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The Undoing of Saint Silvanus
Only God knew why Jillian Slater agreed to return to New Orleans on the news that her father had finally drunk himself to death. It's not like they were close. She hadn't seen him--or her grandmother, the ice queen--in almost 20 years. But when Adella Atwater, the manager of her grandmother's apartment house, called and said Jillian's expenses would be paid if she'd fly in for the burial, a free trip to New Orleans was too intriguing to resist.
What Adella didn't tell her was that the apartment house wasn't a house at all and, whatever it was, bore the dead weight of a long and painful history. As soon as Jillian meets the odd assortment of renters and realizes that her grandmother had no idea she was coming, she hatches a plan to escape. But the investigation into her father's death quickly unfolds and Jillian is drawn into the lives of the colorful collection of saints and sinners who pass through Saint Silvanus. She soon discovers there is more at stake than she ever imagined. Who is behind the baffling messages and the strange relics left on the steps? Is it possible that her family is actually cursed? Or is it just this crazy old house that holds them all under its spell?
Jillian walks into a web of spiritual and personal danger borne out of her family's broken history, and despite Adella's wiliest efforts, only God himself can orchestrate the undoing of all that is going on at Saint Silvanus.
What Adella didn't tell her was that the apartment house wasn't a house at all and, whatever it was, bore the dead weight of a long and painful history. As soon as Jillian meets the odd assortment of renters and realizes that her grandmother had no idea she was coming, she hatches a plan to escape. But the investigation into her father's death quickly unfolds and Jillian is drawn into the lives of the colorful collection of saints and sinners who pass through Saint Silvanus. She soon discovers there is more at stake than she ever imagined. Who is behind the baffling messages and the strange relics left on the steps? Is it possible that her family is actually cursed? Or is it just this crazy old house that holds them all under its spell?
Jillian walks into a web of spiritual and personal danger borne out of her family's broken history, and despite Adella's wiliest efforts, only God himself can orchestrate the undoing of all that is going on at Saint Silvanus.
480 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2016
About the author
Beth Moore
343 books2,478 followersBeth Moore has written many best–selling books and is a dynamic teacher and a prolific Bible–study author whose public speaking engagements take her across the United States to challenge tens of thousands. Beth is focused on teaching women all over the world and is known and respected wherever she goes. She is a dedicated wife and mother of two adult daughters and lives in Houston, Texas, where she leads Living Proof Ministries and teaches an adult Sunday school class. Beth is one of the best known women in the evangelical Christian market.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 767 reviews
September 28, 2016
Having done every Bible study Beth Moore has ever written, I knew I loved her nonfiction. I had no idea what to expect from a fiction novel. She has not disappointed.
The story is wrapped around a murder mystery plot, but goes so much deeper. Into relationships, family dynamics, introspection. At the same time serious and funny, dark and light, and above all inspirational.
I only have one question. Beth, when does the sequel come out?
The story is wrapped around a murder mystery plot, but goes so much deeper. Into relationships, family dynamics, introspection. At the same time serious and funny, dark and light, and above all inspirational.
I only have one question. Beth, when does the sequel come out?
May 9, 2018
Full review now posted!
Rating: 3.5 stars, rounded up.
I went into this novel with a bit of hesitation. I’ve read many of Beth Moore’s Bible studies and been touched and illuminated them over the years. This book is Beth’s first attempt at writing fiction. I’ve always loved her writing style, which is full of character and makes reading non-fiction more fun. But I can only imagine how difficult transitioning from writing Bible studies to writing fiction must be, and to keep yourself from sounding preachy when you’re so used to, well, preaching.
However, I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised! The writing was engaging and funny, even if the plot was fairly dark. Knowing some of Beth’s story, that darkness was expected. As was the light and humor that permeated the darkness. I could feel her straining not to be preachy as she wrote, though there were a few places where that preachiness peeked through just a touch. But for the most part, Beth did a wonderful job of balancing her own opinions with those of her characters.
And those characters were so much fun! The tenants of Saint Sans are a motley crew with loads of personality. While the main character, Jillian, grated on me during the first half of the book, I understood the purpose. You can’t witness the growth of a character if they have no need to grow. Jillian definitely had that room, but thankfully she did indeed grow throughout the novel. The characters went through some terrible things, though they made a valiant effort to laugh in the face of adversity. I thought this was a beautiful quote about the pain of losing a loved one:
“The pain of a hard good-bye is the heart’s tribute to the privilege to love.”
Probably my favorite aspect of this book besides the humor was the setting. I love books set in my home state, and New Orleans is undoubtedly the cultural center of Louisiana. I have a soft spot for Southern novels that actually sound and feel quintessentially Southern throughout, and this one did. Beth is most definitely a Southern Belle, and that mix of sass and sweetness that are the defining characteristics of Southern ladies.
And she genuinely loves Jesus, which shines through in the last half of the novel. I thought that the growth of the spiritual element of the book felt natural, which isn’t always the case in Christian fiction. I love Jesus with all of my heart, but even I sometimes feel that Christian novels are heavy-handed when it comes to the faith aspect. Then there are others that don’t even really mention God at all, and I can’t see how they differ from novels outside of the Christian fiction genre. I thought this was well balanced.
