Carolyn Astfalk's Blog, page 16

Three Last Things: New Fiction from Corinna Turner

About the Book:

“Love doesn’t exist. And Fr. Jacob is right about one thing. 

Without it, life is utterly meaningless.”

NO LOVE. NO NOTHING.

Carl Jarrold, a convicted assassin, believes that all human relationships turn on what one human being wants from another: that there is no such thing as love and thus no meaning to life. Prison chaplain Fr. Jacob, the closest thing he has to a friend, has struggled for three long years to convince Carl how wrong he is—to no avail. But the day of execution has finally arrived, and nothing goes quite as Carl expects. Soon it’s shaping up to be the strangest day he has ever had. But will it prove the worst day of his life…or the best?

This tense, “psychologically-compelling,” spiritual thriller is a standalone novella from the Carnegie Medal Nominated author of the award-winning I AM MARGARET series. Described as “beautiful,” “fantastically good,” and “one of the most moving stories I have ever read,” this is a race against time for the highest possible stakes.

Buy the book today to join Carl’s attempt to beat the clock.

Includes a free sample of the novella Brothers.

This book has received the SOA from the Catholic Writers Guild.

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Love doesn't exist. And Fr. Jacob is right about one thing. Without it, life is utterly meaningless. Three Last Things by @CorinnaTurner #CatholicFiction
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Advance Reviews:

“Beautiful! Corinna Turner is one dang good writer!”

REGINA DOMAN, author of The Angel in the Waters and the award-winning Fairytale Novels series.

“Fantastically good! It made me cry real tears, circumventing all my defenses. I have never read a more psychologically-compelling account of conversion anywhere. It makes very complex and sophisticated truths about grace, sin, freedom, mercy, justice, atonement, redemption, repentance, and salvation crystal clear and compelling, without being cloying or ‘nice,’ or contrived.”

DR. VICTORIA SEED, Theologian and Speaker

“WOW! I was soooo on the edge of my seat! Tense, and suspenseful, and touching, it had me alternating between laughing out loud and cringing and cheering and wanting to cry. I totally loved it!”

SUSAN PEEK, author of the God’s Forgotten Friends series

“WOW, fantastic! Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop.”

ANDREA JO RODGERS, author of At Heaven’s Edge and On Heaven’s Doorstep

“One of the most moving stories I’ve ever read.”

PENNY CAIRD

About the Author:

Corinna Turner has been writing since she was fourteen and likes strong protagonists with plenty of integrity. She has an MA in English from Oxford University, but has foolishly gone on to work with both children and animals! Juggling work with the disabled and being a midwife to sheep, she spends as much time as she can in a little hut at the bottom of the garden, writing.

​She is a Catholic Christian with roots in the Methodist and Anglican churches. A keen cinema-goer, she lives in the UK with her classic campervan ‘Toby’ (short for Tobias!), her larger and more expensive substitute for her lovely Giant African Land Snail, Peter, who sadly passed away in October 2016.

Links:

Website: www.iammargaret.co.uk

​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CorinnaTurnerAuthor/

​Twitter: https://twitter.com/CorinnaTAuthor

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“My Captain” by F.P. Astfalk

What good is a blog if I can’t publish my own children’s work? My twelve-year-old daughter recently received an honorable mention for this short work,”My Captain,” in The Hershey Story History Contest for Young Writers.

Boom!

I struggled to keep my balance. Captain would kill me if I dropped this bag.

Boom!

This was worse than the thunder.

Boom!

I scrambled up the steps.

“Where’s the powder monkey?” Master Gunner called.

I raced to the gunners, handing them the fine powder.

This is the most thrilling job I’ve ever had. The only drawback is that I’m on one of the most wanted vessels in Spain.

Boom!

I tripped on the steps. Getting up, I grabbed another bag of gunpowder.

“Boy! Hurry up!” Master Gunner called, yet again.

I repeated the same motions over and over. To the orlop, down the steps, grab the powder, up the steps, deliver, repeat. If I weren’t in the middle of a heated battle, I’d drop dead of boredom. This wasn’t the first time I’d done this though. Many a time I had delivered the powder over and over again. So many times I wondered if we were breaking the law. All this raiding would pay off eventually and probably be quite profitable. If it didn’t, I’d rip my hair out. After all, I’d have to show Mama something. She thinks I work for a whaler.

Boom!

The sound ripped me from my thoughts. The whole ship shook. Running up from the orlop, I spotted a gunner strewn across the main deck.

“No time to gawk, boy! Just a minor setback!” Master Gunner called.

Wow. Way to show respect for the dead.

I retreated into the orlop. My eyes fell on the meat barrels in the corner. I hadn’t eaten all day, and my stomach churned in hunger. I heard Master Gunner saying in my head, “No time to rest, boy!” and tore myself away, grabbing a bag of gunpowder.

Life on the sea wasn’t so easy. Most of us had to cram into one room for living quarters. A lot of people got scurvy too. I liked this life though. Just the thrill of it stirred me up. Plus, I had just about the best captain in the world. I always looked up to him, even back in Plymouth before I met him.

Mama would have thoroughly disapproved. She always disapproved of “improper” things. Mama had been raised in a very high-ranking family. It’s understandable that she would be primmer than your average woman, although why would such a prim woman marry a rough seaman like Papa?

A joyous roar rose from the crew.

“Huzzah! Huzzah! He’s done it! He’s captured the Spaniards! Huzzah! Huzzah!”

My eyes shot to the small ship quietly drifting in the choppy waters. There stood captain, sword raised high in the air, broad smile spread across his face. I too smiled and let out a long war-whoop. I was sure we’d feast tonight.

