Carolyn Astfalk's Blog, page 3

An Open Book

You’ll notice that a lot of our recent reading was inspired by our summer vacation in Kentucky, where we made eleven stops on the Bourbon Trail and visited Daniel and Rebecca Boone’s graves, among other places.

Many hours of our travel time were spent listening to Boone: A Biography by Robert Morgan. Frontiersman Daniel Boone was a complex man who lived a fascinating life in 18th-century America. Robert Morgan’s biography is long and detailed, occasionally veering off on interesting tangents. While we didn’t complete the entire book as a family, my oldest son is listening to the remainder on his own. When presented with the hardships Boone overcame in uncharted wilderness and in conflict with hostile native tribes, I couldn’t help but think how soft we Americans have become. 

Since we arrived home to Pennsylvania, my husband has been reading The Kentucky Bourbon Trail by Berkeley Scott and Jeanine Scott, part of the Images of America series that is familiar to almost everyone. He found it informative, and like the other books in the series, you get a glimpse into the past with nostalgic photos. He wishes he’d read it before our vacation. Note: the book was last revised in 2017 and could use updating.

My husband’s also been reading The Bourbon King: The Life and Crimes of George Remus, Prohibition’s Evil Genius by Bob Batchelor. Among Remus’s crimes was a crime of passion—murdering his unfaithful wife. Crazy stuff about a Prohibition bootlegger/millionaire/criminal defense lawyer who ultimately helped inspire The Great Gatsby. Heard of “temporary insanity” as a defense? This is where it came from.

While I did not read the entirety of The Crayon Papers by Washington Irving, I did read “The Early Experiences of Ralph Ringwood” after our visit to the Talbott Tavern in Bardstown, Kentucky. A scene in the story is set at the tavern (which was visited by Washington Irving, Daniel Boone, Jesse James, and Abraham Lincoln). The story chronicles a young man’s adventures in leaving Richmond, Virginia, and learning to hunt and subsequently study law. It was an interesting, sometimes humorous, story.

While nearly melting as we tent camped during a Kentucky heat wave, I read The Children’s Blizzard by Melanie Benjamin. Sadly, the detailed descriptions of the frigid weather did little to cool me off. I’d previously been familiar with this event only from the Little House on the Prairie episode it inspired. While the writing was top notch and I learned a great deal about the tragedy, the novel ultimately felt nihilistic. Very few of the survivors had a somewhat happy ending. I may try reading the nonfiction book by the same name.

The Thief of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep was a fun historical romance, filled with fast-paced reversals of fortune. The story kept me on my toes, and Constable Jackson Forge and swindler Kit Turner made a formidable pair in ultimately uncovering why several London men had gone missing. First in a series I’m looking forward to reading.

680 Miles Away by Tara J. Stone is the story of two young women, Evie and Sam, both talented musicians abandoned by their parents, trying to find their place in the world. The novel includes two sweet Catholic romances (bonus!) and reads very smoothly. It’s one of the few novels I’ve read set during the global pandemic in 2020-21.

I have Kindle Unlimited for a couple of months, and one of the first books I wanted to read was Rocky Road by Becky Wade, the second book in the Sons of Scandal series. The author’s recent books share a similar writing style and work from a similar template, but I still enjoy reading them, typically whipping through them quickly. This story pairs reserved FBI agent Jude Camden with bold perfumer Gemma Clare. He’s undercover and she’s cooperating in his case, which makes romance a no-no. There’s a little mystery regarding Gemma’s great grandmother’s forgotten love story as well. I love the point of view of Jude’s mother, Fiona, and I’d love to see Becky Wade writer her romance, that of a middle-aged woman. The author does a great job with Jude’s dialogue and his internal thoughts, which so perfectly suit the personality she’s given him.

I’ve also been working my way through Stories of the Eucharist: A Family Treasury of Saints and Seekers by Heidi Hess Saxton. The stories are set in different centuries and locales and most involve saints. For each story, there is an overview, the story itself (a page or two), things to think and talk about, specific questions, and a short prayer. This can easily be used as part of daily devotions or even shared on Sundays. Forty stories are included.

My college son read 1776 by David McCullough, once his sister completed it. (See August’s An Open Book.) He then listened to “The Vampyre” by John William Polidori. This classic vampire story preceded Bram Stoker’s Dracula and was mistakenly credited to Lord Byron. A wealthy young man, Aubrey, encounters a mysterious man. After a run-in with bandits, the man, Lord Ruthven, is fatally injured—yet reappears later, becoming friendly with Aubrey’s sister. Vampire!

More vampires and Lord Byron appear in The Stress of Her Regard by Tim Powers. Michael Crawford teams with Byron, Keats, and Shelley to free Crawford’s bride from a vampire who has claimed the woman as his own bride. My son gives is five stars. He characterizes Powers’ vampires as the folkloric kind and says, “The characters are . . . extremely well done. Everyone has a unique personality and different motivations, so much so that historical figures seem to leap off the page.”

My high school daughter just barely made time to complete her extra credit summer reading assignment. She chose to read To Crown with Liberty by Karen Ullo, and she absolutely loved it, proclaiming it one of her favorite books. I wish I’d recorded her spiel about it because it sounded like an endorsement for Catholic fiction! She’d covered some similar content in her AP European History course last year, so events were familiar, but the novel integrated them and brought them to life through lived human experiences. More on To Crown with Liberty.

While perusing the library shelves looking for something on tapping maple trees (ours are finally the right size!), my daughter found The Essential Book of Homesteading: The Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Living by Ashley English. We’ve enjoyed perusing this book, learning all about making cheese, sour cream, canning, beekeeping, and so much more. Simple language and many illustrations/photographs.

I’m glad I brought my Kindle on vacation since it gave my middle school daughter a hefty supply of reading material. Based on the number of books she read last month, she needs her own post.  Instead, here are the series she’s been continuing or completing: the Heaven Intended series by Amanda Lauer, the Birdface series by Cynthia T. Toney, the I Am Margaret series by Corinna Turner, the West Brothers series by Theresa Linden. She also read three books by Leslea Wahl: Where You Lead, Into the Spotlight, and Charting the Course. You can find all these books and series at Catholic Teen Books.

She also read one book I haven’t yet read, Emerald Illusion by J. Rodes (contemporary Christian romance novelist Jennifer Rodewald). The book is set in Oz, but is not a sequel to The Wizard of Oz. The description: “Abrielle finds herself in the middle of a realm everyone had heard of but no one believed existed. When she meets a boy named Levi, she finds out there is nothing safe about Oz. However, there is something beneath the darkness… something she needs to grasp. If only she has the courage to believe.”

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An Open Book

Welcome to the August 2024 edition of An Open Book, hosted both at My Scribbler’s Heart and CatholicMom.com!

Like many others, my husband purchased a copy of J.D. Vance’s memoir, Hillybilly Elegy, following the Republican National Convention. I’m not sure if it was Prime Day pricing, but it was a considerably reduced price. I’d had my eye on this several years ago but hadn’t gotten around to reading it, so I’ll likely read it as well. So far, from the stories my husband has shared, I think it’s fair to say Vance’s Appalachian family was very colorful. I read the introduction, and the writing was so smooth, I wanted to continue.

