A debutante, I am not. Neither am I a performer. However, I finally know the thrill of making a debut. Six weeks after having been released, my book, Miracles Every Day, made its debut in the #2 slot on the August 1, 2010 Catholic Bestsellers List.

I'm surrounded by best-selling authors. Scott Hahn's Many Are Called (a book that was edited by my very own editor, Gary Jansen of Doubleday Religion) garnered first place. Matthew Kelly, who wrote a beautiful endorsement of my book, has four of his titles represented in the top ten. (I keep worrying that maybe Mr. Kelly regrets having written such an enthusiastic review of my book; after all, Rediscovering Catholicism is in third place behind Miracles.)

While my  book, like the Little Engine That Could, was chugging its way into the bestseller list, I have been receiving beautiful letters  from all over the country.  A letter from Kentucky broke my heart:

I just finished reading your book, Miracles Every Day, and want to thank you for writing this beautiful story. I was diagnosed with cervical cancer three years ago, thought I was cured, but was diagnosed with recurrence two months ago. I have been in a panic since then. I am now praying every day for peace and strength to deal with my disease, and praying to help my husband and daughters deal with it as well. Your book has helped immensely to search for faith and strength.

One of Dr. Nemeh's patients wrote to say:

As I finished the last page of your book, I knew I had to tell you of my gratefulness that you wrote it. I was familiar with most of what you wrote and as I read it I kept thinking, "she is not embellishing--and, how authentic!" I was so grateful for that and have told that to the many people I have encouraged to read it. The rhythm of your writing is truly beautiful.

But my favorite letter was written by a sweet lady in New York, the graceful woman who was my late mother's best friend for more than seventy years and who is my chosen aunt.  Aunt Kay Ernst wrote:

After Mass yesterday I decided to read a chapter or two of Miracles Every Day. I put the book down when I finished the last page in time for dinner.

My reaction after "What a great story!" has been "thought-provoking, questioning, and challenging." You did a marvelous job. Thanks to you I once again became aware of the blessings of my faith.

Dear Maura, thank you for the work you did in writing this book.

Please:  help me keep the momentum! Call your local libraries. Ask if Miracles Every Day is on the New Arrival shelf, and if it is not, please request that the librarian order it.

Consider giving a copy to those you love as a birthday gift. For friends who are in the hospital or who are facing surgery, give them book and a yellow highlighter in lieu of flowers. The flowers will wilt. This book will do just the opposite:  it will blossom and grow.

This is one thing I know for sure:  there are two kinds of people in the world. There are those who need a miracle. And there are those who love someone who needs a miracle. What better gift to give them than hope and a blueprint for a richly rewarding relationship with God?