Welcome to Leslea’s December edition of News, Clues and Reviews!

This bi-monthly update provides news about my writing and faith-based book recommendations for the whole family.

Scroll down for all the details and book reviews.

 

December News:

Dallas Christmas Event

I will be representing CatholicTeenBooks and Perpetual Light Publishing at a Christmas event in Dallas, the weekend before Christmas. I participated in this great event last year and am excited to attend again. Hopefully, I’ll get a chance to hear the main speakers, Chris Stefanick and Father Mike Schmitz. If you’re in the Dallas area, please stop by this wonderful family event! Click HERE for all the details!

Writing Update for 2023

I so appreciate all my faithful readers and followers, so I wanted to take a moment to update you on my works-in-progress.

• I will have a new release coming out in June—Charting the Course. This will be the second book in my new Finding Faith series. It is the story of Liz, the best friend of my character Josie from Into the Spotlight (formerly An Unexpected Role). This exciting adventure is set on a cruise ship.
• In 2023 I will also be releasing the 4^th short story in my all for One series, The Master Plan.
• I am still working to find a home for my finished manuscript, A Summer to Treasure. I know God has a plan for this book. I’m trying to be patient as I wait for it to be revealed.
• In 2023, my writing will focus on finishing my third Blindside book, Ultimate Blindside.

CTB Christmas Story for charity

HERE is a link to the CatholicTeenBooks collective story we created two years ago.  All proceeds of this fun story go to charity.

For the past two years, CatholicTeenBooks authors have appeared on the Christmas day episode of the Reading with your Kids Podcast to read an original story. The podcast’s host, Jed, provides a prompt, then one of our authors begins the story. It is then passed on to another author who continues the story, and so on. Only the final author knows how the story unfolds until we record the episode where we each read our section. The second story we created is listed below in my review section.

A few CatholicTeenBooks authors will be participating in this fun event again this year. We are working on the story now, and it will air on Christmas day on Jed’s podcast. LINK

Lenten Anthology: Ashes: Visible and Invisible 

I’ve recently been sharing about the new CatholicTeenBooks.com anthology that will be coming out for Lent—Ashes: Visible and Invisible. This will be a wonderful collection of stories to help teens deepen their faith during the season of Lent. My story features Liz, who is the main character in my upcoming release, Charting the Course.

CatholicTeenBooks Article

In November, I shared another article on the CTB blog about stepping out of your comfort zone. You can subscribe to get these inspiring articles sent directly to your inbox. LINK

 

Reviews:

The Night the Saints Saved Christmas by Gracie Jagla

What happens when Saint Nicholas is unable to deliver the Christmas gifts around the world? Well, he calls on his saintly friends to help him out, of course. This cute picture book is a fun way to introduce your little ones to some amazing saints.

The Spider Who Saved Christmas by Raymond Arroyo

This sweet picture book shares the legend of how tinsel became a Christmas decoration. There are a lot of books about the birth of Jesus, but not so many about the Holy family’s flee from Herod to Egypt. The horrific details are subtle, and instead, the story focuses on how when we trust in God, miracles can happen.

Letters from Father Christmas by JRR Tolkien

This is a fun collection of letters that JRR Tolkien had written to his children over the course of twenty years. Each Christmas, Tolkien would write a fictional letter from Father Christmas, describing the fun adventures he shared with his furry companion, North Polar Bear. These delightful letters show a new side of the incredibly talented author and offer a glimpse into the happenings of the world during the 1930s and 1940s. I think this would be a fun book to read as a family. I’m sure everyone’s imagination will be sparked.

Deception in December by Doreen McAvoy

Deception in December is the second book in Doreen McAvoy’s middle-grade Fern Valley Mystery series. While this book could be a stand-alone, I’d recommend starting with Secrets in September. Understanding the previous mystery, as well as the character’s relationships, will enhance the storyline. The characters in this series are wonderful—from the main protagonists to the supporting cast, they all help to bring the story to life. I especially appreciate the positive messages and life lessons that the author weaves into her stories.