Summer Sweethearts was a quick, fun read. It’s a collection of short summery contemporary romances put together by authors Katie Fitzgerald and Rachel Lawrence. Each story was well-written, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading them. Plus, I was introduced to many new-to-me authors. It’s available via the contributors, including Katie.

Cole and Laila Are Just Friends, as you might guess by the title, is a friends-to-more trope contemporary rom-com. I’d read another Bethany Turner novel awhile back and didn’t care for the main character, but I wanted to give the author another try, and I’d seen lots of positive reviews of this one. I did like the characters in this one, which is filled with snappy dialogue, solid writing, and fun settings from mountainous Colorado to New York City. Cole and Laila’s (eventual) romance is tender, sweet, and honest, but I could never quite buy that they’d been intimate, touchy-feely, inseparable friends for nearly four decades and hadn’t considered the possibility of romance.

It had been a minute (as they say) since I’d read a Denise Hunter novel, so I picked up Love, Unscripted. A romance novelist enters a fake dating relationship with the star of the movie adaption of her book. She ensures he gets the main character right, and he rehabilitates his playboy image. As you’d guess, they fall in love, but there are some hurdles preventing them from getting together. I was disappointed that unlike all the other Denise Hunter books I’ve read, this one didn’t have a faith theme in a story that would readily lend itself to one.

Many years after my daughter prompted me to read a favorite of hers, Johnny Tremain, I finally did! This American Revolutionary War novel by Esther Forbes follows a young, orphaned silversmith, the title character, who through a series of events finds himself playing a key role in the colonial rebellion despite his age and a serious injury. Since the story is set in Boston and its environs, I was grateful our family had visited Boston, Concord, and Lexington for a family vacation once. It helped ground me in the setting and the action.

I’d also been meaning to read To the Heights: A Novel Based on the Life of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati by Brian Kennelly for many years. It was a moving introduction to the life of soon-to-be-saint Pier Giorgio Frassati. There is so much to admire in this young man – his zest for life, his love of family, his patriotism, passion, and piety. The novel gave historical context to the details I knew of his life, grounding it in early 20th century Italian culture and the political milieu. The author did a good job of allowing the reader to see Pier Giorgio’s heroism and virtue but also his weaknesses and flaws. It could be improved with additional proofreading. 

I previewed a copy of Forgiven: A Guide to Confession and the Examen Prayer by Sr. Orianne Pietra René Dyck and Sr. Allison Regina Gliot. It’s as thorough a guide to confession for young people that I’ve ever seen. In easy-to-understand language, it offers practical answers to common questions about the sacrament. It also includes many relevant prayers, all in a compact size that’s easily portable. Full review coming at CatholicMom.com.

My oldest son, who enjoys Michael Crichton books, read The Andromeda Strain. He’s read enough of the author’s books to recognize the pattern: a team of people are brought in to address a crisis brought about by man and nature. Premise from the blurb: Five prominent biophysicists have warned the United States government that sterilization procedures for returning space probes may be inadequate to guarantee uncontaminated re-entry to the atmosphere.

He also read Rebel Yell: The Violence, Passion, and Redemption of Stonewall Jackson by S. C. Gwynne. From his review: “An amazing book about one of the more forgotten American heroes of the Civil War. Jackson is a simple yet complex figure, revered and feared by Confederates and Unionists alike. Gwynne does a beautiful job of bringing Jackson and the broader Civil War to life once again!” His only criticism of the book is that the maps, critical to understanding the battles, were insufficient.

My oldest daughter read 1776 by David McCullough, a Pulitzer Prize winner, as part of a summer reading project. She really enjoyed the book, which she described as an outline of the Revolutionary War from late 1775 through 1776. It focuses on generals from both sides of the conflict and their campaigns. She appreciated that it included historical accuracy without contemporary judgment.

My younger daughter is reading in series that she or her siblings have read and have been featured here at least once: I Am Margaret, The Three Most Wanted, and Drive!, all by Corinna Turner; A World Such as Heaven Intended by Amanda Lauer; and the second and third books in Raymond Arroyo’s Will Wilder series. She’s becoming a Catholic Teen Books poster child. 

She’s also been re-reading parts of Cece Louise’s Forest Tales series in addition to a series prequel, Saving Vengeance. The description: “Forced to choose between loyalty to the king and what is right, Gavin spares an innocent woman’s life, only to discover that saving her won’t be as easy as he thought. All Laurel wants is revenge on the man who murdered her sister, even if that means sacrificing herself in the process. When a masquerade ball provides the perfect opportunity for her plan, will she succeed?”

I’ve been reading Where the Red Fern Grows aloud to my youngest son. The classic by Wilson Rawls is one I’ve meant to read, and it’s on his summer reading list. So far, it’s a story of a boy determined to get his own pair of hunting dogs. Every time someone spies the cover, they make a remark about a tragic ending, so I guess that’s where we’re headed.

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Mentored for Good Blog Tour

Mentored for Good by Keith Lilek About the Book:

Are you happy with who you’ve become? I am, but I didn’t get here by myself. I’m the beneficiary of many God-inspired mentors throughout my life. Their guidance and wisdom have shaped me into the person I am today. Do you remember who lifted you at various times in your life? Who inspired you to actively change your course? I do. I remember. I remember them all. And I want to share with you how their guidance and my willingness to learn transformed my life. I am forever grateful to them.

Mentored for Good is not just a book; it’s a personal journey. It’s the story of how a willing mentee, the author himself, was shaped and molded by the mentoring he received throughout his life. It’s about how his character was shaped to benefit all those he came in contact with. Life’s struggles. Life’s uncertainties. How can we succeed? How can we be better at anything we want to try? We often don’t take advantage of those creative people all around us who are willing to share their stories, actions, and solutions. It’s hard to go through this life alone. But there are many people we come in contact with that can and do inspire us to live more fruitful lives if we are open to it. In Mentored for Good, the author revisits the lessons taught to him in sonnet form that captures the impact each lesson has had on him, his friends and family, and hopefully his readers.

Stop by the Mentored for Good Blog Tour – Catholic mentee Keith Lilek
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Buy in PrintBuy on KindleListen on AudibleIN AN EFFORT TO PROMOTE CHARITABLE GIVING,THE AUTHOR IS DONATING 100% OF THE PROCEEDS TO CHARITY. Advance Reviews:

“Keith Lilek has become a good friend to me. We met in a men’s Bible study in 2018. We began playing some golf together, and that’s when I really got to know him. I found him to be humorous, energetic, and a great storyteller. As time went on, he showed me that he was a great family man, had been a very successful businessman, and had a passion for his walk with God. His passion for writing shows all of these traits in the stories he tells.”

