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A Truthful Man
Mark Boulder is riding high until his wife discovers his extra-marital affair. Then her brother, the bishop confronts him with rumors of a far worse scandal which could ruin his flourishing investment business.
Father James is happy in his tiny coastal parish – until he’s handed evidence of serious wrongdoing by ex-university friend, Mark Boulder, which he is obliged to take to his bishop. When the priest refuses to drop the case, the bishop swiftly retaliates.
An alarmed Mark also tries to dissuade Father James from pursuing justice against him, but the pastor’s concern is the man’s eternal salvation not his secular ambition. He stands firm, and suffers yet more retribution from Mark’s brother-in-law, the bishop.
Details of Mark’s malfeasance has reached the media and he is now wanted by the police. His reputation is in ruins and he is shunned by his wife and children and the bishop. The only person who can save him is the priest whose vocation he has destroyed.
Can Mark humble himself to ask Father James for his forgiveness?
Even if he does, why should the betrayed priest help him?
The clash between traditional Catholic teaching and its compromised modern equivalent reaches a climax in this novel by a multiple bestselling Amazon author.
Father James is happy in his tiny coastal parish – until he’s handed evidence of serious wrongdoing by ex-university friend, Mark Boulder, which he is obliged to take to his bishop. When the priest refuses to drop the case, the bishop swiftly retaliates.
An alarmed Mark also tries to dissuade Father James from pursuing justice against him, but the pastor’s concern is the man’s eternal salvation not his secular ambition. He stands firm, and suffers yet more retribution from Mark’s brother-in-law, the bishop.
Details of Mark’s malfeasance has reached the media and he is now wanted by the police. His reputation is in ruins and he is shunned by his wife and children and the bishop. The only person who can save him is the priest whose vocation he has destroyed.
Can Mark humble himself to ask Father James for his forgiveness?
Even if he does, why should the betrayed priest help him?
The clash between traditional Catholic teaching and its compromised modern equivalent reaches a climax in this novel by a multiple bestselling Amazon author.
- GenresChristian Fiction
279 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 28, 2022
50 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Hilary Walker
69 books28 followersHilary lives on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina with her husband and English bulldog.
She is the Christian author of 'The Jack Harper Trilogy: The Story of a Wounded Horse Healer,' its sequel, 'The Father Michael Trilogy: A Pastor Who Preaches through Horses,' and the concluding trio, 'The Laura Harper Trilogy.'
The Sinclair Island Romances are her Christian equestrian romance series.
Besides writing, Hilary's other passion is riding and competing in dressage on her home-bred gelding, Cruz Bay.
She is the Christian author of 'The Jack Harper Trilogy: The Story of a Wounded Horse Healer,' its sequel, 'The Father Michael Trilogy: A Pastor Who Preaches through Horses,' and the concluding trio, 'The Laura Harper Trilogy.'
The Sinclair Island Romances are her Christian equestrian romance series.
Besides writing, Hilary's other passion is riding and competing in dressage on her home-bred gelding, Cruz Bay.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 3, 2022
A Truthful Man: A Modern Catholic Novel by Hilary Walker
This story starts with Mark and he's married to Mary. He's been cheating on her and the parish bishop learns of it, his brother in law. He collects money from the patrons of the church and invests it for them but things are not so clear and most seniors lose some or all of their savings...
He is shown some information but there is much more that he wants to get his hands on, so it can be destroyed.
His wife also finds out and her uncle, the bishop. He swears he will end it and erases all messages to Rita and that satisifies his wife and he's been to confession.
Problem is others find out and now they want to send him to a different parish. Things just get worse from there on. He had hoped to bribe a few and have her get rid of the baby...
Mark and Thomas had gone to university together and are familiar with one another. Mark is having a hard time, believing what he had done was wrong, how to make amends and still come out with something to his life....
There are a lot of confessions and spending time with the religious heads that sometimes lead him in the right direction. He is given the right direction he sometimes doesn't want to go that way...
At times the story is sad, then happy and meaningful, lot of emotions as it's a delicate subject to begin with.
Love the scene descriptions, the food, churches and the clergy clothing-when I started out knitting I made a clergy outfit for my brothers GI Joe. All the small pieces.
