"I am delighted by the opportunity to learn about Maria Gabriella and her remarkable life, so poignantly documented in her letters and in the notebooks of Mother Pia. Lavich's English translation flows smoothly, and I found myself easily caught up in the gripping events of her life. The book was difficult to put down, as I felt simultaneously dismayed yet joyful, but most of all compelled to continue forward on my own spiritual journey. As a researcher of Italian female saints, this book is a must-read. If you love saints, then you'll love this book."Molly Morrison, Associate Professor of Italian, Ohio University "Add Blessed Maria Gabriella to the list of great monastic letter writers of the twentieth century like Merton and Leclercq. In this volume of her letters she emerges from the cloister with the clarity, sensitivity, and preciousness of St. Therese of Lisieux. One need not be a monastic to fall under her spell of love and devotion to both God and the monastic way of life."Deacon Mark Plaiss, author of No End to the Search: Experiencing Monastic Life "An excellent window to glimpse into the world of early nineteenth century Catholic spirituality." Magistra "Bl. Gabriella might not have wanted to draw attention to herself, but the beauty of her spirit shines in these pages and draws the reader to her and ultimately to Christ, in whom all are one." Cistercian Studies Quarterly