Review – Her Holiness by Dustin Dunbar
Synopsis
Can an extraordinary young woman alter the course of history for the better, or will the forces of power and greed extinguish her light forever?
Young Kate Murphy—adopted by a loving Irish couple against the picturesque backdrop of ancient Rome—finds herself tormented by nightmarish visions that defy comprehension. One fateful day, in her mother’s cherished Catholic Church, a compassionate priest lays his hands upon Kate’s brow, invoking a blessing that unleashes a torrent of mystical imagery. The priest is thrown into turmoil as he witnesses chilling visions of an old man hanging upside down on a cross. News of the powerful girl spreads like wildfire, igniting the fears of an extreme sect entrenched in the Vatican.
Simultaneously, thousands of miles away in Brazil, the cunning Edhir Souza is assembling an army of evangelical warriors, intent on dismantling the Catholic Church’s stronghold and siphoning its wealth and influence for himself.
As Kate matures, her visions intensify, propelling her toward an archaeological treasure that has eluded the world for centuries. With the Church, Souza, and a watchful world scrutinizing her every move, Kate’s newfound fame and visions become her double-edged sword. She yearns to advocate for women’s equality within the Church, but challenging deep-seated tradition and the deadly shadows of power may come at a harrowing cost.
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Review
I chose this book from a “blind date with a book” offer. I had no idea what to expect, but once I got into the meat of the story, I could relate to Kate and some of her opinions about the Catholic church.
The story began, but it was a little confusing, at least to me. While I understood the premise, something about the storyline and characters didn’t flow. Or perhaps it was the multitude of characters to keep track of. However, as the story progressed, especially once we were brought to the present with Kate as a young adult, the story really took off and had me engaged until the very end.
As a lifelong Catholic, I definitely related to Kate’s “battle” with the Vatican. The church is very backward considering today’s world, and I really liked how she was able to change Canon law. It didn’t hurt that she and a professor were able to uncover a lost tomb and treasure, which added to the church’s coffers.
There is plenty of action within the book, especially from a faction that seeks to overthrow the Catholic Church. They have plans, but will they succeed?
This novel also dips into past lives and reincarnation. Whether you believe in this or not, it adds drama to the story knowing that Kate can see things that others cannot. However, that makes it confusing for those around her, and also makes her something of an outcast.
Overall, this book was enjoyable, and it leaves you with a little bit of a cliffhanger. There is supposed to be a follow-up book, and it should answer questions that were left unanswered.
We give this book 4 1/2 paws.
About the Author
Dustin Dunbar isn’t just running for president; he’s answering a call to transform a nation. Forged in the heartland and defined by a powerful victory over the generational grip of addiction, Dunbar committed early to breaking cycles—a vow that propelled him into the profound realms of psychology and spirituality, culminating in a doctorate and solidifying his position as a leading voice in personal development.
Dunbar’s greatest strengths came from his most profound battles. He confronted and conquered the very demon he’d vowed to defeat, a triumph chronicled in his impactful memoir, You’re Doing Great! (And Other Lies Alcohol Told Me). This deeply personal victory has since empowered countless individuals and coaching clients to reclaim their lives and redefine their relationship with alcohol.
But Dunbar’s vision extends far beyond personal transformation. With the provocative thriller Her Holiness, he fearlessly delves into faith, corruption, and the very soul of religion. Now, in a bold and necessary move that mirrors his unwavering commitment to truth and integrity, Dunbar is launching an independent campaign for President of the United States in 2028. His platform is clear: common sense, compassion, and an unyielding refusal to engage in divisive politics as usual.
From empowering individuals to challenging entrenched systems, Dunbar is driven by a singular, urgent mission: to awaken a nation—to its inherent potential, to its shared humanity, and to the extraordinary future that “we the people” can build together. He resides in San Diego, where his two daughters remain the guiding light of his life.