Steve Grogan, New England Patriots 1975-1990

“I have known Keith Lilek for several years as a neighbor, member of a Bible study group I lead, a fellow traveler to the Holy Land, and occasional golf buddy. In my first encounter with Keith, I found him boisterous, self-promotional, and rude! However, as time went on, I discovered that there was much more to Keith than my first impression. Several years in, I find him to be very thoughtful, a loving family man, passionate about his faith, and full of compassion for others, not least the little, the lost, and the marginalized. He writes with tenderness, fatherly kindness, and an insight that makes us all look a second time at people, relationships, and grace. I am proud to call Keith my friend.”

Jeff Kirby, Director of Men’s & Alpha Ministries, Church of the Resurrection, Overland Park, Kansas

“I have known Keith for more than twenty years. He has always been deeply committed to his family, faith, and business endeavors. I am deeply inspired by his writing and how he utilizes his top-flight business acumen to clearly communicate the ‘how-to’s’ of living out one’s faith and inspiring us with poignant whys.”

Deacon Dana Nearmyer, Kansas City Diocese, Kansas City, MO

“I like Keith. His writing life lessons in sonnet form is a pleasant surprise. It is very entertaining and thought-provoking. Keith has tackled the ever-crowded field of inspirational writing in a fun and amusing way with sonnets, clever illustrations, scripture, and reflections to ponder their influence on our lives. Nice work!”

Brian Sullivan, bestselling author and radio host

About the Author:

Keith’s Mission (in his own words):

I call myself a “Lifetime Mentee” and am happiest engaging with others through my life’s example and helping my faith-based audiences better apply the Church’s teachings. I do this through uplifting, inspirational, biblical, poetic, and musical content.

Experience:

Keith is the newly published author of six books and soon-to-be two song albums about his lessons, the mentors who taught him, the Catholic Church’s influence, and how it all turned him into who he is today! He speaks at faith-based conferences, workshops, and interviews all over the Midwest and has been a professional business speaker for over 35 years.

Keith donates 100% of all book sales proceeds to any organization that promotes him, and he gives 50% of any speaking fees back to the agent who promotes him. 

Keith Lilek is a remarkable individual who has embraced the role of a Catholic Mentee. He has dedicated himself to learning, absorbing knowledge, and living out the teachings of his faith. Thanks to a special agreement with the Holy Spirit, he has committed to sharing his wisdom with others.

Picture a person who possesses St. Lawrence’s wit, St. John Bosco’s storytelling prowess, and a comedic passion for the Three Stooges—that person is Keith Lilek!

As a Catholic author, Keith firmly believes that becoming a Catholic Mentee has been the key ingredient to his success. He rarely hesitated to seek guidance from those who had achieved greater accomplishments in the areas he was focusing on. By surrounding himself with individuals who excelled in various fields, he was able to benefit from their wisdom and blessings. 

Before Keith discovered his writing talent, he was renowned as the reigning champion of the National Three Stooges Trivia Contest – a skill he seamlessly incorporated into his public speaking engagements, delighting his audiences. 

As his devotion to praying the Rosary grew, so did his business, philanthropic endeavors, and now his authorship. Keith’s unwavering faith is strengthened by the presence of the Divine Mercy image of Jesus, which he keeps close to him at work and home. He has made it a habit to integrate his Catholic faith into every aspect of his life, and through his actions, he has become a mentor to others. Keith is content with the person he has become, and he attributes his growth to the guidance and influence of the men and women who have shaped him over the past forty years, as well as his ability to infuse humor into his interactions.

Married for forty years, blessed to have four children and five grandchildren.Grew a successful software business from the ground up into a multi-million dollar success story. Founding member and past president of the largest Serra Club by membership promoting vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Spends his retirement years enjoying his family, story-telling, songwriting, speaking, writing, and giving back for all the blessings he has received through his nonprofit philanthropical ministry, Mentored from Above, LLC.Author Interview:

What purpose do you hope to convey to your audience?

Today, I’m known as an author, entrepreneur, philanthropist, Catholic apologist, and someone who had the good fortune to sell a multi-million-dollar company. I’m here to talk about something even more significant: the joy and transformative power of being a ‘LIFETIME MENTEE.’ You see, while many people focus on the role of the mentor, I’ve found tremendous value in being the one who asks for help—listening and learning…what a concept! The joy and fulfillment I’ve experienced as a mentee is something I wish to share with all of you, as it’s a feeling that can truly change your life. It’s a feeling of growth, connection, and being part of something bigger than yourself.

What is your overall vision for these books?

Many of us need a life coach to improve ALL of our relationships, but the most important is with God. I’m a lifetime mentee who has benefitted from the wisdom of many. This collection of writings are universally proven biblical lessons shared as books, audio, and musical stories to lift your spirits and help you confidently lead your family in faith. They incorporate the Ten Commandments into my daily life. This book is like a mini-retreat to review how to look at life and live your best self from a man who did.

What are some of your most important life lessons?

Despite facing numerous challenges, I always remained faithful. I created a protective barrier around myself and my loved ones. Although not always, I frequently incorporated Christ into my daily life physically and spiritually. I adorned my surroundings with crosses, pictures, Rosaries, and statuary, not for worship but as reminders. I even wore a brown scapular and gave Miraculous Medals to my family members. 

My wife always found encouragement when I engaged in “church” activities, and she could join me in prayer when I did so openly. Regularly meeting with other men to discuss faith taught me the importance of continuously working on my parenting, health, education, and spiritual well-being. 

Reconciliation served as an affordable form of therapy, although I wish I had done it more frequently. It inspired me to have meaningful conversations about life with trusted individuals. Thanks to my involvement in the church, I have had many friends I can confide in without worrying about the consequences. In fact, at times, I felt as accountable to these men as my wife. Being a good man for my wife and children was a driving force within me.

The Blog Tour:

July 22  Plot Line and Sinker (Ellen Gable)

July 23  My Scribbler’s Heart (Carolyn Astfalk)

July 24  Denise Mercado

July 25  Catholic Books Blog (Theresa Linden)

July 26  Book Reviews and More (Steven McEvoy)

July 27  Azariah’s Compass Publishing (Chris Smith)

July 28  Harvesting the Fruits of Contemplation (Mike Seagriff)

July 29  Amanda Lauer

July 30 Mary Jo Thayer

Links:BlogWebsiteInstagramFacebook

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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5 Saint Stories Your Teen Will Love

There are a handful of words most people will never misspell. They are the words they once misspelled when they got knocked out of a spelling bee. Mine are lunule, hexafoos, and hagiography. The last one is pertinent here:

Hagiography: (1) biography of saints or venerated persons. (2) idealizing or idolizing biography

(Source: Merriam-Webster online dictionary)

Hagiography sounds like an arcane word, obscure and maybe old and stodgy. Maybe that has to do with “hag.” Unfortunately, that’s sometimes how the lives of the saints come across. Through misperception or stale storytelling, the lives of the saints may seem boring or irrelevant. They are quite the opposite!

Holiness is relevant in every time and place throughout human history, and achieving that holiness is the result of inherent struggles, often heroic ones. Sometimes the tension between good and evil is played out in dramatic fashion as in the lives of martyrs. Sometimes it is an internal struggle hidden behind a cloister wall. In both cases, there is tension ripe for a good story.

