When Angels Lie

A story of Love, hate, trust, lust and betrayal, When Angels Lie was first published by my Magpies Nest Publishing in the name of Richard L Gray. It has since been published by AG Press.8m.net. The storyliine is far from common and the sort to be picked up by only the bravest of publishers. (So I suspect that cuts out major names in the business!) I am putting here a review done by someone I have the greatest respect for — Andrew F O'Hara, editor, The Jimston Journal. Author, The Swan, Tales of the Sacramento Valley.

When Angels Lie: An Award Winner

Gladys Hobson has written an award winner with ‘When Angels Lie.’ Daring to take on a subject guaranteed to make some readers squirm, Hobson boldly explores the life of handsome Anglican priest Paul Stringer as he takes on an impoverished parish and pursues a loving affair—with a neighboring male priest. The author follows him as he struggles painfully with a commitment to his church and his desperate need for acceptance and companionship.

Although the two priests determine to keep their personal affair confidential, they learn that suspicions are quick to arise in this small community. Confused by the rebuffs of the parish’s most eligible bachelor, local women begin to grow increasingly suspicious of his often repeated vow of bachelorhood. Worse, the enmity of the church warden, the jealousy of a woman spurned and the sexual escapades of two teenage lovers in the chapel are twisted into a scandal that threatens to expose not only the relationship of the priests but destroy their many accomplishments in the church.

Smoothly, expertly written, the author captures the essence and conflict of human love and religion as they struggle to coexist in a judgmental world. Hobson reveals a church hierarchy attempting to compromise with a nervous reality, and walks the reader ever so beautifully through the torment of a young man deeply devoted to his vows and wanting fervently to serve his parish--with the support of a loving partner. As the story unfolds, however, his options grow more desperate and his torment ever more intense.

Hobson is a writer of the first class, able to build a story quickly and maintain excitement throughout the book. Her characters are full and multidimensional—at times, the reader is torn by compassion and empathy for one and then the other. Such is the making of a fine novel and a book well worth reading. It is unfortunate that books such as these, so worthy of recognition, go unheralded by the literary establishment. I, for one, give it “tens” across the board. Andrew F O'Hara

Samples, reviews and details can be read by visiting http://www.magpiesnestpublishing.co.uk
The AGPress book can be bought on Amazon.com

NEWS — DARE EMPIRE is now publishing this book as THE DARK MIRROR in both eBook and print format. Can also be bought at other stores plus Amazon