Twins Will and Wendy, and their friends, find themselves involved in another intriguing adventure set at the town’s mysterious Mayfield mansion. As Christmas nears, can the twins and their friends uncover who is behind the strange happenings around town that threaten to tear their friend group apart? Can Will regain his confidence, on and off the court? Join the residents of Fern Valley in this heartwarming Christmas-time caper.

A Fowl Christmas – Catholic Teen Books authors

This story is the collective story that CatholicTeenBooks created for the Christmas day Reading with your Kids podcast last year. The podcast’s host, Jed, gave us a prompt, then one of our authors began the story. It was then passed on to another author who continued the story and so on. Only the final author knew how the story unfolded until we recorded the episode where we each read our section.

Last year was the second year we were able to participate in this fun, collective story. We have not released the story yet, but are offering it as a free gift to new subscribers to our newsletter! If you already are a subscriber, you can receive the story when you help a friend discover our site. Using this link, when they sign-up, they can list your name as their referral. We are hoping to reach even more families with our edifying fiction, so please help us with our goal and enjoy this madcap Christmas adventure. LINK

Christmas After All by Cece Louis

If you love Christmasy rom-coms – then don’t miss this one. I don’t know what makes these types of stories so appealing, despite their predictability. But give me a feel-good Christmas love story and some eggnog, and I’m one happy girl.

Melissa and Tucker have an unusual past—one they would both like to move on from, but circumstances find them together again in their hometown for the holidays. Have they matured enough to move past the drama? Probably not, but where would the fun be in a mature handling of the situation? These main characters were great-I hope we get to meet them again in another one of Louise’s fun romances. Grab a cozy blanket, a cup of cocoa, your favorite Christmas cookie, and curl up with this adorable story.

Divine Christmas by Hope Callaghan

Divine Christmas is book number five in the Divine Christian Mystery series. I have not read any of the previous books, but I wanted to give this Christmas mystery a try. The author did a great job of sharing enough details that I understood who the characters were and their background stories. This cozy mystery is filled with likable characters, an intriguing mystery, and plenty of faith. If you’re like me, you may enjoy this story so much that you will want to check out more books in this series.

Joy to the World by Scott Hahn

I haven’t finished this book yet as I decided it would be a wonderful book to help deepen my Advent journey. I’m really enjoying it so much. Biblical scholar Scott Hahn always does an amazing job providing deep theological issues in an understandable way. This book focuses on the Holy Family and that forever-changing first Christmas and is full of incredible insights. So, if you’re looking for a way to enhance your Christmas season, you may want to check this one out.

Until next year, happy reading!

 

Welcome to Leslea’s October edition of

News, Clues and Reviews!

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

Scroll down for all the details and book reviews.

 

October News:

New Release – Into the Spotlight

Into the Spotlight (formerly An Unexpected Role) will be released on October 25th!! This book is the first in my new Finding Faith series. Each book will feature a different main character. You can preorder the book now or even review it early on Netgalley.

 

Help me celebrate this re-release by discovering out how well you know Josie’s story through a quick quiz. But don’t worry, even if you haven’t read the story, anyone who takes the quiz will be entered to win a signed copy of this new book. And you’ll discover a few intriguing CLUES about this story that has always held a special place in my heart. QUIZ

Interviews

I was blessed with the opportunity to do two interviews over the last few months.

I joined Allison Gingras on her A Seeking Heart with Allison Gingras to discuss CatholicTeenBooks.com, as well as my own writing. Please share this link with anyone you think may be interested in learning more about our group’s edifying novels. CatholicTeenBooks.com has plenty to offer families, schools, parishes, and youth groups. HERE 

I also spoke with my friend Jed on his Reading with your Kids podcast to talk about my picture book, To Serve and Protect. HERE

Speaking of To Serve and Protect, keep sharing those pet images. It’s been fun to see everyone’s furry family members enjoying Siena’s story.

CTB logo

CatholicTeenBooks.com now has a logo! We’ve been discussing it for a while, but now have a cool new image. What do you think?

Lenten Anthology: Ashes: Visible and Invisible

CatholicTeenBooks.com is working on a new anthology to add to our growing Visible and Invisible collection. This new set of short stories will be a perfect book for teens as they travel through Lent in a few months. Each faith-filled story reflects on the season of Lent through engaging characters and all new adventures.

