The Priest and the Medium: The Amazing True Story of Psychic Medium B. Anne Gehman and Her Husband, Former Jesuit Priest Wayne Knoll, Ph.D.

Once in a great while, a book comes along that can touch to the core. A book that can teach, inspire, enlighten and create a feeling of awe and a deeper desire to learn. "The Priest and the Medium" is one of those rarest of books that can transport the reader to places they never thought possible. The book is beautifully written and weaves together a wondrous love story between a very gifted Spiritualist Minister (B. Anne Gehman) and an extremely learned Jesuit Priest (Wayne Knoll) who seeks life outside the Society in order to follow his heart. Their individual stories are amazing ... but the collective of Anne and Wayne creates a wonderful coupling of grace, deep spirituality and true love. The love story is sweet, but the happenstance that eventually leads to their meeting is nothing less than AMAZING. As a reader you will no doubt be impressed by the spiritual gifts endowed to Anne Gehman and the book gives a wonderful sampling that leave no doubt in the reader's mind that they are indeed reading about an amazing "vessel". Anne Gehman is the real deal. This is a quick, fascinating read that I found very hard to put down. Now ... I want to do everything within my power to make that trip out to Lily Dale, NY and meet this gifted woman and delve into Spiritualism more deeply. This book helped to create the thirst to learn more. Don't be surprised if you feel the same. 10 stars if I could!

I have always been curious about the union of spiritualism and Christianity. That's why I was initially drawn to this book. I have always had an interest in mediums as well. At first I was not compelled to buy the book, because I was sick of reading monotonous stories of mediums readings. Most books tend to focus on story after story of the medium's triumphs and continuously provide us with proof and reassurance that the medium couldn't have known it before-hand. Actually, most books written on the story tend to have the endeavor of proving to us that mediums are genuine, and forget to have a story at all. This book exceeded my expectations and squashed any negative experiences I've felt from reading any other book on the topic. This book has actually been titled perfectly because it reads about what the topic actually states. The book was cleverly written so that I was always wanting to read more, I couldn't put the book down unless I was exhausted and needed to sleep. The book is written so that each chapter alternates from Anne's life to Wayne's. It seems that by doing this I was able to remain interested in each other's lives without being overwhelmed with details of their own lives. I guess this was because I had to readjust my mental space to revisit the life of, say, Wayne, just after reading about Anne. Although there were moments where I thought the life of Anne was starting to be retold in an almost typical execution of ideas (when the author promotes and constantly proves the medium's abilities), there was also an heir of honesty and modesty to Anne that made it easy to accept her gift. From reading other reviews on this book I also came to realize that most people picked up the book seeking to see a bashing of the priest's Catholic beliefs in the face of a gifted medium (although I don't think they'd openly admit that). I think that some people also expect the story to be centered mainly around Anne, more-so than Wayne. The author very cleverly avoided showing bias toward either of the true characters depicted in this work; I thank her for that. From what I read, it appeared Wayne was just as gifted as Anne but in his own world. Both of these people were talented and dedicated to what they did (or do). It was quite satisfying to see these two fit together in the end. This book triumphed for me by being unique and a fascinating read. I gave it 5 stars because its not possible to give 4.75, so 5 is near enough.

As I grow older and wiser through education and experiences with the spiritual aspects of life, I develop a type of spiritual knowledge and certainty like Anne Gehman' s that does not require faith or ritual to support it. However, I respect the fact that each of us is at a different place in our journey toward a relationship with God or the Infinite or whatever you have been taught to call "it". This book is a simple, easily read , and entertaining story about two people who take different paths that cross and result in an enlightening love affair for each. The writing is full of short, direct sentences that nevertheless paint a limited picture of their relationship and effort to reconcile, accept, and combine their spiritual differences. It is not terribly informative and only alludes to topics such as the Council of Nicene, but it is a heartwarming story of religious tolerance and acceptance that the world could use a good dose of right now. It is a short, enjoyable read.

I just finished this one after reading the author’s other book on Mavis Pitilla. This is equally as wonderful. She weaves together the life and love story of these two remarkable people in such a fascinating, very readable way. I couldn’t put it down. It’s thought provoking and unique as the practices of Catholicism and Spiritualism are explored in great detail. It’s also simply a beautiful love story that evokes some tears of joy and wonderment. Truly a wonderful read.

A great read indeed!!! Came to me at the perfect time! The timing couldn't have been better. Thanks a lot Suzi!

As a practicing medium myself who has faced clergy people and their views on spiritualism being "devil's work" reading this book answered a few questions I had, and served to reinforce my beliefs that we are messengers helping the bereaved to know that their loved ones have only gone home and are still very much alive. The story of the two main characters in this book make an excellent read that I could hardly put it down.

I was gripped by this book as soon as I started reading it, and finished reading it in one day! I found the two parallel worlds of Anne and Wayne absolutely intriguing, and how the two merged while they could have just as easily collided.

And dive deeper into the story of how both paths from B. Anne Gehman and Wayne Knoll intertwined… those two people are serving humanity in special ways, teaching, helping others to evolve and they enjoy their special relationship and connection. Bless them. Thank you, Suzanne Giesemann for your wonderful contribution to share this special and unique story with us, students and readers.

I liked the way their story unfolded in parallel from childhood to their meeting each other at which point you could see the entwining growth for both people. It is an elegant and engaging read, and at the same time simple and honest in its retelling of their life stories. I would so like to meet these two, yet feel as if I have already done so. It gives me courage to continue my own life’s journey. Thank you so much to the author for this engaging read. 💐💐💐