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Think Hope: Maria Middleton's Life of Unyielding Trust in God
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Think Hope

Maria Middleton's Life of Unyielding Trust in God

By E. Ron Watson, Brian and Susan Middleton

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"Think Hope gives readers a glimpse into the inspiring witness of a young woman who fully embraced God’s plan for her life. Her example of a virtuous life offered for the conversion of others is a beacon of light in a world that has forgotten God."

–Antonia Salzano Acutis

Mother of St. Carlo Acutis

An inspiring story of faith, resilience, and unwavering hope in Christ

“Think Hope.” These two simple words became the guiding light of Maria Middleton’s journey, and the legacy she left behind.

At just 18 years old, Maria, a vibrant teen from the Philadelphia area, faced the devastating diagnosis of an inoperable brain tumor. Yet even in the midst of suffering, Maria’s Catholic faith, joy, and courage revealed a truth far greater than her illness: that hope is stronger than despair, and the love of God always triumphs over death.

In Think Hope, readers will encounter Maria’s extraordinary testimony—one that continues to ripple outward, touching countless lives around the world. Through choosing love in ordinary moments and choosing hope in great suffering, Maria showed the world that holiness is not about being different or distant, but about choosing to live with courage, authenticity, and joy.

As Maria often reminded those around her: “God’s got this.”

Though she did not receive the physical healing she and her loved ones prayed for, Maria’s life became a miracle of another kind—a miracle of hope. To this day, her witness continues to inspire others around the world to face challenges with faith, perseverance, and a heart rooted in God.

Think Hope will inspire Catholics through:

  • A deeply moving true story of faith in the face of suffering
  • A reminder that hope remains, no matter the circumstance
  • A source of inspiration for anyone seeking meaning, healing, or encouragement
  • A testimony that striving for holiness is not distant or unachievable—it is for everyone

Maria’s words and witness remind us that hope is not just an abstract concept—it is a way of life. Her story invites readers to see the miracle that hope brings and to carry it into their own lives.

Think Hope—and discover how God’s light triumphs even in life’s darkest moments.

 

"Think Hope is a book that will cause many readers to rethink the way they look at the world and our place in it. It will challenge us to examine presuppositions about life, its meaning, and the place of human suffering. It will offer us a glimpse into the mystery of divine love expressed in a young woman’s embrace of Christ. It will offer to the youth, and readers of all ages, a way through the fears, anxieties, and despairs that sometimes seem so prevalent in the world today—a movement from darkness to light, from confusion to commitment, from chaos to hope."

–Most Reverend Nelson J. Perez, D.D.

Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia

 

"Think Hope is a powerful story of a modern day St Thérèse de Lisieux. This beautiful book written through the eyes of Maria Middleton's parents, Susan and Brian, captures the story of the soul of young Maria diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer.  Her parents weave Maria's remarkable young life with her golden nuggets of spiritual insights(found in her diary) revealing a treasure trove of HOPE  for each one of us.  Thank you, Maria for deepening my insight on the truth of redemptive suffering…

 I pray this book awakens hope and trust in our Lord for each reader as it has with me."

–Sr. Deirdre M. Byrne, POSC

Superior  of the Little Workers of the Sacred Hearts in Washington, DC

Product Details
SKU
9798892760737
Format
Book
Binding
Perfect Bound
Dimensions
5.5" x 8.5"
Weight
0.64 lb
Page Count
184
Language
English
Publisher
Ascension Press
Publication Date
Oct 08, 2025
Copyright Year
2025

Contributors

Authors


E. Ron Watson

E. Ron Watson is a humble and dynamic writer who witnessed Maria Middleton’s last five months of life while she was a patient in the hospital where he worked. Maria’s life deeply enriched his, so Ron sought to share her story. He knew it had the potential to awaken faith in some and deepen it for others, both young and old.

Ron’s career spans various roles including newspaper reporter and editor, banking vice president, government public information officer, freelance wordsmith, and finally, 20 years as communications director for a community health system. He has also been an active volunteer in parish and archdiocesan affairs. In retirement, he volunteers in the press office of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa and is president of a fledgling scholarship fund for Catholic school students. He is married to Diane, a love at first sight. They raised 3 children and have 2 grandchildren. Ron is working on a new nonfiction work and a garden that is too big, while trying to find time for fly-fishing.

Ron's debut title with Ascension is "Think Hope: Maria Middleton's Life of Unyielding Trust in God."

More from E. Ron Watson →

Brian and Susan Middleton

Brian and Susan Middleton are passionate about faith and family. Their lives were forever changed when their youngest daughter, Maria, was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. Walking that sacred and sorrowful path with Maria became the most profound journey of their lives.

Brian and Susan are the parents of a blended family of six, whose ever-growing circle of grandchildren reflects a legacy rooted in faith, perseverance, and deep love. They have worked side by side for many years—Susan as the heart of their home and office manager for Brian’s succession planning firm.

Throughout their many years, they have joyfully served the Church in a variety of roles, but what they learned on their journey with Maria has been their greatest inspiration. In the face of suffering, Maria’s grace and courage illuminated something extraordinary. Her final written words—“think hope”—were not only a message to her family but a calling to the world.

After Maria’s passing, Brian and Susan began a Foundation to support ministries that bring hope into this world through education, building communities of hope and restoring hope to those in need. More information can be found at www.ThinkHope.org.

More from Brian and Susan Middleton →
  • 5 stars: 15 (100%)
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A
Amy G.
Hope For A Hurting World

Think Hope is a deeply inspiring and a powerful reminder to pay attention to the supernatural movements happening all around us. Maria and her devout family completely drew me in — her story is beautiful, heartbreaking, and unforgettable.

One of the most incredible parts was reading about hospital staff visiting Maria’s room at all hours just to be near her. The impact this young girl had on everyone around her was undeniable.

What struck me most was how counter-cultural Maria’s message is for young people today. In a world obsessed with comfort and self, her witness points to sacrifice, purity, love, and hope. I truly believe her suffering for lost and hurting souls is already bearing fruit!

C
Cathy D.
Truly Inspiring!

While reading this book, I found myself pausing often to ponder young Maria's incredible faith, amazing wisdom and steadfast trust in God's plan for her life. Her love for God and serving His children was her focus. She willingly accepted suffering and with God's grace, joyfully chose to live in a way that blessed others.
Simply stated, this is a powerful story of a mother's love, a father's protection and a courageous teen whose journey, with its deeply profound message of hope, continues to inspire hearts and change lives today!

C
Cathy D.
Truly Inspiring!

While reading this book, I found myself pausing often to ponder young Maria's incredible faith, amazing wisdom and steadfast trust in God's plan for her life.
Her love for God and serving His children was her focus. She willingly accepted suffering and with God's grace, joyfully chose to live in a way that blessed others.
Simply stated, this is a powerful story of a mother's love, a father's protection and a courageous teen whose journey, with its deeply profound message of hope, continues to inspire hearts and change lives today!

W
William H.
"God's Got This."

This book is a must read. Maria Middleton's brief life on Earth was remarkable, inspiring, and transformational. She is a saint, plain and true. My heart aches for the tremendous loss for all of us, but Maria is still working miracles through her words and this book.

M
Matt P.
A New Friend of Life

My wife and I were introduced to Maria’s story through a co-worker of mine. I soon after met Maria’s father through a work lunch (which quickly covered spiritual topics, as well). So, it seemed that Maria was working her way into our lives and God wanted us to hear her story. We would read the book before bed each night (and usually didn't want to put it down). Over time, she became a new friend who we ask for her intercession each day. Her story isn’t a boiler plate feel good story; it is real, shows the difficulty of suffering, but also the joy, hope, and deep faith that comes from it if we let it. Maria is now a (hopefully canonized Saint) friend for life and I couldn’t recommend this book enough!

L
Lisa M.F.
Think Hope inspires Hope to the world!!!

From the moment I began reading Maria’s story I was in awe of her monumental faith and trust in God. For someone so young to have so much happen during the most important time in a teens life and to embrace the struggle and suffering the way she did with Grace and dignity, left me speechless. Clearly Maria was not an ordinary teen. Her reliance and trust changed and moved all who were in her presence. The more her suffering increased the more her humility and faith brought her peace and courage. I think young people and adults can learn so much from Maria’s story about redemptive suffering and placing one’s full trust in God the father. She inspired all including her parents and even after with this gem of a book. Her life was that of a saint and I believe I shall see her name included with other servants of God one day. That would ultimately empower others.Her suffering and journey will teach others that with hope. they too can reach the point of purification by uniting their struggle and pain with Christ on the cross. I recommend this book for all ages and know that her story will change lives with the way we see suffering. Maria was a gift to the world and continues to provide hope to the world with her message.

T
Timothy C.
Think Hope

This is an absolutely inspiring and beautiful book! It will bring you closer to God and help you realize that God does, in fact, work in mysterious ways. It will give you perspective on your own troubles and help you understand the true power of Hope. A must read!!

D
David C.
Grace

God's grace was with Maria and her family. Her mission of hope until the very end is a powerful testament to how we should cooperate with God's will. Her hope in receiving a miracle of healing was sustained by her trust in our Lord. Her life was transformed into Jesus in Gethsemane, as she lived by the words Jesus prayed "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." What was equally impressive to her hope was her trust in God's will for her. May we all strive to suffer with God as she did. Maria, pray for us!

G
Grace M.
Think Hope

I read the book start to finish in one weekend, and it was such a moving testimony of Maria's journey. There were many moments in the book that had me in tears reading about Maria's strong fortitude throughout her battle. I think Maria's story will be heard far and wide, and it will inspire many!

D
Dizzi
Outstanding!

A must read for those whom question and seek clarity!

B
Brandon H.
Awe Inspiring

Maria’s story touched my heart in so many ways. She was truly a Saint and a model for how we all should live our lives. Her unwavering faith, hope, and love, especially in remarkably difficult times, serves as a reminder what life is all about. Thank you, Maria, for inspiring me to be more present, to take up my cross, and trust in God like never before!

R
Rich
Maria's Invitation

Perhaps it is providential that Maria Middleton’s new book, THINK HOPE, arrives just days after moments that made all of us stop and THINK—one of remembrance, another of sudden loss. And then, what do we HOPE? Is our HOPE ordered first to God, and then extended to those around us? How do we live out that HOPE? In this beautiful work, Maria invites us to reflect, to anchor our hearts, and to pursue true PEACE. I prayerfully encourage you to read THINK HOPE and join that journey.

D
Diane F.
A Spiritual Gem

After finishing “ Think Hope” in on day,I am left contemplating the spiritual world. Maria stated it is everything! What struck me is how this family’s solid Catholic faith led them all through a difficult journey but revealed Gods goodness throughout. Maria’s desire to live in the present moment (where God is) allowed her to walk through suffering with trust and total reliance on God. Because of this trust, God was able to bring countless souls back to Him!
A perfect model for all!
My favorite line from Maria…….God’s hand is in EVERYTHING!!

M
Michele P.
Think Hope

Maria Middleton ‘s life is a witness to God’s grace,the meaning of suffering and unyielding hope! I read this book like I was reading a prayer. You will read a chapter and put the book down and deeply contemplate and internalize it. Maria and her parents help us navigate life’s meaning and focus on the eternal picture.Both young and old can benefit from reading this book. Maria’s message of hope truly springs eternal!

s
stephanie w.
Think Hope - Let’s save souls! A Must Read

JUST PURCHASED!
This book has changed my life this summer.
Maria, my sister in Heaven, has given me the greatest gift - HOPE in HEAVEN.
A renewed mind of faith.

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