Monthly Book Reviews – Mysteries

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

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

Before we begin…

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spirit the Tiny White Reindeer by Deanna Klingel

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

Little Lamb Finds Christmas by Cathy Gilmore

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

A Mouse and a Miracle by Cathy Gilmore

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

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

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

A Very Jurassic Christmas by Corinna Turner

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

The Enchanted Sonata by Heather Dixon Wallwork

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

The Diaries of Joseph and Mary by Dennis McGeehan

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

The Boys Upstairs by Jane Lebak

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

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

 

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

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

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

Until next month – Happy Reading!

 

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

October always seems like the perfect month to highlight mystery novels. What better time to highlight my favorite genre than during one of my favorite months? Each of the books was intriguing page-turners, so, as the weather cools, why not find a great mystery to cozy up with.

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.

Signs in the Dark by Susan Miura

Looking for a fantastic book to read? Look no further than Susan Miura’s Signs in the Dark. This book is such a treat and makes the perfect fictional escape. This book is actually an updated version of one of my favorites books I reviewed last year, Show Me A Sign. The author has added some great new elements that make this book worth sharing again.

High school student Nathan has finally worked up the courage to ask out the girl he likes. Haylie is beautiful, smart, sweet, and happens to be deaf. But when the object of Nathan’s affection is kidnapped, Nathan finds himself being interrogated by the FBI. He immediately jumps headfirst into trying to clear his name and find out what happened to Haylie. Nathan pursues his investigation the only way an infatuated high school boy could—rather recklessly.

All the characters in this book are fantastic. From supporting characters like the busy-body neighbor, the tough as nails FBI agent, and the derelict father, to the three teenagers that really power this novel, each comes to life with their unique personalities. The hopeful hero, Nathan, is a quick-witted joy. His internal musings are fabulous and make him one of my favorite YA characters of all-time. The interactions with Nathan and his elderly neighbor are hysterical, and the light-hearted back and forth between him and his best friend—perfection. The characters of Haylie and Alec are extremely well developed. The passages about their scars from the past and what makes them tick are quite touching.

Susan Miura is an exceptional author who creates intriguing characters from different backgrounds and ethnicities in all her books. She also does a phenomenal job of introducing readers to unique topics through her engaging stories. For instance, this book touches on human trafficking, wildlife conservation, hearing impairment, abandonment, and overcoming pains from the past. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all of her YA books, but Signs in the Dark is my favorite Susan Miura novel yet.

 

A Tragic Introduction Scott McCully Espionage Adventure by Jessica C. Joiner

This is a fun adventure for teens. Scott McCully is a high school student at a military academy. When his parents don’t show up for his football game, he discovers that things are not what they seem.

This is the first book in a series about Scott and is perfect for all those kids who would love to become a secret agent themselves. Even though this is a YA book and the main characters are high school students, sometimes I felt, through the dialogue and storyline, that this was more of a middle-grade story. It was a little far-fetched and unbelievable but made for a fun adventure.

I especially enjoyed that Scott and his friend Matt were strong Christians. The author did a nice job in making their faith a natural part of the story. Their beliefs were not over the top or forced on anyone, but it showed that those values made these young men the good guys that they are.

 

Always Watching (The Rayne Tour #1) by Brandilyn and Amberly Collins

This is a fantastic suspenseful murder mystery. First of all, I love the concept behind this book. It is written by a mother and daughter author team. My own daughter is a fantastic writer, and I can’t help but think how much fun it would be to write a book together. (Of course, this idea probably appeals to me much more than it would to her!)

The book is also about a mother-daughter team. Shaley and her mother, Rayne, do not live an ordinary life. Mom Rayne is a rock star, and their life revolves around fame, concerts, touring, and paparazzi.  On the band’s latest tour, a member of their team, and someone Shaley is very close to, is murdered. But things get even worse when it appears to be an inside job. Could one of the band or crew really be the murderer?

This book is such a fast-paced page-turner. I whipped through the story, compelled to finding out what would happen next. While it is a murder mystery, and there is a little gore, it is not over the top. The rock star aspect will be interesting to teens. I really liked how the authors included faith in the story. When Shaley is scared and not sure who she can trust, someone shares with her that God is there for her, always watching.

 

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

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

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

Until next month – Happy Reading!

