Customer Reviews

Jewel of the Adriatic

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have been blessed to have this book enter my world. It was a recommendation from a famiy member, and let me tell you, I am recommending this book to ALL! It is truley and inspirational novel envolving God, Mary and her Son, and love. This book is not only for those who have faith, but for those who are seaking faith. Knowing personally that there are miracles in fatima (and have read other miracles all over the world), I felt that this book did an amazing job on blending both true documented stories with fiction. This book inspires you to reach out for faith, something the main character Colin so needed and gained. And what is better then to feel loved, and to find love?

I would love to recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys romance novels, faith, and/or inspiration. This book is a smooth read, that really does not allow you to put it down. The authors use of description allows you to enter into an amazing warm world filled with love and adventure. I am praying that K.M. Daughters follows up with a sequil to this book!

I truly enjoyed my experience of reading Jewel of the Adriatic by K.M. Daughters. Let me say, up front, that the book contains the fictitious account of a Marian appearance. The authors are careful to point out that while their novel is based upon and inspired by their travels to the sites of approved Marian apparitions, the book is indeed a work of fiction.

That being said, this is a story of faith, of healing and of growing love - both for another person and in one's own relationship with God. The main characters must each overcome trials from previous broken relationships and hurts to truly learn to love themselves and one another.

The story is light, fun and quick paced, which enables the reader to become quickly engrossed in the story to the point that I read the book in two sittings and was left wanting more of this story and of these characters.

I sincerely hope that K.M. Daughters will follow up with either a sequel or with another work of faith inspired fiction.

Thank you for a lovely reading experience!

Colin and Maya's journey though faith and love can only be described as awesome. With a vibrant and beautiful setting on the Adriatic coast and believable characters you root for and at times cry over and wish to bash their heads together, this jewel of a story is not to be missed.

Colin O'Reilly's aging aunt talks him into accompanying him to Valselo on her annual pilgrimage. She thinks it will be good for him to take a break from his high-powered career as a soap opera doctor and she thinks he needs to escape the equally high-powered publicity of his divorce from his ex-wife. Colin agrees and hopes for a break but what he doesn't expect is to encounter the beautiful Croatian woman, Maya...and healing. This lovely story unfolds softly and peacefully. There's an atmosphere of beauty and peace that captures your emotions and keeps you turning the pages. K.M. Daughters has a flair for great descriptions and you won't want to miss a minute of it! 4 and ½ Stars!

Editorial Product Description:

What happens when a nightgown model and a soap opera star meet in a Croatian village where millions believe the Mother of God appears to three visionaries?

Yugoslavian born Maya Lidovic owns Intimate Whispers, a New York based sleepwear company. Determined not to lose her faith in a secular world, she spends her vacations leading tours in Valselo where her parents run an inn.

Colin O'Reilly plays heartthrob, Dr. Brock Stone, on the soap opera Tides Of Tomorrow. Through various setbacks in life he's managed to keep God first. But now he's furious at God for taking his mother. Colin doesn't believe that God has sent the Virgin Mary to earth with messages of hope. He doesn't believe that God cares about the world.

Can a series of apparitions, prophetic dreams and earthy attraction draw these different people together when human frailties obscure the intention of the call that brought them to their destinies?

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JoAnn's Thoughts:

Are you looking for a unique story? Then you've found the right book. I was amazed and intrigued at the premise of the story (which you can find above).

I am not of Catholic faith, but the way this story is written, I never felt left out nor at a lost for understanding. I loved how the authors of this inspirational novel not only showed us a growing love between a man and a woman, but also the love that Christ has for each one of us.

The characters are well developed and the story flowed easy from page to page. By the time I finished the book, I felt like I knew both Colin and Maya. I'm off to start the next book in this series. :)

K.M. Daughters has written a unique story of love, faith, and redemption. The story is beautifully told, and quite thought-provoking. I enjoyed the perspective and really got into the characters. I didn't want to see it end, and neither will you.

Don't miss the sequel...Rose of the Adriatic.

Mary Manners

Mended Heart

I would not usually pick up a story with a Catholic point of view, even though I was raised in the Catholic faith. But this story is a unique read that makes one think while enjoying a compelling, romantic tale.

On a pilgrimage because of his dying mother's wish, Colin is unbelieving in God and the miracles proclaimed at this shrine to Mary, the Mother of God. Used to being the star in a popular TV show, he is unknown in this small village. When he meets Maya, he sees she is transformed by something he simply doesn't believe in. How can a high-powered fashion designer be humbled by something no one else sees? Yet through his visit, God begins to work, and Colin slowly comes to find peace with the Father...and love for Maya.

~ Sandy ~

First, a disclaimer: I'm a life-long, practicing Catholic. In fact, my sister-in-law went on a pilgrimage to Yugoslavia years ago, to sites of Marian apparitions very similar to those described in this book; therefore, reading Jewel of the Adriatic was of particular interest for me. That being said, I must give K.M. Daughters outstanding praise for the seamless way they intigrated the elements of mystery and true faith along with the traditionals of a beautifully spun romance. Faith-filled, uplifting, mysterious and compelling are all words I'd use to describe this book. Very highly recommended, and please enjoy!! Kudos, KM - outstanding job!

What a lovely story of faith as seen through the eyes of a Catholic. Many people disregard evidence of apparitions and mock Catholics for their devotion to Mary - it is beautiful to see both a book and a publisher that allows for this unique and glorious sign of faith and revelation to the faithful!

Pamela S Thibodeaux

Author of The Inheritance