Category Archives: Book Reviews

Book Review: Animals of God, Volume Two

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Since we enjoyed the first book so much, my kids and I
couldn’t wait to dive into this second volume of Animals of God by Susan Peek. Sure enough, this book was as delightful and entertaining as the first!

This volume contains two well-developed stories. In the first, two captive, ravenous lions anticipate their next meal—a human sentenced to die in the Colosseum—but when the lions race to attack the beautiful young Thecla, something amazing happens!

In the second story, Chester the gosling longs to be just like his older brother Cuthbert, so he joins him on a daring cornfield raid. When a horrible fate befalls his brother, Chester believes all hope is lost—until he witnesses a miracle and learns the true meaning of the word “saint.”

Animals of God teaches valuable lessons of courage, faith, love, mercy, and more. These lively and memorable tales are never dry or preachy. They contain just the right touch of fascinating “scariness” for children while providing excitement, humor, and happy endings. And the illustrations are gorgeous.

Each story is told from the animal’s point of view and is divided into five chapters. My plan was to read one chapter to my kids each night before bed, but I kept on reading because we just had to know what happened next! And when the book ends, the fun continues with bonus coloring pages.

When I asked my 7-year-old which book he liked best, he said, “I like them both best!” Indeed, both volumes of Animals of God are top-notch children’s books that deserve a place in every Catholic family. They’re sure to be well-read and well-loved.

Animals of God, Volume Two is available in paperback.

Book Review: Falling as She Sings

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Falling as She Sings by C.J. Sursum is a perfect book
for any lover of dystopian fiction. The premise of this book pulls readers in with a strong grip. Sursum’s novel is set in a future where women are the authoritative sex, living together in a private enclave; meanwhile, men are forced to fend for themselves outside enclave walls in the wild. Women are taught to view the male species as ferocious, immoral “brutes” who serve no purpose–aside from breeding. Life in the enclave is a sort of Utopian commune where life is simplistic and tranquil–for most, anyway.

For Menna, Domnina, and Odilia, the peaceful life of communal living slowly loses its appeal as the three women strike up unlikely and forbidden friendships with different “brutes” they have chance encounters with. Unanticipated attraction to the opposite sex, along with temptation to know more about the outside world, calls to these women in different ways. Readers experience the women’s struggles from three different points of view in the story. Is pure curiosity or loneliness enough to make you question your past and everything you’ve ever known? More importantly, is it enough to make you leave a safe haven that has always been your only home?

Sursum experiments with a variety of ideas about the sexes–mainly how men and women function with and without each other. While there are no obvious “Catholic” themes in this novel, the author hints that men and women, together in a partnership (marriage), are capable of bringing out each other’s strengths and virtues. The bottom line of the novel sings out clearly that neither sex wins when one has dominion over the other.

Falling as She Sings is available as a Kindle ebook.

Reviewed by Monica Eckert

Monica Eckert lives in New Berlin, Wisconsin and is a Catholic wife and mother. She loves to read and finds that she enjoys just about any genre, but Catholic fiction is among her favorite. When she’s not chasing after her two energetic little boys, she keeps busy by running the Elizabeth Ministry at her church and by working at a local family restaurant on the weekends.

Book Review: Animals of God

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Animals of God (Volume 1) by Susan Peek was a pure pleasure to read with my children! We read the book at bedtime over the course of numerous nights, but my 7-year-old couldn’t wait for me to finish, so he finished it on his own—and that kind of eagerness speaks for itself!

Such heartwarming, wondrous, and hope-filled stories are a rare kind of inspiring in today’s modern world. The stories are creatively told in engaging, kid-friendly language—from the animal’s points of views—which really makes the tales come alive. There’s also plenty of action to keep kids glued to the pages.

Enriched by charming illustrations, this unique and delightful collection includes three stories about three different animals:

  1. Little lamb longs for more than his boring everyday routine. One wondrous night, he witnesses an incredible star in the sky . . . and finds a joy and contentment to last forever.
  2. Joshua the mule, whose master suddenly stops feeding him for three whole days, is driven by hunger—until, transfixed by a little white Host, he becomes part of a miracle.
  3. A baby deer, lost in a storm, finds a holy man living in a cave, and they become the best of friends, but will they be separated by tragedy? Or will a heart-pounding woodland chase reveal immeasurable mercy and love in a most mysterious way?

With three complete stories and bonus coloring pages, you can’t beat the value of this book. But the biggest value is in the impact these stories will have on our children’s faith, imparting an innocent love of God to last a lifetime. What a fun and memorable way to bring Catholic truths to life for little ones!

