Strangers, Saints & Sinners
Catholic schoolgirl Kaylee Reagan, often misunderstood and bullied, tells a lie in confession to cover a sin. While in after‑school detention she snoops and discovers old love letters. Are they Sister Killian’s, Kaylee’s teacher? What is Sister confessing to Father — and why is she angry?
Read an excerpt
"She held the letter like a relic—edges soft with the sweat of hands that had carried it. The city outside the convent walls had been indifferent for years; inside, a different kind of silence dulled the days. Tom had written once and she had hidden the pages, folding them into the underside of a Bible where only guilt and the smell of old paper resided..."
Susan Dwyer
Susan Dwyer discovered the power of storytelling around Girl Scout campfires, where her tales captivated her troop and earned her a voice as a middle child in a large Catholic family. That early spark never faded. As an adult, she began putting her stories on the page—transforming childhood magic into compelling fiction for readers of all ages.
She is the author of Strangers, Saints, and Sinners, which holds a 4.8-star rating on Amazon and was a finalist for Chanticleer's Dante Rossetti Book Awards. She holds a master's degree from Nazareth College of Rochester and has taught at a private college-prep school, worked in Early Intervention, and served as an adjunct professor.
- Genre: Historical · Romance · Mystery
- Setting: Manhattan (Great Depression → 1960s)
- Ideal readers: Fans of character-driven historical fiction
About the book
"A soul-searching tale of secrets, small mercies, and the ways we ask for forgiveness."
An emotional, character-driven historical novel that blends mystery, romance, and moral questioning. When Kaylee discovers old love letters, the search for truth opens long-buried wounds and unexpected compassion.
Secrets · Redemption · Family
Warm · Poignant · Thoughtful
Manhattan & suburbs (1930s–1960s)
Inspirational Gallery
Reviews & Praise
"A haunting, compassionate read — the kind of story that lingers long after the last page."
"Dwyer writes with restraint and heat. Brings 20th-century New York alive."
Praise
4.8★ average rating on Amazon from readers. Finalist — Dante Rossetti (Chanticleer International Book Awards).
Behind the scenes
Susan researched Manhattan's Catholic schools and family life in the 1930s–60s to create authentic settings and small, revealing details. The novel grew from an interest in moral choices and the hidden ways grace shows up in everyday lives.
Author's note
"I wanted to write about ordinary people carrying secrets — about how a single letter, a confession, or a small lie can change the course of life. The city and the convent are characters in their own right." — Susan Dwyer
Reading group guide
Use these discussion prompts for book groups, classrooms, or online reading clubs.
- How does guilt shape Kaylee's choices? Where do you see moments of forgiveness?
- Discuss the role of the convent — is it sanctuary, prison, or something more complex?
- Which character surprised you most and why?
- How does the historical setting (Depression → 1960s) influence the characters' opportunities and decisions?
- If you could ask the author one question about a character, what would it be?
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is this book based on real events?
- No — the story is fictional but grounded in historical detail to evoke the era.
- Where can I buy the book?
- Buy a paperback or audiobook on Amazon via the Buy buttons on this page.
- Can I invite Susan to speak at my venue?
- Yes — to arrange events or publicity, add a contact email in the site settings so visitors can reach you directly.