 

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

This month I am sharing some amazing stories about people who have dedicated their lives to Christ. These faithful servants risked everything to bring God’s love to others. The individuals highlighted in this month’s books include a Dutch Protestant reaching out to Communist countries, a Jesuit missionary working with a Native American tribe, and an Italian soldier turned dedicated priest in the 1500s. We can learn so much through their stories.

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.

A Soldier Surrenders: The Conversion of Saint Camillus de Lellis by Susan Peek

I am a huge fan of Susan Peek and her series God’s Forgotten Friends: Lives of Little-known Saints. Each of the books in this series brings to life an incredible faithful servant. A Soldier Surrenders is about the life of St. Camillus de Lellis. Never heard of him? Neither had I, but this fast-paced story was extremely difficult to put down. Camillus de Lellis was an unlikely candidate to become a priest and saint with his mercenary background full of gambling, drinking, and fighting, but these characteristics make him a fantastic example that anyone can be called by God to do amazing things.

Learning about this saint and the time period in which he lived was quite fascinating. Please note that St. Camillus was a soldier during a violent time of history, so some of the scenes might be more appropriate for older teens. One of my favorite aspects of Susan Peek’s novels is her uncanny knack for making little-known saints from previous centuries relatable to modern teens. Her witty dialogue, fast-paced action, and compelling characters make these books perfect for teens and adults.

 

Martyrs (Brave Hearts Book 2) by Kathryn Griffin Swegart

Martyrs is the story of Father Sebastian Rale, a Jesuit missionary who lived among the Wabanaki tribe in the Maine wilderness in the late 1600s. The book provides an interesting look into this time period and the conflicts not only between the natives and the British but also between the French in Canada and the British in what is now America. I was quite intrigued by the hostility the Protestant British leaders had with the Catholic church and the Jesuit priests that lived with the natives. This would be a great book for older middle-school and high school students to understand and contemplate the many complicated issues that settlers faced in the New World. The book is full of thought-provoking discussion topics.

Since this was a tenuous time in our country’s history, full of desperate battles for land, there are some difficult passages that might not be appropriate for younger readers. The violence is not overly graphic but still could be upsetting to some. This is the second book in the Brave Hearts series, and I’m looking forward to the next one. These books do a fabulous job of relaying the stories of fascinating, devoted Catholics who did indeed have brave hearts and remained dedicated to their faith during extremely difficult times.

 

God’s Smuggler by Brother Andrew and Elizabeth Sherrill

This story is the personal experience of a Dutch man who risked everything to smuggle Bibles into Communist countries during the Cold War era. I found this true story about this Protestant missionary to be quite fascinating. This unassuming Dutchman brought hope and encouragement to Christian communities throughout Eastern bloc countries that had no access to Bibles. Brother Andrew saw a need, felt a calling, and put the rest into God’s hands.

This is the kind of story that really makes you think about completely depending on God. Andrew truly believed that if it was God’s will, it would somehow happen. Many times, as he smuggled Bibles across borders, guards somehow overlooked the books or inexplicably didn’t check his car. It was beautiful to read how so many Christians kept their faith even when their governments banned Bibles, closed up churches, and made being a Christian extremely difficult. This true account, which seemed to be written for middle-grade readers, was far from dry or dull. This was an inspiring story about completely trusting in God.

 

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

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

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

Until next month – Happy Reading!

 

 

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

This month I’m reviewing books about strong friendships. The three books I’m highlighting this month are all amazing books, and all are part of a series. They are each about teens who realize how important good friends can be. This is a perfect theme since all the books happen to be written by friends of mine!

Friendships are interesting to think about. I don’t know about anyone else, but at least for me, the friendships that are the most precious are the ones with people who share my same values and faith beliefs. Good friends can understand what we are going through and offer support. They are people we can confide in and turn to when we seek advice. They are people we can ask to pray for us. They are people we enjoy being around and can share our accomplishments and good news with. Good friends are there for us during the good times and the bad.

For those teens who feel they don’t have good friends at the moment, don’t despair. There were times, especially when I was young, that it was hard to find loyal friends. Other people seemed to have best friends, and I remember feeling quite lonely. I’m sure most people have times like that. There were also times when people I thought were my friends did not have my best interest at heart. If that is how you feel, don’t despair, God will lead good people into your life. Be open to those you meet, but focus on your faith and who you are, and the people who share your values will make their way into your lives.

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.

