Waiting to Believe

by Sandra Kjarstad Bloom

In a coming-of-age story unlike any other, feisty young Kacey Doyle retreats to a secluded Minnesota convent as the challenging turbulence of the sixties is about to begin. Torn between her calling to leave the world behind, and the world that seems to call to her more urgently each day, Kacey’s journey leads beautifully, humorously, and powerfully up to the moment of her final vows. Will she? Should she? Would you?

203 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Zee · Rating 2 out of 5]

'Waiting to Believe' tells the story of Kaacey Doyle, a willful young woman attempting to find her place in the world through becoming a nun. Although it was an interesting and insightful read, I think the characters could have been more developed and many of the plot points just seemed a little awkward. Nevertheless, the book was enjoyable and the writing style easy to read.

[Pam Herrmann · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of a young girl who gives up everything to enter the nunnery. She goes thru tortuous years of training but if she listened to her gut feeling sooner she would have chosen differently. From the way it ended I'm guessing there will be a sequel.

[Suzyberry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a fictionalized personal look at life for young women entering the convent to become nuns. The book is very well written and kept me reading to the end. It follows one young woman who enters the convent at 18...quite sure she has been 'called' to this life. What follows are tales of how difficult life can be for her and her fellow novices as they are removed from all outside contact, including their own families, and forced to look inward and upward for their solace and place in the religious life. It is a candid look at what so many of us wonder about that goes on behind those closed doors. It often tugs at your heartstrings...the austere life, the lonliness of girls so young being torn from their family roots and sense of security and love. But in the end you will find that some do find their calling...others do not and realize the Lord is leading them to be a light to the world outside the confines of the convent. Sandra Bloom has written a fine book, from beginning to end and helps us see what life was like (and perhaps still is to some degree) for women who chose to walk through those doors, have them slam shut behind them...then venture into an insulated life for several years before entering the world once again as nuns who teach, become nurses or live their lives for Christ in the community. Well done...very much worth the time to read and learn first-hand what an emotional journey these women travel till that moment they chose to stay or go.

[Julia Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a burden to read, as I thought it might be at the beginning. Joyous and satisfying at the end! Kacey seemed real, as did her family and all of the other characters in the story.

Kacey's conviction, ultimately, about what was right for her was very realistic and well explained. Will watch for more from this Author.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful story by a Minnesota author. An unusual story written in the period of the 1960's. A young woman chooses to start the arduous path to become a nun. Beautifully written. Gives another perspective to the turbulent times of the 60's.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it, though I would have loved to have seen a little more to the ending.

[Joyce · Rating 1 out of 5]

Really uninteresting and story was long and boring with an ending that while you were happy she FINALLY came to her senses but you wondered what next.