I recently had the great privilege to read advanced copies of six Catholic teen novels. All the books happen to be new installments in series written by the authors. I eagerly agreed to support my fellow authors and host blog stops on their book release tours. So, for the next six weeks, I will have a new weekly post – Tuesday Treats: New Releases. I hope you’ll be able to find some new adventures to cozy up with.

Today’s new release actually comes out today! Happy Book Birthday!

Guarding Aaron by T.M. Gaouette

Guarding Aaron is the third book in T.M. Gaouette’s Faith & Kung Fu series. The series centers around Gabriel, a handsome teen who is dedicated to his faith, his mother, and his martial arts. In the first book of the series, Freeing Tanner Rose, Gabriel meets Tanner Rose, a Hollywood starlet and the daughter of his mother’s friend. 

Saving Faith, the second book in this series, and now Guarding Aaron continue the story of Gabriel, Tanner, and their friends. Gaouette does a wonderful job of creating relatable characters that you care about. Through the series, I have admired Gabriel, enjoyed the growth of Tanner and Christian, wanted to scream at Faith, and now wish I could hug Aaron.

Aaron is new to the series. His story, which runs parallel to what is happening with Tanner and Gabriel, is incredibly touching. Aaron is being bullied at school. Tired of being the victim, he has decided to take kung fu classes. This is where he meets older teens Gabriel and Christian who are his instructors. The two storylines are woven together perfectly to make for a thoroughly engaging novel. There are even a few shocking twists that will keep you turning the pages. (One, in particular, had me gasping out loud.)

You don’t need to have read the other books in the series to enjoy this book, but I’m sure you will want to eventually so you can spend more time with these characters.

For more information on all of T.M. Gaouette’s books, please visit her website.

I recently had the great privilege to read advanced copies of six Catholic teen novels. All the books happen to be new installments in series written by the authors. I eagerly agreed to support my fellow authors and host blog stops on their book release tours. So, for the next six weeks, I will have a new weekly post – Tuesday Treats: New Releases. I hope you’ll be able to find some new adventures to cozy up with.

Today I’m actually sharing about two books – a middle-grade adventure and a darling children’s Christmas story.

Saving The Statue of Liberty by Andrea Jo Rodgers

The kids from St. Michael the Archangel Academy are on their next mission – saving The Statue of Liberty. These books by Andrea Jo Rodgers are such a delight and are perfect for older elementary students. I love the adventure, the friendships, the patriotism, and all the history that surround these fun stories. This series of books reminds me of The Magic Treehouse books my children used to read.

Through some fantastical unknown ways, the kids of Team Liberty are able to transport to historical monuments and save them from the mischievous and villainous ways of Team Mischief. In this newest adventure, the four friends are in a race against time as they must decipher clues in order to protect The Statue of Liberty from being vandalized. These books are such a fun way to learn about history and national monuments and would make a great supplement to American history lessons.

Saint Rudolph and the Reindeer by Susan Peek

Saint Rudolph and the Reindeer is a delightful new Christmas story that the whole family will adore.

The brilliantly creative Susan Peek has written a heartwarming tale that is destined to become a new family favorite. Taking her vast knowledge of saints, she has added a beautifully religious twist to transform a favorite children’s Christmas story into a holiday treasure.

I have always loved Christmas. I, of course, treasure the true meaning of Christmas, the amazing story of our saviors’ birth. But I admit, I also adore the secular aspects of the holiday. The lights, the trees, the music, the movies, and children’s animated shows. When my kids were little, and I would read Christmas stories to them, I wanted them to understand the real meaning of Christmas. But with the worldly aspects of the holiday everywhere we went, I found it difficult to explain what the birth of Jesus and Santa had in common. One day, I came across an adorable little book that combined these two aspects. It told a tale of how Santa wanted to celebrate the birth of Jesus by giving gifts to others as the Wise Men did so long ago. This story became one of our family’s favorites.

Well, I wish I had small children again because this book by Susan Peek captures that same idea using an incredible Saint and a little lost reindeer. This is such a sweet story. If you are unfamiliar with Susan Peek’s books you really should check them out. She is an incredibly talented author who writes about the lives of Saints for children and teens. She takes little know saints and using their true-life experiences, creates exciting stories around them. I am so excited about this little Christmas gem and am sure it will be a new family treasure for many.

I recently had the great privilege to read advanced copies of six Catholic teen novels. All the books happen to be new installments in series written by the authors. I eagerly agreed to support my fellow authors and host blog stops on their book release tours. So, for the next six weeks, I will have a new weekly post – Tuesday Treats: New Releases. I hope you’ll be able to find some new adventures to cozy up with.

