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Since the day I happened across her first book, A Miracle for St. Cecilia's in my local bookstore, I've been a huge fan of the writing of
Katherine Valentine. With
Grace Will Lead Me Home, her third installment in the beloved
Dorsetville series, Ms. Valentine continues to build my love for this
community of characters and their stories. Dorsetville has been
likened to a Catholic Mitford, (made famous by author Jan Karon), but these
wonderful novels transcend denominational lines and offer a tremendous
message of hope and inspiration.
Grace Will Lead Me Homewill stand on its own meritif
you haven't read A Miracle for St. Cecilia's or A Gathering of Angels. But
if you love great Catholic fiction as much as I do, do yourself a
favor and enjoy all three! Now I'm just anxious to see what will be
going on around Dorsetville in #4! Lisa
A Note to Our Readers from Author Katherine Valentine
Dear Friends,
I'm so proud to announce that the last installment of the Dorsetville series, A Gathering Of Angels has
won a 2003 Catholic Press Association Award for Popular Presentation
of the Catholic Faith. I still find it hard to believe that God would
take my humble talents and use them is such a marvelous way in which
to celebrate our faith.
The 3rd in the series,
Grace Will Lead Me Home will once again reunite readers with their favorite cast
of quirky, lovable characters. St. Cecilia's housekeeper, Mrs. Norris,
has quit in a huff, and the rectory is starting to look like a college
dorm. Father Dennis is enmeshed in his new cooking show, The Fat
Friar, and the sheriff is sick and Deputy Hill has been left in
charge which leads to some hilarious escapades.
Grace Will Lead Me Home
is also the story of forgiveness and God's grace which I pray will
bless and inspire readers towards a deeper, relationship with our
Lord. This, after all, is why I write these books. They are my way of
sharing my faith.
So many of we Catholics are shy about evangelizing. In
fact, I think many of us would much rather walk on glass. But although
Catholics might feel uncomfortable in undertaking this role, this
doesn't mean that they are not proud of their Christian heritage. The Dorsetville Series is filled with modern day
parables that attest to God's faithfulness and the sanctity of the
Church. My prayer has always been that they would speak to troubled
hearts and those outside the faith. Therefore, I am so delighted that
many of my readers are now using the Dorsetville Series as an
evangelical tool. Under the guise of 'just a good read' they offer these
books as a way of ministering to the lost, the downtrodden and the
suffering; and as a vehicle through which those who have left the
Church or lost their spiritual fervor can find their way back home.
One of my greatest joys is receiving e-mails that reflect these
blessings. Here is just a sampling:
I just finished
reading
A Gathering Of Angels. I sat on the couch and did
nothing else all day. I could not put it down. A co-worker introduced
me to your books and her timing (or God’s timing) was perfect for this
reading. Your stories lifted me out of my spiritual dryness and I even
experienced a "small" miracle myself while in the middle of reading
A Gathering Of Angels. I cannot wait to go to confession, get back
on the spiritual path again.
Marlboro, N.J
Just finished
reading your book today. How I loved the story, particularly since
life has been very difficult lately with health issues, vocational
issues, and aging parent issues. This story has raised my spirit and
has given me much to think about and to hold onto. Thank you so much
for writing it. Wakefield, RI
I just finished reading both books, A Miracle for St. Cecilia's and
A Gathering Of Angels.
They were so
wonderful!!!! And such a blessing to have come across. And what great
timing for me to discover them. I am currently recovering from colon
cancer, which is the 3rd bout of cancer I've had in 23
years. I've been going through a rough time physically, mentally and
spiritually and your books have just given me a much needed spiritual
uplift and hope. I can't wait for the next book! Barre,
Vermont
Blessings,
Katherine
Reader's Guide Questions
1. God's grace is defined as unmerited blessings. Throughout
Grace Will Lead Me Home, characters encounter God's grace in
many forms. Discuss how this grace affects and ultimately enriches
their lives.
2. God's grace leads Valerie to Dorsetville. Why has God led
her here, and what are the spiritual lessons she will learn?
3. Sarah sees two angels and is fearful she will not be
believed; yet when she overcomes her fears, her testimony provides
the comfort her mother so desperately needs. How can we overcome
our fears and share our faith in a way that will be received?
4. Father James' homily suggests that reasoning (our need to
puzzle out why God works in the manner He does) can often inhibit
God's grace. Is it possible to accept suffering and trials and not
ask why?
5. A scripture reading provides Lori with the insight she needs
to better handle the special needs of her unborn child. How does
God speak through the Bible, and how do we personalize His Word to
provide us with direction?
6. Ethel is concerned that praying for a car for Sam might not
be in God's will. Harriet counters by reminding her that Jesus
provided for our temporal as well as our spiritual needs. Is a
vacation a need? The purchase of a home? Can we expect God's help
in these areas?
7. Doc Hammon speaks about the medical crisis in our country,
which has occured mainly as a result of an increase in lawsuits.
Christ has asked us to forgive "seven times seventy" and to
"settle things quickly before you are brought to court." If Jesus
walked among us today, how do you think He would have us respond
to this issue?
8. Wendy gives Father James advice about his housekeeper,
suggesting that he has crossed the line between dispensing
Christian charity and being a doormat. How do we differentiate
between the two?
9. The stolen mailboxes can be interpreted as a metaphor for
the way Satan tries to prohibit us from receiving God's messages.
The Campbells have had their mailbox stolen three times. What
message might God be trying deliver to this family that is not
being received?
10. Both Valerie Kilbourne and Gaithwaits encounter huge
medical bills without the resources to pay them. How do these two
families differ in facing this trial? Why would one family
seemingly find deliverance through solving this problem, and the
other not?
Additional Books by Katherine Valentine
Click book title for additional information
August 2004