"An Open Book: December 2024" by Barb Szyszkiewicz (FranciscanMom.com)

An Open Book: June 2024

June 5, 2024June 2, 2024 franciscanmom1 Comment

The first Wednesday of each month, Carolyn Astfalk hosts #OpenBook, where bloggers link posts about books they’ve read recently. Here’s a taste of what I’ve been reading:

Fiction

I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys. This is one of my 12 Books, and one of the best I’ve read all year. Ruta Sepetys is a terrific storyteller. This novel takes place in Romania in 1989, portraying family life at the end of the Ceausescu regime. Cristian, a teenager blackmailed by the secret police to become an informer, learns the hard way that he can trust no one—not even the people closest to him. He doesn’t want to betray the people he loves, so he looks for ways to undermine the evil dictatorship in his country, and eagerly joins the revolution when the time comes, at great cost. This was a harrowing story that will stick with me for a long time.

The Messy Lives of Book People by Phaedra Patrick. When reclusive, burnt-out bestselling writer Essie Starling suddenly dies and leaves instructions for her housekeeper Liv to finish her last novel, Liv’s writing dreams come true … and she learns that writing isn’t the dream occupation she thinks it is. Kept in the dark by Ms. Starling’s attorney and hounded by the publisher to complete the book early, Liv discovers secrets about her former employer that she might rather not know. An excellent novel about writing, complete with plot twists you won’t see coming.

Jingle Boys by Herb Williams-Dalgart. Wally Lipkin fears turning 18, because he knows he’ll be drafted to fight World War II despite an anxiety issue that causes him to faint in times of stress. With his brother and some friends, he enters a jingle-writing contest, figuring his family’s background in vaudeville will help him win a stateside government job. But that contest, the job, and the people he meets are not what they appear, and Wally finds himself making life-or-death decisions that will affect the people he loves most, as well as the girl who loves him.

YA/Children’s

The Night Train by Lorelei Savaryn. Twins about to turn 13 learn they’ve inherited their recently deceased grandmother’s ability to communicate with souls that are unable to rest. Like their grandmother, they consider it their duty to help those souls, even when it requires the girls to defy their parents, who refuse to believe them. As they seek to help the soul of a little girl they encounter in a home their parents are renovating, Maddie (the narrator) and Nat discover that one of them is now in danger. Their friend’s Catholic faith helps him understand and explain how the concept of thin places and an actual Faustian bargain factor into an historic event in their home town. This understanding leads the two to a willingness to risk their own lives in order to help souls from the past (all of which were children) and to protect children in the future. The novel definitely has an eerie aspect, but that’s more from the character who’d sold his soul to the devil than from the souls of the children, and the suspense was off the charts. There’s no violence, but the story is definitely intense. Recommended for middle-school students. (Netgalley review; book releases August 20, 2024).

What Happened to Rachel Riley? by Claire Swinarski. Anna, a new 8th-grader at her middle school, is confused about why one of her classmates is so completely ostracized by the rest. There’s a big secret, and no one’s telling. To win a contest, she decides to create a podcast and solve the mystery about Rachel. Along the way, the story becomes more and more complex, and what seemed at first to be a cyberbullying situation gone wrong proved to be much, much more. This is a YA book, but it’s a cautionary tale for parents whose kids use cell phones as well as for educators.

Nonfiction

The Handy Little Guide to Novenas by Allison Gingras. Whether you’re new to the concept of a novena, confused about why and how to pray one, or just have trouble sticking with it for the full time period, Allison Gingras shares helpful information and encouragement to persevere in prayer. You’ll even find some novena prayers right in this book! Learn why novenas are for everyone, and how praying novenas can help you grow spiritually.

Defend Us in Battle: The Promise of St. Michael and the Heavenly Angels by Marge Steinhage Fenelon. In this Living Novena, Marge Steinhage Fenelon emphasizes ways we can grow in virtue with the help of St. Michael the Archangel and the nine choirs of angels. This book is much more than a reminder to persevere in prayer; it is an invitation to live out the virtues we pray to develop. (Endorsement copy received from publisher)

Links to books in this post are Amazon affiliate links. Your purchases made through these links support Franciscanmom.com. Thank you!

Where noted, books are review copies. If that is not indicated, I either purchased the book myself or borrowed it from the library.

Follow my Goodreads reviews for the full list of what I’ve read recently (even the duds!)

Visit today’s #OpenBook post to join the linkup or just get some great ideas about what to read! You’ll find it at Carolyn Astfalk’s A Scribbler’s Heart and at CatholicMom.com!

An Open Book: May 2024

May 1, 2024April 30, 2024 franciscanmom3 Comments

The first Wednesday of each month, Carolyn Astfalk hosts #OpenBook, where bloggers link posts about books they’ve read recently. Here’s a taste of what I’ve been reading:

Fiction

Emma’s Hero by Carrie Walker.

One word sums up this book and that is HOPE. So many of the characters are seeking that bright spark of hope in their lives, and in various ways, they end up bringing that hope to each other. When you look at the synopsis and see that the story is about a mom with a baby who has a life-threatening condition, don’t assume that means this is a downer of a story. In fact, the tears I cried while reading this were happy tears!
I loved seeing the transformations in each character—Emma, Ben, and Mason—that happened because of hope. I cannot wait for future books in this series.

The Oystercatcher of Southwark by Erica Colahan.

This split-time novel tells the story of Mary, a young first-generation Italian-American woman living in South Philly and working at a sweatshop while she helps her father manage the grocery store for which he’s beholden to mob boss Rocco. Mary has captured the hearts of three men: the brutish Rocco, who insists Mary’s father “owes him” and must let him marry her; Cenzo the kindly fishmonger; and Jakob, a young Jewish man who becomes embroiled in shady business deals after Mary becomes pregnant and they elope and set up housekeeping in Newark, NJ. The present-day story line follows Bella, who’s brokenhearted after a recent divorce and shocked to learn that some of her ancestors were Jewish: this story had never been told to the younger generations. Together, Bella and a newfound older cousin piece together the story of Mary’s eventual return to Philadelphia with her children.
It’s lovely to read historical novels when the scene is set so well. As I read, I felt like I could very well have been walking those streets of South Philly where this novel takes place. Erica Colahan has taken the true story of her own great-great-grandmother and brought the people as well as the place to life. The novel explores the life of a young mother and tells how she, driven to desperation, seeks to protect her children from all harm. I can’t wait to read this novel a second time! (Advance review copy received from the publisher, but I’ve already preordered my own copy from Chrism Press. Releases July 2024.)