All in all, I enjoyed this book. There were slow parts, and it occasionally felt just the slightest bit preachy. But even in that, I could feel her desire to communicate the love of Jesus that has radically altered her life, so that preachiness never reached heavy-handed or offensive levels. If Beth decides to write more fiction, I look forward to seeing how her writing changes and grow in this new genre. I’ll leave you with they words with which Beth closed her acknowledgements at the end of the book:
“Jesus loves us. He is not scandalized by our failures. He is not limited in what he can do with what’s left after family disasters. Nothing is beyond his redemption when he is invited in. No one with a whit of breath left is beyond the reach of his grace.”
For more of my reviews, as well as my own fiction and thoughts on life, check out my blog, Celestial Musings.
Rating: 3.5 stars, rounded up.
I went into this novel with a bit of hesitation. I’ve read many of Beth Moore’s Bible studies and been touched and illuminated them over the years. This book is Beth’s first attempt at writing fiction. I’ve always loved her writing style, which is full of character and makes reading non-fiction more fun. But I can only imagine how difficult transitioning from writing Bible studies to writing fiction must be, and to keep yourself from sounding preachy when you’re so used to, well, preaching.
However, I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised! The writing was engaging and funny, even if the plot was fairly dark. Knowing some of Beth’s story, that darkness was expected. As was the light and humor that permeated the darkness. I could feel her straining not to be preachy as she wrote, though there were a few places where that preachiness peeked through just a touch. But for the most part, Beth did a wonderful job of balancing her own opinions with those of her characters.
And those characters were so much fun! The tenants of Saint Sans are a motley crew with loads of personality. While the main character, Jillian, grated on me during the first half of the book, I understood the purpose. You can’t witness the growth of a character if they have no need to grow. Jillian definitely had that room, but thankfully she did indeed grow throughout the novel. The characters went through some terrible things, though they made a valiant effort to laugh in the face of adversity. I thought this was a beautiful quote about the pain of losing a loved one:
“The pain of a hard good-bye is the heart’s tribute to the privilege to love.”
Probably my favorite aspect of this book besides the humor was the setting. I love books set in my home state, and New Orleans is undoubtedly the cultural center of Louisiana. I have a soft spot for Southern novels that actually sound and feel quintessentially Southern throughout, and this one did. Beth is most definitely a Southern Belle, and that mix of sass and sweetness that are the defining characteristics of Southern ladies.
And she genuinely loves Jesus, which shines through in the last half of the novel. I thought that the growth of the spiritual element of the book felt natural, which isn’t always the case in Christian fiction. I love Jesus with all of my heart, but even I sometimes feel that Christian novels are heavy-handed when it comes to the faith aspect. Then there are others that don’t even really mention God at all, and I can’t see how they differ from novels outside of the Christian fiction genre. I thought this was well balanced.
All in all, I enjoyed this book. There were slow parts, and it occasionally felt just the slightest bit preachy. But even in that, I could feel her desire to communicate the love of Jesus that has radically altered her life, so that preachiness never reached heavy-handed or offensive levels. If Beth decides to write more fiction, I look forward to seeing how her writing changes and grow in this new genre. I’ll leave you with they words with which Beth closed her acknowledgements at the end of the book:
“Jesus loves us. He is not scandalized by our failures. He is not limited in what he can do with what’s left after family disasters. Nothing is beyond his redemption when he is invited in. No one with a whit of breath left is beyond the reach of his grace.”
For more of my reviews, as well as my own fiction and thoughts on life, check out my blog, Celestial Musings.
February 15, 2017
By Andrea Renee Cox
I was so excited that Beth Moore was releasing her first novel, but it never occurred to me that it would feature such worldly things as tarot cards, an abortion, multiple pregnancies out of wedlock, and using the Lord's name in vain. That last one (at the very least) is inexcusable, especially coming from one of the leaders on the evangelical circuit today.
I was really hopeful about this story, but unfortunately I'm closing its cover with a large case of disappointment.
Note: Before you comment, please bear in mind that this review is my honest opinion after having read the book in its entirety. If your opinion is different than mine, I respectfully ask that you leave your review on the book rather than in the comment section of my review. Thank you.
I was so excited that Beth Moore was releasing her first novel, but it never occurred to me that it would feature such worldly things as tarot cards, an abortion, multiple pregnancies out of wedlock, and using the Lord's name in vain. That last one (at the very least) is inexcusable, especially coming from one of the leaders on the evangelical circuit today.
I was really hopeful about this story, but unfortunately I'm closing its cover with a large case of disappointment.
Note: Before you comment, please bear in mind that this review is my honest opinion after having read the book in its entirety. If your opinion is different than mine, I respectfully ask that you leave your review on the book rather than in the comment section of my review. Thank you.
November 5, 2016
3.5 Stars
I'm not sure how to rate this book. It started really slow, really slow. But then I got into it and the pace picked up and pieces fell together. And then it resolved, with about a hundred pages left. And I slugged through those last 100 pages. It might have worked better as a dualogy, or it needed some trimming down. Overall, I enjoyed it. The characters had some great lines, but It was way too long.
I'm not sure how to rate this book. It started really slow, really slow. But then I got into it and the pace picked up and pieces fell together. And then it resolved, with about a hundred pages left. And I slugged through those last 100 pages. It might have worked better as a dualogy, or it needed some trimming down. Overall, I enjoyed it. The characters had some great lines, but It was way too long.
September 20, 2016
***"Beth Moore's premier debut fiction has all the ingredients of a bestselling mystery!"***
Bestselling inspirational author, Beth Moore steps into the field of fiction September 20 with an exciting, character-based, mystery release that is sure to keep you up late. Beth Moore's "The Undoing of Saint Silvanus" includes a southern murder mystery, a mysterious church turned apartment house named “Saint Sans,’" an odd assortment of tenants and a complex family who struggle with faith and broken relationships.
The story opens with Sergeant Cal DaCosta's arrival at a New Orleans crime scene where he throws his car into park and mutters, "Sheesh. Eighty-four degrees and barely daylight. That body's going to be ripe."
Thus begins an unusual Christian-based murder mystery that swirls around a young woman named Jillian Slater who lives in San Francisco when she's told her father drank himself to death.
Jillian hasn't seen her father in 20 years. So when the manager of her grandmother's apartment house, who Jillian calls the “ice queen,” says her grandmother will pay all expenses if she returns to New Orleans for her father’s funeral, she accepts.
Jillian couldn't know that was a lie. She also couldn't know a mysterious murder and spiritual and personal danger waited for her in New Orleans. “The Undoing of Saint Silvanus” is a murder mystery wrapped in secrets, broken relationships and unexplained events that will soon challenge everything Jillian believes in.
Beth Moore's well-crafted debut into the mystery fiction genre has all the ingredients of an engaging run-away bestseller and does not disappoint. The author hopes the book will connect with readers and "inspire a conversation about the role of faith in extreme brokenness" and I suspect it will. A definite 5 out of 5 star read!
'The Undoing of Saint Silvanus,' by Beth Moore, Tyndale House Publishers, Hardcover, September 20, 2016, 480 Pages, 978-1496416476, $24.99
Midwest Book Reviews: "Gail's Bookshelf" August 2016
Pinterest: GailWelborn
Twitter: @GailWelborn
FaceBook: Gail Welborn
Bestselling inspirational author, Beth Moore steps into the field of fiction September 20 with an exciting, character-based, mystery release that is sure to keep you up late. Beth Moore's "The Undoing of Saint Silvanus" includes a southern murder mystery, a mysterious church turned apartment house named “Saint Sans,’" an odd assortment of tenants and a complex family who struggle with faith and broken relationships.
The story opens with Sergeant Cal DaCosta's arrival at a New Orleans crime scene where he throws his car into park and mutters, "Sheesh. Eighty-four degrees and barely daylight. That body's going to be ripe."
Thus begins an unusual Christian-based murder mystery that swirls around a young woman named Jillian Slater who lives in San Francisco when she's told her father drank himself to death.
Jillian hasn't seen her father in 20 years. So when the manager of her grandmother's apartment house, who Jillian calls the “ice queen,” says her grandmother will pay all expenses if she returns to New Orleans for her father’s funeral, she accepts.
Jillian couldn't know that was a lie. She also couldn't know a mysterious murder and spiritual and personal danger waited for her in New Orleans. “The Undoing of Saint Silvanus” is a murder mystery wrapped in secrets, broken relationships and unexplained events that will soon challenge everything Jillian believes in.
Beth Moore's well-crafted debut into the mystery fiction genre has all the ingredients of an engaging run-away bestseller and does not disappoint. The author hopes the book will connect with readers and "inspire a conversation about the role of faith in extreme brokenness" and I suspect it will. A definite 5 out of 5 star read!
'The Undoing of Saint Silvanus,' by Beth Moore, Tyndale House Publishers, Hardcover, September 20, 2016, 480 Pages, 978-1496416476, $24.99
Midwest Book Reviews: "Gail's Bookshelf" August 2016
Pinterest: GailWelborn
Twitter: @GailWelborn
FaceBook: Gail Welborn
December 8, 2016
I. JUST. CAN'T. EVEN. . .
If you could compare a book to a work of art, this novel would be honored with the comparisons to such greats as the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper.
If I could rate this with more than five stars, I would give it ten. It was just so amazing! I didn't want to leave the pages and I wept when I realized that I had finished it.
Beth Moore nailed EVERY SINGLE CHARACTER. Adella, with her mischievous, talkative and hilarious nature. Olive who is cold, bitter and heartbroken. Jillian who is defensive, unloved and broken. Every time I turned a page I was excited for more. I laughed harder than I have ever laughed over a book. I have cried harder and my heart ached with joy and sorrow at times. My heart beat fast and adrenaline pumped when danger was near. This book was a stunning work of fiction. I had to read late into the night because the book was due at the library, but I wished I could have had it last forever. I even cried over the acknowledgements for crying out loud. At one point in the middle of the book, I simply laid my head down on top of the pages and cried. I want to tell everyone what was so great about it, but I don't want to give anything away. When I first got it from the library, I was like "shoot, did I get the large print version?" because it was so huge. But no, I didn't, it just happens to be a very long book. But it could have even been longer and I wouldn't have complained.
Beth Moore's words on the back could not have been more appropriate. "I hope you feel welcomed through the doors of Saint Sans. I hope you can picture yourself in an apartment down these halls." I did feel exactly that way. I didn't want to let go of any of my friends at Saint Sans, or even Saint Sans itself.
And then in the end of the note from the author: (I sobbed while reading this.) "Jesus loves us. He is not scandalized by our failures. He is not limited in what he can do whit what's left after family disasters. Nothing is beyond his redemption when he is invited in. No one with a whit of breath left is beyond the reach of his grace. My prayer is that his relentless love for you reverberated from the rooftop of Saint Sans and land securely in your soul." Your prayers have been answered Mrs. Moore. God bless you, my heart will never be the same again.
Recommended for ages 18 and up for mature life circumstances of the characters.
If you could compare a book to a work of art, this novel would be honored with the comparisons to such greats as the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper.
If I could rate this with more than five stars, I would give it ten. It was just so amazing! I didn't want to leave the pages and I wept when I realized that I had finished it.
Beth Moore nailed EVERY SINGLE CHARACTER. Adella, with her mischievous, talkative and hilarious nature. Olive who is cold, bitter and heartbroken. Jillian who is defensive, unloved and broken. Every time I turned a page I was excited for more. I laughed harder than I have ever laughed over a book. I have cried harder and my heart ached with joy and sorrow at times. My heart beat fast and adrenaline pumped when danger was near. This book was a stunning work of fiction. I had to read late into the night because the book was due at the library, but I wished I could have had it last forever. I even cried over the acknowledgements for crying out loud. At one point in the middle of the book, I simply laid my head down on top of the pages and cried. I want to tell everyone what was so great about it, but I don't want to give anything away. When I first got it from the library, I was like "shoot, did I get the large print version?" because it was so huge. But no, I didn't, it just happens to be a very long book. But it could have even been longer and I wouldn't have complained.
Beth Moore's words on the back could not have been more appropriate. "I hope you feel welcomed through the doors of Saint Sans. I hope you can picture yourself in an apartment down these halls." I did feel exactly that way. I didn't want to let go of any of my friends at Saint Sans, or even Saint Sans itself.
And then in the end of the note from the author: (I sobbed while reading this.) "Jesus loves us. He is not scandalized by our failures. He is not limited in what he can do whit what's left after family disasters. Nothing is beyond his redemption when he is invited in. No one with a whit of breath left is beyond the reach of his grace. My prayer is that his relentless love for you reverberated from the rooftop of Saint Sans and land securely in your soul." Your prayers have been answered Mrs. Moore. God bless you, my heart will never be the same again.
Recommended for ages 18 and up for mature life circumstances of the characters.
May 30, 2017
This debut novel by non-fiction writer Beth Moore was deep and dark.
Jillian Slater lives in San Francisco near her mom, who is more like a friend than a mom and with her boyfriend, who is more like a controller. She learned her estranged father is deceased and flies to New Orleans at the request of her grandmother.
Jillian's growth within the pages was incredibly realistic. The reader can easily see how Jillian lived a disconnected and superficial life in San Francisco and could struggle with the close knit, warm and loving people of New Orleans.
Along with Jillian's personal and spiritual growth, there was a mystery to solve involving the murder of her father.
This novel isn't a quick or light read and for that reason the reader needs to be in the right book mood for this debut. It was a well written novel and one I recommend. I look forward to learning if Beth Moore will continue to write Fiction.
Jillian Slater lives in San Francisco near her mom, who is more like a friend than a mom and with her boyfriend, who is more like a controller. She learned her estranged father is deceased and flies to New Orleans at the request of her grandmother.
Jillian's growth within the pages was incredibly realistic. The reader can easily see how Jillian lived a disconnected and superficial life in San Francisco and could struggle with the close knit, warm and loving people of New Orleans.
Along with Jillian's personal and spiritual growth, there was a mystery to solve involving the murder of her father.
This novel isn't a quick or light read and for that reason the reader needs to be in the right book mood for this debut. It was a well written novel and one I recommend. I look forward to learning if Beth Moore will continue to write Fiction.
August 25, 2016
This is an exceptional mystery you will not believe it. It is one of the mysteries that grab you by the throat straight from the first pages. You pick it up and you find that you haven't taken a breath until you realize hey you better breathe.. You pick this book because of the author you continue reading because it is fantastic. It is about Jillian whose father has died and she goes to New Orleans for the funeral where she finds out that he was murdered. She goes to his house which was a converted church which has a curse hiding in the darkness and only GOD can bring it out to light - and his tenants, each with their own story, and her Grandmother(who isn't so grand), all know something. and the only way to find out You have got to read this book to find out what happens - you will not believe it.
October 19, 2016
Wow! Beth Moore can write A REALLY FANTASTIC NOVEL! ! This isn't a preachy novel for those of you that are scared away by that. This is about a 25 year old girl who leaves San Francisco to go to her Grandmother's boarding house. Olivia Fontaine's boarding house is called St Sans by the residents : elderly Mrs Winsee, Caryn a medical student, and David a chorale high school teacher. When Jillian arrives she finds that her Father, whom she hasn't seen since she was a young child, has been murdered. He lived on the streets, and was an alcoholic. Jillian stays with Adelle, St Sans household organizer and housekeeper, when she arrives in New Orleans. Adelle is the most delightful character in this book, I just loved her. She is also the only one who can talk any sense into Olivia. Olivia's had a tough life and it's hardened her just like her granddaughter's heart has been toughened by her own life, too. Jillian is just starting to feel welcomed at St Sans when strange occurrences begin to happen there. On Halloween night, her dead Father's pocket knife appears on their front porch along with a very large man. The same squad of police come to the house each time and they become friends with the people at St Sans. Then Jillian disappears...... She didn't leave New Orleans, so what has happened to her? You must read this book! I am truly impressed with how wonderfully drawn out her characters are! This a wonderful and fast-paced read. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
August 24, 2020
3.5 stars
Beth Moore's first foray into fiction writing is at times brilliant and amazingly insightful into the human condition. At other times, it has some uneven pacing and abrupt switches of scene that make the story a bit too drawn out and confusing. The spiritual side of the story is what shines in a Christ-glorifying way, and those nuggets of truth and wisdom about identity in Christ are what will reach down to the hearts and souls of readers. Beth Moore's fans will find what they are looking for in this beautifully rendered tale.
Jillian Slater’s father abandoned Jillian and her mother many years before, and the two women have made a life for themselves in California. After she hears of her father's death in New Orleans, Jillian decides to travel to be with her grandmother Stella for the funeral. Stella doesn't have much interest in getting to know Jillian, and Jillian has her own secrets and hurts to hide. As Jillian gets to know Adella, the caretaker of Saint Silvanus, the church-turned-apartment house Stella owns, as well as the other residents, she finds herself looking again at what family means and wonders what she can do to fit in somewhere.
Beth Moore's first foray into fiction writing is at times brilliant and amazingly insightful into the human condition. At other times, it has some uneven pacing and abrupt switches of scene that make the story a bit too drawn out and confusing. The spiritual side of the story is what shines in a Christ-glorifying way, and those nuggets of truth and wisdom about identity in Christ are what will reach down to the hearts and souls of readers. Beth Moore's fans will find what they are looking for in this beautifully rendered tale.
Jillian Slater’s father abandoned Jillian and her mother many years before, and the two women have made a life for themselves in California. After she hears of her father's death in New Orleans, Jillian decides to travel to be with her grandmother Stella for the funeral. Stella doesn't have much interest in getting to know Jillian, and Jillian has her own secrets and hurts to hide. As Jillian gets to know Adella, the caretaker of Saint Silvanus, the church-turned-apartment house Stella owns, as well as the other residents, she finds herself looking again at what family means and wonders what she can do to fit in somewhere.
September 3, 2020
Beth Moore is a huge name in Christian non fiction, specifically to women's ministry, so there was immediate name recognition when I received this book for review. Her first fictional work was an ambitious endeavor (to say the least) but as a whole missed the mark of a novel worth recommending, in my personal opinion.
She is a true storyteller but that becomes her Achilles heel in the written novel. As a result of the all the tangential musings on things like a sandwich or an air conditioner, for the first 200 pages I repeatedly had the feeling "Where in the world is this going?" and in a 460-some page book, that's awfully late in the game to hit your stride. It reads like a first draft with a disjointed plot, inconsistent characters, and a style that reads in a spoken cadence, which unfortunately had a jumbled effect for me. I wish it had been pared down in edits to truly feature those glowing moments she did have sprinkled throughout the book.
Glad I read it, sad not to recommend it.
*I received a copy for review from the publisher through Booklist.
She is a true storyteller but that becomes her Achilles heel in the written novel. As a result of the all the tangential musings on things like a sandwich or an air conditioner, for the first 200 pages I repeatedly had the feeling "Where in the world is this going?" and in a 460-some page book, that's awfully late in the game to hit your stride. It reads like a first draft with a disjointed plot, inconsistent characters, and a style that reads in a spoken cadence, which unfortunately had a jumbled effect for me. I wish it had been pared down in edits to truly feature those glowing moments she did have sprinkled throughout the book.
Glad I read it, sad not to recommend it.
*I received a copy for review from the publisher through Booklist.
December 31, 2016
The story line caught me from the first page. I couldn't put the book down until I had finished reading. I only received a sample from Netgalley, but I am definitely going to purchase the book and finish it. SOON! The grandmother Olivia is a very mysterious character. I am looking forward to finding out her past.
Full review to come.
Full review to come.
October 5, 2016
Beth Moore is a great Bible teacher
Fiction....not so much.....it took about 75% of the book to kind of get into it but I've never not finished a book and kept trudging through
Fiction....not so much.....it took about 75% of the book to kind of get into it but I've never not finished a book and kept trudging through
October 28, 2016
I'm not really sure how the historical flashbacks tied into anything. I must have missed something. but the modern storyline was good.
February 8, 2024
A wonderfully propulsive and addictive read! Enough thrills and surprises along the way to maintain the suspense, but without it seeming undesirably sensational. I absolutely fell in love with the characters— all of them are beautifully nuanced and flawed, and every single one is relatable and interesting. The irresistibly quirky and charming residents of St San’s are all people I’d like to have in my own neighbourhood!
Most enjoyable of all were the ways in which Beth Moore tied the story together with themes of redemption, forgiveness, reconciliation, and the power of Jesus’s love to overcome seemingly insurmountable mistakes and tragedies. Having just finished reading her recently-published memoir, I could see the influence and inspiration of her own life experiences of trauma and brokenness at play here, and thus the novel rings especially poignantly true.
Highly recommended!
Most enjoyable of all were the ways in which Beth Moore tied the story together with themes of redemption, forgiveness, reconciliation, and the power of Jesus’s love to overcome seemingly insurmountable mistakes and tragedies. Having just finished reading her recently-published memoir, I could see the influence and inspiration of her own life experiences of trauma and brokenness at play here, and thus the novel rings especially poignantly true.
Highly recommended!
September 1, 2023
I've had this book on the shelf for years! I finally took it out to read because I wanted to hold a real book in my hands, and I'm glad I did. I've always loved Beth Moore, a Christian Bible Study author and speaker, she has a way with words and knows the Bible like the back of her hand. She proved to also capture the reader's attention with her eloquent fictional writing, hosting a cast of quirky characters in a unique setting of a church turned into small apartments. Along with that, a good mystery to be solved!
February 10, 2017
Jillian Slater's life could best be described as fractured; practically homeless after fleeing an unhealthy relationship, she lands in New Orleans with her estranged grandmother, where her father's unsolved murder taints everyone and everything around her. Saint Sans, a beautiful former Methodist sanctuary, houses an eclectic group of tenants, ranging from a eccentric widow to a gregarious housekeeper; whose attempts at humor and conversation are constantly at odds with Jillian's carefully guarded personality.
When a regretful misunderstanding sends Jillian fleeing the temporary refuge that Saint Sans has afforded her, dark forces battle to destroy the barest flicker of life within her soul. It will take the love of Jesus and miraculous circumstances to undo the cursed past that Jillian has inherited, proving once again that "greater is He that in us than he that is in the world".
Full of beautiful prose, eerie plot twists, comedic relief, and romantic undertones; Beth Moore has maximized her incredible understanding of spiritual truths to blaze her own trail into the world of inspirational fiction.
When a regretful misunderstanding sends Jillian fleeing the temporary refuge that Saint Sans has afforded her, dark forces battle to destroy the barest flicker of life within her soul. It will take the love of Jesus and miraculous circumstances to undo the cursed past that Jillian has inherited, proving once again that "greater is He that in us than he that is in the world".
Full of beautiful prose, eerie plot twists, comedic relief, and romantic undertones; Beth Moore has maximized her incredible understanding of spiritual truths to blaze her own trail into the world of inspirational fiction.
April 20, 2018
I liked this book a lot better than I thought I would, a solid 3.5 enjoyable stars. I was worried it would be preachy - it wasn't. I was worried every character would be a perfect upright uptight Christian - they weren't. In fact everyone in the book was a human, with flaws and struggles and highs and lows; the Christians and unbelievers. Not a perfect person in the bunch. I was worried anyone unsaved would have miraculous, instant 180 degree change conversions - they didn't. In fact, not every unbeliever was changed. The book was a good read, set in a New Orleans landscape so rich you can taste the food, smell the coffee, hear the rain, feel the heat and smile at the culture. There was a big slow spot about 1/3 of the way through and probably a few too many wild overreactions and stomping out the room/slamming the door events considering everyone involved is an adult, but some of that could be cultural or just an over-emphasis on the immaturity of some of the characters early on. Overall an enjoyable book and not too heavy. I recommend it!
October 23, 2016
Really enjoyed the beginning, but it became predictable and the faith thread became to over powering at the end without much exposure in the beginning. I finished it but lost most my interest by half way through.
September 25, 2016
I absolutely loved it!!!! Couldn't put it down!!!
October 9, 2016
Awesome book - a little different than what you would expect but a great read.
October 15, 2016
In her first work of fiction, Beth Moore proves that she is as skillful at telling a good story as she is at Biblical exegesis.
May 1, 2017
A wonderful story of redemption, family and forgiveness. Loved it!
July 26, 2019
This was a delicious read. I enjoyed the unpredictable journey.
Adella was by far my favorite character as she had me laughing throughout.
July 2019 book club pick by CG.
Setting: San Francisco,CA at start but mainly New Orleans,LA.
Most baffling character was Jillian the protagonist.
This is a great story about growing up, family and finding your roots.
There is mystery, suspense, drama and a touch of sweet romance.
Buckle up for a great reading “ride” ;)
(This was a quick read for me as I was intrigued throughout the story.)
This is not a five star because it is a perfect novel, but it delivers a captivating, unique tale with lots of surprises.
[Read free ebook preview on 8th. Got the book on the 20th.]
Adella was by far my favorite character as she had me laughing throughout.
July 2019 book club pick by CG.
Setting: San Francisco,CA at start but mainly New Orleans,LA.
Most baffling character was Jillian the protagonist.
This is a great story about growing up, family and finding your roots.
There is mystery, suspense, drama and a touch of sweet romance.
Buckle up for a great reading “ride” ;)
(This was a quick read for me as I was intrigued throughout the story.)
This is not a five star because it is a perfect novel, but it delivers a captivating, unique tale with lots of surprises.
[Read free ebook preview on 8th. Got the book on the 20th.]
February 20, 2022
This book was recommended to me by a librarian. I had never heard of this author before. At first glance, it didn’t appear to be something I would enjoy. It started out quite dark. But the contrast between light and darkness and between good and evil drew me in. The main characters slowly evolve and grow in their relationships to each other. It is a true Christian fiction instead of one that throws in a Bible verse or one prayerful thought and claims to be inspirational fiction. Having lived in New Orleans for a few years, I also enjoyed the familiar setting.
October 21, 2016
First let me say, kudos to Tyndale House Publishers for doing such a lovely job publishing this novel. The cover art, the artwork on the inside pages — these are beautiful and inviting. I believe that reading a book isn’t solely about the writer’s words. It’s the experience of reading those words. (For this reason I’ll never prefer an e-book over a printed one.) The best books come as a complete package, so that the reader finds pleasure in the book’s feel, its heft and appearance. Yes, these things do matter.
But of course a good book can’t be all about its looks. It must also deliver the goods. So how did The Undoing of Saint Silvanus fare? All told, it’s an inviting story with a lively voice. For tone and scope, it felt to me like a cross between the novels of Jan Karon and Karen White, seasoned with Beth Moore’s own inimitable style and biblical wisdom.
It is, however, quite long. It might have been longer, apparently, had it not been for editors whittling it down from its original length, a whopping 160,000 words. (That’s twice the word count of your typical contemporary novel.) In part because of the length, the pace leans to the slow side. I would have liked the plot to unfold a bit more speedily.
Of course, herein lies the tension a writer (and her editors) must grapple with, because a speedier pace might have been achieved but at risk to the development of characters. This novel contains a host of them, all of which received careful attention.
In my reckoning, the best part of The Undoing of Saint Silvanus is the truth it conveys through the power of fiction. One such truth is its examination of compromises women so often make as they pursue the security of relationships. The other is the devastating impact of generational sins, a reality few of us are trained to recognize. But of course, the story doesn’t end there. As she does in every book she writes, Beth Moore brings it all back to center. In The Undoing of Saint Silvanus, she gloriously reveals the power of Jesus to overcome all these things, and more.
Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for providing me this copy free of charge. All opinions are mine.
But of course a good book can’t be all about its looks. It must also deliver the goods. So how did The Undoing of Saint Silvanus fare? All told, it’s an inviting story with a lively voice. For tone and scope, it felt to me like a cross between the novels of Jan Karon and Karen White, seasoned with Beth Moore’s own inimitable style and biblical wisdom.
It is, however, quite long. It might have been longer, apparently, had it not been for editors whittling it down from its original length, a whopping 160,000 words. (That’s twice the word count of your typical contemporary novel.) In part because of the length, the pace leans to the slow side. I would have liked the plot to unfold a bit more speedily.
Of course, herein lies the tension a writer (and her editors) must grapple with, because a speedier pace might have been achieved but at risk to the development of characters. This novel contains a host of them, all of which received careful attention.
In my reckoning, the best part of The Undoing of Saint Silvanus is the truth it conveys through the power of fiction. One such truth is its examination of compromises women so often make as they pursue the security of relationships. The other is the devastating impact of generational sins, a reality few of us are trained to recognize. But of course, the story doesn’t end there. As she does in every book she writes, Beth Moore brings it all back to center. In The Undoing of Saint Silvanus, she gloriously reveals the power of Jesus to overcome all these things, and more.
Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for providing me this copy free of charge. All opinions are mine.
October 9, 2016
Surprisingly Intriguing
I am a huge fan of Beth Moore! I've completed many of her Bible studies over the last too-many-years-to-tell; first as a participant and for the last few years as a leader. She is unknowingly one of the most influential mentors in my spiritual walk...at the moment I'm leading her study, Entrusted, and loving the challenging trip. She is exemplary in her ability as a non-fiction spiritual author.
That being said, I began the book with less than the great expectations of her studies, knowing the transfer from non- fiction to fiction writing is often difficult for writers. I was pleasantly surprised as the story line was intriguing, the characters appealing, and the message inspiring...enough to hold my interest and make it an overall good read.
