Monthly Book Reviews – Christmas Stories

Each Christmas, I enjoy reviewing books for kids of all ages. I have such fond memories of reading Christmas stories to my children, so finding new treasures to share with others is always a joy. This month I’m highlighting one young adult novel, three short stories for teens, a middle-grade adventure, and three picture books.

Before we begin…

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mary’s Son by Darryl Nyznyk

Mary’s Son is a fantasy tale for teens that combines Jesus and Santa. That may sound odd, but it is a sweet story with a beautiful message. This Christmas tale has the old-fashioned feel of Miracle on 34^th Street – one of my favorite holiday movies – maybe that is why I enjoyed this book so much.

The story revolves around an elderly gentleman, Nicholas, who, with powers given to him by God, is able to show two teens from opposite sides of town the real meaning of Christmas. Spoiled and self-centered Sarah is the only child of the wealthiest widower in town. Angry and defensive Jared is the oldest child of a poor family who is still reeling from the abandonment of their father.

Both teens are heading down a destructive path until Nicholas arrives and takes them on a magical journey – one they will never forget. Their adventure will not only reveal what Christmas is truly about but will ultimately change their lives forever.

A Perfect Christmas by Carolyn Astfalk

This Christmas short story first appeared in the CatholicTeenBooks anthology, Gifts: Visible and Invisible. No tree, no cookies, no gifts. Not a single flake of snow. With sick siblings, Dad stranded, and Mom overwhelmed, will Christmas come at all to Marigold’s topsy-turvy home? This is a sweet story about finding joy amidst the chaos.

The Christmas Angel by Leslea Wahl

This is my story that appeared in the Gifts: Visible and Invisible anthology. Join Meg’s unforgettable Advent journey when four simple words challenge her idea of a perfect Christmas. This short story was inspired by a true event that a friend once shared with me. I thought it was the perfect backdrop to this story about helping others.

The Christmas Lights by CatholicTeenBooks

Last year, six Catholic Teen Books authors and I read wrote “The Christmas Lights” for the Reading With Your Kids podcast. We each wrote a section as the story passed from one author to the next. Only the last author, A.J. Cattapan, knew the ending until we read it for the episode. We had such a fun time with the project that we decided to make it available as an e-book this Christmas for only 99 cents. All proceeds will go to Cross Catholic Outreach to help the poorest of the poor around the world.

When a blizzard puts Camilla and her family in jeopardy, she must brave the snowstorm to get help. Lost and alone, all she can do is search for Christmas lights, which is either a direction from her dead grandma or a delusion. Help does come, in completely unexpected ways.

Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker by Andrew Votipka

This is the second book I’ve read in The Mr. Baker’s Book Series. These books, written for older elementary or middle school students, are fun adventures that introduce readers to saints. Mr. Baker’s catechism lessons are literally brought to life with a special time-traveling book. In this newest story, one of Mr. Baker’s students, Theo, is whisked away to discover more about the real St. Nicholas.

While the stories are light-hearted and are far from an in-depth biography, they offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of some faithful servants of God. The books include some factual tidbits, along with plenty of humor around modern-day kids traveling back to ancient times. These books offer a great introduction to some interesting saints through thoroughly entertaining stories.

Kristoph and the First Christmas Tree by Claudia Cangilla McAdam

St. Boniface’s fascinating tale is brought to life through this delightful picture book as Kristoph, a young orphan, and the missionary priest venture out one Christmas Eve. St. Boniface’s imagery of the evergreen—it’s perpetual green branches which reflect endless life as they point toward heaven—is sure to inspire readers. As you gather as a family around your Christmas tree this advent, may this book be a beautiful reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.

The Christmas Light by Claudia Cangilla McAdam

Another fabulous book by Claudia Cangilla McAdam! I thoroughly enjoyed experiencing the Nativity through the eyes of a little girl from the town of Bethlehem. I love the beautiful message that encountering Christ can change a life forever. You’ll want to add this one to your Christmas story collection!

Wisdom Finds a Way by Cathy Gilmore

Wisdom Finds a Way is an adorable story about the Nativity as experienced by a surprising observer—Amel the Camel. The Virtue Heroes series written by Cathy Gilmore and illustrated by Jeanie Egolf is a delightful picture book series that shares biblical stories told from the perspective of animals. The stories and illustrations are precious and provide a fantastic introduction to the wonders of our 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!

