Roxane B. Salonen (March 22, 2026), “Flannery O’Connor’s Perspective on Life, Death, and Resurrection,” Women in the New Evangelization. Click here to read the article.

Ervin, Elizabeth (July 31, 2026) “‘Hope, faith, humor’: Why Flannery O’Connor still speaks to Catholics.” Zeale. Click here to read.

Vijaya Bodach (March 17, 2026) “Faith, Friendship, and Finding Flannery.” Vijaya Bodach: Reading, Writing, and Ruminating. Click here to read.

Jay Sorgi (March 5, 2026) “Following Flannery’s Path of Grace.” Catholic Herald of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Click here to read.

Beverly Willet (December 18, 2025). “A Pilgrimage to Find Flannery O’Connor.” National Catholic Register. Click here to read.

Katie Fitzgerald (December 1, 2025). “Book Review: Finding Flannery by Christina Brajkovich, Karen Anne Mahoney, and Roxane B. Salonen (ARC). Read-at-Home Mom. Click here to read.

“A truly enjoyable read! Three Catholic writers from the North take a plunge into the Deep South to explore the mysterious landscape that shaped Flannery O’Connor’s fiction. This enchanting and enlightening book unlocks a treasure trove of details about Flannery’s life that will delight her fans.” — Lorraine V. Murray, author of The Abbess of Andalusia: Flannery O’Connor’s Spiritual Journey

“What an extraordinary introduction to the life and writings of Flannery O’Connor! Here we meet the real person, idiosyncrasies and all. Should there ever be a cause launched for her sainthood, this book must surely be part of the libellus. We are, by definition, on a pilgrimage: because of the instinctive notion of the human heart, our authors have undertaken this journey to draw near to the heart of Flannery. They believe deeply in the communion of saints and invite their readers to join them, bringing their doubts and struggles to a truly noble soul who leads the way heavenward. This is of the essence of spiritual direction.” — Msgr. Jeffrey Steenson, Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter

“Finding Flannery is a folksy, intimate portrait of Catholic author Flannery O’Connor through the eyes of three authors and their longed-for visit to Andalusia Farm This is really three portraits in one, and the lovely hand illustrations crafted with foraged inks make this volume truly special. Here’s hoping this book inspires a new generation to love the truly American experience found in O’Connor’s writings.” — Joseph M. Hanneman, investigative reporter, Blaze Media, and author of The Journey Home

“As a Southerner and a longtime devotee of Flannery O’Connor who recently made my first pilgrimage to Andalusia on the occasion of her 100th birthday, the deeply personal reflections in Finding Flannery have been a beautiful way of anchoring the memories of my own trip; from the farm and house where she lived and died, to the cemetery where she’s buried, and the parish where she worshipped, such that these places themselves become characters in the story. Flannery’s gift was her unique ability to explore the mystery of grace in all its oddness as it rubbed up against the ugliness of a broken world. Each of the writers brings her own experience of odd grace in the midst of misfittery to the text, and it is a delight to read how those threads weave together in the very town where O’Connor herself wrote so powerfully” — Matt Swaim, Co-host, The Son Rise Morning Show, outreach director, The Coming Home Network

“With warmth, honesty, and lyrical storytelling, the authors invite us into their journey of faith, friendship, and discovery at the home of one of America’s most distinctive writers. Their reflections don’t just illuminate Flannery O’Connor’s life and legacy; they awaken the reader’s own longing for grace, beauty, and courage in the ordinary. A delightful and inspiring read for anyone who loves literature, faith, or the surprising ways God meets us along the road.” — Danielle Bean, speaker and author of Whisper: Finding God in the Everyday

“Finding Flannery is a captivating journey of faith, friendship, and literary discovery. Christina, Karen, and Roxane beautifully intertwine their unique voices, offering both warmth and insight. This pilgrimage through Flannery O’Connor’s world enlightens the soul and delights the heart—readers will be both entertained and inspired to seek grace in unexpected places.” — Allison Gingras, author of Jesus Heals and Encountering Signs of Faith

“People often ask me if I think Flannery O’Connor will ever be canonized a saint. I think she will, but not for another two hundred years. And I think part of her canonization process may very well involve Finding Flannery, for within it, three multigenerational Catholic writers offer engaging, intelligent, personal, heartfelt accounts of Flannery O’Connor’s influence on their lives and their vocations. Saints make those around them better, and that is the story of this book. Like O’Connor, Brajkovich, Mahoney, and Salonen are strange birds, yet they each have a song and they sing it well. These three Northern women met in an online writer’s forum, thought it would be fun to make a pilgrimage to Flannery O’Connor’s South, and they actually did it. Finding Flannery is an account of that transforming pilgrimage, replete with O’Connor quotations, reflections, and inspirations. It is right and just that Finding Flannery arrives during the Jubilee Year of Hope, which also happens to be Flannery O’Connor’s centenary. And if anyone is wondering why Catholicism is cool again in 2025, this book has some answers.” — Fr. Damian Ference, author of Understanding The Hillbilly Thomist: The Philosophical Foundations of Flannery O’Connor’s Narrative Art and No One Was Paying Any Attention to the Sky: Flannery O’Connor and Modernity

“Whether you are a Flannery O’Connor aficionado or simply someone who loves a compelling story, Finding Flannery is for you. Kudos to the authors, not only for combining forces to shine a light on one of America’s greatest literary legends, but also for sharing so much of how this gifted woman’s life intersected with their own. Their journey of discovery invites us along on one of our own. Highly engaging!”—Lisa M. Hendey, author of Jesus Every Day, Jesus Every Way

“This travel memoir opens the invitation to journey with three women writers from the North throughout their insightful and joyful experience in the South.” — Beth Dotson Brown, author of Rooted in Sunrise

“An exploration of themes close to the heart of Flannery: how loss informs the soul, how the sacred and profane often live side by side, and the ways that grace erupts in the most unlikely places, even and especially in the lives of misfits. This work is a vivid reminder that every life, no matter its limitations or challenges, has something important to teach, and that the stories we choose to tell matter.” — Liz Kelly Stanchina, community leader for women’s formation with the Word on Fire Institute and award-winning author of Love Like a Saint and A Place, Called Golgotha. 

“A moving travelogue that blends memoir, literary reflection, and spiritual insight. With vivid prose and deep Catholic sensibility, the authors draw Flannery’s world into focus through pilgrimage, prayer, and profound encounters with grace.” — Dr. Sebastian Mahfood, OP, author of The Narrative Spirituality of Dante’s Divine Comedy

“I’ve learned more from Flannery O’Connor than anybody else about how to live a good life, because in her fiction, she teaches us how to attend to the time and place we’re in. This memoir highlights the beautiful particularity of place in our lives.” — Jessica Hooten Wilson, Fletcher Jones Chair of Great Books at Pepperdine University and author of Flannery O’Connor’s Why Do the Heathen Rage? 

“We have read this wonderful book written by one of our dear Deacons at our parish. We are so blessed to have him.  “Go in Peace” is a well-written, uplifting, easy-to-read book.  It’s thought-provoking and provides an insightful view into how he intertwines family and career to enrich his spiritual life, mixed with a nice touch of humor.  It is definitely well worth the read!” – Members of St. Pius X Rosary Group, South Yarmouth, Massachusetts 

“In writing Go in Peace, Deacon Tony shares a wonderful explanation of how prayer, Holy Mass and the Rosary guide you through your everyday life.  With guidance from Deacon Tony’s book my daily prayer life changed, and helped center me knowing God is by my side in everything I do.” – Kathleen J. Barrett, Administrative Assistant, Office of the Diaconate, Diocese of Worcester

“A retired Firefighter/Fire Chaplin/Teacher Looks back on his years of service is a heartfelt journey through one’s life that is well written and easy to read.  Tony has elegantly tied in how his faith in the lord has enriched his life experiences from childhood into adulthood…. Experiences that range personally as a husband, father and friend to many…professionally as a firefighter and a science teacher, as well as spiritually as an ordained deacon in the Catholic Church.  The chapters flow beautifully.  There is great detail of his personal experiences that have deepened his faith in the lord which has enriched his life as well as the life of many others.   Brilliantly written, a must read.” – Jim Clayton, Retired President/COO Target Securities, Member New York Stock

“I’ve been around for a long time but have never met a writer like Deacon Tony. I found this book to be extremely interesting from a writer who talks from the heart and extremely cares about the good will of people.  This story tells about real love and feelings that Tony feels for others and people he will never forget. God Bless you Tony and please continue to write.” – Stephen Ring, former Professional Baseball Player

“Tony Surozenski’s Go in Peace burns with the quiet fire of a servant’s heart—faith refined through service, love tested by suffering, and peace discovered in surrender. A luminous witness to God’s glory lived and shared.” — Dr. Sebastian Mahfood, OP, co-author with Ronda Chervin of Catholic Realism: A Framework for the Refutation of Atheism and the Evangelization of Atheists

Suzanne has lived more lives than most people can name, and she writes like she’s telling the truth to God over a cup of bad coffee. With a sharp, irreverent eye for faith, family, and human nature, she transforms everyday chaos into stories that sting, delight, and linger.

Raised in the Sierra Nevadas, she sees life with the pragmatism and humor of a true mountain woman. From her latest book to her Substack newsletter One for the Road, Suzanne leaves readers laughing—and podcasters wondering why they haven’t called her sooner.

Regina Civiletti is a pastoral musician, who married her best friend in 1985. Blessed with three children, she knew that life was good. In 2006, she became a widow with three teenagers. She is now the director of a clothing ministry called Matthew’s Closet and lives in Rochester, New York.

Cecily Rosemary Hallack (1898–1938) was a British writer, notable for her contributions to Catholic fiction and biography. Born in Littlehampton and deceased in Guildford, she authored works such as The Happiness of Father Happé, Mirror for Toby, and Candlelight Attic, often exploring religious themes with gentle storytelling.

“Kelly Mahfood writes with the heart of a healer and the soul of a prophet. This book is a luminous testimony to grace, memory, and redeemed identity.” – Dr. Sebastian Mahfood, OP, author of Clarisse, or the Folly of Caprice

“You can hear the faith, hope, and charity in the words of Kelly Mahfood as she describes her childhood in Jamaica. She mentions her faith with the 23rd Psalm, … “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies …” The fortitude and the hope shown even as a child that tomorrow will be better than today. And the charity reflecting St. Mother Teresa as a nurse today. Kelly fully defines the call from Jesus!” – Michael Bluvas, author of Sanctity