Love in the Eternal City: A Swiss Guard Romance by Rebecca W. Martin.

At last: a heroine who isn’t perfect and doesn’t try to pretend she is! Elena’s fiance and best friend betrayed her professionally and romantically, and her confidence is shaken by continuing panic attacks after a terrifying cyberstalking situation. Seeking a new start, she heads to Rome with a scrubbed social media profile and a new job, only to meet Benedikt (Beni), a Swiss Guard who’s spent his life failing to measure up to his father’s expectations.
Working in the Vatican, Elena and Beni are in frequent contact with highly-ranked clergy, including the pope, and both the pope and Elena’s boss inject wisdom and humor in difficult situations. Those two characters charmed me from their first mention, and one of them has made it his mission to get the Elena and Beni together.
There’s a surprising espionage subplot, a couple of kindly landlords, and a not-so-little stepsister who becomes a BFF to Elena and a friend to her older brother Beni.
All in all, this is a charming novel with engaging characters–and I guarantee you’ll be hoping those characters get engaged, pretty much as soon as you meet them. It’s a lovely read. (Advance review copy received from the publisher, but I’ve already preordered my own copy from Chrism Press. Releases August 2024.)

Canary Girls by Jennifer Chiaverini.

Set in Britain during World War I, this novel follows the lives of several young women who work as “munitionettes,” assembling explosive shells in a converted sewing-machine factory, frantically trying to keep up with demand for ammunition as they support their families and try to ignore their worsening health due to the poisonous effects of the TNT they’re packing into the ammunition each day. The yellow color of their skin (a symptom of liver dysfunction caused by the TNT exposure) earns them the nickname “Canary Girls.”

Anything but delicate or birdlike, these women are strong and determined, hoping to keep morale up by forming football (soccer) teams and supporting each other. This book, along with others like The Radium Girls, brings home the truth of the sacrifices made by women on the home front, underscoring how they often took invisible but extreme risks to support the war effort.

YA/Children’s

Because of You by Hannah Currie.

When 16-year-old Chloe sets out on the mission trip she’s looked forward to since the age of 10, she doesn’t know what to expect, and the boot camp held by the Christian organization running the trip didn’t prepare her much. But when she arrives in an extremely primitive orphanage for girls in a remote part of Thailand, she’s also not prepared to lose her heart to the 40 young children who’d been rescued from traumatic situations and, in some cases, saved from lives of human trafficking.

Chloe has to learn survival skills like washing her dishes, clothes, and hair in an icy-cold river—and her ability to make friends is tested by one of her fellow teen missionaries, who spends most of the time crying and complaining that she misses her mom. Some of the most valuable lessons Chloe learns have nothing to do with orphans, Thailand, or survival: they’re lessons of trust, faith, and friendship.

Definitely recommended for any teen hoping to participate in a mission or service trip! This is the first book I’ve read by this author, but I’ll be checking out her backlist after reading this one. (Advance review copy received from publisher WhiteSpark Books; releases May 15).

Links to books in this post are Amazon affiliate links. Your purchases made through these links support Franciscanmom.com. Thank you!

Where noted, books are review copies. If that is not indicated, I either purchased the book myself or borrowed it from the library.

Follow my Goodreads reviews for the full list of what I’ve read recently (even the duds!)

Visit today’s #OpenBook post to join the linkup or just get some great ideas about what to read! You’ll find it at Carolyn Astfalk’s A Scribbler’s Heart and at CatholicMom.com!

An Open Book: March 2024

March 15, 2024 franciscanmom7 Comments

Each month, Carolyn Astfalk hosts #OpenBook, where bloggers link posts about books they’ve read recently. Here’s a taste of what I’ve been reading:

Fiction

With the dual settings of Paris during the French Revolution and Louisiana only a few years later, To Crown with Liberty by Karen Ullo brings to life two periods of European and American history I wasn’t very familiar with. Alix de Morainville lives a charmed but complicated life as a lady-in-waiting to Marie Antoinette—and the author doesn’t skimp on the details of palace intrigue as she spins a tale of forbidden love, danger, and fear as French government and society implode in scenes of unimaginable terror, anguish, violence, and loss. The story, told in split time, alternates between these scenes and a journey through the bayous of southern Louisiana as Alix and a party of settlers seek to make their way in an area of the South that depends on the slave trade and all the oppression that implies. Louisiana also holds the key to reconciliation for Alix, provided she can survive the trip and forgive herself for events and situations in Paris that she wasn’t entirely responsible for. A beautifully written story I didn’t want to see end. Releases May 1 from Chrism Press. (ARC provided to members of the launch team)

A fascinating piece of metafiction, No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister follows a debut novel from its creator through the tragic lives of a disparate group of readers that are unexpectedly connected, one to another, until finally coming full circle. Each reader finds different meaning in the novel and each is affected in surprising ways. I’ve never read a book like this!

Lisa Wingate’s Shelterwood is set in Oklahoma in the early 20th century as well as 1990, and is the tale of several “lost” children: orphans in 1909 who must fend for themselves while trying to stay safe from adults who neglect them at best and abuse them in terrible ways, and a modern-day discovery of three sets of juvenile human bones in a national park—along with some teenagers who don’t have it much better than their 1909 counterparts did. In both time periods, compassionate women find themselves getting too involved in the situation. A story of resilience and a reminder that, sadly, some things never change. (Netgalley review; available June 4)

Those were all pretty heavy. Now for some light reading!