Yesterday was All Saints Day, which makes today’s review post the perfect time to share a few stories about some incredible Saints. This month’s selection includes a graphic novel about a modern-day Priest, an adventurous story about a little-known Saint with a famous name, and an older book about an incredible woman of faith. Each of these fabulous books is bound to inspire you to learn more about these faithful servants.

Before we begin…

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saint Cloud of Gaul: The Prince Who Traded Kingdoms by Susan Peek

The Prince Who Traded Kingdoms is another masterpiece in Susan Peek’s growing God’s Forgotten Friends collection. The author’s ability to bring to life the intriguing lives of little-known saints is an enormous blessing to our Catholic faith. This fascinating story about St. Cloud is her most heart-pounding story to date—truly a book that is impossible to put down.

Cloud was born a French prince, destined to rule his kingdom. However, when his cruel uncles change the course of events, he is forced to flee for his life. As he grows, he must decide where God is calling him to be. Is he meant for a solitary life of prayer or to become a just ruler who can lead his people in a new direction? Humor, adventure, unparalleled faith, and miraculous events keep the reader turning the pages as Cloud discovers his destiny.

I didn’t know anything about this fascinating follower of Christ, but now I find him one of my saintly friends. Thank you, Susan Peek, for introducing these little-known saints to our generation. There is so much we can learn from the faithful servant of the past.

Maximilian Kolbe: The Saint of Auschwitz by Jean-Francois Vivier

This graphic novel by Sophia Press is a fabulous look into the life of St. Maximilian Kolbe. I’ve enjoyed the entire collection of Saint graphic novels published by Sophia Press, but this one is my favorite. This book is a more in-depth endeavor, delving into the life of an incredible man. Maximilian Kolbe may best be known for his ultimate sacrifice while held prisoner at a Nazi concentration camp, but this faithful servant did so much for the Church during his life.

This comic-style book takes place during Kolbe’s time at Auschwitz, letting readers experience a bit of the horrors and degradations perpetrated by the Nazis. Through Kolbe’s discussions with his fellow prisoners, we learn about his life and amazing accomplishments. From starting the Militia Immaculatae, his years advancing Catholic publishing, to his missionary work in Asia, Kolbe’s time on this earth, while cut much too short, touched so many as he lived his life for Christ.

Many of the Saints we read about lived centuries before us. While we can learn still learn so much from their fascinating stories, they can feel a bit removed from our lives. That’s why I’ve always found the more modern Saints particularly intriguing. The idea that Saints are still living among us today is a fascinating thought. While the illustrations and text make this biography easy to follow, I especially appreciated the photographs included at the end of the book. The black and white images really added an extra element to this heart-breaking yet inspiring look into Maximilian Kolbe’s life.

Saint Helena and the True Cross by Louis de Wohl

What a fantastic story about the lives of Saint Helena and her son Saint Constantine. While they are known as amazing early saints of the church, they weren’t always believers of Christ. This older book tells the fascinating story of their lives during a very violent, pagan period when being a Christian could cost you your life. I knew just a little about Constantine and Helena, so I thoroughly enjoyed discovering more about this mother/son duo. While Constantine brought Christianity to the Roman Empire, Saint Helena brought many relics of Christ, including the cross on which he was crucified, from Jerusalem to Rome.

The author’s descriptions brought the story to life. His portrayal of Helena as a strong, confident woman was wonderful. And Constantine’s battles and epic journey across Europe were thrilling adventures. The details about Constantius, Helena’s husband, and Constantine’s father, really added a new layer of depth to their background. I always had a fondness for these two saints, but now, thanks to this book, they are two of my favorites.

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

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

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

Until next month – Happy Reading!

Monthly Book Reviews – Mysteries

October is upon us, which means it’s time to highlight books from my favorite genre—mysteries. This month’s three books are all perfect for teens in middle school and above. Each of the books follows the adventures of a group of friends. And they all feature likable characters with strong moral compasses that lead them through a trying time. So, as the weather cools, cozy up and grab an adventurous mystery!

Before we begin…

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

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

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

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

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

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

Code of Silence by Tim Shoemaker

I absolutely loved this middle-grade book. The story starts quickly with Cooper and his two friends witnessing a crime. Afraid that the perpetrators will track them down, they make a pact—the Code of Silence. They believe by remaining silent, they will keep themselves safe and protect those that are suddenly in danger. But as they continue with this agreement, the lies they must tell continue to grow, ultimately threatening their friendships.

This book has so many amazing discussion topics. As a reader you sympathize with Cooper and his decisions, but they do bring up some fantastic moral dilemmas. Is it ever okay to lie? Is keeping silent different than being untruthful? How would you act in a similar situation, when things aren’t black and white? What do you do when you aren’t sure who you can trust?

The best part of the story is that throughout the difficult moments, Cooper and his friends continue to pray and try to do the right thing. And lucky for readers, this exciting, action-packed story is the first in a series.

Secrets in September by Doreen McAvoy

Secrets in September is a fun middle-grade novel, perfect for those younger teens who love a good mystery. The enjoyable characters and Christian messages intertwine throughout this book that is also the first in a series.

When Will and his twin sister Wendy begin their fall school semester, little do they know that they and their friends will be caught up in a series of mysteries that will make this September one to remember. When strange things begin to happen around town, Will, Wendy, and their friends start investigating. Who is the mysterious new girl in town? What trouble is the class bully involved in now? And what really happened at the creepy, abandoned house down the block?

Kindness, friendship, and faith make this story a wonderful choice for middle-grade readers. The values and faith of this of group friends was refreshing. They were average kids who sometimes made questionable decisions but, in the end, helped each other to choose the right path.

The Ghosts of Westthorpe Academy by Joseph Lewis

This contemporary faith-based novel combines an intriguing mystery with speculative elements.

Joe is an ordinary kid. A good student who has an incredible opportunity to attend a prestigious private Catholic school—Westthorpe Academy. All seems to be going well—new friends, great teachers, lots of activities—until rumors start swirling that the historic Westthorpe Academy is in danger of closing. Soon Joe’s ordinary life is changed by unusual events. Are his supernatural visits and vivid dreams just strange coincidences or messages from God?

There is a lot to enjoy in the book, the mystery, the faith, and the interesting historical facts. I found it refreshing to read about a good kid with nice friends and a supportive family. But don’t worry, there is plenty of drama and excitement that will keep you turning the pages.

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!

All of this month’s books share unique elements of the Catholic faith through collections of short stories. The featured books explore Sacraments, Relics, and Miracles. These books offer fantastic ways to learn more about Catholicism. Whether you are a cradle Catholic or are simply curious about the Church’s teachings, these books offer the inquisitive mind plenty to contemplate.

Before we begin…

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Sacraments in Action

I’ve been enjoying Sophia Press’s collection of graphic novels about Saints, so when I discovered they had a similar book about the sacraments, I was anxious to check it out. This graphic novel provides an interesting look at the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and First Communion. Through short stories about fictional characters, these elements of faith are brought to life.

This quick read follows the characters of Hannah and Andy through three short stories. I like that these stories show the characters living their faith and encouraging others to do so as well. Sacraments are part of our spiritual journey and should form who we are. They are meant to enhance our lives, not just be programs we feel obligated to complete. As we learn more about our faith, our very lives should reflect the Christian values that we hold dear, and that is what these stories show, teens who proclaim their faith through their daily actions.

This was a unique way to teach foundations of Catholicism and could be a great resource for anyone who has questions about these sacramental pillars of our faith.

Miraculous!: Catholic Mysteries for Kids by Kathryn Griffin Swegart

Usually, my book suggestions are geared toward teens. However, I couldn’t resist sharing this gem by Kathryn Griffin Swegart. While it is written for children, this book is full of true miraculous stories that everyone will find fascinating.

Years ago, when I first joined the working world, I marveled at one of my coworkers, who always seemed to know a bit about everything. He once shared his secret with me. When he wanted to learn more about a subject, he would visit the library and select a children’s book about the topic. He explained that because children’s books are short and simple, they provided a basic understanding that anyone could understand.

This book is a perfect example of that concept. Once you read about some of these amazing true stories, you may find yourself researching them even further—I know I did. There were several fascinating incidents that I had not heard of before and found them absolutely awe-inspiring. Immediately I had to spend some time discovering more about them.

I have reviewed several books by this author and am always impressed with the intriguing details about the Catholic faith that permeate her work. Through her children and teen books, readers will discover inspiring stories about incredible faithful servants.

