And I'm Off: Provence and Italy, Saints and the Sacred
I'm on hiatus, researching the sequel to World Between Worlds
World Between Worlds, my historical novel on the early life of St. Catherine of Siena, is set in the chaotic and tumultuous era of the fourteenth century. I’ve consistently heard from readers how they instantly felt like they were in Caterina’s world while reading my novel: they could smell the scents, feel the stone, see the rolling Tuscan hills and gorgeous cathedrals.
World Between Worlds captivated me from the very beginning, until the last sentence. Jenny duBay is a very talented and fantastic writer who is able to bring me right into the story as if I was experiencing it myself. I felt like I was brought right into Caterina’s heart and mind, as well as the perspectives of other characters. The novel speaks to my heart personally, and to my soul, in deep and powerful ways. It’s touching me to the depth of my being. The writing is amazing and the novel is very difficult to put down.
— Therese D.
Here’s my secret: I was able to so vividly describe the world of Caterina of Siena because I’ve been there. Obviously not in the fourteenth century (that would be a bit daft), but I’ve traveled to the places Caterina lived in order to better grasp her personality, lifestyle, theology, and social outlook on life.
When I first began researching the life and times of St. Catherine of Siena, I intended to write just one novel based on her life. Yet the tumult and triumph of the fourteenth century—and Caterina’s impactful contribution to Church and society—proved to be so involved, so intriguing, and so intense that I soon realized I couldn’t put it all in one novel.
I read page one and couldn’t put it down. It’s that kind of book. World Between Worlds engaged my imagination. Jenny duBay’s poetic writing style makes this not just a novel, but true literature. I can’t wait for the Angel Studios series based on the book. Not that they’ve agreed to this. I’m just trying to start a movement.
— David E.
I’m now hard at work on the sequel to World Between Worlds, with a goal of crafting a story as vivid, poetic, and engaging as the first. With that goal in mind, on October 6 I’ll embark on another pilgrimage / research trip to Europe. Enjoying the companionship of my trusted chauffeur and beloved sidekick (a.k.a. my husband), I’ll once again be following in the footsteps of Caterina, the spirited little woman from Siena. She traveled to Avignon, so we’ll be traveling to Avignon. She spent time in Florence, Pisa and Lucca, so off we go to explore those cities. My husband’s patron saint is Francis of Assisi, so we’ll also head over to Umbria and pay our respects to St. Francis and St. Clare, as well as Sts. Carlo Acutis, Angela of Foligno, Clare of Montefalco, and Agnes of Montepulciano.
And, of course, we’ll be back in Siena.
This is an outstanding book that does its subject justice. While this is historical fiction about the woman we now know as Catherine of Siena, it is firmly grounded in her real letters and Dialogues. Jenny duBay has crafted a beautifully written tale about a true mystic devoted to God who was surrounded by a tumultuous society and skeptical neighbors. The book drew me in from the first chapter.
— Ellen Kolb
I won’t be writing articles during this October pilgrimage, so you won’t hear from me again for several weeks. In the meantime, please know that I appreciate all of my faithful readers, and will be keeping you all in my prayers. If you have any specific prayer requests you’d like me bring to the various sacred sites I’ll be visiting, please let me know either in the comments below, or through a direct message. I’ve been compiling a document of all prayer requests so I can bring them to the sacred saint of your choice, for their holy intercession.
If you want to travel with me on this glorious journey, I plan to post photos and updates on my social media. Follow me here on Substack, as well as on Instagram and Facebook. The content will be different for each site, so following all of my social media will give you the full experience.
I’m blown away by Jenny duBay’s writing skills. I felt as if I was standing in the shadows as the birthing scene unfolded in the first chapter. It was truly a heartbreaking experience. Then in chapter two, I found myself again an observer standing in the shadows, yet still close enough to feel the compassion of the women … The rest of the book continued this way, from beginning to end. This book grabbed me from the beginning, and never let go. I can’t wait for the sequel.
— Adam T.
Special Offer!
If you’re intrigued by the life of St. Catherine of Siena and want to learn more, my adaptation of her early life (part one of a two book series) is currently on sale when you purchase directly from my website.
Learn more about World Between Worlds: A Novel Based on the Early Life of Caterina, the Mystic of Siena.
You can also purchase on Amazon using my affiliate link.