If you’re looking for lives of the saints (and blessed) stories that will highlight that struggle in ways that are relevant and relatable, told in compelling novels, I have five recommendations to get you started. Find these books and more saint novels at CatholicTeenBooks.com/saint-stories.

Crusader King by Susan Peek 

This story about the recently-trending leper king, King Baldwin IV of Jerusalem, has been inspiring teen readers for two decades.

A historical novel about the unusual life of King Baldwin IV of Jerusalem, the leper crusader king who – despite ascending to the throne at only 13, his early death at 24 and his debilitating disease – performed great and heroic deeds in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

Treachery and Truth by Katy Huth Jones 

You’ve heard the carol “Good King Wenceslas,” but what do you know about him?

Immersed in the historical background of the tenth century, this true tale of Good King Wenceslas, as told by his faithful servant Poidevin, brings the reader into the Dark Ages. Fear grips the land of Bohemia as the faithful face betrayal and persecution under the reign of the pagan Duchess Dragomira. As she struggles for power with the rightful heir, Prince Vaclav, her foes forge alliances in secret despite the risk of discovery. Who will survive?

The Boy Who Knew by Corinna Turner

Learn about the life of soon-to-be-saint Bl. Carlo Acutis through the eyes of a contemporary teen suffering with leukemia. Look for its re-release from Ignatius Press!

Daniel’s just received the worst news a teen can get. The adults in his life are crumbling under the shock. In desperation, he turns to his parish priest for help and is introduced to a boy his age, Carlo Acutis—who just happens to be dead.

Daniel’s convinced the priest is wasting his time. But as he struggles to come to terms with his uncertain future an unlikely friendship develops between him and the holy dead boy—who may not be quite so dead after all.

A Lion for a Tomb by Corinna Turner 

The age-old tension between Islam and Christianity is front and center in this contemporary story highlighting the life and death of St. Ignatius of Antioch.

Razim’s family are Muslim. His best friend, Daniel, is Christian. It’s never mattered before. But now Razim’s brother has become a crazed Islamic extremist and Daniel has turned into a total Jesus freak—and Razim is caught in the middle.

When Razim stumbles across a prayer card of an old man with brown skin just like his, who seems mind-bogglingly happy that he’s being eaten by lions, Razim’s curiosity overflows.

What could possibly make a man happy to face his own death?

And will Razim have to risk his own to find out?

The King’s Prey by Susan Peek 

St. Dymphna has become increasingly popular, often invoked as an intercessor for anxiety, depression, and mental illness. You want drama? This story’s got it.

An insane king. His fleeing daughter. Estranged brothers, with a scarred past, risking everything to save her from a fate worse than death. Toss in a holy priest and a lovable wolfhound, and get ready for a wild race across Ireland. Will Dymphna escape her deranged father and his sinful desires?

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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My Summer 2024 Reading List

As I write this, we’re already more than a week into summer, so I’m assembling my list a bit late but confident I can enjoy these books in the remaining months before school-year craziness ensues. Yes, I, um, may still be working through prior summers’ lists, but goals are supposed to stretch us. Right?

Cole and Laila Are Just Friends by Bethany Turner

Blurb: Cole Kimball and Laila Olivet have been best friends their entire lives. Cole is the only person (apart from blood relatives) who’s seen Laila in her oversized, pink, plastic, Sophia Loren glasses. Laila is always the first person to taste test any new dish Cole creates in his family’s restaurant . . . even though she has the refined palate of a kindergartener. Most importantly, Cole and Laila are always talking. About everything.

When Cole discovers a betrayal from his recently deceased grandfather that shatters his world, staying in Adelaide Springs, Colorado, is suddenly unfathomable. But Laila loves her life in their small mountain town and can’t imagine ever living anywhere else. She loves serving customers who tip her with a dozen fresh eggs. She loves living within walking distance of all her favorite people. And she’s very much not okay with the idea of not being able to walk to her very favorite person.

Still, when Cole toys with moving across the country to New York City, she decides to support her best friend–even as she secretly hopes she can convince him to stay home. And not just for his killer chocolate chip pancakes. Because she loves him. As a friend. Just as a friend. Right?

They make a deal: Laila won’t beg him to stay, and Cole won’t try to convince her to come with him. They have one week in New York before their lives change forever, and all they have to do is enjoy their time together and pretend none of this is happening. But it’s tough to ignore the very inconvenient feelings blooming out of nowhere. In both of them. And these potentially friendship-destroying feelings, once out in the open, have absolutely no take-backs.

Why I want to read it: I kinda hate the cover, but I’ve heard lots of good things about this book. I’ve only read one book by the author, and I didn’t much care for the main character, so I want to give the author another try.

My Summer 2024 Reading List
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The Occult Among Us: Exorcists and Former Occultists Expose the Nature of This Modern Evil by Charles D. Fraune

Blurb: On the heels of the moral and spiritual collapse in the second half of the twentieth century, a new interest in spirituality has emerged and is overwhelming the world. However, this interest is not one which is leading to a resurgence of Christian faith and holiness. It is one in which man is infatuated with spirits, aligned with secret powers, inclined to secret rituals, and in love with superstition.

Far too many Christians today are suffering and bewildered by the spread and appeal of the occult. Priests and parents alike are unsure how to address this temptation and devastation which pursues their children. The Occult Among Us seeks to fill the gap in knowledge and understanding by directly addressing many of these new movements, the dangerous social trends they are creating, and the challenges these present to the universal Church.

In this book, the reader will [learn]:

[How] technology functions as a highway for the spread of the occult. What modern witchcraft and Satanism really believe.The common beliefs that bind and motivate all forms of the occult.The dangers which even occultists admit are present in these practices.The real danger within common practices like the Ouija board, Reiki, and sage smudging … among many other topics.

Like The Rise of the Occult, this second volume is based around the same stories and experiences of sixteen former occultists, eight exorcists, seven parish priests, six Catholic families, and many others who have experienced firsthand the presence and dangers and reality of the modern-day resurgence of the occult. The time has come for all Christians to understand this threat more completely and to learn how they can protect themselves and society as a whole.

Why I want to read it: This isn’t typically my thing, but I heard the author on The Catholic Talk Show, and I think this will be a good research book for me in depicting dabbling in the occult for an upcoming YA novel. I want to be accurate yet careful in how the material is presented.

Walking in Circles by Amy Matayo

Blurb: Emma Lee was four the first time her dad hit her, eight when he left without a word, and nine by the time she’d developed a serious case of Male Trust Issues. So, when her mom moves her from their beloved California city to a small South Carolina town, the last person she wants to get to know is her elderly male neighbor. But the man won’t stop talking to her. And it isn’t like she can avoid him. She passes his house twice a day on her walk to and from school.

Old Will knows a fractured soul when he sees one, and his young new neighbor is certainly that. Emma wears a cautious demeanor like an old sweater, and it tugs at his heartstrings. His late wife would have his hide if he didn’t welcome the girl onto their front porch and treat her like one of their own. And if his grandson Shane happened to come by and meet her…well, that wouldn’t be his fault, would it?

