Amanda Rutherford leads an idealistic life. The daughter of a wealthy, aristocratic family in Devonshire, England, Amanda has been taught from an early age that she can make a difference in the world, despite her status as a female during the turn of the twentieth century.

Her father, Sir Charles Rutherford, Lord of Heathersleigh, is a man of the times, rearing his children to be active participants in a society of intellectualism. Christianity is a crutch to this self-made man, something that he cannot imagine embracing until a chance encounter with a minister changes his life—and his family’s destiny—forever.

As time passes, young Amanda quickly blossoms into an opinionated thinker, ready to challenge the very existence of the faith now adopted by her family. But winds of change are swirling on the horizon as England heads for World War I.

Before she realizes it, Amanda is swept into a turbulent tide of danger and intrigue as a mysterious stranger vies for her loyalty and love. A long-buried secret surfaces, only to threaten her childhood home at Heathersleigh. War and treason engulfs those around her, forcing Amanda to flee for her life. But most importantly, a loving Saviour continues to knock on the door of her heart.

This modern retelling of the Prodigal Son captured my attention from the opening pages. From the pen of author, historian, and Christian apologist Michael Phillips comes this epic drama. The plot is superb, but the real gem is the Christian doctrines prevalent throughout the books. Phillips tackles many heavy subject matters, such as the sovereignty of God, the mysteries of God’s will, gender equality, forgiveness, and most importantly, the depth of Christ’s love.

I am usually hesitant to label a book as life-changing, but this series is some of the best fiction I have ever read. It challenged my beliefs (in a very good way) and helped me gain a clearer picture of God’s everlasting love. Like all books, you might not agree with each one of Phillips’ beliefs, but overall I can truthfully say I have never read fiction that moved me more than the Secrets of Heathersleigh Hall. I laughed, I cried, and I prayed my way through these books.

This series is not for those looking for lite fare or a quick read. The opening book Wild Grows the Heather in Devon is 448 pages—very similar to the length of each of the other three. But this journey is well worth the time and effort as you uncover the Secrets of Heathersleigh Hall.

The Secrets of Heathersleigh Hall series is available at Amazon.