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Choices and Consequences #1
Strand of Faith
When the choice is between love and life, how can anyone decide?
A girl and a monk, both with extraordinary mental powers, have compelling reasons not to fall in love. But those from whom they expect support are manipulating them both because their choices will have consequences for the rest of the world.
After a stormy youth, Brother Prospero has found comfort and fulfilment in the monastery. That is, until he discovers something that forces him to reconsider his whole vocation. To follow his heart, he’ll have to face his demons again, outside the security of the monastery. Is it worth the risk? Can he beat them this time? Or will they finally destroy him?
Orphaned and mistreated, Leonie has found sanctuary and safety at the abbey. All she wants is to learn how to manage her unusual abilities so that she is not a danger to those around her. When she comes into contact with Prospero everything threatens to spiral out of her control. Whether she leaves or whether she stays, how can she possibly avoid destroying – yet again – those she has come to care about?
Abbot Gabriel is faced with an impossible choice. He can do nothing and watch the world descend into war. Or he can manipulate events and ensure peace – at the cost of two lives that he is responsible for. He knows what he has to do but is he strong enough to sacrifice those he loves?
A girl and a monk, both with extraordinary mental powers, have compelling reasons not to fall in love. But those from whom they expect support are manipulating them both because their choices will have consequences for the rest of the world.
After a stormy youth, Brother Prospero has found comfort and fulfilment in the monastery. That is, until he discovers something that forces him to reconsider his whole vocation. To follow his heart, he’ll have to face his demons again, outside the security of the monastery. Is it worth the risk? Can he beat them this time? Or will they finally destroy him?
Orphaned and mistreated, Leonie has found sanctuary and safety at the abbey. All she wants is to learn how to manage her unusual abilities so that she is not a danger to those around her. When she comes into contact with Prospero everything threatens to spiral out of her control. Whether she leaves or whether she stays, how can she possibly avoid destroying – yet again – those she has come to care about?
Abbot Gabriel is faced with an impossible choice. He can do nothing and watch the world descend into war. Or he can manipulate events and ensure peace – at the cost of two lives that he is responsible for. He knows what he has to do but is he strong enough to sacrifice those he loves?
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Published November 15, 2018
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About the author
Rachel J. Bonner
5 books24 followersRachel J Bonner is the author of the compelling and enthralling four book Choices and Consequences series. The first book in the series, Strand of Faith, was published in November 2018. Book 2, Thread of Hope, released on 2nd May 2019, to be followed by Weave of Love in October, and Cloth of Grace at the end of February 2020.
Getting a degree in engineering, followed by a career in accountancy is probably not a conventional path to becoming an author, particularly in fantasy or romance. Rachel says that, although accountancy isn’t anything like as boring as everyone thinks, writing is a lot more fun.
When not writing, she can be found walking in the beautiful countryside near where she lives, which has influenced much of the scenery in her books, or shooting things with her local archery club. Shooting targets only, honest. Nothing to worry about. (Okay, sometimes we shoot Polo mints. Or cabbages. Still nothing to worry about.)
She also enjoys swimming, eating chocolate chip cookies and growing aromatic herbs, especially thyme and rosemary. It’s no coincidence that her heroine likes the same things.
You can find out more about her books and sign up for Rachel’s newsletters at www.racheljbonner.co.uk.
Getting a degree in engineering, followed by a career in accountancy is probably not a conventional path to becoming an author, particularly in fantasy or romance. Rachel says that, although accountancy isn’t anything like as boring as everyone thinks, writing is a lot more fun.
When not writing, she can be found walking in the beautiful countryside near where she lives, which has influenced much of the scenery in her books, or shooting things with her local archery club. Shooting targets only, honest. Nothing to worry about. (Okay, sometimes we shoot Polo mints. Or cabbages. Still nothing to worry about.)
She also enjoys swimming, eating chocolate chip cookies and growing aromatic herbs, especially thyme and rosemary. It’s no coincidence that her heroine likes the same things.
You can find out more about her books and sign up for Rachel’s newsletters at www.racheljbonner.co.uk.
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December 17, 2025DNF @pg 70
This might get better- just not holding my attention enough to keep going.
This might get better- just not holding my attention enough to keep going.
November 18, 2018
Leonie is taken under the wing of Abbot Gabriel, she has certain mental abilities and strengths that leave some to be very wary of her. With the tutelage and guidance at the Abbey she finds she is more able to manage her powers. Brother Prospero found his way to the Abbey years before, a troubled man who has found peace after taking orders. For both Leonie and Prospero they have found a sanctuary, they have also found each other, a connection that troubles both.
This is the start of a series that is a fantasy, romance. It combines people with various mental abilities such as telekinesis and telepathy as well as taking orders and following God. Though there is a religious presence I thought it was well balanced and not preachy.
The stories and backgrounds from the main characters was interesting and the way they found their own individual routes to the Abby was explained to a point. It is essentially a romance story but one that is reluctant to blossom. A self-imposed unwillingness to enter into a relationship, that is until the two main characters meet. This then puts the proverbial spanner in the works as individual beliefs and ideals are explored. It has that suspense of will they or won’t they as they become friends and support for each other.
There are a few things going on in the background of the main story, some have been teased out and others I assume will be explained in further books. I found myself quickly caught up in the story and liked the different abilities, this gave an air of magic. An interesting story that is a quickish read. Ideal for readers of fantasy and romance readers. I would recommend this one.
This is the start of a series that is a fantasy, romance. It combines people with various mental abilities such as telekinesis and telepathy as well as taking orders and following God. Though there is a religious presence I thought it was well balanced and not preachy.
The stories and backgrounds from the main characters was interesting and the way they found their own individual routes to the Abby was explained to a point. It is essentially a romance story but one that is reluctant to blossom. A self-imposed unwillingness to enter into a relationship, that is until the two main characters meet. This then puts the proverbial spanner in the works as individual beliefs and ideals are explored. It has that suspense of will they or won’t they as they become friends and support for each other.
There are a few things going on in the background of the main story, some have been teased out and others I assume will be explained in further books. I found myself quickly caught up in the story and liked the different abilities, this gave an air of magic. An interesting story that is a quickish read. Ideal for readers of fantasy and romance readers. I would recommend this one.
November 19, 2018
When I saw the cover for this book I was intrigued, and the blurb piqued my interest even more! Word of advice make sure when you read this you are on your own so you can concentrate. I was sitting in a cafe on my lunch break when I started this and got distracted so kept reading the same sentences over and over. And to be honest that was rude, this book needs your attention, it demands and deserves it. Plus if you do not, well let me just say the characters in the book will know…they have powers you know!
When I saw they have powers, I really mean it, the strongest of the monks are gifted with abilities. Telekinesis, telepathy and teleportation to name a few. But it is not all just about the abilities, you have a love story and the theme of religion throughout.
The story shifts between the characters as we get their point of view and their history, but you always know who because it’s their name in the header of the chapter – handy and clever ah! Definitely helped me! The main two characters in the book are the Monk Prospero and the stranger Leonie. When these two meet and their world collide, does it become the beginning of the end? I for one loved these two!!
My attention (bar the cafe incident) was completely on this book, my interest had been piqued and I wanted to know more about this world and the lives of the people in it that had been created. It was such an exciting concept and I thought had been executed so cleverly and uniquely.
This is the start of such an exciting series and I cannot wait to see where we head off to next time.
When I saw they have powers, I really mean it, the strongest of the monks are gifted with abilities. Telekinesis, telepathy and teleportation to name a few. But it is not all just about the abilities, you have a love story and the theme of religion throughout.
The story shifts between the characters as we get their point of view and their history, but you always know who because it’s their name in the header of the chapter – handy and clever ah! Definitely helped me! The main two characters in the book are the Monk Prospero and the stranger Leonie. When these two meet and their world collide, does it become the beginning of the end? I for one loved these two!!
