SALISBURY-BORN author Susan Howatch is revisiting one of her most celebrated novels with a fully revised edition of the second book in her acclaimed Starbridge series.

Originally published in 1988, the series is praised for its nuanced exploration of Christian faith and the history of the Church of England across the 20th century.

Glamorous Powers follows Jon Darrow, a former naval officer chaplain turned monk with psychic gifts.

When a powerful vision calls him to leave his monastery, Darrow embarks on a perilous journey that tests his faith and courage.

Readers are invited to follow his struggle: should he embrace the complexities and moral chaos of the world, or retreat further into the safety of solitude?

Susan, whose Starbridge novels are both critically acclaimed and commercially successful, revisited Glamorous Powers in 2017 and realised there was more to tell.

“Readers had been asking her for years for more information about Father Darcy, Jon Darrow’s spiritual advisor, so she decided now was the time to tell the missing part of the story,” says publishers.

The extensively revised edition, five years in the making, adds new layers to Darrow’s journey.

Described as ‘part psychological thriller, part spiritual journey’, it explores the monk’s efforts to reconcile his mystical gifts with his very human heart.

The book is aimed at both original fans and newcomers to the Starbridge series.

It promises “historical fiction at its emotional and thought-provoking best: an unforgettable tale of self-discovery, passion, human frailty, faith, and an epic quest for forgiveness and redemption”.

Glamorous Powers will be published by Whitefox on January 29, priced at £25 for the hardback edition.