In this contemporary romance and suspense novel, England’s Ely Cathedral comes into bold relief, affecting the lives of a host of characters as if the Cathedral were a character itself. It has been said that the Octagon “has the power to move all sorts and conditions of men.” For many of the characters in this novel, this becomes a powerful and all-encompassing reality.
In The Top of the Octagon, Fran is a beautiful young singer from the United States who is crushed in spirit and sick with guilt. She is released from her feelings of devastation by a most extraordinary woman whom she encounters in Ely Cathedral. Just when she seems to have a chance for genuine happiness with her new love Tom, Fran’s joy is suddenly put on hold. With his half-brother Brendan’s future in the balance, Tom finds himself thrust into the center of a conspiracy by Irish terrorists against the Cathedral. As he attempts to foil the plot, Tom teeters between life and death. On a dark and foggy night on the grounds of Ely, the most extraordinary woman returns. Tom’s life and the course of Fran’s future rest in her hands.
Colleen Lumadue has written short stories, children’s stories, and skits for talent shows, while conducting a children’s choir for nine years. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband. In addition to spending time with their beloved family, she and her husband love to travel. A few years ago, during a trip to England, she discovered Ely Cathedral and was completely possessed by that place, as well as with the life of St. Etheldreda. She simply had to write the novel that had grown in her heart. She is an avid reader and loves music. She and her husband have sung for many years with Jubilate Deo, a professional chorus.
After entering the Cathedral, and feeling awe at the grandeur of the whole, Fran noticed a statue of Christ to her left. It was of bronze. It was a newer addition to the Cathedral, a twentieth century statue. The hands of Christ were opened and reaching out. Fran saw in this statue what the artist had tried conveying—a message to modern man. God was here for man in this century, just as He had been for man hundreds of years ago. Fran felt a flatness and sorrow that the faith that was once such a part of her existed no longer. She lowered her eyes and tried to concentrate on something practical. She forced her attention to the gray marble floor with its large white diamond design and on the different patterns on the other parts of the entrance floor. Startled, Fran saw a pair of sandaled feet standing close to her. She hadn’t heard or noticed anyone approaching. The woman standing beside her had eyes the color of cornflower blue. She looked at Fran with such warmth and kindness that Fran felt bewildered. The woman was wearing a light brown dress with a small yellow flowered print. The simplicity of the dress was perfect for her. Her hair was straight and long, to the shoulder. It was a natural pale yellow, worn plainly back. Her skin was pale and soft and her features were classically beautiful. At first, Fran thought the woman to be young, about her own age. Yet, there was a serenity about her that made her seem older—or ageless.
Etheldreda had been standing close to the entrance, watching as Fran came in with the other visitors. She soon realized that Fran was not a part of the group but was quite alone. She observed Fran’s movements and saw the look of strained sadness on the face of the lovely young woman; without question, this was the time. This was the special person who needed her help. Their eyes met. Fran felt somewhat disconcerted that the woman’s stare was so intense and personal. Fran could not know the joy Etheldreda was feeling that this meeting had happened and she was finally being seen.