My attention (bar the cafe incident) was completely on this book, my interest had been piqued and I wanted to know more about this world and the lives of the people in it that had been created. It was such an exciting concept and I thought had been executed so cleverly and uniquely.
This is the start of such an exciting series and I cannot wait to see where we head off to next time.
November 15, 2018
Rachel J. Bonner has crafted an incredibly entertaining and compelling story in Strand of Faith. Once I started reading, I could not put this one down. The world was unique and I love the theme of choosing between love and life. A theme that is proven to be a very difficult choice.
I really loved Brother Prospero, Leonie, and Abbot Gabriel. Each has a unique story and each character is intriguing and relatable. I absolutely loved reading the story surrounding these three, and they really helped make this story as entertaining as it was.
If you enjoy stories about impossible choices and tension-filled plots then Strand of Faith is for you! I highly recommend checking this out.
*I received a copy of this book as part of a blog tour. All opinions are my own.*
I really loved Brother Prospero, Leonie, and Abbot Gabriel. Each has a unique story and each character is intriguing and relatable. I absolutely loved reading the story surrounding these three, and they really helped make this story as entertaining as it was.
If you enjoy stories about impossible choices and tension-filled plots then Strand of Faith is for you! I highly recommend checking this out.
*I received a copy of this book as part of a blog tour. All opinions are my own.*
November 16, 2018
Rating: 3.5 Stars
This book was quite different from what I expected - the cover made me think the story would be quite dark, but it turned out to be quite a fluffy fantasy romance. Now that I’m admitting that I enjoy romance, as long as there’s some fantasy too, I’ll say that I did enjoy Leonie & Prospero’s relationship & I liked that each character had some depth to them. Strand of Faith wasn’t an exhilarating read but I did enjoy it & the ending has made me want to pick up the sequel (although I’m not sure how I feel about a 4 book series).
I was sent this book in return for an honest review as part of a blog tour organised by Rachel’s Random Resources.
Extended Review: https://wp.me/p8MbIo-2EV
This book was quite different from what I expected - the cover made me think the story would be quite dark, but it turned out to be quite a fluffy fantasy romance. Now that I’m admitting that I enjoy romance, as long as there’s some fantasy too, I’ll say that I did enjoy Leonie & Prospero’s relationship & I liked that each character had some depth to them. Strand of Faith wasn’t an exhilarating read but I did enjoy it & the ending has made me want to pick up the sequel (although I’m not sure how I feel about a 4 book series).
I was sent this book in return for an honest review as part of a blog tour organised by Rachel’s Random Resources.
Extended Review: https://wp.me/p8MbIo-2EV
November 21, 2018
This is the first book in a series so it's the entry for this new world, and personally I think that the first book in a series is always the one that can have more information about the world that sometimes in can make it heavy, but in this book, there was a good balance with the action, romance and the introduction of the characters and world.
The author created and amazing world. Really... it was complex and intriguing, it touched many genres I love with the fantasy and paranormal touches, and the romance. It had an unique tone and storyline, with some twists that truly surprised me. Intriguing and exciting book.
Then there are the characters. They too were complex and well written. You can see that they have their own voices and you get to follow them and learn about their lives and past, but also see their development. Plus their interaction made reading the book even more fun, and I felt like I could relate to them.
Overall, it was very entertaining and I'm curious for the books to come. It was the time of book that take us on a journey in a different world, with fantasy and powers, and in the end it leave us needing the next book because you want to learn more about that world and the characters.
[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Rachel for the eCopy of this book and for allowing me to join in the fun and by being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book.]
The author created and amazing world. Really... it was complex and intriguing, it touched many genres I love with the fantasy and paranormal touches, and the romance. It had an unique tone and storyline, with some twists that truly surprised me. Intriguing and exciting book.
Then there are the characters. They too were complex and well written. You can see that they have their own voices and you get to follow them and learn about their lives and past, but also see their development. Plus their interaction made reading the book even more fun, and I felt like I could relate to them.
