Beyond the Abbey Gates:

by Catherine MacCoun

Book Overview

When Ingrid, a young nun serving in the infirmary at Greyleigh Abbey, discovers by accident that she can work miracles of healing, the world acclaims her as a saint. Ingrid is not so sure. Her secret... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1590303717
• ISBN13: 9781590303719
• Release Date: May 2006
• Publisher: Trumpeter
• Length: 337 Pages
• Weight: 0.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.1" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Inviting story

Reviewed by Sondra Fowler for Reader Views (1/07) Sister Ingrid, left by her father with the nuns of Greyleigh Abbey at the age of six, grew up cloistered away from the world. She was a quiet child, ardent student and lonely. She found acceptance with Sister Pipp and a solace in the healing the sister taught her. It was said Ingrid would be a saint, healing with the power of God but Ingrid found doubt and a crisis of faith in an injured troubadour name Jack. He woke feelings in Ingrid she had never experienced. He challenged everything she had ever known. He was the catalyst to Ingrid's future. Ingrid is forced on a journey of self-exploration. She shapes new identities, grows in ways she would never have imagined. She could go down in history as a saint, healing injuries and illness with the power of God in her hands. She run away with Jack and start a new life, make life with a husband and a family or she could just run away. Where will Ingrid choose to end her journey? The world around her is also on a journey -- religion, aristocracy, weakness of the human spirit and frailty of the human body. The church breeds corruption and allows absurdities in the name of God; a good man is challenged by demons of his own making. Ingrid is drawn into this world, the world she was guarded from for so long. Ingrid's imprint is simply put in this excerpt from the prologue: "This is the story of a failed saint. Church history records the miracles she performed in 1345, then lapses into silence..." The story in "Beyond the Abbey Gates," is well written, the characters have dimension and history. You will cheer for Ingrid one moment and be disgusted by her choices the next. The world in which she struggles is vivid. You can see the towns, walk on the dirt roads and feel the rain as it falls on your skin. It is a story well worth reading, I say story here and not book because a story is inviting, enchanting and captivating while a book is merely something you open.

Age of Miracles

I read this book a couple of years ago (when it was titled "Age of Miracles") and I liked it. I thought the plot was interesting and fresh. Considering some of the plots I've read in historical fiction, that alone would make it worthy. I was happy to see it re-released!

One of the best

Picked this up by chance on holiday in Greece. Historical fictional setting but "modern" psychology (particularly male/female relationships) and totally believable characters. Funny and moving at the same time. If you like Diane Norman, you'll love this.

The Age of Miracles is a truly moving & unique story.

Although the main character, Ingrid Fairfax, is a historical figure in the eyes of the Church, Catherine MacCoun weaves an almost entirely fictional story about the "saint"'s life. The book is powerful enough to show that, as in Ingrid's case,one does not have to be a saint to be religious,and, as in her lover, Jack's, case one does not have to be a sinner because one's life has been tragic. Ingris sins for Jack, and Jack,like a saint, gives up the easy life he led, to save Ingrid. This book is a moving and strong picture of a woman who is fighting between good and evil, without knowing which is which. If you are looking for a book to renew your faith, look elsewhere. However, if you are looking for first-rate historical fiction, then look no further. MacCoun writes some of the best historical fiction I have had the pleasure of reading. This is a definite read.