Book excerpt: A contemporary version of the story of David and Bathsheba. When David Samuel, chairman of Globe Oil, a multinational oil company, becomes a widower, his world is turned upside down. His old friend, Nathan - also a work colleague - and his wife have provided support and care for him, as has his friend and colleague, Rich Hampton. Rich has recently married the beautiful Beth. Then David notices a beautiful girl on a train and is very attracted to her. Later it becomes devastatingly clear that this is the new Mrs Hampton. David plans to get Rich out of the way by sending him on an assignment abroad, and begins an affair with his wife; but Beth becomes pregnant. When conscientious Rich won't return home, there's only one solution in David's mind. he has Rich murdered. Played against a strong backdrop of good supporting characters (including Beth's sister, Cerys, whose husband has an affair and leaves her), Beth ultimately loses the baby. But David has an epiphany; fasting for the child and the woman he loves, he meets with God. He is a chastened and changed man. Beth too has her own experience with God, and throws herself into charitable work. At the end, they come together again, different, but still in love.