Instruct: Classify the given review as either positive or negative.
Query: Spiritual insights, good story.

I am a huge fan of the Starbridge series by Howatch and this book continues many of the characters from that series. However, this work stands on its own-- you could read it without having read the prior series. Howatch has keen insight into the struggles and strengths of people of faith. She tells their stories in an accurate and compassionate way. For me, every book she has written about the people of Starbridge-- and now St. Benet's in London--is a page turner.