In case you are new to my blog… every month I post about 3 YA books that I’ve read, each month in a new genre. So, if you’re not interested in other teen books you can skip past this Book Review Post. I’ll still be sending out quarterly posts marked UPDATES regarding news about my own work.

But for those of you who have kids, or grand-kids, 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 really hard to find. So, I’d like to introduce you to a few new adventures.

The three featured books this month are all familiar stories that have been redone in unique ways. They include:

a reworked fairytale with a surprise twist,

a futuristic version of a well-known classic,

and a modern day telling of a beloved children’s story.

These fresh perspectives are perfect for the fresh new year. Enjoy!

 

Cinder Allia by Karen Ullo

This is the first novel I’ve read by this author, but it probably won’t be the last. This retelling of the famous fairytale was such a delight. There were so many fantastic twists to this new version that made this story engaging and fast-moving.

What happens when our heroine’s prince is killed in battle before he can rescue her from her cruel life? What any strong female would do, of course, solve the problem herself.

Armed with faith, a sword, and some unlikely allies she ventures out to find her new path in life. But will Allia be able to find love and happiness when faced with overwhelming odds including deception at the palace, betrayal amid the noblemen, wicked lies, tragic heartache, and unfathomable cruelty?

I would recommend this book for older or mature teens. The language was stunning but quite ornate. A great read to expand a vocabulary but could be difficult for younger readers to follow. It was a clean read but there were some innuendos of mature situations. However, because of the more ornamental language those aren’t extremely obvious. Overall, a very enjoyable teen novel.

 

Unclaimed by Erin Cupp

This book is a retelling of the classic novel Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. This YA version adds an exciting twist – it’s told from a futuristic viewpoint. Unclaimed is the second book that I’ve read by this author and I thoroughly enjoy her writing style.

Before we get started, I have a confession to make. I’ve actually never read Jane Eyre. I know. How did I possibly miss that beloved classic? I’m not sure but it is indeed true.

Brace yourselves. I have another confession to make. Instead of now reading Jane Eyre in order to determine how similar this modern novel compares to the Bronte original, I actually just read the Wikipedia summary. I probably lose some street-cred as a book reviewer but for the sake of saving time, so I can get to more books on my way-too-long “To Read” list, I went with the less time-consuming option.

Thanks to Wikipedia, from what I can tell, this story follows the storyline of Jane Eyre even as a clever futuristic remake. But don’t worry, if you are like me and have not read the original, there is no need to panic – this book, the first in a trilogy about Jane E., is a standalone delight.

I really liked the future details the author has imagined. The main character, Jane E, who is technically classified as an unclaimed embryo, is fabulous. This character who has no family and is alone in the world was so wonderful. I was rooting for her from the very first page and cared more and more for her through each challenge she faced. Great book!

 

The Shadow of the Bear by Regina Doman

The Shadow of the Bear is a modern retelling of the Grimm fairy tale Snow White and Rose Red. This book is the first of the author’s Fairy Tale Novels where she takes an old story and creates a fresh and entertaining tale for modern teens. This exciting novel – part mystery, adventure, and fairy tale, is about sisters Blanche and Rose and how their lives are forever changed when a mysterious stranger named Bear happens upon their door, in the “wilderness” of New York City.

There are many things I enjoyed about this book including the very different personalities of the sisters and the incorporation of faith. I especially liked how the innocent sisters found themselves in several precarious situations, a mixture of unlikely predicaments and some very real and relevant dangers of today’s teens. This book is loaded with fantastic topics for discussion – being taken advantage of, stealing, drinking, bullying, drugs, hazards of dating. I will offer a bit of a warning though – if you value your sleep, don’t read this book close to bedtime because the second half of the novel is a real page-turner and you won’t be able to put it down. You’ve been forewarned.

 

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!

