Poustinia

Poustinia #1

by Kathleen McKee

An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here and here.

Victoria encounters a unique experience when she books a rustic cabin—a poustinia—in the woodlands of the Monastery of St. Carmella. While trying to discern her future, she meets other guests who face their own challenges in life.

The Sisters also have a dilemma, as they anticipate a merger because of their dwindling numbers and an aging congregation. Will they lose their beloved homeland, nestled among the vineyard, forest, and lake?

The nuns needed income. The guests needed hope. They come together in an endearing story of friendship, generosity, and love.

Genres: Fiction

246 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 27, 2016

About the author

Kathleen McKee is a retired educator and registered dietitian who enjoys crafting stories that are uplifting and moving. Regardless of genre, she likes to include a touch of romance and mystery, with narratives that bring the characters to life.

Kathleen’s heart-warming stories and their settings are often inspired by experiences of people she has met or places she has lived. She likes to include women who are strong, generous, compassionate, and capable.

Kathleen currently lives in southeast Pennsylvania with her springer spaniel, Maggie. You’ll find her there, working on her next book. Visit her website at: https://kathleen-mckee.com/ and sign up for her newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/crzIUv

Follow her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kmckee101.Au...

Reviews

[Literary Lizz]

Kathleen McKee’s novel is a genuinely uplifting, restorative read that explores complex life challenges with remarkable grace and empathy. While the author thoughtfully tackles some difficult and deeply personal subjects, the book maintains a peaceful, comforting atmosphere that gives it the cozy feel of a quiet retreat.

One of the greatest joys of the story is the wonderful cast of characters, making the budding new friendships feel entirely natural and heartwarming. Woven smoothly throughout the narrative is an authentic, gentle faith content that adds an extra layer of warmth to the community unfolding on the page. Furthermore, the vivid descriptions of the monastery, its surrounding wilderness, and the tranquil lake are wonderfully picturesque, instantly drawing you into the peaceful setting.

The pacing makes it an effortless page-turner—I finished it in just three days, completely absorbed in the journey. It is a deeply hopeful and comforting novel from start to finish, and I am definitely looking forward to continuing further into the series.

[Anita]

Not what I expected

This is a mystery, but not murder or crime.
A nice monastery needs some help. They have cabins, a beautiful lake, and a vineyard.
As the sisters help others find their second chances, the people find original ways
to help the monastery revive and survive.

This location has potential for MANY stories. Each of the sisters and guests have a backstory, a climax, a transformation, and a future.

[Lynn]

a refreshing story of hope

This a story of struggle that is also filled with help and hope. A place of retreat became a place of connection, faith, and renewal for several people visiting the religious community of St Carmelo and its poustinia - small one room cabins for retreat. I enjoyed every minute of this story!

[Lucinda A.]

Refreshing encouraging transformations

This was a book about new beginnings and seeing yourself and others in a new perspective. Also it shows that things are not as we see on the outside. It gives a sense of hope and renewal for the future.

[Rita Nye]

Reflection

Sometimes in life we need to reflect on where we are and where we’re going. Are we on the right path? Do we need to make some changes? Life sometimes gets away from us and we need to find a place to reset and re-energize. The Poustina’s were that place for Victoria.

[Cindy]

Moving story

This is a story of Vicki, who sees a brochure about some cabins at a monastery and decides to take a vacation there. It is also the story of the new friends she makes and how they help each other.

[Sue Peters]

Hope and transformation from tragedy

A wonderful story that shows what hope and wonder can come out of tragedy. I loved following the stories and growth of each character in the story. Thank you Kathleen. I enjoyed reading this book very much.

[Michele Anglace]

A really wonderful book.

It came just at the right time for a sit back cozy family read. When I had to put it down I couldn't wait to get back to reading. The story line flows and wraps you into each chapter. Would love to visit. I hope you read their stories and enjoy it as much as I did!!!

[Brianna]

book club read for the win

Book club read for the win. Grabbed this book as a First Read and definitely wasn’t disappointed. A story of life intermingling and finding our purpose m.

[Elaine Tellep]

This is a really moving book. Hard to put down and very uplifting.

[Kathy]

uplifting story

Really enjoyed this story of friendship and family. Feel good story that makes you feel warm inside. Characters are very relatable.

[Jackie Boggs]

Heartwarming

A delightful story of growth and renewed life! Looking forward to the next book of hope and faithful created relationships

[Vicki Bennett]

The series was a good read, I learned quite a bit about monastery life, I’m not Catholic but you don’t have to be to enjoy this series.

[Laura Swan]

Sweet

Gentle story. With fun characters. With today's headlines, good food for the soul. Gives hope for a gentler, kinder world.

[Paula Collins]

This is the book that introduced me to Kathleen McKee. It was wonderful to find the main character at similar crossroads in my life. This is a wonderful story on how people cross your path in life and the amazing things that can happen. I enjoy the history and surprises that unfold in this series.
If you enjoy this series, I hope that you then check out the other books by this author.

[Barb]

Heart warming

A cabin in the woods for a getaway by the monastery and the nuns that run it and how the people's lives change spending the weekend...

[Sandra Barker]

This is a very different type of book than I usually read. There were no crimes committed and psychological riddles to figure out. It was just a nice story told in first person by Victoria, who is a mid-aged woman who works hard at her job and wants to enjoy a peaceful week in a poustinia - which turns out to be a bare-bones "cabin" in the woods at the Monastery of St. Carmella. The nuns there have about half-a dozen cabins they rent to earn money for upkeep of their monastery. The whole story follows Victoria as she meets various people staying in the cabins and living in the monastery. She makes friends and builds alliances with a number of nice people over a number of visits to the monastery. It's a "nice" book with a "nice" story. It was refreshing and even though it is not wildly eventful, it shows an interesting slice of life. Of course, Victoria's life is enriched and she grows as a person through her experiences over a period of nearly a year. It's a light, clean, relaxing story to read.

[Donna Alspach]

I enjoyed this book but something was lacking and I can't find just one thing. What I look for in a book is: good writing, good plot, & good characters. This book was lacking a little in all three areas but it was still a good book. I will read the next in the series (I like series books) and see how things go. I have read other books by Kathleen McKee and have enjoyed them very much so I know from past experiences that she is a good author!

[Gloria Albritton]

God’s Wonders BEHOLD

I can’t begin to say how this inspirational book has filled me with so many feelings! With so many stories of sadness and need, it’s just telling of how the Lotd works His miracles! HE brought all these people together so they could meet and complete the meaning of family and what had torn them apart on His Son’s birthday!✝️🙏

[Cindy Cynthia]

Very Nice (and no, that’s not the kiss of death review!)

This book was good. As one who generally reads cozy mysteries, I actually enjoyed not having to wonder when the body would be discovered! I could just get to know the well-crafted characters as they lived their lives.

[kbj143yahoo.com]

Amazing journey of refreshing discovery.

I applaud Kathleen McKee for her original and thought provoking journey . I laughed and cried and felt whole when I finished, as if I had been on the same journey as the characters. Thank you so much.

[Bobbi Jo Villa]

A heart warming story of finding one’s self

This book was endearing and full of peace and happiness. The monastery sounds amazingly beautiful and I love the idea of the poustinias. I like how the characters found their inner growth and embraced it.

[christine]

Poustinia

This is a come full circle book. A very interesting and incredible moving story as each character has a connection to the next. I don't want to give to much away but I will say this, I highly recommend it. Wonderful characters,well written storyline.

[Kate Szegda]

We never stop having to find ourselves. A quiet, relaxing get-a-way read. If you miss your cabin in the woods, you’ll like Poustinia.

[Barbara Sifford]

Finding new friends

Loved this book. Will written. The characters were just like old friends. Some sad parts, but lots of joy. Recommend you read this.

[Sheryl]

This book sucked me in. I was totally invested!! I couldn’t wait to read the entire series!! Well done!

[Susan B]

I enjoyed this lighter read by Kathleen McKee. While one might expect it to be "religious," given the retreat setting operated by nuns, it is more of a clean read. Themes include friendship, self-discovery, and service.

[Loretta Mulry]

Most Enjoyable First Novel

I chose to rate this book 4****. It was a most enjoyable easy read. The rather simple plot was overly predictable, yet it held my attention because the characters are all so genuinely nice. Looking forward to more from this new author.

[Ruthe Griffin]

I really enjoyed this book. It showed new beginnings and new hope and had no profa




nity or sexual content. The joy that comes from giving to others. I would highly recommend this book to others.

[Kathy Galloway]

Poustinia-another great story written by Kathleen McKee

I couldn’t stop reading Poustinia. It definitely was a story of finding hope, connection and faith. I love the surprise ending.