Treasures: Visible and Invisible

Treasures: Visible and Invisible is the third anthology by the authors at CatholicTeenBooks.com. I am so honored to be part of this group as well as one of the contributing authors to this project. Treasures is the first book in our short story collection where the stories are connected.

Each fictional tale involves a relic of St. Patrick. What is a relic? Great question! A relic is something that once belonged to one of the recognized saints of the church. A first-class relic would be part of their body, usually a fragment of bone. A second-class relic is an item that belonged to a saint. Relics are not only interesting pieces of history but throughout the ages, there have been many accounts of miracles surrounding these artifacts.

This book was such a joy to collaborate on. The eight authors who were able to participate all chose a time period to write from. The first story revolves around St. Patrick and a special fictional item. The item finds itself being passed through history in various ways, making an appearance in each story. The final story in the book is a futuristic, dystopian story. As with all our anthologies, the individual stories are all quite unique. Whether you enjoy Saint stories, historical fiction, mystery, romance, or adventure, you will be sure to find this edifying collection enjoyable and inspiring.

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

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

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

Until next month – Happy Reading!

This month’s books all have characters who are dealing with difficult situations. At some point, we all will have to face tragedy in our lives. These books all show families and characters who turn to their faith to bravely face their difficult challenges.

Before we begin…

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

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

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

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

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

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

Missing Peace by N.K. Holt

Wow. I could not put this one down. This story about a young soldier and his family is full of heartache, tragedy, miracles, hope, mystery, danger, love, acceptance, and finding peace. As you can tell, there is a lot going on in this book which is definitely one of my favorite books of the year.

When John McKay heads off to war, a series of miraculous circumstances leads this young soldier on a trajectory to fulfill an ancient prophecy, completely changing the lives of his friends and family forever. I haven’t read many books about contemporary soldiers and the conflicts in the Middle East. I wish I could share more about this story, but I don’t want to give anything away, so I’ll just cryptically tell you that the ancient aspects of the saga were fascinating, the speculative moments were beautifully heart-breaking, the political issues painfully highlighted the complications of modern-warfare, and the present-day miraculous events offered inspiration and renewed faith. Missing Peace is a fantastic story for older teens.

Friends in High Places: Carlo Acutis by Corinna Turner

This short story by Corinna Turner is a fabulous introduction to the extraordinary life of Blessed Carlo Acutis. Carlo was an incredible, modern teen who died at the young age of 15 from leukemia. Amazingly, this young man is already on the road to sainthood. It’s incredible for young people to have such an inspirational role model with who they can identify with. Carlo enjoyed playing soccer, video games, and hanging out with friends. He was also deeply devoted to his faith and even used his interest in computers to create a website about Eucharistic miracles.

Turner’s fictional story revolves around another young teen who is also diagnosed with leukemia. Daniel, and his family, are struggling to deal with his devasting diagnosis. When his priest shares with him the Carlo Acutis Novena, Daniel finally finds a special friend who understands what he is going through. With the help of the prayers of the Novena and learning more about Carlo’s faith and kindness, Daniel is able to come to terms with whatever his future might hold. This story is a wonderful way for anyone to learn about Carlo and provides a powerful reflection on how we are living our own lives.

Ruby in the Water by J.P. Sterling

This faith-based novel is about Peter, an incredibly talented musician, and his family. Despite his acclaimed talent, Peter’s life was not always easy. As a boy, he had difficulty fitting in at school and physically struggled with his cerebral palsy. The book begins as teenager Peter collapses and is rushed to the hospital. As his parents anxiously wait for him to recover, their story is revealed through flashbacks and ends with an intriguing twist.

Anyone who has struggled to fit in at school or has had a child or sibling who faced such difficulties will be able to relate to this novel. Even though the book is about an older teen, most of the story is told through his parents’ memories of his childhood. I found it a compelling way for the reader to meet and understand Peter. While told from a unique perspective, teen readers may find it interesting to see the story develop from the parent’s point of view.

I truly loved the message that not everyone is the same, and those differences actually make us who we are. Traditional learning environments may work for most students, but for many children, classroom settings can be a real struggle. Sadly, these students often feel that there is something wrong with them, which creates unnecessary heartache. I wish more schools could recognize that all children are uniquely created by God. We should celebrate the differences instead of trying to make everyone the same.