Overall, it was very entertaining and I'm curious for the books to come. It was the time of book that take us on a journey in a different world, with fantasy and powers, and in the end it leave us needing the next book because you want to learn more about that world and the characters.
[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Rachel for the eCopy of this book and for allowing me to join in the fun and by being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book.]
November 19, 2018
What can I say about this book? It was pretty darn good! I loved the relationships between all the characters. Especially between Brother Prospero and Leonie. He knows he shouldn't love her, but love (usually) conquers all.
All the characters had their own stories and backgrounds which made all of them so different and unique. This book and I'm going to assume the rest of the series, is about connecting and helping people with similar abilities.
There is a religious presence, I am not a religious person, but the presence is not overbearing and isn't in your face. It was just there in the background making a quiet noise.
It is predominantly a romance so would definitely fall in that category, but with the mind abilities like telekinesis and telepathy, you get the fantasy kick to it. It all works very well together and I can truly recommend this book to anyone that likes to read about choices and has certainly paved the way for a fantastic series. I'm giving this book a 4/5 rating.
June 19, 2021
An absolutely intriguing story about a girl and a Monk. Will they fall in love , who knows. Well worth the time to read.
November 22, 2018
This book frustrated me and delighted me in equal measure. It is set within a monastery, although there are snippets of the wider world. The impression I got was that humans have pretty much destroyed the world, as they begin to put it back together some people are being born with extra abilities, they are called ‘adepts’. As you can imagine a lot of characters in the story have these unique abilities.
Characters:
I really enjoyed the people the book revolved around. Each chapter was broken down into smaller sections told from the point of view of a different character. This meant you really got involved with them all, worked out what made they tick, how they all related and interacted with each other. I really enjoyed this and it flowed really well.
Obviously you see a lot of Prospero and Leoni. Prospero is a monk in the monastery, his battles with his feelings is really well written. The fact he has a calling to God has not been glossed over and his struggles with his feelings seem real. He’s an incredibly caring character and has great relationships with those he meets. Leoni is a really interesting character, she is full of grit and determination but at the same time has an incredibly vulnerable side. I love a character who has some much potential.
I had quite the soft spot for Lord Gabriel, he has the skill of precognition. The burdens he has to bare are quite incredible and effect the course the story takes. As with most of the characters he is incredibly genuine. It is a rare book where you find so many incredibly well written, well rounded characters.
Further thoughts:
I don’t want to say to much about the story as I don’t want to give spoilers but this is so much more than just a romance! It is full of intrigue and mystery, what is the bigger picture? You are constantly teased with snippets of information.
So why did the book frustrate me? For that very reason, everyone is keeping secrets and you only get a small insight into what that may be. I felt like I should have been able to work out what was going on and had to keep reminding myself this is a four part series. It will all hopefully all come together. I hit the end of the book with so many questions, I will be first in line to get a copy of the next book.
Rachel has taken the paranormal romance genre and turned it on his head. I cannot wait to see what is next for Leoni and Prospero.
Characters:
I really enjoyed the people the book revolved around. Each chapter was broken down into smaller sections told from the point of view of a different character. This meant you really got involved with them all, worked out what made they tick, how they all related and interacted with each other. I really enjoyed this and it flowed really well.
Obviously you see a lot of Prospero and Leoni. Prospero is a monk in the monastery, his battles with his feelings is really well written. The fact he has a calling to God has not been glossed over and his struggles with his feelings seem real. He’s an incredibly caring character and has great relationships with those he meets. Leoni is a really interesting character, she is full of grit and determination but at the same time has an incredibly vulnerable side. I love a character who has some much potential.
I had quite the soft spot for Lord Gabriel, he has the skill of precognition. The burdens he has to bare are quite incredible and effect the course the story takes. As with most of the characters he is incredibly genuine. It is a rare book where you find so many incredibly well written, well rounded characters.
