Genre

Historical Fiction, Romance

Audience

Adults, Secular, Christian, Catholic

Author’s Worldview

Catholic

Year Published

2023

Themes

Early Britain, Northumberland, marriage, saints, needlework, falconry, kingship, statecraft, love, discernment, loyalty, right relationships, St. Hilda, St. Cuthbert

 

Reviewed by

Corinna Turner

Hilda has lived her life in the shadow of her beautiful, vivacious sister, Elswyth. Despite Elswyth’s recent kidnapping by Vikings, Hilda still cannot escape her sister’s legacy—or her destiny. For it is now Hilda, with no accolade to her name other than that of being the best needlewoman in Northumbria, who must marry the Ealdorman’s son and heir, Anfaeld. But Anfaeld’s parents will seize any excuse to set aside the advantageous match that Hilda’s mother so desperately desires. When Anfaeld’s mother explains the life of an Ealdorman’s wife—constant travel, constant social duties, no time for embroidery—Hilda makes up her mind almost on the spot to enter a convent instead. But a wise abbess insists that first, she discover why Anfaeld wants to marry her. As a web of truth and lies unravels with potentially deadly consequences, will Elswyth destroy Hilda’s happiness yet again?

Needle of Avocation is the third Cuthbert’s People book, and the strongest book of a strong series. Certainly, readers who like a little hope and happiness in their historical fiction, and who enjoy a strong character arc will relish this powerful story.

Needle of Avocation is even more character-driven than the previous two novels. Most of the drama is social and interpersonal, although the very real threat of a bloodbath of revenge hangs over the entire book. One of the chief pleasures of the book is watching a previously constrained character unfurl and bloom, and begin to become all she can be. The theme of vocation is discreet and very well-handled.

Reading this book also provides an interesting insight into aspects of Elswyth that were not apparent in the first two books. Elswyth haunts this third book too, yet by the end, Hilda has finally shaken off her sister’s shadow and become her own woman. Hilda is certainly a far from perfect character, but she is more level-headed and more inherently virtuous than Elswyth. Indeed, the difference in the ending of this book as opposed to that of the previous two (explicitly Elswyth-focused) books cannot but bring to mind reflections on the just rewards of virtue.

The novel has strong secondary characters, especially Abbess Wynflaed and King Eardwulf from book 2, as well as excellent new characters like Anfaeld and Queen Claennis. The characters are multifaceted and imperfect, but Baker makes the reader identify with, and care about them. As usual, the historicity of Baker’s worldview feels very real and compelling, with no anachronistic attitudes forced in.

This book would be suitable for all fans of serious historical fiction who are happy with a significant romantic plotline. Most secular readers with an interest in the period will have no issues with this book. Although Christianity is a significant part of the backdrop of life in the novel, it is not discussed in as much detail as in the earlier books. Both Protestant and Catholic readers are likely to find certain characters’ preoccupation with virtue and truth of particular interest. Most teens would enjoy this book as much as adults, although it is not a YA novel (not because of significant sexual content but because of the complexity and subtlety of the themes addressed).

A very satisfying and page-turning conclusion (at least for now) to an unusually strong historical series.

McCracken and the Lost Oasis by Mark Adderley

A swashbuckling adventure into Catholic history and archeology.

Best of 2023 Book Awards

Our favorite books that we reviewed in 2023. If you want Catholic literature but don’t know where to start this, (and previous award winners) is the list for you.

The Light of Tara by John Desjarlais

As the power of Rome crumbles, a teenage St. Patrick must decide between his home and sacrificing himself for those who had enslaved him.

The Lost Vessel by Mark Adderley

McCracken joins a treasure hunt for Captain Nemo’s lost ship in this exciting adventure that adds another chapter to Jules Verne’s greatest creation.

May Books to Pray With: For the Formation of Religious & Seminarians

A list of books to deepen your prayers for the formation of religious vocations in the church. Grow your imagination and empathy through the power of story.

Night Prayer by Brother Bernard Seif, SMC, Ed.D., DNM

The Motto Suaviter Sed Fortiter (Gentle But Strong) informs this historical mystery novel about the founding of the Salesian spiritual family and its various branches.

Saint Michael: Above the 38th Parallel by Shanti Guy

The true story of St. Michael, the original punch-communism-in-the-face superhero

Treason by Dena Hunt

When the Queen Elizabeth’s agents are sent to investigate a small town, Protestant & Catholic alike must work together to avert tragedy.

November Books To Pray With: For Anyone Who Has Lost a Child

A book list for those who are grieving, and those praying for them.

Silence by Shusaku Endo

The story that introduced faith to one of the most secular nations on Earth

December Books to Pray With: Pilgrims of Hope

A Catholic book list focused on the theme of hope and sense of journey as we look toward the jubilee year of 2025. Use these entertaining fiction stories to deepen your prayer life and renew the virtue of hope.

Books to Pray with: January The Gift of Diversity

Every month in 2024 Pope Francis has a monthly prayer intention. Every month we will release a book list that will draw your heart and soul deeper into prayer on these topics.
January starts the year off with praying for and in thanks of the gift of diversity to the church.

The Table by Dennis Lambert

A table built by the grandfather of Jesus Christ survives the darkest moment in history to bring peace to a widowed musician

Why Reading Fiction Made Me a Better Catholic

How reading fiction became a crucial step in my conversion to the Catholic Church.

See No Evil; A Father Gabriel Mystery by Fiorella De Maria

In Post-WWII England, nearly everyone has something to hide—even kill for. Father Gabriel starts uncovering the truth, bringing souls the chance for redemption.

McCracken and the Lost Lady by Mark Adderley

McCracken gives us the grounded swashbuckling Catholic hero that our inner child has always wanted.

By Violence Unavenged by Annette Young

A Catholic Historical Epic to Rival The Sound of Music.

Saint Magnus: The Last Viking by Susan Peek

A young Viking Prince evades a warlord while finding his own harrowing path to sainthood.

For Those Fleeing Their Country: June Books to Pray With Series

A reading list to reflect on the plight of migrants and refugees. We pray that migrants fleeing from war or hunger, forced to undertake journeys full of danger and violence, find welcome and new opportunities in the countries that receive them.

Best of 2020

Yes some good things DID happen this year- Catholic creators have not let turmoil stop their mission.