When an apparent miracle rocks economically depressed Hudson City, New York, John Quinn–whose work for the Roman Catholic diocese has shifted from the space management he loves to property sales–is initially involved just in finding space for the pilgrims pouring into town. They come to see the miracle girl, 30-year-old Sue Phong, the deaf orphaned daughter of a Vietnamese woman and African American soldier, who appeared in the dream of a deaf man whose hearing was suddenly restored. As reports of cures increase, Quinn’s life comes crashing down around him; he’s betrayed both by his real estate broker buddy (who’s reporting Quinn to the IRS) and by the woman he loves (who’s carrying on an e-mail relationship with another man). Finally, Quinn’s own capacity for betrayal is tested by the miracle girl herself. Scribner has created wonderfully human characters with whom he explores the issues of faith, trust, and possibility with exceptional skill and sensitivity. A departure from his debut novel, The GoodLife (1999), this should be just as warmly received.

—Booklist, Michele Leber

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