I really enjoy delving into a part of history through historical fiction. Experiencing a time period through the eyes of a character really helps to bring it to life. This month’s books all do a wonderful job of highlighting a dark time in American history – the Civil War. One of this month’s choices takes place a few years before the start of the war. It is set on a Mississippi riverboat and gives a fascinating look into the Underground Railroad. One book is set in rural Wisconsin and is based on a real Marian apparition. And one is about a young teen boy who journeys alone across Virginia during the height of the conflict between the North and the South. Seeing the various aspects of that time period and how differently citizens were affected was quite interesting.

Before we begin…

In case you are new to my blog, besides writing YA novels, I love reviewing them as well. Every month I post about 3 YA books that I’ve read each month in a new genre. I also send out quarterly posts marked UPDATES regarding news about my own work.

But for those of you who have kids, or grandkids, or you yourself like teen books (like me!), each month, I’ll introduce some of my favorite Christian and Catholic YA books.

I’ve decided to provide more reviews because there are a few things I’ve learned since I had my first book published:

1 – So many of the teen books published by the big publishing companies contain messages that don’t match the values of many families.

2 – There are a lot of fantastic, clean, faith-based books out there – books that are entertaining yet wholesome and reflect Christian values.

3 – These types of books can be difficult to find. So, I’d like to introduce you to a few new adventures.

Avery’s Battlefield by Deanna Klingel

I’ve read several of Deanna Klingel’s books and have enjoyed them all. I’m always amazed at the author’s versatility. Her books range from picture books to teen novels, from historical to more contemporary. But all her stories have one thing in common – they are always enjoyable.

Avery’s Battlefield is a sweet historical novel for middle school students. The story follows two years in the life of young teen, Avery, during the Civil War. This book would be a great way to introduce kids to that tumultuous time in American history. There were many historical elements that young readers would find interesting, from the rudimentary medical techniques to the rural ways of life in the mid-1800s. I even learned a bit about the founding of West Virginia.

Readers will thoroughly enjoy journeying along with Avery and his dog, Gunner, as they make their way across the state of Virginia. While some of the story seemed a little far-fetched, it was a sweet story full of interesting facts and unique characters. This book would make a great supplement for a history lesson about the conflict between the North and the South.

The Woman in the Trees by Theoni Bell

Historical fiction is always such an enjoyable way to learn. While this one is not specifically about the Civil War, part of the story does occur during that time period. I learned a lot through this book. The Woman in the Trees revolves around a Marian apparition that occurred in Wisconsin during the 1800s. At the time, there were many who did not believe that the Blessed Virgin Mary made an appearance in such an isolated land. However, some did believe Adele Brise’s account and a chapel was built at the site where devout Catholics would gather and pray. I don’t want to give anything away, but will say this land did become the site of a miracle that was witnessed by hundreds.

This fascinating true account is interwoven into a fictional story about a Belgium family who immigrated to Wisconsin searching for a better life. The book follows the life of Slainie, first as a child, then as a teenager, and finally as a young mother. Through Slainie, the reader experiences the difficulties of journeying to America and building a life from nothing. Besides the hardships of immigration, there are other fantastic discussion topics featured in the book such as the struggles of pioneer life, the heartbreak of the Civil War, and of course, Marian visions.

The author did a wonderful job of combining an intriguing fictional story with fascinating real events and individuals, creating a truly inspirational story.

Escape into the Night by Lois Walfred Johnson

This novel takes place a few years before the beginning of the Civil War and delves into the topic of slavery and the dangerous risks many took to help free slaves through the Underground Railroad.

Since her mother’s death a few years earlier, Libby has lived with her aunt and uncle in Chicago. But when her aunt believes Libby would be better off living with her father, she must leave the comforts of the big city to join her father, the captain of a riverboat. While happy to spend more time with her father, living on a riverboat and traveling along the Mississippi river is not her ideal living situation, especially when the only person her age is an unfriendly boy, Caleb, who seems to think he is better than her.

When her natural curiosity reveals that Caleb has a few secrets, she is determined to uncover whatever he is hiding. What she discovers changes her understanding of the world and how she sees herself. Libby thought she understood the growing conflict separating the nation, but it soon becomes apparent that her sheltered big-city life has ill-prepared her for the harsh realities of life along the river.

This story about doing what is right and treating others with respect is full of fantastic discussion topics. In fact, the back of the book has tips for educators and a very in-depth study guide with pages of discussion questions.

