon...
but it wasn't enough to deter me from finishing the mystery or liking most of the characters.
but it wasn't enough to deter me from finishing the mystery or liking most of the characters.
A very enjoyable story. I will look for more by this author. This was one of my "bargain book" finds at B&N. I have so far enjoyed all my "bargains".
I recommend this to any who enjoy puzzles and interesting characters. Specially ones set in England!
I recommend this to any who enjoy puzzles and interesting characters. Specially ones set in England!
Oct 06, 2011
Margaret
added it
Loved it. Each character's distinctive personality makes the story enjoyable, intriguing and enlightening.
Occasionally a bit sermony, but made me long for a small English village with a mystery.
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“Halfway back up the hillside, Cecilia reached behind her, and it seemed the most natural thing in the world for Brian to lean forward to take her hand.”
—
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