Mark is the master of the short story. These are powerful tales which speak directly to the heart and soul, allowing us to eavesdrop on events which were to shape the destiny of the world. ~ Barbara Erskine, International Bestseller

You are about to be enchanted. You are about to say 'Why didn't I ever think of it that way?' You are about to be invited to think spiritually, and I think that is the true and deepest meaning of contemplation. You are about to be invited into divine union, ironically by struggling with the disorder, the humor, the inconsistency, the freedom that God has to break God's own rules. The word for that is mercy. The word for that is forgiveness. The word for that is grace. You will feel it, and know it, in this book. As we call forth more writers and magicians like Fr. Mark, we might just discover a whole new meaning to priesthood. We cannot just do priestly work at the altar, with official sacraments, but we must be helped to sacramentalize every level of our lives. You have a good helper here. ~ Fr. Richard Rohr, O.F.M., Center for Action and Contemplation

To be a true bard is a spiritual calling and in many ways every priest needs to have a bit of the bard in him. Mark Townsend is such a priest and a bard. If these stories and others like them were to be told, or even read, in Church, perhaps in place of sermons, we might see a tide of joyful renewal sweep through the old institutions. Full of fresh inspiration these enchanting stories bring the ancient wisdom to life. ~ Rt Revd Alistair Bate, Independent Liberal Catholic Fellowship

It is a magician's gift to engage with the spiritual and unexplained and Mark is one of the most gifted. As a magician Mark is well used to connecting people with their spiritual self and in this latest book he works his magic again. He introduces us into the company of some of the characters from the gospels and in so doing we are introduced to a part of ourselves, to a part of our story and are offered the chance to think afresh, to get a new perspective, to see another way through the events and experiences of our unique life. ~ Fr. Gerry Proctor

Mark Townsend has managed to bring the people at the heart of those tales alive and you will be touched by the truth and insight into human and divine nature they reflect. This is a book that will appeal to all those who would like to have a closer and slightly different look at the New Testament stories and the figure of Jesus Christ as well as to everyone who just enjoys a good tale! There's only one problem: once you start reading, you might not want to stop. ~ Dr. Heike Killet-Pitt