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Chronicles of Ariella #1
Lioness Lost
The first novel in this thrilling Christian suspense series.
When investigative reporter, Ariella "Ari" Dalton, wakes on the morning of November 29, 2021, she has no idea that the course of her life is about to change forever.
Assigned to cover a grisly murder case in her local town, Ari works to uncover the truth, but quickly finds herself deep within the macabre and violent world of a Satanic gang that holds a dark secret. Collaborating with an elite FBI squad led by the very handsome—and very Catholic—Supervisory Special Agent Jesse Sandoval, her investigations will lead her to question her own spiritual and religious beliefs.
As the stakes get higher and Ari finds herself inexplicably drawn to Jesse, her beloved grandmother decides to reveal the history of Ariella's lineage in an effort to help guide her granddaughter. Beautifully interwoven within the story of Ari is that of Ella Ward, another Ariella living during the Gilded Age of the late nineteenth century. As one Ariella fights to discover the truth about the murder case, another Ariella will help lead her down the path to find the truth of who she was meant to be.
The first in the new fiction series written by New Age and the occult expert, Susan Brinkmann, will not only open the reader's eyes to the true nature of the spiritual movements of our day, but will also open their hearts to the glory of Christianity, the critical role of women in the Church, and the Truth that sets us free.
When investigative reporter, Ariella "Ari" Dalton, wakes on the morning of November 29, 2021, she has no idea that the course of her life is about to change forever.
Assigned to cover a grisly murder case in her local town, Ari works to uncover the truth, but quickly finds herself deep within the macabre and violent world of a Satanic gang that holds a dark secret. Collaborating with an elite FBI squad led by the very handsome—and very Catholic—Supervisory Special Agent Jesse Sandoval, her investigations will lead her to question her own spiritual and religious beliefs.
As the stakes get higher and Ari finds herself inexplicably drawn to Jesse, her beloved grandmother decides to reveal the history of Ariella's lineage in an effort to help guide her granddaughter. Beautifully interwoven within the story of Ari is that of Ella Ward, another Ariella living during the Gilded Age of the late nineteenth century. As one Ariella fights to discover the truth about the murder case, another Ariella will help lead her down the path to find the truth of who she was meant to be.
The first in the new fiction series written by New Age and the occult expert, Susan Brinkmann, will not only open the reader's eyes to the true nature of the spiritual movements of our day, but will also open their hearts to the glory of Christianity, the critical role of women in the Church, and the Truth that sets us free.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published December 1, 2024
6 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Susan Brinkmann
21 books12 followersSusan Brinkmann, O.C.D.S., is an author and award-winning journalist is a member of the Third Order of Discalced Carmelites. She serves as Director of New Age Research for Women of Grace® (www.womenofgrace.com) and is a frequent guest on EWTN’s Women of Grace® television show. She is the founder of Live Catholic (www.livecatholic.org ), an educational nonprofit devoted to teaching authentic Catholic prayer in the Carmelite tradition to the faithful. Susan formerly worked as a Correspondent for the Catholic Standard & Times, the newspaper for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
For the last 10 years she has been the lead researcher for Women of Grace’s New Age Q&A Blog which is the largest blog of its kind in the world. The library of information now exceeds 1600 entries on everything from acupuncture and angels to wicca and yoga.
She has also authored seventeen books, including The Learn to Discern Compendium: Is It Christian or New Age which has an imprimatur from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Avila Institute published her book, A Catholic Guide to Mindfulness which educates the Catholic faithful about the Buddhist practice of mindfulness and how it differs from authentic Catholic spirituality, teaching and thought. Along with Johnnette Williams, she co-authored the Young Women of Grace Study Program which teaches girls ages 13+ what it means to be authentically feminine. Susan’s Like a Catholic series which introduces Carmelite spirituality to the faithful. This series includes Pray Like a Catholic, Live Like a Catholic, Mindful Like a Catholic, and Fight Like a Catholic, all of which have imprimaturs from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Her daily devotional, entitled Day by Day in the Little Way: 365 Reflections on the Teachings of St. Therese of Lisieux introduces devotees to the Little Way of Spiritual Childhood.
In the fall of 2024, Viident Publications will launch Susan’s new series of Catholic women’s novels entitled The Chronicles of Ariella, a gripping saga of murder, romance and redemption that spans six novels and 2000 years of Church history.