As with most first time authors (in this case first time fiction) there are opportunities for development and growth. There were a few rough transition spots, some slightly over worked areas, and a point that the book seemed to end, yet the story was resurrected for several more chapters leaving no stone unturned and nothing left for speculation.
This is a warm fuzzy with intrigue, likable characters, blossoming relationships, and personal insights definitely worth reading.
I am a huge fan of Beth Moore! I've completed many of her Bible studies over the last too-many-years-to-tell; first as a participant and for the last few years as a leader. She is unknowingly one of the most influential mentors in my spiritual walk...at the moment I'm leading her study, Entrusted, and loving the challenging trip. She is exemplary in her ability as a non-fiction spiritual author.
That being said, I began the book with less than the great expectations of her studies, knowing the transfer from non- fiction to fiction writing is often difficult for writers. I was pleasantly surprised as the story line was intriguing, the characters appealing, and the message inspiring...enough to hold my interest and make it an overall good read.
As with most first time authors (in this case first time fiction) there are opportunities for development and growth. There were a few rough transition spots, some slightly over worked areas, and a point that the book seemed to end, yet the story was resurrected for several more chapters leaving no stone unturned and nothing left for speculation.
This is a warm fuzzy with intrigue, likable characters, blossoming relationships, and personal insights definitely worth reading.
August 25, 2016
My review is based on an ARC sample from NetGalley. With sample ARCs, ratings end up being based on the first few chapters and that is not enough to give a true rating and review.
That being said, my librarian gut says that this little mystery will be a hit! Beth Moore has a Gift of weaving words together and her non-fiction, bestselling, books attest to that fact. Moore has now taken a leap of faith and ventured into the fiction world, and I don’t think readers will be disappointed.
The story immediately begins with a crime scene and it doesn’t take long to feel the “realness” of the main character. Jillian needs a bit of an attitude adjustment, but I had so much compassion for her as she sought to do the right thing despite the unpleasant circumstances. The other cast of characters piqued my interest and I was instantly curious about them. The uniqueness of the setting made me want to literally go to New Orleans to find this place...if it even exists! Truly, who thinks of converting a church into a boarding house? Very clever.
I can hardly wait until this debut novel hits the shelves. Readers, I don’t think you will be disappointed!
That being said, my librarian gut says that this little mystery will be a hit! Beth Moore has a Gift of weaving words together and her non-fiction, bestselling, books attest to that fact. Moore has now taken a leap of faith and ventured into the fiction world, and I don’t think readers will be disappointed.
The story immediately begins with a crime scene and it doesn’t take long to feel the “realness” of the main character. Jillian needs a bit of an attitude adjustment, but I had so much compassion for her as she sought to do the right thing despite the unpleasant circumstances. The other cast of characters piqued my interest and I was instantly curious about them. The uniqueness of the setting made me want to literally go to New Orleans to find this place...if it even exists! Truly, who thinks of converting a church into a boarding house? Very clever.
I can hardly wait until this debut novel hits the shelves. Readers, I don’t think you will be disappointed!
April 30, 2017
I loved it!
I am so hesitant to read anything in the genre of "Christian Fiction" because it can be so badly done with so many cheesy elements--usually everything wraps up nicely with "boy gets girl, everybody gets saved, nothing really messy happens"
I'm impressed with Beth Moore, I didn't know she could do fiction! I liked the plot, the twists, but mostly the character development. A few times, when one would get on a rant about a subject, it did feel like I was listening to Beth Moore teach one of her studies. She painted a picture of the setting so nicely and I was pretty wrapped up in the character's thoughts.
Listened to the whole thing on Audible, straight through on a road trip. Maybe the ending was how a "Christian novel" ends, but I felt like there was much more real life in between the pages and my gag reflex never got going.
I am so hesitant to read anything in the genre of "Christian Fiction" because it can be so badly done with so many cheesy elements--usually everything wraps up nicely with "boy gets girl, everybody gets saved, nothing really messy happens"
I'm impressed with Beth Moore, I didn't know she could do fiction! I liked the plot, the twists, but mostly the character development. A few times, when one would get on a rant about a subject, it did feel like I was listening to Beth Moore teach one of her studies. She painted a picture of the setting so nicely and I was pretty wrapped up in the character's thoughts.
Listened to the whole thing on Audible, straight through on a road trip. Maybe the ending was how a "Christian novel" ends, but I felt like there was much more real life in between the pages and my gag reflex never got going.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2016
This was a great mystery as Jillian heads to New Orleans for her father's funeral. After she arrives the police tell her he was murdered and this news is unwelcome by her estranged grandmother and her grandmother's manager, Adella. Saint Silvanus is the apartment building her grandmother converted from an old church and the renters are an odd collection that Jillian gets to know as she stays for the police investigation. There are some strange happenings and someone is not happy Jillian is in New Orleans. Great characters and the old church sounds like a great old building set in a spooky old town. Beth Moore is a fantastic Christian writer and this mystery blends a sense of the sinister and the church.
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