Strand of Faith (Choices and Consequences – 1) by Rachel Bonner
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?
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About the Author
Rachel J Bonner is the author of the four book Choices and Consequences series, the first of which, Strand of Faith, is due out in November 2018.
Getting a degree in engineering, followed by a career in accountancy is probably not a conventional path to becoming an author, particularly in paranormal 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. Target shooting only, honest. 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 on her website.
My Review
4 stars
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.
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