If Only

Castles

by Tracie J. Peterson, Tracie Peterson

The year is 1349, the place, England. As the bubonic shadow across the land, Mary Beckett finds herself alone and desperate. Her father, a physician who has been accused of consorting with the devil, has been murdered. Even her own interest in medicine has brought cries of witchcraft. Mary's only hope is to journey north to the home of her godly grandmother, a woman her father once rejected. Doctors and pilgrims will cross her path, and, last but not least, Peter Donne, a knight on a mission from the king. Hundreds will beg her to heal them. Will Mary Beckett, a lonely pilgrim herself, find a way to help her people and herself? If only she could reach her grandmother's home, if only she could find her own way to God...

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Medieval, Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction

170 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Also known as Tracie Peterson

Reviews

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is set in England in 1349 during the Bubonic/Black plague, or Italian plague as it was also referred to in this book. Many people (a third) died of the disease, but they also were killed because of the teachings of the Catholic church & other superstitions the people held. The main character is a girl who's father is killed because he his a physician & the local people forget that he has tried to help them in the past, & have decided that they are dying because of him. This is a story of the girl's travels through England to her grandmother's home, although they have never met.

[Katherine | readbykatherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, published by Heartsong, was actually pretty good. Cheesy, yes. However it was not overly ridiculous. I loved how the author used knowledge of the dark ages to help the story feel more real. Themes include faith, science, family roles, God's love and forgiveness, family, death and sickness, motherhood and love.

[Margaret Chind]

[Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. I loved that author set the story in 1349 England during the bubonic plague, they really managed to convey the time and place very well. I liked both Mary and Peter and their relationship was so sweet. A lovely story all around.

[Natasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

If Only is set in England and at the time of a destroying plague. A young healer, Mary, flees when her father is taken into the hands of angry villagers who think he is consorting with the devil. There is only one place she can go- to the grandmother she has never even seen; she may even be dead. On the way, she takes a newly orphaned baby into her care, and when she stops at a monastery that is nearly taken over by the plague, she meets a boy- and a knight, Peter, who is ill. Along the way, they take in more and more orphans and grow affectionate for each other.

But Peter's past was filled with rich woman who would give him all the comfort he wanted with their wealth... will he choose Mary, a mere healer with no silver of gold to offer? Or has he truly changed with his rebirth in Christ?
Will Mary believe that Peter's love for her is beyond riches and the frivolous women of court?

This book proved entertaining like A Kingdom Divided, though I might have liked that one more... Just my preference. It was a sweet romance. (:
teen\adult

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Car book

[Andrea Cox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute found-family story. A bit overly dramatic at times. Charming kids.

[Melani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book set in the 1300's. I like reading historical fiction.