Secrets of Siena (Paperback or Softback)

Even nuns get to take a holiday! After all the investigations Sister Philomena's conducted this summer, she needs one. In this adventure, Sister Philomena, her niece, Delaney, and nephew, Riley, are invited to Siena, Italy for the famous Palio horse race and festival. Their vacation plans abruptly change when they stumble upon mysterious documents while visiting the childhood home of St. Catherine of Siena. It's possible they have found a centuries-old letter written by Saint Catherine along with a ransom note addressed to the Pope. Of course they must investigate!

Their search for answers takes them on a fast trip across Europe to Avignon, France, and the famous Palace of the Popes. In the course of their investigation, the children learn about Saint Catherine and the history of the Church in the 1300s when the papacy was forced to flee from Rome to Avignon for safety.

Dianne Ahern became involved in writing books for Catholic children after a visit to the Vatican in 1999 when she had the privilege to look into the eyes of Pope John Paul II, hold his hand, and kiss his ring. It was an encounter that led her back to the Church, her real home, and into a new career. Her series, Adventures with Sister Philomena, Special Agent to the Pope, places fictional characters in real settings to teach children and their families about the saints, Holy Places, and the Church. She also writes books that help prepare children and families to receive the Sacraments and to record the events of these special days.