In the Garden of Aeden

In the Garden of Aeden

Father Christopher (Chris) Tosi, a handsome young cleric is assigned to St. Aeden Church under the tutelage of long time pastor Father Bernard (Bernie) Monahan.  The wise and witty older priest credits an increase in parish membership to the creation of Father Chris's meditation garden, which has earned critical acclaim throughout the town of Wexford Falls, Connecticut, conferring near celebrity status on Father Chris.  Over the past few years the two priests have become fast friends, playing off of each other's differences, but that is about to change.

For the past ten years at Christmas time Father Chris has been plagued by recurring nightmares of a tragic accident he believes he could have prevented.  His peace of mind is further eroded when two invaders appear in his prayer garden. Aleks Powers Whitford, a spurned girl friend of Father Tosi's, dredges up frightening allegations from his high school days.  And Glory Sterling, a wealthy teen-aged vixen, begins her plan to win his affection after spotting his photo in the newspaper.  Her antics continue, jeopardizing Father's Tosi's reputation and threatening Father Bernie's health and well-being.

This novel features a cast of Wexford Falls area characters, drawn into the lives of Fathers Chris and Bernie at St. Aeden's, where loyalties are tested in the face of betrayals, and the very stability of the family is shaken. "Garden" is abound with the consequences of lies and misconceptions and crises fueled by guilt.  The value of true friendship is put to the test in this town where everyone thinks they really know one another, and where a well-intentioned priest in the twenty-first century can be maligned by just the hint of an accusation.