Because I enjoyed My Phony Valentine last year, I was eager to read My Lucky Charm by Courtney Walsh—if only to see if she could top that epic meet-cute. This is a grumpy/sunshine romance, and the main characters really do dig in to their personalities. There’s some fun tongue-in-cheek humor, plus lots of great banter in this story of a hockey star in a city he never wanted to live in and his assistant who only wants to make things right for him … but goes overboard again and again. I’ve never seen a hockey game, but this series makes me want to watch one. I definitely recommend that you read My Phony Valentine before diving into this one, since you’ll meet all the characters properly that way. This can be a stand-alone, but why would you want it to when book 1 is just so fun?

In The Finders Keepers Library by Annie Rains, we meet gardener Savannah, who’s recently diagnosed with an autoimmune disease her fiancé doesn’t think he can deal with. Between jobs and with nowhere else to go, she visits an elderly aunt she hasn’t seen in years and finds that her irrepressible Aunt Eleanor has become homebound after an injury. As Savannah and her aunt’s neighbor work to rebuild her aunt’s treasured lending library in the backyard, she discovers that her path might not include the job she’s supposed to take in a few months. This was a sweet story, but it seemed to be missing something; you’re dropped right into the middle of things—and Aunt Eleanor would have made the better main character. I’d love to see the back story about her backyard library. (Netgalley review; releases in April)

YA/Children’s

Author Anthony Barone Kolenc is well-known for his Harwood Mysteries series for slightly older readers; Penny and the Stolen Chalice stars an 11-year-old protagonist but is perfect for readers 8 and up. Penny, a non-Catholic new kid in a Catholic school, can’t help but try to find out who stole a chalice during a school Mass when the fire alarm went off just after Communion. Along the way, she learns—and comes to believe—how the Eucharist truly is the Body and Blood of Christ. She also makes some friends, and I hope they’ll appear in future books in this series. While this is a children’s book, there are adult characters who are key to the story. Among them are Penny’s recently widowed mom, her grandfather who has terminal cancer, the school’s principal and custodian, and the ever-suspicious religious sister who runs the nursing home where Penny’s grandfather lives. This story would make a fun read-aloud in a Catholic-school classroom or for a parent and child to enjoy together. (ARC received from publisher)

Set in England during World War II, A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus is the story of two orphaned siblings who are basically left to fend for themselves after their grandmother dies. Shipped out of London to the British countryside along with many other city children, the two bounce around among homes promising them shelter and, in many tragic ways, not delivering. All the while, they can’t let anyone know they are orphans. It’s listed as a children’s book for grades 4 through 7, and it’s a beautiful book—but tenderhearted young readers might need consolation while reading this story. This is one of my 12 Books for this year and it was a wonderful read.

Nonfiction

Amy J. Cattapan combines her gift for encouraging teachers with the Church’s gift of the Communion of Saints in A Saint Squad for Teachers:45 Heavenly Friends to Carry You Through the School Year, a powerful book that will help teachers do more than just get through the rest of the year. Amy has assembled a saint squad with the usual suspects: Thomas Aquinas, Don Bosco, Jean-Baptiste de la Salle, and Elizabeth Ann Seton as well as some saints whose connection to teaching is surprisingly strong: Charles Lwanga, Bernadette, Servant of God Thea Bowman, and Blessed Solanus Casey are among the 45 “heavenly friends” teachers can call upon for encouragement, strength, and inspiration. Reflection questions at the end of each chapter invite teachers, homeschoolers, and catechists to consider what they can learn from the example of each of these exemplars. Whether you’re looking for help getting creative, building relationships, dealing with challenging students, advocating for change and justice, going above and beyond, teaching in tough times and times of crisis, embracing lifelong learning, persevering in prayer, or following your vocation, Amy can introduce you to saints who will help you along the way. (Netgalley review)

Whether you’re a Rosary veteran or Rosary-reluctant, The Family That Prays Together Stays Together by Fr. Willy Raymond, C.S.C. is a lovely invitation to ease yourself and your family into this way of praying. Fr. Willy suggests praying one Mystery of the Rosary each day, completing a set of Mysteries over the course of a week. Along the way, he introduces you to the life of Venerable Patrick Peyton, who grew up praying the Rosary, received a miracle cure from the Blessed Mother, and dedicated his priestly life to helping families pray. Encouraging and inspiring words from Fr. Peyton are included in the book, and the concluding prayer for each Mystery of the Rosary is a beautiful addition to prayer. If you order this book from Ave Maria Press, use coupon code FRPEYTON to get 20% off the cover price through the end of this year. (Netgalley review)

The updated Eucharistic Adoration Prayer Book by Sr. Marie Paul Curley, FSP, has earned a permanent spot in my Adoration tote bag alongside my journal and a New Testament with Psalms. This beautiful hardcover is lovely to hold in your hands during prayer. Inside, you’ll find not only guided holy hours but also prayers of all kinds, instruction about the Eucharist, and a selection of psalms and other biblical passages. I’ve bookmarked a few favorites (the book includes one ribbon bookmark, too), but there’s always something new to be found when I open this book. One section I’ve turned to again and again is “In Adoration with Mary,” possibly because I am reminded by the Marian art in our Adoration chapel. This would make a beautiful gift for any regular adorer, or a donation to your Adoration chapel library. (ARC received from publisher)

There’s also a smaller paperback by the same author, Essential Eucharistic Adoration Prayers, that fits easily in your handbag or glove compartment, if you like to have a prayer book in the car for those moments when you’re waiting in the car line after school or activities. This book is the perfect size to carry along and use for quiet moments of prayer before and after Mass. It includes the psalms and biblical passages mentioned above, as well as “In Adoration with Mary,” and many other beautiful prayers—as well as a guide to the sacrament of Reconciliation. (ARC received from publisher)

Links to books in this post are Amazon affiliate links. Your purchases made through these links support Franciscanmom.com. Thank you!

Where noted, books are review copies. If that is not indicated, I either purchased the book myself or borrowed it from the library.

Follow my Goodreads reviews for the full list of what I’ve read recently (even the duds!)