Further thoughts:
I don’t want to say to much about the story as I don’t want to give spoilers but this is so much more than just a romance! It is full of intrigue and mystery, what is the bigger picture? You are constantly teased with snippets of information.
So why did the book frustrate me? For that very reason, everyone is keeping secrets and you only get a small insight into what that may be. I felt like I should have been able to work out what was going on and had to keep reminding myself this is a four part series. It will all hopefully all come together. I hit the end of the book with so many questions, I will be first in line to get a copy of the next book.
Rachel has taken the paranormal romance genre and turned it on his head. I cannot wait to see what is next for Leoni and Prospero.
November 21, 2018
The Abbey is full of monks with special abilities. They all work together to help one another. Brother Prospero found his way to the Abbey years prior after some tough years. Then there is Leonie. She finds herself under Abbot Gabriel’s wing with her own abilities and problems. Things are going better for her until she meets Prospero. Both want to be friends and so much more, but that is against the rules of the Abbey.
After the last book I read being such a dark thriller I kind of expected this one to be that way too. I was completely wrong. It is more of a romance with some light fantasy. I loved the Abbey and the monks. Everyone had some ability from telekinesis to telepathy and they were all there to help each other.
As for Prospero and Leonie, I really hoped that they could be friends and so much more. I just wanted things to work out for the two of them. Not necessarily as romantic partners but even just friends. Both clearly needed that.
This is a great story and wonderful start to a series. I really enjoyed it and am curious to see where it goes in the next book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
After the last book I read being such a dark thriller I kind of expected this one to be that way too. I was completely wrong. It is more of a romance with some light fantasy. I loved the Abbey and the monks. Everyone had some ability from telekinesis to telepathy and they were all there to help each other.
As for Prospero and Leonie, I really hoped that they could be friends and so much more. I just wanted things to work out for the two of them. Not necessarily as romantic partners but even just friends. Both clearly needed that.
This is a great story and wonderful start to a series. I really enjoyed it and am curious to see where it goes in the next book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
November 20, 2018
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I really enjoyed this story and I thought it was very well written.
The characters were good and well developed and I really enjoyed their interaction. The story was good and had plenty to keep me entertained too. There were a few twists and whilst a bit of the story was predictable in paces it didn’t detract from my employment at all.
4 stars from me – a very enjoyable story and highly recommended!!
I really enjoyed this story and I thought it was very well written.
The characters were good and well developed and I really enjoyed their interaction. The story was good and had plenty to keep me entertained too. There were a few twists and whilst a bit of the story was predictable in paces it didn’t detract from my employment at all.
4 stars from me – a very enjoyable story and highly recommended!!
August 21, 2023
Strand of Faith is the first book in the Choices and Consequences series by Author Rachel Bonner about a monk, Brother Prospero and an orphan, Leonie, who meet and fall in love but are afraid to act upon their feelings, for obvious reasons. Sounds like a fairly common story plot doesn’t it? Yet I can assure you this book is far from anything a reader may expect. The two main protagonists are gifted with amazing and powerful clairvoyant and psychic abilities such as telepathy, telekinesis, and pyrokenisis. Each are haunted by nightmares and demons from their past. Leonie is afraid of what she might do to those she cares for if she stays, and Brother Prospero is afraid of what he might become if he leaves the monastery and follows his heart. Abbot Gabriel who is responsible for the welfare of the couple, possesses precognition and has a vision of a war that is to come, which Brother Prospero and Leonie seem to be at the heart of. He is torn with the choice of protecting the couple against their feelings for each other or manipulating the events and sacrificing them to maintain peace.
This an interesting and exciting plot that moves along at a good pace, developing the characters and their relationships in a way that is credible, and enabling the reader to emotionally invest in their outcomes. There is a good balance of drama, conflict and tension built throughout keeping readers engaged and turning through the pages. The story is well written with no significant editorial concerns that would distract a reader and spoil their enjoyment of the story. The ending leaves the reader wanting more and automatically reaching for the second book in the series, Thread of Hope.
