Critical Praise

"Impressively researched and insightful."

——Kirkus Reviews

"It takes Jane Geniesse to put together the intriguing, improbable and historically rich tale of Anna Spafford. This is a well-crafted read for adventurers, for the curious of mind and especially for aficionados of the Middle East and the American Colony in Jerusalem."

——Hedrick Smith, author of The Russians and The Power Game

"I have stayed many times at the American Colony Hotel and never imagined it had such a history! Jane Geniesse presents a vivid picture of a dedicated cult’s search for answers in the Holy Land and of the tense relationships of religious groups in Jerusalem, confirming her zest for storytelling."

——Janet Wallach, author of Desert Queen: The Extraordinary Life of Gertrude Bell

"Jane Geniesee has proved there is definitely a second act. Her American Priestess follows naturally like another jewel from Passionate Nomad. Her story of Anna Spafford's multi-layered journey from Chicago to Jerusalem and beyond is stunning--impressively researched and beautifully told."

——Jim Lehrer