The Undoing of Saint Silvanus

By: Beth Moore

Narrated by: Shannon McManus

Length: 12 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

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 her 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 that whatever it was, it 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.

©2016 Tyndale House (P)2016 Oasis Audio

Loved the story!

I really enjoyed this book. Mixing a love story into a mystery in a perfect way. Gave me goosebumps!

Love Beth Moore, not the novel

Disliked the constant use of metaphors and similes but as a first time author of a novel , thought Beth did a good job.

I wanted to like this book more than I did

I love Beth Moore. She is my go to whenever I am feeling lost or afraid or in need of illumination in the dark days that come with life.

I realize this is a first novel, so I can cut it some slack for that. The effort in getting everything to come together, is quite a feat. But, I found the story was a bit choppy and confusing for all the leaps to 1917, the present and the saga of the Nolans and the Fontaines. It could have just been the fault of the editors, but I found the history of the church building and the sad story of the pastor's family, did not contribute or enhance the main story line. I thought the resolution of the who dunnit was way too early in the book and was left wondering why there continued to be more chapters following the capture of the culprit.

I did like the characters who inhabited the residence. I thought the progression of how they cared for one another was nice. And unlike many Christian novels, I found the salvation story was not done in a trite way.

I wish I had liked this book more.

Many twists & turns!

What a great story! Loved every bit & it left me wanting more! (The sign you’ve done well according to Walt Disney!)

Beautifully written

I didn't know what to expect from this author who is primarily known for non fiction work. However, I could hardly put this down as the characters and storyline drew me in to their journey. I hope there are more to come!!

kind of long

I left the very end because I lost interest. a good book but kind of drawn out and long.

Absolutely Riveting!!

Absolutely riveting! I couldn’t stop listening!! The story draws in the reader at the first chapter and never lets go!! Beth pays incredible attention to detail! I wanted the story to continue. I hope there is a book 2 in the works!!

Half and half

The first half of the book is hard to connect with: characters or storyline. The second half is an enjoyable read, but characters still have an impersonal feel.

Ok story

This wasn't my favorite book but it was ok. It could have been more intriguing.

Awesome book

I felt like I was there at St. Sans (sp)! Great story line. Hope there is another book to follow!