St. Philomena: The Story of a Stubborn Little Princess

I just recently learned about St. Philomena, the Patron Saint of babies and children. This is a very easy read and a more than inspiring look into the life of this beautiful, holy child. I highly recommend.

After reading the glowing reviews, I was excited to buy this book for my daughter's Easter basket. Well, I finally got around to reading it myself last night, and I doubt I will give it to her. The writing is very weak. The author leaves out many necessary commas, making the sentences unwieldy. There are also quite a few misused words: for example "defensibly" when the writer clearly means "defensively." The dialogue often sounds unnatural or confusing, as does the narration at times. (For instance, Philomena says her parents have, at one point, "accepted defeat" and are ready to side with the Emperor against her. Well, if they are going to side with the Emperor against her, then it makes no sense to say they have accepted defeat. They simply changed tactics.) An experienced reader can "auto-correct" these mistakes as she reads (however annoying and distracting that may be); a young reader usually cannot, but will come away with an example of poor writing at a time when she really needs to be developing a taste for good literature. I am happy that the writer had this opportunity to connect in such a meaningful way with her confirmation saint, and the book has evidently blessed many people by making them acquainted with St. Philomena. In my opinion, however, the work itself was not ready to be offered to the public. I am only writing this to help other customers who, like me, expect that a book that has received nothing but 4- or 5-star reviews will be a skillful piece of writing. I am disappointed that I spent money on this, and I would have been grateful if I had seen a review pointing out the book's flaws before I had done so.

I was amazed by young St. Philomena's life, the many miracles, and the first person account of how the author presented her life. The manner in which she described her unfolding life was both suspenseful and inspiring. I was interrupted in my reading about two thirds of the way through the book and was wishing I could continue reading. When I was finally able to get back to it, I was so glad to read to the climax and conclusion. What a masterful piece of writing this young author did. This little book will be a worthy contribution and help for many youth, and their parents, as our society/culture is so misled about God's ways and graces. Parents and grandparents will find it to be an uplifting and growth-producing gift.

This is the best book I have ever read on Saint Philomena… And I have read most of them. The author does a fantastic job of telling the life of Saint Philomena in such an engaging manner that I have been reading a chapter every night to my husband! I can't wait for her to write another book on a saint!

Courtney Lee brings to life one of the most beloved of all saints with this charmingly accessible biography, and reminds us that a life of love and faith endures for centuries. Children who read this gentle tale of courage and martyrdom will be enthralled by the attention to historic detail and inspired by the heartfelt writing that will connect Philomena's life and love of Jesus with their own. This book belongs in every school library and home that wants to provide children with examples of young people who lived virtuously and made difficult moral choices in the most challenging circumstances.

Courtney Lee has done a wonderful job bringing St. Philomena to life for her readers. The young age of the author is remarkable and will inspire other readers of her generation. I greatly enjoyed this book and am eager to share it with my children and their friends. While avoiding the dreaded "preachy", this adorable book encourages readers to love God. An excellent gift idea for birthdays or other special occasions!

St. Philomena is a wonderful example to young women faced with the many challenges of living in today's world. Courtney Lee writes a delightful story of her life that can be enjoyed by young and old alike. This teen author brings St. Philomena to life through her inspiring words. Hopefully, young readers especially will remember her example of heroic purity and chastity and not be afraid to stand up for their Christian values.

My daughters (ages 9, 11, and 13) *loved* this book. Each read it on her own. They were tempted to fight over the book at first, but wanted to practice the virtue they knew St. Philomena had. :-)

Lovely story. My daughter Philomena liked it.