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Astonished: A Hawthorn Asylum Novel
Not yet published
Expected 24 Jul 26How fine the line between inspired and insane...
1914 - Avila Kohlfeld has spent most of her life in the shadow of Hawthorn Asylum. As the superintendent's daughter, she grew up outside the institution's inner workings, yet never quite apart from them. Then one night, a reckless visit to its walls claims the life of her sister -- or does it? Avila doesn't know what to make of the altered girl who is restored to their family. Is Callie truly inspired by God from her experience or is she as insane as the patients at the asylum? As whispers and speculation circulate, the community questions the superintendent's suitability for his position. With her entire family's future in jeopardy, Avila works on a desperate plan to prove that Hawthorn Asylum is caring for its patients, body and soul.
Abandoned by his parents due to his inability to read or write, Matthias Ward was diagnosed as "backward" and given a job where he can't cause any harm -- asylum mortician. He resolves to treat each body with the same dignity as he would if they were living. When the superintendent's daughter ends up in his mortuary, the resulting whirlwind tosses his basement-dwelling days upside down. Avila encourages him to consider a different path, despite her own tenuous future. Is it possible that God has more for him outside of Hawthorn's walls?
In a place where many enter but few leave, could the halls of Hawthorn Asylum still hold room for another miracle?
1914 - Avila Kohlfeld has spent most of her life in the shadow of Hawthorn Asylum. As the superintendent's daughter, she grew up outside the institution's inner workings, yet never quite apart from them. Then one night, a reckless visit to its walls claims the life of her sister -- or does it? Avila doesn't know what to make of the altered girl who is restored to their family. Is Callie truly inspired by God from her experience or is she as insane as the patients at the asylum? As whispers and speculation circulate, the community questions the superintendent's suitability for his position. With her entire family's future in jeopardy, Avila works on a desperate plan to prove that Hawthorn Asylum is caring for its patients, body and soul.
Abandoned by his parents due to his inability to read or write, Matthias Ward was diagnosed as "backward" and given a job where he can't cause any harm -- asylum mortician. He resolves to treat each body with the same dignity as he would if they were living. When the superintendent's daughter ends up in his mortuary, the resulting whirlwind tosses his basement-dwelling days upside down. Avila encourages him to consider a different path, despite her own tenuous future. Is it possible that God has more for him outside of Hawthorn's walls?
In a place where many enter but few leave, could the halls of Hawthorn Asylum still hold room for another miracle?
Kindle Edition
Expected publication July 24, 2026
About the author
Kelsey Gietl
13 books113 followersNew Release Coming July 24, 2026!
Kelsey Gietl is the award-winning author of the Over the Atlantic, the War Across Waters, and the Larksong Legacy historical fiction series. Combining Catholic Christian faith, family, and lessons from our past, her books provide inspirational stories of hope, redemption, and realistic romance. She is a member of the Catholic Writers Guild and the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Kelsey Gietl is the award-winning author of the Over the Atlantic, the War Across Waters, and the Larksong Legacy historical fiction series. Combining Catholic Christian faith, family, and lessons from our past, her books provide inspirational stories of hope, redemption, and realistic romance. She is a member of the Catholic Writers Guild and the Daughters of the American Revolution.
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May 26, 2026In this strongly Catholic novel based loosely on the life of St. Christina the Astonishing, Kelsey Gietl takes readers on an engaging adventure through the halls of an early 1900s asylum. The book explores the issues of mental health, not just from a historic standpoint, but in all of the complexities that transcend time.
Matthias was a fabulous male lead. Unable to read due to severe dyslexia, he has managed to find purpose in his life as the asylum's mortician. As he tenderly cares for the patients, living and dead, he is able to face the hurts in his own life.
Avila's arc from somewhat spoiled superintendent's daughter to discovering what compassion truly means felt very real. She learned to see people, first literally by taking part in the asylum's work, then to see the souls behind the broken bodies and minds.
I was surprised several times by plot twists I didn't see coming, which, along with the diverse and layered cast of characters made for a highly engaging read!
Matthias was a fabulous male lead. Unable to read due to severe dyslexia, he has managed to find purpose in his life as the asylum's mortician. As he tenderly cares for the patients, living and dead, he is able to face the hurts in his own life.
Avila's arc from somewhat spoiled superintendent's daughter to discovering what compassion truly means felt very real. She learned to see people, first literally by taking part in the asylum's work, then to see the souls behind the broken bodies and minds.
I was surprised several times by plot twists I didn't see coming, which, along with the diverse and layered cast of characters made for a highly engaging read!
Displaying 1 of 1 review