The Sublime Transformation of Vera Wright: A tender tale about the saint next door

by Rea Nolan Martin

This book challenges the notion that great saints and prophets have disappeared from the earth. The spiritual awakening of a quirky sixty-plus beautician named Vera Wright, in a quiet New Jersey town, surprises not only Vera herself, but everyone she knows and meets, including the Pope. This is an inspiring and entertaining account of how one person's astonishing transformation can transform the world.

350 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 8, 2012

About the author

Rea Nolan Martin is the author of four novels: THE SUBLIME TRANSFORMATION OF VERA WRIGHT (2009), MYSTIC TEA (2014), THE ANESTHESIA GAME (2015), SUNNYSIDE UP (2022), and a collection of inspirational essays, WALKING ON WATER (2016). She is the author of numerous short stories and poetry published in national literary magazines and anthologies, and a founding editor of INKWELL literary magazine. MYSTIC TEA was the recipient of the prestigious IPPY gold medallion in 2014 and US BEST BOOK award for Visionary Fiction, as well as the 2014 PINNACLE gold medallion in Literary Fiction. THE ANESTHESIA GAME is the recipient of a five star insignia from both Readers' Favorite and Clarion/Foreword, as well as the 2016 IPPY gold medallion in the category of Visionary Fiction. THE ANESTHESIA GAME is also an award-winning finalist in the current 2017 International Book Awards, as well as the recipient of Book Viral's first Crimson Quill Award. WALKING ON WATER won the silver medallion in the coveted 2016 Nautilus Awards for books that transform lives. Her inspirational blogs are appeared in HUFFPOST, CHARTER FOR COMPASSION, and SIVANA EAST.

Reviews

[Anthonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well-written book i enjoyed reading. Great story, loved the main character Vera in this book. Vera is a woman that it put on a journey and faces obstacles in her path all the while leading other women to help on this journey along with her. A must read book.

[Susan L. Stedman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Profound and uplifting

This is a highly unusual book that will profoundly affect you. If you have ever had a yearning for God, but have also been put off by the dogma and self-righteousness of the church, this book is for you. This book takes Jesus' message and applies it to the modern day in a way that is stunningly profound and deeply moving. Many of the concepts of the church are turned on their heads and actually returned to the profound and unsettling truths uttered by Jesus throughout his life. And for you women out there who have wondered if we are second class citizens within God's Kingdom, this book provides a resounding answer to that question!

[Maura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just this moment found out that this is the same author as Mystic Tea (award winning), which I recently read. This book came before Mystic Tea but the writing skill is just as good and the creative storyline is impressive. The author chooses the serious business of telling the story of a small town beautician who is nurtured by God to become the next prophet. And yet, balancing the serious with the silly, the author pulls it off! Its a bit of a wild ride but I enjoyed it throughout.

[Kay Hamill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected and soul shaking

I was not prepared for how moved I would be when I read the Sublime Transformation of Vera Wright. When I say this book spoke to my soul, it was more like it screamed "Wake up! " Rea Nolan Martin put in what I believe in my heart 8nto words. I am not alone anymore.

[Darlene Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. It makes you really think about spirituality.

I would recommend this book to anyone. It certainly makes you think about organized religion vs spirituality. I enjoyed it immensely.

[Dana Berry · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this book, as I did Mystic Tea, also by Rea Nolan Martin, but it was an incredible stretch.
I will say, it took a couple of twists and turns that I absolutely did not see coming, but overall, it just wasn't what I thought it was going to be.

[Helene Racine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a delight to read! It makes us think, laugh, cry... and maybe makes us a little envious... Definitely a good read!

[bevbecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lift up your light to the Lord

This book calmed my fears. It's a story about hope and love. Its about women finding a place at the alter and the pulpit.

[carol michaels · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sublime Transformation.

Wow! This was an inspiring wonderful story that will take a long time to process the messages it contained. I couldn't put it down.

