The Seton Miracles, By James L. Carney, is an excellent discussion of the alleged miracles that took place in Lake Ridge, VA at the parish of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in the early 1990's. Carney's presentation is well-balanced, detailed, and scholarly--qualities that are unfortunately uncommon in this genre. Unlike many other books sympathetic to miracle claims, Carney does not ignore counter-evidence and he does not attempt to push mitigating circumstances under the rug. Nor is his presentation filled with an overabundance of devotional material that might lead the reader to doubt his ability to evaluate the data fairly. The only suggestion I would have to improve the work is to provide even more of the interview transcripts with key participants--though this would not necessarily make the book a more interesting read, it would further strengthen the already impressive archive of first-hand information, which could be of use to persons in the future.

Though I have never met or spoken to the author, the fact that such a seemingly sensible man is sympathetic to these reports (and indeed has been an eyewitness to many of the events) is a great testament to their seriousness and importance.

In this well-written, thought provoking book, the author, James L. Carney, describes for the reader the dramatic spiritual journey experienced by many at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Lake Ridge, VA from November 1991 through 1993. Factual eyewitness accounts permit the reader to interpret for themselves the meaning of the numerous miraculous events. As one of the eyewitnesses, I feel that my personal experience and the book serve as powerful reminders of the reassuring words spoken by Jesus, "And know that I am with you always." (Matthew 28:20) I highly recommend this inspiring book.

What a WONDERFUL Book! Written in a very readable, journal style, by author James L. Carney, this fascinating, amazing, inspirational TRUE-LIFE story "pulled me in" to the true accounts of weeping Madonna statues, changing-color rosaries, miracle colors and lights in the sky, miraculous healings, Father Bruse's stigmata wounds, and events surrounding this humble parish priest, from 1991 to 1993, right here in the Lake Ridge area of Woodbridge, VA. USA! When I started reading this book, I couldn't put it down, until I'd read the whole story, and gone back several times to review, and study the color photographs, too. I was personally, very emotionally moved, to tears, by this true and powerful history of events. James Carney has included experiences and eyewitness observations of his own, of his wife, and of many other people interviewed, who had personal, life-changing experiences and observed incredible physical phenomena. I would highly recommend this book to readers of any faith or religion, and even to skeptical "non-believers".

My mom baught me this book because I go to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School. I love to read about St. Elizabeth and her children. When I started to read this book, I didn't want to stop reading the book. My favorite part was when Mother Seton's daughter made a new friend. I really liked the book because it was about the two girls' friendships and the times they had together. I learned more about St. Elizabeth and her children.

In my studies of Saint Elizabeth Seton I have found this book to be of most value. It goes beyond the auto-biography and dips into the soul of Elizabeth Seton and the reader. This book shows us how we can use Mother Seton's example to better our own lives by becoming closer to God. It truely is a good spiritual read.

This book reveals the evolution of a soul from that of a very devout individual to that of a saint. Elizabeth Seton opens her life and soul to the most intensive scrutiny and reveals a metamorphasis to true sanctity. These letters, written with no intention for public evaluation, show how a woman in the early 19th century grows from a rich lady of society to a destitute widow in a foriegn land to a truly great American icon. Elizabeth Seton is a true human with fellings, hurts, dispair, disappointments, and severe trial we can all wish we never face, and she faces it with blind faith and trust. This is a must for anyone who feels they have been abandoned by God and has no where to turn.

This book is a first-rate collection of primary materials, compiled with scholarly rigor and with the utility of the volume always in mind. Yet it also is very accessible to the general reader. The result of the editors' labors is a meticulously annotated piece of work that, for the first time, seems to enable Seton's story (or, at least, the first part of it) to be told in her own voice. readers of this volume are in for several treats, as they accompany Seton on a journey both intensely spiritual and completely human. Here is a woman who experienced the happiness of marriage and maternity in the United States' era of "republican motherhood." She also suffered the loss of her husband, the agonies and joys of a difficult but absolute religious conversion, and the uncertainties associated with her rejection by many friends and relatives. Through all of these developments, we come to know someone of both strength and vulnerability: a woman of intelligence, passion, humor, and grace.