Shane Michaels is the school jock, prom king, all-around popular kid, and miserable. He’s already lost so much in his eighteen years, more than his classmates could ever understand. And he is lonely. So, when Emma moves into the house next to Old Will, Shane makes it his mission to meet her. He invites her on a walk. He joins her on Old Will’s front porch. He asks her to dinner and to prom and eventually spills the secret he’s been keeping for years, the secret only his parents and Old Will know about.

That is, until a tragic accident brings everything into the open and throws their newly formed bond into chaos. A bond Emma hadn’t seen coming until she’d already learned to depend on it. But isn’t that how life works?

Sometimes learning to trust people is only a matter of meeting the right ones.

Why I want to read it: I also don’t like this cover, but I love nearly everything Amy Matayo writes. This one has YA romance, intergenerational friendship, and looks like it tugs at the heartstrings. I’m here for it!

Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

Blurb: About to be executed for murder, Yelena is offered an extraordinary reprieve. She’ll eat the best meals, have rooms in the palace—and risk assassination by anyone trying to kill the Commander of Ixia.

And so Yelena chooses to become a food taster. But the chief of security, leaving nothing to chance, deliberately feeds her Butterfly’s Dust—and only by appearing for her daily antidote will she delay an agonizing death from the poison.

As Yelena tries to escape her new dilemma, disasters keep mounting. Rebels plot to seize Ixia and Yelena develops magical powers she can’t control. Her life is threatened again and choices must be made. But this time the outcomes aren’t so clear…

Why I want to read it: The author is local, and I’ve heard much about her and this popular novel. I’ve had it in mind to read for more than a decade, so why not now? I’m not a big fan of fantasy, but I’ll give it a shot.

Rocky Road by Becky Wade

Blurb: FBI Agent Jude Camden handles every aspect of his job with by-the-book professionalism. There’s no reason why his latest assignment—which calls for him to pose as the boyfriend of perfumer Gemma Clare—should be any different.

Except Gemma is different. She’s creative, bold, and feisty. And as soon as she meets Jude, she wants to loosen him up, wrinkle his perfect shirts, and test every ounce of his towering self-control.

The FBI has an iron-clad rule against romances between those working together on operations. Jude’s never met a rule he didn’t respect. But adhering to this one is going to be tough because, as time goes by, he finds Gemma more and more irresistible.

Buckle up! It’s going to be a rocky road.

Why I want to read it: I loved the first book in the Sons of Scandal series, and I’ve been looking forward to this one. I’ve enjoyed so many of Becky Wades contemporary Christian romance novels.

Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson

Blurb: Kidnapped is a classic novel by Robert Louis Stevenson, first published in 1886. The story follows the adventures of young David Balfour as he is kidnapped and taken on a journey of self-discovery. Along the way, he meets a notorious pirate, Alan Breck, and together they face many dangers, including shipwreck and capture by the English. David learns the value of courage, friendship and loyalty as he fights to survive and reclaim his rightful inheritance. With unexpected twists and turns, Kidnapped is a thrilling tale of adventure and self-discovery.

Why I want to read it: I wanted to include a classic, and I’ve been eyeing this one for a long time. Also, pirates. (There are more attractive covers of this novel, but this was the one I could easily download from Goodreads.)

For a Noble Purpose by Kelsey Geitl

Blurb: As a Missouri plantation owner’s daughter, Sarah Walcott has always experienced the best society has to offer, yet her charmed life also carries unexplainable tragedy. She’s been widowed six times, always on her wedding day. When a seventh husband meets the same fate, her parents determine to send her to an asylum, where she can no longer be a burden to them or a danger to society. In desperation, Sarah joins the Larksong wagon train on their way to the West and soon learns that her saviors also harbor extraordinary gifts…ones that may finally bring her the answers she needs.

Anxious to be free from a family legacy he would rather not claim and a slave-built society he doesn’t support, Tobias Lark believes the only way to find his perfect town is to create it himself. Joined by his three brothers, he sets out for the Washington Territory with a collection of carefully curated supporters, all determined to build a new life in the West. When a young plantation widow unexpectedly joins their party, he fears the curse she carries will crack the solid foundation upon which all his plans are built.

With each step along the trail, Tobias and Sarah encounter hardships that test their resilience and threaten the idyllic life they’re searching for. Will they stand together in the face of adversity or is the community of Larksong just another unobtainable fantasy

Why I want to read it: What’s this–a Catholic romance author I have not read? Looking forward to reading this retelling of the biblical couple Sarah and Tobias.

Stories of the Eucharist: A Family Treasury of Saints and Seekers by Heidi Hess Saxton

Blurb: Throughout the Church’s history, holy men and women have found that one of the best and most reliable ways to get close to Jesus is through the Eucharist. By reading and sharing their stories in our families, we can imitate Jesus in a very important way, extending his mercy again and again, that the kingdom of God might shine a little more brightly in the world.

Stories of the Eucharist invites families to celebrate the transforming power of the Eucharist in our lives by exploring Eucharistic miracles and saints who had deep devotion to the Real Presence of Jesus. This book celebrates in word and illustration forty people and events that reveal how Christ has bestowed graces and even miracles on his people through the Eucharist.

As you read these stories from the span of Christian tradition with your family, you will experience in a new way the power of the Eucharist and teach your children to open their hearts to the greatest mystery of our Faith.

Why I want to read it: I received a review copy of this book and am eager to read it. One of my daughters has already been enjoying it. I like the idea of reading several stories at a time.

Past summer reading challenges:20192020202120222023

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An Open Book

Welcome to the July 2024 edition of An Open Book, hosted both at My Scribbler’s Heart and CatholicMom.com!

For Father’s Day, we made a little trip to a local bookstore that sells primarily used books. We were like kids in a candy shop. Those books will be showing up here as we read them, starting with a historical book my husband grabbed: Beer in America: The Early Years 1587-1840, Beer’s Role in the Settling of America and the Birth of a Nation by Gregg Smith. Part American history, part brewing history, it has some mixed reviews on Goodreads, so take that for what it’s worth. It covers the science, social importance, and historical role of beer in our country.

The second book in Erin Lewis’s Chalice Book series, Enkindle in Me, follows ex-con Dallas Malone as he tries to navigate the world outside of prison after the death of his best friend, Channing. Following his prison conversion, the world is a source of new temptations and old baggage threatening to derail his discernment for the priesthood. This Catholic fiction series is best read in order. The third book is yet to come.

I’m always happy to see more Catholic romance available, so I happily read Marie Veillon’s Third and Ten, a contemporary rom-com the author describes as “closed door with the door kicked open” or medium-spice. It’s a smooth, easy read in the genre. Tenley Robin returns from Texas to her Cajun roots as her father’s health fails. She steps in to help her mother and raise her teenage nephew, who has been in her parents’ care. Sparks fly as she gets reacquainted with her nephew’s teacher/football coach, JD Bourgeois III, who has returned home after a brief stint in the NFL. More thoughts in my full review.

My oldest son has been looking for some Tim Powers books, based on a Jimmy Akin recommendation. He didn’t find the ones he was looking for at the used bookstore, but he did pick up a couple of others, including The Anubis Gates. The beginning was a little slow going, but at more than halfway through, he’s enjoying it. The book blurb: Brendan Doyle, a specialist in the work of the early-nineteenth century poet William Ashbless, reluctantly accepts an invitation from a millionaire to act as a guide to time-travelling tourists. But while attending a lecture given by Samuel Taylor Coleridge in 1810, he becomes marooned in Regency London, where dark and dangerous forces know about the gates in time.

He usually has an audiobook going to, and he’s been listening to Marcus Aurelius’s Meditations. (I had to laugh at the Goodreads publication date: January 1, 180.) This collection of the philosopher/Roman emperor’s writing includes a variety of timeless spiritual reflections and exercises. My son is struck by the proto-Christian character of the book, which I think is emblematic of the Stoics.

A graphic novel series also made for some quick reading. The X-Files: 30 Days of Night by Steve Niles and Adam Jones is a crossover—X-Files and 30 Days of Night. While I’m familiar with all seasons of The X-Files, I’m unfamiliar with the latter. My son was intrigued by the setting—Wainbright, Alaska during its seasonal 24/7 darkness. Sounds like horror tempered slightly by Agents Mulder and Scully.

It’s hard to keep up with the reading habits of my middle school daughter. On a recommendation from another An Open Book post, I requested Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein from a local library. My daughter loved this book! (It looks like it’s been turned into a series with new covers, but she read the original, the cover of which I much prefer.) Twelves kids are part of an overnight library lock-in. The kids must solve clues and puzzles to discover the hidden route out.

To end the school year, she also read Who Stole the Wizard of Oz? by Avi. This middle-grade mystery involves a stolen book. When Becky is accused of being the thief, she and her brother set out to find the real culprit. They find clues in other books, which lead them to treasure. 

For her summer reading project, my daughter was assigned Mr. Revere and I: Being an Account of Certain Episodes in the Career of Paul Revere, Esq. as Revealed by His Horse by Robert Lawson. The subtitle is basically the summary. Ride alongside the main character during the American Revolution! My daughter said the changing perspective of a British horse made it interesting.

I was impressed with An Adoration Treasury for Young Catholics by Sr. Mary Bosco Davis, OSF, and Sr. M. Lisetta Gettinger, OSF when I received a review copy. My daughter, who at 12 is above the 4-8 year reading age, loves it and carries it to Mass. I’m WELL above the recommended reading age, and I’d happily use it as well. Comprehensive, varied, and easily digestible, it is an ideal resource for children’s visits to the Blessed Sacrament. Lectio divina, the Rosary, litanies, stories of the saints – all that and more are included, and its compact size and hard cover make it ideal for practical use and re-use.

Tasked with coming up with a theme for upcoming fleece-to-shawl carding/spinning/plying/weaving competitions, my oldest daughter took a suggestion from her older brother and decided to go with a golden fleece/Jason and the Argonauts theme. However, the girls needed a little refresher on the tale. Enter Jason and the Argonauts retold by Felicity Brooks. This short paperback includes the classic stories as well as an index of names and places (with pronunciations) and a map.

We also checked out Ancient Myths: Jason and the Argonauts by John Malam. I think it’s Patrice MacArthur who says she enjoys learning with picture books because they simplify and distill a variety of events, persons, and topics. I wholeheartedly agree. This book gives a more graphic novel-style interpretation of the stories with many sidebars offering additional explanations of characters and events.

My youngest son read Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers. He chose it from the school library, but now that I read a review by an adult author, I’m not sure if this was the best choice for an 11-year-old. Amazon customers say 12-14 years, but this novel grapples with the gritty realities of the Vietnam War including violence and racial issues. If someone has read this and can soothe my conscience, please do.  My son didn’t express any concerns about the content.

I’m so glad I read Go and Fear Nothing: The Story of Our Lady of Champion. It tells the story of Adele Brise, whose cause for canonization is moving forward, thanks to the bishops in the United States. Adele Brise was a Belgian immigrant to whom the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared in 1859 on the Wisconsin frontier. When charged by the Blessed Mother with catechizing the children on the frontier, she doubted her abilities, to which the Blessed Mother replied, “Go and fear nothing. I will help you.” A lovely picture book to introduce children to the only approved Marian apparition in the United States.

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An Open Book

Welcome to the June 2024 edition of An Open Book, hosted both at My Scribbler’s Heart and CatholicMom.com!

My husband has been reading Big Whiskey: Kentucky Bourbon, Tennessee Whiskey, the Rebirth of Rye, and the Distilleries of America’s Premier Spirits Region by Carlo DeVito. It is considered the definitive guide to the American Whiskey Trail (or so the description says) and features distilleries in both Tennessee and Kentucky. It includes interviews, histories, facts, and photographs. My husband has found it a useful guide and an interesting book that would work well in a coffee-table style presentation. It does, unfortunately, have some typos sprinkled throughout. Might make a nice Father’s Day gift for the bourbon afficionado.

If you’re a fan of road trip novels, you’ll enjoy Nicole Deese’s second book in the Fog Harbor series, The Roads We Follow. Raegan Farrow, daughter of country music legend Luella Farrow, takes to the road with her mom and her two sisters in the tour bus their mother crossed the country in during the 1990s. Micah Davenport, son of Luella’s recently deceased but long-estranged best friend/singing partner, who’s searching for answers about his paternity, serves as their bus driver. I thoroughly enjoyed this family drama/contemporary Christian romance. Nicole Deese is one of my favorites, and this story of reconciliation, family communication, and using your God-given talents hits all the right marks.

Apparently, audiobooks on Spotify Premium are the key to getting someone other than me to wash the dishes in our house. My oldest son will willingly do them, unasked, while listening to books. He recently finished Cult of the Dead Cow: How the Original Hacking Supergroup Might Just Save the World by Joseph Menn. Cult of the Dead Cow (cDc) is credited with inventing “hacktivism,” creating a privacy tool (Tor), and helping to build cyberweapons. Among cDc’s alumni is former Democratic presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke. My son says the book isn’t highly technical, and those with merely an interest in computer history can enjoy it; it doesn’t presume you have prior technical knowledge of the subject.

He’s also been reading Pulitzer Prize winner The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara, the second book in The Civil War Trilogy. The Killer Angels takes the reader through the Battle of Gettysburg. Living so close to Gettysburg, the battle has special interest to our family, particularly since we learned my great-great-great grandfather served the Union Army as part of a regiment of German immigrants settled in Pennsylvania. My son appreciates that the point-of-view characters in the book—all major figures in the battle, such as Chamberlain, Buford, Lee, Longstreet, and others—have varying reasons for why they are fighting, opinions on how to fight, and thoughts about the war’s purpose. He said it demonstrates the passing of the Napoleonic ideals (such as honor in warfare) in the face of the changing technology of weaponry in the modern era. (I’ve read this one, too, and without a previous deep interest in history or warfare, I loved it.)

