Still in the process of reading it, but I am finding it very helpful,

Seven Holy Women was a lovely book for me to read. I listened to the Audible version which was about 6 hours long. Each chapter was written by a different Orthodox woman differing in background. All but one of the authors read her chapter aloud in the audiobook. A consistency in writing is important, so each woman reading about the Saint she had written on were easy transitions between chapters.

What I appreciate about this book is that each chapter begins a fictional scenario of each Saint inspired by true events in their lives. Storytelling has always been the way traditions are shared and passed down through all of human history. A story can exaggerate a little for the sake of impressing the intent into memory while the whole truth remains intact. With the mention of each Saints’ name I have implicit memory of her life, her miracles, her martyrdom or repose, and why we commemorate her. St Cassilda, a Spanish Saint, reminds me of roses. St Morwenna reminds me of rocky paths and large stones. St Ia reminds me of a leaf.

Each Holy woman evokes something with which we are all familiar: death of a loved one; a situation we never thought we would be in; feeling left behind; a broken heart. All things that most, if not all, of us have experienced. The brilliance of each life shared is the faithfulness of God, and their courage to remain faithful to Him.

At the end of each chapter is a space for group discussion. Questions related to the life of each Saint are followed by reflection questions for oneself and one’s friend in the group in light of the themes in each Saint’s life. I will be joining together with two women in my parish to go over this book over the next two months and I’m really looking forward to that connection and discussion.

I recommend this book first and foremost for women, especially for a group of women. Men can also read these Saints’ lives, of course, and perhaps adapt the questions for a man; however I am sure there is a male counterpart to this book to be found somewhere (or someone could write it? 😉) The audible version was pleasant for me to listen to as a very busy, working mom.

Super good book, its allowed me to receive tons of knowledge. Easy to understand.

Very interesting text. The ancient outlook on how to bring your soul closer to God with more than prayer has many interesting ideas. Not all the content is going to pertain to everyone, but parts of the content can be worked into a daily life if you are not in a monastery. If you are in a monastery, I think that you could certainly put a lot of the information to work in your life. Still reading the book, but that is what I have gotten so far.

Great book. Making my own casket

It was perfect! I got for my bf to ad to his prayer wall, now he can say his guardian angel prayers to his icon.

Well written, comprehensive, uremic in style and presentation; and an excellent introduction to the Christian Orthodox Church, its history and teachings.

Looking forward to using it!

I love it!

Just lovely!

This was my mistake. I thought I was ordering a different version of the prayer to one's guardian angel. I didn't care for this one because it was riddled with "toll house" theology. Instead of bringing comfort and faith, I find it induces fear.

Very nice assortment, every one is so nice it’s hard to choose.

Though somewhat repetitious when read one sermon after the other (for me anyway), it would make sense in her position and spread out over days/weeks. Lots of great reflections though. Thanks for offering the book.

Must have!! I found this to be informative and helpful.

Very Interesting and an enjoyable book. Thank you !

I really appreciate this book. I got the audiobook but found that reading it is better so I can take notes and return to certain sections. This book is only the start of our journey to healing from the horrible despondency that permeates our age. God be with us.

I was given a free version of the audiobook (and purchased a paper copy myself), read by the author from Ancient Faith in exchange for an honest review.

The author has a pleasant and soothing voice with a lyrical lilt to her speech that I believe is linked to her interest in poetry. It made for enjoyable listening to the 9 hour audiobook.

If you are drawn to books about time travel, self-discovery, with some suspense, and a splash of romance then this fiction work is for you. I enjoyed both the thematic quotes for each chapter and the variety of literary references woven throughout this book. I can tell from listening to it that the author herself is well-read and adept at incorporating references to both classic works and contemporary writings without being cliche.

At the center of the story are Lighthouses. Something that have always been intriguing to me as my Grandpa collected and built model ones and traveled with my Grandma to take pictures of themselves with lighthouses up and down the Eastern coast.

The time travel and self-discovery elements reminded me of other historical fiction/time travel books that I have read. I would recommend this book to others and look forward to any further writings by the author.

Ultimately, I purchased a paper copy so that I could reread it and share it with my mother in law (who I have a family book club with each summer).

Fabulous book. The best on the subject.

“Secret Turning” transported me to a world very different from that of my own Orthodox parish. A world defined by ethnic identity and the Church taken for granted by many of those born into the neighborhood parish. I felt like I was sitting by the side of a masterful storyteller, listening intently as he spun tales of faith, hope and redemption within mundane, gritty, day-to-day lives. I found some stories puzzling, some intriguing, some highly poignant. By the end of the book, Father Naum, the unassuming priest of St. Alexander the Whirling Dervish parish who appears in many of these stories, became a favorite of mine for his simple but profound wisdom and oft misconstrued self-less loving care for others.
I kept this book by my bedside and found it enjoyable nighttime reading. If, like me, it takes you a few stories to settle into the book and feel at home with the author’s style, press on and I trust, like me, you will be well rewarded for doing so.
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

My kids(14yo & 6yo) love it. I'm learning a thing or two myself and have enjoyed reading about these saints as well. Worth getting a copy for your family too!