The Hermit: The Priest Who Saved a Soul, a Marriage, and a Family

by Kevin Wells

In his raw and tender memoir, biographer Kevin Wells pulls readers into the unforgettable story of a parish priest turned hermit, Father Martin Flum, who orchestrated the slow resurrection of his wife, Krista, from the nightmare of her deep wounds and addiction. In gripping fashion, Kevin tells the story of his family’s own long suffering, which culminated in the dark spring of 2020, as a strange fear pressed down upon the world and his wife spent most nights drinking away long-held shame. When a near-universal chorus of politicians, medical professionals, and Catholic clergy megaphoned the command to “isolate,” Kevin couldn’t imagine a more dooming word for his family, his marriage, and the life of his wife. 

Yet God had other plans. Wells’ honest tale of inner crisis and hope-filled resurrection takes readers on a spiritual rollercoaster, offering a penetrating exploration of the sacramental grace of marriage and the mysterious movement of God in dry, lonely places.

In the journey from darkness to light, three lives—Krista, Kevin, and Father Flum—became forever entwined. It is a deeper kind of love story. The chapters on the fits and starts of renewal unfold like the piecemeal opening of a tomb. The Hermit is a true account of marital survival, a holy priest, redemption, and even the miraculous, where imprisoned shame and sin are transformed into the joy of freedom.

235 pages, Paperback

Published September 2, 2024

Reviews

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written book about Mr. Wells wife and her journey out of alcoholism and the healing of the wounds that created that situation. It is a story also about his journey with God through his own physical crisis and that taking place in his marriage.

Above all it is about the power of God to heal us when we draw close to Him. It is about holy priests and the power they have to lead us and heal us through that given to them by God.

I think everyone should read this book to maybe spark their own desire to move out of complacency and into the arms of the Lord. I know it has given me great incentive to spend more time on my relationship with the Lord. How easy it is so slack off and if we aren't moving forward, we are moving backwards.

[Poco a poco · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely beautiful book which delves into the beauty of marriage to God, earthly spouse and to your kids….all which are form of manage of love, which can survive, sustain and thrive with immense protection only in His caring embrace, through the graces of sacraments and His devout earthly shepherds in church.

This book taught me that instead of navel gazing, one must focus on giving sacrificial love, devotion and grace to your spouse come what may. To persevere when the going gets tough which it will in life on earth - to remain steadfast in love through faith.

Though the main arc of this book is woven around addiction to alcohol and it impact, I feel it was relevant to all kinds of addictions we face - digital, food, overspending, flesh, to name a few of the most popular (infamous) ones of the times we live in. Through his artistic and poetic framing of his experiences, the author gives you hope and a compass guide rooted in faith..which will take you out of the quagmire you may find yourself in towards a new journey, a new chapter of renewed love, strength, grace which’s ripple into the lives of your inner and outer circle.

This one is a must read for those seeking marriage, those in marriages and those who nurture families - at home, at work or at any junction of life. It’s a real life account of how one can find the light and thrive in it not at the end of the tunnel as the saying goes, but while journeying through the dark tunnel.

I look forward to reading Krista’s book once it’s out!

Love and best wishes to Kevin, Krista, their lovely family and all the earthly shepherds who loved them and paved the path to Him for them.

[Carolyn O’Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have met this author Kevin Wells. He told his story of having a brain aneurysm and brain bleed and how his wife Krista was always with him even facing uncertainty of living, the surgeries and medical recovery. What I didn’t know was that his wife has had a secret of drinking wine to deal with deep wounds and feels deep shame so this is how she has coped. Both are deeply Catholic, but no matter how Kevin tries to save his wife, their marriage and protecting their 3 children she continues. He has a very strong faith that is being tested for years, turning to Jesus for help in every way he knows. But she is far away from Jesus as she feels tormented that she is unworthy. It’s a story of love, patience, faith, protecting his children. He knows of this priest that he met at a retreat. But she rejects him when he came by the house, Kevin was away and forgot to tell her about him. Now it is the beginning of COVID in March 2020 and the Catholic Churches close their doors due to the pandemic. The faithful never before needs Mass, the Eucharist and Sacraments.
She finally agrees to meet with this very holy priest who doesn’t close his church out in the country. With Fr Flum’s help and helping her to know Mary, Jesus’ mother, Mary will help her get close to her son. A very inspiring story that was enthralling at the point of COVID to the end. Great read!

[L · Rating 3 out of 5]

God bless this family and this priest.
As to the writing, for my tastes, too much prose and flowery description. I kept losing the story. Also, I kept wondering why the husband didn't go to AlAnon. Funny, he was more than willing to take his wife to AA, but not ready to take a look at himself in AlAnon. Besides prayer and fasting, I think that's the kindest action you can take to help a loved one struggling with alcoholism.

[Melissa secretary4JESUS · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the struggles of marriage, God is there for us at every moment! This book will make you laugh, cry, examine your marriage, increase your faith, and show you how GOD answers prayer. A powerful book of love between a husband and wife, and a priest who cares for his flock even in the darkest moments.

[Kitty · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first half of the book dragged on, although I was amazed how he stood by her through all her ups and downs. Second half was very good. A lot of insights of this holy priest. 3.5*

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about so much ! It is about marriage and faithfulness, surrender , and spiritual warfare . It is about saints among us like Father Flum. I highly recommend!

[Laurel Kitto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story —lots of detail -remarkable perseverance

[Fr. Edward Looney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the writing of Kevin Wells. A personal story that touches his family’s struggle and how faith and grace helped them overcome.

[Scott Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling story! I was gripped throughout.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book came highly recommended I found it somewhat tedious. Kevin's love and concern for his wife shines throughout. His patience and faith unbounded. Just didn't click with me.

[Glen Asbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a piercing book! Kevin is an amazing writer and paints portraits when he tells stories. I’ve seldom been so stirred by a book, and challenged to live closer to God.