In This Small Spot Audiobook By Caren J. Werlinger cover art

In This Small Spot

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In This Small Spot

By: Caren J. Werlinger
Narrated by: Gabra Zackman
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WINNER - 2014 Golden Crown Literary Society Best Dramatic Fiction

“Here, the true you is most often magnified, for better or for worse.”
Abbess Theodora

In a world increasingly connected to computers and machines but disconnected to self and others, Dr. Michele Stewart finds herself drowning in a life that no longer holds meaning. Searching for a deeper connection after losing her partner, Alice, she enters a contemplative monastery, living a life dedicated to prayer, to faith in things unseen. Though most of her family and friends are convinced that she has become a nun to run away from her life, she finds herself more attuned to life than she has been in years. Stripped of the things that define most people in the outside world - career, clothing, possessions - she rediscovers a long forgotten part of herself. But sooner than she expects, the outside world intrudes, forcing her to confront doubts and demons she thought she had left behind. The ultimate test of her vocation comes from the unlikeliest source when she finds herself falling in love again. As she struggles to discern where she belongs, she discovers the terrifying truth of Abbess Theodora’s warning. For better or for worse.

©2007, 2013 Caren J. Werlinger (P)2019 Audible, Inc. Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Literature & Fiction
Emotional Storytelling • Complex Characters • Beautiful Writing • Powerful Journey • Multilevel Story • Immense Pleasure
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This story touches my heart and soul everything I read it. Having Gabra Zackman give voice to the sisters, Mickey and Lauren make it a magnificent richness for the heart. I continue to reread this one because of the soulful way Caren Werlinger packs so much life, love and love into the pages. Characters so deep and lovingly flawed with a spiritual grace I feel as I read!

To fully find wholeness, healing & grace is a gift

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Delightful, sad, spirit filled story about gay women living generously and lovingly and a community that doesn’t know what to do with gay but eventually opens there hearts to women in love and not hiding.
Interesting well developed characters. Also excellent narration.

A story that covers all the bases

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So powerful the story of one person's journey. It is hard to believe I finished it without weeping.





A Masterpiece!

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I loved In This Small Spot. Note: I cried almost the entire time I read the book. I practically cried thru the whole audio. Such a moving story. I think the issue of the structure of organized religion VS. your own personal religious practice is something most of us can identify with. This book also touches on forgiveness. If you do it with a whole heart it benefits everyone involved. Gabra Zackman did a wonderful job with the narration.

Excellent!

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I got into this book within the first chapter, it is an excellent book, as a non Catholic I know very little about nuns and nunneries.
When I first realized I was gay, I was a 38 yo single woman, and in fact it happened when I read a book not realizing it was a lesbian novel and through the book I realized so many things, including my sexuality. No this here book didn’t make me catholic, :) but it reminded me of that book 35 years ago.
This book is so well written, makes you love the characters and identify with the main ones, and it never happened to me before buy I actually cried at the end of it. I cried from sadness and frustration to tell the truth I don’t understand why the author chose to end it like the way she did, I would like to know why, I would have liked to have a different ending, and I am not going to elaborate on that because I don’t want to give it away.
With all that, it is an optimistic book.
With the narration of Gabri Zackman it was an immense pleasure...

WOW...

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This story take one deep into your own relationship human, emotional, godly, and self. it really makes one stop to examine how your life effects everything it touches. and touch travels on to others.

such deep lustrous story

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I have developed a true fondness for Caren J Werlinger’s work. She is a masterful story teller. Gabra Zackman’s delivery added to the sense of humility, grace, and abiding dry wit. I can not recommend this work enough. It’s not a simple romance but a complex study in personal growth. I often struggle with topics of faith but this was delivered with grace and humor.

Wonderful story

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Ms. Werlinger doesn't miss. Beautiful, developed characters, interesting multilevel story AND a truly superb narrator. Thanks to her for another engrossing, complete listen.

Beautiful Story

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I am pretty sure this is the first novel I read by this author years ago. After listening to the story using Audible it was just as good the second time as the first. If you have not had the privilege of reading or listening to this novel I urge you to do so now. I do not believe you will be disappointed.

IN THIS SMALL SPOT

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Takeaways from my experience with this audiobook:

Caren J. Werlinger is definitely a safe bet for a good read. I kept side-eyeing this audiobook, pretty sure that it was going to be worth my time but leery of the setting and subject and of having read repeatedly that I was in for THE FEELS (all caps warranted and attested to). Well, Werlinger managed to make the setting and subject surprisingly interesting and the feels were all justified and satisfying.

Gabra Zackman is an excellent narrator. Having listened to her beautifully perform this and The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow, I will be on the lookout for more of her work.

I would make a shit nun.

Pleasantly Surprised

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