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I am privileged to be a volunteer at a delightful National Trust mediaeval Manor, near where I live in Newton Abbot. I mention this because as a volunteer, and as someone who delights in the history, atmosphere, stories, and of course the people past and present who have enjoyed or left their mark there, this short story is a moving tribute to all of those things.

A delight for anyone, but especially perhaps for anyone who is a volunteer, in any walk of life, and for anyone who appreciates history and very good story telling.

Beautifully written, The Alabaster Angel is a moving atmospheric story through the ages; Rosemary brings both the history, the building, of course The Angel itself, and her characters perfectly to life. It is an easy and absorbing read with a clever balance of history, imagination and story telling combined.

At the start of her story in 1428 I truly felt that I was that young boy holding his craftsman father’s hand. Later, and perhaps inspired by feeling so immersed in her story, my mind travelled easily through history with Rosemary’s imagination and clever writing.

Of course I too felt a comforting familiarity and “spirit of place”; perhaps because of my happy time spent in such a similar old house and chapel, but for readers without this shared experience, Rosemary’s narrative and talent for bringing both objects, buildings, nature and people to life will ensure everyone can “feel” and be moved by The Alabaster Angel. The last segment brought me to tears, but in a good way!

An enjoyable, sometimes humorous, engaging, and emotional read, The Alabaster Angel is a gentle story well written that cleverly combines history and fiction to make compelling storytelling. Enjoy with a nice cup of tea!

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