Visit today’s #OpenBook post to join the linkup or just get some great ideas about what to read! You’ll find it at Carolyn Astfalk’s A Scribbler’s Heart and at CatholicMom.com!

Focus on Lent: Spiritual Resources for the Journey

February 4, 2024 franciscanmom6 Comments

Lent is only one short week away. It’s time to prepare for the journey.

That doesn’t mean you need to weigh yourself down with every devotional ever published. I agree with Nicole Berlucchi, who recently wrote that we should just pick one book, devotional, program, or practice. For Lent this year, let’s do one thing and do it well. I’m still making my plan, and I thought I’d show you some of the resources I’ve been looking at.

There’s an App for That

Magnificat Lenten Companion App

This app is packed with features, including the daily readings and prayers for Mass, daily morning and evening prayer based on the Liturgy of the Hours, inspirational essays and poetry, Stations of the Cross, a Lenten penance service, audio hymns, and daily Lenten reflections by Catholic writers. Priced at only $2.99, it’s less expensive than the print version of Magnificat and contains more content.

This app is an excellent way to keep your Lenten devotions near at hand at all times. If you’re trying to limit your phone or tablet use during Lent, try modifying your home screen so you only see the Catholic apps like this one on the first page, and bury or remove apps that only tempt you to waste your time. (For iOS and Android; available in English and Spanish.)

For the Kids

Arthur the Clumsy Altar Server Plans the Perfect Lent by Theresa Kiser

Moms, I’m warning you right now: you will cry when you read this one, so be ready. But it’s a good cry. This picture book is a terrific explanation of Lent, and how Jesus is with us every step of the way. In this story, Arthur (who thinks big) yearns to be perfect, like Jesus. And he keeps on disappointing himself every time he trips or drops something, or when his stomach growls during Mass. His parents and parish priest are understanding, and his mom beautifully explains that Arthur doesn’t need to do everything perfectly to earn Jesus’ love.

As with the other books in the Arthur series, the illustrations by Mike Schwalm make the story. At the end of the book, there are useful facts about Lent, explained in a kid-friendly way. This picture book is perfect for kids ages 4 and up; you might even find your older kids peeking at the illustrations as you read it to the younger ones. (OSV Kids)

Diary of a Future Saint: Faustina’s Incredible Journey by Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle

Whether your family has a devotion to the Divine Mercy Chaplet or you’re simply curious about the life of the twentieth-century woman whose Diary has inspired so many, this book by Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle will not disappoint. Throughout this story, the reader will learn not only about the life of this extraordinary saint, but also about various ways to pray, how we are called to trust in God, the sacraments, grace, and our need to always work to avoid the devil. The author invites readers to consider their own relationship with Christ as they learn about Saint Faustina.

Each chapter ends with three special features: “Something to think about” with questions for conversation, “Pray,” and “A merciful action.” This book is described as a novel for all ages, but I think it would be best appreciated by readers 10 years old and up. (Marian Press)

Guided Meditation with Videos

Made for Heaven: A Guided Lent Journal for Prayer and Meditation by Fr. Agustino Torres, CFR

The reflections in this journal are focused on poverty, beginning with the topics of temptation and transfiguration, then considering how our voluntary poverty can be life-giving to others, and finally immersing ourselves in prayer and the power of the Cross. Each day begins with an excerpt from Scripture. Fr. Agustino then offers a daily meditation and challenges the reader to journal in response to that meditation, identifying practical ways to live out the Lenten season more fully. This book includes ample space for journaling and note-taking, as well as beautiful illustrations by Valerie Delgado.

An accompanying video series includes a video for Ash Wednesday and each Sunday of Lent, concluding on Easter. Look for these here on CatholicMom.com at 10 AM Eastern. (Ave Maria Press)

The Ascension Lenten Companion: Walking with Jesus to Jerusalem by Mark Toups

This journal boasts a full page of journaling space for each day of Lent (plus ample white space on other pages in case you’d like to highlight or comment on the reflections). Each day’s entry begins with a focus word and Scripture verse, then offers a reflection (about one and a half pages in length) that leads into the journaling space. A daily prayer prompt is based on a Scripture reading.

This guided journal program with a complementary video series can be used by parishes, prayer groups, and individuals. All videos, available on AscensionPress.com, are about 5 minutes in length. The illustrations that begin each week’s section in this journal are paintings by Mike Moyers, done in a simple, modern style. (Ascension)

Fiction during Lent? Yes, please!

Through Esther’s Eyes: A Novel by Jacqueline St. Clare

Immerse yourself in the story of Jesus’ life and ministry as told by Esther, His fictional cousin. This novel is steeped in Scripture; the words of the prophets, psalms, Gospel events, and many of Jesus’ parables are skillfully interwoven throughout the story. The author links fictional characters with the Apostles, Martha and Mary and Lazarus, Mary Magdalene, and the Blessed Mother.

This masterful and compelling debut novel by a Catholic author is a must-read! It’s one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. You’ll feel as if you’re really there, witnessing the action. I know some people give up fiction as a Lenten sacrifice, but this novel should be an exception; reading it will really bring the events of the Gospel to life. (Marian Press)

The Way of the Cross

Behold Your Mother: Marian Stations of the Cross by Marge Steinhage Fenelon

Marge Steinhage Fenelon’s newly published interpretation of the Stations of the Cross looks at each Station from the point of view of a child seeking comfort from the Blessed Mother even while realizing that he is partially to blame for these terrible trials she and her Son endure and wishing to console Mary. This puts into words the conflict we, as God’s children entrusted to the care of the Mother of God, face as we consider the Passion of Jesus Christ.

Simply illustrated with striking pen-and-ink images to go along with the one-page devotion for each Station, this book is a beautiful prayer companion for use in personal or group devotions. (Our Sunday Visitor)

Quick Daily Devotionals

Turn to the Cross: Daily Prayers for Lent and Holy Week 2024 by Josh Noem

This little devotional is designed to be used throughout the day. Each day’s entry begins with a brief prayer or Scripture quote, then a quick reflection, a Prayer for Morning, Traveling Question, and Prayer for Evening. Reflection topics vary: these include discussion of one of the daily readings, the lives of saints, challenges to develop a particular virtue, and inspirational stories of contemporary priests and sisters of the Congregation of Holy Cross.