Her national journalism awards include the Bernadine-O’Connor Award for Pro-Life Journalism, the Eileen Egan Journalism Award from Catholic Relief Services, and numerous awards from the Catholic Press Association and the Philadelphia Press Association.
For the last 10 years she has been the lead researcher for Women of Grace’s New Age Q&A Blog which is the largest blog of its kind in the world. The library of information now exceeds 1600 entries on everything from acupuncture and angels to wicca and yoga.
She has also authored seventeen books, including The Learn to Discern Compendium: Is It Christian or New Age which has an imprimatur from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Avila Institute published her book, A Catholic Guide to Mindfulness which educates the Catholic faithful about the Buddhist practice of mindfulness and how it differs from authentic Catholic spirituality, teaching and thought. Along with Johnnette Williams, she co-authored the Young Women of Grace Study Program which teaches girls ages 13+ what it means to be authentically feminine. Susan’s Like a Catholic series which introduces Carmelite spirituality to the faithful. This series includes Pray Like a Catholic, Live Like a Catholic, Mindful Like a Catholic, and Fight Like a Catholic, all of which have imprimaturs from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Her daily devotional, entitled Day by Day in the Little Way: 365 Reflections on the Teachings of St. Therese of Lisieux introduces devotees to the Little Way of Spiritual Childhood.
In the fall of 2024, Viident Publications will launch Susan’s new series of Catholic women’s novels entitled The Chronicles of Ariella, a gripping saga of murder, romance and redemption that spans six novels and 2000 years of Church history.
Her national journalism awards include the Bernadine-O’Connor Award for Pro-Life Journalism, the Eileen Egan Journalism Award from Catholic Relief Services, and numerous awards from the Catholic Press Association and the Philadelphia Press Association.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
February 6, 2025
The start to a new series! Susan Brinkmann writes an intense story about a hate crime committed at a local Catholic Church. It follows Ariella (Ari), an investigative journalist, as she digs deep into what happened. There's drama, action, romance and more. Using her knowledge of New Age practices and the Church's teachings on them, Susan opens discussion into what lies out there in the world.
Be aware there are some intense themes in this book: new age, satanic cults, parental neglect. Definitely a book for adults or older teens!
The book also contains a past timeline, the story of a past Ariella, which is a large chunk of the story. (almost half) Susan includes lots of Church history here though!
This book was a 3 star read- very interesting. Past timelines aren't my favorite literary technique, and I feel as if the rest of the series might utilize it too, so I'm not sure I'll continue with there series, but you never know.
Be aware there are some intense themes in this book: new age, satanic cults, parental neglect. Definitely a book for adults or older teens!
The book also contains a past timeline, the story of a past Ariella, which is a large chunk of the story. (almost half) Susan includes lots of Church history here though!
This book was a 3 star read- very interesting. Past timelines aren't my favorite literary technique, and I feel as if the rest of the series might utilize it too, so I'm not sure I'll continue with there series, but you never know.
February 10, 2025
Lioness Lost is an intriguing book that keeps the reader on their toes as the character Ariella Dalton tries to solve the murder case. A long-time follower of Susan Brinkman, she wrote this book loosely based on real accounts that happened in satanic cults. Her knowledge and exposure to the occult make the reader think about how much darkness is out there, but also how God always triumphs.
Dalton's character is intriguing as she struggles with her belief (or disbelief) in God, but as the story unfolds, she begins to realize how real He is and that he is our only hope.
I look forward to the next book in this series and can't wait to see what Susan has in store.
Dalton's character is intriguing as she struggles with her belief (or disbelief) in God, but as the story unfolds, she begins to realize how real He is and that he is our only hope.
I look forward to the next book in this series and can't wait to see what Susan has in store.
May 4, 2025
Lioness Lost is a modern crime thriller, romance, historical fiction, and Catholic book all at once! I didn’t know what to expect when starting it but definitely enjoyed the read and can’t wait for the rest of the series to come out.
July 18, 2025
Love the history, the spiritual truths and how the story pulls you along that you can't put it down. How timely, some of the story takes place when Pope Leo XIII was pope after whom Pope Leo XIV named.
May 19, 2025
3.5. I love the potential of this book, but it could use more editing. Some of it was quite underdeveloped. However, the connection to faith and the characters are very likable and interesting.
September 27, 2025
It just wasn’t long enough! Looking forward to the rest of the series.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews