Welcome to Leslea’s April Update.

An online puzzle, news, and book reviews!

Each bimonthly update provides news about my writing, faith-based book recommendations for the whole family, and, to bring out your inner detective, I include an online puzzle.

Scroll down for all the details and this month’s book reviews.

Clues:

Curious about my next main character? Solve this puzzle to discover a few characteristics and the name of the leading lady in my newest teen novel which will be released in November. CLICK HERE!

News:

Quick Update:

There’s not much to report – I’ve been busy working on the newest CTB anthology, a new picture book, and three teen novels.
I recently did two virtual classroom visits with schools in Missouri.
I’m thrilled that a diocese in PA chose my book, The Perfect Blindside, to read for their middle school literary fair. In a few weeks will be chatting online with the students about the book.

Character Introduction…Siena

Siena’s story, To Serve and Protect, can be found HERE.

eXtreme Sale!

My novel eXtreme Blindside is still on sale at Pauline Books and Media for $5.00! Don’t miss this exceptional price! CLICK HERE!

CTB News

Virtual Author Visits: CTB authors enjoy talking with schools and sharing our edifying books with students. For Catholic Schools Week, we reached out to schools and heard back from a few. The presentations have been a lot of fun. If you know any schools that might be interested, let them know about this fun opportunity, we will be happy to set something up. Contact us HERE.

Reviews

Saint Clare and Her Cat by Dessi Jackson

This cute picture book is a wonderful tool to introduce a child to an incredible saint—Saint Clare. Children are always drawn to stories about animals, and through the mischievous adventures of a sweet kitten, the reader learns a bit about Saint Clare, her work, and how she lived. Themes of friendship and loyalty weave the charming story together.

Gospel Time Trekkers: Shepherds to the Rescue by Maria Grace Dateno, FSP

Siblings Hannah, Noah, and Caleb think they’re going on a normal bike ride but somehow end up in ancient Bethlehem. When they meet a young shepherd boy, they embark on a most exciting adventure: tracking sheep, fending off wolves, and getting a first-hand account of the blessed night that changed the world.

The Gospel Time Trekkers is a series of six books by Sr. Maria Grace Dateno that brings some bible stories to life in a most exciting way.

Pictures of Me by Marilee Haynes

This is another amazing middle-grade book by Marilee Haynes. She has a knack for writing about those tumultuous years that surround middle-school. The characters are so relatable as they face struggles with their friendships and embarrassments that seem so prevalent as young people navigate those awkward changes from childhood to becoming a teenager.

Annie is at the end of her 5^th-grade year at her Catholic school. However, before moving on to 6^th grade, she must face her fears and stand before her class to share a presentation about herself. Despite her love of words, she feels completely unprepared to complete this last assignment. Add to the mix new, unexpected feelings for a boy and the horrible treatment of the so-called popular girls that every school seems to have to deal with, and you’ve got a book that everyone can relate to.

Acts of the Apostles: The Catholic Comic Book Bible by TAN Books

I’ve always been fascinated with the book of The Acts of the Apostles. Reading about how ordinary men were transformed and able to do extraordinary works is truly inspiring. So, when I saw this Comic Book edition by TAN Books, I was excited to check it out.

Adding the visual context really deepened the Biblical verses. Sadly, sometimes our minds can wander when we’re reading, but having these realistic illustrations helps the reader to stay focused and engaged in the words. The facial expressions of the apostles and the depictions of the clothing and historical elements brought the passages to life. I was especially fascinated with the maps of the region. We all know that Paul traveled extensively to share the word of Christ. But seeing his route on the map added a new layer to that knowledge.

This book would make a fantastic Confirmation gift or just a way to deepen your child’s faith. I wish it had been around when my kids were teens.

Highway of the Heart by Maddie Evans

This was a unique story about a wandering teen, drifting from one town to the next, enjoying life but also running from her past. When Casey finds herself getting drawn into the lives of the residents of Sweet Grove, Texas, she realizes she’s become more attached than she expected. That is certainly not one of her Rules for the Road.

This was a quick read, and I liked how the author wove together the themes of family, faith, selflessness, and friendship. This story highlights how God leads certain people into our lives at just the right moment, providing what we need and ultimately leading us closer to Him.

Casey might have just been passing through town. But thanks to Sweet Grove’s quirky characters, good-hearted folks, and welcoming neighbors—smart, spunky Casey didn’t stand a chance.

The only drawback to this story is that it is only available as an ebook.

Code Name Edelweiss by Stephanie Landsem

I have enjoyed many of Stephanie Landsem’s novels, so I was excited to read this one. It has so many elements that I found fascinating, and it certainly did not disappoint.

I love the old movie classics but never thought much about how the Golden Age of Hollywood occurred during a very dark time in history. The glitz and the glamour of Hollywood were happening as unrest unfolded overseas and everyday Americans struggled financially here at home. I suppose it makes sense that during this tumultuous time, people were happy to escape from reality and be swept away into a different world.

Code Name Edelweiss is about a female Hollywood insider who is asked to be a spy and uncover a dark underworld. I had no idea that some of the Hollywood giants of the time were antisemites and Nazi sympathizers—absolutely eye-opening. This is why I adore historical fiction; we can learn so much about the past through captivating stories. Add a faith element to that, and you’ve got an amazing book.

A Book of Saints for Catholic Moms by Lisa Hendey

This is such a special book for Moms. It highlights many different saints with stories from their lives that can inspire us today. I read this book several years ago but have dusted it off to enjoy it once again.

The book is divided into 52 sections, so you can learn about a different saint each week. Not only does Hendey share about the special Holy person, but she also includes lessons we can learn from each saint. There are even Bible verses to pray and reflect on for each day of the week, as well as a special prayer for your family, things to ponder, and activities to help you grow in your faith.

This would make a fabulous gift for a special mother in your life. Don’t forget—Mother’s Day is coming soon! 😊