I’m not sure how I can truly articulate how much I loved this book and the way it has impacted me. Sierra Simone’s Saint isn’t just a book—it’s a transformative experience. Beautifully written, heartbreakingly raw, yet profoundly healing, it is a story that weaves together desire, faith, and the longing for connection in a way that feels soul deep. As someone who grew up in a religious household, with the weight of religious trauma and the tension between earthly desires and spiritual existence, this book spoke to the core of my being.

Aiden Bell’s journey as a monk grappling with his vows and his undeniable love for Elijah Iverson is nothing short of poetic. The story is steeped in vulnerability, painting a poignant picture of two men yearning for each other while navigating the complexities of love, forgiveness, and faith. Simone’s prose is breathtaking—every word feels intentional, every sentence brimming with emotion and longing. The exploration of religion, sexuality, and personal identity is handled with a rare grace, offering readers not just a love story but a profound meditation on what it means to be human.

One of the most deeply impactful moments for me was Aiden’s chapter describing his experience with depression. As someone who has lived with depression for many years, I was profoundly moved and impressed by how perfectly Simone captured its essence. No author has ever put into words the overwhelming weight, the isolation, and the quiet devastation of depression the way Sierra Simone did. It was as though Aiden’s thoughts were my own, and I found immense comfort and validation in seeing my struggles so beautifully articulated.

The dynamic between Aiden and Elijah is electric, tender, and deeply moving. Their stolen moments—filled with whispered confessions and stolen kisses—are some of the most heartfelt I’ve ever read. Elijah’s steadfastness and Aiden’s vulnerability are perfectly balanced, making their love story feel both epic and intimate. The European monastery road trip provides a rich, almost ethereal backdrop, grounding the narrative in both history and divinity.

For anyone with religious trauma or a complex relationship with faith, Saint feels like a lifeline. It confronts the struggle of reconciling love and desire with spiritual devotion in a way that is neither judgmental nor reductive. It reminds readers that love—in all its messy, imperfect glory—is a divine act, and that even the most broken among us deserve redemption.

This book is perfection. It is a story of heartbreak and healing, of loss and finding oneself again, and of learning to hold space for both God and love in your heart. Saint has changed my life, and it’s a book I will carry with me forever. Sierra Simone has crafted something truly unforgettable—a masterpiece that resonates long after the final page.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Five stars, but it deserves more.)