This devotional is well-suited for people who want a solid Lenten devotional but don’t have a large block of time to commit to using it. The small-format booklet can fit in your handbag or the map pocket of your car, so you can use it for small spiritual breaks in the course of your day. (Ave Maria Press)

Messages of Perseverance for Lent 2024: 3-Minute Devotions by Michael White and Tom Corcoran

Do you have three minutes? It doesn’t even matter what time of day you use this book. It’s designed to provide practical, everyday wisdom for persevering in your journey of faith. Each weekday, there’s a Scripture quote followed by a quick reflection and call to prayer, either thanking God or praying for the grace to persevere in certain situations.

The Saturday entry is a psalm, presented in the style of the Responsorial Psalm at Mass. And the Sunday entry sets the scene for the week and summarizes the Gospel from Sunday Mass. If you hope to develop the virtue of perseverance this Lent, try this little devotional. (Ave Maria Press)

Go Deeper

The Father’s House: Discovering Our Home in the Trinity by James Dominic Brent, OP

This spiritual book is not specifically Lent-themed, but what better topic to delve into during Lent than how to grow closer to the Lord in each Person of the Holy Trinity? As Kathryn Jean Lopez writes in her endorsement:

You are not meant to be separated from the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. You are meant to live in the heart of the Trinity, in merciful love and eternal victory. Don’t delay. Let the Trinity guide you to the fullness of the Christian life through the words of this humble and wise friar.

Read one chapter of this book for eight weeks, and you’ll conclude the week after Easter with the chapter focused on the mystery of our adoption by grace into the family of God. (Pauline Books & Media)

This Lent, Learn More About the Mass

Mass Class: Your Questions Answered by Father Dave Dwyer

This is a book the whole family can enjoy learning from together during Lent. There are seven sections of this book, so you can cover one each week of this season. Father Dave Dwyer, host of the Busted Halo radio show, answers listener questions about Mass: why Catholics go to Mass, what we believe about the Eucharist, the various prayers and Scripture used at Mass, posture and gestures, and more—all in a very clear, friendly, and accessible manner. Occasional graphics signal the “Top 5 Frequently Asked Questions,” as well as Mass Class Notes, sidebars that offer additional helpful facts.

If you’re curious (or your family is) about why we do what we do during Mass, this is the book for you. I’d recommend it particularly for anyone preparing for Confirmation. (Paulist Press)

Ask for these books at your local Catholic bookseller, or order online from Amazon.com or the publishers, all linked above.

Copyright 2024 Barb Szyszkiewicz
Images: Stencil
This article contains Amazon affiliate links, which provide a small compensation to me when purchases are made through the links, at no cost to you. Thank you!

An Open Book: January 2024

January 3, 2024January 1, 2024 franciscanmom10 Comments

The first Wednesday of each month, Carolyn Astfalk hosts #OpenBook, where bloggers link posts about books they’ve read recently. Here’s a taste of what I’ve been reading:

Fiction

The Spectacular by Fiona Davis. A terrific novel about the Rockettes in the mid-1950s, this book is both a coming-of-age story and a thriller. Marion Brooks wants more than the life of a well-heeled housewife, so she puts her lifelong dancing lessons to good use and secretly auditions for the Rockettes. But along with the rest of New York City, she finds herself terrorized by a serial bomber—and unwittingly joins the search for the killer, along with a psychologist using a new profiling technique. There were wonderful secondary characters in this book as well, including the demanding dance coach who’s surprisingly fatherly and concerned for the girls.

A Paper Snowflake Christmas by Maddie Evans. Because Marlie didn’t choose a professional path that met her parents’ expectations, she’s left behind when they attend a destination wedding on a cruise over Christmas. Marlie’s friends decide to spend Christmas together and make the holiday fun for her—led by childhood mischief-maker Devin, who now has custody of his traumatized 4-year-old nephew. The friends decide to show the little boy the wonders of Christmas, but no one suspects the depths of the child’s troubles. And Marlie is challenged to get over her assumptions that a onetime troublemaker could never change. As with all Maddie Evans’s books, the dialogue is terrific and the characters real enough that you can easily picture them and their hometown.

The Unlikely Romance of Kate Bjorkman by Louise Plummer (YA). One of my favorite “bookstagrammers,” Katie Fitzgerald, recommended this one, and I’m so glad I got a copy. Written in 1997, it didn’t feel dated (I didn’t even miss the lack of cell phones, Google, and social media.) It’s clever and hilarious, and the dialogue is terrific—there’s even a smattering of linguistics banter in there, which thoroughly delighted me. Kate, a high-school student, stars in the romance novel she’s writing with the help of a guidebook (the key to all the tropes) with her older brother’s best friend as her love interest. Along the way, she gains insight about a fair-weather friend and sympathy for others who missed out on the kind of family experiences she’s taken for granted.

The Charter Class by Anne Faye. As a graduate of a college that had very similar beginnings to The College of Our Lady of the Elms, I thoroughly enjoyed this look at the origin story of a hundred-year-old educational institution. This novel covers the first year of the college’s existence, and focuses on the (fictional) experiences of three of the 36 original students. From crushing on a roommate’s brother to fulfilling a mother’s dying wish to seeking an escape from an abusive father, the young women face challenges beyond the academic ones. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.

Nonfiction

Scott Hahn and Ken Ogorek have put together a book that takes Sunday Mass prep to the next level. Breaking the Bread: A Biblical Devotional for Catholics not only offers reflections on the Sunday Mass readings that helps readers understand how all the readings for each Sunday Mass fit together, it also features quotes from the Catechism of the Catholic Church that provide even more background information and connection to the life of the Church. As a parish musician, at Sunday Mass I’m a bit distracted because I’m always listening for the next musical cue. Whether it’s your service at Mass or your young children that diverts your attention from the readings each Sunday, reading this book at home can help you not only stay caught up on the readings from Mass, but enrich your understanding of them with background information from the Catechism. This book can be used to prepare for Sunday Mass or to recap what you heard at Mass later in the day or week. Read my full review.

Come to Me: Living the Nine First Fridays by Sister Anne Flanagan, FSP, is a fascinating devotional that takes the often off-putting, flowery language surrouding some Catholic devotions and puts the ideas into plain English. It’s designed to be read one month at a time for nine months, to help the reader complete the practice of making the Nine First Fridays. The beginning of the book introduces the practice of this devotion and explains that this is not a vending-machine kind of practice, but one that fosters a relationship with Jesus that will awaken our hearts in new ways so we can love and serve Him through our daily lives. In the second part of the book, there are nine guided meditations, meant to be read and pondered during a holy hour. The final part of the book contains history of the devotion to the Sacred Heart, plus prayers that can be prayed during Adoration, or before or after Mass. I’m finding this book refreshing in its simplicity, and on every page, the author’s deep love for Jesus shines through.

That Sounds So Good: 100 Real-Life Recipes for Every Day of the Week by Carla Lalli Music. My older son, who’s a terrific cook, gave me this book for Christmas. I immediately started a list of recipes I want to try. This cookbook is designed for intermediate to advanced cooks, and has a feature with every recipe that I really appreciate: a “spin it” note that offers variations on the recipe. The beginning of the book is an excellent introduction to building a pantry and planning meals, so I’d definitely recommend reading that even if these recipes aren’t the types of food you normally cook. On my list of recipes to try from this book: braised short ribs with pasta, sheet pan chicken with tomato and chickpeas, chicken with burst tomato sauce, pasta with cacio and walnut, plus broccoli rabe with cheese and brussels sprouts with sesame.

The Heirloomed Cookbook: Made-from-Scratch Recipes to Gather Around for Generations by Ashley Shoenith, with photography by Heidi Harris. This cookbook is definitely a social-media-driven project; the photos and recipes are clearly curated with a particular vibe in mind (beyond “delicious homemade food”). While the pictures are beautiful, a filter is used on all of them that washes out or desaturates the color, which makes many of the foods look less appetizing than they likely would on your own table at home. There’s definitely a focus on Southern recipes here: okra, grits, boiled peanuts, sausage gravy all make an appearance. I’m looking forward to trying the shrimp scampi, cast-iron sauteed brussels sprouts, parker house rolls, and baked salmon with sriracha soy sauce, to name a few. And the deviled egg salad sandwich sounds interesting, too! I did love that the author recommends interviewing elder family members and friends and getting them to teach how to make their favorite recipes. That’s a wonderful practice that will help preserve those traditional family dishes! (Review copy received from publisher.)

Links to books in this post are Amazon affiliate links. Your purchases made through these links support Franciscanmom.com. Thank you!

Where noted, books are review copies. If that is not indicated, I either purchased the book myself or borrowed it from the library.

Visit today’s #OpenBook post to join the linkup or just get some great ideas about what to read! You’ll find it at Carolyn Astfalk’s A Scribbler’s Heart and at CatholicMom.com!

The 12 Books Challenge

January 1, 2024 franciscanmom6 Comments

Since I love to read, this challenge is tailor-made for me. Last year, my friend Shelly Henley Kelly from Of Sound Mind and Spirit created this challenge, and I recommended A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, one of my two favorite books ever. (I hope she loved it!)

This year, I decided to take part. I asked friends on Instagram and Facebook to share their recommendations. If I’d read a recommended book already, I didn’t include it. And I only included one book per author (there were two repeat authors: Matthew Kelly and Fr. Walter Ciszek, SJ). Three of the books aren’t yet published, but will be available in the spring. So I’ll work on the ones that are available now–and the order in which I read is going to depend on the books’ availability from my local library or Amazon.

Here’s my list, with the name of the person recommending this book in parentheses:

1. The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah. (Karen Estep)
2. I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys. (Marie Griffiths)
3. A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus. (Mimi Michelle)
4. True Grit by Charles Portis (Michelle Arnold)
5. For Love of the Broken Body by Sr. Julia Walsh, FSPA (coming in the spring)
6. The Rose Code by Kate Quinn (Jane Lebak)
7. The Night Train by Lorelei Savaryn (coming in August)
8. Maria Gallagher‘s upcoming book about the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary, from Marian Press
9. Africa is Not a Country by Dipo Faloyin (Margaret Dwyer)
10. No Regrets by Allen Hunt & Matthew Kelly (Sherry Hayes-Peirce)
11. With God in Russia by Walter Ciszek, SJ (@BlessedCatholicMom on Instagram)
12. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig (Renee Klaske Wiesner)

Links to books in this post are affiliate links. Your purchase through these links supports my work. Thanks!

An Open Book: December 2023

December 6, 2023December 3, 2023 franciscanmom4 Comments

It’s been 3 months since I put together a real reading roundup for #AnOpenBook. Maybe in the New Year I’ll get better about doing this consistently. (See, sometimes I can be an optimist!)

Before we begin, if you still need any Advent resources or a Sunday-readings devotional for Year B, check out my recommendations.

The first Wednesday of each month, Carolyn Astfalk hosts #OpenBook, where bloggers link posts about books they’ve read recently. Here’s a taste of what I’ve been reading:

The latest in Antony Barone Kolenc’s Harwood Mysteries for middle-school readers, Murder at Penwood Manor, is one of those stories that will keep your teen reading late into the night. Xan, an orphaned teen who was first taken in by monks and then came to live with an uncle in a distant town, seeks to exonerate a crusader who has returned from the Holy Land and is now accused of the murder of a romantic rival. Xan is accompanied in his quest to save Laurence the crusader by two young women, one in formation at a local abbey and another who appears to be his love interest. (Review copy from Loyola Press.) Read my full review.

