Don’t miss this fun, family summer adventure!

Purchase Link    Book Trailer    Fun Facts

Meet the characters:

Grandma Grace has a secret. She’s recently discovered some information and now insists on recreating a childhood trip. Will she find what she’s searching for before it’s too late?

 

 

 

Luke is dreading the month-long family road trip. He’d much rather stay home, hang out with his friends, and enjoy his last summer before his senior year of high school.

 

 

  Celia can’t think of a worst way to spend her summer than being cooped up in an RV with her family. Then again, it’s a fitting ending to her horrible freshman year of high school.

 

 

   Austin is sick of his siblings’ condescending attitudes. Roadtripping with them will be pure torture. At least his video games don’t treat him like a pesky little brother.

 

Siena doesn’t understand why she’s the only family member who’s excited about the family vacation. Maybe as the miles roll by, her humans will start to enjoy the adventure.

 

Make sure to pack your copy of A Summer to Treasure for your family vacation!

 

How would you like a free book?

Welcome to my August Update.

I hope you’re enjoying these wonderful last days of summer.

As we near the fall, I’m hoping you all can help me with my upcoming move by helping me decrease my inventory.

It’s as simple as choosing a book, and I’ll send it to you! I’d much prefer giving the books to readers who would enjoy the stories and write a review than lugging boxes of books to my new place! If you’re interested, check out the details below.

As most of you know from experience, moving is never an easy process. It’s full of emotions—sorting through memories from the past, saying goodbye to places and friends, and leaving behind the familiar for the unknown. It can be a time that tries your patience and humility as potential buyers critique your precious home. And no matter how perfect you make the place look, it’s never enough because people have different tastes, and life happens. Picking up after yourself and your household—children, dogs, and husbands—is tedious, and inevitably, things get missed. And as Murphy’s Law kicks in, items break—sprinkler systems, air conditioners, electrical fuses (Yep, we’ve dealt with all these issues over the last few weeks.)

Interestingly, while dealing with the varying emotions of moving, I’ve been bonding with my newest character, Emerson, from my upcoming book, In Plain Sight. Emerson and her father are forced to move and start a new life. While she’s a fictional character and her circumstances are far different from mine, thinking about her has actually put my frustrations in perspective because there are many people out there who are facing moves due to difficult situations. Nothing ends my pity-party sooner than remembering there is always someone who is struggling with a more challenging issue than I am. And with every situation we face, the answer is always the same. We must turn it all over to God and truly live the phrase I’ve been repeating to myself lately—Lord, I trust in You.

Leslea

 

Scroll down for all my writing news and this month’s book reviews.

 

News:

1 – Choose a Free Book

Choose one of the following titles and I will send a paperback or pdf version to you for free!

Contact me if you’re interested!

 

2 – New Book Awards

Charting the Course has recently won two book awards! First place in both the Catholic Media Association and the Colorado Author’s League book awards.

 

3 – Recent Conference

I recently attended the Midwest Family Catholic Conference as a vendor representing Catholic Teen Books and my children’s book publisher, Perpetual Light Publishing. This annual conference, held the first weekend in August, is such a special event and it’s so fun seeing familiar faces each year. Next year will be the 25^th anniversary, so I’m sure it will be even more special. I’m looking forward to it already!

 

4 – CTB News

The Catholic Teen Book anthologies are traveling around the country getting signed by all the contributing authors. You can discover all the details and follow along with the fun videos posted on the main page of CatholicTeenBooks.com .

 

Clues: (Cover Reveal)

Solve the puzzle and be one of the first to see the cover of the newest book in my Finding Faith series which comes out in December. Click HERE to check out the beautiful cover!

 

Reviews:

 

Lost Until the Light Comes by Tammy Fernando

This is a sweet picture book with beautifully engaging illustrations. Young Chris is not sure about going on the hike with his family. But he grudgingly agrees to go and is soon intrigued by the playful squirrels. But, before he knows it, he’s lost in the woods. He’s scared but he’s not alone. The Holy Trinity is there with him, protecting him, encouraging him, and comforting him. This book is a great visual aid to help children understand the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and how they are always with us.

Perfect Gifts: The Adventures of Nick and Sam by Paul McCusker

Twins Nick and Sam are excited about their upcoming birthday. They are so excited they can’t wait to see their presents. Their curiosity begins a snowball of bad decisions.

The author has another wonderful series of Catholic books, so I was interested in this new chapter book series. In the end the twins learn valuable lessons throughout the book, but I was a little surprised at how many bad decisions Nick made before he actually seemed to learn those lessons. It honestly was a little frustrating, but I suppose that is the case for many of us, we have to hit rock bottom before we truly feel the need to change.

Facing, Fighting, and Defeating The Red Dragon of Pride by Rolland Paterlot

This a great series for younger kids to teach about the 7 deadly sins, and could be a fantastic book for children as they prepare for the Sacraments. Rolland and his classmates attend a special school where they learn skills to defeat deadly dragons—deadly sins. While Rolland is excited about his new school, he faces some challenges of temptation and has to learn some difficult lessons the hard way.

I really like the QR codes scattered throughout the book. They make the book a great resource and an interactive tool for kids.

Waiting For Elmer by Deanna Klingel

I’ve read several stories by this author and have always enjoyed them, so when I came across this book, I was excited to check it out. I had no idea what the story was about when I began reading and, honestly, continued to be unsure even when I’d gotten fairly far into the book. There was almost a mystical element that I couldn’t quite figure out but kept me turning the pages.

Waiting with Elmer is the story of a boy named Willy. We first meet Willy as a young boy who has endured a traumatic childhood and has been abandoned by his father in the town of Waitnsee. This engaging tale is set during the Great Depression and follows Willy’s path as he navigates his childhood and teen years with the help of an unusual second family and the mysterious Elmer.

This book shows the simplicity of the time yet also highlights the racial and economic difficulties people facing during those years. I really like the added element of Boys Town, a place in Nebraska I’ve often heard about. The book would be a great supplement to a study on this time period.

Willy is a very likable character, and the reader roots for him as he discovers his faith, and the path God is calling him to follow. If you’re looking for an enjoyable historical fiction for teens with a good message, this might be one to check out.

A Lion For a Tomb by Corinna Turner

Daniel’s story continues in this next edition of Corinna Turner’s Friends in High Places series. This book is told from the perspective of Daniel’s friend Razim. Razim has always been a devoted friend, steadfastly helping Daniel through his struggle with cancer. But Razim struggles to understand Daniel’s devotion to his Catholic faith and his fearless attitude about death. Through this curiosity, Razim begins to learn about St. Ignatius of Antioch. No one is more surprised than Razim when the saint’s words spark something within him.

This is a problem, though. Razim is of Muslim descent. While Razim and his parents are culturally Islamic, his older brother is becoming radicalized—causing danger for Razim and Daniel and their Christian beliefs.

The insight into this world was quite eye-opening. I have not personally experienced any such issues. The author lives in England and I’m wondering if the radicalism shown in the book is more commonplace where she lives. The whole concept was terrifying to think about. Seeing the anger and hatred from this gang of Islamic teens was heart-breaking while Daniel’s steadfast devotion to Christ was nothing but awe-inspiring.

Whispering Vines by Amy Schisler

A Catholic romance set at an Italian vineyard? Was there ever a book more perfectly suited for me? 😊

This is the first book I read by this author and thoroughly enjoyed the story of Alex and Nicolas. When college graduate Alex befriends an elderly woman, she has no idea how much her life will change. Between a budding romance, the gift of a lifetime, and the discovery of a special diary, Alex embraces her new life and is finally able to confront the demons from her past. This book is beautifully written and full of sweet moments and tantalizing Italian recipes.

Heavenly Rescues and Answered Prayers by Andrea Rodgers

I am a big fan of Andrea Rodgers’ EMT short story collections. These books are full of short stories from Andrea’s time as a volunteer paramedic. Through her many rescues, she has witnessed the hand of God leading rescues and saving people. I’ve read all the different books, but this one especially touched me with her engaging writing style, the many incredible miraculous moments, and how she is able to see God at work through her work.

 

 

Until next time, happy reading!

 

 

One Girls Weekend + An Epic Family Road trip + A Writers Conference = Personal, Professional, and Spiritual Rejuvenation

Welcome to Leslea’s June Update.

Sometimes in life we find ourselves in a funk. Maybe due to struggles, loss, or just from the mundane of life. And sometimes we don’t even realize we’re in such a state until something jars us out of it. That’s what I’ve recently experienced. I thought I’d been doing pretty well after the dual loss of my parents, but three experiences in the past two months have jolted me awake.

In April I was able to reconnect with several girlfriends who I hadn’t seen in 20 years! It was such an amazing weekend of simply chatting, laughing, and drinking lots of coffee. 😊

May found me road-tripping with the family. Having two adult children who live out of state is tough. But we always have such an amazing time when we’re together. Besides exploring new sites and enjoying our time together, we were able to visit several religious sites—the miraculous staircase in Santa Fe, the Chimayo healing site, and the beautiful Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona, AZ.

A few days after that trip, I was off to Chicago for the Catholic Writers Guild conference. It’s always so fun to meet up with fellow writers and be inspired by the lineup of speakers.

All three events have filled me with new energy, ideas, and gratitude.

May your summer be a time of renewal as well.

Blessings,

Leslea

Scroll down for all my writing news and this month’s book reviews.

 

News:

• • I have a release date for my newest book: In Plain Sight – December 2024! I’m so excited to share the third novel in my Finding Faith series.

• Recently, I was able to meet up with a few CatholicTeenBooks authors at the annual Catholic Writers Guild conference. It was wonderful catching up with Antony Kolenc, Amanda Lauer, AJ Cattapan, and Carmela Martino.
• Catholic Teen Books has a new anthology in the works – Shadows: Visible & Invisible! Each of the short stories in this book will center around the Hallowtide Triduum of All Hallows Eve, All Souls Day, and All Saints Day. Watch for all the details!
• My novel eXtreme Blindside continues to be on sale at Pauline Books and Media for $5.00! Don’t miss this extreme price! HERE!

 

Clues:

Solve this puzzle to discover the newest furry family member to become a character in one of my novels—Zuri. HERE!

 

Reviews:

Silly Sophie’s Summer Sunday Morning by Alexandra Sizemore

 

This is a cute book about a little dog and the family she faithfully protects. Through this story children are reminded of the importance of attending Church and honoring God. Bible verses are scattered throughout the story.

 

Detective Thomas and the Biggest Question by Caitlin Bootsma

This chapter book is a delight, especially for those inquisitive children. When a friend asks Thomas about his faith and how he knows God is real, Thomas is led on an investigation to discover the answer. A mysterious box with helpful prompts leads him on this journey.

Some of the concepts that Thomas explores are quite deep, but the author does a good job of breaking them down for younger readers to understand. I loved the beautiful message of children being proud of their faith and being able to explain their beliefs. Even the younger members of our family can plant the seeds that can lead others to Christ.

Penny and the Stolen Chalice by Antony B. Kolenc

Antony Kolenc has an amazing gift of writing for middle-grade kids. From the moment I read the first book in his Harwood Mysteries series, I’ve been a fan. So, I was thrilled for a chance to check out his new contemporary story, Penny and the Stolen Chalice. And what a fabulous book it is!

The main character in this story doesn’t know much about faith but attends a Catholic school. This provides many opportunities to explain the Catholic faith. Many of the traditions, prayers, and parts of the Mass can seem a little strange and confusing to someone who has not grown up in the Church. Kolenc does such a wonderful job of highlighting and explaining these elements.

There were many enjoyable aspects to this story. As a mystery-lover, I always enjoy a good whodunnit. So, the storyline of the missing chalice lured me right in and kept me guessing until the end. This author is known for creating relatable characters and touching family situations, which he brings to this new book as well. Penny and the Stolen Chalice had me cheering on the main character, laughing at numerous situations, and even tearing up a time of two. Excellent job!

Waykeepers of Valdeor by Sandralena Hanley

This is the second book in the Valdeor series by Sandralena Hanley. While I thoroughly enjoyed the first book, this one really drew me in. I was immediately hooked and needed to know where this compelling story was headed.

This fantasy novel for teens reminds me a bit of Lord of the Rings – a tale of good and evil with mystical elements and an exciting adventure. Hanley’s writing is quite engaging with a natural story-telling ability, and the Christian messages permeate the story without being heavy-handed. While this book is part of a series, it can be read independently. The main characters are new to the series, and the author gives enough details that the reader will understand the back story.

Since his father’s death, Guy’s life has been difficult, but overall, he’s content. But when the mysterious, if not frustrating, Donella arrives, everything he’s ever known to be true comes into question. He has no interest in joining Donella on her quest, but as war threatens the Kingdom of Valdeor, he knows he can not sit idly by when he alone has so much to offer.

Ablaze: Stories of Daring Teen Saints by Colleen Swaim

This book is full of fascinating, but heart-breaking stories of teens who gave everything for their faith. Most of these teen saints will be unfamiliar, but their stories of steadfast courage are all incredible. These teens all lost their lives at a young age through disease or violence, but there is so much we can learn from these brave young souls.

The teens featured are Saint Dominic Savio, Saint Teresa of the Andes, Saint Kizito, Blessed Chiara Luce Badano, Saint Stanislaus Kostka, Saint Alphonosa of the Immaculate Conception, Blessed Pedro Calungsod, and Saint Maria Goretti.

Each story features scripture verses, pictures, quotes, prayers, interesting facts, and recipes from different regions of the world. The thought-provoking discussion questions make this book perfect for group discussions or an inspiring gift.

Accidental Allies by Karina Bartow

What an enjoyable book! I always love a great detective story. And this one came with a refreshing main character who I was rooting for from the very first page. While the tension ran high, the mystery was intriguing and kept me guessing. It was also a very heart-warming story about a determined woman who had to overcome a lot of challenges. Great story!

Everybody’s experienced a rocky start to a new job, but few can top Minka Avery’s return to Orlando PD. After almost six years as a stay-at-home mom, Minka’s nervous but excited to sit at a detective’s desk again. Before she has a chance to break in her badge, however, her career resumes with a bang when someone bombs the county courthouse. With many disillusioned with the justice system, plenty of brow-raising suspects emerge right away. Minka and her new partner, Renee, follow several tips that lead to dead ends, until they zero in on the courthouse’s former security guard. Their attempts to apprehend him send the city and police department into chaos. Meanwhile, Minka contends with the lingering suspicion of another party being involved. Could his accomplice be closer than she thinks?

Women of Hope – Doctors of the Church by Terry Polakovic

If you are curious about the four female Saints that are also Doctors of the Church, you’ll want to get you hands on this book. You can discover why the Church has honored St. Therese of Liseaux, St. Theresa of Avila, St. Catherine of Siena, and St. Hildegard of Bigen with this distinction. These four amazing Saints used their unique gifts and talents to lead others to Christ. We can all learn so much from their faithfulness and wisdom.

 

 

Until next time, happy reading!

Welcome to Leslea’s April Update.

An online puzzle, news, and book reviews!

Each bimonthly update provides news about my writing, faith-based book recommendations for the whole family, and, to bring out your inner detective, I include an online puzzle.

Scroll down for all the details and this month’s book reviews.

 

Clues:

Curious about my next main character? Solve this puzzle to discover a few characteristics and the name of the leading lady in my newest teen novel which will be released in November. CLICK HERE!

 

News:

Quick Update:

• There’s not much to report – I’ve been busy working on the newest CTB anthology, a new picture book, and three teen novels.
• I recently did two virtual classroom visits with schools in Missouri.
• I’m thrilled that a diocese in PA chose my book, The Perfect Blindside, to read for their middle school literary fair. In a few weeks will be chatting online with the students about the book.

 

Character Introduction…Siena

Siena’s story, To Serve and Protect, can be found HERE.

 

eXtreme Sale!

My novel eXtreme Blindside is still on sale at Pauline Books and Media for $5.00! Don’t miss this exceptional price! CLICK HERE!

 

CTB News

Virtual Author Visits: CTB authors enjoy talking with schools and sharing our edifying books with students. For Catholic Schools Week, we reached out to schools and heard back from a few. The presentations have been a lot of fun. If you know any schools that might be interested, let them know about this fun opportunity, we will be happy to set something up. Contact us HERE.

 

Reviews

Saint Clare and Her Cat by Dessi Jackson

This cute picture book is a wonderful tool to introduce a child to an incredible saint—Saint Clare. Children are always drawn to stories about animals, and through the mischievous adventures of a sweet kitten, the reader learns a bit about Saint Clare, her work, and how she lived. Themes of friendship and loyalty weave the charming story together.

 

 

Gospel Time Trekkers: Shepherds to the Rescue by Maria Grace Dateno, FSP

Siblings Hannah, Noah, and Caleb think they’re going on a normal bike ride but somehow end up in ancient Bethlehem. When they meet a young shepherd boy, they embark on a most exciting adventure: tracking sheep, fending off wolves, and getting a first-hand account of the blessed night that changed the world.

The Gospel Time Trekkers is a series of six books by Sr. Maria Grace Dateno that brings some bible stories to life in a most exciting way.

Pictures of Me by Marilee Haynes

This is another amazing middle-grade book by Marilee Haynes. She has a knack for writing about those tumultuous years that surround middle-school. The characters are so relatable as they face struggles with their friendships and embarrassments that seem so prevalent as young people navigate those awkward changes from childhood to becoming a teenager.

Annie is at the end of her 5^th-grade year at her Catholic school. However, before moving on to 6^th grade, she must face her fears and stand before her class to share a presentation about herself. Despite her love of words, she feels completely unprepared to complete this last assignment. Add to the mix new, unexpected feelings for a boy and the horrible treatment of the so-called popular girls that every school seems to have to deal with, and you’ve got a book that everyone can relate to.

Acts of the Apostles: The Catholic Comic Book Bible by TAN Books

I’ve always been fascinated with the book of The Acts of the Apostles. Reading about how ordinary men were transformed and able to do extraordinary works is truly inspiring. So, when I saw this Comic Book edition by TAN Books, I was excited to check it out.

Adding the visual context really deepened the Biblical verses. Sadly, sometimes our minds can wander when we’re reading, but having these realistic illustrations helps the reader to stay focused and engaged in the words. The facial expressions of the apostles and the depictions of the clothing and historical elements brought the passages to life. I was especially fascinated with the maps of the region. We all know that Paul traveled extensively to share the word of Christ. But seeing his route on the map added a new layer to that knowledge.

This book would make a fantastic Confirmation gift or just a way to deepen your child’s faith. I wish it had been around when my kids were teens.

Highway of the Heart by Maddie Evans

This was a unique story about a wandering teen, drifting from one town to the next, enjoying life but also running from her past. When Casey finds herself getting drawn into the lives of the residents of Sweet Grove, Texas, she realizes she’s become more attached than she expected. That is certainly not one of her Rules for the Road.

This was a quick read, and I liked how the author wove together the themes of family, faith, selflessness, and friendship. This story highlights how God leads certain people into our lives at just the right moment, providing what we need and ultimately leading us closer to Him.

Casey might have just been passing through town. But thanks to Sweet Grove’s quirky characters, good-hearted folks, and welcoming neighbors—smart, spunky Casey didn’t stand a chance.

The only drawback to this story is that it is only available as an ebook.

Code Name Edelweiss by Stephanie Landsem

I have enjoyed many of Stephanie Landsem’s novels, so I was excited to read this one. It has so many elements that I found fascinating, and it certainly did not disappoint.

I love the old movie classics but never thought much about how the Golden Age of Hollywood occurred during a very dark time in history. The glitz and the glamour of Hollywood were happening as unrest unfolded overseas and everyday Americans struggled financially here at home. I suppose it makes sense that during this tumultuous time, people were happy to escape from reality and be swept away into a different world.

Code Name Edelweiss is about a female Hollywood insider who is asked to be a spy and uncover a dark underworld. I had no idea that some of the Hollywood giants of the time were antisemites and Nazi sympathizers—absolutely eye-opening. This is why I adore historical fiction; we can learn so much about the past through captivating stories. Add a faith element to that, and you’ve got an amazing book.

A Book of Saints for Catholic Moms by Lisa Hendey

This is such a special book for Moms. It highlights many different saints with stories from their lives that can inspire us today. I read this book several years ago but have dusted it off to enjoy it once again.

The book is divided into 52 sections, so you can learn about a different saint each week. Not only does Hendey share about the special Holy person, but she also includes lessons we can learn from each saint. There are even Bible verses to pray and reflect on for each day of the week, as well as a special prayer for your family, things to ponder, and activities to help you grow in your faith.

This would make a fabulous gift for a special mother in your life. Don’t forget—Mother’s Day is coming soon! 😊

 

Until next time, happy reading!

 

Welcome to Leslea’s December update.

An online puzzle and giveaway, news, tips, and book reviews!

Each bimonthly update provides news about my writing, faith-based book recommendations for the whole family, and, to bring out your inner detective, I include an online puzzle.

 

CLUES:

This month’s game is not book related. This quiz gives you some clues to my favorite Christmas movies. Think you can match the lines to the movie? Send me your results and I’ll send you a pdf copy of Christmas Angel, my short story from the CatholicTeenBooks.com anthology Gifts: Visible & Invisible. Click HERE to play.

NEWS

1.Quick Writing Update

I recently shared about Charting the Course with an online book club. It was such a fun experience. If you know of a bookclub that might enjoy any of my books, I’d be happy to join the discussion!

I had an amazing opportunity to chat with Andrea Bear and Jennifer Thomas on their new podcast Mourning Glory. This beautiful podcast deals with grief from a faith perspective. I shared about the recent loss of my parents and how writing has been helping me through the grieving process. The episode will air in January. I will share the details on my Facebook and Instagram pages.

2. Introducing… Meg:

Meg is a character featured in my short story Christmas Angel. It is available HERE, or can be found in the CatholicTeenBooks anthology, Gifts: Visible & Invisible.

 

3. Giveaway and Upcoming Sale

I’ve joined a few giveaways though Booksweeps. eXtreme Blindside joins 47 other books as part of this amazing giveaway, Holiday Spirit: Inspirational Fiction & Non Fiction! For more information, click HERE.

You can watch for the information on the other giveaways on my Facebook and Instagram pages.

Also, my publisher, Vinspire, will be running sales through Smashwords, starting December 15^th. Again, when it becomes available, I will share the sales links on my social media pages.

4. CatholicTeenBooks News

The CatholicTeenBooks anthology, Gifts: Visible and Invisible is now on sale at Amazon. Or you can order the gift pack HERE.

 

Book Match: Take our book match quiz and we’ll match you up with some fantastic book choices!

Annual Collective Story: Last year, I joined fellow CTB authors Antony B. Kolenc, Corinna Turner, and Carolyn Astfalk to create a unique story for the Reading with Kids Podcast. Author Antony B. Kolenc started the story off and each of us added a new section. Except for the final author, we didn’t know the whole story until we recorded it for the podcast which aired on Christmas morning. The Collective Christmas story followed in the path of the Dicken’s classic A Christmas Carol, with a CatholicTeenBooks twist.

We are currently working on this year’s edition. I haven’t seen the story yet but can’t wait to see what the other authors have created. The episode will air on Christmas Day on the Reading with Your Kids Podcast with Jedlie.

Watch my Facebook and Instagram pages for the release of this story, hopefully in the next few days.

5. Favorite Writing Tips

For fellow writers, here are a few writing tips that friends have shared with me.

 

REVIEWS:

Molly McBride and the Christmas Pageant by Jean Schoonover-Egolf

Kindergartener Molly McBride is so excited about Christmas and most especially the Christmas Pageant. When Molly’s innocent enthusiasm causes some problems, she learns a lesson in obedience. The Molly McBride books are fun stories with engaging illustrations and wonderful messages.

 

 

Margaret’s Night in Saint Peters by Jon M. Sweeney

Margaret is the Pope’s cat. There are several books about her adventures living in the Vatican. This story focuses on the events leading up to Christmas Mass. Margaret is overwhelmed by all the people roaming about the Vatican. Her natural curiosity piques at all the commotion and may just get her into some trouble. This is a cute book for kids that also tells a lot about the Vatican, St. Peters Basilica, and traditions of the Church.

 

The Crazy Christmas Angel Mystery by Beverly Lewis

This is the third book in the Cul-de-sac Kids series about a group of friends and neighbors. I have not read the previous books but was intrigued by the description.

When a new neighbor moves to the cul-de-sac, Eric begins noticing some strange happenings at the house. Determined to figure out the mystery, he enlists the help of his friends to do a little spying. This is a cute chapter book that shares some wonderful messages with children such as welcoming strangers, not jumping to conclusions, and with-holding judgment.

All I want for Christmas is the Girl Next Door by Chelsea Bobulski

Wow, was this book a delightful surprise. From the title, I thought it sounded like a cute rom-com Christmas book for teens. And while it certainly was that, it was also so much more. From the beginning, it seemed obvious where the plot was going, but I was thrilled that the storyline took me on a wild, sleigh-ride. This story about Graham and his unrequited love for Sarah Clark, was brimming with romance, witty dialogue, and cozy Christmas vibes. Add a sprinkling of faith, a dose of heartbreak, a sweet-as-candy-cane plot twist, and a deeply moving surprise, and you’ve got yourself a book that was impossible to set aside.

The Christmas Watch by Erynn Mangum

This is a cute ebook novella full of romance, family, and recognizing where God is leading you. If you enjoy sweet Christmas romances, this faith-based short story is one that will get you in the Christmas spirit.

 

 

 

Drinking with Saint Nick by Michael P. Foley

I haven’t tried all the drinks in this book, but my husband and I enjoyed a few of the cocktails in the original Drinking with the Saints book. This edition is set up as an advent book with stories about St. Nicholas and other saints. Different drinks are matched with the various saints, not only do you get to find out a bit about them on their feast day but you get a fun cocktail recipe. Also included in this book are toasts and blessings are included, as well as punch recipes for the younger family members.

 

Until next time, happy reading and Merry Christmas!

 

Welcome to Leslea’s October update.

An online puzzle and giveaway, news, tips, and book reviews!

Each bimonthly update provides news about my writing, faith-based book recommendations for the whole family, and, to bring out your inner detective, I include an online puzzle.

 

 

Clues:

This month’s puzzle is a difficult one. Anyone up for the challenge?

Solve the cryptogram to discover the catalyst for Eve’s search for hidden gold around the monuments of Washington DC. Send me your results and I’ll send you one of my books—your choice!

Click HERE to find this month’s puzzle.

 

 

 

News:

1. Quick Writing Update

• Into the Spotlight has won a Readers Favorite Award!
• September found me busy working on Blindside #3.
• I’m excited to be taking a picture book class starting this month to polish up a picture book that I’ve been working on for quite a while. This book will be a special tribute to my Mom who passed away almost a year ago.
• And during the month of November, I’ll once again be participating in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month), as I work on the third novel in my Finding Faith series.

 

2. Introducing… Eve:

 

3. CatholicTeenBooks.com News

Catholic Teen Books has a new member! Author Sarah Robsdottir has joined our team!

Girls are disappearing on their way to the spring…

Will fear stop Talitha, the sole water gatherer for her hut, from searching for her friend—even if it means scaling the walls of the mine owners’ compound, where locals are shot on sight?

And will terror block Moses’ path—or can this teenage hunter battle an underground human trafficking ring with ties to the cities on the other side of Great Mountain?

Join Talitha and Moses on their journey, one marked with violent drug lords, crippling jealousy, blinding anger, but also…tremendous beauty. And, the flutters of first love.

 

4. Favorite Writing Tips

 

Reviews

Arthur the Clumsy Altar Server by Theresa Kiser

This is an adorable picture book about a boy who longs to serve the Church as an altar server. The only problem is that Arthur is extremely clumsy. What would happen if he messed up this important job? Children will enjoy the engaging illustrations and mishaps of young Arthur, but will also learn that no matter our faults we can serve the Lord with joyful hearts. I was happy to see that clumsy Arthur has more adventures available.

 

 

Prince Martin Wins His Sword by Brandon Hale

This is a rhyming chapter book about a young prince who longs to have a sword of his own. However, before he can earn his sword, he must learn a lesson about doing the right thing. This is a cute story with some wonderful messages of values and integrity.

 

 

 

Crossbows and Crucifixes by Henry Garnett

This historical fiction for middle-grade students and older focuses on the persecution of Catholics in England during the late 1500s. The book follows fifteen-year-old Nicholas Thorpe as he is thrust from his idyllic youth into the perilous dangers of adulthood when he discovers the truth about what is happening to those of the Catholic faith. This devastating period in history is brought to life through this exciting adventure.

The political intricacies and various royal figures involved can make this a confusing era to understand, but the author does a good job of providing enough facts for those who may want to research the topic further and keeping it simple enough so the story is not lost in the complexity of the warring factions.

Nicholas’ story flowed nicely through the colorful characters and enticing descriptions of the English countryside. The violence against Catholics was horrific to read about, but the author expertly brought the travesties to light without graphic detail, making this book appropriate for middle-grade readers.

 

I Am in Here by Creston Mapes

This suspenseful Christian drama is told from two perspectives, teenager Hale and his father. Hale is a unique, unforgettable character whose very existence adds to the emotional intensity of this book. You see, Hale is unable to speak or move and many around him believe his brain is so damaged that he is unaware of everything around him. But they are wrong. Hale sees and understands everything but is unable to communicate with anyone.

A series of tragic events has led to Hale’s family’s financial and spiritual ruin. When the shady men that Hale’s father has borrowed money from to pay the insurmountable medical bills, demand full payment, Hale’s dad panics and concocts a plan that puts his whole family into further danger. Hale is the only one who understands the levels of peril that are closing in on the family. If he could only let them know.

This book was quite intense. I listened to it in one sitting as I was on a long drive. And I was so glad because I was riveted to the story as Hale’s father made one mistake after another and my frustration continued to build as Hale desperately tried to communicate. This was a unique story and the various aspects of the story will stay with me for quite a while.

 

Royal and Ancient by Amanda Lauer

Lauer has done a masterful job of intertwining romance, intrigue, history, and faith into her new epic story. The premise is intriguing – a modern teen is somehow mysteriously transported back to Scotland in the 1600’s. YA historical romance and Amanda Lauer have always been a winning combination. But add an element of time-travel and suddenly this want-to-read book becomes an immediate must-read.

When modern-teen Bronwyn gains consciousness on the golf course, she has no idea her life is about to change in the most dramatic way possible. What does a girl do when she finds herself in a foreign country, hundreds of years in the past? Luckily the handsome Iain and his loving family come to the rescue as she tries to decipher what happened to her and why. Is God calling her to somehow change history? Did she have to travel to a different century to find the love of her life? Or was this unusual event meant to deepen her faith?

The story of Bronwyn and Iain is a true page-turner. The characters are fabulous – Bronwyn’s thoughts had me laughing. And Iain, well what’s there not to like about the Scottish hunk with a heart of gold? I especially loved how Bronwyn grows in her faith through the story. While she doesn’t know why she’s suddenly in this unbelievable predicament, she believes God has put her there for some reason.

The story has all the elements that I love in a story – romance, humor, mystery, great characters, and intrigue. Join Bronwyn in this fascinating story as she navigates sixteenth century Scotland, clan turmoil, family drama, and her growing feelings for the handsome Scottish man who saved her life.

 

The Fifth Avenue Story Society by Rachael Hauck

This book was recommended to me and I’m glad I picked it up. The story begins when five New Yorkers, Jett, Lexa, Coral, Chuck, and Ed, all receive a mysterious note to join the Fifth Avenue Story Society. Intrigue makes them show up but their growing friendships keep them attending.

The chapters follow each member as we get to know them and the difficulties that they each are facing. It took me a little while to get into but soon I was engaged in the characters lives and curious as to who brought them together in the first place.

Each of the characters’ storylines are intriguing and contain some twists that I didn’t anticipate. While this book had some amazing romance, there was a lot of depth to it that I’d hate to pigeon-hole it into that one category. This is a story of redemption, second chances, answered prayers.

 

My Queen, My Mother by Marge Fenelon

This book is a beautiful living novena to Our Blessed Mother Mary. With each chapter, the reader travels to a different American Marian shrine to learn new spiritual insights. I love that his book combines faith and travel as the author relays some awe-inspiring stories, meaningful devotions, and places to add to your travel destination wish list.

 

 

Until next time, happy reading!

 

Welcome to Leslea’s August update.

A new short story, a giveaway, an online puzzle, news, tips, and book reviews!

Each bimonthly update provides news about my writing, faith-based book recommendations for the whole family, and, to bring out your inner detective, once in a while I include an online game or puzzle.

 

Scroll down for all the details and this month’s book reviews. But first, for your inner detective…

 

Clues:

As you probably know, I like to include my pets in my stories. Let’s see how well you know my books and see if you can match the book title with the dog that appears in that story. If you play along and share your results with me, I’ll send you a copy of my newest short story – The Master Plan. Play HERE!

 

News:

1. Quick Update

The Master Plan is now available! This is the 4^th short story in my all for One series which features the main characters from The Perfect Blindside and Into the Spotlight.

 

This weekend I’ll be attending the Catholic Family Midwest Conference in Wichita, KS. This year, I’ll not only have Catholic Teen Books available, but I’ll have a selection of children’s books as well! If you attend, please stop by my booth to say hello!

 

A few weeks ago, I had a great time meeting new folks at the Rocky Mountain Catholic Homeschoolers Conference. If you know of any groups that may be interested in learning more about faith-based fiction for teens, let me know!

 

2. Giveaway

Things don’t always go smoothly – and that has definitely been the case for my newest book, Charting the Course. But one of the complications could work to your benefit! The book was originally printed with a mistake on the cover. My publisher has graciously set up a contest. If you haven’t yet purchased a copy of this fun adventure, you could try your luck at winning one. Enter HERE!

 

3. Introducing… Sophie!

It’s hard to believe but it has been 8 years this month since The Perfect Blindside was released.

 

4. Favorite Writing Tips

 

 

Reviews:

Seven Clues: A Catholic Treasure Hunt by Scott Hahn

This is an engaging story about siblings who receive a mysterious package with clues to decipher. As they unravel the riddles, they discover some mysterious truths about the Bible, specifically the Book of Revelations. Author Scott Hahn is a world-renowned scholar when it comes to the oftentimes-confusing last book of the Bible. In this picture book, Hahn brings his knowledge and wisdom to children and makes the mysteries of Revelations come to life. What a beautiful story for the whole family to enjoy and learn from.

 

115 Saintly Fun Facts by Bernadette McCarver Snyder

This is a fantastic book for learning more about some incredible saints. The sections are short, just a few paragraphs, and, as the title states, full of fun facts. After each saint’s story, there is a little challenge for kids to incorporate into their day, encouraging them to think more about what they just read. I think this would be fabulous book to read as a family each morning, and then at dinner, each family member could tell how they used those suggestions to act a bit more saintly that day.

 

The Door to the Dragon’s Throat by Frank Peretti

The Door to the Dragon’s Throat is an exciting, suspenseful, and at times, scary adventure about a family of scientists. The Door to the Dragon’s Throat is the first book in The Cooper Kids Adventure series. Dr. Cooper is a well-known archeologist who is called when others fail to understand an unexplained event. Ever since his wife died, his children, Jay and Lila, accompany him on each mission.

While the children in this story are middle-school age, the book might not be appropriate for that age-group due to the subject matter and the level of intensity. This story deals with demons that are trying to break free from their captivity to bring destruction to the earth. This obviously might be something that parents would not want their children to read. Each family will need to make that determination on their own.

There is a very strong Christian message that flows throughout the book. I loved that the main characters never worried about what they might find during their dangerous quest. They knew that their God was mightier than anything they might encounter. This strong faith was a wonderful part of this quick, adventurous read.

Author Frank Peretti is a well-known Evangelical Christian author. I’ve read one other book of his that was written for adults, so was curious when I saw that he had written a series for teens. I already knew he was a terrific storyteller but didn’t know he was such a fabulous story-reader. As the narrator of the audio version of this book, he really brought the story to life. I personally think his narration might have been my favorite part of the story.

 

Samantha Sanderson at the Movies by Robin Caroll

This is the first book in a fun series about a middle-school investigative reporter. Samantha longs to follow the career path of her journalist mother while also greatly admiring her detective father. When Sam discovers a bomb at the local movie theater, she jumps at the chance to cover the story for her school’s journalism class blog. While Samantha tries to use the skills and techniques that her mom has taught her over the years, she increasingly makes her dad’s job more difficult.

Sam soon discovers that navigating the challenges of middle school, friendships, cute boys, and tensions at home becomes even more difficult when you’re attempting to prove your journalistic skills and solve an important case. But if anyone can do it, Samantha Sanderson can.

I thoroughly enjoyed the story, the underlying messages, and the supporting characters. I especially loved how Samantha’s strong faith kept her grounded and focused on what was important—at least most of the time.

 

Power Priests by Greg Hendry

What a wonderful book! I thoroughly enjoyed learning about these twelve Holy men who answered God’s call to the priesthood. Most of these individuals are modern-day priests, but there are a few intriguing stories from previous decades as well. This book is highly recommended for teens, whether they have an interest in religious life or not. The true stories of these dedicated servants are inspiring for anyone.

 

 

Murder in the Vatican: The Church Mysteries of Sherlock Holmes by Ann Margaret Lewis

For those who enjoy Sherlock Holmes mysteries – this collection of three short stories is for you! I’ve always been a huge fan of mysteries, so this book was great fun to read. I enjoyed following Holmes and Watson as they worked several cases alongside the inquisitive Pope Leo. The mysteries kept me guessing, and the historical details brought the story to life. The author also has written The Watson Chronicles, which sounds equally intriguing.

 

 

Heaven-Sent Miracles and Rescues by Andrea Jo Rodgers

Andrea Jo Rodgers’ Heaven-Sent Miracles and Rescues is an amazing collection of inspiring short stories. I’ve also enjoyed her other books in this collection of true encounters from her years as an EMT. The miracles she has witnessed through her years of volunteer service are truly incredible.

I love the unique way in which the author shares these stories, partially told from the victim’s viewpoint, as well as her own. This style gives the reader a little glimpse into the patient’s life, providing a connection with these strangers. She also does an excellent job of explaining medical terms so that anyone can understand the various circumstances.

Andrea Jo Rodgers’ caring heart and years of dedicated service are such a blessing to her community and through these stories—to us. Her books offer inspiration, practical advice for emergency situations, and astounding moments of faith when she witnessed the hand of God. What a beautiful collection of books.

 

Until next time, happy reading!

Welcome to Leslea’s June update.

 

A new release, a giveaway, an online puzzle, news, tips, and book reviews!

Each bimonthly update provides news about my writing, faith-based book recommendations for the whole family, and, to bring out your inner detective, once in a while I include an online game or puzzle.

Scroll down for all the details and this month’s book reviews. But first, for your inner detective…

 

Clues:

To discover more clues about my new book, Charting the Course, solve this puzzle.

 

News:

1. Quick Update

New Release! In two weeks, my newest book will be released! Charting the Course is the second book in my Finding Faith series. This is a fun adventure that is set on a cruise ship which will make a perfect summer read. The main character had a small role in my novel, Into the Spotlight (formerly An Unexpected Role). Liz is the best friend of Josie and was also featured in the short story, Finishing the Journey, which was featured in the CatholicTeenBooks anthology, Ashes: Visible & Invisible. Charting the Course is available for preorder HERE or you can join the giveaway for a chance to win the book (details below).

Catholic Family Conference! I will once again be attending the Catholic Family Midwest Conference. This amazing event takes place the first weekend in August in Wichita, KS. This year, I’ll not only have Catholic Teen Books available, but I’ll have a selection of children’s books and some faith-based recommendations for adults as well! If you attend, please stop by my booth to say hello!

2. Introducing… Liz!

3. Giveaway!

You can enter HERE for a chance to win the prize pack. Signed copies of Charting the Course, Into the Spotlight, and Where You Lead. I’m also giving away a rosary bracelet, a prayer journal designed by CTB author Susan Peek, an inspirational t-shirt from Christian Oasis Apparel, a bookmark, a custom soap, and an inspirational magnet.

You also can help me name the lead character in the third book of the Finding Faith series. Whoever suggests a name that resonates with me will be acknowledged when the book is released. Your suggestions can be added to the Giveaway signup or feel free to message me!

 

4. CatholicTeenBooks News

Faith Through Fiction is back!

CatholicTeenBooks has started a new season of Faith Through Fiction videos! In each video, CatholicTeenBooks author T.M. Gaouette and I, along with a featured author, discuss topics relevant to today’s teens and offer book suggestions related to the issue. The first episode can be found HERE.

Summer Reading Ideas!

Looking for a fun way to enhance your reading this summer? Check out these two CatholicTeenBooks ideas!

Summer Reading Bingo!

CatholicTeenBooks Road Trip!

 

 

Reviews:

I Am God’s Storyteller by Lisa Hendey

I am a huge fan of Lisa Hendey so was naturally curious about this book. Wow – what a beautiful encouragement for children that they have the power to use their own gifts and talents to share about God’s love. This is something that I have believed for a long time, that we are to use our talents to lead others to Jesus. Lisa does an incredible job of sharing this message with children. The illustrations are so sweet, and the story delivers an important reminder for all, that we all have a role in sharing God’s story to others.

Adventures with the Saints #1 Saint Joseph: The Foster-Father Saint by Maria Riley

This is a delightful chapter book series that will introduce children to various saints. In this first book, we are introduced to Joshua and his new foster siblings, Luke and Becca. The three siblings have a unique experience that takes them to meet Saint Joseph, which provides them with answers to their questions regarding foster families. Readers will not only learn about foster care, but about this incredible saint as well.

 

Back to the Bright Before by Katherin Nolte

When a tragic accident causes eleven-year-old Perpetua (Pet) Martin’s family to fall apart, she decides to take matters into her own hands. The Martin family was once a happy, loving family, but one event changed everything. Pet’s father is now unable to provide for the family, her mother, who can no longer stay at home, is constantly exhausted from working as many hours as possible, her brother has stopped speaking—except for the word “cheese,” and Pet feels responsible for it all.

Determined to make things right, Pet sets out with her brother, a horse, and a chicken, in search of a hidden treasure. They face many challenges along the way, including becoming lost in the woods, fending off the brute who is also searching for the treasure, and each sustaining injuries. Through the experience, Pet discovers that they are never alone as they are helped along the way by some very special heavenly helpers.

This was a very enjoyable story, full of adventure, humor, and elements of fantasy and faith. I appreciated the main character’s fierce love for her family. The way she cared for her parents and her brother was so sweet. I also liked her feisty spirit as she refused to feel sorry for herself or become angry at her situation. Instead, Pet was determined to make her family whole once again.

This book for older elementary students is filled with quirky characters and brims with beautiful messages about the importance of family, love, and prayer. Back to the Bright Before is a brand-new release that is available for preorder now.

Brave Water by Sarah Robsdottir

Brave Water is a moving tale about a single day in the life of a teenage girl from a remote African village. This book highlights many difficult topics that sadly are daily struggles for many people around the world. This unique story is told through multiple viewpoints, as well as numerous flashbacks, but mainly unfolds from Talitha’s point of view. During her long daily trek to the only fresh water source for her village, Talitha experiences a day that completely alters her life.

In this one story the author skillfully highlights the life-saving importance of clean drinking water, the horrors of human trafficking, the vital yet dangerous role of Christian missionaries, the brutality and corruption of wealthy mine owners, heart-breaking poverty, and the beautifully rich culture of an African village.

Living in an abundance of food, water, and medicine, it can be easy to forget that there are still places in this world that have none of that. The author has created an intriguing story that doesn’t shy away from these difficult topics but addresses them in a sensitive way at a teen level. Brave Water is a gripping story about redemption, forgiveness, love, and faith that will stay with you for a very long time.

Charting the Course by Leslea Wahl

A ten-day Caribbean cruise might sound like a fabulous way to spend the holidays, but Liz would rather be anywhere than stranded on a ship with her estranged father for his high school reunion. While an anonymous note, an onboard mystery, and a cute boy help turn the tide on the unwanted trip, Liz and her father drift even further apart. However, when Liz’s reckless actions create a tsunami of unintended consequences, she recognizes that she’s drowning in pent-up hurt and anger. As her carefully created façade begins to ebb away, she turns to her faith and sets off to chart a new course for her life.

Set amid the beauty of the Caribbean islands, Charting the Course delves into the topics of fractured families, generational high-school dramas, taking responsibility for your actions, and focusing on faith to keep us anchored. The twists and turns in this high-seas adventure will keep the reader bracing for the next wave of intrigue.

Sea Glass Cottage by Irene Hannon

This book is part of Irene Hannon’s Hope Harbor series. As with another one of her series that I had read, it doesn’t seem to matter which book you read first. Each novel is from a different character’s perspective, with a unique storyline. While some of the characters from previous stories make appearances, leaving you with the feeling of visiting an old friend, she provides the perfect amount of background information.

The setting of this series is simply wonderful—a seaside town on the west coast, full of kind, thoughtful people and small-town charm. Who wouldn’t want to spend time in Hope Harbor? Hannon is an exceptional storyteller and I love how she seamlessly incorporates elements of faith into her storylines.

Sea Glass Cottage is about Hope Harbor resident Jack Colby. Jack is quite content with the life he has made for himself—until she shows up. Christy Reece. A woman from his past. A woman he has spent years trying to get over. Has she changed, as she claims, or is her sudden appearance going to put his newfound happiness in jeopardy?

Encountering Signs of Faith by Allison Gingras

This was one of my Lenten reads this year. What a wonderful book, full of great insights into Saints and sacramentals. I’ve known Allison for a few years but didn’t know all of her story. Understanding her faith and determination to answer a call from God is beautiful. I also enjoyed the practical tips and faith-deepening ideas she provides. I highly recommend this insightful book to help you understand the incredible tools that the church has given us to grow in our faith.

 

Until next time, happy reading!

Welcome to Leslea’s April Update.

A cover reveal, a giveaway, an online puzzle, news, tips, and book reviews!

Each bimonthly update provides news about my writing, faith-based book recommendations for the whole family, and, to bring out your inner detective, an online game or puzzle.

 

 

Scroll down for all the details and this month’s book reviews.

 

News:

Quick Update

New Release: The 4^th short story in my all for One series, The Master Plan, will be released in the next few weeks! Watch my social media posts for updates.

Cover Reveal: I have a new book coming in June – Charting the Course. I’ll be rolling out the cover reveal over the next few weeks, but I’d love to show you the new cover right now! Click HERE!

Current Project: I’ve been working on Blindside 3! It has been so fun to get back to Jake and Sophie’s story. However, the process is time-consuming, so it will take quite some time until it is released. I will keep you posted on any progress.

Newsletter Features: I have a few new features that I’m adding to my newsletter. Besides my own writing updates and the exciting happenings over at CatholicTeenBooks.com, I thought I’d start highlighting my various characters, sharing my favorite writing tips, and offering a sale or giveaway.

 

Join the Giveaway

Where You Lead is part of a huge giveaway of different Christian books. You can enter this amazing giveaway HERE.

 

Character Introduction

 

CatholicTeenBooks News

Did you know that twice a month CTB shares inspiring posts? In February, I wrote about my experience with relics. You can check out all the articles HERE. 

 

Writing Tip

I often am asked for writing tips, so I thought I’d start including a section with tips I’ve learned over the years or ones author friends of mine have shared with me. Here’s one shared by a friend:

“Write the book you want/need to read. That way, even if it doesn’t sell, at least you’ll have enjoyed the process.” 😉 

 

Clues:

Today’s puzzle is a word search. See how quickly you can locate all of Josie’s musicals. HERE 

 

Reviews:

Animals of God by Susan Peek

What a precious book! I’ve long been a fan of Susan Peek’s Saint novels for teens, but have also discovered that she has several delightful books for younger children as well. Animals of God shares some fascinating yet true, miraculous stories involving animals. This book is sure to delight and captivate the whole family.

Chime Travelers by Lisa Hendey

This series is a delightful set of chapter books about time-traveling kids who discover different Saints through their various adventures while learning lessons they can apply to their own lives. These fun stories are excellent ways for kids to learn more about their Catholic faith and various Saints.

Saving the Statue of Liberty by Andrea Jo Rodgers

The kids from St. Michael the Archangel Academy are on to their next mission – saving The Statue of Liberty. These books by Andrea Jo Rodgers are such a delight and are perfect for older elementary students. I love the adventure, the friendships, the patriotism, and the bits of history that surround these fun stories. Through some fantastical unknown ways, the kids of Team Liberty are able to transport to historical monuments and save them from the mischievous and villainous ways of Team Mischief.

The Baker’s Daughter by D.P. Cornelius

The Baker’s Daughter is a historical fiction novel for teens. Set in Germany during World War II, the horrors of the time are explored through the eyes of a good Christian family trying their best to survive during the hateful regime of their government. While I felt that parts were unrealistic, it was a clean, thought-provoking story that offered many great discussion questions.

Liddy is intrigued by Marek, the young man who comes to work at her family’s bakery. As she gets to know him, she discovers an intriguing world that she didn’t know existed. As the war progresses and dangers increase, a German officer begins frequenting the bakery. Soon the family must face some difficult moral decisions. Secrets, faith, and history make this book an interesting one.

I did love the mention of Saint Maximillian Kolbe. That was a wonderful touch of history that was very touching and hopefully will bring others to be aware of that incredible Saint.

Heart’s Relief by Ruth Apollonio

Heart’s Relief is the second book in the Annabelle of Anchony series by Ruth Apollonio. What a joy to reconnect with the memorable characters from the first book. I also enjoyed getting to know Annabelle’s family as this new, intriguing adventure unfolded. While the story is thoroughly engaging, what truly sets this fantasy series apart is Apollonio’s poetic writing style.

In A Far Off Land by Stephanie Landsem

The moment I heard about this book, I was entranced. First of all, it’s written by one of my favorite historical fiction authors, Stephanie Landsem. Second, it’s also a rough retelling of a parable that has always really made me think—the prodigal son. And third, it is set in 1930s Hollywood—I’ve always had a bit of a fascination with the golden age of movies. I just knew those three elements would make a winning combination—and I was right.

Landsem has a knack for creating fascinating characters, and in this novel, she has them interacting with actual historical figures, which makes for some intriguing scenes. The three main characters, Mina, Max, and Oscar, were all so well thought out and presented. While they all had their issues, I couldn’t help rooting for each of them. Add the fabulous supporting characters, heart-breaking backstories, captivating historical elements, and a mysterious who-dunnit, and you’ve got a novel that is nearly impossible to set aside.

The Art of Living: The Cardinal Virtues and the Freedom to Love by Edward Sri

If you haven’t discovered biblical scholar Dr. Edward Sri yet, this book would be a great one to check out. Over the years, I’ve enjoyed his biblical insights and relatable writing style through various books and Bible studies. In this book, Dr. Sri explains the Cardinal Virtues in a new, fresh way and gives examples and practical ways that we can incorporate them into our daily lives.

 

Until next time – happy reading!

Welcome to Leslea’s February edition of

Each bimonthly update provides news about my writing, faith-based book recommendations for the whole family, and, to bring out your inner detective, I sometimes include an online game or puzzle.

Scroll down for all the details and this month’s book reviews.

 

February News!

New Release! Ashes: Visible and Invisible 

Ashes: Visible & Invisible is now available! This special collection of short stories by CatholicTeenBooks authors will both entertain young readers and invite them into a deeper understanding of Lent and their faith. Continue scrolling for more information.

Click to watch the Book Trailer:

 

Click to join the Giveaway:

 

Meet Liz

My story in this anthology features Liz, who is the main character in my upcoming release, Charting the Course. She also happens to be the best friend of my character Josie, from Into the Spotlight and my all for One series. 

As an adult convert to Catholicism, I’ve always been impressed with teens who make the decision to go through the RCIA program to join the Church. Their dedication and commitment is inspiring. For this story, I thought it would be fun to explore that idea, and Liz proved to be the perfect character to use.

 

A Special Tribute to my father

But, there is another reason my contribution to this anthology is special to me.

While I was writing this story, my father was very sick—in the last stages of life. He had always been a huge supporter of my writing—eagerly reading my stories as soon as they came out and sharing them with his friends. Making him a character in this story seemed like a wonderful way to honor him. He was not able to see this story in print, but I was able to share it with him. I hope you will enjoy a glimpse into the life of a very special man. 

My Interview with Allison Gingras about Ashes

 

 

Reviews:

Virtue Heroes series by Cathy Gilmore

This adorable series of picture books features Bible stories told from the perspectives of animals. For instance, a little mouse tells Mary’s story in A Mouse and a Miracle, and the birth of Christ is told through the eyes of  Amel the Camel in Wisdom Finds a Way. The adorable illustrations will delight the youngest members of the family as they learn virtues and Biblical stories.

Miraculous!: Catholic Mysteries for Kids by Kathryn Griffin Swegart

This book by Kathryn Griffin Swegart is a true gem for the whole family. While it is written for children, it is full of true miraculous stories that everyone will find fascinating.

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 fascinating details about the Catholic faith that permeate her work. Through her children and teen books, readers will discover fascinating stories about incredible faithful servants.

The Secret Tomb by Sophie de Mullenheim

This middle-grade book is part of the In the Shadows of Rome series published by Ignatius Press. I had not read any of the previous books before reading this novel and was easily able to understand the characters and the storyline. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am now quite curious about the other books in the series.

Titus and Maximus are young teen boys living in ancient Rome. They’ve shared numerous adventures together, but nothing has prepared them for this latest quest. They live in a very precarious time—the Roman Emperor is governing with an iron fist, dissenters are not tolerated, and Christians are being hunted down and persecuted. As youngsters, life has been fairly easy for these friends, but as they near adulthood, much is now expected of them.

Life suddenly changes drastically for Titus when his father decides that it is time for his son to become a man. After an elaborate ceremony to mark the life change, Titus must now wear the garments of a man and is expected to put his childhood games and friendships behind him. What he doesn’t expect is that his father has paired him up with a Roman police officer to help toughen him up. While this is the last thing that Titus wants, he knows he cannot disappoint his father and works hard, using his unique skills to impress his mentor.

Meanwhile, Maximus is facing his own problems. He is harboring a deadly secret that must remain hidden—he has become a follower of Christ. Danger grows as the secret Christian community is being targeted and persecuted. As scared as he is, Maximus cannot deny his newfound beliefs. When Maximus is tasked with a most precarious mission, he finds himself in even more danger. With his slave and friend, Aghiles, at his side, he embarks on a search to find where Saint Peter has been buried to protect the great Apostle’s remains from being destroyed. Little does Maximus know that Titus has also been tasked with the same mission but for very different reasons.

This book was a great read, fast-paced and full of excitement. While I haven’t read the previous books, I do feel this would be a fantastic series for young teens. Set in ancient Rome, the reader will learn about the early church and what Roman society was like during that time through the adventures of these likable characters. This series is definitely one to check out!

Ashes: Visible & Invisible by CatholicTeenBooks Leslea Wahl, Cynthia T. Toney, Marie Keiser, Carolyn Astfalk, Amanda Lauer, Ellen Gable, Corinna Turner, Antony B. Kolenc, T. M. Gaouette, Theresa Linden

A boy in ancient Israel, a girl in modern-day America, a young man in the far future; a dozen teenagers in different settings. What do they all have in common? Each of these otherwise unrelated young people is presented with a choice, the same choice that every teen must make at some point in their lives: God or self. Sacrifice or selfishness.

Some characters in this anthology risk being eaten by dinosaurs, others must simply rise to a new level of maturity in their everyday life, while some must choose a higher level of generosity. The stakes may vary but each character learns a valuable lesson about sacrifice as they grow in their faith.

Lent is a beautiful liturgical season that is sadly, often misunderstood. Too often, young people feel it’s just “the time where you must give something up” but it can be so much more. Lent should be a liturgically rich season of walking with Christ, even as he approaches Calvary. The authors at CatholicTeenBooks wanted to explore some of the variety this season offers and make it more attractive and understandable to teens.

Here’s a little snippet about each story.

• When Liz’s faith journey hits a roadblock, will an unexpected detour and chance encounter set her back on track?
• A teen’s future was all set—before his tragic loss. But his friend’s secret past just might save it.
• Justin’s religion is outlawed. When an unbeliever asks him about the meaning of life, what can he say?
• Could God be asking Paul to sacrifice a piece of himself for Lent—literally?
• A modern American teen discovers what faith, life and love are like in seventeenth-century Scotland.
• Asher’s desire to prepare for the Messiah intensifies after he’s robbed by bandits but would fighting alongside the Zealots be the best way?
• When a risky Ash Wednesday mission to sterilize T. rex eggs goes wrong, fasting is the least of Joshua, Darryl, and Harry’s worries.
• A medieval girl stranded on a forsaken path confronts threats from without and turmoil from within.
• Struggling with loss, hunger, and temptation, Ethan finds himself walking in the steps of Jesus.

Summer at West Castle by Theresa Linden

Ever since I first read Theresa Linden’s book Anyone But Him, I’ve been a little obsessed with her characters Caitlyn and Jarret. In fact, I’ve read that book numerous times, something I rarely do. There is just something special about this unlikely fictional couple that holds me captive. Summer at West Castle is a prequel to that novel—a story of how opposites attract. For those who love the West Brothers series, and especially this couple, you will devour this book. It is full of all those magical moments that cause you to say aww…, make you all gooey-eyed, and keep you turning the pages.

Caitlyn is looking forward to her summer at the West castle. She’s been hired to fill in for their housekeeper and cook, who is recovering from a recent surgery. None of the West boys will be home, which means she will have plenty of time to herself. While she loves her large, noisy family, this quiet retreat is just what she needs as she contemplates her vocation.

Jarret is set to embark on an archeology trip of a lifetime but suddenly can’t go through with it. Maybe a restful summer at home will give him the perspective he needs to figure out life.

The last thing either of these at-odds college students expected was having to spend the summer together. They’ve never gotten along and baggage from the past, which is impossible to forget, makes it hard even to be cordial. When the uncomfortable situation takes an unexpected turn, will they be able to embrace and accept God’s plan—no matter how unlikely it seems?

Don’t miss this captivating tale by master story-teller Theresa Linden. I’m so thankful that the West Brothers series continues with this magical new addition.

Grieving Daughter’s Club by Andrea Bear

I happened to read this book during a difficult time of my life. When I began, I was grieving the loss of my father, then the unexpected declining health and eventually the passing of my mother. The timing was unusually fitting and healing for me, but you certainly don’t need to be in a state of grief to appreciate this book.

This fictional story revolves around a group of ladies, who through their church, join together for a book talk. They are women of all ages, and walks of life, who begin as strangers but over the course of several weeks, become friends. These women do have one thing in common, they all are dealing with different anguishes in life. The intriguing storylines intertwine as the women get to know each other. And through their friendships each grow and change.

These characters began to feel like friends, and I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with them. Even though this was a fictional story, it honestly was healing for me and made me feel like I wasn’t alone in my grief.  This story will always hold a special place in my heart.

The Fisherman’s Tomb: The True Story of the Vatican’s Secret Search by John O’Neill

What a fascinating story about the discovery of St. Peter’s remains. This book is the true story about the many decades it took to finally discover the true tomb of the Apostle Peter. To protect his remains, the bones of our first Pope had been moved. There are a few theories of who moved them but their exact final resting place had remained a mystery for centuries. The Catholic church has long boasted that the Vatican was built on Peter’s tomb—fulfilling Jesus’ words to Peter “upon this rock I will build my church.” Decades ago, during the perilous times of World War II, a determined Pope and friends decided to explore the newly found catacombs under the Vatican to try and prove this belief.

This book reveals a true story filled with deceit, recklessness, politics, war, scandal, and destruction. Theories and discoveries that were thought to be the answer to the long-sought-for truth, turned out not to be false leads. But after decades of searching, and years of belief that the remains had been found, the real tomb was finally discovered. In fact, it wasn’t until very recently that the Vatican Scavi tour opened for visitors to view the true bones of St. Peter. This story is a fascinating one that many faithful Catholics seem to not be aware of. I was lucky enough to have taken the Scavi tour several years ago, but at the time I hadn’t known this fascinating story so was unable to fully appreciate the site. I would love to go back and experience it once again.

Until next time, happy reading!