I loved the story and I am truly looking forward to seeing how this develops further in the next book of the series. Particularly as the reader has been teased throughout the book by the protagonists nightmares and dark pasts, and so will definitely want to know more, and that the author has seemingly only scratched the surface of what gifts and powers the couple possess, promising a lot more chaos and excitement to come. I award a well deserved 5 stars.
This an interesting and exciting plot that moves along at a good pace, developing the characters and their relationships in a way that is credible, and enabling the reader to emotionally invest in their outcomes. There is a good balance of drama, conflict and tension built throughout keeping readers engaged and turning through the pages. The story is well written with no significant editorial concerns that would distract a reader and spoil their enjoyment of the story. The ending leaves the reader wanting more and automatically reaching for the second book in the series, Thread of Hope.
I loved the story and I am truly looking forward to seeing how this develops further in the next book of the series. Particularly as the reader has been teased throughout the book by the protagonists nightmares and dark pasts, and so will definitely want to know more, and that the author has seemingly only scratched the surface of what gifts and powers the couple possess, promising a lot more chaos and excitement to come. I award a well deserved 5 stars.
April 18, 2025
4.5-stars, but leaning toward 4.
I picked up this book, but wasn't really sure what to expect. The title suggests religious themes, while the blurb hints at magic, mystery, and love. The former isn't really my thing, but the latter is right up my alley. So, I gave it a go. And I'm glad I did.
This a story about a girl on the verge of adulthood, and a monk. Both have a secret past, but they're drawn together by their magic. How dark their secrets are isn't discovered in this book, nor is how their fates are aligned. But there's a growing love between them that is felt more than spoken, and when it is spoken, one embraces it, while the other flees.
Overall, I enjoyed this story, although the ending was unexpected (not entirely in a good way, but not so bad as to keep me from reading the next book). If you enjoy post-apocalyptic fantasy with magic and a religious bent, check this out.
I picked up this book, but wasn't really sure what to expect. The title suggests religious themes, while the blurb hints at magic, mystery, and love. The former isn't really my thing, but the latter is right up my alley. So, I gave it a go. And I'm glad I did.
This a story about a girl on the verge of adulthood, and a monk. Both have a secret past, but they're drawn together by their magic. How dark their secrets are isn't discovered in this book, nor is how their fates are aligned. But there's a growing love between them that is felt more than spoken, and when it is spoken, one embraces it, while the other flees.
Overall, I enjoyed this story, although the ending was unexpected (not entirely in a good way, but not so bad as to keep me from reading the next book). If you enjoy post-apocalyptic fantasy with magic and a religious bent, check this out.
December 28, 2022
DNF 21%
Sadly, this one was not for me. I just gave up. Too many characters that felt random, other than Gabriel and the girl. I did not enjoy how the writing was and chapters was made to be.The characters were so and so, and not interesting to me to hang on.
I got this eARC from Netgalley
Sadly, this one was not for me. I just gave up. Too many characters that felt random, other than Gabriel and the girl. I did not enjoy how the writing was and chapters was made to be.The characters were so and so, and not interesting to me to hang on.
I got this eARC from Netgalley
October 29, 2021
This is a great story with good characters. I enjoyed it from the first page. Well worth reading.
April 23, 2022
I loved the characters and enjoyed the world-building. The manuscript needs revision involving tightening and concrete action.
December 14, 2022
Interesting book with great world building and memorable characters. 5 star.
March 9, 2023
Fantastic book! Well written, intriguing, and a very fun read. Look forward to the rest of the series.
July 25, 2020
Am I allowed to rate my own book? I read it again because I'm about to start editing the second book in the series. They say write what you want to read, so I did. And I enjoy reading it every time I do so, I love getting back with these characters.
Also, as I have actually read it, I need it to count towards my Reading Challenge!
Also, as I have actually read it, I need it to count towards my Reading Challenge!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews