Five years from now, the Church of England is on its knees. Yet one woman is making a difference, and when she is appointed Archbishop of Canterbury, anything could happen.

Vicky Burnham-Woods is a master of diplomacy, and deeply committed to bringing the church back into the heart of community and cultural life - but not everyone wants a woman at the top, and behind the scenes dark forces are moving.

Can the first ever female Archbishop of Canterbury last long enough to achieve her mission?

In a shock move for the Church of England, a female Archbishop of Canterbury is appointed. What happens when the stained glass ceiling is shattered?

About the Author
Michele Guinness is a well-known speaker and the bestselling author of The Guinness Spirit, Is God Good for Women?, Autumn Leave and, most recently, Archbishop. She worked for many years as a broadcast journalist, then in PR for the NHS, eventually heading up NHS communications for Cumbria and Lancashire. She is now retired with two children and three grandchildren, and divides her time between Kent and France with her husband, Canon Peter Guinness.

Reviews

I love how Michele brings history into the story of the church and weaves it into fiction.

There's also intrigue, it shows the church in all its messiness and political maneuvering and grassroots humanity.

I thought she was fantastic in portraying our church story in an accessible and interesting way. It comes to a fascinating end. It is possible, it will happen."

Rev'd Ruth Scott
In conversation with Clare Balding on BBC Radio 2 Sunday

-- Rev'd Ruth Scott * BBC Radio 2 *
A novel about the appointment of the Church of England's first female archbishop is bound to cause a stir. And even more so when it's published bang in the middle of the Church of England's General Synod. * The Kentish Gazette *
This is significant book at a significant time. I was gripped right from the first page. Being party to the discussions and negotiations surrounding the choosing of the next archbishop grabbed my attention and made it feel like I'd been allowed to enter a world that so few get to see...The book is immense and covers some huge themes. -- Claire Musters * Christian Today *
Guinness melds her skill as a journalist and a storyteller to good effect, producing something of a thriller... From the dramatic opening paragraph it hooked me... Throughly enjoyable -- Clem Jackson * Together Magazine *
When Vicky Burnham-Woods emerges as the compromise choice as Archbishop of Canterbury in 2020, she faces an enormous challenge...[T]hough politically liberal, her conservative theology brings her into conflict with a Government determined to force through gay marriage and outlaw religious teaching. The way [Vicky] tackles these problems makes enthralling reading, particularly as it becomes apparent that there are forces working to discredit her. -- Book Reviews * Townswoman *
[T]hat intangible barrier of prejudice which continues to prevent many women getting to the top of their professions [...] Writing gave [Michele] license to take a hammer to it as she tells the story of the first female Archbishop in Canterbury. -- Chris Hunter * Sittingbourne Messenger *
If you read only one novel this year, make it Archbishop. It has intrigue, social comment, complex characters, and a plot that builds through the use of flashbacks ... It is a brilliant take on what British society could look like in the future ... One not to miss. * Christianity Magazine *
Guinness gets the Church of England and portrays it very well . . . So full marks to Guinness on research. Few could have done it better . . . The plot is great -- Jo Ind * Third Way *
Michele Guinness has an important and relevant story to tell: of the interaction of the Church both with politicians running the country, and with powerful businessmen, whose political manipulation, and (in some cases) corruption, cheating, and tax-dodging, plague society -- Peggy Woodford * The Church Times *
Michele Guinness has an important and relevant story to tell -- Peggy Woodford * The Church Times *
A touch of intrigue and Michele's inimitable sense of humour ... a book which is difficult to put down. -- Anne Shakeshaft * Woman Alive *
Another great read from Michele Guinness; this book tells the story of the first female Archbishop of Canterbury. Set a few years in the future, it charts Vicky's progress from aspiring vicar to being offered the top job in the Church of England. Add to this a touch of intrigue and Michele's inimitable sense of humour and you have a book which is difficult to put down. -- Pam Teal * Woman Alive *
As a history of the Church of England in the last 30 years, Archbishop has its points and would be a thought provoking choice for a book club wanting to discuss the nature of fiction. -- Jackie Wilkin * WI Life *
A lengthy and lively read. * Magnet Magazine *



Book Information
ISBN 9781444753363
Author Michele Guinness
Format Hardback
Page Count 560
Imprint Hodder & Stoughton Ltd
Publisher Hodder & Stoughton General Division
Weight(grams) 854g
Dimensions(mm) 240mm * 155mm * 47mm