KATHLEEN IRENE PATERKA
Cursed or Blessed?
A Man of God Must Make a Choice…
Father Greg, a Catholic priest and recovering alcoholic, took a vow of obedience athis ordination—but thirty years later, that Roman collar chafes his neck. His love forGod is not in doubt, but the same can’t be said for his faith in the church. After ayoung interracial couple joins his parish in the small exclusive resort community ofJames Bay, Michigan, Father Greg finds himself waging a fierce battle fightingparishioners’ prejudices. When an attractive widow from the parish joins hands withhim to befriend the young couple, the problems only escalate—and so do the rumorsabout a romance. Caught up in a war with church leaders and his own guiltyconscience, Father Greg is trapped. He’s good at standing up for others, but now heneeds to learn how to stand up for himself. It’s the only way he’ll become the man hewas always meant to be—with or without the Roman collar.
For I Have Sinned
“I was hooked from the very first line ”
~ Samantha Stroh Bailey, USA Today
Critical Acclaim
“Compelling and Inspirational”
“A thoughtful and quietly compelling novel about one priest's moral dilemma. Father Greg is richly imagined and a character the reader comes to care about. I loved, too, that even with the flawed characters it's not black and white. Paterka is gifted at portraying her characters as people like those we meet in everyday life.”
Eileen Goudge, New York Times Bestselling Author
“Excellent”
“A thoughtful and quietly compelling novel about one priest's moral dilemma. Father Greg is richly imagined and a character the reader comes to care about. I loved, too, that even with the flawed characters it's not black and white. Paterka is gifted at portraying her characters as people like those we meet in everyday life.”
Samantha Stroh Bailey, USA Today Bestselling Author
“In Love With a Priest”
“I found myself reluctant to stop reading when I had to do things like sleep, drive, go to work, or interact with other human beings. I couldn't wait to see how Father Greg was going to reconcile his seemingly hopeless situation while also being there for his parishioners… A fascinating look inside the everyday life of a not-so-everyday profession (or calling). Paterka writes smoothly, using the kind of breathtaking imagery and symbolism that always makes my inner writer envious. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the books in her catalog!”
Amazon Reviewer
“A Beautiful Love Story”
“I loved the author's portrayal of a man of God struggling to follow his Lord while battling church politics and his own humanity. We're all aware of the scandals facing the Catholic Church, and I'm certain Catholic dogma bothers many who worship elsewhere. Paterka wrote a book for all of us who seek to do right and to show love.”
Amazon Reviewer
“A Stunning Read”
“An outstanding read. I loved her book "The Other Wife" so I read this one...even better! So thoughtfully written, you felt like you were part of the story, right there with the characters. Offers an extremely rare, clear look into how someone like a priest, who you would think has all the answers, struggles with day-to-day challenges (and worse) like we all do. A beautiful, thought-provoking story that is actually realistic. A MUST READ for Christians. You won't be sorry!”