Morte Arthure (King Arthur’s Death, author unknown) turned out to be largely about Lancelot. My son enjoyed the earlier and latter chapters most. A lot of filler was in between, including large sections devoted to the son of Joseph of Arimathea attending Mass. Some of his disappointment with the book could be due to the translation he listened to, with many repeated phrases. He says if you have an interest in Arthurian legends, this may be of interest, but it is not the best introduction to the subject.

Two Sagas of Mythical Heroes: Hervor and Heidrick, Hrolf Kraki and His Companions translated by Jackson Crawford was a more accessible book to read than that of King Arthur. My son said that he could see the influence of these works on J.R.R. Tolkien’s writing. These tales were passed down orally in pre-Christian Norse times.

Finally, he also read J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Fall of Gondolin. This book, like some other of Tolkien’s works I’ve shared for An Open Book, is for the Tolkien fan who’s already read the most popular novels (The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion). The Fall of Gondolin includes a more detailed rendering of some tales included in The Silmarillion. The author regarded this as one of the three ‘Great Tales’ of The Elder Days.

The last work my high school daughter’s class read this year was Robert Bolt’s two-part play, A Man for All Seasons. It concerns St. Thomas More, who as lord chancellor to King Henry VIII, was executed—martyred—in 1535. We are hoping to watch the award-winning 1966 movie adaption soon.

My middle school daughter read the Newbery Award winner When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead. From the description: “Shortly after a fall-out with her best friend, sixth grader Miranda starts receiving mysterious notes, and she doesn’t know what to do. . . It would be easy to ignore the strange messages, except that whoever is leaving them has an uncanny ability to predict the future. If that is the case, then Miranda has a big problem—because the notes tell her that someone is going to die, and she might be too late to stop it.”

In addition to the continuation of a series she’s had on loan from a friend, my daughter found another book by an author she’d enjoyed: Rescue by Jennifer A. Nielsen. Meg’s father, fighting for the Allies in WWII, has been captured by the Nazis. To rescue her father, with the help of an injured British spy, she must crack the code her father has left.

I received a review copy of George MacDonald’s The Golden Key and Other Fairy Tales by George MacDonald, recently published by Word on Fire’s Spark Classics imprint, edited by Haley Stewart. It’s a beautifully bound and formatted hardcover that looks and feels like a classic. My daughter particularly enjoyed the second tale, “The Light Princess.” In addition to it and “The Golden Key,” “Little Daylight” is included. MacDonald, who I’d not even heard of until probably the last decade, is considered one of the great Christian fantasy authors, an influence of J.R.R. Tolkien and Madeleine L’Engle, and a contemporary of G.K. Chesterton and C.S. Lewis. Unfortunately, the tales I’ve read don’t appeal to me in the least, but my daughter enjoyed them. Perhaps I’m too old to appreciate them for the first time.

My fifth grader read The Odd Squad: Bully Bait by Michael Fry. This is an illustrated book, which seems to be my youngest son’s favorite thing. It features a super-short seventh grader, Nick, who’s forced to join a club with a couple of fellow misfits. They end up working together to face all their middle school problems, including a bully, who turns out to be more layered and sympathetic than they would’ve thought.

Because he can never seem to get enough of reading and re-reading Wimpy Kid books, he also read Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid: Rowley Jefferson’s Journal by Jeff Kinney. Rowley is a secondary character in the Wimpy Kid series, best friend to Greg Heffley. Here, he is center stage with his own journal and a biography of sorts of Greg.

Finally, my son read the third book in the Boy/Girl Battle series. In Boys Against Girls, the boys try to frighten the girls with a local legend of the abaguchie creature. There’s revenge and retaliation on both sides and finally a truce. Sounds to me like the kind of simple, classic story you don’t hear much of anymore.

I’ve had the opportunity to review many Catholic children’s books lately, and I’ll feature some over the next several months. First is Arthur the Clumsy Altar Server Rings the Bells by Theresa Kiser. Ringing the bells at consecration is a big deal for young servers, and this fun picture book highlights those moments’ significance. As a mom to four altar servers over the years, I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve stared down those bells, willing a child new to serving to pick them up at the correct time.

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Jellybean: A Baby’s Journey to God

Jellybean: A Baby’s Journey to God by Theoni and Bastian Bell

Little Jellybean, nicknamed by her family, experiences an exciting world of sound and sensations inside her mother’s womb, encountering the voices and personalities of her loving family. Just when she has nearly outgrown her mother’s belly, a surprising visitor guides her to a new home. There, Jellybean is given a mission to help her family find meaning in their loss and ultimately join her in the presence of God. A beautiful story to help families heal after the loss of a baby.

More information and resources at Holy Heroes.

My review:

Heartrending in its honesty and depiction of earthly and spiritual realities – with all the joy, grief, and ultimately hope that families feel in welcoming and then relinquishing their precious baby from the mother’s womb to the arms of the Father. We’ve shared these losses with our children, and this is a valuable tool for many, many grieving families.

Purchase on Amazon:

Jellybean: A Baby’s Journey to God

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To Crown with Liberty: Must-read historical fiction from Karen Ullo

New Orleans, 1795. In the wake of the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror, Alix de Morainville Carpentier—a former lady-in-waiting to Marie Antoinette, now married to her gardener—seeks peace and security in the Spanish colony of Louisiana. But her journey into the man-eating swamp called Attakapas reopens the wounds of her old life in France. Alix is forced to reckon with the choices that saved her life at the cost of her honor—and perhaps her soul.

In revolutionary France, the Old World is dying; the quest for liberty, equality, and fraternity has become a nightmare where the price of dissent is blood. In the wilderness of Spanish Louisiana, a new civilization is beginning to emerge—but in this budding New World, the slave trade perpetuates the systems of oppression that sparked the revolution. Caught between old and new, scarred by trauma and grief, will Alix ever find a home where she can truly be free?

To Crown with Liberty is a historical novel based on riveting legends from George Washington Cable’s Strange True Stories of Louisiana (1888).

Praise for To Crown with Liberty

“An epic tale spanning two continents, To Crown with Liberty navigates the chasms and complexities of 18th-century colonial Louisiana and revolutionary France. Alix de Morainville Carpentier is a heroine to cheer for as she forges a new existence in a world crafted by an author who knows her history well. Bien joué!”

—Laura Frantz, Christy Award-winning author of The Seamstress of Acadie

“Ullo brings us a deep and compelling look into tragedy and triumph, loss and love, desperation and determination that showcases the most beautiful and horrible facets of humanity. Never have I seen the French Revolution, and the spirit of those who went on to build a new world for themselves, as fully as in these pages. This is what historical fiction is meant to be!”

—Roseanna M. White, bestselling, Christy-Award winning author of the Codebreakers series

“Historical fiction provides readers with a means to relive history in a creative and imaginative manner. Karen Ullo’s novel about the French Revolution and its aftermath splendidly achieves this goal, offering an enticing look at this incredibly complex era in French history.”

