A Miracle for St. Cecilia's is a heartwarming story that all lovers of Christian fiction will find uplifting and entertaining. St. Cecilia's, an old, outdated Catholic Church in a small New England town, is about to be closed down, much to the dismay of the faithful townsfolk. What will become of Father James Flaherty and the aging Father Keene-and what of the flock? When faith and hope endure, even miracles are possible.
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"This is a Catholic version of the Mitford series. The similarities are many, including a quote in book two by the sheriff, "Dorsetville takes care of its own." The author writes much more openly about the supernatural than Jan Karon does. If you can get past the rosaries, Hail Marys, and genuflecting, you'll enjoy being transported to a quaint New England village. Definitely a "gentle read.""
— Judith (4 out of 5 stars)
“A heartwarming affirmation of the power of faith…Sure to please.”
— Jennifer Chiaverini, New York Times bestselling author“Valentine’s prose is readable, and unlike most Christian fiction, this novel features devout Catholics, who resemble their fictional Protestant counterparts in every way except one: they drink.”
— Publishers Weekly“A warmly affirming story…A beguiling mix of characters in a sunny story that faithfully emphasizes the positive. Sweet soul food.”
— Kirkus Reviews“Break forth into singing! Here is a story of faith and community and hope beyond hope.”
— Lynne Hinton, author of Friendship Cake and Garden of Faith" I loved this book, to the point that I stayed up way too late to finish reading it. Really cared about the characters and the church and was thrilled with the way things unfolded. "
— Joanne, 2/4/2014" Okay, first, you must remember what kind of book this is. It's goody-goody, cozy and non-excitable. I loved the fact it was about Catholics AND it wasn't portraying us in a bad light, just ordinary Christians, practicing their faith. I thought the author did a commendable job of gently explaining "Catholic Stuff". The premise of the story was awesome. The only failure here was she could have taken it a little further. For example: Dear wifey, working, taking care of her cancer suffering husband, is feeling hopeless and suddenly there's a marrow match and that's the last we hear of it. Lots in the first part, none in the second....this sort of thing broke the continuity. Plus I would have liked to know more about the characters. "
— Thalia, 1/27/2014" Really enjoyed reading this book ~ it was uplifting and hopeful. The writing was friendly, the characters were believable, and the storyline was great. Would recommend to anyone! "
— Peachy~Bebe, 1/27/2014" This book was amazing! I loved Katherine Valentine's close knit community and have officially decided that I am inserting myself into this book and living there for the rest of my life. "
— Juliana, 1/25/2014" A series I found by chance on the library shelves and have really enjoyed. The audio edition isn't listed here. "
— Pam, 1/19/2014" St. Cecilia's has been in Dorsetville forever, but with a dwindling population and no money for upkeep, it's time for the church to close. Catholic-based, lots of prayers, but a warm story of the people who make up the community. "
— Nancy, 1/9/2014" The characters come alive in this book whose story contains a great message of faith and hope. "
— Janet, 12/31/2013" Was looking for something similar to Jan Karon's books. This was enjoyable; I will be reading more. "
— Ishki, 12/17/2013" Fun, light read in the Christian fic genre. "
— Elizabeth, 12/17/2013" I like books about quirky people in small towns (Mitford series, First Ladies Detective series, Harmony series etc.) and this is definitely in that vein. However, I just thought it was OK - not terribly interesting. I don't think I will go any further into this series. "
— Julie, 12/5/2013" I really enjoyed this uplifting, faith filled book. It is filled with lovely characters and seemed to me to be a realistic portrait of a close community. I cried with sadness and with joy throughout the book. It's message of hope and faith came at a perfect time for me. "
— Lara, 12/2/2013" Sort of a Roman Catholic version of Jan Karon's Mitford series, a fun light read. "
— Michele, 11/29/2013" Very much like the Jan Karon's Mitford books. If you like those, you will like these. Especially enjoyable if you live in CT! "
— Kathrine, 11/20/2013" This book wants to be Mitford, but its definitely not. I enjoyed it, but didn't love it. "
— Rebecca, 11/3/2013" I love this heartwarming tale about carrying on with hope in the midst of setbacks and trials. A beautiful story about faith! "
— Dawn, 8/24/2013" I first read this series about 5 years ago and loved them all. This one was just as good the second time around. Some have called them a "Catholic Mitford" series. I haven't read the Mitford books but the characters in this series are very endearing. "
— Karen, 6/29/2013" Enjoyable small town and the sweet miracles in the Catholic faith. "
— Babbittj, 6/23/2013" This small town tale has its share of interesting characters (what small town doesn't?) and is a great light read. "
— Clare, 5/31/2013" This book about the people in Dorsetville trying to save their church from closing had appealing characters. Nevertheless, I found the book altogether too preachy. This book was supposed to be a novel but it read like a religious tract. "
— Lisa, 2/3/2013" What a fabulous book this was to read. It was a bit tough at the beginning but as you met the characters and got to know them, the story began to flow. This book will go to my list of favorite stories!! "
— Sandra, 12/21/2012" It was a little too religious for me, but I finished. I probably won't read another one by her. I liked the characters and the story was pretty good. At least it kept me reading so I could see how it would turn-out. Everything was a little too perfect. "
— Sherry, 12/1/2012" So good! It was uplifting, light, and easy... A winner for me. "
— Jennifer, 10/1/2012" Great for summer reading. It is a light and enjoyable read. It is very uplifting. The story about how the author came to write this book is interesting. "
— Deborah, 8/3/2012" I was happy to find an inspirational fiction book centered around Catholicism because they are hard to find. It was a quick read, full of dialogue. It was a heartwarming story with kind and thoughtful characters. Lighter, gentle reading that wasn't overly preachy. "
— Jennifer, 3/23/2012" My favorite part of the books in this series is the Catholic faith of the characters. The stories have Catholicism woven throughout, in an everyday sort of way. "
— Rose, 8/17/2011" Read the Jan Karon books, and this series was recommended to me at our local Catholic store, since I enjoyed those. I found this to be as enjoyable as the Karon books. This is a wonderful series, with a charming town and inhabitants. Great to find something like this with the Catholic background. "
— Stacy, 6/29/2011" Very much like the Jan Karon's Mitford books. If you like those, you will like these. Especially enjoyable if you live in CT! "
— Kathrine, 5/24/2011" I was happy to find an inspirational fiction book centered around Catholicism because they are hard to find. It was a quick read, full of dialogue. It was a heartwarming story with kind and thoughtful characters. Lighter, gentle reading that wasn't overly preachy. "
— Jennifer, 4/7/2011" What a fabulous book this was to read. It was a bit tough at the beginning but as you met the characters and got to know them, the story began to flow. This book will go to my list of favorite stories!! "
— Sandra, 9/19/2010" St. Cecilia's has been in Dorsetville forever, but with a dwindling population and no money for upkeep, it's time for the church to close. Catholic-based, lots of prayers, but a warm story of the people who make up the community. "
— Nancy, 5/15/2010" I loved this book, to the point that I stayed up way too late to finish reading it. Really cared about the characters and the church and was thrilled with the way things unfolded. "
— Joanne, 3/2/2010" I love this heartwarming tale about carrying on with hope in the midst of setbacks and trials. A beautiful story about faith! "
— Dawn, 8/30/2009" This book was amazing! I loved Katherine Valentine's close knit community and have officially decided that I am inserting myself into this book and living there for the rest of my life. "
— Juliana, 6/24/2009" Was looking for something similar to Jan Karon's books. This was enjoyable; I will be reading more. "
— Ishki, 2/10/2009" Really enjoyed reading this book ~ it was uplifting and hopeful. The writing was friendly, the characters were believable, and the storyline was great. Would recommend to anyone! "
— Peachy~Bebe, 1/10/2009" My favorite part of the books in this series is the Catholic faith of the characters. The stories have Catholicism woven throughout, in an everyday sort of way. "
— Rose, 1/1/2009" Great for summer reading. It is a light and enjoyable read. It is very uplifting. The story about how the author came to write this book is interesting. "
— Deborah, 12/2/2008" I like books about quirky people in small towns (Mitford series, First Ladies Detective series, Harmony series etc.) and this is definitely in that vein. However, I just thought it was OK - not terribly interesting. I don't think I will go any further into this series. "
— Julie, 10/20/2008" Sort of a Roman Catholic version of Jan Karon's Mitford series, a fun light read. "
— Michele, 3/27/2008" I really enjoyed this uplifting, faith filled book. It is filled with lovely characters and seemed to me to be a realistic portrait of a close community. I cried with sadness and with joy throughout the book. It's message of hope and faith came at a perfect time for me. "
— Lara, 1/24/2008Katherine Valentine is the author of A Miracle for St. Cecilia’s, winner of an honorable mention by the Catholic Press Association; A Gathering of Angels, winner of a Popular Presentation Award of the Catholic Faith from the Catholic Press Association; Grace Will Lead Me Home; and On a Wing and a Prayer.
Ron McLarty is a veteran actor of television, film, and stage as well as an award-winning audiobook narrator. He has more than 100 television appearances to his credit, including as a series regular on Spencer for Hire and Law & Order. His film career began in 1977 with a performance in The Sentinel and continued with such films as The Postman, Flamingo Kid, and, most recently, How Do You Know? His stage credits include Broadway and other productions. He has narrated more than 100 audiobooks, earning nine Earphones Awards and recognition by AudioFile magazine as a Best Voice in Mystery & Suspense in 2009 and 2010. He has twice been a finalist for the prestigious Audie Awards and then won the award in 2001 for Best Mystery Narration. He is also an accomplished playwright and an acclaimed novelist.