[Lorraine A Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Food foe.the soul

It's just an amazing story.so.beautifully written. My soul.is lighter. My hope.renewed. thank you for sharing your gift with us. Many blessings to you

[Gillie Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this kind of book that teaches spiritual wisdom and truth … this one through the lens of Catholicism.

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a strange book! Sometimes goofy, sometimes deeply meaningful.

[Mary Ellen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did not enjoy this book at all. Almost stopped reading a few times but was curious to see where it was going. Not my kind of book, but may be appealing to others.

[Joanne Bales · Rating 5 out of 5]

thoughtful and very much appreciated

What a fearless and wonderful book. Thank you for writing it. I think if whoever reads this should just stop and get the book. Life changing

[Haven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love books of a religious nature. I love it so much so that I chose to study religions from the academic perspective as a major in college. Finding a religious fiction book that deals with weighty issues is like finding a gem in the desert. Rea Nolan Martin uses a mustard seed to move a mountain with her story, "The Sublime Transformation of Vera Wright."

The story starts off with a an aging Catholic beautician whose life is pretty mundane. Her responsibilities lie with her work and taking care of her husband. She goes to church (mass) like many people in America. Her life resembles that of many Catholic women in the modern day. Then her priest issues the challenge to his congregation to allow God to guide their lives. Vera does this; however, she nor the people around her were really expecting God to choose her and move through her life altering nearly everything about her. As Vera's life starts to change, she hits a few bumps in the road, but ultimately comes out unscathed.

If you are looking for a little inspiration in your life, if your life needs that little push, if you are looking for an exciting and funny read, Rea Nolan Martin's book might just be the book you need to pick up and read. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in religious thoughts stemming in the theological perspective.

#goodreads #giveaways

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so much more than a "I think God is talking to me" book. Vera's family, friends and religious beliefs add so many layers to the story. It is funny in parts, but also a dead serious look at how the various relationships in life affect a person. Many will relate to how easy it is to see life from just your perspective and therefore miss what' s really happening. I don't want to give too much away, but I love the innovative ideas about what's really "up there". The challenges to church doctrine were respectfully handled. Christian readers will probably appreciate this more than others because there are so many references throughout.

In a weird coincidence, as I was nearing the end of this book we went out to eat. I wanted the fish, but it only came with bread, no vegetables. Guess I'm in the Society of the Loaves and the Fishes. You'll get it when you read the book...(I received this in a goodreads giveaway.)

[Cathleen Dungy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Entertaining and Food For the Soul!

I enjoyed this book because it reminded me of my own struggle with discernment and recognizing my own purpose in life. It does take a surprising turn that I didn't see coming and at times felt a bit outrageous, but in the end it overwhelmed me with messages and things to ponder as I continue in this thing called life.

This along with the author's other novel "Mystic Tea" is based on characters in the Catholic faith, but this novel is for anyone looking for a good Christian message nestled in a well written body of fiction that will surely enlighten, entertain, and brighten the light within!

I gave this book five stars because I enjoyed the author's descriptions and development of the characters and her use of the Lords message.

[Harmony Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautician, Vera Wright, in her sixties, suddenly starts to have visions and insights. Initially, she believes that she's losing her marbles...after all, what could the Good Lord possibly want with her? When the miracles begin, and her visions manifest in reality, she can no longer deny that-for some reason-God has chosen this unknown elderly lady as his Earthly prophet. Populated with complex and loveable characters, this is a fantastic book. It offers hilarity and the seriousness due to the sublimely profound. I shall be checking out this writer's other books and cannot recommend this read highly enough. Even if you're not religiously minded, I reckon it'll still offer hours of entertainment. All in all, a well-written and must-read book.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always think that a good story tells you something interesting about someone. That things happen and people reveal who they are. This is done with ease of language and some amount of voice. There’s not much that stops a good story from succeeding. Good writing is good writing and once again Rea Nolan Martin delivers in spades.

[C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as a Goodreads giveaway and would recommend. This is an interesting novel about a woman who receives the Lord's messages through visions and dreams and experiences the strength of sisterly friendship, forgiveness, and divine inspiration in the process.