Playing By Heart by Carmela Martino
This beautifully written Young Adult novel centers around the strong faith of two sisters, Emilia and Maria, and their extraordinary talents. The book is set in 18th Century Milan, Italy and focuses on their relationships with their father, as well as their struggle to follow the paths they believe God wants them to take. Unfortunately, they lived in a time when young women were subject to their father’s wishes. And their father hoped to showcase their incredible gifts to advance himself to nobility and was not interested in their desires.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and loved her writing style. In fact, the moment I finished the book, I read her first novel Rosa Sola, which I also thoroughly enjoyed. Her beautiful descriptions bring her books to life. I found the passages describing Emilia’s music particularly lovely. The author does a wonderful job of showing society and culture of 18th century Italy. This time period makes for a very interesting book, especially for young women, to see the choices and educational opportunities available to girls their age at that time in history.
This book highlights something that’s near and dear to my heart – that we all have gifts from God and we should find ways to use these gifts to help others. I loved that these young women knew their talents were from God and they longed to use them in a positive way. I also really liked the underlying passages of jealousy. This is something we all can relate to, feeling envious of another’s successes. How Emilia deals with this and works through it is a wonderful example for readers to emulate.
This historic fiction, inspired by two real sisters who lived in 18th Century Italy, would make a fantastic bookclub or classroom choice, full of many great topics for discussion.
The Other Side of Freedom by Cynthia T. Toney
This book is set in the 1920’s and told from the point of view of a middle school age boy – Salvatore. Toney effortlessly delved into the mind of a young boy who lived in Louisiana during the tumultuous Prohibition years, weaving together a fascinating tale of hardship, corruption and the importance of family and faith. This intriguing, coming of age story focuses on the difficult choices and decisions one Italian immigrant family must face while desperately trying to keep their family together.
I didn’t know much about this interesting time in our history when Italian/Sicilian gangsters terrorized American communities, but was fascinated by this story and how these crime sprees affected law-abiding families of Italian descent. Besides being a captivating story, this book provides plenty of discussion topics including the repercussions that can arise when trying to do what is right, as well as the issues of: prohibition, segregation and immigration. Bravo to Cynthia T. Toney for creating yet another wonderful, thought-provoking teen novel.
Mission Libertad by Lizette Lantigua
Mission Libertad is the story of Luisito, a young teenage boy who escapes Communist Cuba in 1979 with his parents. This is such a wonderful book with so many interesting aspects to it. First of all, it is a fabulous historic fiction for middle school and high school age kids about a time in history that I haven’t seen much written about. There is also an intriguing mystery aspect to the story that keeps the reader engaged and anxious to find out what will happen next. In addition, it has a beautiful religious element about this young Catholic who finally is able to explore and understand his faith. But my favorite part of the book is how the very likable main character experiences America for the first time. Lantigua does a masterful job of showing the heartbreak and devastation of a communist society through the eyes of this sweet and caring young man. Hearing about the difficulties of an oppressed society is one thing but seeing it through the eyes of this character is extremely powerful. Not only would this novel make a great tool for a meaningful discussion but it also shows teens how fortunate we are to live in America. Muy Bein!
Rosa Sola by Carmela Martino
Rosa Sola is a beautiful story about an Italian immigrant family in the 1960’s. Rosa is in the fourth grade and wants nothing more than a baby brother. She decides to pray for a brother until God blesses her family. Amazingly, her prayers are answered! All seems perfect when she finds out her mother is expecting a baby, she will no longer be the odd girl at school with no siblings. But when tragedy strikes her family, she has many hard lessons to learn.
This novel, for older elementary and middle school students, is a lovely story from a young girl’s perspective about the difficulties of life, understanding other people’s problems, and the importance of faith. My heart ached for this young girl who was forced to grow up quickly and face many tough lessons by herself when her parents were unable to be there for her. But during this difficult time, young Rosa learned much about her family, her faith, as well as her own strength and determination.
Erin’s Ring by Laura H. Pearl
Such an enjoyable historic fiction book! I really liked how the book alternates between a modern day story and the history of Irish immigrants that came to America in the 1800’s.
It begins when Molly – a modern day middle school girl, finds an engraved ring at her church. When she discovers it’s a traditional Irish ring, she decides to research the town’s rich Irish history for a school project. As she delves into her research, we are drawn into the world of the Irish immigrants that fled from Ireland during the Potato famine to find a better life here in America.
This book is set in Dover, New Hampshire where many young women journeyed here to work in the textile industry. The town became a place that Irish Catholics found a home but there was no Catholic church there for years. This is a fascinating look into the struggles of the Irish Catholic immigrants – many of which were single young men and women who came over to work and sent money back to their families.
The historical parts were quite interesting and thought-provoking and the storyline in the modern day chapters was very touching as well. A really wonderful story about the importance of family, friendship, and faith.
A World Such as Heaven Intended by Amanda Lauer
This is a sweeping love story set during the darkest time of our nation’s history – the civil war. Ever since I was a little girl and watched “Gone with the Wind”, I’ve had a bit of a fascination with this era. Back then it was the beautiful gowns and huge plantation houses that I found fascinating. But since then I’ve visited several Civil War battlefields and the stories of the horror that unfolded on them between fellow countrymen is unfathomable.
A World Such as Heaven Intended (such a beautiful title) is about Amara, a young lady living in Atlanta who decides to help her Uncle and the confederate soldiers at his makeshift hospital. One of her patients is a handsome young soldier named Nathan, who was forced into service for his country.
This book does a wonderful job of showing several difficult aspects to the war. Through Amara, we see the tragedy of the injuries and the unthinkable medical conditions at that time. Nathan shows us how the lines of good and bad could easily be blurred. It’s easy now to look back at the Civil War and break it down to a discussion on slavery but it’s not that simple. Seeing the conflict from the perspective of these two individuals highlighted that point.
I also loved the interaction between Amara and Nathan, especially in the second half of the book. Amara’s strong will and Nathan’s sarcasm made for some fantastic scenes that made me laugh out loud. This is a fabulous book that will sweep you away and provide some fantastic discussions.
A Life Such as Heaven Intended by Amanda Lauer
Another wonderful book in this incredible series. As someone who has always been fascinated with the Civil War, I enjoy and appreciate the bits of history the author adds to her Civil War era books which make the stories even more engaging. If you’re a fan of Lauer’s A World Such as Heaven Intended, you’ll be happy to see some of the characters from that book returning in this one.
A Love Such as Heaven Intended by Amanda Lauer
This is the third book in Lauer’s Heaven Intended series. Due to the number of books I read for reviews, I’m often not able to read all the novels in a series, no matter how much I enjoy them. But I have read all the books in this particular series, and I adore them all.
The Heaven Intended books are all set during the Civil War. Each book is a love story that unfolds amid the horrors of the war. Each book highlights interesting aspects of the war and explores the complexities of both sides of that dark part of our history. My favorite part of the series is how the storylines of these novels all intertwine, and the endings all happen at the same moment in time. You don’t need to have read the other stories to enjoy this latest release, but after reading the last chapter, I have a feeling you’ll want to read the other two books as well.
A Love Such as Heaven Intended is a sweeping adventure about a love so great that even a civil war can’t stop it from happening. Josephine is a spoiled, self-absorbed daughter of a Brigadier General who lives a pampered life in Washington DC. Michael is a handsome West Point graduate, a friend of Josephine’s brother, and a Confederate soldier with some complicated secrets. A chance encounter draws them together, but circumstances beyond their control threaten to end things before any relationship can even begin. However, Josephine is determined to get the man of her dreams despite the circumstances stacked against them. I absolutely adored the character of Josephine. While she was spoiled and privileged, she had a beautiful, giving heart. Her feistiness was so much fun.
I also really enjoyed the historical elements that the author includes in all her novels. Lauer has a knack for bringing history alive through these exciting, adventurous romances. Creating such a story set during one of the most difficult times in our history cannot be an easy thing to accomplish. The author weaves many factual items about the war and the era into the story. For instance, she mentions Josephine had seen a play that featured actor John Wilkes Booth. Josephine also discusses the “new” books that she had recently read, which are now classic pieces of literature. These added elements really brought the time period to life. Because of these historical parts, I think this book would be a fantastic supplement to lessons on the Civil War and would make for some interesting discussions.
Whether you like adventurous novels, beautiful love stories, or historical fiction, this book is one you don’t want to miss.
Julia’s Gifts by Ellen Gable
What a lovely teen, historical romance. The book is set in France during World War I and is about Julia, a young lady from America, who decides to volunteer for the Red Cross and work at a field hospital in France. As a teenager, Julia began collecting gifts for her future husband – her beloved. She doesn’t know who this person might be, but she knows he’s out there somewhere.
I loved the premise of the book. I’ve always liked the idea of prayer for a future spouse so enjoyed the idea of buying special gifts for them. I don’t want to give anything away but love how the story unfolds and how the gifts become part of the story.
Historic fiction is always so interesting, a wonderful way to learn new things. This book did a great job showing the heartbreak and devastation of war. Yet the author also highlighted the good in humanity that can arise amid such horror.
Charlotte’s Honor by Ellen Gable
This is the second book in Ellen Gable’s Great War Great Love series. These love stories are clean and refreshing and such a joy to read. Combine these faith-based romances with a touch of history and mystery and you’ve got a winning novel. Charlotte’s Honor is about a young American, Charlotte, who has traveled to France to work as a nurse during World War 1. Fans will be happy to know that some of the same characters in Julia’s Gifts, the first book in the series, also appear in this book. But, reading the first book is not necessary to thoroughly enjoy Charlotte’s Honor.
There are so many themes that I enjoy in these books: good can come out of the destructive tragedies of war, small moments of our time can make an enormous impact on another person, love and friendship can happen at the most unlikely times, and a strong faith is the foundation to get you through difficulties. I look forward to the next Great War Great Love book.
Ella’s Promise by Ellen Gable
This is the third book in the Great War, Great Love trilogy by Ellen Gable. While this book is part of a series about young couples who meet amid the heartbreak of war, it is a standalone book as well. There are a few characters that are in each of the books, but this story is mostly about Ella, a young American woman working at a field hospital during World War I.
It’s hard to know for sure, since I enjoyed each of these wonderful books, but I do believe this is my favorite of the three. I adored the strong, competent, faithful Ella. I also enjoyed the secret agent intrigue of the story.
Each of these books highlights a beautiful, Catholic love-story but they also showcase interesting historic elements as well. I think these pieces will be quite interesting for today’s teens – such as medical advancement, roles of men and women, communication technology, etc. This would be a great supplement to a lesson on the Great War.
While the books can be read without having read the other stories, the author also provides a nice conclusion to the series for those fans that have read them all.
From Afar by Roger Thomas
I loved this fascinating fictional look into the Three Wise Men. While we all know of these three mysterious men, there is little that is actually known about them. The author takes us on a fictional journey into how these men knew about the birth of a King and why they were interested in a Jewish king. I was expecting an interesting story, but was blown away by this exciting, adventurous tale that I couldn’t put down.
Historical fiction is always so interesting. Getting a glimpse into another time period is a wonderful learning tool. From Afar really brought to light the environment into which Jesus was born. The evil corruption of Herod and the communities that worshiped pagan gods. Even though this is a work of fiction, it offers possible explanations to questions in the story that I didn’t even know I had.
These three brilliant men and colleagues have each been searching for something. One has spent his career in the military looking for pure strength and harmony. One has been studying all the different religions of the world searching for the light of the divine in man. And one has been studying ancient scriptures and writings searching for truth and constancy. These unsettled quests and their study of the constellations leads them on an epic journey.
The characters were fantastic. The three wise men were all so unique. Melchior, the elder, gentle teacher. The brilliant Balthazar. And my favorite – the brave and youthful Gaspar. There were two fantastic supporting characters, a soldier and a young boy that really helped keep the story moving. And, even though they only show up at the end of the story, I absolutely loved how Mary and Joseph were portrayed.
I will never think of the three wise men in the same way ever again. Fantastic book.
Perilous Days by Kathryn Griffin Swegart
Perilous Days is a middle-grade novel set in World War II. This story is about a young Catholic teen named Felix, who happens to be growing up in Hitler’s Germany. His family sees the horrors that are unfolding around them but are unable to do much but try to survive. Things quickly change for Felix when he and his extremely smart German Shepherd, Rolf, are forced to join the German army. They are assigned to a special canine unit to search for injured soldiers. I have never heard about this unique group of soldiers and found it quite fascinating.
Felix has been struggling with his faith and questioning how God could let bad things happen. But witnessing the unwavering faith of those around him, amid so much devastation, changes him forever. The author does a wonderful job of showcasing some real German Catholics who risked their lives to do what they could to expose the evil of their country and to save vulnerable citizens. This short book would make a fantastic supplement to lessons about World War II.
Martyrs 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.
Cracks in the Ice by Deanna K. Klingel
This is the second book I’ve read by this author who 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 that kept me intrigued. This story about finding yourself amid shattered dreams is a YA novel full of great discussion topics.
Awakening by Claudia Cangilla McAdam
Awakening is one of those books that is hard to set aside. While reading, I had trouble putting it down, wanting to know what would happen next, and found myself wanting to read just one more chapter after one more chapter. Even after I finished the book, my mind couldn’t put it aside, thinking about this powerful and imaginative story long after I devoured it.
This compelling story is such a unique and moving way to view the Easter story that I think will appeal to teens. The author seamlessly adds entertaining, modern items that teens will relate to – tenuous friendships, unrequited crushes, complicated relationships with parents – with the Passion story, creating a hard to put down novel.
I love the many elements highlighting the time period, the historical details of Jewish and Roman culture, and experiencing firsthand what the disciples might have felt. Just when you think you know what will happen, some unique twists are thrown in to keep you wanting more, all while keeping to the facts of this Holy event.
Beckoning by Claudia Cangilla McAdam
This story and the previous one in this series, Awakening, are fascinating glimpses into the time of Christ. McAdam creates modern-day characters who are mystically transported back to when Christ was crucified. The fascinating part of these stories is that these modern-day characters become actual people from the Bible – Mark, Tabitha (Dorcas), Veronica, Stephen, the Centurion guard. This twist not only puts a whole new spin on these stories but really gives the reader a whole new appreciation of the events by seeing the Passion story through the eyes of people who were actually there.
The main character in Beckoning is a teenage girl who is struggling with her faith after a tragedy in her family. A teacher suggests that she pray by imagining herself in a Bible story. She tries this approach while at the Adoration Chapel and experiences a life-altering moment.
The historical elements of the story were also fascinating – such as how hard life was back then, Jewish traditions, and the difficulties the early Christians faced. I think both Awakening and Beckoning would be fantastic books for a classroom since there is so much to discuss. These novels are a powerful way for teens to delve into the Crucifixion, Resurrection, Pentecost, and the early days of the church.
Diaries of Joseph and Mary by Dennis McGeehan
This novel is a fictional, yet possible, unique look into the lives of Joseph and Mary. The book consists of diary entries beginning when they were children. Seeing their story unfold through these personal accounts was quite intriguing. The author used his imagination but also Catholic tradition and historical facts to create this fascinating book.
Readers will have a new appreciation for the Holy parents as they experience Joseph and Mary’s lives. There are so many aspects to ponder that you might not have really considered before. When Mary and Joseph were young, what did they envision for their futures? How did they react to the heavenly visits from angels? What must it have been like to be the parents of the Messiah? Can you imagine their fear when fleeing to Egypt? What did their daily lives look like? What kind of child was Jesus? This short book brings the Holy family to life and challenges the reader to really contemplate the lives of Mary and Joseph.
The Woman in the Trees by Theoni Bell
Historical fiction is always such an enjoyable way to learn. And I learned a lot through this book. The Woman in the Trees revolves around a Marian apparition that occurred in Wisconsin during the 1800s. At the time, there were many who did not believe that the Blessed Virgin Mary made an appearance in such an isolated land. However some did believe Adele Brise’s account and a chapel was built at the site where devout Catholics would gather and pray. I don’t want to give anything away but will say this land did become the site of a miracle that was witnessed by hundreds.
This fascinating true account is interwoven into a fictional story about a Belgium family who immigrated to Wisconsin searching for a better life. The book follows the life of Slainie, first as a child, then as a teenager, and finally as a young mother. Through Slainie, the reader experiences the difficulties of journeying to America and building a life from nothing. Besides the hardships of immigration, there are other fantastic discussion topics featured in the book such as the struggles of pioneer life, the heartbreak of the Civil War, and of course, Marion visions.
The author did a wonderful job of combining an intriguing fictional story with fascinating real events and individuals, creating a truly inspirational story.
The Well by Stephanie Landsem
What an excellent story. I’ve heard wonderful things about this author but had never read one of her novels before. The Well was a true page-turner that I couldn’t put down. I just had to know what would happen next on this completely unexpected journey. The historical details of Jesus’ ministry were captivating and truly thought-provoking.
Although, as much as I enjoyed the book, I must admit there were times I wanted to change the course of the story because it wasn’t headed in the direction I wanted. But the author knew better, creating an incredibly powerful book.
The basic premise is a tale we know well – the woman at the well who Jesus has an encounter with. This book gives a whole new twist to that story as it is told from two unique perspectives, the woman’s teenage daughter and a young man new to town.
This fictional account makes you ponder the additional lives that Jesus’ encounter would have touched and changed—something I’d never thought of before. I really loved the message that our plans are not always God’s plans, but He, of course, has the perfect plan. Amazing things can happen if we have the courage to give Him control and follow where He leads.
This was an outstanding book for older teens.
The Master’s Calling by Amber Schamel
The Master’s Calling is actually the third book in the Days of Messiah series. I have not read the first two novels but focused on this book because it is the only one in the series told from a teens’ perspective. Even though it is the third in the series, I didn’t feel like I was missing anything—the author did a good job of recapping the pertinent information.
The story is about a Jewish teenager named Malon who lived during the time of Christ’s ministry. Malon and his family have personally met Jesus and recognize that He is the Messiah they have been hoping for. Malon longs to become one of Jesus’ followers and is thrilled when his father finally allows him to travel to Jerusalem during Passover to be with Jesus and the disciples. Life as a Jew is extremely difficult under Roman rule, and Malon anticipates the time when Jesus will take His rightful place as the Messiah of Israel, freeing the Jewish people from their oppression. However, when Malon finally arrives, he discovers he is too late. Jesus is dead.
I thoroughly enjoyed this perspective of Jesus’ life. This story really highlights the fact that even Jesus’ followers did not understand His calling. We see this confusion over and over in scripture. The shock, disillusionment, and despair of Jesus’ death is shown so well through this teen protagonist. Malon was so sure Jesus would become a king and deliver the Jewish people from the harsh Roman rule.
The story continues as a confused and angry Malon quickly departs Jerusalem the day after Jesus is crucified and heads back home. He is left not only with his fledging faith, but he must now also protect his family from the very criminal that was freed when the crowd turned on Jesus – Barabbas. This book has several clever twists that kept the story moving along and building to the intriguing ending. I really enjoyed all the characters in this book and am now rather curious about the other books in the series.
Avery’s Battlefield by Deanna Klingel
I’ve read several of Deanna Klingel’s books and have enjoyed them all. I’m always amazed at the author’s versatility. Her books range from picture books to teen novels, from historical to more contemporary. But all her stories have one thing in common – they are always enjoyable.
Avery’s Battlefield is a sweet historical novel for middle school students. The story follows two years in the life of young teen, Avery, during the Civil War. This book would be a great way to introduce kids to that tumultuous time in American history. There were many historical elements that young readers would find interesting, from the rudimentary medical techniques to the rural ways of life in the mid-1800s. I even learned a bit about the founding of West Virginia.
Readers will thoroughly enjoy journeying along with Avery and his dog, Gunner, as they make their way across the state of Virginia. While some of the story seemed a little far-fetched, it was a sweet story full of interesting facts and unique characters. This book would make a great supplement for a history lesson about the conflict between the North and the South.
Escape into the Night by Lois Walfred Johnson
This historical fiction takes place a few years before the beginning of the Civil War and delves into the topic of slavery and the dangerous risks many took to help free slaves through the Underground Railroad.
Since her mother’s death a few years earlier, Libby has lived with her aunt and uncle in Chicago. But when her aunt believes Libby would be better off living with her father, she must leave the comforts of the big city to join her father, the captain of a riverboat. While happy to spend more time with her father, living on a riverboat and traveling along the Mississippi river is not her ideal living situation, especially when the only person her age is an unfriendly boy, Caleb, who seems to think he is better than her.
When her natural curiosity reveals that Caleb has a few secrets, she is determined to uncover whatever he is hiding. What she discovers changes her understanding of the world and how she sees herself. Libby thought she understood the growing conflict separating the nation, but it soon becomes apparent that her sheltered big-city life has ill-prepared her for the harsh realities of life along the river.
This story about doing what is right and treating others with respect is full of fantastic discussion topics. In fact, the back of the book has tips for educators and a very in-depth study guide with pages of discussion questions.
Treasures: Visible and Invisible by CatholicTeenBooks
Each fictional tale involves a relic of St. Patrick. What is a relic? Great question! A relic is something that once belonged to one of the recognized saints of the church. A first-class relic would be part of their body, usually a fragment of bone. A second-class relic is an item that belonged to a saint. Relics are not only interesting pieces of history, but throughout the ages, there have been many accounts of miracles surrounding these artifacts.
This book was such a joy to collaborate on. The eight authors who were able to participate all chose a time period to write from. The first story revolves around St. Patrick and a special fictional item. The item finds itself being passed through history in various ways, making an appearance in each story. The final story in the book is a futuristic, dystopian story. As with all our anthologies, the individual stories are all quite unique. Whether you enjoy Saint stories, historical fiction, mystery, romance, or adventure, you will be sure to find this edifying collection enjoyable and inspiring.
The Secret of Glaston Tor by Donal Anthony Foley
I wasn’t sure what to expect from The Secret of Glaston Tor but thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. This time-travel story has many aspects that kept me turning the pages—a thrilling adventure, fantastic characters, an intriguing premise, and a wonderful message.
Matt is excited to travel to England to spend Christmas with his cousins. However, as soon as he lands in England, his trip is plagued with odd incidents. Thankfully, his cousins Annie and Luke take him to see the ruins of Glaston Tor, a tourist site he’s been anxious to explore. But, if he thought his day was strange before his tour, things get downright bizarre. A strange light at the historical ruins leads them through a portal where a mysterious man offers them the adventure of a lifetime.
Unable to resist the opportunity to make a difference, the three cousins find themselves in France during World War II. Thus starts the epic journey of being chased by the Nazi Gestapo, fleeing across France, assisting a daring escape, uncovering family secrets, and discovering what is truly important.
This thrilling adventure not only explores a piece of history in a unique way but delves into some fascinating questions of faith. This is the first novel in a series for teens of all ages.
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 this pair of 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 be 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 of finding 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!
Crossbows and Crucifixes by Henry Garnett
This historical fiction for teens 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.
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.
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.