Today is the last in my Tuesday Treats series of blogs. And it just so happens that this is the only book of these new releases that I have not had the chance to read yet. However, it is on my to-read stack. I have read the first book in this series, I am Margaret as well as two of the related short stories – Brothers and Margo’s Diary. In fact, I am Margaret is one of my all-time favorite YA books. I have also recently enjoyed three of Corinna Turner’s other books – Elfling, Mandy Lamb and the Full Moon, and her short story Drive. So, even though I have not read this particular book yet, I was happy to take a turn on this very talented author’s new blog tour.

If you are unfamiliar with Corinna Turner, you may want to check out one of her many novels. I honestly feel that few authors are as blessed with creativity as Corinna Turner. She is a master at creating new, unique worlds in all her dystopian and fantasy books. The details she includes, such as new words, complex technologies, and realistic histories, is truly impressive.

I look forward to reading this new chapter in her I am Margaret series and am sure this book will be a huge success.

The Siege or Reginald Hill

An odd surge filled my heart as I looked at him, sitting there in that chair: so old; so evil; so broken; so… alone. A warmth. A caring. A… love. I loved him. Just another poor sinner who need my care…

SAFETY IS NOT THE ABSENCE OF DANGER, BUT THE PRESENCE OF GOD.

Fr Kyle Verrall is living a quiet life as a parish priest in Africa when he’s snatched from his church one night by armed assailants. He’s in big trouble—his sister’s worst enemy is hell-bent on taking revenge on the famous Margaret Verrall by killing her brother, just as slowly and horribly as he can.

What could possibly save him? The humble young priest is defenseless—or so Reginald Hill believes.

But Kyle has a powerful weapon Hill knows nothing about. And he’s not afraid to use it.

Is Reginald Hill really the hunter?

Or is he the hunted?

This Quarterly Update contains information of an exclusive sale, some exciting news, and a gift for you!

I hope this newsletter finds everyone enjoying the beauty and joy of the Christmas season. I feel truly blessed to be able to use my creativity to hopefully inspire others, and I’m am so thankful for each one of my followers.

There are a few updates I’d like to share with everyone.

First, a little something to get you in the holiday spirit.

SALE!

I’m offering a special discount on my three books – all 3 for $30. Please send me a message if you are interested. We can arrange payment via check or pay pal. This might be the perfect gift for the reader on your list or a special treat for yourself if you’re still curious about my books.

Book Updates:

Unlikely Witnesses is my newest release. This short story is only available as an ebook. It is an adventurous tale with my characters from The Perfect Blindside and An Unexpected Role. I’m hoping to use this to garner the interest of new readers as well as giving a little treat to anyone who has enjoyed my previous books.

As a Christmas gift, I’m sharing this novella to my subscribers – just click on the link below. I hope you enjoy this fun story.

Unlikely Witnesses – Leslea Wahl

 

This fall, The Perfect Blindside was awarded a Gold Medal Reader’s Favorite Book Award. I’m so thrilled that this book that started my writing journey is still touching those who read it.

Also, I have created a study guide for The Perfect Blindside. This guide is intended to help students analyze the story by providing comprehension questions. This might be a great supplement for a homeschooling curriculum.

Study guide

 

Where You Lead

My publisher, Vinspire Publishing, has created a new video for this fun adventure that came out this fall. VIDEO

 

eXtreme Deception – aka Perfect Blindside 2

I’m thrilled to announce that edits and rewrites have finally begun for this long-awaited sequel.  I will keep you updated on the progress and possible release date.

 

Just a reminder! If you have read and enjoyed any of my books and have an Amazon membership, please consider leaving a review. It doesn’t have to be detailed – a single sentence will do. The number of reviews does help the books to get more exposure, and I’d love to reach more readers with the positive messages of these books. Thank you!

 

A few new updates from my CatholicTeenBooks friends.

Our Secrets Anthology would make a fantastic present. This collection of short stories gives readers a taste of 7 different authors.

Susan Peek has a new children’s Christmas book – Saint Rudolph and the Reindeer. This delightful little Christmas gem will surely be a new family treasure for many.

In case you have missed my recent Tuesday Treats blogs, my fellow CTB author have some great new releases:

3 Things to Forget by Cynthia T. Toney

Roland West, Outcast by Theresa Linden

Guarding Aaron by T.M. Gaouette

The Siege of Reginald Hill by Corinna Turner 

In case you are new to my blog… every month I post about 3 YA books that I’ve read, each month in a new genre. So, if you’re not interested in other teen books you can skip past this Book Review Post. I’ll still be sending out quarterly posts marked UPDATES regarding news about my own work.

But for those of you who have kids, or grand-kids, 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 really hard to find. So, I’d like to introduce you to a few new adventures.

December seems like a great time to review a few books about saints. During Advent, as we contemplate and celebrate the birth of Christ, we can also learn some incredible lessons from His most faithful servants.

Treachery and Truth by Katy Huth Jones

Are you familiar with the well-known Christmas carol, Good King Wenceslas? Have you ever wondered about the inspiration for this classic song? If you’re like me, the answer is probably, no, you never gave a thought to the words you were singing. Well, lucky for us, Katy Huth Jones was curious about this character.

Treachery and Truth is the fascinating true story of Good King Wenceslas. This is an exciting and wonderfully written story about this beloved Czech duke, who was a faithful Christian during a time filled with pagan gods, betrayal, and war.

The book is cleverly written through the eyes of the Duke’s faithful servant. This was an intriguing way to tell this story. Though this novel is a work of fiction, the story is based on the facts known about this historical figure and draws the reader into his fascinating life. It was inspiring to see how this young hero’s faith and goodness affected so many around him.

Treachery and Truth would make a wonderful addition to your December reading.

 

The King’s Prey: St. Dymphna of Ireland by Susan Peek

Susan Peek has a series of books about saints titled God’s Forgotten Friends – Stories of Little Known Saints.  One of the taglines she uses is – the saints weren’t boring why should their stories be? And that sums up her novels perfectly. She uses the historical facts and incorporates them into exciting adventures about some saints you might not have heard of.

I have loved all of Susan Peek’s novels, but I think The King’s Prey is her best book yet! She has taken this story about a little-known saint and created a heart-pounding adventure. For those who don’t know, Saint Dymphna was an Irish Princess in 628 who had to escape from her deranged father. There are not a lot of facts about St. Dymphna, but it is known that she fled across Ireland from her father with the help of several people from her father’s court and a local priest.

While this book is about a Princess, don’t let that fool you – it’s a great book for boys as well. Since not much information is available about those who helped Dymphna, the author has used her incredible story-telling skills to create an unforgettable tale about two estranged brothers with a heart-breaking past to add even more excitement to this fascinating story. The combination of perfectly timed humor, riveting chase scenes, and swashbuckling fights make for a must-read book.

One note – St. Dymphna is the patron saint of those afflicted with mental and emotional disorders. Her story makes for great discussions but also might not be appropriate for younger children.

 

To the Heights: A Novel Based on the Life of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati by Brian Kennelly

What an incredible look into the life of an incredible man. Pier Giorgio Frassati is a somewhat newer saint, having lived in the early part of the 20^th Century. Because of this, there is a lot known and documented about this saint. I thought the writer did a good job of keeping to the facts but making it feel more like a story than a dry biography. The reader is able to get a wonderful sense of Pier Giorgio through this book, which at times almost felt like a collection of inspiring short stories.

Frassati was an Italian man, born into a wealthy family. He was well educated and is now the Patron Saint of Catholic teens. This young man loved his faith and spent his short life caring for others. I had known just a little about Frassati through my son and his youth group. But there were so many things I learned and was touched by:

His incredible faith and devotion to the poor. Even at an early age, Pier Giorgio went out of his way to assist others and make them feel special.

His family’s indifference to these things. I was amazed at the constant struggle he had in focusing on his faith without his family’s support.

His strong friendships, especially with this sister. This was a young man who had many friends and loved their comradery. And the special relationship he had with his sister was touching.

He touched so many people in very powerful yet simple ways. This is the big lesson from this book. We all have this ability to help those in need, pray for others, and be kind to everyone we meet. Often saints seem to be people who did really incredible things, but this book is a great example of how everyone can really make a difference.

 

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!

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 theresalinden@oh.rr.com. 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.

 

In case you are new to my blog… every month I post about 3 YA books that I’ve read, each month in a new genre. So, if you’re not interested in other teen books you can skip past this Book Review Post. I’ll still be sending out quarterly posts marked UPDATES regarding news about my own work.

But for those of you who have kids, or grand-kids, 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 really hard to find. So, I’d like to introduce you to a few new adventures.

November’s Reviews – Speculative

This month’s genre might need an explanation. The three books I’m reviewing this month all “speculate” on what is happening around us on a spiritual realm.  The authors’ imaginations all provide interesting possibilities into how angels, and even demons, could possibly be interacting with us each day. To me, that’s an interesting idea, that my guardian angel might be protecting me and keeping me safe through the day. Does she ever have to fend off the demons that are trying to draw me off-track? Does she interact with other angels? These three books delve into this idea and will definitely have you pondering such possibilities as well.

Battle For His Soul by Theresa Linden

Battle for His Soul is the third book in the West Brother’s series by Theresa Linden. This book focuses mostly 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.

Not only do we see the story from several different character’s perspectives, but this novel has a very interesting twist that the first two books in the series do not. We get to see this story unfold from a spiritual realm. We actually experience the fight between angels and demons that surround 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 older teens – there are plenty of great female characters. This intriguing story illustrates the struggles and temptations that teens face and how they can protect themselves from those temptations. One thing I love about Linden’s books are the interesting Catholic topics she includes, and this novel is no different with the idea of being called to a religious vocation. What a fascinating chapter in the West Brothers saga.

Angelhood by AJ Cattapan

Angelhood is a captivating YA novel for older teens that tackles an extremely difficult, yet relevant, subject while putting an intriguing and heartfelt twist to it. Cattapan is a talented writer who has effortlessly created a story about teen suicide which is moving, positive, and uplifting. This hard to put down book encourages readers to think about the good in their lives and how much they’d miss, and be missed if they did the unthinkable and gave it up.

Angelhood has been described as a modern version of “It’s A Wonderful Life” for teens. That’s a pretty good description. The lead character, Nanette, is completely relatable and likable. As readers we empathize with the despair she feels in her life as well as the painful realization of the damage her decisions have on others. As the title suggests, this book deals with angels and the possibility of them trying to protect us and guide our decisions.

The intriguing premise, subplots, and twists fill this award-winning novel with important topics of discussion.

Agnes’ Gift by Kristelle Angelli

I found this book to be quite unique. As a fictional story, there isn’t really a huge plot but this book overflows with deep poignant messages. This young adult novel would be perfect for anyone wanting to deepen their Catholic faith or someone with questions regarding the Rosary. There are so many fantastic discussion points throughout the book that make this a fabulous book for a book club, a youth group, or to read as a family.

The story centers around Jenna, a modern-day teen, who is struggling through some very tough family issues. Unfortunately, the one person in her life who was there for her during those difficult times, her neighbor Agnes, recently died. Now Jenna finds herself in more despair than ever and sitting alone on Christmas Eve.

Before Agnes passed away she left Jenna a Christmas gift. While Jenna contemplates the unopened package her guardian angel appears to her. He leads her on a miraculous journey to experience firsthand all the mysteries of the Rosary.

I thought this was a really beautiful way to explore the Rosary. Experiencing the moments in the lives of Jesus and Mary this way was very unique. Pondering how they and everyone around them might have felt during these mysteries of our faith was quite powerful.

My favorite experience was the second Luminous Mystery, the wedding feast in Cana. The portrayal of this scene made me think about the relationship between Mary and Jesus in a slightly different way and in turn how Mary cares for and understands all of us.

This is not a light read. There are a lot of ideas to ponder and messages to dwell on but it’s a wonderful book to help you grow in your faith.

 

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!

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.