All these books can be found on Amazon. I’ve set links – just click on the highlighted titles. For those who don’t use Amazon you can also check Barnes and Noble online or www.indiebound.org where you can search for books and the local bookstores that might carry them or order them directly from the website. You can also ask your local bookstore or library to order the books for you.

Next month I’ll be reviewing three more Christian/Catholic teen novels. But if you’d like more reviews before then you can always check out my recommendation section on my website: YA Recommendations.

If you’ve come across this post on Facebook and would like to get my monthly reviews sent directly to your inbox, you can sign up on my website – www.LesleaWahl.com.

Until next month – Happy Reading!

This month I’m reviewing middle-grade books. Each of these novels follow characters on some sort of journey after a life-changing event. And each of these adventures could also be categorized as a fantasy novel. While the three suggestions have several things in common, these books are all very unique – one an exciting time-travel adventure, one a laugh-out-loud Hobbit-ish type of journey, and one veers from its silliness to delve into some deeper faith-based topics. All were completely enjoyable.

Before we begin…

In case you are new to my blog, besides writing YA novels, I love reviewing them as well. Every month I post about 3 YA books that I’ve read each month in a new genre. I also send out quarterly posts marked UPDATES regarding news about my own work.

But for those of you who have kids, or grandkids, or you yourself like teen books (like me!), each month, I’ll introduce some of my favorite Christian and Catholic YA books.

I’ve decided to provide more reviews because there are a few things I’ve learned since I had my first book published:

1 – So many of the teen books published by the big publishing companies contain messages that don’t match the values of many families.

2 – There are a lot of fantastic, clean, faith-based books out there – books that are entertaining yet wholesome and reflect Christian values.

3 – These types of books can be difficult to find. So, I’d like to introduce you to a few new adventures.

Time Crashers: Fire on the Mountain by Michael Brewer

If you’re searching for a fun adventure that will keep your kids entertained for hours, this book might be for you. When my children were younger, my husband had tracked down a few old copies of some choose-your-own-ending stories that he had read when he was a kid. They loved being able to change the story and would read those books over and over to discover all the possible options. So, when I recently came across this Christian book with the same premise, I was quite excited.

Fire on the Mountain is actually the 2^nd book in this unique series – I somehow missed that little fact – but it didn’t matter at all. The premise of the series was easy to understand. The father of one of the main characters is a scientist who has invented a time machine. When something goes wrong and he disappears, the three friends begin time-traveling in search of him.

This book finds them in ancient Pompeii – the day of the fateful Mt. Vesuvius eruption. The many choices that the reader can make gives this book an extra element of fun. Through the different pathways, the reader learns about ancient Italy, gladiators, the persecution of early Christians, and the destruction of Pompeii. Besides the historical facts, there were Bible verses sprinkled throughout and a few puzzles to decipher along the way. This fun story has lots to offer.

Be: The Journey of Rol by Ric Colegrove

I don’t remember the last time I had so much fun reading a book. The author has quite the imagination. This story reminded me of the journey in The Hobbit with the humor of The Princess Bride. This fantasy novel is filled with humorous passages, silly descriptions, and several laugh-out-loud moments. And a few clever moments of breaking the fourth wall (that’s probably not even a thing in books but I don’t know how else to describe it).

I mean, who can’t appreciate these descriptions on Rol’s map:

The Straits of Straight-up Pain, the Cave of We’ll Have None of That, and the River of Aaaaaaaaaaaagh . . . Splash . . .Ohnooooo.

And here’s one of my favorite lines:

“What we need—us, right now—is an adventure song or ballad . . . a Salad. About our adventures so far,” Rol added excitedly as they continued walking.

Rol was such a great character. I loved his decision to be happy and not to worry about things, even when things go horribly wrong. When his mentor is taken by a horde of grumblegoblins—yep, you read that right, grumblegoblins, he makes the decision to embark on an epic journey, with the help of his trusty map.

Along the way, Rol meets two traveling companions who make the journey with him. The unique villages and situations they come across challenge the three new friends in many unexpected ways. The trio relies on their smarts, faith, determination, dumb luck to overcome all obstacles. This would be a fabulous story to read as a family. There are some wonderful discussion topics about friendships, courage, and self-discovery hidden amid the humorous gems.

Jenna’s Journey by Karen Kelly Boyce

What a delightful, heart-breaking, thought-provoking, and surprising read!

When young Jenna suffers a devasting blow, her entire life is forever changed. As Jenna tries to deal with her new reality, her estranged aunt makes an appearance, throwing Jenna’s world into even more chaos. Feeling completely alone and abandoned, Jenna has an unusual other-worldly experience that gives her renewed hope.

Despite the horrible situation, Jenna finds herself in, the beginning and end of this book felt almost a little cartoonish. I certainly don’t mean that in a bad way because I loved these parts. I just mean that the characters and situations were a little over the top. This style really grabbed my attention and kept me turning the pages.

I was delightfully reading along, curious where the story would lead when the plot suddenly took a twist taking me by complete surprise. Jenna is swept away from reality to a dreamlike world, reminding me a bit of The Wizard of Oz. The insights and allegories during this unexpected journey were truly powerful. During Jenna’s quest, as she strengthens and grows in character, beautiful truths about our Catholic faith and devotion to Mary, Our Blessed Mother, were revealed.

This middle-grade book might be small, but it has a lot of depth to it. As I finished the last page, I wished I had someone to chat with about the story. Jenna’s Journey would make an excellent discussion book for a classroom or youth group.

All these books can be found on Amazon. I’ve set links – just click on the highlighted titles. For those who don’t use Amazon you can also check Barnes and Noble online or www.indiebound.org where you can search for books and the local bookstores that might carry them or order them directly from the website. You can also ask your local bookstore or library to order the books for you.

Next month I’ll be reviewing three more Christian/Catholic teen novels. But if you’d like more reviews before then you can always check out my recommendation section on my website: YA Recommendations.

If you’ve come across this post on Facebook and would like to get my monthly reviews sent directly to your inbox, you can sign up on my website – www.LesleaWahl.com.

Until next month – Happy Reading!

This month I’m reviewing Science Fiction books! This is not a genre I know much about but in my attempt to offer suggestions in as many genres as possible, I ventured into an unknown area. Just in case you are also unfamiliar with these types of books, the definition of Science Fiction is: fiction based on imagined future scientific or technological advances. Seems a little vague since books that fit that definition could also be categorized as fantasy or dystopian. However you would like to describe these books, the adventure, the faith, and characters of these books all made for some enjoyable reading. I will definitely not shy away from this genre in the future.

Before we begin…

In case you are new to my blog, besides writing YA novels, I love reviewing them as well. Every month I post about 3 YA books that I’ve read each month in a new genre. I also send out quarterly posts marked UPDATES regarding news about my own work.

But for those of you who have kids, or grandkids, or you yourself like teen books (like me!), each month, I’ll introduce some of my favorite Christian and Catholic YA books.

I’ve decided to provide more reviews because there are a few things I’ve learned since I had my first book published:

1 – So many of the teen books published by the big publishing companies contain messages that don’t match the values of many families.

2 – There are a lot of fantastic, clean, faith-based books out there – books that are entertaining yet wholesome and reflect Christian values.

3 – These types of books can be difficult to find. So, I’d like to introduce you to a few new adventures.

Launch by Jason C. Joyner

If your teen enjoys superhero movies and stories, this might be a great book for them. When my kids were teens, they loved movies about heroes with incredible powers who protected the world from the evil villains. Launch is such a story—a Christian teen version of Avengers or X-men.

The novel begins when a large group of teens is invited to an amazing weekend at a Silicon Valley campus to meet Simon Mazor, the rising star of a new social media empire. The weekend is heralded as an opportunity for young, bright minds to help change the world. Demarcus, Lily, Harry, and Sarah Jane are four of the invited guests who become fast friends. These four teens also happen to be extremely special in that they each have recently developed unique superpowers.

The conference starts out full of exciting promise for the teens, but as the weekend continues, it appears that something more sinister is at play. Aided by a mysterious, elderly gentleman, the teens learn that their incredible powers have been bestowed on them by God and that they have received their gifts for a particular reason and at that exact moment, to help stop an evil plan of destruction.

This was a fast-paced page-turner and readers will be happy to know that Launch is the first novel in the Rise of the Anointed series, which means there will be more adventures with these likable characters.

Nephilim: Warrior of the Kizan Book 1 by Ann Margaret Lewis

Nephilim: Warrior of Kizan has plenty of adventure and romance to appeal to a multitude of readers. The characters are not teenagers, they are a little older, but I think teens will enjoy this clean novel. This sci-fi book has a unique twist that I greatly appreciated. I’ve always been troubled with Christian fantasy worlds that have their own deity that is worshipped, even if it is a fictional representation of our one true Lord. This story, however, while set on another planet, has a biblical history and Christian characters who worship Christ, the same as their earthly relatives.

The story revolves around Tasia, the heir to the throne of her world. When she is kidnapped, the warrior Dakhar is sent to rescue her. Tasia ends up on earth where several humans assist her—these scenes were my favorite. I loved the interactions when the young adults Tasia meets discover she is from another planet. I only wish there had been a few more scenes between them in the second half of the story.

The world that the author created was very unique and well thought out. And there are some wonderful Christian messages throughout this adventurous story. A glossary is even provided, which was helpful because I kept getting some of the words confused. If you enjoy science fiction novels, this is one to check out.

The Destiny of One by Sarah Holman

This Christian Sci-Fi novel is an intriguing tale with a message that today’s teen can completely relate to—finding your calling in life. What is the destiny that God has specifically created you to fulfill?

This was an enjoyable read about a teenage girl, Maria, who is feeling restless and trying to decide if she should head to college. She has a wonderful, supportive family but she just feels unsettled. When her family takes a trip to Earth—yes, she lives on Mars—her destiny begins to unfold. Political unrest, Christian persecution, an overthrown leader, and a daring escape fill this first book in the futuristic adventure series.

I enjoyed the conservative main character who relied completely on God to get her through challenging situations. I’m curious what the second book, The Destiny of a Few, will bring. I suspect more action and intense situations will be in Maria’s future.

All these books can be found on Amazon. I’ve set links – just click on the highlighted titles. For those who don’t use Amazon you can also check Barnes and Noble online or www.indiebound.org where you can search for books and the local bookstores that might carry them or order them directly from the website. You can also ask your local bookstore or library to order the books for you.

Next month I’ll be reviewing three more Christian/Catholic teen novels. But if you’d like more reviews before then you can always check out my recommendation section on my website: YA Recommendations.

If you’ve come across this post on Facebook and would like to get my monthly reviews sent directly to your inbox, you can sign up on my website – www.LesleaWahl.com.

Until next month – Happy Reading!

While we are in the heart of Lent and preparing our hearts for Easter, I thought it would be a perfect time to share some fiction set in the very early days of our Christian faith. Two of the featured books are teen novels that take place during the time of Jesus’ public ministry. The other is for older elementary or middle school students and is about an early saint of the church. All the books are fantastic stories that can draw us deeper into our faith.

Before we begin…

In case you are new to my blog, besides writing YA novels, I love reviewing them as well. Every month I post about 3 YA books that I’ve read each month in a new genre. I also send out quarterly posts marked UPDATES regarding news about my own work.

But for those of you who have kids, or grandkids, or you yourself like teen books (like me!), each month, I’ll introduce some of my favorite Christian and Catholic YA books.

I’ve decided to provide more reviews because there are a few things I’ve learned since I had my first book published:

1 – So many of the teen books published by the big publishing companies contain messages that don’t match the values of many families.

2 – There are a lot of fantastic, clean, faith-based books out there – books that are entertaining yet wholesome and reflect Christian values.

3 – These types of books can be difficult to find. So, I’d like to introduce you to a few new adventures.

The Well by Stephanie Landsem

What an excellent story. I’ve heard wonderful things about this author but had never read one of her novels before. The Well was a true page-turner that I couldn’t put down. I just had to know what would happen next on this completely unexpected journey. The historical details of Jesus’ ministry were captivating and truly thought-provoking.

Although, as much as I enjoyed the book, I must admit there were times I wanted to change the course of the story because it wasn’t headed in the direction I wanted. But the author knew better, creating an incredibly powerful book.

The basic premise is a tale we know well – the woman Jesus encounters at the well. This book gives a whole new twist to that story as it is told from two unique perspectives, the woman’s teenage daughter and a young man new to town.

This fictional account makes you ponder the additional lives that Jesus would have touched and changed through that meeting—something I’d never thought of before. I really loved the message that our plans are not always what God wants for us, but He, of course, has the perfect plan. Amazing things can happen if we have the courage to give Him control and follow where He leads.

This was an outstanding book for older teens.

The Master’s Calling by Amber Schamel

The Master’s Calling is actually the third book in the Days of Messiah series. I have not read the first two novels but focused on this book because it is the only one in the series told from a teens’ perspective. Even though it is the third in the series, I didn’t feel like I was missing anything—the author did a good job of recapping the pertinent information.

The story is about a Jewish teenager named Malon who lived during the time of Christ’s ministry. Malon and his family have personally met Jesus and recognize that He is the Messiah they have been hoping for. Malon longs to become one of Jesus’ followers and is thrilled when his father finally allows him to travel to Jerusalem during Passover to be with Jesus and the disciples. Life as a Jew is extremely difficult under Roman rule, and Malon anticipates the time when Jesus will take His rightful place as the Messiah of Israel, freeing the Jewish people from their oppression. However, when Malon finally arrives, he discovers he is too late. Jesus is dead.

I thoroughly enjoyed this perspective of Jesus’ life. This story really highlights the fact that even Jesus’ followers did not understand His calling. We see this confusion over and over in scripture. The shock, disillusionment, and despair of Jesus’ death is shown so well through this teen protagonist. Malon was so sure Jesus would become a king and deliver the Jewish people from the harsh Roman rule.

The story continues as a confused and angry Malon quickly departs Jerusalem the day after Jesus is crucified and heads back home. He is left not only with his fledging faith, but he must now also protect his family from the very criminal that was freed when the crowd turned on Jesus – Barabbas. This book has several clever twists that kept the story moving along and building to the intriguing ending. I really enjoyed all the characters in this book and am now rather curious about the other books in the series.

Abba Moses by Andrew Votipka

What a delightful book! I didn’t know what to expect but enjoyed every moment. It reminded me a bit of The Magic Tree House books or Lisa Hendey’s Chime Travelers series. This book is probably written for elementary-aged children, but I could see middle school students thoroughly enjoying it as well, either on their own or with their families.

When a new Religious Ed teacher shows up, Theo, Chris, and Laura assume he will be as dull as their previous Sunday School teachers. But Mr. Baker soon proves he is anything but boring. With the help of his magical book, he takes the kids on an adventure back in time to meet Moses. Not that Moses, but the bandit Moses from the 4^th Century who terrorized Egyptian communities. How did this brute of a man become a saint? Well, join with the kids to find out.

This book was so much fun—full of humor, history, and adventure. I truly hope this will become the first book in a series because I would love to join these characters on more Biblical adventures! This fantastic story is a treasure for the whole family!

All these books can be found on Amazon. I’ve set links – just click on the highlighted titles. For those who don’t use Amazon you can also check Barnes and Noble online or www.indiebound.org where you can search for books and the local bookstores that might carry them or order them directly from the website. You can also ask your local bookstore or library to order the books for you.

Next month I’ll be reviewing three more Christian/Catholic teen novels. But if you’d like more reviews before then you can always check out my recommendation section on my website: YA Recommendations.

If you’ve come across this post on Facebook and would like to get my monthly reviews sent directly to your inbox, you can sign up on my website – www.LesleaWahl.com.

Until next month – Happy Reading!

Welcome to my monthly book review! A FREE short story, monthly book reviews, and quarterly updates can be sent directly to your inbox if you sign up for my newsletter. Don’t miss a single review!

February always seems like the perfect month to share books about relationships and romances. All the books I’m featuring this month are set in bygone eras. Two are historical fiction and one is a fantasy novel. All three of these stories feature wonderful romances amid exciting adventures—perfect for cozying up with on a cold winter day.

Before we begin…

In case you are new to my blog, besides writing YA novels, I love reviewing them as well. Every month I post about 3 YA books that I’ve read each month in a new genre. I also send out quarterly posts marked UPDATES regarding news about my own work.

But for those of you who have kids, or grandkids, or you yourself like teen books (like me!), each month, I’ll introduce some of my favorite Christian and Catholic YA books.

I’ve decided to provide more reviews because there are a few things I’ve learned since I had my first book published:

1 – So many of the teen books published by the big publishing companies contain messages that don’t match the values of many families.

2 – There are a lot of fantastic, clean, faith-based books out there – books that are entertaining yet wholesome and reflect Christian values.

3 – These types of books can be difficult to find. So, I’d like to introduce you to a few new adventures.

Champion of Valdeor by Sandralena Hanley

This fantasy story has a fairy-tale feel to it that swept me away. It is an epic adventure of good vs. evil that is perfect for any teen. A strong, smart female. A virtuous young man. Both characters have a deep faith.

This story revolves around Alloryn, a simple shepherd boy who is called to find the country’s long-lost princess, Lauressa, in order to save the land from cruel leaders. While Alloryn is tasked with returning the princess to her throne, she is anything but a helpless heroine. Lauressa has been trained over the years to not only take care of herself but to be a wise, fair ruler for her kingdom.

There are many great scenes along the journey, but I particularly enjoyed a sequence toward the beginning where Alloryn’s mentor uses chores and work to prepare the youth with the skills needed for his difficult mission. Alloryn learns his lessons well as he truly becomes the Champion of Valdeor.

This story is bursting with action but also has a wonderful relationship story. This couple is one that you are rooting for from the beginning. She’s a princess from another time. He’s a shepherd boy who becomes her champion. Together they must travel across the land, overcoming challenges, defeating villains, and facing tests of valor.

What a wonderful fantasy story for teens.

A Rumored Fortune by Joanna Davidson Politano

This novel is a lovely Christian historical romance with a fun treasure hunt. A Rumored Fortune takes place in Somerset, England in, 1866, reminiscent of Pride and Prejudice—which is always a good thing. The main character Tressa is a young adult and has recently parted ways with her suitor. While Tressa and her mother are away from their English vineyard estate, they receive the news that Tressa’s father is missing and presumed dead after an accident at sea.

While still dealing with that devasting news, Tressa is shocked to discover that her father was in debt and had not paid his staff and vineyard workers in some time. Rumors of a buried fortune bring treasure hunters, frustrated field hands, and questionable relatives to the estate ready to search for the missing furtune. With the help of the newly hired vineyard manager, Tressa attempts to decipher her father’s notes for clues to the elusive treasure—if it even exists. With so much at risk, Tressa struggles with who actually has her best interest at heart. But she is comforted that there is someone she can always trust—God.

Each chapter begins with excerpts from her father’s notebook on how to cultivate the vineyard. These little snippets were wonderful. While they might very well be great advice for growing grapes, they also were sage words of wisdom for life. I enjoyed how the author paralleled our relationship with God with the vineyard using John 15:5 “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”

There are some wonderful messages in this story about pitfalls of wealth, not making pre-judgements, and the importance of caring for others.

Desperate Forest by Cece Louise

The action begins quickly in this medieval tale as Princess Roselynn uncovers a sinister plot and must flee for her life. With the realization that she is in danger, she undertakes a desperate journey to reach her fiancée in a neighboring kingdom. Unsure who she can trust, she ventures into the dangerous Eternity Forest to make the journey alone. But when she is caught by a group of outlaws, things really get interesting.

This book has a lot to offer, action, humor, witty dialogue, and a feisty princess who is trying to protect her kingdom. I really enjoyed this clean historical romance with a great lesson of not jumping to conclusions.

Unlike most of the books I review, this book does not have specific Christian elements included in the story. Despite this, it was an enjoyable, clean romance. Joining Roselynn on her journey as she puzzled out the truth was a thoroughly enjoyable adventure.

All these books can be found on Amazon. I’ve set links – just click on the highlighted titles. For those who don’t use Amazon you can also check Barnes and Noble online or www.indiebound.org where you can search for books and the local bookstores that might carry them or order them directly from the website. You can also ask your local bookstore or library to order the books for you.

Next month I’ll be reviewing three more Christian/Catholic teen novels. But if you’d like more reviews before then you can always check out my recommendation section on my website: YA Recommendations.

If you’ve come across this post on Facebook and would like to get my monthly reviews sent directly to your inbox, you can sign up on my website – www.LesleaWahl.com.

Until next month – Happy Reading!

Monthly Book Reviews – Medieval Adventures

Welcome to my monthly book review! A FREE short story, monthly book reviews, and quarterly updates can be sent directly to your inbox if you sign up for my newsletter. Don’t miss a single review!

This month I am reviewing three adventurous tales that are all set during medieval times. There are two middle-grade stories and one YA novel. One book is an intriguing mystery about a boy who has lost his memory. One story involves time travel. And one has elements of romance around the story of a lost girl. All three books are filled with adventure that are perfect to cozy up with on a cold, winter day.

Before we begin…

In case you are new to my blog, besides writing YA novels, I love reviewing them as well. Every month I post about 3 YA books that I’ve read each month in a new genre. I also send out quarterly posts marked UPDATES regarding news about my own work.

But for those of you who have kids, or grandkids, or you yourself like teen books (like me!), each month, I’ll introduce some of my favorite Christian and Catholic YA books.

I’ve decided to provide more reviews because there are a few things I’ve learned since I had my first book published:

1 – So many of the teen books published by the big publishing companies contain messages that don’t match the values of many families.

2 – There are a lot of fantastic, clean, faith-based books out there – books that are entertaining yet wholesome and reflect Christian values.

3 – These types of books can be difficult to find. So, I’d like to introduce you to a few new adventures.

Annabelle of Anchony by Ruth Apollonia

A lost girl with an unknown identity. A savior that protects her and teaches her how to fend for herself. A mysterious island. A kingdom under attack. A blossoming romance.

This novel has many different elements that the author has blended together into a thoroughly enjoyable book. The very first few chapters felt a little disjointed and choppy, but then I realized this story was progressing from this lost little girl’s perspective, and that style of storytelling perfectly captured this young child’s overwhelming feelings of confusion and fear. As the story unfolded and Annabelle grew and matured, so did the narrative. It was a unique way to get to know the character.

The second half of the book, especially, kept my attention. I kept turning the pages waiting to see what would unfold next. The author did a wonderful job of keeping me guessing by throwing some great twists and turns into the story. I wish I could tell you more, but I don’t want to give anything away. If you’re intrigued, you’ll just have to pick up your own copy to find out more about Annabelle of Anchony.

Shadow in the Dark: The Harwood Mysteries Book 1 by Antony Barone Kolenc

Shadow in the Dark by Anthony Kolenc is an exciting middle-grade adventure. The story, set in a medieval village, is about a boy who is injured and loses his memory. With the help of a group of Benedictine monks, Xan (short for Alexander) begins to heal and discover his identity. In the process, he uncovers a sinister plot that not only involves his past but places him, and those around him, in danger.

This novel has a lot to offer. Adventure, mystery, history, and an abundance of faith. Older elementary and middle school boys will especially enjoy this intriguing tale. While set in the past, there are plenty of issues modern day readers will relate to: scary tales of dark shadows, peer pressure, standing up for what is right, and discovering one’s faith. This is the first book in The Harwood Mysteries and I’m excited to find out what is in store next for Xan and his friends.

The Saintly Outlaw by Paul McCusker

The Saintly Outlaw is a middle grade story about the legendary Robin Hood. This is the first novel in The Virtue Chronicles which is a faith-based, time-traveling adventure series. These types of books are always fascinating to kids and this one adds an extra element – faith.

Andrew has been intrigued by the mysterious Eve for a while. The day she asks him to follow her to the back of the antique store she frequents, all things change. Andrew suddenly finds himself in the time and world of Robin Hood.

This swash-buckling tale will be one kids will love. A bit of history, a sprinkling of faith, and a touch of magic combine to create a great story. One note of warning, there is a bit of violence that matches with the time but still is appropriate for middle-grade readers.

Robin Hood has been a tale that has intrigued many through the years. I mean, who doesn’t root for the hero who looks out for the little guy. I personally loved the animated version when I was little. This new version with modern friends Eve and Andrew will bring the story to life and creates new young heroes.

All these books can be found on Amazon. I’ve set links – just click on the highlighted titles. For those who don’t use Amazon you can also check Barnes and Noble online or www.indiebound.org where you can search for books and the local bookstores that might carry them or order them directly from the website. You can also ask your local bookstore or library to order the books for you.

Next month I’ll be reviewing three more Christian/Catholic teen novels. But if you’d like more reviews before then you can always check out my recommendation section on my website: YA Recommendations.

If you’ve come across this post on Facebook and would like to get my monthly reviews sent directly to your inbox, you can sign up on my website – www.LesleaWahl.com.

Until next month – Happy Reading!

Monthly Book Reviews – Mysteries

Welcome to my monthly book review! A FREE short story, monthly book reviews, and quarterly updates can be sent directly to your inbox if you sign up for my newsletter. Don’t miss a single review!

This month I am sharing Christmas books for the whole family! If you’re anything like me, you enjoy reading Christmas stories throughout the month of December. Besides the one book I read every single year, I enjoy discovering new holiday treasures. So, this review offers choices for everyone in the family— picture books, chapter books, teen novels and even some stories the adults will enjoy as well.

Before we begin…

In case you are new to my blog, besides writing YA novels, I love reviewing them as well. Every month I post about 3 YA books that I’ve read each month in a new genre. I also send out quarterly posts marked UPDATES regarding news about my own work.

But for those of you who have kids, or grandkids, or you yourself like teen books (like me!), each month, I’ll introduce some of my favorite Christian and Catholic YA books.

I’ve decided to provide more reviews because there are a few things I’ve learned since I had my first book published:

1 – So many of the teen books published by the big publishing companies contain messages that don’t match the values of many families.

2 – There are a lot of fantastic, clean, faith-based books out there – books that are entertaining yet wholesome and reflect Christian values.

3 – These types of books can be difficult to find. So, I’d like to introduce you to a few new adventures.

Spirit the Tiny White Reindeer by Deanna Klingel

This is an adorably sweet picture book that highlights the spirit of Christmas. The beautifully illustrated story is a wonderful way to explain the virtues of grace, peace, and charity to your little ones. When an unusual little reindeer arrives at Santa’s workshop, the others are not accepting at first, but when they open their hearts and give her a chance, they all learn an important lesson of kindness and charity. Deanna Klingel always brings beautiful messages of faith and friendship to her books, whether in her picture books, her middle-grade adventures, or her teen novels.

Little Lamb Finds Christmas by Cathy Gilmore

Little Lamb Finds Christmas is a precious picture book about the Nativity. Children will love seeing the birth of Christ from the point of view of a sweet little lamb. Lemi the lamb has a habit of getting lost. One night he and his shepherd boy share an extraordinary experience when a bright star leads them to the town of Bethlehem. The illustrations added a delightful touch to this sweet story.

A Mouse and a Miracle by Cathy Gilmore

This heartwarming picture book tells the story of Mary’s incredible calling to become the mother of our Savior, from the perspective of a tiny mouse named Moshe. This engaging story will delight youngsters while teaching them about the amazing faith of Mary. The illustrations by Jeanie Egolf are absolutely beautiful. This one is sure to become a family treasure!

Sisters of the Last Straw: The Christmas Tree Caper by Karen Kelly Boyce

This fun chapter book is part of a series that follows a group of women who long to be nuns but, for various reasons, have not been asked to join other convents. So, these delightful misfits have created their own order—the Sisters of the Last Straw. In this Christmas caper, the Sisters decide to sell Christmas trees in order to raise money so they can purchase gifts for needy children. The story is full of mishaps that will leave your children giggling and wanting more of the Sisters’ adventures.

A Very Jurassic Christmas by Corinna Turner

Corinna Turner’s unSPARKed series continues with this newest Christmas installment. In case you are unfamiliar, this collection of short stories is set in a dystopian world where dinosaurs once again roam the earth. These unique installments are filled with adventure and Catholic faith. The first part of this tale was first published last Christmas in the Gifts: Visible & Invisible anthology brought to you by CatholicTeenBooks.com. This longer edition continues the parallel stories of dino-hunter Joshua and farmgirl Darryl. Joshua’s Christmas plans have been altered when he and his uncle take on the dangerous rescue of a large dino mama and her chicks. Darryl learns a lesson of patience and humility when her Christmas plans also go awry. But when you live in a dino-world, you must always expect the unexpected.

The Enchanted Sonata by Heather Dixon Wallwork

This teen novel adds a new twist to the classic story, The Nutcracker. Attending the Nutcracker ballet is a holiday tradition in my family, so I was immediately drawn to this book. The author did a wonderful job of using enough elements of the well-known story to satisfy the needs of those who are familiar with Clara and the Nutcracker Prince but adds enough new aspects and twists to keep the reader guessing and engaged. Faith does not play a large role in this fantasy, but there are a few moments of prayer included. This is a different type of Christmas novel, but I found it an enjoyable break from reality and thoroughly enchanting.

The Diaries of Joseph and Mary by Dennis McGeehan

Looking for a book the whole family can read together? This novel is a fictional yet possible, unique look into the lives of Joseph and Mary. The story consists of diary entries beginning when they were children and ends right before Jesus’ public ministry. The author uses his imagination but also Catholic tradition and historical facts to create this fascinating story. This book provides a look into that period of history, making you ponder what life must have been like for these two faithful servants.

The Boys Upstairs by Jane Lebak

The Boys Upstairs is the story of two estranged brothers and the three children they are trying to help during Christmas. While not a long book, there is a lot going on through the story. The relationship between these grown brothers and their background was quite moving. As youngsters, the brothers were constantly in trouble but were able to turn their lives around. Kevin became a police officer, and Jay went into the military. After Jay suffered a devasting injury, his life changed in many ways including a calling to the priesthood and a fracture in his relationship with Kevin. One Christmas, these estranged brothers are drawn together when Kevin must find a temporary shelter for three runaway children. The only option is to turn to his brother Jay who has been housing homeless boys in the rectory.

The author does an amazing job of creating characters with a lot of depth. The tenuous relationship between these brothers is told amid a cast of supporting characters that all have touching stories. This book is a wonderful reminder to appreciate all our blessings, which is always a great lesson but especially at Christmas. Teens and adults alike will enjoy this one.

All these books can be found on Amazon. I’ve set links – just click on the highlighted titles. For those who don’t use Amazon you can also check Barnes and Noble online or www.indiebound.org where you can search for books and the local bookstores that might carry them or order them directly from the website. You can also ask your local bookstore or library to order the books for you.

Next month I’ll be reviewing three more Christian/Catholic teen novels. But if you’d like more reviews before then you can always check out my recommendation section on my website: YA Recommendations.

If you’ve come across this post on Facebook and would like to get my monthly reviews sent directly to your inbox, you can sign up on my website – www.LesleaWahl.com.

Until next month – Happy Reading!