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.

 

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.

Maybe it’s because of Halloween but for me October always seems like a great month for mysteries and intrigue, so what a perfect time for some great spy and secret agent book reviews. These YA novels are all fun adventures about kids who are chosen to do some extraordinary things.

Saving Mount Rushmore by Andrea Jo Rodgers

Looking for a fun adventure for your older elementary or middle school student? This book might just be what you’re looking for. Saving Mount Rushmore is about a middle school boy, John, who’s upset to have to spend the summer in South Dakota with an Aunt he barely knows. So much for the fun summer he’d hoped for, spent at the Jersey shore with his friends.

Soon after he arrives at his Aunt’s ranch, he finds out that he’ll be part of a special program at St. Michael the Archangel School. Summer school? Really?

But this is no ordinary school. This is a unique program where the students, who each possess special talents, act as secret agents performing good deeds for the country. But what special talent could John contribute? Maybe they made a mistake.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable, fast-moving adventure with some very likable characters that provided lessons in history, as well as positive messages regarding self-confidence, friendships, and faith. I look forward to more exciting stories in this series of books that empower kids and encourage them to think of the special gifts, talents and interests they all possess.

 

Mindwar by Andrew Klavan

Rick Dial once had it all. He was a star athlete with a football scholarship to college, had a loving family and a devoted girlfriend.

Amazing how quickly things can change.

In a few short months, his father has deserted the family and a car accident has left Rick crippled and destroyed his future. Now Rick is stuck at home with an annoying little brother, a depressed mother, and nothing to do but play video games.

But… he possesses a talent the US government needs. He is called upon to enter a virtual world in order to save the real world.

Author Andrew Klavan is a well-known, best-selling, Christian YA author and I can certainly understand why. Mindwar is one fast-paced, adrenaline inducing, action-packed thrill ride. This novel is part secret-agent thriller, part sci-fi adventure, and is the first book in the Mindwar trilogy.

Quick note – the Christian themes are more subtle than in many Christian and Catholic novels, but that could appeal to some readers. I did like that Rick turned to God when he was in need and realized the importance of family.

 

The New Recruit by Jill Williamson

This Christian teen spy novel is the first in a series about fourteen-year-old Spencer Garmon. Spencer’s life is in disarray – he lives with his Grandmother ever since his parents died, and he has no interest in the Christian faith his Grandma is trying to surround him with. All he really wants to do is play basketball and earn a scholarship to escape this life, but his knack for trouble has a way of interfering with his plan. When he’s approached about joining a secret spy organization comprised of Christian’s, he’s not only skeptical of the whole idea but most definitely – not interested.

However, three things help convince Spencer to give the summer spy program in Russia a try.

1 – There are some really cute girls going on the trip.

2 – An ultimatum from his Grandma after he’s been in trouble one too many time – he can either join military school or the Christian spy organization.

3 – Spencer discovers a secret about his deceased parents – they once also belonged to this organization.

This teen spy novel has a great, fun premise – what kid doesn’t dream about being a secret agent? But I must say, this book had me at the lead character’s voice. So fantastic! The author superbly captures a teen boy’s thoughts and words, with the perfect blend of wit, sarcasm, and coolness. Really one of the best voices for a boy that I’ve come across.

One note – this book does have a more evangelical point of view than I’m used to reading but overall, it’s an enjoyable book.

 

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 quarterly newsletter. This month’s edition is full of exciting news that I can’t wait to share! So, let’s get to it!

It’s finally here!

Yes, my newest book Where You Lead is finally being released – in just a few days. After a few delays, this adventurous mystery should be available starting on September 15^th. This new YA novel explores God’s calling for our lives, in big and small ways. This is a particularly special theme for me since I felt called to become an author and continue to say “yes” to where He leads me. God’s plans for our lives are often unexpected and surprising.

To celebrate the release of this new book, I’m hosting an online treasure hunt to win some great prizes!

Click HERE for all the details!

If you’d like a little bit more information on the story, please click on the links below.

Book Trailer (created by my very talented son)

First Chapter

A little bit about where the idea for this novel came from.

 

A New Award!

I was so excited to recently learn that The Perfect Blindside won another award. It earned a Gold Medal in the recent Readers’ Favorite Awards. I’m so grateful that this special book is still reaching people. I’m especially eager for new readers to meet Jake and Sophie as I begin edits on their next adventure.