Rachel and Ted Schluenderfritz of 5Sparrows.com, collaborated on a new children’s book, The Narrow Gate, which is a parable about our human tendency to accumulate too much stuff. In this story, a community packs up everything everyone owns in search of a new location where there is water—the one thing they don’t have. But all that stuff they’ve brought along turns into a bigger obstacle than anyone realized. The book concludes with a page of questions for kids and a second page of questions for readers of all ages. (Review copy from Emmaus Road Publishing.)

New from Our Sunday Visitor publishing is In My Mother’s Womb by Fr. Bill Deschamps, Christine Schroeder, Mary Roma, and Susan J. Bellavance, illustrated by Dan Andreasen. This week-by-week picture book that chronicles the development of a child in the womb, skillfully intermingling scientific information (the approximate size of the growing child, the formation of various organs, and the development of physical abilities) with Scripture verses, in a true celebration of the new life God has created through the baby’s parents. This book is appropriate for children of all ages and would particularly be enjoyed by a family anticipating the birth of a new baby. (Review copy from the publisher.)

Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN, shares her spiritual memoirs in HOPE: An Invitation. I didn’t know what to expect when I opened this book, but I found it to be not only hope-filled, but joy-filled as well. That is not to say that the author takes a Pollyanna look at life, because she is very honest about struggle, work, and pain. But in all of it, she finds hope and encourages the reader to seek to do the same. There is plenty to ponder in this little book. “The entire life of a saint becomes an act of hope” (59). (Review copy from the publisher, Our Sunday Visitor.)

Fans of local color and restaurant stories will enjoy On the Rocks: The Primadonna Story by Maria C. Palmer and Ruthie Robbins. Written by the daughter of Pittsburgh-area restauranteur Joe Costanzo, Jr., this true story is told in Joe’s voice and recalls his rise and fall as an entrepreneur. Joe’s superior marketing skills put his restaurant on the map, but his lack of good record-keeping regarding his charitable donations, along with his disregard for rules about things like the time bars must close for the night, eventually gain him the attention of law enforcement and he winds up spending six months in a white-collar prison. I wasn’t entirely convinced that Joe was repentant, but the story was entertaining, and the flavor of the neighborhood was well depicted. Be warned: there’s some strong language in this one—not a ridiculous amount, but it is in there. (Review copy from the author.)

Kristin Contino’s novel The Legacy of Us is also a good read for fans of local color. This split-time story is set in Philadelphia, where Liz, a young jewelry designer (who has a day job in a fashion boutique) finds a cameo in a box addressed to her among her late grandmother’s possessions. Along with the necklace is a diary that provides details of her grandmother’s life that no one in the family had known. Liz simultaneously reconnects with her old fiance and meets a new guy who’s understandably reluctant to get involved with someone who still has ties to her ex, losing the cameo in the process and eventually learns to take responsibility for her own mistakes.

They Say He Flies at Night by Amy Matayo was one of the most compelling novels I’ve read in quite a while. As the title implies, rumors abound regarding antique-shop owner Walter Lorry, who keeps to himself and sleeps on the porch of his store, even though he owns the house next door but seems never to go in. But Walter’s penmanship is so exquisite that Piper Moore’s soon-to-be mother-in-law pressures her into approaching Walter to design wedding invitations. Piper gets a glimpse into the real story behind the elderly man, and that changes her mind about everything she’d thought about love.

I’ve read quite a few forgettable novels in the past few weeks, as well. We won’t talk about those. But my Kindle remembers that I’ve read them.

Links to books in this post are Amazon affiliate links. Your purchases made through these links support Franciscanmom.com. Thank you!

Where noted, books are review copies. If that is not indicated, I either purchased the book myself or borrowed it from the library.

Visit today’s #OpenBook post to join the linkup or just get some great ideas about what to read! You’ll find it at Carolyn Astfalk’s A Scribbler’s Heart and at CatholicMom.com!

On My Bookshelf: Breaking the Bread Liturgical Year Devotional

December 5, 2023 franciscanmom1 Comment

Each entry includes four parts:

a listing of the Mass readings for the Sunday or holy day (have your Bible or Sunday missal handy, or use the USCCB’s online daily readings);
a reflection on the readings for the day, tying them all together;
further information including quotes from the Catechism; and
questions for reflection and a closing prayer.

The Introduction by Scott Hahn explains how the new lectionary, introduced in 1969, includes more Scripture than had ever been covered during Mass, and how the lectionary, along with the Catechism, helps equip us to transmit the faith to our families.

I can’t say enough about how beautiful this book is. The hardcover volume is clothbound, a lovely dark green embossed in gold. Inside, the glossy pages feature colorful designs as each liturgical season begins, and there are 25 full-color pages featuring sacred art that complement’s the readings for particular Sundays or holy days.

As a parish musician, at Sunday Mass I’m a bit distracted because I’m always listening for the next musical cue. Whether it’s your service at Mass or your young children that diverts your attention from the readings each Sunday, reading this book at home can help you not only stay caught up on the readings from Mass, but enrich your understanding of them with background information from the Catechism. This book can be used to prepare for Sunday Mass or to recap what you heard at Mass later in the day or week.

Ask for Breaking the Bread at your local Catholic bookseller, or order online from Amazon.com or the publisher, Emmaus Road Publishing.

Review copy received from publisher; no compensation was given in exchange for my honest opinion. This post contains Amazon affiliate links; your purchase through these links supports maintenance for this website. Thank you!

On My Bookshelf: Murder at Penwood Manor by Antony Barone Kolenc

November 14, 2023 franciscanmom2 Comments

Book 5 in Catholic novelist Antony Barone Kolenc’s Harwood Mysteries series, Murder at Penwood Manor, is one of those stories that will keep your teen reading late into the night. Xan, an orphaned teen who was first taken in by monks and then came to live with an uncle in a distant town, seeks to exonerate a crusader who has returned from the Holy Land and is now accused of the murder of a romantic rival. Xan is accompanied in his quest to save Laurence the crusader by two young women, one in formation at a local abbey and another who appears to be his love interest.