Received a review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
This story starts with Mark and he's married to Mary. He's been cheating on her and the parish bishop learns of it, his brother in law. He collects money from the patrons of the church and invests it for them but things are not so clear and most seniors lose some or all of their savings...
He is shown some information but there is much more that he wants to get his hands on, so it can be destroyed.
His wife also finds out and her uncle, the bishop. He swears he will end it and erases all messages to Rita and that satisifies his wife and he's been to confession.
Problem is others find out and now they want to send him to a different parish. Things just get worse from there on. He had hoped to bribe a few and have her get rid of the baby...
Mark and Thomas had gone to university together and are familiar with one another. Mark is having a hard time, believing what he had done was wrong, how to make amends and still come out with something to his life....
There are a lot of confessions and spending time with the religious heads that sometimes lead him in the right direction. He is given the right direction he sometimes doesn't want to go that way...
At times the story is sad, then happy and meaningful, lot of emotions as it's a delicate subject to begin with.
Love the scene descriptions, the food, churches and the clergy clothing-when I started out knitting I made a clergy outfit for my brothers GI Joe. All the small pieces.
Received a review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
May 28, 2022
Hilary Walker portrayed the ups and downs in Catholic thinking about certain issues including abortion. Even though I am not Catholic, I enjoyed reading this book. I admired Father James as he continued to take a stand to do what God called him to do in spite of all the persecution by his parish bishop. When Mark Boulder, the CEO of an investment firm, is involved in one scandal after another; his friendship with Father James during his university years is renewed. Father James keeps after Mark to make a true confession and brings him to the point that he really is forgiven and takes steps to apologize and make things right with all the people he hurt. I loved the ending where Mark is given an ultimatum by his brother-in-law who is also the bishop of his parish to end his friendship with Father James. His response to the bishop was priceless and you will have to read the book to find out what he said. I received an ARC and this is my voluntary and honest review.
May 15, 2022
Greed, egotistical behavior and strict rules of the Catholic faith are the dominant themes. I felt Mark's punishment was too lenient despite Pastor James's advice to trust in God after destroying his marriage, company and future. Also Bishop Marsden, Mark's brother-in-law needs a reality check when he offers Mark a quick fix solution using bribery and deceit if Mark agrees to end his friendship with Father James. Cliffhanger ending possibly addressed in an upcoming novel?
December 25, 2025
Engrossing read
Superb storytelling and the themes really do speak to our times really looking forward to book 2 because I couldn't put this one down
Superb storytelling and the themes really do speak to our times really looking forward to book 2 because I couldn't put this one down
September 7, 2023
Many Tragedies but Not Tragic
The story is straightforward. It is an exposé of tragic happenings in some dioceses today. I am a retired priest with some sad memories but I never regretted God's beautiful gift of the priesthood. I was ordained in 1972 so I have lived through it all. But this latest business of creating cancelled priests is beyond me. Although the storyline is black and white It is refreshing in its matter of factness. If it seems to be a sermon at times it is a needed sermon. As a very young priest caught in a crisis of obedience a nun friend taught me a great distinction. Authority is a necessary component of any organisation. Authority contains the power given by God, the organisation, and society to accomplish the proper ends for which the authority is given. Autocracy is taking legitimate authority and using it to accomplish one's own ends, often perverting proper obedience to subservience. We are bound to obey proper authority but never autocracy. As my catechism teacher aught me when I was ten: you do not owe obedience to parents, priests, the pope or anyone if they command you to sin. Thanks for letting me give my own summary sermon. I will be recommending this series to others as a way to see how the lines are drawn for the battle. Fr. Bob B
The story is straightforward. It is an exposé of tragic happenings in some dioceses today. I am a retired priest with some sad memories but I never regretted God's beautiful gift of the priesthood. I was ordained in 1972 so I have lived through it all. But this latest business of creating cancelled priests is beyond me. Although the storyline is black and white It is refreshing in its matter of factness. If it seems to be a sermon at times it is a needed sermon. As a very young priest caught in a crisis of obedience a nun friend taught me a great distinction. Authority is a necessary component of any organisation. Authority contains the power given by God, the organisation, and society to accomplish the proper ends for which the authority is given. Autocracy is taking legitimate authority and using it to accomplish one's own ends, often perverting proper obedience to subservience. We are bound to obey proper authority but never autocracy. As my catechism teacher aught me when I was ten: you do not owe obedience to parents, priests, the pope or anyone if they command you to sin. Thanks for letting me give my own summary sermon. I will be recommending this series to others as a way to see how the lines are drawn for the battle. Fr. Bob B
November 17, 2022
This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from the author.