I’m very excited about my story which features a special tribute to my father who passed away a few months ago. I couldn’t think of a better way to honor him. Keep watch for more details!

 

Reviews:

Staircase for the Sisters by Pamela Love

What a delightful book about the miraculous staircase in Sante Fe, New Mexico. The story behind this unexplained staircase is simply amazing. I’ve had the privilege of seeing this miracle in person. This beautifully illustrated picture book is one that the whole family will be enamored with.

Adventures of Sister Philomena by Dianne Ahern

I’ve only read the first book in this series, Lost in Peter’s Tomb, but found it a delightful mystery for families. This chapter book would be perfect for a family with multiple aged children who enjoy reading together. The illustrations and short chapters make this one that even younger siblings would appreciate.

A family trip to Rome sounds exciting, but instead of touring the country with their parents, Riley and his younger sister must spend time with their aunt. Riley is less than thrilled because Aunt Philomena is a nun and lives in a convent! Who could have fun there? But when Aunt Philomena gets a phone call, things change. It turns out she is a special agent for the Pope and has been called by the Holy Father to help solve a mystery at the Vatican.

Thus, begins their adventure. During their time at the Vatican, they meet one of the Swiss Guards and find out all kinds of interesting things about the building, the artwork, the artifacts, and the lineage of Popes. This was a fun story with some great history and theology elements. The other adventures of Sister Philomena include: Break-in at the Basilica, Curse of the Coins, and Secrets of Siena.

Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool

 

This Newbery Medal-winning novel is a delightful, engaging story. Set during the depression in a small Kansas town, this redemptive tale features a unique cast of characters, witty dialogue, and a young feisty heroine.

Abilene Tucker is less than thrilled when she arrives in Manifest, Kansas, where she knows no one. Unsure why her father sent her there, she begins to search for answers. As she interacts with the townsfolks, she uncovers some clues to a mystery from the past. However, the more she uncovers about the town of Manifest, the more questions arise about her own background.

Author Clare Vanderpool is a gifted storyteller. The novel is filled with history, humor, and heartfelt moments that blend together perfectly. I loved how the story was revealed through newspaper clippings, shared memories, and Abilene’s growing friendships. While this middle-grade story is not specifically a Christian novel, it is a wonderful, inspiring, and clean novel that readers will love.

The Calling by Nathan Thomas

This is a speculative story – the author’s idea of what might be happening around us in a spiritual realm. If you enjoy speculative fantasy, you’ll probably really like this enjoyable read.

Teenager Eli is devastated. His beloved grandfather has just passed away. While everyone gathers after the funeral, Eli goes off alone – needing time to deal with his grief. In a moment of quiet contemplation, he chooses to honor his grandfather’s wishes and truly turn his life over to Christ. This momentous decision changes everything. Suddenly Eli finds himself in a spiritual realm. If he has the courage to answer his calling, he will begin his mission of defeating evil and defending the faith in both the spiritual and the earthly realms.

This first book in the series is an action-packed adventure focusing on Eli’s training. In order to become a Defender of the Realm, this young teen must first complete several challenges. As Eli works to prove himself worthy of this Holy mission, his newfound faith and internal strength are put to the test.

Avalanche: Off The Itinerary book 1 by M. Liz Boyle

A friend first told me about this teen adventure series, thinking I may be interested in it, and I’m so glad she did. Not only did I enjoy this book, but the author and I immediately connected. She even asked me to write a guest blog for her newsletter about the importance of Christian fiction. LINK

This Christian adventure story drew me right in with the opening line. “As I felt the wall of snow crash into me and sweep me down the mountain like an autumn leaf, I would have given almost anything to take back my decision to go along with this reckless idea.” Well, I certainly needed to find out what happened next!

Avalanche is told from the perspective of Marlee Stanley, who joins her two sisters and the sons of family friends on a secretive middle-of-the-night hike. Their fathers are mountaineers and have trained their children in mountain climbing and survival techniques, but when the teens encounter an avalanche, their skills are truly put to the test.

I enjoyed the many moments of faith, the growth in the characters, the mountaineering terms, and the survival tips that the author sprinkled into the story. I’ve already purchased the other two books in the Off The Itinerary series, Chased and Ablaze, and look forward to new adventures with these characters.