Animals of God is sure to impress minds, hearts, and souls in the very best way. It is simple yet profound. It is thoroughly and traditionally Catholic. This is the Easter gift to give to all the Catholic children in your life. Readers will be eager for more—and won’t be disappointed, because Volume 2 is coming soon!

Animals of God is available in paperback.

Book Review: Now and at the Hour of Our Death

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Now and at the Hour of Our Death by JSB Morse
Book review by Wendy:

In the provocative and captivating novel Now And At the Hour of Our Death, the reader is taken on a journey of self-exploration and asked to challenge preconceived notions about faith and science and to reflect on their personal beliefs. It’s a unique story, a page turner with several shocking twists and turns.

When the story opens, Mary Credence, a devote and virtuous seventeen-year-old, the daughter of a candidate for the U.S. Senate, harbors a desire to bring an unbelieving world back to faith like a modern day Joan of Arc. What she doesn’t expect as a zealous virgin is that she’s pregnant. When her family finds out, she holds fast to her belief in her virginity and to her conviction that the conception is a God-given miracle. What she unleashes as her discovery becomes a sensational high-profile news flash is a fight against cynicism and scorn, and to be stalked by a psychopath who believes she’s carrying the anti-Christ. This is the story about a faith that doesn’t spring from a miracle, but a miracle that springs from faith when faced with the impossible.

Into the heart of this plot is woven messages about love, charity, faith, forgiveness and self-sacrifice. The storyline progresses smoothly and quickly as events and tension heat up.

The characters are realistic and complex as they deal with the chaos of events that surge around them. Mary Cadence is very pious, a teen with a pure heart who seems mature beyond her years, the opposite of her jealous, promiscuous sister Hannah. Her father Benjamin is honest, truthful, compassionate and supportive while her mother Madeleine (Maddie) is an egotistical social climber with a Machiavellian personality. Mildred Hawthorne is Mary’s delightful grandmother with her frank honesty, humor and wit. She’s tough around the edges but has a good heart. Will Vernick, a broken-hearted writer, is an unmotivated dreamer who believes in the impossible. When influenced in unexpected ways he will become determined and inspired. In stark contrast, Christopher Austin III is an arrogant, charming, self-engrossed cad who’s changed by love and finds deliverance from his mistakes through self-sacrifice. Aliyah Touma, the obstetrician, is a perfectionist, ambitious and self-oriented, her faith in science and medicine uncompromising.

But the evil in this story is prevalent in two men: Dugan Singer, who’s disturbed and antisocial; and Ethan Cooper, an immoral teen, both weak and easily influenced. All the characters in Now and at the Hour of our Death add depth and dimension to a story that will grip your emotions and challenge your beliefs.

I enjoyed this novel immensely and highly recommend it.

Now and at the Hour of Our Death is available in paperback and as a Kindle ebook.

Book Review: Order of the Blood

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While I don’t typically read vampire stories, knowing that
Zaplendam is a skilled writer, I was eager to read Order of the Blood: The Unofficial Chronicles of John Grissom. I anticipated an engaging story, and I wasn’t disappointed!

Zaplendam did a wonderful job of seizing my interest from the start, weaving an intriguing and clever tale endowed with original characters that I became highly invested in. The plot is strong and layered with twists and rich character development. The dialogue is crisp, witty, and entertaining.

John Grissom, a young man of Regency England, is striving to discover a cure for vampirism. The stakes are high, as he himself has been inflicted. Yet oddly, he isn’t like other vampires endowed with super strength, speed, and night vision. He can even withstand sunlight. But as a Catholic vampire with a conscience, he’s in an extremely complex situation; and his humanism and sense of right and wrong war with his vampirism. Plagued by a repulsive thirst for blood, he must be constantly alert lest he succumb to temptation. And temptations abound.

Miss Henrietta Isherwood, his lovely new lab assistant, is no shrinking violet (even with a father who’s been turned to a vampire). Every bit the lady, she’s intelligent and intrepid without being overbearing. John’s and Henrietta’s interactions lend humor, depth, and spark to the story. An underlying attraction flits between them, yet a strong sense of propriety, professionalism–and, of course, vampirism–challenges their relationship.

Meanwhile, a top vampire, the evil Mr. Waite, is heading a terrible conspiracy that threatens the entire country. While John may seem an unlikely choice to take Waite down, he rises to the task and pairs up with a formidable vampire hunter.

Even though Order of the Blood holds plenty of danger and suspense, the story never became too dark for my enjoyment. My favorite scene is a chilling one in which circumstances confine John and Henrietta together as an unspeakable, horrible decision overshadows them. Their vulnerability and concern for one another is particularly moving under the pressure of their shocking circumstances.

Zaplendam did a remarkable job of writing this entire novel from John’s viewpoint. The setting and details struck me as historically authentic and well-researched. Above all, I admire the way the author used a vampire story (without being repulsive) to tell an exciting tale with real substance, one that makes readers ponder moral truths and, in particular, to consider what really makes a monster.

While this book is not overtly Catholic, the main character is Catholic, the author is Catholic, and the novel is completely compatible with the sensibilities of a Catholic reader.

You’ll be delighted, as I was, to learn that Order of the Blood is the first of a planned series by Zaplendam, because by the book’s end, you won’t want to say goodbye to John or Henrietta. For anyone who is considering picking up a vampire story, this one–graced with depth and morality–is the perfect one to choose!

Order of the Blood is available in paperback and as a Kindle ebook.

 

Book Review: A Soldier Surrenders

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A Soldier Surrenders by Susan Peek is an incredible story about
Saint Camillus de Lellis, a great sinner of the 1500s who became a great saint. He is entirely human, very flawed, and thus easy to empathize with. His story is sure to inspire anyone who struggles with temptation and sin–and who among us doesn’t?!

With his pious mother dead, young Camillus follows in his soldier father’s footsteps, making many bad choices and even, for a time, siding with the Turks against the Christians. A tall, formidable man, Camillus is brought low by bad habits such as drinking, gambling, and brawling–becoming, in fact, a slave to his vices.

Due to the profound impact of his father’s death, Camillus attempts to change his life, but his hot temper and intense pride repeatedly thwart his efforts. Additionally, he is plagued by a mysterious ulcer that refuses to heal.

Besot by temptations and failures, Camillus is rejected and dismissed in shame from places where he attempts to build a life. A lesser man would give in to despair, but Camillus soldiers on and is shaped by the soul-shaking trials he endures.

At long last, after struggling to find his way alone in the world, Camillus realizes he’s not alone. He discovers that it takes humility to have true courage–the courage to surrender to God’s will.

As always, Peek knows how to keep readers hooked! She treats us to lively writing, entertaining situations, and crisp dialogue. A Soldier Surrenders is filled with action and drama and is perfect for ages fifteen and up. Peek’s novels are among the most worthy and inspiring I’ve ever read. I fervently recommend all her books and eagerly anticipate her new ones!

A Soldier Surrenders is available in paperback.

Book Review: Stay With Me

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Stay With Me by Carolyn Astfalk is a poignant and believable
love story about two young adults from very different backgrounds.

Rebecca has lived a sheltered life under her domineering father in an alcohol-free home where dancing is frowned upon and religion is oppressive, not inspiring. Weighed down by her past, Rebecca is hesitant to live life fully. Chris, a Harley-rider and a new convert to Catholicism, opens up a beautiful new world to her. Still, life isn’t without dangers and trials as the new couple navigate their blossoming romance. Kind hearts and good intentions aren’t always enough, especially when faced with heart-rending challenges and temptations. When tested to the limit, will their love survive?

The characters are richly depicted and memorable, including the secondary characters. I particularly enjoyed Rebecca’s brash sister Abby, with her unrestrained opinions and off-beat ways. Also, I appreciated how Father John, despite being a priest, came across as a very real person with his owns trials and tribulations.

The story is sprinkled with humor and contains the perfect balance of reality and sweetness—and sometimes bittersweetness. The author deftly avoids sappy clichés, and her writing entertains while radiating substance and depth.

Stay With Me is a journey of discovery, forgiveness, and redemption—a beautiful journey of two hearts that long to beat as one.

Stay With Me is available in paperback and as a Kindle ebook.

Book Review: Crusader King

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Crusader King: A Novel of Baldwin IV and the Crusades by Susan Peek is an extremely powerful and breathtaking historical novel.
I read the entire book within twenty-four hours because it was that good! I literally couldn’t put it down and read the first half in one sitting.

In this tremendously moving story, young Baldwin IV shoulders more responsibility at age 13 than most do in a lifetime when he becomes King of Jerusalem in the year 1174. Besides facing enemies in the form of vicious Turks and calculating usurpers to his throne, Baldwin faces the incurable and horrifying affliction of leprosy.

But together with his loyal friend Theo, Baldwin learns that true bravery isn’t about not being afraid, but doing the right thing even when you are, and trusting in God. Both young men discover incredible courage, fortitude, faith, devotion, and sacrifice as they grow with zeal in the face of frightening adversity and battles.

And what battles! The heart-pounding suspense and intensity sweep readers right onto the battlefield. Impressive as it is, the fighting is never glorified for its own sake, but seen in the proper perspective of fighting for what is good and holy. Battle scenes are tempered with entertaining and enlightening scenes of characters and kingdom life. Readers are given a fascinating glimpse into the ways of the Knights Templar, as well as treated to a stunning plot twist!

I’m in awe of the author’s ability to infuse the characters with such life and vigor. She works the various viewpoints to perfection—keeping the story rolling and captivating. Teens and adults alike will enjoy this book and will cheer and weep for both Baldwin and Theo as they soldier on through remarkable odds.

Crusader King is a most worthy read in the truest sense, sure to grip your mind, heart, and soul—and send you searching for more of Ms. Peek’s books!

Crusader King is available in paperback and as Kindle ebook.

Book Review: Erin’s Ring

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Erin’s Ring by Laura H. Pearl is an unforgettably heartfelt and soul-stirring story of faith and love. It hooked me in the first chapter when 13-year-old Molly, new to the town of Dover, discovers an old Claddagh ring in the dirt around St. Mary’s Church. How did the ring get there? Whose ring is it?

Together with her new friend Theresa, who is struggling with a deep sorrow, Molly searches for answers by delving into the history of the town and the Irish immigrants, particularly the mill girls who worked long, hard hours for money to send home to their loved ones.

19-year-old Ann’s story begins in 1827, with her boarding a ship bound for America, with hopes of joining the mill girls. Resourceful and determined, she works hard, sends money and letters home, and clings to her Catholic faith. Meanwhile, a budding romance fills her with hopes and dreams for the future. The multilayered story is rich with Catholic traditions and Irish heritage.

Erin’s Ring is a splendid tale, with meaningful yet entertaining content, easily enjoyed by adults and teens alike. The pull to keep reading was irresistible; I was continually trying to squeeze reading time into my busy day. The plot always entices and is driven by the characters, their lives, loves, and sufferings. The young women of the past and present struggle with hardships as their lives are shaped by faith in God.

I’m thoroughly impressed with Pearl’s ability to create this beautiful tapestry of love, hope, and courage. She has such a talent for writing wholesome yet real stories. I’m also very in awe of the fact that she wrote Erin’s Ring in a matter of months. That can only be done with extreme dedication and a true passion for the story. Like Pearl’s debut novel (Finding Grace), Erin’s Ring is another keeper for my bookshelf to pass on to my daughters!

Erin’s Ring is available in paperback.

Book Review: Underlake

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Underlake by Kia Heavey is an incredible coming-of-age story
that is rich with elements of love, mystery, suspense, even a touch of fantasy that you wouldn’t think could work–but WOW!–does it ever!!

This unpredictable story is packed with clever twists and turns, and superbly written. The prologue grabs you by the heart, and then we meet Katie, a teen who is very miffed to be separated from her trendy city friends and deposited in a boring hick town for the summer. But it turns out to be the opposite of boring. Charmed with life here, Katie doesn’t want to leave at summer’s end. She particularly doesn’t want to leave behind John, the impulsive, endearing young man who is so different from anyone she’s ever met. Little does she know, he’s concealing a deep, ancient secret that will change both their lives forever.

When I had to set this book down, I couldn’t wait to pick it up again. In fact, I admit I let my kids watch too much TV so I could keep reading. I read with particular anticipation for the other-worldly aspect that is tantalizingly hinted at. The story takes a fantastical turn, yet the author makes it completely credible and so intriguing.

This is a modern, fast-paced story that teens (and their mothers!) will certainly enjoy, but besides being highly entertaining, it has moral value as well. Katie is a teen trying to find her place in the world, but she comes to realize that the mainstream “answers to happiness” that are pushed at her, won’t make her truly happy. She’s a smart young woman, and as she sees the consequences of bad choices (drinking, drugs, premarital sex) playing out around her, she is no longer fooled by the lure of “all things popular.”

Katie and her mother stopped going to church after her father died, but through the course of the story, Katie finds her way (believably) back to the Catholic Faith. The religious content is a credible, influential part of the story, and is never forced or out-of-place.

Underlake has the most magical, satisfying, heart-tugging ending. I loved how the final pages take you further down the road of the main characters’ lives than you would expect. You want to know the details of how their lives turn out because you care that much about them.

Underlake is one of those rare books that has the power to leave you with a lasting and meaningful impression. You close the book, but you continue to marvel over a story that has become so very real and dear to you.

Underlake is available in paperback and as a Kindle ebook.