Today you are really in for an extra treat because Theresa Linden has created a fun game to play for chances to win a copy of her new book: Roland West, Outcast! Make sure you scroll to the end of this post to find the Saints Game!

Story Summary for Roland West, Outcast

He’s searching for the truth but is he ready to proclaim it?

Shy Roland West, who fears speaking up, attends high school with gossips and troublemakers. After panicking in speech class and becoming the subject of gossip, his best friend, Peter Brant, pushes him to uncover the vandals of an outcast’s house before they strike again. With the Catholic youth group, he helps repair the damage to the outcast’s house and questions fellow students, but he draws more negative attention to himself. In his search, Roland finds himself ridiculed and challenged about his beliefs, becoming more of a target. As he draws closer to uncovering the perpetrator, his friend Caitlyn is threatened. Once Roland discovers the sinister reason behind the vandalism, he must overcome his fear of speaking out to confront and expose the perpetrators.

My Review:

I think I can sum up this book in one word – Wow!

Theresa Linden’s West Brothers series of books is absolutely incredible, every book a treasured gift. There are several things that I particularly love about this series. I appreciate how the author adds unique Catholic themes to the books. I admire how she is unafraid to tackle difficult topics. And I enjoy how she changes up the point of view. These stories have unfolded through many different viewpoints – Roland, Jarret, Keefe, Caitlyn, Peter, and even demons and angels!

Roland West, Outcast is told from Roland and Peter’s perspectives. It is actually set during the same time period as Linden’s novel, Standing Strong. This made for an extremely enjoyable read, to see the same scenes but from a different viewpoint. I’m always fascinated by how much a story can change depending on who is telling the tale.

This book also provides some incredible insight into saints and martyrs. One line about a particular martyr sums it up perfectly – “…had a lot of courage. All the way to the stake. I admire that. Makes me think there must be something to what she believed.” So true. There are many things we can learn from these incredible faithful servants.

But, my favorite part of this particular book is the subject matter. This is one of the most powerful and impactful books for teens regarding morals that I’ve ever read. Roland West, Outcast is about how to befriend and love people who are living in a way that goes against your beliefs. In our society, certain lifestyles that are in contrast to biblical teaching have become widely accepted. This book tackles this topic in a beautiful, faithful way.

There are so many incredible truths in this novel that everyone should hear and be reminded of – especially teens. In this world where we are told to accept everyone and everyone’s choices, it’s so refreshing to have a book that addresses this from a scriptural perspective. We can be kind and caring but still stand by our beliefs and the church’s teachings, which do not change just because the world wants it to. The church is here to change the world not be changed by the world.

People are so afraid of offending someone that we often don’t share the message that needs to be heard. When you truly care for someone as a friend, the truth and the fate of their soul is more important than if you offend them. By having the courage to speak the truth you can lead people to Christ and to understand the Catholic church and its teachings, which come directly from Christ through Peter and the popes.

One last thing, I have to include this quote from Theresa Linden because I think it is so beautiful and powerful. “Sometimes you can’t stay silent. No matter what others think. No matter who hates you for speaking. No matter the label they give you. No matter what friends you lose. Because the truth is important. The truth is a person. Jesus Christ.”

SAINTS GAME created by Theresa Linden

I love the saints! God has raised up men, women, and children through the years to show us how to live in the fullness of charity even while here on earth.

They are the heroes of our faith! They show us that heroic virtue is possible. It is possible to overcome sin and follow the straight and narrow path that leads directly to heaven. They show us that true joy and utter happiness can only be found only in a deep relationship with Our Lord. And they make us want that for ourselves.

Play this “Saints Game” for several entries in the second giveaway of Roland West, Loner.

5 chances to enter to win!

Can you identify the saints shown here? If you can, list the names next to the appropriate numbers, email your answers to [email protected]. If you get 5 or more correct answers, you will be entered to win a copy of Roland West, Outcast!

Here are a few clues:

1. This saint is mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles, and those are not juggling balls but stones in the picture.
2. This Mexican saint did not make it to his fifteenth birthday. He is one of the characters portrayed in the movie For Greater Glory.
3. This little-known Franciscan saint lived in Holland from 1534-1572.
4. This French saint heard the voices of St. Michael, St. Catherine, and St. Margaret when she was a teen.
5. This saint became a king in England at the age of fourteen in the year 855.
6. This saint is mentioned in the New Testament. A lot. Take a good look at what he’s got in his hand.
7. This modern-day saint had a vision of the Virgin Mary when he was 12. She offered him 2 crowns, one white and the other red.
8. This saint thought about joining a monastery but ended up becoming a lawyer and getting married. He also wrote a book about a fictional, idealistic island society.
9. This Franciscan saint was a porter, answering the door at a friary in Altoetting for 41 years. The children sometimes teased him but soon came to love him.