—Rev. Ronald D. Witherup, P.S.S., former Superior General of the Society of the Priests of Saint-Sulpice

“In stepping into the pages of To Crown with Liberty the reader steps into revolutionary France and colonial Louisiana. We find ourselves living among those who are fighting for their lives and struggling with conscience-seducing temptation in times of terror. Ultimately, we find ourselves led into the dark on a quest for light and life.”

—Joseph Pearce, author of Catholic Literary Giants

“A tour de force! Weaving together fact and fiction with characteristic imagination and exquisite prose, Ullo presents a spellbinding account of radical politics, mob violence, and personal trauma. To Crown with Liberty leaves a lasting impact.”

—Eleanor Bourg Nicholson, author of A Bloody Habit and Brother Wolf

“Karen Ullo’s To Crown With Liberty skillfully weaves together formative events from the French Revolution with the early history of Louisiana, crafting an engaging tale that speaks to enthusiasts of both early American and early modern European history alike. A great story in its own right, it could also serve as an historical fiction addendum to a period history course.”

—Phillip Campbell, author of Story of Civilization

My review:

To Crown with Liberty is a well-written split-time historical novel rich with detail. Set in France during the Revolution’s Reign of Terror and the undeveloped swamps and budding farms of Spanish Louisiana, both timelines follow former lady-in-waiting to Marie Antoinette, the noble Alix de Morainville Carpentier, who must make peace with the violence of the revolution and the harshness of life in Attakpas swamp and how she has fulfilled her obligations as a daughter, wife, friend, citizen, and faithful Catholic.

Karen Ullo’s writing is always a pleasure to read, and the story is personal and compelling, which brings life to the history in a way that is not only memorable and understandable, but relatable to present struggles involving liberty, loyalty, principles, and fidelity to God.

Having re-read the classic Gone with the Wind back-to-back with To Crown with Liberty, I was surprised at the similarities – not in character but in theme. Both portray a way of life erased by violent revolution or war, and the difficult choices made by those caught in its midst. Characters must choose between honor and capitulation, often a life-and-death decision.

To Crown with Liberty, while not the saga of Gone with the Wind, succeeds in a way that the American Civil War novel lacks, and that is in the role of personal faith. Many of the characters of To Crown with Liberty demonstrate courage and conviction that is lacking in nearly every character in Gone with the Wind.

Both novels also provide much for the reader to contemplate about personal freedom and human dignity, each depicting human slavery and contrasting it with cultures that give lip-service to freedom yet, in practice, dehumanize.

To Crown with Liberty also includes elements of romance, suspense, betrayal, and familial and fraternal love and friendship. There’s a lot there for the reader to enjoy.

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An Open Book

Welcome to the May 2024 edition of An Open Book, hosted both at My Scribbler’s Heart and CatholicMom.com!

Life has been busier than usual with all the spring concerts, sports, etc., with more to come in May, including exams. Reading is happening in the margins of our days. Even so, I have some great books to share with you this month.

I’ve been reading an advance copy of Rebecca W. Martin’s debut novel, Love in the Eternal City, A Swiss Guard Romance. A contemporary Catholic romance? Yes! More of these, please. I’ve never visited Rome, so I’m traveling vicariously with the heroine, Elena, who has re-located to Italy after a broken engagement, disintegrated friendship, and lost job. There she meets a Swiss Guard, Benedikt. I knew nothing about the Swiss Guard, other than their colorful uniforms, and I appreciate learning more about their history and modern role. Looking forward to the rest of this romance, which releases in August.

Love, Treachery, and Other Terrors by Katharine Campbell is a fun and quirky historical fantasy. I think historical context is the thing that makes fantasy palatable—even enjoyable—for me. A pair of mischievous—no, evil sibling fairies have induced a coup in the royal household. Alexander, the legitimate heir to the throne, flees, leaving his power-hungry (but not completely ruthless) sister in control. With a sweet romance, humor, and a clever game of wits, the novel is fresh and fun while demonstrating the beauty of virtues such as courage, integrity, and loyalty.

A Lion for a Tomb by Corinna Turner is the fourth book in her Friends in High Places series for teens. It’s told from the point of Razim, best friend to Daniel, the young man with leukemia who ties this series together. Razim is culturally Muslim, at best, and his radicalized brother is a threat to him and Daniel, whose faith has grown during his health ordeal. Inspired by the Christian zeal of St. Ignatius of Antioch, both Razim and Daniel are forced to consider the sacrifices demanded by love and faith.

In advance of his twenty-first birthday, my oldest son has been reading his dad’s The Complete Whiskey Course: A Comprehensive Tasting Course in 10 Classes by Robin Robinson. We’re also considering a summer vacation that includes a bit of the Bourbon Trail, so this will be useful. The book includes whiskey history and a “global tour,” explaining how whiskey is made in different regions. Comprehensive with lots of photos, almost like a coffee table book.

For a course, he’s also been reading Leisure: The Basis of Culture by Josef Pieper. From the description, since I think it summarizes Pieper’s point well: “Pieper shows that the Greeks and medieval Europeans understood the great value and importance of leisure. He also points out that religion can be born only in leisure — a leisure that allows time for the contemplation of the nature of God. Leisure has been, and always will be, the first foundation of any culture. Pieper maintains that our bourgeois world of total labor has vanquished leisure and issues a startling warning: Unless we regain the art of silence and insight, the ability for non-activity, unless we substitute true leisure for our hectic amusements, we will destroy our culture — and ourselves.”

For lighter reading, my son has been reading the novelization of Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith by Matthew Stover. If you’ve seen the movie (the third film in the second trilogy), then you know the story. In it, Anakin Skywalker turns to the Dark Side, culminating in a fiery battle against his mentor, Obi Wan Kenobi.

My high school daughter is working on an essay on Catholicism in Dante’s Divine Comedy. I handed her Joseph Pearce’s Literature: What Every Catholic Should Know as a starting point, and she decided she’d like to read not just the chapter regarding Dante but the entire book and all of the classics Pearce recommends. (This will be a long-term reading plan.) The book is basically an overview of great literature every Catholic should read from Tolkien to Dostoevsky and Austen.

My youngest son has been reading The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White with his fifth-grade class. If I read this classic at all, it’s been a very, very long time. The summary: “Louie is very popular. Who wouldn’t love a swan who can read, write, and play the trumpet? When Louie goes to camp, he meets a boy named A.G. who doesn’t like birds, and since Louie is a bird, that means he doesn’t like Louie. When A.G. pulls a dangerous stunt out on the lake, he realizes that Louie is a hero, after all.” My son likes it because he says it’s “extraordinary,” in the sense that it’s different and fantastical.

I was happy to endorse a beautiful new picture book from Holy Heroes, Jellybean: A Baby’s Journey to God by Theoni and Bastian Bell. It provides a much-needed resource for families suffering the loss of a child through miscarriage or stillbirth. Heartrending in its honesty and depiction of earthly and spiritual realities – with all the joy, grief, and ultimately hope that families feel in welcoming and then relinquishing their precious baby from the mother’s womb to the arms of the Father.

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