All of us piled into the dinghies and boarded the boat. The Cacafuego’s crew nervously stared and fidgeted. There was a really awkward moment until everyone arrived.

After awhile, our captain showed us what we were there for. My eyes bugged out of my skull! I had never seen so much treasure in my life! There were chests upon chests full of silver and gold! Spanish pesos and precious stones filled the entire ship.

“Men, load this onto the Golden Hinde,” Captain ordered.

And with that, the hours of back-breaking work began. We hauled the overflowing chests to the Golden Hinde for what seemed like an eternity. When we finished, we dragged our aching bodies back to the ship.

My stomach churned and boiled in hunger. I staggered into the dining hall, barely able to keep myself awake until I saw what awaited us. The table overflowed with roasted monkey, rolls, and even some bananas. Apparently the Spanish ship hadn’t been too long from shore.

Replica of the Golden Hind, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license. Credit: Jose L. Marin.

I dove into the meal, barely even paying attention to the conversation because of my ravenous chomping. The meat was tough, and the bread was chewy, but I hardly noticed. As long as it filled my belly.

When my stomach was nearly full, I listened in on the conversation.

“’Oy, Captain, ’at was a lot o’ loot!” a rigger said, his mouth full of food.

“’Ow much was i’ anyway?” a swabbie inquired.

“I’m not quite sure, but I would guess at least several tons,” Captain replied.

Sir Francis Drake Image: public domain

I didn’t stay to hear the rest. A wave of fatigue washed over me. The day’s strenuous work had finally caught up with me. I stumbled out of the room and into the berth, trying to get into my hammock. It swung, and I fell, hitting my head. A second attempt resulted in the same effect. I finally got in and had a chance to relax.

Falling asleep, I drowned in the events of the day: the long battle, the chests of riches, the feast, and my captain. My captain, who captured any ship that crossed his path. My captain, one of the finest mariners on the sea. My captain, Captain Francis Drake.

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Give a Book for Sacrament Celebrations

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What follows are recommendations for books – fiction and nonfiction – to give as gifts in celebration of the sacraments. From picture books to spiritual reflection to novels, it’s covered.

If I’ve reviewed a book listed, I included a sentence or two from my review. The remainder I’ve either read but not reviewed or received as a recommendation. (Thanks to Deacon Tom Lang and members of the Catholic Writers Guild for their recommendations for Holy Orders and Anointing of the Sick.)

Now, Anointing of the Sick isn’t really a celebratory sacrament. What I’ve listed are recommendations on illness and/or suffering that may be appropriate for someone facing the threat of death.

Finally, I received so many recommendations from the author-readers at the Catholic Writers Guild, that I listed some additional books for your consideration at the end.

[Links below are to Amazon. If you’d like to shop at Bookshop.org, click the Bookshop button at the end of the post. All but a handful of the books are available there.]

Baptism

When You Were Baptized by Catherine Maresca

Lovely book that takes children through the Rite of Baptism, explaining the words, symbols, and significance of the sacrament

Saintly Rhymes for Modern Times by Meghan Bausch

These simple, easy-on-the-ears stanzas about modern saints are such fun to read.

Light of Heaven: A Children’s Book of Saints by Adalee Hude

Each saint is paired with a simple Latin word, a short biography, and a feast day. They all work together to introduce an example of holiness to children.

Reconciliation

King of the Shattered Glass by Susan Bellavance

A nicely-illustrated allegory about sin and mercy. 

Belt of Truth (Armor of God Book 1) by Theresa Linden

This short book is the perfect blend of friendship, adventure, and a little moral lesson for early grade readers, especially Catholic children preparing for the sacraments of Penance and the Eucharist.

Breastplate of Righteousness (Armor of God Book 2) by Theresa Linden

Realistic scenarios for characters of their age yet with a bit of adventure and intrigue (can you say one-armed, dragon-slaying knight?) that add a fantastical element.

First Communion

Stories of the Blessed Sacrament by Francine Ray

The pages and cover are sturdy, making this a great choice for repeated use and little hands. I even found an unfamiliar story that I’d like to delve into further. 

Heavenly Hosts: Eucharistic Miracles for Kids by Kathryn Griffin Swegart

Friendship with Jesus: Pope Benedict XVI Talks to Children on Their First Holy Communion by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

Confirmation

Fire Starters by Theresa Linden

Theresa Linden manages to address so many lived experiences of Catholics surrounding the sacrament while never departing from the West Brothers (and friends) world.

My Confirmation Book by Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle

Anointed: Gifts of the Holy Spirit by Pope Francis

Marriage

A Psalter for Couples by Pierre-Marie Dumont

Manual for Marriage by Danielle Bean and Dan Bean

Three to Get Married by Fulton J. Sheen

Holy Orders

The Diary of a Country Priest by George Bernanos

In Sinu Jesu: When Heart Speaks to Heart – The Journal of a Priest at Prayer by a Benedictine Monk

The Power of Silence: Against the Dictatorship of Noise by Cardinal Robert Sarah

Anointing of the Sick

Arise from Darkness: What to Do When Life Doesn’t Make Sense by Fr. Benedict J. Groeschel

Hope to Die: The Christian Meaning of Death and the Resurrection of the Body by Scott Hahn and Emily Stimpson Chapman

In God’s Hands: Living through Illness with Faith by Maureen A. Cummings

More Recommendations, Anointing of the Sick:



It’s Good to Be Here: A Disabled Woman’s Reflections on the Sacred Wonder of Being Human by Christina Chase No One Cries the Wrong Way by Fr. Joe Kempf (For loved ones of those facing the threat of death.)



