Honor in the Dust by Gilbert Morris

Winslow Breed Series #1

In the moral confusion of the court of King Henry VIII, young Stuart Winslow has many choices to make--and lives depend on what he will choose.

Born in poverty when his father was forced to choose between the woman he loved and the wealth of his aristocratic family, the determined Stuart Winslow will go to any lengths to improve his social position. When his skills in weapons design and falconry secure a place for him in the court of King Henry VIII, he quickly learns that the court is really a wicked cauldron of vices, power plays, and temptations -- some of them very much to his liking.

When William Tyndale, an acquaintance of Stuart's, makes it known that his ambition is to translate the Bible into the language of the common man, the king opposes Tyndale's efforts and sentences him to death. If Stuart opposes the king in this, he will share the same fate. Is he willing to risk death at the stake for the sake of Christ? And how will he choose between the innocent Heather, who has long loved him, and the court wise Nell?

My Review:
It's seldom that I get to read about Tutor life in such wonderful detail. Included in this story are: King Henry's Progress, falconry, life in the mews, masques, and the various sports played during that time period. Politics and crimes abound in King Henry VIII's court. This Christian historical fiction is a delightful read.

The characters are quite believable. I really liked Stuart, even though there were times that I wanted to sit him down for a talk! Although historically correct, the ending cannot be easily guessed. This is the first in the trilogy; I cannot wait for the next novel! Discussion questions are included.

If you would like to read the first chapter, click here.

If you would like to buy a copy, click below.