Secrets of Siena

Secrets of Siena

Secrets of Siena

by Dianne Ahern

Book 4 of the series!

Even nuns get to take a holiday! After all the investigations Sister Philomena’s conducted this summer, she needs one. In this adventure, Sister Philomena, her niece, Delaney, and nephew, Riley, are invited to Siena, Italy, for the famous Palio horse race and festival.

Their vacation plans abruptly change when they stumble upon mysterious documents while visiting the childhood home of St. Catherine of Siena. It’s possible they have found a centuries-old letter written by Saint Catherine along with a ransom note addressed to the Pope. Of course, they must investigate!

Their search for answers takes them on a fast trip across Europe to Avignon, France, and the famous Palace of the Popes. In the course of their investigation, the children learn about Saint Catherine and the history of the Church in the 1300s when the papacy was forced to flee from Rome to Avignon for safety.

Hardback Gift Edition: $29.95 | Paperback $14.95 | Kindle $9.99

ABOUT THE BOOK

Secrets of Siena is the fourth book in the series, although they need not be read sequentially. The adventure begins when Sr. Philomena announces to her nephew and niece that Mother Superior has given her permission to take them on a holiday and that they will be staying in an apartment right above the main Piazza del Campo in Siena.

On arriving at their destination, the three are greeted by a man dressed as a jester in the spirit of the festival who takes their bags for them. And that’s just the beginning of all the wonderful new sights, sounds and tastes they find in this strange and new city. As they are experiencing Siena, a mystery begins to unfold around them.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dianne Ahern grew up on a farm in Illinois, has traveled extensively for business and pleasure, and now resides in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Medical Technology from Marian College (University), and a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Indiana University.  After rewarding careers in laboratory medicine, hospital administration, and healthcare consulting, Dianne found a new love: researching and writing about the events that shape our lives.

It was after her first Vatican visit in 1999, when Dianne looked into the eyes of Pope (Saint) John Paul II, held his hand, and kissed his ring, that she felt called to write books for Catholic children and their families.  Already a successful businesswoman, Dianne formed her own publishing company, Aunt Dee’s Attic, to support her new calling.

Beginning with the sacrament of baptism, Dianne outlined a series of books on the sacraments designed to prepare families for these most important events.  Her books’ formats merge storybook, reference book, and memory book elements into beautiful keepsake books. The sacrament books feature the imprimatur of the Catholic Church to assure families that the contents are true Church teachings.

 

In addition to her books on the sacraments, Dianne has developed a series of adventure/mystery books for young readers subtitled Adventures with Sister Philomena, Special Agent to the Pope.  The Adventure books place fictional characters in real settings to teach about the Church, saints, and holy places.  Her books have won accolades from retailers, readers, clergy, teachers, grandparents, and moms and dads.

THE DIANNE AHERN COLLECTION

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Curse of the Coins

Curse of the Coins

Curse of the Coins

by Dianne Ahern

Book 3 of the series!

The 30 pieces of silver that Judas was paid for betraying Jesus were found in Israel. The Franciscan monks of Jerusalem sent the coins to the Vatican Museums for authentication and safekeeping – but then they disappeared! The Holy Father naturally must call upon his special agent, Sister Philomena, to find them. The search for the coins leads Sister Philomena, Riley, and Delaney on a harrowing ride through Rome with that crazy Sister Lisa Renee at the wheel. In the hunt for the coins, the reader gets to visit some of the great Basilicas of Rome and discover the many relics of the Passion of Jesus that are preserved in the basilicas.

Hardback Gift Edition: $29.95 | Paperback $14.95 | Kindle $9.99

ABOUT THE BOOK

Curse of the Coins is the third book in the series, although they need not be read sequentially. The adventure begins when Franciscan monks in Jerusalem find the 30 pieces of silver that Judas was paid for betraying Jesus. The coins are sent to the Vatican Museums for authentication and safekeeping, but are stolen by a mysterious thief. The thief leaves clues that lead Sister Philomena, Riley and Delaney on a treasure hunt to recover the coins.

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The clues lead the threesome to some of the great relics and basilicas in Italy. Among the stops are the Sistine Chapel, Basilica of Saint John Lateran, Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore, Church of Saint Peter in Chains, Scala Santa and Basilica Santa Croce in Gerusalemme. Not only is the reader given detailed descriptions of the locations, but also learns about their history and significance to the Catholic faith.
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The beautiful art, from illustrator William Shurtliff, transports the reader to Italy, and the text provides information about the customs and atmosphere in Italy. The glossary of Italian-to-English words and phrases encourages the child’s curiosity, while also teaching adults a thing or two.

TESTIMONIALS & REVIEWS

“In this third adventure, Riley and Delaney are on a treasure hunt around Rome searching for the coins that Judas received for betraying Jesus.  Someone has stolen the coins and has stashed them in various churches with mysterious notes!  I love how Aunt Philomena, secret agent to the Pope, allows Riley and Delaney to help her in the most fun ways.  Their antics had me laughing, holding my breath, and breathing sighs of relief, especially when they were being driven by Sister Lisa Renee!  I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.” – Sr. Paule Pierre Barbeau, OSB, Duluth, Minnesota

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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Dianne Ahern grew up on a farm in Illinois, has traveled extensively for business and pleasure, and now resides in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Medical Technology from Marian College (University), and a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Indiana University.  After rewarding careers in laboratory medicine, hospital administration, and healthcare consulting, Dianne found a new love: researching and writing about the events that shape our lives.

It was after her first Vatican visit in 1999, when Dianne looked into the eyes of Pope (Saint) John Paul II, held his hand, and kissed his ring, that she felt called to write books for Catholic children and their families.  Already a successful businesswoman, Dianne formed her own publishing company, Aunt Dee’s Attic, to support her new calling.

Beginning with the sacrament of baptism, Dianne outlined a series of books on the sacraments designed to prepare families for these most important events.  Her books’ formats merge storybook, reference book, and memory book elements into beautiful keepsake books. The sacrament books feature the imprimatur of the Catholic Church to assure families that the contents are true Church teachings.

In addition to her books on the sacraments, Dianne has developed a series of adventure/mystery books for young readers subtitled Adventures with Sister Philomena, Special Agent to the Pope.  The Adventure books place fictional characters in real settings to teach about the Church, saints, and holy places.  Her books have won accolades from retailers, readers, clergy, teachers, grandparents, and moms and dads.

THE DIANNE AHERN COLLECTION

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Break-In at the Basilica

Break-In at the Basilica

Break-In at the Basilica

by Dianne Ahern

Book 2 of the series! 

Luigi, a desperately poor man, breaks into the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi, Italy, to steal something of great value. He hides behind the wooden choir stalls and waits for nightfall. The howl of a wolf breaks the quiet of the night and a burst of warm air sends chills down his spine. Thus begins another adventure with Sister Philomena, Special Agent to the Pope. Eager to assist their aunt and find clues, Sister Philomena’s niece and nephew explore the basilica, study its frescos, sneak into the tomb of Saint Francis, wander through the hill town of Assisi, and end up in the little church of San Damiano. Every once in a while, they spot a wolf, hear its howl or feel its presence. Is it real or a spirit? Good or evil? What is it trying to tell them? Woven into this great tale of adventure are the personal stories of Saint Francis and Saint Clare and the sights and sounds of Assisi.

Hardback Gift Edition: $29.95 | Paperback $14.95 | Kindle $9.99

ABOUT THE BOOK

Break-In at the Basilica finds Luigi, a desperately poor man, breaking into the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, Italy, to steal something of great value. He hides behind the wooden choir stalls and waits for the right time. The howl of a wolf breaks the quiet of the night and a burst of warm air sends chills down Luigi’s spine. Thus begins this Adventure with Sister Philomena, Special Agent for the Pope. A boy, Riley, and his little sister, Delaney, are sent to Italy to stay with their aunt, Sister Philomena. At first the kids were sure this would be a miserable summer stuck in a convent with a bunch of nuns that do nothing but go to church and pray all day. Boy, were they wrong!

Sister Philomena, the Pope’s private eye, is called upon to go to Assisi to investigate the break-in and theft of the priceless Chartula of Saint Francis and she has no alternative but to take the children with her. Eager to assist their aunt and find clues, Riley and Delaney explore the basilica, study its frescos, sneak into the tomb of Saint Francis, wander through the hill town of Assisi, and end up in the little church of San Damiano. Every once in a while they spot a wolf, hear its howl or feel its presence. Is it real or a spirit? Good or evil? What is it trying to tell them? Woven into this great tale of adventure are the personal stories of Saint Francis and Saint Clare and the sights and sounds of Assisi. The book also has an appendix of Italian words and phrases that will help young readers become world travelers.

TESTIMONIALS & REVIEWS

From Sr. Paule Pierre Barbeau, OSB

A theft at the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi and a mysterious wolf are at the center of Riley and Delaney’s second adventure.  Riley and Delaney learn about St. Francis of Assisi and St. Clare of Assisi, and I was touched by the inclusion of a blessing by St. Francis as well as one of his prayers.  I loved how Riley and Delaney were able to solve the crime by doing what kids do – play!  It was also heartwarming that the main message of the story turned out to be one of forgiveness and mercy. water in baptism, the baptism of Christ, anointing with oil and the baptismal gown. In the back are pages for photographs and “My Baptism Memories.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dianne Ahern grew up on a farm in Illinois, has traveled extensively for business and pleasure, and now resides in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Medical Technology from Marian College (University), and a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Indiana University.  After rewarding careers in laboratory medicine, hospital administration, and healthcare consulting, Dianne found a new love: researching and writing about the events that shape our lives.

It was after her first Vatican visit in 1999, when Dianne looked into the eyes of Pope (Saint) John Paul II, held his hand, and kissed his ring, that she felt called to write books for Catholic children and their families.  Already a successful businesswoman, Dianne formed her own publishing company, Aunt Dee’s Attic, to support her new calling.

Beginning with the sacrament of baptism, Dianne outlined a series of books on the sacraments designed to prepare families for these most important events.  Her books’ formats merge storybook, reference book, and memory book elements into beautiful keepsake books. The sacrament books feature the imprimatur of the Catholic Church to assure families that the contents are true Church teachings.

In addition to her books on the sacraments, Dianne has developed a series of adventure/mystery books for young readers subtitled Adventures with Sister Philomena, Special Agent to the Pope.  The Adventure books place fictional characters in real settings to teach about the Church, saints, and holy places.  Her books have won accolades from retailers, readers, clergy, teachers, grandparents, and moms and dads.

THE DIANNE AHERN COLLECTION

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Lost in Peter’s Tomb

Lost in Peter’s Tomb

Lost in Peter’s Tomb

by Dianne Ahern

Book 1 of the series!

Lost in Peter’s Tomb is the first book in a series of mystery adventures designed to present the stories of the saints in an intriguing and educational manner. Set in modern Italy, the stories follow a brother and sister in their adventures with their Aunt, who is a special agent for the Pope. In this first adventure, Sister Philomena and the children track an intruder in St. Peter’s Basilica and help recover the missing relics of St. Peter, all the while learning about St. Peter’s life. Children will be introduced to Italian words and phrases, learn about the Vatican and Italian lifestyles, as well as famous places and works of art in Italy.

Hardback Gift Edition: $29.95 | Paperback $14.95 | Kindle $9.99

ABOUT THE BOOK

Riley and Delaney are supposed to stay with their aunt, Sister Philomena, in her convent near Rome for the summer. Riley expects this to be a horrible summer living with a bunch of nuns with nothing to do but pray and go to church. That attitude starts to change when the secret nature of their aunt’s work begins to unfold.

On their first morning in Italy, Sister Philomena rushes Riley and Delaney to the Vatican to help the Pope with an intruder in the Apostolic Palace.

“The real Pope? How can his aunt know the real Pope? She must be nuts,” thinks Riley. As it turns out, not only does she know the Pope, but Sister Philomena is the Pope’s special agent and private investigator.

In Book One of Adventures with Sister Philomena the children learn about St. Peter, explore the Vatican Gardens, follow a mischievous white cat, make friends with a Swiss Guard, discover the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica, and fall upon the mystery of Peter’s tomb and relics. Unexpectedly they help the Pope and their aunt solve the mystery of the intruder and the theft of St. Peter’s bones!


Lost in Peter’s Tomb is the first book in a series of mystery adventures designed to present the stories of the saints in an intriging and educational manner. Set in modern Italy, the stories follow a brother and sister in their adventures with their Aunt who is a special agent for the Pope. Children will be introduced to Italian words and phrases, learn about the Vatican and Italian lifestyles, and famous places and works of art in Italy.

TESTIMONIALS & REVIEWS

 

“I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful book full of adventure.  I felt as though I was actually with Riley and Delaney on their adventure around the Vatican.  It was one surprise after another, as Riley and Delaney explored all around the Papal Palace, St. Peter’s Basilica, and Museum – with the Pope’s blessing, of course – and discovered a few secrets not known to the general public!  No wonder Riley has warmed to the idea of spending quality time with his aunt, Sister Philomena – secret agent to the Pope.  I can’t wait to see what other adventures await Riley and Delaney.” Sister Paule Pierre Barbeau, OSB (September 17, 2016)

    


 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dianne Ahern grew up on a farm in Illinois, has traveled extensively for business and pleasure, and now resides in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Medical Technology from Marian College (University), and a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Indiana University.  After rewarding careers in laboratory medicine, hospital administration, and healthcare consulting, Dianne found a new love: researching and writing about the events that shape our lives.

It was after her first Vatican visit in 1999, when Dianne looked into the eyes of Pope (Saint) John Paul II, held his hand, and kissed his ring, that she felt called to write books for Catholic children and their families.  Already a successful businesswoman, Dianne formed her own publishing company, Aunt Dee’s Attic, to support her new calling.

Beginning with the sacrament of baptism, Dianne outlined a series of books on the sacraments designed to prepare families for these most important events.  Her books’ formats merge storybook, reference book, and memory book elements into beautiful keepsake books. The sacrament books feature the imprimatur of the Catholic Church to assure families that the contents are true Church teachings.

In addition to her books on the sacraments, Dianne has developed a series of adventure/mystery books for young readers subtitled Adventures with Sister Philomena, Special Agent to the Pope.  The Adventure books place fictional characters in real settings to teach about the Church, saints, and holy places.  Her books have won accolades from retailers, readers, clergy, teachers, grandparents, and moms and dads.

THE DIANNE AHERN COLLECTION

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The Rosary in Kidspeak

The Rosary in Kidspeak

The Rosary in Kidspeak

by TJ Burdick

This book was designed to help families pray the rosary with their children. Each mystery includes a piece of sacred art, a description of each mystery in “kid speak”, and instructions on how to pray this treasured method of prayer given to us by Our Lady herself. A digital version of this book can be downloaded for free at tinythomists.com. You may also download it to your Kindle device for a small charge. It comes as special gift we give to all of our members who enjoy bi-weekly faith formation plans grounded in the philosophy and theology of St. Thomas Aquinas. Each lesson includes a portion of the Summa Theologica in simplified kid speak, Lectio Divina, Saintly Situations, a Read to Me explanation of the Catholic faith, fun activities to do with your family and much more.

Paperback $18.99 | Kindle: $5.99

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The Plan of the Book

St. Louis De Montfort tells us in his timeless book on Our Lady, True Devotion, that “the safest, easiest, shortest and most perfect way of approaching Jesus is through Mary.” The Rosary is the tool that Mary gave to St. Dominic to help us grow in our relationship with her, to recognize her mysterious role in the story of salvation. 

In the same way that Jesus came to us through Mary, so do we come to him through her divine intervention as the Mother of all Christians and the Queen of Heaven and Earth. It is through her Rosary that we are tied to God’s grace and as faithful benefactors of such blessings, we are better equipped to carry out the personal missions God gives us to complete. 

This book was written to help parents complete their mission of raising Christ-like children by helping them come to know, love, and serve Jesus through the love of his Mother. The Rosary, then, becomes the lifeline that unites us with the Holy Family, engaging our hearts and minds with the mysteries that each decade represents. 

For each mystery, TJ has provided two components: 

  • The first is an image of the mystery taken from sacred art over the past two millennia. These serve as a focal point to ignite our imagination and place ourselves in the scene of each mystery. 
  • The second component is a description of each mystery in child-like simplicity. The words were chosen deliberately to identify with children 10 years old and younger so that they can comprehend the basic fruits of each mystery. This will serve as a solid foundation for their faith. As they grow in strength and wisdom, they can be exposed to the sacred scriptures when they are mature enough to understand them. 

The Rosary has been called the “epitome of the whole Gospel” (CCC 971) and as such, it teaches children the greatest story ever told. It is recommended that the Rosary be prayed together with your children at a determined time each day so that the seeds of the Rosary can be planted, tilled, watered, and nourished through the repetition, contemplation, and imitation of the virtues it promotes. 

Testimonials

“There is almost nothing more innocent and pure than when a child prays the rosary.  It moves the hearts of Jesus and Mary and opens the floodgates of heaven.  It is for this reason that The Rosary in Kid Speak is certain to bring about blessings for children, families, the Church, and society in general. I can’t recommend this book highly enough!” – Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC, Author of Champions of the Rosary: The History and Heroes of a Spiritual Weapon


“I want to give this book to every Catholic parent I know! I stand in awe. With stunning artwork to capture little one’s attention and the use of common, everyday words, these meditations capture the deep truths at the heart of the Rosary’s Mysteries. This book and TinyThomists.com are gifts to the domestic church!” – Shane Kapler, Author of Marrying the Rosary to the Divine Mercy Chaplet

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

T.J. Burdick  the author of several books and professional speaker. He is the founder of the Dominican Institute and blogger at tjburdick.com. A former missionary to Latin America, T.J. creates media on how to grow in holiness amongst the distractions and difficulties of the current age. All proceeds from this book go to help fund Catholic missions. He resides in Grand Rapids, MI, with his wife and four children.

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