More Recommendations, Holy Orders:



Priestly Blessing: Rediscovering the Gift by Stephen Rossetti The How-to Book of Evangelization: Everything You Need to Know But No One Ever Taught You by Jennifer Fitz (releases June 29) (A practical guide for parish priests.) The Siege of Reginald Hill by Corinna Turner Brothers by Corinna Turner Bread Upon the Water by Deanna Klingel (Written for young people, but enjoyable for adults.)

What books would you recommend to give as gifts for the reception of the sacraments?

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Relevant Fiction Reviews: Fantasy Fiction

Elfling by Corinna Turner



Elfling is a highly imaginative fantasy novel about a young girl’s quest to find and save her father. Serapia, accompanied by her dragonet pet, goes from a smart, toughened street urchin to a beloved daughter.

Revelations about her parents’ split and the nature of her father’s past sin took me by surprise, propelling the story in a direction I hadn’t anticipated. Serapia’s subsequent (relentless) quest to obtain healing for her father at the hands of an unwilling he-elf examines the nature of evil, sin and its consequences, suffering, forgiveness, and immortality from a Christian perspective.

Although Serapia’s persistent efforts to compel the he-elf include many flashbacks as she regains her memory, I found that segment of the story a bit long, making it somewhat repetitive. Even so, fans of fantasy will enjoy the detailed world and rich story Corinna Turner has created.

Relevant Fiction Reviews: Fantasy Fiction Favorites
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Cinder Allia by Karen Ullo



For someone like myself, who reads very little fantasy, a creative twist on a classic fairy tale is a good point of entry. There are only a few similarities between Cinder Allia and Cinderella, but it was enough to help ground me in the story.

With espionage, intrigue, and wavering loyalties, Cinder Allia is more complex than you might expect. A wheelchair-bound prince who lives in the shadows, a potion-dealing outsider, and a priest/spy are some of the characters that make the story so interesting.

The writing is lovely, filled with imagery.

I had trouble connecting with the characters’ almost immediate declarations of love, but, with the reminder that this was a fairy tale, I was able to accept it for what it was.








Mandy Lamb and the Full Moon by Corinna Turner



Mandy Lamb and the Full Moon is a testament to Author Corinna Turner’s creativity! If you had told me I’d enjoy a book about a 1/2 sheep girl, a werewolf, and a vampire this much, I’d be surprised. But, Mandy Lamb is a likable girl, uh, lamb, and there is surprising depth to this children’s book.

At its heart it’s a book about fitting in despite your uniqueness and accepting others for who they are, with all of their gifts and challenges. It also delivers a firm message about distinguishing dispositions (which we cannot help) and actions (which we can) – an important message in a world so consumed with not judging that it cannot separate the two, therefore condemning some for things they cannot help and giving a free pass to others who fail to take responsibility for their actions.

Overall, a fun story about friendship with a pulse-pounding climax and an element that resonates in every story – self-sacrifice.








Moonchild Rising by Mina Ambrose



Moonchild Rising is a different kind of vampire story. No shimmery vampires that cause a girl to swoon and lose her head. This novel asks the penetrating question: Can a vampire’s soul be saved? And if so, what are the consequences?

With beautiful imagery, Mina Ambrose pairs a redeemed vampire and a skilled huntress battling both the undead and the desires of their hearts – in a thoughtful, sacrificial way, and that’s what makes the difference here.

There’s a bit of insta-love, which isn’t my favorite thing, but actually has a basis in the story, making it more palatable to me.

There’s also some beautiful imagery used, the kind you want to pause for a second or two and re-read.

I look forward to reading more in the series!








Mercy’s Prince by Katy Huth Jones



Mercy’s Prince is the type of fantasy of I enjoy – one that is human-focused, relatable, and includes names I can pronounce! The world of Valerian, the second son in line for the throne, and Mercy, a pacifist healer, was real enough to me that the introduction of a reptilian enemy horde and noble dragons seemed entirely natural.

The minor characters, even villains, are unique and interesting, not just extra bodies to prop up the story, and the slow-building relationship between Valerian and Mercy is tender and sweet.

There’s nothing about this fantasy that Christians need be wary of as the world is grounded in a medieval-style Christian culture and all supernatural gifts are clearly given for the benefit of all by the one, true God.

Fans of this genre, especially, will enjoy this story, which includes some intense but not overly graphic battle scenes. While I don’t ordinarily read many books as long, nothing about the story dragged. Instead, it lent an epic quality to the story.

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Moonchild Rising Blog Tour

Shadows of the Sun #1







About the Book:

Mara the Huntress resides in the sunny little town of Archangel, California, the location of the Gate of the Underworld—a fact unknown to the general populace. Most people don’t even know that vampires exist. As Huntress, Mara does know, and it is her job to kill those that dare venture forth to the Upperworld to prey on the humans living there. She is well-suited to this purpose, gifted with skills and talents far surpassing those of ordinary mortals. Though some vampires manage to evade her, she has so far managed to prevent the unleashing of a full-scale infestation. She has been at this job for a good portion of her not-quite twenty years, and it seems she has everything in hand. Then one day she gets a chill of foreboding, a feeling that things are about to change . . .

For she stands in the way of the master vampire’s plan for world domination, and, he fears, may be a key player in the fulfillment of an ancient prophecy foretelling his destruction. One dark night he sends the mighty Prince (his second in command) to put an end to this Huntress, this bane of vampires, once and for all. Mara confidently goes out to face him, but finds she has met her match at last. Just as all hope seems lost, this powerful vampire turns from the “dark side” to become Mara’s ally in the battle against his own kind.