Great characters and awesome story!
This is a very Catholic story. There is a lot of quoting of Scripture and of Catholic scholars, BUT you don't have to be Catholic to enjoy it.
The story was realistic and moved at good pace.
There is controversy, corruption, and a reminder that no one is unredeemable.
Great characters and awesome story!
This is a very Catholic story. There is a lot of quoting of Scripture and of Catholic scholars, BUT you don't have to be Catholic to enjoy it.
The story was realistic and moved at good pace.
There is controversy, corruption, and a reminder that no one is unredeemable.
July 20, 2023
Came to an end too quickly!
A good read that kept my attention. I wasn’t ready for it to end and am ready to continue with the 2nd book in the trilogy. It’s a great read for anyone but especially Christians and particularly Catholics as it confirms and explains the sacraments in their Truth and beauty.
A good read that kept my attention. I wasn’t ready for it to end and am ready to continue with the 2nd book in the trilogy. It’s a great read for anyone but especially Christians and particularly Catholics as it confirms and explains the sacraments in their Truth and beauty.
April 4, 2025
Loved it!
I can't Waite to read the next book. I was surprised happily by the first book. I couldn't put it down.
I put it up there with some of my author's of books I read over many times.
Roseamund Pilcher. ( my apologies, I'm sure I spelled her name wrong.) There are a few more but I don't want to misspell them as well.)
I can't Waite to read the next book. I was surprised happily by the first book. I couldn't put it down.
I put it up there with some of my author's of books I read over many times.
Roseamund Pilcher. ( my apologies, I'm sure I spelled her name wrong.) There are a few more but I don't want to misspell them as well.)
May 24, 2022
A real thought provoking read.
The character of the priest reminds us of how easily we are deluded into watering down our faith to appease the world. How foolish to even try. The struggles are well represented. Want the story to continue …..
The character of the priest reminds us of how easily we are deluded into watering down our faith to appease the world. How foolish to even try. The struggles are well represented. Want the story to continue …..
September 6, 2023
A Truthful Man
An excellent job of just how the Catholic Church is changing today and continues to change much to our disappointment and God's. I'm looking forward to reading the next book. Congratulations.
An excellent job of just how the Catholic Church is changing today and continues to change much to our disappointment and God's. I'm looking forward to reading the next book. Congratulations.
October 13, 2025
Catholic story
A good book to read about God’s forgiveness and relationship between a sinful man and a kind priest who the bishop has demoted because of a difference of opinions about the Catholic faith
A good book to read about God’s forgiveness and relationship between a sinful man and a kind priest who the bishop has demoted because of a difference of opinions about the Catholic faith
July 5, 2022
Great book
I'm not Roman Catholic but am a Christian. This book painted a picture of what many parts of the body of Christ are experiencing
I'm not Roman Catholic but am a Christian. This book painted a picture of what many parts of the body of Christ are experiencing
May 6, 2023
Good Catholic book
Helps the reader remember the usefulness of confession and that God will meet us where we are at no matter what.
Helps the reader remember the usefulness of confession and that God will meet us where we are at no matter what.
January 21, 2026
True-to-life and touching
A Truthful Man is a truthful look at life in the modern Catholic Church for 3 men: a priest content to live in a small parish and live his vocation whole-heartedly, a bishop who (sadly) fits the modern stereotype all too well, and a man who has lost his way, falling down the path searching for worldly success. Their lives become intertwined and ehat happens next you need to read to find out!
A Truthful Man is a truthful look at life in the modern Catholic Church for 3 men: a priest content to live in a small parish and live his vocation whole-heartedly, a bishop who (sadly) fits the modern stereotype all too well, and a man who has lost his way, falling down the path searching for worldly success. Their lives become intertwined and ehat happens next you need to read to find out!
April 30, 2022
Excellent book. It describes the main characters to perfection.
Very interesting and true to life plot
It’s hands down, a book worth reading
Very interesting and true to life plot
It’s hands down, a book worth reading
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews