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Secrets of Heathersleigh Hall #4
A New Dawn Over Devon
In the wake of Amanda Rutherford's homecoming, all of the mysteries of Heathersleigh Hall are revealed. Secrets of Heathersleigh Hall book 4.
448 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2001
23 people are currently reading
177 people want to read
About the author
Michael R. Phillips
250 books612 followersLibrarian Note: there is more than one author with this name in the Goodreads database.
Michael Phillips has been writing in the Christian marketplace for 30 years. All told, he has written, co-written, and edited some 110 books. Phillips and his wife live in the U.S., and make their second home in Scotland.
Michael Phillips has been writing in the Christian marketplace for 30 years. All told, he has written, co-written, and edited some 110 books. Phillips and his wife live in the U.S., and make their second home in Scotland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 25, 2007
A thought-provoking book, at least for me, in Geoffrey Rutherford's conversion, in whether God really is good, and the issue of self-forgiveness.
March 8, 2020
Whenever I finish a good book or series like The Secrets of Heathersleigh Hall it is like saying goodbye to dear friends. I missed them when the story is over but the lessons I learned will remain in my heart.
Principally this fourth in the series is about reconciliation with oneself; one’s brother, one’s God. All loose ends are tied up and secrets are made known, as it shall be on the other side.
The author calls this book idea fiction, which it surely is. The whole series is full of ideas. If new ideas frighten you read it with a grain of salt because the story is excellent.
Principally this fourth in the series is about reconciliation with oneself; one’s brother, one’s God. All loose ends are tied up and secrets are made known, as it shall be on the other side.
The author calls this book idea fiction, which it surely is. The whole series is full of ideas. If new ideas frighten you read it with a grain of salt because the story is excellent.
October 18, 2016
What an amazing ending to this quartet! I really enjoyed getting to know the characters--especially, Amanda. I cried in the last book when she lost her chance to reconcile with some of her family members.
I smiled as I read the conclusion, and loved how Michael Phillips tied in the "mystery" surrounding Heathersleigh so perfectly!
Most of all, my faith was challenged and stretched as I read of the struggles, heartaches, misconceptions, and the faith of others throughout this series.
I'm looking forward to sharing this fictional legacy with my children when they're a bit older and can handle a book series with "meat and potatoes"!
I'd recommend this series to those who are looking for historical Christian fiction that makes you think. Also, these books are not ones that you can't put down to "return to reality". I appreciate that so much. Many times, I needed to read a small portion so I could "digest" it. This is a very good thing!
If you're looking for a quick, "fluffy" romance novel to read, this is not for you.
If you're looking for a book that will make you laugh and cry, I'd suggest you start with the first book in the series, Wild Grows the Heather in Devon.
If you're concerned that this book series might "capture" you so that you have a very difficult time pulling yourself away from it to care for your family and other priorities in your life, not to worry! Though these books have elements of suspense and intrigue, the chapters and chapter breaks are short and often; and (thought sometimes I had to exercise a bit of willpower), I was, indeed, able to still balance my life between reading these books!
I'm looking forward to reading more books by Phillips, and I hope you'll do the same!
I smiled as I read the conclusion, and loved how Michael Phillips tied in the "mystery" surrounding Heathersleigh so perfectly!
Most of all, my faith was challenged and stretched as I read of the struggles, heartaches, misconceptions, and the faith of others throughout this series.
I'm looking forward to sharing this fictional legacy with my children when they're a bit older and can handle a book series with "meat and potatoes"!
I'd recommend this series to those who are looking for historical Christian fiction that makes you think. Also, these books are not ones that you can't put down to "return to reality". I appreciate that so much. Many times, I needed to read a small portion so I could "digest" it. This is a very good thing!
If you're looking for a quick, "fluffy" romance novel to read, this is not for you.
If you're looking for a book that will make you laugh and cry, I'd suggest you start with the first book in the series, Wild Grows the Heather in Devon.
If you're concerned that this book series might "capture" you so that you have a very difficult time pulling yourself away from it to care for your family and other priorities in your life, not to worry! Though these books have elements of suspense and intrigue, the chapters and chapter breaks are short and often; and (thought sometimes I had to exercise a bit of willpower), I was, indeed, able to still balance my life between reading these books!
I'm looking forward to reading more books by Phillips, and I hope you'll do the same!
June 3, 2016
If you like a series that makes you think and challenges your own personal relationship with God -- then this is one you want to read! I found myself relating with many of the characters and learned more about myself as I followed them through their struggles, victories, heartaches, and celebrations. And now to read another Michael Phillips series...
June 3, 2016
Great character study
This series does not shy away from hard character traits. It shows how God's grace shows through in dealing with difficult personalities. We have remember the Lord is not done with us until we pass on. Getting to know the people in this series demonstrates how our stories evolve and grow.
Thank you for your research and gift of story telling.
This series does not shy away from hard character traits. It shows how God's grace shows through in dealing with difficult personalities. We have remember the Lord is not done with us until we pass on. Getting to know the people in this series demonstrates how our stories evolve and grow.
Thank you for your research and gift of story telling.
July 24, 2016
I was hooked
I was hooked after reading the first book in this four part series. There are so many twists and turns to follow, as well as so much thought provoking material regarding faith as most of us know it. The resolution of the plot/story line is so fitting. I will read more of Mr. Phillips' books!
I was hooked after reading the first book in this four part series. There are so many twists and turns to follow, as well as so much thought provoking material regarding faith as most of us know it. The resolution of the plot/story line is so fitting. I will read more of Mr. Phillips' books!
July 8, 2013
The 4th and final book in the series. I admit I skimmed and skipped some dialogue. It's such a long book that I just didn't want to wade through some of the scenery descriptions or other random stuff.
August 19, 2016
The trouble with a really good series is that you are so impatient to discover how everything turns out that you read it as fast as you can...and then it's over. I love how everything ended up, and I was
encouraged through the whole series by the constantly growing faith of the characters.
encouraged through the whole series by the constantly growing faith of the characters.
May 18, 2008
Great series exploring family, religion, evolution, WWI, espionage, suffragettes, and more.
March 16, 2010
I really enjoyed this whole series. Michael Phillips' emphasis on the love and goodness of God has been immensely encouraging to me.
January 30, 2011
Loved this book. Michael Phillips tells an absorbing story of strong families, good moral teachings without being preachy, inoffensive love and romance descriptions, using clean language.
March 5, 2014
This book nicely wraps up the story. Although I may not have made some of the same choices as the author, this book is a good and thought provoking read.
July 12, 2015
Last book in the Secrets of Heathersleigh Hall Series. Beautifully completed, but sorrow envelops that heart. Makes the reader appreciate every glorious day of family, life, and choice:)
April 23, 2016
Great book!
Wonderful conclusion to this thought provoking series! Secrets revealed in a logical way. Characters fully fleshed out with new characters added.
Wonderful conclusion to this thought provoking series! Secrets revealed in a logical way. Characters fully fleshed out with new characters added.
June 29, 2016
Excellente!
This is another wonderful reading adventure by Michael Phillips. He has become my favorite author mainly because of his love for our Lord.
This is another wonderful reading adventure by Michael Phillips. He has become my favorite author mainly because of his love for our Lord.
December 20, 2018
I tried to read this one slowly because I wasn’t ready for the series to be over.
June 22, 2020
In denial that I've actually concluded this series.... It will stay with me, always.
January 17, 2024
The last of a four book series and the best one in my opinion. I absolutely loved this series. Do grab a box of tissues for this last look into the Rutherford lives and those they are surrounded by. The details into the personal lives and thoughts of the characters are intense. So intense that at times you can’t help but feel their pain, sorrow, fear, and excitement. The book is loaded with scripture and theology. As the author notes in his postscript, these thoughts and ideas were those that were discussed during these times. I loved watching Geoffrey mature. His character became on of my favorites. The mystery, that begins in book one and continues through the final book is finally revealed. While I had it figured out, the whole unveiling was exciting. But a new mystery is introduced and revealed! One that I was not expecting at all!!! Do read these book. I really recommend reading the entire series in order.
March 30, 2019
This book was a great ending to the series. Each book in the series has had it's own flavor. This one, as one would expect, resolves a number of issues from the previous books while drawing together the Rutherford family. We are introduced to Betsy who is a temporary visitor with the Rutherfords. There are other old faces that appear with surprising changes. The pirate mystery that started in the first book does get resolved but not in a way you would expect. Great writing. Wonderful series.
November 13, 2019
instrumental on faith & family
This series is one that will encapsulate you into a child, a follower of Christ, and a child of God. It stresses the vitality of God’s love and the importance of being His child. It makes you think about the truth so hidden within ourselves when it comes to our place in our own families. And the implicit role we play in where we stand in the service of Gods family.
Very good series. I would highly recommend this series to everyone.
This series is one that will encapsulate you into a child, a follower of Christ, and a child of God. It stresses the vitality of God’s love and the importance of being His child. It makes you think about the truth so hidden within ourselves when it comes to our place in our own families. And the implicit role we play in where we stand in the service of Gods family.
Very good series. I would highly recommend this series to everyone.
July 10, 2020
I can't get enough of Michael Phillips .. I love the spiritual emphasis of his books. This series was more introspective than some others, and that was okay for me. The historical overlay of World War I was excellent, and following this family through four long novels gave me plenty of time to feel like I really knew them as they adjusted to the changes of society through the end of the Victorian Era and on through the war.
August 6, 2022
A book that shares about the spiritual growth of Amanda Rutherford as a young adult. She and her family discover the hidden mystery of Heathersleigh Hall which effect their future. All Amanda wants is to be completely surrendered to God's will. Eventually she also has to learn that she needs to forgive herself for what she did in the past. I love a book that explores ideas and leads the reader to a closer relationship with Christ. This was a happy ending to an excellent series.
May 13, 2019
excellent written christian fiction.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2019
Absolutely loved this novel! It wrapped up and answered questions, saw characters through tremendous personal growth, and helped me through some of my own personal issues.
August 13, 2020
The family learns the final secrets of the Hall and God's love is shown to all.
October 13, 2020
Reasons to read
Good content.
Suitable for all ages.
Encouraging for anyone struggling with their faith.A gripping storyline.A practical introduction for new Christians
Good content.
Suitable for all ages.
Encouraging for anyone struggling with their faith.A gripping storyline.A practical introduction for new Christians
January 22, 2025
I enjoyed all the historical events in this book and liked how they wove together to create a very satisfying ending to the series.
January 22, 2021
Fourth in the series ... so many twists and turns. The ending of the plot/story line fit for me! It wrapped up pretty well. Amazing how a life can turn around...which a do believe.
May 18, 2008
Great series exploring family, religion, evolution, WWI, espionage, suffragettes, and more.
June 24, 2011
I've read this series twice!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews