St. Magnus is one of three books in Susan Peek’s series – Gods forgotten friends. First of all, where were these books when my own kids were learning about saints? This is just such a great idea, sharing the stories of little known saints in exciting novels based on their lives.

Susan Peek did a masterful job of bringing to life this saint from the early 1100’s, and giving the reader an exciting look into the Viking way of life. Ms. Peek has woven the facts surrounding St. Magnus into a wonderful story that makes him real and relatable while dropping the reader in the middle of a dramatic period of history. I especially loved Magnus, his brother Aerling, and their relationship.

This teen book is equal parts geography, history, and theology lessons in a thoroughly engaging fictional story. I found it so compelling and interesting that when I finished the book I began researching St. Magnus wanting to know even more about this saint that I’d never heard of. I think any teen would enjoy this book but boys especially will love the adventure, danger and action that drives this novel. What a fantastic idea for a series, I look forward to discovering more of God’s forgotten friends.

Come back in time 900 years, to the fierce and desolate Northern lands, where Norsemen ruled with ax and sword. A dying king, a shocking death-wish, his heirs divided with an oath of blood . . . In this fast-paced new novel by the highly popular Susan Peek, the conflict unfolds between Magnus Erlendson, a heroic young prince aflame with the love of God, and his outlawed cousin Hakon, who blames Magnus for his banishment from their kingdom. What follows is a tale of betrayal and revenge, bravery and forgiveness, as Magnus seeks to restore his father’s vanquished kingdom to its rightful hands. Entertaining and inspiring from start to finish, a must-read for all those who thrill to learn the life of a saint we never knew existed!

Freeing Tanner Rose is the story of young actress Tanner Rose. Her fame is overwhelming, she’s been making dangerous decisions, and her life is spiraling out of control. She is sent to live in the country with her mother’s friend Miss Ruth and son Gabriel to get away from the Hollywood lifestyle. The stark contrast between Tanner’s world and Gabriel’s life was stunning and Tanner’s growth and struggles were believable. The story highlights the destruction that fame can cause at a young age as well as the dangers of drugs and alcohol – which is an important message for all teens. There were a few aspects of the story that were unexpected. I thought I knew where the story was headed but was pleasantly surprised to find out I was wrong. I especially loved the ending of this book. Throughout the story I kept wondering how it would conclude. I usually love a happy ending, all tied up in a pretty little bow, but wasn’t sure how that could be accomplished here and thought the author did a wonderful job. Great book with wonderful messages for teens.

For Gabriel, Tanner Rose is just a superficial starlet, addicted to Hollywood. For Tanner, Gabriel is just a boring, kung fu-loving, Christian boy, who’s living a lackluster life in the middle of no-where. So, what happens when she’s forced to live in his world? It doesn’t take long before Tanner Rose craves a taste of her old life, even if it means upsetting a few people along the way. She thrives in the spotlight, after-all! Will Gabriel’s faith encourage Tanner to change her partying ways or will her wild undertakings and addicting vices tempt him to do things he’d never, ever considered before? “There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13) Freeing Tanner Rose is the first of four books in the Faith & Kung Fu series.

Battle for his Soul is the third book in the West brother’s series. This book focuses more on Jarret West – the brother who has spent his life bullying his younger brother Roland, controlling his twin brother Keefe, and engaging in many dangerous and self-destructive behaviors.

This novel has a very interesting twist that the other two books in the series do not. Not only do we see the story from several different character’s perspectives but we also get to see this story unfold from a spiritual realm. We actually experience the fight between angels and demons that surrounds not only Jarret and his decisions but all the characters. It’s a fascinating concept to think about what could be happening around us as we go about our lives.

Though this book is about a teen boy it would be great for all teens – there are plenty of female characters and an intriguing story that illustrates the struggles and temptations teens face and how they can protect themselves from those temptations. One thing I love about Linden’s books is the interesting Catholic topics she includes and this novel is no different with the idea of being called to a religious vocation. What a wonderful end to the West boys trilogy.

YA Christian teen fiction. Jarret West, a rich teenage boy, has been accustomed to having control over others and getting his way. When his life begins to fall apart, his guardian angel Ellechial hopes now is the time for his conversion. Jarret must be freed from the deep clutches of Deth-kye, the demon bent on seeing him in hell. The fate of several others depends upon Jarret’s conversion.

While Jarret gets ensnared in Deth-kye’s traps, Ellechial can provide little help since Jarret doesn’t pray, doesn’t believe, and hasn’t listened to him in years. Ellechial hopes Jarret’s twin brother, who has recently found God, will be able to influence him. But Jarret goes on vacation with his father and younger brother where temptations only increase. Meanwhile, Jarret’s twin and other teens form a prayer group and begin to pray before the Blessed Sacrament unaware of the power they provide the angels. Though Ellechial gains strength, Deth-kye wins victory after victory. His weapons: emotion, vice, and memories. Who will win the battle for Jarret’s soul?

Mission Libertad is the story of Luisito, a young teenage boy who escapes Communist Cuba in 1979 with his parents. This is such a wonderful book with so many interesting aspects to it. First of all, it is a fabulous historic fiction for middle school and high school age kids about a time in history that I haven’t seen much written about. There is also an intriguing mystery aspect to the story that keeps the reader engaged and anxious to find out what will happen next. In addition, it has a beautiful religious element about this young Catholic who finally is able to explore and understand his faith. But my favorite part of the book is how the very likable main character experiences America for the first time. Lantigua does a masterful job of showing the heartbreak and devastation of a communist society through the eyes of this sweet and caring young man. Hearing about the difficulties of an oppressed society is one thing but seeing it through the eyes of this character is extremely powerful. Not only would this novel make a great tool for a meaningful discussion but it also shows teens how fortunate we are to live in America. Muy Bein!

Crack the Biblical code in this story of suspense, adventure, discovery, and faith! Fact and fiction converge in this thrilling tale of 14-year old Luisito Ramirez a courageous boy who daringly escapes from 1970s communist Cuba as he becomes immersed in American culture, and carries out a secret religious mission under the eyes of spies. Integrating Spanish vocabulary and Cuban culture, this novel for ages 10-14 provides an exciting story of the Catholic faith lived out during turmoil.”

Amy Cattapan has done it again – created a beautifully written hard-to-put-down story. Seven Riddles to Nowhere is a wonderfully charming book perfect for older elementary students and middle schoolers or for anyone who enjoys a great story. The main character Kam finds himself on a mission to save his beloved Catholic school from closing. This goal leads him on an adventure through Chicago deciphering riddles at beautiful churches while avoiding the school’s bully along the way.

The characters of Kam and his supportive friends are so enjoyable I couldn’t help but root for them as they made their way from church to church. Cattapan did an amazing job of not only bringing her characters to life but also describing Chicago in a way that it practically became another character in the book. I also loved the element of the faith based riddles the kids had to solve.

This is a fantastic story of self-sacrifice for the good of others that delivers a beautiful message – kids can make a difference. I know this book will have great success.

All seventh grader Kameron Boyd wants to do is keep his little Catholic school from closing. It’s the only school where they’ve made life as a selective mute somewhat bearable. As the school faces financial distress, Kam learns he is one of many potential heirs to a fortune large enough to keep his school open.

With the school’s bully as one of the other potential heirs, Kam and his friends race to solve the riddles first. Their journey takes them through the churches of Chicago to decipher the hidden meanings in artwork all while avoiding the mysterious men following them.

But creepy men in trench coats won’t stop them! They’re on a quest–not only to keep the school open, but to help Kam recover his voice.