Montesereno

The Chaplain’s Garden

Little could Darby Peterson have anticipated the intensity of the challenge his friend Garnett Nelson's invitation would command. Due to a medical condition that requires Nelson's urgent attention, Nelson urges his long-time friend, Darby, to serve as the host and counselor of his Villa during his absence. The Villa, known as Montesereno, is committed to providing rest and renewal for its many clients and guests, suffering from a variety of contemporary disorders. Many who come are obsessed with bipolar anomalies, alcohol and anger issues, along with depression and sexual addictions. Darby recognizes the invitation requires counseling skills that he frankly lacks, as his field is philosophy; nonetheless, he accepts, inasmuch as Garnett has always wanted him to join his staff because of his "friendly and open-minded" nature and background as a "Renaissance man" and "conversationalist." Thus Darby takes a leave of absence from his position as chair of his Atlanta University's department of philosophy for however long Garnett should need him. What Darby cannot know is that his new role will become permanent. Adding to the mystique of his decision, if not contributing to its ultimate success, is the discovery of the Villa's clients of Darby's background as an ex-priest, tormented by his own past, divorce, and quest for love and healing. That the Villa is located in the scenic mountains of North Carolina, along its panoramic Parkway, adds to the wholeness and solace that Nature makes possible. There is ample love and challenge, as well as magic and mending in this story for every reader.