Moonchild Rising by Mina Ambrose from @FullQuivPub Can a vampire's soul be saved? #CatholicFiction #FantasyFiction
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Advance Reviews:

“A fast-paced, engaging book that draws clear lines between Good and Evil, leading the reader on a great adventure through the darkness we cannot see. I loved the story—and I’m not even a fan of vampires!” 

Michelle Buckman, award-winning author, Rachel’s Contrition and Turning in Circles

“Can a vampire’s soul be saved? With beautiful imagery, Moonchild Rising pairs a redeemed vampire and a skilled huntress battling both the undead and the desires of their hearts.”

Carolyn Astfalk, author, Come Back to Me and All in Good Time

My Review:

Moonchild Rising is a different kind of vampire story. No shimmery vampires that cause a girl to swoon and lose her head. This novel asks the penetrating question: Can a vampire’s soul be saved? And if so, what are the consequences?

With beautiful imagery, Mina Ambrose pairs a redeemed vampire and a skilled huntress battling both the undead and the desires of their hearts – in a thoughtful, sacrificial way, and that’s what makes the difference here.

There’s a bit of insta-love, which isn’t my favorite thing, but actually has a basis in the story, making it more palatable to me.

There’s also some beautiful imagery used, the kind you want to pause for a second or two and re-read.

I look forward to reading more in the series!

Excerpt:

California. March 1998 

Her first warning was that unnatural chill in the night. Mara Dawn Amarantides froze, listened. Caught the slight whisper of a cloak and a flapping sound, as of bat’s wings. And that choking smell of death, faint but unmistakable. Vampire! 

She twisted around, her long, golden braid swinging across her back and glinting in the circle of white cast from the streetlights. Where…? That alley across the way? No, no, further… She ran down the sidewalk, dodging the occasional pedestrian, frightening them perhaps, but—no time to apologize, this was urgent. A matter of life and death. She peered down side streets and alleyways, eagle eyes missing nothing as she flew past. Nothing…there was nothing out of the ordinary. Where is it? Have to find it before…

There—a rhythmic squeaking sound was moving away from her down an alley and out onto another street. She squinted into the distance; the light wasn’t good in that concrete-and-brick canyon. Just at the far end was the faint glow of a streetlight. Ah, there—a boy on an old bike, not in any hurry, it seemed, apparently oblivious to the horror hot on his trail. She felt that telltale chill again, stronger now, wrinkled her nose at the unpleasant smell, and looked around, eyes piercing the shadows. Nothing but the usual reeking garbage and clutter tossed carelessly about or jammed against the wall. 

A cat yowled, dashing between her feet; she leaped aside, heart pounding. Good grief, what next! She’d no more than restored her calm and resumed her dash down the alley, when movement caught her eye, up ahead and off to the right a bit. Her heart jerked into overdrive again; stake in hand, she was ready for business. Just a rat, this time; it slithered behind a garbage can and was gone. She exhaled slowly.

Then she saw it. Even to her, the vampire looked like nothing more than a black blur, so fast did it move. Most mortals wouldn’t have seen that much; would, in fact, have had no warning at all. 

She caught a glimpse of the boy on the bike again, just as he was about to turn the corner from the alley onto a quiet street. It looked as though he sensed something, then; maybe he felt that chill cloud of gloom bearing down on him, for he glanced back and stared. His eyes went wide with terror, and he surged into action, pedaling at a furious rate, his bike squeaking madly. 

He might as well have been standing still; he’d never outrun the thing, Mara knew. It would be on him before he reached the end of the block. 

She swept the surrounding area with a swift glance, missing nothing. Only one this time? Vampires were loners, true, but perpetually hungry, and more often than not several would emerge to hunt at any given time, to scatter in every direction, no doubt to foil her attempts to catch them all. An exercise in futility; she tracked them down quite quickly, as a rule.

No time to think about that now. This one was the immediate danger, all that mattered at the moment. Shadowy arms reached out toward its prey, long gleaming claws reflecting the meager light. Too close. Fast as she was, she’d never catch up in time to stake it.

She slipped a hand inside her jacket, exchanged the stake for her small crossbow. With narrowed eyes locked on that shadow-blur, she loosed an arrow. And another, right behind it, in one swift motion. Two bolts! Overkill, maybe—she’d never failed to hit her target dead-on, but—no, she couldn’t have that thing take the boy down just because she got overconfident. She was good at this, but vampires were fast and could kill in a heartbeat. 

Her bolts flew true; one-two, straight to the middle of that shadow-shape. It shrieked, a long, pitiful wail, and fell writhing to the pavement. Then it disintegrated. 

The boy glanced around, eyes huge, but he never slowed; sped up, if anything. That spine-chilling cry must have scared him half to death, but Mara doubted he’d seen anything, except maybe a cloud of dust if he was very sharp. He likely hadn’t seen her either. Her black attire blended her into the shadows; she wasn’t easy to see even when you knew she was there, and most people didn’t. 

As soon as the boy was away, down the street and around the next corner, she went to retrieve her arrows. Her soft boots made no sound on the pavement. 

The evening breeze had picked up, wafting away the last bits of vampire dust. The air smelled fresh and clean again. All clear now. Stars were out, sparkling overhead. It was a nice night, after all. Even so, she did not relax her vigilance. That could be fatal in her line of work. For others, if not herself. 

She was about to be on her way when she heard a fluttering sound. A paper loosely tacked to the nearby wooden pole of a streetlight had torn loose at one corner and was flapping in the breeze. On it was a grainy photograph and bold black letters proclaiming: MISSING. Her heart sank. Not another one! She walked nearer and reached up to smooth the poster. A new one, obviously, so clean and white next to those other notices faded and tattered at the edges. Again some vampire had slipped past, it seemed, despite her watchfulness, to prey on the humans she was bound to protect. 

How did they manage to elude her? Was there another gate to the Underworld that she didn’t know about, where they sneaked out a back door while she stood guard here at the main gate? Father Mike had assured her that this insignificant little town of Archangel was the gate; the only one, at this time. And he should know.

Deep in thought, she made her way to the public library, open late tonight, where she had arranged to meet her friends to study. Despite her calling, she still had to get through college.

The Blog Tour:

June 8   Patrice MacArthur

June 9  Steven McEvoy  Book Reviews and More

June 10  Ellen Gable  Plot Line and Sinker

June 11   Carolyn Astfalk My Scribbler’s Heart Blog

June 12  Karina Fabian

June 13   Theresa Linden

June 15  Sarah Reinhard, Snoring Scholar 

About the Author:

Mina Ambrose was born in Oregon, a cradle Catholic, and grew up on a farm. Along with taking care of animals, she enjoyed reading, drawing and painting, playing music (mainly accordion, but a smidgen of piano, organ and guitar), and of course, writing. She began with stories and poems, as well as jotting down pages of notes—ideas for novels that never went anywhere due to the distractions of her many other interests. But she kept them on file and took them out occasionally to dream.

At age 21 she moved to British Columbia with her family. There she married, and for a number of years was raising children and running a busy household, her other interests relegated to the back burner (though she took them out and dusted them off occasionally). During this time she found new interest in sewing, gardening, and baking dozens of cookies and muffins for her growing family.

After her five sons and three daughters were grown, she returned to college, determined to at least get her Bachelor of Arts degree. (And did.) Meanwhile, she had a short story and poems published, and reawakened that life-long dream of writing a novel. As she wrote, it grew and grew, until the novel became a series: Shadows of the Sun. Moonchild Rising is Mina’s first novel, Book One of the series.

Mina is a member of the local Art Society, Catholic Writers Guild and the American Chesterton Society (as well as volunteer typist for their online project), and has also been involved in the Pro-life movement for many years. Mina has recently begun playing violin, and, since her retirement, once more finds herself baking cookies, in order to have some on hand for when her grandchildren come to visit. She lives surrounded by her eight adult children, eighteen grandchildren and one great granddaughter.

Her book, Moonchild Rising, Shadows of the Sun, Book One, is available as an ebook and print book from Amazon.com and Full Quiver Publishing.

THANKS FOR STOPPING BY! STAY A WHILE AND LOOK AROUND. LEAVE A COMMENT. SHARE WITH A FRIEND. IF YOU LIKE WHAT YOU SEE, PLEASE SIGN UP FOR MY AUTHOR NEWSLETTER TO KEEP UP-TO-DATE ON NEW RELEASES, EXTRAS, AND HOT DEALS!

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An Open Book

Welcome to the June 2020 edition of An Open Book, hosted both at My Scribbler’s Heart AND CatholicMom.com!

The school year here went out with a whimper during stay-at-home orders, and our reading and listening routines are changing again. I spend almost no time in the car or alone, so my audiobook listening has really dropped off, but my teenager is trying listening to books for the first time when he takes daily walks.

I generally don’t read fantasy, but I make exceptions for author friends’ books, and I’ve been meaning to read Katy Huth Jones’s Mercy’s Prince, the first in a five-book series, for years. This is just the kind of fantasy I enjoy: it’s human-centric with names I can pronounce! I had no trouble immersing myself in the fictional world replete with an invading reptilian horde and noble dragons. A sweet and tender romance and some gritty (but not gruesome) battle scenes round out this Christian fantasy for teens and adults.

At Love’s Command is Christian historical romance author Karen Witemeyer’s latest release. This one includes more action than most of her novels, but since the hero is a cavalryman turned mercenary, it makes sense. The likable heroine is a doctor, unusual for her time. Karen Witemeyer writes with a consistency of quality that I admire.

Becky Wade’s Stay With Me, the first in the Misty River Romance series, tackles some tough issues not often seen in Christian fiction, the main one being opioid addiction. Despite the grim topic, Stay With Me remains hopeful, even humorous at times and includes beautiful faith themes that come together seamlessly by the end.

Farmgirls Die in Cages in Corinna Turner’s most recent release in her unSPARKed series. I love that these are published in short, serial installments, each one as exciting as the last. Great adventure fun for teens and adults. Life with dinosaurs seems plausible in this wonderfully designed future world.

The Art of War by Sun Tzu is a fifth century B.C. Chinese military handbook that my now-high school senior (gulp!) listened to on audiobook. He’s interested in both Western and Eastern classics, so this appealed to him.

My two oldest kids loved E.K. Johnston’s Ahsoka, so my son was eager to cash in on a deal for Queen’s Shadow by the same author, which he’s also been listening to. While not his favorite Star Wars novel, he’s enjoyed seeing some of the characters from The Clone Wars series, of which he’s a big fan.

My middle school daughter had planned on reading Roland West, Loner by Theresa Linden for a self-directed literature assignment, but the school year ended without it being realized. Instead, she’s reading it for pleasure (though I may work through the discussion questions with her afterwards). Roland West, a quiet, unassuming kid, is thrust into a new high school along with his bullying twin brothers. He discovers friendship, a mystery, and maybe even a miracle. This is another that both her older brother and I enjoyed and a fabulous introduction to the West Brother series, which is wrapping up with Fire Starters, just released on Pentecost.

Another Theresa Linden book makes the list this month: Breastplate of Righteousness, the second book in her Armor of God chapter book series. I had the pleasure of editing this little illustrated book that’s great for students in the early elementary grades. Each book includes simple lessons about virtue in the context of medieval students aspiring to be nights and dames. I have two young readers in the target audience for this one!

My youngest child dug into the books he received from his teachers to kick off his summer reading. Mouse Soup by Arnold Lobel includes several short illustrated tales for young readers. My now-second grader also began Super Fly: The World’s Smallest Superhero by Todd H. Doodler. It’s what you’d likely expect. Mild-mannered Eugene Flystein and his Fantastic Flea sidekick take on the villainous Crazy Cockroach.

My younger readers have also picked up the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books that belong to their older brother, and, believe it or not, they’ve been zipping through my Garfield books from the 1980s while clutching my old stuffed animals. Apparently I’m so there’re so old that they’re not readily available anymore.

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My Summer 2020 Reading List

I’ve got a bazillion books on my to-be-read list. There are paperbacks, hardcover books, ebooks, and audiobooks. There are books by friends and strangers. Beta reads and books to review. And they multiple like rabbits.

I will likely read many more books than these this summer. I plan to read some books aloud to my kids, read friends’ new books, and whittle those lists. (I’m looking at you, NetGalley!)

[And even though they’re not on this list because I’ve read them, please check out Theresa Linden’s new releases Breastplate of Righteousness (Armor of God Book 2) and Fire Starters and Corinna Turner’s Farmgirls Die in Cages (unSPARKed Book 4).]

The books below, however, have been lingering on the outskirts of those lists. And either by cover or description or some je ne sai quoi, they feel to me like “summer reads.”

Here’s my list, Catholic fiction style. The first five are novels but the last is nonfiction, because, why not?

Six books on my Summer 2020 Reading list! @cmastfalk #summerreads
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The Bird and the Bees by Neena Gaynor

When Larkin Maybie buries her mother in the foothills of Appalachia, she is left all alone. Her only inheritance? A crazy aunt, a mountain of debt, and a run-down, secluded cabin left by a mysterious benefactor. While Larkin thinks an escape to a cabin miles from anything familiar might be exactly what she needs, the quick answer to her problems only leaves her with more questions… Questions concerning her true identity. 

As Larkin searches for her link to the Lewandowski Estate, she begins to accept the kindness of strangers on Presque Isle and the affection of professional baseball player, Ketch Devine. Charged with caring for the cabin’s honey bees and haunted by past choices, Larkin struggles to move forward in a new direction and is running out of time. With summer and baseball season coming to an end, she must decide: what is the value of true love and an authentic life?

The Rum Runner by Christine Marciniak

When a fisherman is shot to death in a quiet New Jersey town, Officer Alice Grady wants to know why.

Fisherman Hank Chapman knows the answer, but he’d prefer the police not investigate too closely. After all, he and the dead man both engaged in the side business of smuggling illegal alcohol in from rum row.

Alice and Hank soon find themselves helping a young widow and, despite their differences, fighting a growing attraction. How can a police officer and a rum runner find common ground?

The Jabberwocky Princess by CeCe Louise

Beware the Jabberwock . . . The jaws that bite, the claws that catch! 

Kitchen maid Kainda is the daughter of a disgraced monster hunter. She longs to learn more about strange beasts and use the hunting skills her father taught her, but kitchen maids don’t get to have adventures—especially not a girl everyone thinks is crazy.

That is until devil-may-care Prince Ander enlists her help in defeating a monster troubling a nearby kingdom. With her misfit knight best friend by her side, Kainda thinks it’s the perfect arrangement. She gets adventure and financial freedom, while Prince Ander gets to marry the princess of Fernshire.

Until the beast proves more troublesome than anyone imagined, and secrets from her father’s past raise the question: What is more dangerous—myth or reality?

A standalone read perfect for fans of sweet romance, suspense, and fairy tales!

The Number of Love by Roseanna M. White

Three years into the Great War, England’s greatest asset is their intelligence network–field agents risking their lives to gather information, and codebreakers able to crack every German telegram. Margot De Wilde thrives in the environment of the secretive Room 40, where she spends her days deciphering intercepted messages. But when her world is turned upside down by an unexpected loss, for the first time in her life numbers aren’t enough.

Drake Elton returns wounded from the field, followed by an enemy who just won’t give up. He’s smitten quickly by the intelligent Margot, but how can he convince a girl who lives entirely in her mind that sometimes life’s answers lie in the heart?

Amid biological warfare, encrypted letters, and a German spy who wants to destroy not just them but others they love, Margot and Drake will have to work together to save themselves from the very secrets that brought them together.

Beneath Wandering Stars by Ashlee Cowles

After her soldier brother is horribly wounded in Afghanistan, Gabriela must honor the vow she made: If anything ever happened to him, she would walk the Camino de Santiago through Spain, making a pilgrimage in his name. The worst part is that the promise stipulates that she must travel with her brother’s best friend–a boy she has despised all her life. Her brother is in a coma, and Gabi feels that she has no time to waste, but she is unsure. Will she hesitate too long, or risk her own happiness to keep a promise? An up-close look at the lives of the children of military families, Beneath Wandering Stars takes readers on a journey of love, danger, laughter, and friendship, against all odds.

Teachings for an Unbelieving World: Newly Discovered Reflections on Paul’s Sermon at the Areopagus by St. John Paul II

Teachings for an Unbelieving World is a newly discovered work written by St. John Paul II—then Archbishop Karol Wojtyła of Kraków—in the years just after Vatican II. He uses St. Paul’s sermon to the people of Athens in Acts 17 as a framework for articulating the faith in a culture of skepticism and unbelief. These thirteen brief reflections provide compelling teaching for Catholics in today’s post-Christian world and give fresh insight into JPII’s pontificate. This is the first English-language publication of this important work.

St. John Paul II composed these thirteen reflections at a unique point of convergence in history—the closing of Vatican II in 1965 and the 1966 observance of one thousand years of Christianity in Poland.

Teachings for an Unbelieving World is an extended meditation on Acts 17 where Paul speaks to the cultural elite of Athens after he observed an altar of an unknown god in the city. Quoting from both the Bible and the documents of Vatican II, John Paul II draws timely wisdom from the apostle’s mission to bring the truth of the Gospel to a worldly culture of sophistication and disbelief, one not unlike our own.

The future pope reveals Paul’s memorable encounter as an enduring framework to boldly present the core truths of Catholic faith to those living under Poland’s communist regime. In so doing, JPII demonstrates how relevant Paul’s words are today and equips us to meet the challenges of proclaiming the faith in our times.

Teachings for an Unbelieving World affirms the continuity of Catholic faith about:

humanity’s place in God’s creation;our search for meaning, truth, and freedom;addressing a culture of unbelief;the gift of redemption in Jesus Christ;the grace of the Holy Spirit;the role of the Church in the world;the power of the Eucharist;the redemptive and self-giving nature of human love; andthe importance of prayer.

Find these titles on my Bookshop list!

What’s on YOUR summer reading list?

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An Open Book

Welcome to the May 2020 edition of An Open Book, hosted both at My Scribbler’s Heart AND  CatholicMom.com!

Since our family schedule has been radically altered due to self-isolation, we’ve begun incorporating some reflection in our morning prayer using Mike Aquilina’s A Year with the Church Fathers: Patristic Wisdom for Daily Living. This lovely leather book with a fancy ribbon bookmark includes a daily entry with a short passage from a church father, reflection questions, and a closing prayer.

My husband picked up a book on our shelf to dig into: Tolkien: A Celebration, edited by Joseph Pearce. This collection of fourteen essays reflects on J.R.R. Tolkien’s “great literary legacy and the spiritual values that undergird his imaginary Middle-earth.”

Together, my husband and I read 33 Days to Merciful Love: A Do-It-Yourself Retreat in Preparation for Consecration to Divine Mercy by Michael E. Gaitley, culminating in consecration on Divine Mercy Sunday. These easy to read, daily entries delve into St. Therese’s “Little Way,” while incorporating what we know about mercy from St. Faustina.

Before I Called You Mine by Nicole Deese is the most moving book I’ve read this year. This romance relies heavily on sacrificial love, which is always my favorite. Inspired by the author’s international adoption of her own daughter, the story traces Lauren’s path in becoming an adoptive mother, which comes into conflict with her blossoming relationship with the dinosaur-loving education tech wizard/substitute teacher Joshua, who is everything she’d ever hoped for in a husband. This one is not to be missed!

I joined with readers on Litsy to read a short story by one of my favorite classic authors, Willa Cather. My Mortal Enemy is an interesting observation of love and, in part, an illustration of how we always hurt the ones we love the most. Cather, despite being a non-Catholic, has a tremendous grasp of the sacramentality of the faith.

Carolina Breeze by Denise Hunter is the second book in the Bluebell Romance series. In this installment, older brother Levi is matched with Hollywood starlet Mia. Levi is a likable enough hero in the story of three siblings and their efforts to make a go of the family inn following their parents’ death.

This Wandering Heart is a strong debut by Janine Rosche. This contemporary Christian romance is set (mostly) in beautiful Montana and introduced me to glamping. (Glamour + camping. I am the only one who didn’t know this was a thing?) The last quarter of this second chance romance between single dad Robbie and wounded school teacher/social media maven Keira/Kat Wanderfull is the strongest – fast-paced and rich in conflict.

Corinna Turner has added another fun adventure to her dystopian dinosaur  unSPARKed series with Panic!, probably the most action-packed installment of the thus far. In this one, the stories and characters collide! The fragility of life and its unexpected turns resonate and leave you on the edge of your seat.

My time in the car has been significantly reduced lately, so I’ve found less time for audiobooks. Even so, I’ve begun listening to the final installment in Nancy Mehl’s Kaely Quinn Profiler series. The stakes are high in Dead End as special agent Kaely is called in to interview her serial killer father in pursuit of a copycat killer. This may be what it takes to push Kaely over the edge. Or it may finally push her into the arms of her brooding, widowed partner Noah.

My sixth-grade daughter sped through Carmela Martino’s Playing by Heart in two days, enjoying this lyrical historical novel based on the real-life Agnesi sisters of 18th century Milan. She loves historical fiction, and this story with faith themes and a bit of romance was a great fit for her.

While clearing out some books to convert our computer room into a bedroom, we ran across Valley of the Moon: the Diary of Maria Rosalia de Milagros by Sherry Garland, part of the Dear America series. The daily entries are set in Sonoma Valley, California, 1846. I think this is something both my daughters might enjoy.

In her Easter basket, my second-grade daughter received a copy of The Case of the Easter Egg Escapades (Sisters of the Last Straw Book 6) by Karen Kelly Boyce. It’s a fun Easter-themed mystery for chapter book readers. In my recent interview with Karen Kelly Boyce, she reveals the origin of this convent of sometimes-silly sisters.

My daughter is loving Stories of the Saints: Bold and Inspiring Tales of Adventure, Grace, and Courage by Carey Wallace. This attractive, oversized hardback book is filled with beautifully illustrated biographies of saints from early Christianity to modern times. I’m learning about some obscure saints right along with her.

This child also immediately absconded with The Kid’s Book of Prayers About All Sorts of Things. This book was recently given a fresh, contemporary look by Pauline Kids. I would’ve loved to have had a book like this as a kid with prayers for all sorts of situations – loneliness, birth of a sibling, loss of a grandparent, holidays, etc. With lots of white space and fun illustrations, it can become a treasured keepsake – part journal, part prayer book.

The youngest kid in the house received King of the Shattered Glass in his Easter basket. I first discovered this book through Erin McCole Cupp’s Sabbath Rest Book Talk series. This touching tale is perfect for children who are about the age of making their first confession.

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Seeing Peace: A Stay Connected Journal for Catholic Women

What a perfectly timed resource! Show of hands: Who’s feeling a little anxious? Who’s struggling to hand it all over to God, multiple times a day?

Author of the Last Straw: An Interview with Karen Kelly Boyce

How did you first conceive the idea for Sisters of the Last Straw?

It is so strange how God works. I had a Bible study with a number of women for about thirty years. We were great friends and one night at our meeting we started laughing about how we all should have been nuns. Looking around at the five women in the group who are all good women, I had to laugh. We each have our own foibles and personality quirks. I laughed and said that we would probably be kicked out of any order because of our bad habits. Another woman said that we would probably have to form our own order. After much laughter and silly plans for the order, one of the women said, “We better call it the Sisters of the Last Straw.” I wrote my first story about the nuns for those women. Then I decided to write a children’s book to teach children that while all people have faults, we can love God and each other. That is how the Sisters of the Last Straw were created. 

Which sister, if any, would you say you share a foible with?

Each Sister is based on one of those Bible study friends, including myself. So I tend to be clumsy, love animals, and food. I am Sister Krumbles! 

Are there more adventures we can look forward to in the series?

I just finished the first draft of The Case of the Campground Creature and will follow that with one that is still just a concept, The Case of the Missing Maps. I hope the children love them.

What are some of the joys and pitfalls of writing for children?

I never planned on writing for children. However, I am finding it very satisfying. Children are great fans. They write to me. They write wonderful reviews on Amazon and they are very loyal. Each child seems to have their favorite Sister and always wait impatiently for the next adventure of the Sisters of the Last Straw. A few of my little fans have actually come to visit Queen of Angels Farm. They always seem shocked to find that the animals in the book actually exist.  I often use the same names that the animals on the farm have, like Crayons or Ronnie the Rooster. 

I only lose my fans when they get older, so I just finished writing a middle-grade adventure book called Jenna’s Journey. It is an adventure through contemplative prayer. I am looking for a publisher now and hope it will develop into a series. 

How are the novels in The Rosary Series tied to that familiar form of Catholic prayer?

The novels in the Rosary series are all based on the graces of the mysteries of the rosary. I had been away from the church for years and when I came back the only prayer I remembered was the rosary. As I sat and said my rosary each day, God spoke to my heart and drew me back to Him. Sometimes, I was moved to tears and led to a contemplative meditation. When God inspired me to write, I started with the joyful mysteries. Hence the first novel, According to Thy Word, is based on the grace of humility. The second, Into the Way of Peace, on the grace of charity. Down Right Good, based on the birth of Christ, is about having Christ in your heart and spreading the good news. In the Midst of Wolves is based on the grace of purity, both physical and spiritual. Since I started writing for children, I have fallen behind in my desire to touch on all the mysteries, but I have started the fifth novel, which is about halfway finished. 

Does farm life complement the writing life? And if so, how?

Living on a farm is something my husband and I always dreamed about and the dream came true twenty-five years ago. We have horses, ponies, goats, and chickens. I often get ideas for books from the antics of our animals. Living on a farm is a special lifestyle. We have the beauty of the changing seasons on our little eight-acre farm and yet when we pull out of our drive we are just one mile from stores, twenty minutes from the shore, and are nestled between New York City and Philadelphia. Our grandchildren love to visit, especially in the spring when the baby chicks and goats are born. My husband retired and started his own hobby of restoring classic cars. We built a pole barn and he has a lift and spends most of his days there. That gives me time to work on my laptop and write. I sit through the seasons watching my red maple grow and shed its leaves as I type away. It is a dream life. 

Author of the Last Straw: An interview with Sisters of the Last Straw author @KarenKellyBoyce
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Karen Kelly Boyce lives on a farm in New Jersey with her retired husband. She has two grown children and two grandchildren. When she retired as a Registered Nurse, she rekindled her love of reading and writing. Karen has published four novels. She also has an award-winning children’s series.

Links:

Website: https://www.kkboyce.com/blog

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Karen.Kelly.Boyce

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KarenKellyBoyce

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenkellyboyce/

THANKS FOR STOPPING BY! STAY A WHILE AND LOOK AROUND. LEAVE A COMMENT. SHARE WITH A FRIEND. IF YOU LIKE WHAT YOU SEE, PLEASE SIGN UP FOR MY AUTHOR NEWSLETTER TO KEEP UP-TO-DATE ON NEW RELEASES, EXTRAS, AND HOT DEALS!

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