 

Oops!

About a month ago I stumbled across the realization that the kindle version of An Unexpected Role was missing the epilogue. I don’t know about you, but I love epilogues to know how the story wraps up. The problem has been corrected but if any of you had read the old version, please let me know and I’ll send you the corrected story.

 

CWG Conference

In August, I had the pleasure of attending the Catholic Writer’s Guild Conference in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. This was a special opportunity for me for several reasons. It was such a joy to meet so many of the authors I’ve “known” online. To interact with friends and authors I admire was truly special. I learned a lot from the talented speakers, was able to make some great contacts, and brought home a bunch of fantastic books. And, as an extra special bonus, I have family that live in the area so was able to reconnect with some of them.

The photo is of me with several of my CatholicTeenBooks.com authors – Carolyn Astfalk, Carmela Martino, Amy Cattapan, and Lizette Lantigua. We are surrounding Carmela after her book Playing By Heart was awarded a CALA Award. (Playing By Heart is one of the prizes in my online treasure hunt!)

 

Seal of Approval

The CatholicTeenBooks anthology, Secrets, recently was awarded the Catholic Writer’s Guild Seal of Approval. This collaboration is a great way to get to know several different authors. (Also one of the prizes you can win if you join my treasure hunt!)

 

New Logo

My friend and fellow author, Theresa Linden, created a logo for me. What do you think?

 

Okay, that’s it for this quarter. Thanks so much for all your continued support!  Happy Reading and God Bless!!

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.

This month’s book review genre is Middle Grade Books. Let’s face it, those middle school years are tough. This stage of life can be difficult as young people are trying to figure out just who they are while dealing with more complex issues, tougher school work, more responsibility, and hormones!

7 Riddles to Nowhere by A.J. Cattapan

Seven Riddles to Nowhere is a wonderfully charming book, perfect for older elementary students and middle schoolers or for anyone who enjoys a beautifully written, hard-to-put-down story. The main character, Kam, who suffers from selective mutism, 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 that 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 the city 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.

8 Notes to a Nobody by Cynthia T. Toney

This is the first book in Cynthia T. Toney’s Birdface series which follows Wendy, a young Louisiana teen, through her 8^th grade year and into high school. 8 Notes to a Nobody is a beautiful and impactful novel about the difficulties of the middle school years. This story deals honestly with many tough subjects such as low self-esteem, depression and other serious issues. Toney does an incredible job of tackling these hard topics in a hopeful and empowering way.

I love how the main character finds the strength to take charge and change things for herself by following her 5 step plan to making friends. This is such a great, proactive idea that all teens could try. It was wonderful to see how things changed for her over the summer as she prepared for high school. Kids at this age often can’t see past their problems so I thought the message that even though heartache and tragedies occurred, things could change and get better was very powerful and positive. This is a great book for any middle school student.

 a.k.a. Genius by Marilee Haynes

What a delightful middle grade book about finding yourself and fitting in. The story follows Gabe, a middle school student – smack dab in the middle of those difficult awkward years. Oh, and he just found out he’s a genius.

I’ve never read the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books but this novel reminded me of the movies. A young boy making his way through the difficult years of middle school, in a humorous story with colorful characters. I was about halfway through the book when I was out of town and unable to read for a few days but I couldn’t get Gabe, his friends and their predicaments out of my mind.

Haynes is a fabulous writer who expertly captures Gabe’s voice. Though this book is fun it also has some powerful moments and inspiring messages. Warning: you many need to keep some tissues nearby to wipe away the tears of laughter and sadness.

 

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!

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.

Ever wonder why dystopian novels and movies are so popular? I think one reason might be because of our natural curiosity and concern about what the future might look like.

When I first started reading Christian books in this genre I admit to being a little skeptical, not understanding how Dystopian and Christian genres could meld together. Combining these together seemed odd to me but as I began reading I realized that if we ever did find ourselves living in an evil, deranged society, people of faith would band together and depend on their belief in God to get them through their ordeals. In the popular dystopian stories such as Divergent or Hunger Games, this element is of course missing, which is a huge flaw in those novels because Christians would delve deeper in their faith knowing that no matter what happens in this world we have the promise of eternal salvation.

Just one quick note – because of the subject matter all these books are recommended for the older or mature teen.

