A New Dawn Over Devon
Phillips’ latest work of inspirational fiction is an intriguing story of secrets, heartbreak, and guilt set on a lovely Devonshire estate. This fourth installment of his “Secrets of Heathersleigh Hall” series further explores the struggles of the Rutherford family to become better Christians in the face of an ever-changing world rocked by World War I.
Young Amanda returns home to mourn losses and deal with guilt over her past while at the same time trying to fully accept God into her life. The plot, which in the beginning captures the reader with descriptions of hidden rooms and filched pirate treasure, becomes tedious and evangelical in the middle third of the book. However, the last third keeps the reader turning pages to find out just what happens to the Rutherfords and their much-loved Heathersleigh Hall.
In a postscript, the author defends his writing style as “’idea fiction’ in which, by confronting ideas, confronting themselves and confronting God, the characters…grow.” After reading the postscript, my opinion shifted from ambivalence to tentative acceptance. Overall, the plot is interesting and worthwhile, and if the reader can approach the book with an open mind, is one to enjoy.