Violet by Renee Lichtenhan

Violet was such a joy to read. I really couldn’t put this one down. From the start, I was completely engaged in Violet’s story and had to find out what would happen next. There is a lot going on in the middle-grade book that would be great for teens of all ages.

Violet is the second book in the I Am Girl series by Renee Lichtenhan. I thoroughly enjoyed the first novel, Carabelle, and now am a huge fan of this second installment as well. Each book is an entirely different storyline, but all are faith-based novels featuring strong female characters.

Violet seems to lead the perfect life – her father is a Senator, she lives in a beautiful brownstone in New York, and she attends a prestigious private school. But there are two things in Violet’s life that don’t fit in that perfect mold. Her autistic brother, Oliver, and her secret passion for skateboarding.

I loved how the author wove this story together, showing that God really does work in mysterious ways. He leads us on unexpected paths as we touch the lives of those we meet. We often don’t see how God uses us to help others, but this book showed how one decision can start the spiral effect of grace.

This novel has some fantastic characters from very different walks of life. I enjoyed how these characters learned a lot about themselves and serving others. I also loved the spiritual elements. There are so many interesting issues and topics in this story that would make for fantastic discussions in a book club, classroom, or as a family.

 

Fire Starters by Theresa Linden

Fire Starters is the final book in Theresa Linden’s West Brothers series. If you haven’t had the chance to read the previous books, don’t worry, this book can definitely be read as a standalone. Although, I have a feeling one book won’t be enough and you’ll want to spend more time with these amazing characters. And, for those who have enjoyed the entire series, you’ll be happy to know that many characters you’ve grown to care about over the years are in this story. One of the unique aspects of this series is that the books are written from different unique points of view. The West brothers themselves, friends, and even angels have spurred this series along! This final book is told from the perspectives of Caitlyn and Peter, two of Roland West’s friends.

Theresa Linden is a truly gifted writer who boldly tackles topics that aren’t often seen in YA literature. The strong Catholic viewpoint from which she writes fill her books with truth, knowledge, and faith. I’m also always impressed how her descriptions leave me feeling like I’m right there in the moment with the characters. No matter the genre, contemporary YA, dystopian teen novels, adult suspense, or children’s books, Linden’s ability to bring to life the characters and the worlds they live in, set her novels apart.

Fire Starters is set around the sacrament of Confirmation. Due to previous circumstances, the West brothers have never been Confirmed, so now they must prepare for the sacrament with younger students. When their friends hear about this, they decide to show their support by attending Confirmation class with the boys. This reviewing of the sacrament brings some surprises. The deepening of faith for each of the characters was really beautiful. I’m sure readers will relate to the different feelings that are portrayed through the various characters. Besides the moving faith-based premise, there are also several side stories that add emotion, intrigue, and fun to the novel. Fire Starters would make the perfect gift for the teen in your life.

 

Shards of Light by Susan Miura

Shards of Light is the sequel to Susan Miura’s Christian YA novel, Healer. This story not only revisits the main character from Healer, Shilo, but also tells the story of her best friend Melody. We are also introduced to several new intriguing characters. Besides being a gifted storyteller, Miura always includes diverse characters in her books. The different ethnicities and backgrounds that are represented are always quite interesting.

Shards of Light begins where Healer left off. For various reasons Shilo, who recently found out she possesses healing powers, is sent to Italy to spend the summer with her great-grandmother. Who wouldn’t want to spend the summer in the Italian countryside? Well, Shilo because she must leave behind her best friend, her family, and her boyfriend to live at a convent. But quickly she finds that spending time with her nonna, the nuns, an injured man being cared for at the convent, a houseful of mysterious girls, and an attractive Italian boy lead to a summer that is far from dull.

Back at home, Shilo’s best friend is dealing with her own life-altering situations. Melody was in the last book, but we get to know her much better in this sequel. An unexpected event in her life leads to an uncertain future, new relationships, and revelations from the past.

Interestingly, these two best friends, while thousands of miles apart, are each touched by the horrors of human trafficking. This is such a horrific topic that unfortunately is part of our society. Miura has done a masterful job of bringing attention to this awful reality without it overwhelming the story. Shards of Light is a powerful story about looking for goodness amid the pain and difficulties of life. What a beautiful message for teens. Everyone faces disappointments and the pain of unattainable dreams, but God can use those times in life to lead us on an incredible new path that we never could have imagined.

 

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

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

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

Until next month – Happy Reading!

 

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

This month I’m reviewing books for older guys. This is an often-neglected group when it comes to book reviews. The books I’m suggesting today all happen to be sequels to books I’ve loved and already reviewed. They are all recommended for older teens and college-age kids because they all deal with some very intense topics from underage drinking and partying, the implications of a one-night stand, to the traumas of war. The young men portrayed in these stories are all quite different—one has grown up in a military family and has pledged to serve his country, one deals with a devastating loss by nearly blowing his chance to get out of his horrible situation, and one lives in a challenging futuristic world and finds himself fighting for an innocent life. From the topics of depression, suicidal thoughts, dealing with a severe injury, and the sanctity of life, these are gritty stories that all reflect the importance of faith when facing the harsh realities of life. All three are powerful stories that will stay with you long after you finish the book.

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 Captain by Ryan Shelton

I first encountered the main character, Vincent, in the book The Mentor, which I reviewed last month. Vincent is one of those characters that makes your heart ache, and you long to give him a hug. This poor kid has had a lot to deal with in his life: a neglectful mother, an abusive father, bullying from schoolmates, a vengeful coach, and hardly anyone who has ever believed in him. But baseball has always been his lifesaver, the one good thing in his life. In the first book, The Mentor, an elderly couple takes Vincent under their wing, improves his baseball skills, introduces him to faith, and gives him the encouragement he needs to succeed.

In The Captain, we find Vincent in his few months of college, which his tremendous baseball skills have made a possibility. Vincent starts fine, but when tragedy crashes down on him, his life begins to spiral out of control. This novel is quite impactful and is recommended for older teens due to the issues it delves into, such as depression, drugs, alcohol, and thoughts of suicide.

Experiencing Vincent’s life falling apart made this book hard to read at times. In fact, there were a few nights when this story kept me awake thinking about teens I know who have faced serious struggles. Sadly, too many high school and college students succumb to temptations that can lead them down a similar path. This book offers some wonderful messages such as how life-changing it can be for teens to have positive role models, or how one person can make a huge difference in someone’s life, and how even the darkest of times can be overcome. While the book has some tough moments, it is an amazing story about redemption and turning your life to God.

 

Breach! by Corinna Turner

Corinna Turner has created a unique new series that YA readers will devour. Her unSPARKed series can best be described as a faith-based Jurassic Park.

Breach! is actually a prequel to the stories in this series, Drive!, A Truly Rapturous Welcome, Panic, and Farm Girls Die in Cages. All these books are short segments of a large adventure. I find this unique format quite interesting.

In Breach! we meet the dinosaur hunter duo of Zechariah and Isaiah. These brothers have a dark and troubling past that we learn about throughout the book. But what drives this story is a new complication in their lives—the unexpected result from a night of partying. What is so unique about this book is that Turner combines several genres that you don’t expect to find together. Breach! is an adventurous, suspenseful, dystopian fantasy, with a pro-life message. These aspects blend together perfectly to create a fascinating, fun, and life-affirming book.

 

Below Northern Lights by Ashlee Cowles

One of the best YA novels I read last year was Beneath Wandering Stars. I absolutely loved the adventurous tale of a young Army brat who was walking the Camino do Santiago trail for her injured brother. 

I couldn’t get enough of that amazing story, so soon after finishing the book, I began reading Below Northern Lights. The author lists this as a companion story instead of a sequel because it is on the shorter side. There might not be many pages in this story, but it is jammed pack with another amazing journey of growth, finding your place in the world, and the courage to tackle the obstacles of life. The only bad part was that this story is short, and I read it way too fast.

The main character in this book is Lucas Santiago. He is a wounded warrior who has lost his purpose and zest for life. His sister convinces him to take a journey to Scotland to search for his best friend who has gone missing. As with the first novel in this duo by Cowles, the characters are incredible, and the insights are powerful and compelling.

 

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

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

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

Until next month – Happy Reading!

 

 

 

 

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

This month I’m reviewing teen books that feature sports. Since we have not been able to participate in, or watch, sports for a while, this is a great month to highlight this particular theme. Each of these books have a lot to offer besides focusing on a sport. They all have great stories, wonderful characters, and plenty of faith.

Before we begin…

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Mentor by Ryan Shelton

Vincent doesn’t have much in life. An abusive father, a disinterested mother, and no friends. He has finished high school with less than impressive grades and has no promising prospects for the future. But he does have determination and a love of baseball, which provides him an opportunity to play for the state championship team.

