The Hour Before Dawn, by Penelope Wilcox

In this latest addition to the St. Alcuin's monastery life Penelope Wilcox has given us another wonderful story with excellent real life issues of tragedy and triumph. Father John the newest Abbott of the monastery is trying to settle into his new role and get things well under control when a life changing event takes place. Word reaches the monastery that Father John's mother and sister have met with tragedy.

When he left home to come to the monastery he had no idea that his mother and sister would be left in a vulnerable state. His family was unique in that all could read and write. This was unusual in their day. Women especially were not to be 'learned' individuals. As such people in the village questioned by what 'magic' these women were able to practice healing arts. The rumor's started to float around that they were witches and that what they practiced was black arts. When in fact both loved Jesus and were committed to living out godly lives.

The tragedy is that the some of the townspeople who have been drinking loose control. They come to the house to destroy the garden and cause havoc, but end up burning the house, killing Father John's mother and his sister is gang raped by the crowd of drunken men.

His sister is able to make her way to a local convent of sisters who take her in, heal her physical wounds and provide her a place to be safe. Upon Father John's arrival his sister is not happy to greet him but instead is accusatory towards him and feels it is his fault that their mother is dead and she is now 'damaged goods.' She feels that his leaving for Monastic Life was inappropriate when he should have stayed as the man of the house to protect them.

The story will weave it's way through the guilt and punishment feelings that the abbott will go through. It follows his path with Father William to find another Monk who has been attacked and left for dead in a local village. They will bring this Monk to Father John's sister for treatment.

Through the healing that takes place for this injured Monk we will find healing taking place for Father John, Father William and for Father John's sister. Each receives healing in a different way. Each faces their demon's and overcomes them.

The book is a wonderful tale of human emotions and needs. Yet it revolves around the lives of men committed to Monastic Life.

If you have never read any of the books in this series you might want to start with the first four books and then read this one, but that is not necessary. This book will stand on it's own whether you have read the others or not.

This is a great read and will give you much to sit and ponder and reflect on in regards to your own life.

Thank you Penelope for another great novel.

Enjoy!