Dear Sister Teresa
Spain, 1561. Sister Teresa, a beautiful nun in midlife, is teaching in her community as well as participating in life at her convent. This fictional story is inspired in part by the writings of Saint Teresa of Avila, the famous Spanish nun, mystic, author, teacher and administrator.
In Sister Teresa’s gatherings with the community, villagers speak out on marital discord, recovery from the Crusades and women’s rights. Teresa is summoned to Madrid by the Inquisition to account for her unorthodox community activities.
Her Inquisitor confronts her with the charge that she is teaching “sex education” without the sanction of the Church. Teresa produces letters from the villagers praising her work among them. The Inquisitor gives Teresa permission to continue her work among the troubled villagers.
Sister Teresa returns to the convent with a lighter heart.
Then she receives a letter from her widowed father asking her to visit him. Thus, Teresa embarks on another journey away from the convent. Along the way she encounters a man who is to change her life.
The Painter's Eye
London, 1901. An American painter arrives in London, befriended by a British gentleman who dreams of becoming a respected art dealer. The dealer-friend has a list of wealthy prospective clients but the American painter has an eye for the ladies, including married ladies like a mysterious former actress.
Bridgerton (2020), the limited series on Netflix, is comparable in theme. This book is comparable in period and style with Martin Scorcese’s film, The Age of Innocence.