I Am Margaret by Corinna Turner

This is an amazing book, truly one of the best that I’ve recently read. This dystopian story is about a teen named Margaret (Margo) and her boyfriend/fiancé Bane. They live in a world that is full of evil and only the most productive members of society are wanted or needed, the others are basically recycled and used for parts to help the more worthy citizens. When Margo, who has always struggled with math, doesn’t pass her sorting exam, she is sent to a facility where she will ultimately be killed, but not if Bane has anything to say about the matter.

As much as I enjoyed this book, it might not be for everyone. There is some violence, as well as disturbing imagery and subject matter. However, it is so well written with intense action and incredible characters. Margo is strong, smart, fearless and her faith is unshakable. Bane, though a bit reckless is brave, selfless, devoted, and one of my favorite male characters ever. (I may or may not have a bit of a literary crush on him 😊) This couple as well as many of the other characters are fantastic. But the best part of this book is the strong Christian message. The way the author showcases the importance, power, and beauty of a strong faith is incredible.

Chasing Liberty by Theresa Linden

This is another Catholic dystopian YA novel by one of my favorite authors and is the first book in her Liberty series. This novel provides a fascinating look into a future world where religion has been eliminated. What I love about this book is the concept that God would still reach us and communicate with us even if we had never been told about Him.

The main character, Liberty, has grown up in a world void of families and faith. But she has been guided through her life by an inner voice she refers to as her “friend”. Until she is given an opportunity to live outside this controlled environment, she wonders if this inner voice is something she has made up.

Dystopian stories are always an interesting premise to think about. I love the Christian viewpoint that goodness, love, and faith will continue no matter what we might face. This is a wonderful read with plenty of discussion opportunities for older teens.

Pulse by L.R. Burkard

This book is technically not a dystopian novel but since it’s about a possible future scenario, I’m including it. Pulse is actually categorized as a post-apocalyptic book. What is the difference? My understanding is that a dystopian novel is about a damaged society due to corrupt governments. Post-apocalyptic novels are about a damaged society that is caused by a war or devastating natural disaster.

To be completely honest, I’ve had a little trouble reviewing this Christian YA novel. The reason for my hesitation is that there are some biblical and faith ideas/views that I question. However, for older teens these parts can actually add to the fabulous discussion opportunities this book provides. In fact, that is what is so great about this book – it really makes you think, making it a fantastic book to read with your teens or for a book club.

The premise of the story is that there has been a cataclysmic event, an EMP – electromagnetic pulse – that has destroyed all electrical circuits and grids. Basically, nothing works. There is no power, no computers, no phones, no running water, no flushing toilets, even cars won’t run.

The story follows three modern day friends and how each of them and their families deal with this disaster. One lives in the country, one in the city and one in a suburb. Some are more prepared than others. Seeing how they each react really makes you contemplate how dependent we are on technology and if something like this actually did happened what could we do? What would we do? How would others act when food and water became scarce? How would you protect and provide for your family? This is one of those books that keeps you pondering such issues long after the book is finished.

 

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’m excited about this special edition of my newsletter because it is stop #2 on the blog tour for the new anthology that I am blessed to be a part of. In case you missed the news Secrets: Visible and Invisible is now on sale!

You can order your copy now on Amazon!

OR

There are two ways to enter for a chance to win a copy!

Shower of Roses Blog

Catholic Teen Books Giveaway

Yesterday was the release day of this special collection of short stories. Months ago, when the idea for a CatholicTeenBooks anthology was brought up, I knew just what I wanted to write. I had a special story in mind to introduce new readers to my already published books. I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m always curious about where authors get their inspirations. So – here are the creative sparks behind the seven stories in this collection.

Leslea Wahl –

When I was writing my second YA novel, An Unexpected Role, my husband gave me the idea of creating some kind of connection between my two books. I liked this idea and decided that some of the characters would be related. It didn’t take long to figure out who they would be. There is a brief mention in The Perfect Blindside about a cousin who convinces a character to try skateboarding. Unfortunately, the incident ends in disaster. I knew this little memory would be a perfect fit with one of my An Unexpected Role characters. I had no idea if I would someday write a full-length novel combining these characters, a short story, or if this idea would ever come to fruition. However, when the idea for the anthology began I decided it was finally time for their joint adventure. It was so much fun combining these stories and I now have two more short stories in mind for this group of characters, one of which I hope to have available later this year.