Unfortunately, the coach and his all-star son resent Vincent and nearly destroy his one opportunity to better himself. When an elderly couple sees potential in Vincent, they step in to become the loving parents the teen has never had. They believe in him. They see that he is a good person, a hard worker, a talented ballplayer, and a child of God.

This is a beautiful story about how important a mentor can be. Even with a loving family, a mentor who is not a parent can make a huge difference. Having someone you respect believe in you can give you the confidence you need to then believe in yourself. This person has the ability to provide constructive criticism and guidance that doesn’t feel personal but helpful. Personally, I know that I probably wouldn’t have become a published author without the writing mentor that helped me succeed.

As you can probably tell, I really enjoyed this book. My heart went out to this young man and all the heartache he had to endure in his life. I loved his determination and positive spirit. I also really enjoyed all the fantastic baseball scenes. The author did a wonderful job of bringing those passages to life, making me feel like a spectator sitting in the bleachers watching the ball games. If you’re missing baseball, this might be a great book to bide your time.

 

Cracks in the Ice by Deanna K. Klingel

This is the second book I’ve read by Deanna Klingel. This author has a knack for delving into relationships amid interesting subcultures of our society. Cracks in the Ice is a historical fiction novel that touches on quite a few different topics – the Mafia, the Olympics, Figure Skating, the 1960s, and alcoholism. The author’s unique writing style takes the reader on an intriguing journey through the 1960s and ‘70s. The bits of history were fascinating, the relationships were heartbreaking, and the message of turning your life to God was inspiring.

The main character, Gina, lives a unique life. She realizes her family is different but doesn’t really know why. She lives a life of isolation, mostly staying in the family compound except for the time spent pursuing her passion—ice-skating. Since she’s never known anything different, she doesn’t question her family. But when you are a Mafia princess in the 1960s, life eventually comes crashing down around you.

From reading the description of the book, I was prepared for the first half of the book, but the second half was a complete surprise. The story took a few surprising spins (please excuse the ice-skating pun ?) that kept me intrigued. This story about finding yourself amid shattered dreams is a YA novel full of great discussion topics.

 

Full Cycle by Christopher Blunt

Full Cycle follows the life of Alex, an older elementary-age boy, and his family over the course of a year. The story is told from Alex’s perspective as well as his father, Rob’s. It was interesting to see both the father and son change, struggle, and grow throughout the novel. Faith is a part of the story, but the novel is more about discovering yourself, reaching your goals, digging deep within yourself, and the importance of teamwork.

Years before we meet this family, Alex suffered a devastating injury that left him with a noticeable limp. This physical difference makes it nearly impossible for him to participate in sports and unfortunately, leaves him a prime target of the school bullies.

When Alex learns about a 200-mile bicycle ride from Seattle to Portland, he becomes fascinated with the event and the sport. He dreams of being part of a community of riders and the freedom of biking. When he learns that his father had ridden in the event, Alex can’t imagine why his dad would have ever given up such an amazing sport.

There were several aspects in this book that I particularly enjoyed—from Alex’s love of music to his brother’s baseball scenes, to the strong friendships, and the encouraging family relationships. Competitive biking was brought to life through the author’s fantastic descriptions. My muscles ached, just reading about it! I also appreciated that the bullying issue reflected real life and wasn’t tied up in a neat little bow at the end of the story.

There was one particular message that I just loved. That we all have gifts that God has blessed us with. We have the responsibility to share them with others. Otherwise, we are the ones hiding our light under a bushel. What a wonderful visual! It reminds me of something I read by Catholic speaker/author Chris Stefanick, that God created each of us to be unique, and the unique gifts He gave us can’t be shared by anyone else. How sad if those gifts are hidden and not shared the way God desires. This is a great message for us all, especially kids.

Full Cycle is a wonderful story about the importance of family. Sometimes I see adults who spend so much time on a sport or hobby that it becomes almost an obsession. All the hours spent on their interests takes away from time with their families, which is sad. So, I greatly appreciated the sacrifices this father made for his family and the way Rob selflessly found a way to include his boys in his passion so he wouldn’t be away from them but instead could share it with them, spend time with them, and create amazing memories. This would be a wonderful book to read as a family.

 

 

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

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

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

Until next month – Happy Reading!