The Wine of Angels

This is not meant to be a cozy read. In the first scene of the book the reader is introduced to characters and themes that inform the entire book-- the sacred place, the lore of the place and the struggle between newcomers and those with deep roots in the village of Ledwardwine, a village that was once renowned as the village in the apple orchard. The remains of this once extensive orchard is a plot outside the Churchyard, hence outside of consecrated ground where suicides, excommunicates and others who died outside of the church would be buried.

Remember that Rickman attaches weight to every symbol be it gesture, word or figure.

Actually I liked the narrator so any problems with understanding Emma Powell (who is not the listed narrator) might be a problem with audio equipment. Emma Powell is a British actor and voice over artist.

Discovered Phil Rickman thru an audible recommendation in 2009 and I never looked back. His novels are hard to categorize but are based on strong character development and for those fascinated with all things UK he interlaces mystery, crime, faith, music, single parent life, politics and history into fabulous tales. I am not religious nor brought up in the Christian faith so it took a long time before I said yes to this recommendation. mmmm, female Church of England clergy who becomes an exorcist in subsequent novels? Really? Really! Add - a bit of the supernatural as possibility.

Rebecca Lacey is the narrator of "wine of roses" - the first Merrily Watkins and Emma Powell takes over in the second book of this series. Both super narrators. All books are available in audio but not all are yet available on audible. Most are available as e-books. Read, read, read!!! (listen :).) Characters are a bit quirky to US readers but this is what makes them so appealing.

It's a five

Outlander series, the characters are interesting

the marination of accents

yes

I hope audible carries the entire series!

I really did like this book! Very detailed & well written. Plan to listen to each one in the series. I am a huge fan of Diana Gabaldon & she recommended this series on her website.Rebecca Lacey did a great job with the narration. I hope Audible carries all of Rickman's books!!

The fluctuations and tone of her voice. I loved her accent and the Scottish drawl on the Scottish words and the prounounciation of some

Picturing Miss Devenish's little store, Ledwardine Lore. Filled with all it's apple themed items and fairies. Imaging Miss Devenish in her poncho and hat with such strong opinions and beliefs.

Chapter 19, The Nighthouse was one favorite.

Apples - They're not as sweet or innocent as they seem.

Really enjoyed the book and audio. First real reading I've gotten back to and for my first book club that I have ever been part of. Good experience.

I hope you carry all of Mr Rickman's books

started listening to the Wine of Angels with high hopes. It had everything, a mystery, a cozy story, an intriguing enigmatic heroine...But frankly after the first three hours of narrator mumbling, I found myself disinterested. The author seems pre-occupied with death and suicide. The character Lowell just goes on and on about his ex, his sad life, his whiney music career, how he wants to kill himself but can't... Who cares? Likewise, Merrily who should be a tough cookie after her stint in Liverpool is so put off by overhearing someone make a rude remark about her; she throws away her cassock, and had nightmares about it? Is this author for real?

There are also long segments of story where the Merrily's daughter Janie is heavily featured. I could care less. I wanted more about the mystery, more about the main character and what is really going on in this strange small town. I also felt the author's female characters weren't feminine enough. Merrily's reactions were hysterical at some times, masculine at others. She just didn't seem real.

Overall, this novel could benefit from an editor. I gave it my best shot, but I lost interest. 2 Stars.

Very good story, kept me very engaged, a little mom-teenager relationship, a little magical older woman stuff, some very dark characters, mysterious and just the right amount of suspense.

Interesting story from a century before woven through. The main character, who is a Church of England priest, is very contemporary and thoughtful and someone who I could relate too. I like her character.

I really liked the characters, the town, and the mystery. Good listen!

I have a new series I love!! Great story! Great mystery! Great bits of British humor sprinkled about. If you like mystery, subtle supernatural stuff you'll like this series. I love Merrily's teenage daughter Jane.

The story was slow and steady. Never got too excited by the story but it held my interest. Really liked characters and would listen to another story by author