Deer in the
Fields of Venice
Father Maurice Lamoreaux is a man of undisputed faith as well as a teacher in the classroom and a follower of the rules. But all three are shaken after his newly graduated student, Cam, shares a secret with him. With trust in hand, Cam's father invites Maurice to accompany them through a tour of Rome, Florence, and Venice since his wife left them with an extra ticket. Maurice claims that his accompaniment is only to support Cam during this period in his life. But Maurice finds the trip becoming more and more about his own life.
While the three sister cities of Italy watch over him, Maurice meets and befriends others in the tour group, including the photographer, Isabelle, who works on pulling him out of the shell he has worked so hard to build around himself. As the journey progresses, as emotions shift, as lives are touched, Maurice realizes that God is not yet finished with him, and there are more mysteries to encounter.
Deer in the Fields of Venice invites the reader to tour the parts of Italy that are not seen but lived. It is a story not only about love between persons, but it is a tale of love and thanksgiving for a historical country reminiscent of what the monsignor tells Maurice, "That is why our Lord chose Italy for the center of our faith. Anywhere else, and we would die off from boredom." _______________________________________
Can a priest-turned-novelist touch people and move people in a way that helps them live a fuller life?
D.M. Zultowski would certainly say yes.
A seminarian for seven years, and a priest from 2019 to 2023, Zultowski left the priesthood to pursue a full-time life in the arts this year. “It was a life I enjoyed, but I knew it was not right for me,” he says. “I wanted to take my writing and my art more seriously and reach beyond the Catholic population. Also, my work does not fit the image of a priest.
So, I made the decision to commit to the life that was my own.” Indeed, Zultowski has a calling – as a writer. One five-star Amazon reviewer wrote of his recent novel, Deer in the Fields of Venice, “I highly recommend this beautifully written novel.” Another five-star amazon review said: “It’s a good book that will make you tremble, leave you speechless, hold your breath, and make you eager to read it. And it will leave you thinking about it long after you finished it.”
The book is an eye-opening story that follows a priest who travels with a former student, Cam, and his father, for as tour of Italy during a time of personal struggle. While on this journey, Father Maurice ends up discovering fascinating truths that he finds out about himself and what God has planned for him.
The author notes: “I taught morality of theology at an all-boys Catholic high school. Now I use novels to teach different life lessons.”
Published by Newman Springs Publishing, Zultowski’s enthralling narrative will transport readers to beautiful Italian views as they explore the rich history and the effects it can have on people. Thought-provoking and character-driven, Deer in the Fields of Venice is a compelling page-turned that will remain with readers long after its conclusion, inviting them to return overran over again for a life-changing journey.
“This is a psychological drama that involves a philosophical search for identity and love,” he says. “As a work of literary fiction, I hope readers will appreciate how I connect complex relationships into a meaningful, moving story.”
Earl Grey Mourning
The shadows collide over Hopesburgh, and Patrick and Colleen are making ends meet by connecting with the buyers at the dark corners. They know their price and their worth, as Colleen scribes the poems inspired by all she experiences around her.
Mayor John Miller has strayed from his wife and daughter. Seeking solace in his longtime friend, Father Gary, he is mortified by the demons within him.
Mayor Miller finds Colleen at her corner location. She takes him back to the apartment she shares with Patrick, but what awaits is a force too big to take in. As Father Gary's warnings repeat in John Miller's ears, a violence erupts from him. Patrick comes home to find the horrifying event, and attacks the Mayor. Their feud is brought to a bloody end when Patrick murders John.
Patrick and Colleen quickly dispose of the body and run out. They run to their friend, Clay, who drives them to the small town where Patrick grew up, so they can go to his cousin, Victor. Victor takes them in, promising a safe haven. But, their world crumbles when they discover the price that must be paid for such protection. Patrick is pitched back into the abusive childhood he experienced with the older cousin as Colleen becomes the subject of his obsessions.
As the shadows collide over the house, Patrick and Colleen struggle to keep each other alive, no matter the cos
