The Hardest Thing to Do (The Hawk and the Dove) by Penelope Wilcock

The story of monks in a monastery doesn't conjure up much excitement, so I wasn't sure what to think of the book when I first picked it up (it's about monastic life in the 1300's) but was pleasantly surprised with it. It was a great read, and while the main focus is on a group of monks in a monastery, the subject matter spans other genres. Two competing (this is a trilogy book, and since I never read the previous volumes, I didn't enjoy the knowledge of the past history) monastic sects are involved, and there is a great mystery with a fire and a monk who has escaped. 

The newly elected Abbot has to take leadership, show compassion, and learn his new duties all at the same time. And when a perceived enemy comes to their door, the group of monks must make a decision. And each person goes through "the hardest thing". The characters were well defined, and while I had no previous knowledge of the characters histories (not having read the previous books), there was enough in the book through dialog and actions that told the readers how they interacted as younger men. 

Enjoyable read. While obviously being Christian-based, it has cross-over appeal. Note: there is also a glossary at the end of terms used in the book.

Enjoy,

Renee Shelton
Succotash Reviews
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Renee Shelton - Sand and Succotash Blog
Twitter: @121degreesC