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

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

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

Until next month – Happy Reading!

This month’s genre is Fantasy. I’ll admit, fantasy novels were never the ones I was drawn to, but I have come to appreciate and really enjoy this genre. I’m especially impressed with the authors and their wild imaginations that can create such unique stories and worlds. This month I’m featuring three books that completely swept me away. They are about Christian characters that find themselves in unusual circumstances. One is a contemporary story set in Paris. One is a unique retelling of a Biblical story. And one is reminiscent of a classic C.S. Lewis novel. If you’re looking for an exciting book to take you on unexpected journeys, these books are worth checking out.

Before we begin…

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Gate Through the Old Elm Tree by Elizabeth Pietrantonio

This novel is a retelling of one of my favorite books in the Bible—Esther. In recent years, I’ve been drawn to Esther 4:14 “Perhaps you were born for such a time as this.”  What an powerful idea to contemplate. In fact, when difficult times arise, I often think of this verse. It somehow gives me comfort and fills me with determination.

In this book, Esther is a modern-day teen who finds herself magically transported, along with her dog, to ancient Persia. Almost immediately, she is taken hostage as a potential bride for King Xerxes. As Esther prepares to meet the King, it becomes apparent that she has an incredible opportunity to save the Jews from the evil advisor Haman. Her faith, along with several new friends (including some talking animals), help her with this mission.

I really enjoyed this story. Imagining yourself in a Biblical story can be a great way to understand the passages a little better and make it relevant to your life. This entertaining book provides a lot of fantastic issues to contemplate. For instance, have you ever thought that maybe God chose you to live in this particular time period? Are you being called to right any wrongs? Do you have the courage to take a stand? The modern-day twist was an intriguing way to bring this amazing story about a courageous young woman to today’s youth.

The Crown Jewels of Undlar by Roger Thomas

This story about six siblings who find themselves in a strange new land was very reminiscent of The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. I have read a few books by Roger Thomas and have been impressed with each one. His books are all unique—this one for the younger crowd is fantastic.

When Angela’s parents put her in charge of her siblings for an afternoon, she has no idea what’s in store. The mundane task quickly spirals out of control as her siblings begin bickering with one another. In an attempt to calm things, she brings them together to pray. Their prayer for an adventure becomes something they never expected—saving another world.

When the siblings awake from an unexpected slumber, they find themselves in a strange world where they are considered giants. They learn that this new place, Undlar, has been under attack. When the residents remember an ancient prophesy that spoke of giants who would save the citizens and find the six crown jewels, they, along with the animals of Undlar, look to the six children to save them.

This was an exciting, faith-based adventure. I especially loved how each child, even the youngest siblings, had an opportunity to discover one of the jewels using their own unique talents. This book is full of wonderful messages of working together, developing friendships, trusting one another, and the power of prayer—all combined together for a delightful tale.

The Mermaid and the Unicorn by Elizabeth Amy Hajek

Daphne is thrilled for the opportunity to study abroad in Paris. After being homeschooled most of her life, this young college student is eager to spread her wings. A semester of classes while boarding at a convent with a small group of students and teachers sounds like the perfect opportunity. But her time in the City of Lights turns into more than expected when Daphne makes the shocking discovery that some fairytale creatures may actually be real.

This was an enjoyable, clean fantasy novel for teens. The author’s vivid imagination combined faith, relationships, and mystical creatures into a sweet romantic adventure. The descriptions of Paris were lovely, Daphne’s love interest was honorable, and the questions about vocation were quite compelling. I especially appreciated how devoted many of the characters were to their faith.

If you like your fantasy intermixed with a contemporary story, then this sweet book might be a great choice for you.

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

Before we begin…

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

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

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

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

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

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

Avery’s Battlefield by Deanna Klingel

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

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

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

The Woman in the Trees by Theoni Bell

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

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

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

Escape into the Night by Lois Walfred Johnson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until next month – Happy Reading!

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

Before we begin…

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

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

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

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

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

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

Time Crashers: Fire on the Mountain by Michael Brewer

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

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

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

Be: The Journey of Rol by Ric Colegrove

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

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

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

And here’s one of my favorite lines:

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

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

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

Jenna’s Journey by Karen Kelly Boyce

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until next month – Happy Reading!