Susan Peek –

How “On the Brink of Hell” came about:

As a novelist, one of my favorite things to do is experiment with characters’ POVs (which is the term authors use for Point of View = writing everything in a scene through one particular character’s eyes). When my first novel was accepted for publication, way back in the Dark Ages of the 1990’s, POV wasn’t as important to readers, and therefore not to writers, as it is now. (In fact, even the world- famous Lois Duncan head-hopped all over the place in her books for teens). But thankfully, by the time I wrote my second novel, I’d discovered the technique, and it’s become, since then, one of the challenges about writing that I love!

The idea for my short story “On the Brink of Hell” came when I was skimming through that first stone-age novel of mine (I’m purposely not telling which book it is) and it struck me that the “villain” must have had reasons for acting the way he did in my story. After all, no one sees himself as the bad guy in real life! I got to thinking what those scenes might look like if he had been the book’s hero.

Instantly my perception of the guy changed, and I realized that if he was the protagonist, and events were told from his POV, then my book’s real hero would, naturally, become the new bad guy. I was immediately excited to try it out and see what would transpire.

I not only had a blast writing the reversal, but in the end, I realized that “On the Brink of Hell” might actually make my original novel more powerful. I hope this is the case. At any rate, I will leave it to my readers to discover for themselves which old novel of mine this short story is drawn from!

Theresa Linden –

I wrote “The Portrait of the Fire Starters” to introduce the characters in the West Brothers series through a bit of a mystery. As Caitlyn, Peter, Roland, and other members of the Fire Starters, the Catholic youth group, try to solve a mystery, they dig deep inside with self-evaluation. Readers get to know each of them and maybe even look deeper inside themselves in the process. Our faith calls us to re-examine our lives and the daily choices we make. It’s easy to focus on the things we want to do and even things we must do, but we can still overlook important things. Fortunately, God is always working on us, refining us, if we let him. He wants us to become great saints. When we are open to change, open to His will, he provides opportunities for us to grow in holiness.

Carolyn Astfalk –

I knew that I wanted my short story to include the characters from the novel Rightfully Ours. In the novel, there is a throwaway line about something Sean had done to make his and Paul’s dad angry. I built the story around that line: “ . . . the time Sean had taken Dad’s truck for a joy ride without permission – or a license.” What exactly had Sean done? And why would he have done it? We know Sean was good-looking enough to attract girls’ attention. Did it have to do with a girl? Had it been a secret? That’s where the story started, years before Rightfully Ours takes place.

Cynthia T. Toney –

Characters that are diverse in color, culture, and physical abilities live in Cynthia Toney’s novels and in her first published short story, “Recreation,” part of the Secrets anthology. Elijah and his friend Darrell were inspired by teens of African and Vietnamese descent that grew up in Louisiana while the author lived there. Readers unfamiliar with the southern U.S. states may not be aware that the neighborhoods, towns, and cities are quite a mix of interesting cultures, more so than some other areas of the country with which she’s become acquainted. In addition to teens of those origins, readers of Toney’s fiction will find Italian immigrants, Latino characters, deaf teens, and—coming soon—Jewish teens.

T.M. Gaouette –

While Jason and Francesca are not characters in any of my books, I wanted to write a story that encompassed the elements that I try to incorporate in all my novels. Firstly, I introduce characters who are opposite in their virtue and faith spectrum, and allow them each an opportunity to influence the other. Who wins out? Well, even a tiny light can reveal truth in the depths of darkness, and that is such a beautiful thing to witness. Surprise is the other element I include in my stories, and with a theme like, “secrets,” this made the story more fun to write. The final and most important element is a character with a deep, inspiring devotion for God’s truth; devotion that swallows up doubt, making even the coolest vice in an ungodly world look foolish. These are the elements that you find in my Faith & Kung Fu series, through characters like Gabriel, Tanner, and Christian. Through Benedict in The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch, and through Jason and Francesca in my short story, “Sister Francesca.” The first line in and of itself hints all three elements: “My name’s Francesca. I’m going to be a nun, so don’t fall in love with me.” I pray you enjoy it and are inspired by it. God bless.

Corinna Turner –

When I first sat down to write a short story on the theme of ‘Secrets’ the Holy Spirit provided me with a thrilling and moving tale about two boys on the run from an evil superpower, both with secrets, both learning to trust, and give, and choose. ‘K’ and Joe both had secrets, they had secrets in their pasts, in their lives – the story was bursting with the theme.

Alas, the tale was also simply too big to fit in a short story. The first draft came in at twice the required length, the final draft, published under the title ‘Brothers’, almost three times. Delighted as I was with my unexpected, unplanned little novella, I had to go back to the drawing board.

This time I (with the agreement of the Holy Spirit) decided to provide the reader a look into Margo’s and Bane’s past, and tell the full tale of their closest ever shave (prior to ‘I Am Margaret’, anyway!). The story is an exciting and action-packed glimpse at their friendship, age fourteen. And yes, they already each have a secret that they are keeping from the other – though Margo seems to be keeping hers better than Bane his! Read ‘The Unexpected Virtues of Rusty Old Bicycles’ to find out what their secrets are and how their innocent picnic turns so deadly (oh, and what on earth the title is all about!).

 

We hope you enjoy Secrets: Visible & Invisible as much as we enjoyed writing it!

Please visit CatholicTeenBooks.com for more information about these authors and the other 6 amazingly talented authors you will find there.

Welcome to my monthly book review post!

The three books I’m sharing about this month all deal with a specific issue. Fictional books have a unique and sometimes less intimidating way to help people understand problems in a different way than how non-fiction books delve into topics. Seeing characters deal with situations can provide insight in a relatable way and offer a great opening for discussing issues that can be tough to talk about. These three novels cover a wide range of age appropriateness – one is aimed at older elementary readers, one is perfect for the middle school age group, and one is for much older, mature teens. But they have a few things in common. All are beautifully written and each deals with real issues in a powerful, Christ-centered way.

Rosa, Sola by Carmela Martino

Rosa Sola is a beautiful story about an Italian immigrant family in the 1960’s. Rosa is in the fourth grade and wants nothing more than a baby brother. She decides to pray for a brother until God blesses her family. Amazingly, her prayers are answered! All seems perfect when she finds out her mother is expecting a baby. She will no longer be the odd girl at school with no siblings. But when tragedy strikes her family, she has many hard lessons to learn.

Carmela Martino always does an incredible job of pulling the reader into a different time period, surrounding them with memorable characters and historical details. This novel, for older elementary and middle school students, is a lovely story from a young girl’s perspective about the difficulties of life, understanding other people’s problems, and the importance of faith. Young Rosa struggles as she tries to understand the miscarriage that her mother has suffered from. This is a topic that we often don’t discuss openly but is a devastating situation for families. The end of a pregnancy and the grief associated are heart-wrenching realities. My heart ached for this young girl who was forced to grow up quickly and face many tough lessons by herself when her parents were unable to be there for her. But during this difficult time, young Rosa learned much about her family, her faith, as well as her own strength and determination.

The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch by T.M. Gaouette

The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch by T.M. Gaouette is a lovely, heartwarming story. I’ve never read a book that focused on foster families and was extremely moved by this touching novel. This is one of those stories that stays with you long after it’s over.

The author creates an array of interesting characters that are flawed yet understandable and memorable. What a great book for all kids to read, an engaging story showcasing the power of love and family – no matter what that family might look like. As a mother, it was heart-breaking to hear the stories of these fictional children and how they ended up in the foster system. These characters were fortunate though and were placed with a family that loved and encouraged them.

I thought the author did a wonderful job of showing the trust and abandonment issues these children carried with them. This middle-grade novel is full of heart-wrenching realities, faith-filled moments, and a powerful hopeful message. It would be a fantastic book to read as a family. This is a story that kids can learn a lot from and help them understand that there are many children out there that might not be as fortunate as they are.

 

Rightfully Ours by Carolyn Astfalk

Rightfully Ours is a novel for older teens about the importance and beauty of chastity. This is the first book I’ve read by Carolyn Astfalk and thoroughly enjoyed her writing style. She is an accomplished Catholic romance writer and has brought her skills to the YA market. This book is full of relatable characters, touching family traumas, teenage passions, and an intriguing mystery.

While an enjoyable story, this book deals with an important subject matter that teens face in our society- purity. Our teens are bombarded with societal messages that pre-marital relations are fine and normal. It is wonderful to have a book that discusses this issue openly in a faith-affirming way. Often, we shy away from discussing this topic but ignoring it doesn’t make it go away. Letting teens know that their feelings are normal and showing them the beauty and importance of chastity is such an incredible message.

More information about all these books can be found at CatholicTeenBooks.com.

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!