As I read this story, I was frequently reminded of this line from the Gospel of John:

“No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13)

Xan, Lucy, and Christina all have a lot to lose by standing up for Laurence in front of the sheriff and the townsfolk, all of whom are ready to see him put to death. Lucy even risks her religious vocation by disobeying her superiors and leaving the monastery to help solve the mystery behind the murder that opens the story. I won’t give spoilers, but I will say there’s a cliffhanger that leaves me extremely eager for the next novel in the series!

Parents and teachers will appreciate the two-page readers guide, “How to read historical fiction,” at the front of the book, and the author has also provided a map of Xan’s world, a glossary of religious and historical terms, and an author’s historical note that explains Church and feudal practices of that time and place. These bonus materials have been included with each book in the series, and are informative and useful without being condescending.

Murder at Penwood Manor is best enjoyed as part of a series, but Kolenc skillfully provides enough background information that a reader new to the series can jump in anywhere.

As with many series that begin with characters who are 10 or 11 years of age, the later books in the Harwood Mysteries seem more geared toward younger teen readers than middle-grade. I’d recommend this book (and book 4) for readers 12 and up; the first three books in the series are fine for middle-grade readers and up.

Want to catch up on the other books in the series?

The virtue of integrity is central to Shadow in the Dark, as Xan and his friends discover which of the people around them are who they say they are—and who can be trusted. In this story, Xan is taken in at a monastery after his village is burned down and his parents killed; Xan has little memory of the tragedy and does not know who he is. This mystery story provides a fascinating glimpse inside the feudal world and the monastic life during the Middle Ages.

The Haunted Cathedral, Book 2, contains fictional characters and events set in a historical place and time. Lincoln Castle and Lincoln Cathedral, both of which figure in the story, were constructed about a century before the story takes place—and parts of these buildings still stand today. And you’ll find no spoilers here, but a significant event in the story was actually recorded in history! When Xan is forced to travel to the city of Lincoln with Carlo, who was involved in Xan’s parents’ death, he faces multiple obstacles that challenge him to forgive—and he learns firsthand the consequences for himself and others when he withholds forgiveness.

In The Fire of Eden, an accident causes John, who’s been Xan’s nemesis in the monastery for quite some time, to lose his sight. Angry at his sudden dependence on those around him, John is more cruel than ever, but Xan is forced to cooperate with him as they seek to solve the mystery of a missing precious ruby belonging to a young monk who’s about to be ordained to the priesthood. Along the way, they encounter dishonest monks, traitorous guards, and a frightening magician who lives in the woods.

In The Merchant’s Curse, Xan and his companions progress through their teen years, the challenges they face—both in their faith and in their struggle to protect themselves and those they love from the very real threats they experience—have ever-higher stakes. In this story, Xan’s uncle William, who has provided him with both meaningful work and shelter, comes under threat when his business partner becomes deathly ill. His partner’s nephew, Nigel, blames the illness on a curse from a woman reputed to be a witch, but evil also seems to be lurking around William’s shop in the form of a group of thugs, and Nigel furthers the danger by befriending an enemy of the king.

Ask for Murder at Penwood Manor at your local Catholic bookseller, or order online from Amazon.com or the publisher, Loyola Press.

This article contains Amazon links; your purchase through these links supports the work of this website at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

On My Bookshelf: Sacred Art Every Catholic Should Know

October 14, 2023October 16, 2023 franciscanmomLeave a comment

I know almost nothing about art history, but as a visually-oriented person, I love pondering beautiful images, statues, and stained-glass windows, especially when these works of art are faith-based. Jem Sullivan, PhD’s new book, Sacred Art Every Catholic Should Know, offers 50 masterpieces of sacred art; I recognized many of them at first glance but couldn’t tell you the name of the author, time period in which the art was created, or the place or circumstances surrounding their creation. This book fills in all that background information—and then some!

When I first saw the cover of this book, the image that caught my eye was the one on the bottom left: The Virgin Adoring the Host by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres (1852). I see that full image frequently; it’s on the ordination card from my pastor’s priestly ordination, and those are on every bulletin board in our church. Since this book doesn’t require a start-to-finish read, but rather invites the reader to flip through and read about whatever painting strikes the eye, I turned to this one first.

As with many of the entries in Sacred Art Every Catholic Should Know, this one began with a quote from the Catechism of the Catholic Church explaining a theological concept behind the art (in this case, Eucharistic Adoration). You can’t see it from the capsule image shown on the book’s cover, but in the full image, the Blessed Mother is looking at a Host depicted in the lower center of the painting. The description of the image sums up Mary’s Eucharistic faith, then explains the significance of the two saints shown on either side of the Blessed Mother in the full image: Saint Helena, who is believed to have discovered the True Cross, and Saint Louis IX, a king of France and Secular Franciscan. A discussion of the Eucharist as the saving and real presence of Christ concludes the entry for this image.

Some of the other images I recognized and was eager to learn more about (and prayerfully ponder) while reading this book include:

Rose Window at Chartres Cathedral
Fra Angelico’s Annunciation
The Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci
The Return of the Prodigal Son by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo
Michelangelo’s Pietà
Descent of the Holy Spirit by Gian Lorenzo Bernini
Giotto di Bondone’s Saint Francis Preaching to the Birds
The Angelus by Jean-François Millet

I appreciated that for many images, the book shows capsule sections of particularly significant parts of the image, so the reader can more fully concentrate on that small piece of the image and ponder how it relates to the larger piece of art as a whole.

You don’t need to be an art scholar or a theologian to enjoy and learn from this beautiful new book.

Ask for Sacred Art Every Catholic Should Know at your local Catholic bookseller, or purchase online from Amazon.com or the publisher, TAN Books.

Links to books in this post are Amazon affiliate links. Your purchases made through these links support Franciscanmom.com. Thank you!

Fiction

YA/Children’s

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There’s an App for That

For the Kids

Guided Meditation with Videos

Fiction during Lent? Yes, please!

The Way of the Cross

Quick Daily Devotionals

Go Deeper

This Lent, Learn More About the Mass

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Fiction

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Want to catch up on the other books in the series?

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