Get a 2nd entry if you know what all these saints except for one have in common.

Get a 3rd entry if you can name the one saint who does not have the same thing in common with the others.

Get a 4th entry if you can name which West Brothers book the above-mentioned saint plays a role in.

Get a 5th entry if you can guess which of one of these saints inspires Roland in Roland West, Outcast.

Note: On the last day of the Blog Tour, the winner will be chosen using an online “winner picker.” Winner will receive a paperback of Roland West, Outcast if they live within the continental US and an ebook (mobi, EPUB, or PDF) for everywhere else (unless the author feels that the shipping cost is not too bad). You will find more ways to enter on every blog stop during the tour. Winner will be announced here: http://www.theresalinden.com/outcast-blog-stops

Connect with author Theresa Linden:

website: www.theresalinden.com

blog: Things Visible & Invisible

​Facebook author page

Twitter: @LindenTheresa

Author Bio:

Theresa Linden is the author of award-winning faith-filled fiction that weaves the natural with the supernatural. She has eight published novels, including a dystopian trilogy, contemporary young adult fiction, a short story in the anthology Secrets: Visible & Invisible and two short stories in Image and Likeness: Literary Reflections on the Theology of the Body. She holds a Catechetical Diploma from Catholic Distance University and is a member of the Catholic Writers Guild. Her books are featured on CatholicTeenBooks.com, Catholic Reads, and Virtue Works Media. A wife, homeschooling mom, and Secular Franciscan, she resides in Elyria with her husband and three teenage boys.

I recently had the great privilege to read advanced copies of six Catholic teen novels. All the books happen to be new installments in series written by the authors. I eagerly agreed to support my fellow authors and host blog stops on their book release tours. So, for the next six weeks I will have a new weekly post – Tuesday Treats: New Releases. I hope you’ll be able to find some new adventures to cozy up with.

Cynthia T. Toney’s writing is such a breath of fresh air and always reminds me of enjoying a glass of lemonade on a beautiful summer day. Refreshing, sweet, and delightful.

3 Things to Forget is the wonderful conclusion to Cynthia T. Toney’s heart-warming Bird Face series. To witness Wendy, grow in her faith and mature into a lovely young lady through this series has been a treat. This character’s journey through middle school and into high school has been full of obstacles which she faced with exuberance, determination, kindness, and a strong faith. I think there are many positive lessons for young people throughout these books.

I especially love how the author brings unique characters and interests to all her stories. In this series, readers can easily relate to issues many students face but are also introduced to things they might not know as much about such as – Cajun-Americans, Alzheimer’s, American sign-language, Jewish culture, blended families, and animal rescue organizations. Toney’s writing is full of wonderful discussion opportunities to explore.

So, relax, pour a delicious glass of lemonade (or since it’s November – snuggle up with a mug of cocoa), and treat yourself to 3 Things to Forget.

I recently had the great privilege to read advanced copies of six Catholic teen novels. All the books happen to be new installments in series written by the authors. I eagerly agreed to support my fellow authors and host blog stops on their book release tours. So, for the next six weeks, I will have a new weekly post – Tuesday Treats: New Releases. I hope you’ll be able to find some new adventures to cozy up with.

First up is Charlotte’s Honor by Ellen Gable

Book Blurb: After receiving news that her brother – and only relative – has been killed in action during the Great War, 21-year-old Charlotte Zielinski enlists as a medical volunteer. She eventually begins working in the death ward of the field hospital near Soissons, France, holding dying men’s hands and singing them into eternity.

Dr. Paul Kilgallen is a Canadian surgeon working at the field hospital. During a siege by the enemy, everyone evacuates except for Paul and Charlotte, who volunteer to remain in the basement of the chateau to care for the critically ill soldiers.

During those three days, Charlotte sees a side of Paul that very few have seen and finds herself falling in love with him. Before Paul leaves for the front, he abruptly tells her that he cannot love her, and it would be best to “forget him.”

Just when the war is coming to a close, Charlotte is surprised by two events that are destined to change her life forever.

My Review:

This is the second book in Ellen Gable’s Great War Great Love series. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book, Julia’s Gifts and was so excited for the opportunity to read Charlotte’s Honor. These love stories are clean, refreshing, and such a joy to read. Combine these faith-based romances with a touch of history and mystery and you’ve got a winning novel. Charlotte’s Honor is about a young American, Charlotte, who has traveled to France to work as a nurse during World War I. Reading Julia’s Gifts is not necessary to thoroughly enjoy Charlotte’s Honor, but fans of the first book will be happy to know that some of the same characters also appear in this story.

There are so many themes that I appreciate in these books: good can come out of the destructive tragedies of war, small moments of our time can make an enormous impact on another person, love and friendship can happen at the most unlikely times, and a strong faith is the foundation to get you through difficulties. I look forward to the next Great War Great Love book.

Author Interview:

What was the inspiration for Charlotte’s Honor?

Since one of the themes of Charlotte’s Honor is preparing and being with soldiers who are close to death, the inspiration came from being with two close people in my life in the hours before their deaths. These experiences served as inspiration for Charlotte’s Honor.

Eleven years ago, when my mother was close to death, my sister called me in Canada and urged me to come right away (to New Jersey, my home state), that Mom didn’t have much time left.  I arrived before she passed, but by the time I got there, she was unconscious.  My sister and I prayed the Litany of the Saints (which she requested) as well as the Divine Mercy Chaplet. In the middle of the night, I got up to sit with her. I held her hand and prayed for her, talked to her and told her she was loved, and that it was okay to go.  When she did pass away, I was grateful and honored that I was present at the moment of her passing. And an interesting experience happened. My stepdad, siblings, and I were all sitting by my mom’s bedside and all of a sudden, I felt like my mom was on the ceiling staring down.  I lifted my head to look up, but at that point, my brother patted my arm and said, “Hey, El, I have this strange feeling that Mom is on the ceiling looking down at us.”  I believe that we were given a great grace at that moment.

Last year, my mother-in-law passed away. She had both dementia and cancer.  She was surrounded by those she loved and, although unconscious, we prayed the Rosary, the Divine Mercy Chaplet and other prayers for her in the last few days of her life.  It was a good death, a holy death. It’s the kind of death I hope to have: others praying the Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet for me as I’m close to death.

Why World War 1?

I’ve always been interested in history and I knew very little about this war.  I decided to focus the bulk of my research on the last year of the War (after the United States entered).  Because I am American, and my husband is Canadian, the female protagonists in this series are American and the male protagonists are Canadian. So for Charlotte’s Honor, Charlotte is American, and Paul is Canadian.

Why is the name of the series Great War Great Love?

I owe my gratitude to the son of a friend of mine, Ian, for coming up with the title. The reason for the title is that World War 1 was called the “Great War” by the Allies before the USA entered the war, and is still often called the “Great War,” by the British, Canadians and Australians. And Great Love because there are many examples of how couples met and fell in love during times of war.

Can you tell us about the first book in the series and next book of the series, Ella’s Promise?

Julia’s Gifts (Book #1 Great War Great Love) As a young girl, Julia began buying gifts for her future spouse, a man whose likeness and personality she has conjured up in her mind, a man she calls her “beloved.” Soon after the United States enters the Great War, Julia impulsively volunteers as a medical aid worker, with no experience or training. Disheartened by the realities of war, will Julia abandon the pursuit of her beloved? Will Julia’s naïve ‘gift scheme’ distract her from recognizing her true “Great Love?” From Philadelphia to war-torn France, follow Julia as she transitions from unworldly young woman to compassionate volunteer.  Julia’s Gifts is now available in Italian and French and will soon be available in Portuguese and Spanish.

Ella’s Promise (Book #3 Great War Great Love) The daughter of German immigrants, Ella is an American nurse who, because of the time period, was discouraged from continuing her studies to become a doctor.  During the Great War, she travels to Le Treport, France, to work at the American-run hospital. She meets her own “Great Love” in the last place she would expect to meet him.  Ella’s Promise will be released in mid-2019.

Ellen Gable is an award-winning author of nine books, editor, self-publishing book coach, speaker, publisher, NFP teacher, book reviewer and instructor in the Theology of the Body for Teens. Her books have been downloaded nearly 700,000 times on Kindle and some of her books have been translated into Portuguese, Italian, Spanish, and French. The mother of five adult sons, Ellen (originally from New Jersey) now lives with her husband of 36 years, James Hrkach, in Pakenham, Ontario, Canada.