The Sabbatical: A Novel Hardcover – July 29, 2021

This book is both well written and interesting. The story is great. I just started writing something else, but I don't want to give away the story. I buy some books and borrow others. This is one I bought and will add to my library.

This is another deep story by Michael D. O’Brien, especially like The Father’s Tale. In fact, it’s about Professor Owen Whitfield, who helped Alex Graham look for his son, Andrew. As in that story, one is surprised to discover that aging doesn’t mean the end of adventures. Owen thought he was going to write his unpublishable book during his sabbatical, but the hand of providence placed in Romania attending a conference about the role of providence in history which happened to be the subject of his book. Little did he know that this was only the cover story of his mysterious host. Read the book!

Plenty of good dialogue. Beautifully crafted vignettes. Moving theme. I wanted more from the historical implications regarding The Carolingian era. Ultimately, who is in control? The Savior, of course! But who or what desires control? That is the question.

Michael O'Brien has written another powerful novel saying "prepare the way of the Lord." To those feeling beaten down by the world and spiritual warfare, O'Brien offers a tonic of hope and tough love. While this is another novel of ideas, there is enough action to make this a well-rounded book. "The Sabbatical" is everything O'Brien's fans could hope for; it could also be an accessible entry point for those who have not read his other books.

Once again Michael D. O'Brien delivers an engrossing and sobering tale. The veil between the realm of the Invisible and the material world thins to a gossamer thread that producing a fearful consideration of Providence amidst dedicated and chaotic Evil.

A wonderful allegory of the ultimate struggle between good the the forces of evil in our temporal existence. (Two more words, to make it a review. There, that’s eleven.)

Loved this book. Michael D O’Brien weaves beautiful spiritual truths into his fiction. I often see prophetic messages as well! A joy to read!

What more to say other than I almost cried when the journey ended, at least on paper. The addendums helped. When you are in Heaven praying for the rest of us here, struggling to remain faithful to the end so as to receive the crown of glory, pray send light into other souls constantly under attack, spiritually, physically, mentally. The struggles are intertwined. I would ask you to pray with me for those who suffer quietly, sitting in front of the Most Blessed Sacrament, with only tears for words. 🙏🏽