Tortured Soul by Theresa Linden

Oh, my goodness – where do I begin? I’ve been a fan of Theresa Linden’s writing for quite a while now. Her West Brothers series is one of my all-time favorites, her Liberty dystopian books are thought-provoking page-turners, and her children’s book series, Armor of God, is absolutely charming. However, despite my knowledge of her previous work, I was completely unprepared for this book.

While Tortured Soul is based on the experiences of a real person, Linden chose to place her version in a modern setting. Knowing this book is based on a true experience made the story even more intriguing. I honestly couldn’t read it fast enough. I became consumed with needing to know what happened next. And in the end, this unbelievable tale made me think about the power of prayer in a whole new way.

The story is about Jeannie, a lonely young woman who desperately misses her deceased parents. In many ways she continues to live in the past, unable to let go of her heartache. When she must move out of her family home and into a new house, her troubles really begin. I don’t want to give anything away, but strange things start happening that ultimately force Jeannie to confront the scars of her past.

Theresa Linden’s writing just keeps getting better with each book I read. I’ve always known of her knack for creating unique characters and her seemingly effortless descriptions that have a way of putting you in the middle of the story. And now I know she’s also a master of creating intense suspense. Only one warning – don’t read this one before bed!

Living Joy by Chris Stefanick

Chris Stefanick is one of my favorite Catholic speakers and media personalities. His positive messages, passionate faith, and obvious joy of life is inspiring and contagious. This book focuses on finding that same joy for our own lives. In this book, he offers simple ideas and strategies to fully live our faith to positively influence those around us.

Until next time, happy reading!

Welcome to Leslea’s August edition of

News, Clues & Reviews!

Each bimonthly update provides news about my writing, faith-based book recommendations for the whole family, and an online game or puzzle to satisfy your inner detective.

Scroll down for all the details and book reviews.

August News:

Into the Spotlight Release!

Drum roll, please! Here’s a sneak peek at the cover for Into the Spotlight!

(Formerly An Unexpected Role)

Into the Spotlight is the first book in my new Finding Faith series.

The official re-release date is Oct. 24^th!

New Cover for Unlikely Witnesses!

Another new cover! I’ve changed the cover of my novella, Unlikely Witnesses, to match the other covers in the short story series, all for One. If you’d like to be the first to spy the new look, CLICK HERE, to solve the puzzle.

The Perfect Blindside Anniversary!

It’s hard to believe, but The Perfect Blindside is turning 7 this month!

Answering God’s call to write that book started a whole new chapter in my life. I began my writing ministry, grown in my faith, and developed so many new, meaningful friendships. Starting next week, I’ll be featuring different fun facts about this book on my Leslea Wahl Facebook page and my MinistryThruMystery Instagram account.

Catholic Writers Guild Conference!

Last week I was able to attend the Catholic Writers Guild Conference. This event is always one of the highlights of my year. Catching up with friends, meeting new folks, and attending fantastic presentations always rejuvenates and inspires me.

If you’re an aspiring author and would like more info on the Guild, CLICK HERE.

Join me in Wichita!

In a few days, I’ll be heading to the Midwestern Catholic Family Conference in Wichita, KS. I’ll be representing Catholic Teen Books. Stop by if you’re planning on attending!

Reviews:

E is for Eucharist by Claudia McAdam

What a wonderful gift this book would make! This rhyming book is a fantastic way to teach parts of the Catholic faith to little ones. The amazing illustrations add so much to the beautiful book. I happen to be friends with both the talented author and amazing illustrator—both have helped me throughout my writing journey.

Molly McBride series by Jean Schoonover-Egolf

I adore the Molly McBride books. They are such wonderful stories to read with your children that also provide a fantastic tool to help teach Christian values. The author does a beautiful job of including important messages among the fun characters and lovely illustrations, adding another interesting layer to the stories.

The Haunted Cathedral by Antony Kolenc

This is the second book in Antony Kolenc’s Harwood Mysteries, and the reader once again joins Xan and Lucy on an exciting adventure. Xan has had so much to deal with in his young life due to the tragic loss of his family. In book one, Shadow in the Dark, he sets out to discover what happened to his parents. In this new story, he must come to terms with the past—not always an easy task.

While the new mystery is intriguing, what really made this story special is the continued storyline of Xan’s past and his character growth. The author superbly showed Xan’s emotional struggles as he deals with his new life. These books blend adventure, history, friendship, and faith into a marvelous series for middle-grade readers.

Miracle at the Mission by Joe Lewis

Looking for the perfect blend of relatable characters, fascinating history, intriguing mystery, and strong faith? Look no further than Miracle at the Mission. Author Joseph Lewis’ vivid descriptions of the California coast help sweep the reader away on an epic adventure.

High school friends Joe and Pete are honored with a trip to California. Their exciting trip leads to one they will never forget. This story is told from many different angles, creating a richly compelling story. I also enjoyed how the current historical elements make this story a time capsule of the unique era we are living in.

The Cloak of Light by Chuck Black

This was one of those books that I couldn’t put down. This speculative YA novel has so much going for it—adventure, action, faith, and a blossoming romance. While some of the beginning chapters felt a little drawn out, as the backstory was presented, I kept turning the pages, anxious to discover what would happen next.

Drew Carter has had a lot of tragic setbacks in his life. Thankfully, between his devoted mother, his protective mentor, and his steadfast best friend, he has been able to make it through those devasting challenges. But there is one thing he does not have in his life—faith. He fails to understand how others can cling to their unfounded beliefs—especially Sydney, the one girl he’s never been able to get out of his mind.

When Drew helps his friend Ben look into their college professor’s disappearance, his life is altered forever. He suddenly sees things that others do not—evil invaders that are threatening society. In order to save the world from these unseen enemies, Drew must somehow prove that he is not crazy.

I really adored the main character. His persevering spirit, kind heart, determination to fight for justice, and mad survival skills make him a hero you can’t help but root for. Beware, though, this is the first book in a series and, if you’re anything like me, you will immediately want to start the chapter of Drew’s story.

Speculative stories are always fascinating. Imagining the spirit world around us, the battles that circle around us, keeping us safe, is worth thinking about.

Black Bottle Man by Craig Russell

I’ve never read anything quite like this book. The writing was excellent, immediately drawing the reader into this unusual story. After his aunts make a deal with the devil, Rembrandt spends decades wandering, searching for a champion to defeat the evil one. Not surprising, given the premise, there are some disturbing elements to the story, so I’d recommend it for older, mature teens or adults. The secondary storyline was quite compelling. The moment I finished, I longed for some kind of discussion group where we could dissect this unique tale.

It’s Good to Be Here by Christiana Chase

I was excited to read this book and expected to find it inspirational, but I was completely blown away. What a treasure! Christina Chase’s It’s Good To Be Here is bursting with incredible insights, amazing personal stories, and beautiful nuggets of faith.

Author Christina Chase is a woman who suffers from a debilitating disease. Maybe because of her own struggles, she brings unique thoughts and perspectives to Bible passages. This inspiring book is not necessarily aimed at teens, but I would highly recommend it for young people. She has such a wonderful ability of explaining concepts and ideas in a new way. This woman’s incredible joy for life, despite the hardships she has endured, is truly inspiring. Witnessing her extraordinary faith through stories of her own life encourages readers to evaluate their lives in a new light. This book would be a phenomenal book to read as a family.

Until next time, happy reading!

 

 

Welcome to my June Edition of News and Reviews!

Scroll down for all the details and reviews.

 

News:

Picture Book Update!

To Serve and Protect is now available. We’re having a lot of fun showing furry friends enjoying Siena’s new book. If you’d like to join the fun, send me a picture of your pooch and the book, and I’ll post it on FB and Instagram. Enjoy this short book trailer.

 

Podcast Appearance!

  

This week, I joined Author A.J. Cattapan on her podcast, Cath-lit Live, to share about To Serve and Protect. This fantastic podcast highlights newly released Catholic books in all genres. You can watch the short interview HERE!

 

Catholic Homeschool Conference!

This past weekend, I had a fantastic opportunity to sell books by Catholic Teen Books authors at the Kansas City Homeschooling Conference. If you know of any conferences or events that might be interested in CTB books, send me a message.

 

School Presentation!

In early May, I was able to do a zoom presentation with an 8^th grade class in New Hampshire that read my novel, The Perfect Blindside. It was so fun to discuss the book with these students. Recommending books to teachers or librarians is a wonderful way to ensure great, faith-based books in your child’s school.

 

Reviews:

To Serve and Protect by Leslea Wahl

To Serve and Protect, my first picture book, is inspired by my dog’s quirky personality. Our sweet Goldendoodle, Siena, tries to be brave, but she tends to be scared of everything. However, this doesn’t stop her from trying her best to protect her family from all sorts of dangers – including snowmen and animals on television.

I’m so honored that my friend Karen Kelly Boyce has written a clever little story to help me promote this book. Karen’s story not only highlights my book but introduces folks to the quirky Sisters from her delightful chapter book series, Sisters of the Last Straw.

Enjoy her story! Thank you, Karen!!

Sisters of the Last Straw by Karen Kelly Boyce

Speaking of the Sisters of the Last Straw, this chapter book series is so much fun. This group of kind-hearted women long to be nuns but because they struggle with some bad habits, they have been unable to make their dreams come true. So, these spunky women join together to create their own order. The madcap adventures that these Sisters encounter are sure to delight the whole family. I’ve read several of the books and adore them. The stories are funny yet offer wonderful moments of grace amid teachable situations as the Sisters overcome the various obstacles they face.

 

Anything But Groovy by Amanda Lauer

I’ve been a fan of author Amanda Lauer for quite a while. Her captivating writing completely immersed me in the Civil War through her Heaven Intended series. In Anything But Groovy, Lauer brings her writing talents to a more contemporary story. She expertly captures the details of the 70s in this coming-of-age novel with an intriguing Freaky Friday type of storyline.

No matter what era we grow up in, there are certain issues that all teens must deal with—families, friendships, and bullying. While technology and circumstances change, relationship fundamentals remain the same. I thought this glimpse into a parent’s childhood was such a clever way to explore the walking-a-mile-in-another’s-shoes theme. This book might be a fun one for mothers and daughters to enjoy together while sharing the differences and similarities of their own childhoods.

Fun little side note – Amanda and I had a chance encounter a few weeks ago while we were both on vacation. It was so fun to catch up with her.

 

Beckoning by Claudia Cangilla McAdam

This story and the previous one in this series, Awakening, are fascinating glimpses into the time of Christ. McAdam creates modern-day characters who are mystically transported back to when Christ was crucified. The fascinating part of these stories is that these modern-day characters become actual people from the Bible – Mark, Tabitha (Dorcas), Veronica, Stephen, the Centurion guard. This twist not only puts a unique spin on these stories but gives the reader a whole new appreciation of the events by seeing the Passion story through the eyes of people who were actually there.

The main character in Beckoning is a teenage girl who is struggling with her faith after a tragedy in her family. A teacher suggests that she pray by imagining herself in a Bible story. She tries this approach while at the Adoration Chapel and experiences a life-altering moment.

The historical elements of the story were also fascinating—such as how hard life was back then, Jewish traditions, and the difficulties the early Christians faced. I think both Awakening and Beckoning would be fantastic books to assist with school lessons since there is so much to discuss. These novels are a powerful way for teens to delve into the Crucifixion, Resurrection, Pentecost, and the early days of the church.

 

Peregrine by Erica Richardson

While the book may be short, this powerful story will stay with me for a very long time. The author’s beautiful writing brought to life two fabulous main characters, Miles and Trisha. While my heart ached for Miles and his tremendous burden, Trisha’s inspiring kindness shone through the pages. Kudos to Erica Richardson for creating an engaging novella that brings awareness, garners empathy, and highlights a difficult topic—mental illness. Will fear of the unknown keep this couple apart, or do they have the courage to take a chance on one another? I highly recommend picking up this story to find out.

 

The Stranger in the Lifeboat by Mitch Albom

The Stranger in the Lifeboat is the newest book by acclaimed author Mitch Albom. You may be familiar with some of his other books – Tuesdays with Morrie and The Five People You Meet in Heaven. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the many moral and philosophical questions that arose.

What would happen if we called on God for help and God actually appeared? In Mitch Albom’s profound new novel of hope and faith, a group of shipwrecked passengers pull a strange man from the sea. He claims to be “the Lord.” And He says He can only save them if they all believe in Him.

Once a year, my book club invites the husbands to join us for a fun couples book club evening. Not only do we discuss a book, but we also play games and dress as characters from the book.

It’s always a fun evening full of laughs. This year though, we ended up having some really deep discussions that arose from this particular book. Everyone loved the book, and, interestingly, each person perceived the true story in a slightly different way.

 

Barking at the Choir by Fr Greg Boyle

This book is sort of a memoir by Father Gregory Boyle, who runs Homeboy Industries, the largest gang-rehabilitation program in the country. Each chapter has a central theme supported by snippets from his experiences with the “homies.” These interesting, funny, heart-breaking, and heart-warming stories support the overall message of how important it is to care for people, even people who are different than us. Father Boyle’s words are, at times, a little shocking, but there is no denying that he has a deep connection with those he serves.

There were several points that really stuck with me, one being that gang members do not choose this lifestyle. They are fleeing from something else – abusive families, homelessness, parents who are addicts, etc. They may have done horrible things in their lives, but they are still children of God. These gang members have survived horrible backgrounds, and Homeboy Industries is a lifeline and family for them.

Father Boyle travels a lot, speaking around the country about his incredible organization. He often takes some of the homies with him on these trips. The reformed gang members he chooses are exposed to a new world, some traveling for the first time in their lives. Then they have the opportunity to speak to counselors, clergy, law enforcement, and medical personnel. By sharing their backgrounds and personal stories, they humanize the gang member that these professionals deal with on a daily basis. These interactions have a profound impact on all involved.

This is a fantastic, eye-opening book that could be read with your teens. Even if you will never interact with gang members, it’s a great reminder that we should care about everyone.

 

Until next time, happy reading!

 

Welcome to my new newsletter format!

For various reasons, I’ve decided to change things a bit, and instead of sending out a monthly review post and a quarterly update, I’m combining them into an every other month News & Reviews post. Also, besides reviewing faith-based books for teens, I will start including a few recommendations for children and adults. After all, we all can strengthen our faith through fiction.

Hopefully, this new format will make it easier to find what items interest you.

     

Scroll down for all the news and reviews.

NEWS!

Picture Book Release!

My first picture book, To Serve and Protect, is on the verge of releasing. It was so much fun working on this project with my talented friend, Amy Klein, to bring a story inspired by my dog, Siena, to life.

New Short Story!

April brings the release of the 2^nd short story in my all for One series. More Precious Than Gold features my four main characters helping others at a summer camp. This story was first published in the CatholicTeenBooks anthology – Secrets: Visible and Invisible.

School Presentation!

I had a wonderful time presenting via zoom to the 7^th graders at St. Joseph Catholic School in Fayetteville, Arkansas. This was the first zoom presentation I had done, but I enjoyed it immensely and hope more will come my way.

CTB blog article!

I recently wrote an article for the CatholicTeenBooks blog. It was all about all the features we offer over at CatholicTeenBooks.com. Please share this LINK if you know some families who may be interested.

Online Puzzle!

Do any of you love puzzles as much as I do? Here’s an easy online puzzle featuring one of the illustrations from To Serve and Protect. CLICK HERE

 

REVIEWS!

A New Auntie’s Fear by Angela Lano

What a beautiful story! This heartfelt letter written to a new baby from an aunt with special needs is the most touching story I’ve read in a very long time. This simple picture book offers families the perfect way to teach children compassion and acceptance of people’s disabilities.

 Armor of God series by Theresa Linden

I really adore this series by Theresa Linden. Each book is packed with powerful lessons, an intriguing storyline, and realistic character growth. Based on the Scriptural Armor of God (Ephesians 6:13-17), the six-book ARMOR OF GOD series appeals to the universal and timeless quest for virtue and inner strength. The story themes and “Brother Coll’s Catechism Lessons” that Linden weaves into each story are perfect for children preparing for their Sacraments. While it’s ideal for children making their First Communion and Reconciliation, these books are a treasure for the whole family.

The Treasure with a Face by Janeen Zaio

Speaking of treasure, The Treasure with a Face is a fun, middle-grade story with a fantastic main character. From the very first page, I knew Eli was someone I would enjoy going on an adventure with, and that is exactly what I did. Living in the middle east during the time of Jesus was not an easy time to be alive. Especially if you are a boy who longs to hunt for treasure but is stuck living and working for a difficult uncle. When Eli finally gets the chance for adventure, it is not at all what he expected. As he journeys to Jerusalem by order of his uncle, he hopes for a chance to meet Jesus. While the adventures he encounters along the way give him a taste of a life he longs for, he really hopes that Jesus will be able to give him the needed clue to find the treasure that the Jewish people have been searching for. But when he discovers that he’s too late and that Jesus has been killed, will all be lost, or will he discover that the greatest treasure is something that he never could have imagined?

The Secret of Glaston Tor by Donal Anthony Foley

I wasn’t sure what to expect from The Secret of Glaston Tor but thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. This time-travel story has many aspects that kept me turning the pages—a thrilling adventure, fantastic characters, an intriguing premise, and a wonderful message.

Matt is excited to travel to England to spend Christmas with his cousins. However, as soon as he lands in England, his trip is plagued with odd incidents. Thankfully, his cousins Annie and Luke take him to see the ruins of Glaston Tor, a tourist site he’s been anxious to explore. But, if he thought his day was strange before his tour, things get downright bizarre. A strange light at the historical ruins leads them through a portal where a mysterious man offers them the adventure of a lifetime.

Unable to resist the opportunity to make a difference, the three cousins find themselves in France during World War II. Thus starts the epic journey of being chased by the Nazi Gestapo, fleeing across France, assisting a daring escape, uncovering family secrets, and discovering what is truly important.

This thrilling adventure not only explores a piece of history in a unique way but delves into some fascinating questions of faith. This is the first novel in a series for teens of all ages.

A Reluctant Assassin by J.C. Morrows

This YA book is basically a retelling of the Cinderella story—with a big twist—the rags to riches young lady at the ball is actually an assassin on a mission to kill the Prince. That description and the eye-catching cover drew me right in. I enjoyed the book quite a bit—the characters were likable the storyline was intriguing, although it wasn’t exactly what I was expecting. The book is less of an action-packed suspense novel and more of a romantic adventure.

I really enjoyed how the story progressed through the points of view of both the male and female lead characters. This is always a nice way to get to know both characters.  However, there were a few times when it made this story feel a little disjointed, like I’d missed something. Also, I would’ve liked a more details about Kayden’s background—but that may be revealed in the next book. There is also a short prequel that may answer some of my questions.

The series, Order of the Moonstone, is comprised of numerous books, which is good news because if you’re anything like me—you’ll want to keep reading since A Reluctant Assassin ends not only with a twist but also on a bit of a cliffhanger.

Under a Watchful Sky by Roger Thomas

Here’s a recommendation for the adults of the family. I’ve read a few books by Roget Thomas, and this one is another fantastic story! I felt like the beginning dragged just a bit, but when the story really got going—I was hooked. This Christian dystopian story, set in the not-too-distant future, felt a little too real. The craziness of our world seems to mirror this book, which is terrifying but makes for a real page-turner. Excellent job!

No Turning Back by Fr Don Galloway

I’ve had the privilege of hearing Fr. Galloway speak twice. He is an engaging and inspirational speaker, which made me curious about his personal journey to the priesthood. But I was completely unprepared for this astonishing true story. His completely unexpected and total transformation is incredible. His background is reminiscent of Saint Augustine—a wild youth whose mother never gave up on him, continually praying that God would transform his life. And boy, did God answer that prayer!

I read this book thinking it would be a great recommendation for teens, but for a few reasons, I’ve changed my mind and instead am recommending it for adults. Fr. Galloway is very honest in this book and doesn’t hold anything back about his unscrupulous past. I think this has its benefits, showing people that no matter what things you have done in your past, you can change your life around. However, being so open makes me a little hesitant to recommend it to all teens. This is an amazing story, perfect for parents who worry about their children. What an amazing reminder that God never gives up on us. He can reach even lost souls and answer our prayers.

Until next time, God bless, and happy reading!