Amazing Catechists

Teaching and learning the faith together

Book Review – The Treasure With a Face

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The Treasure With a Face by Janeen Zaio

Review:

This was a fun, middle-grade story with a fantastic main character. From the very first page, I knew Eli was someone I would enjoy going on an adventure with, and that is exactly what I did. Living in the middle east during the time of Jesus’ ministry is not an easy time to be alive. Especially if you are a boy who longs to hunt for treasure but is stuck living and working for his difficult uncle. When Eli finally gets the chance for adventure, it is not at all what he expected. As he journeys to Jerusalem by order of his uncle, he hopes for a chance to meet Jesus. While the adventures he encounters along the way give him a taste of a life he longs for, he really hopes that Jesus will be able to give him the needed clue to find the treasure that the Jewish people have been searching for. But when he discovers that he’s too late and that Jesus has been killed, will all be lost, or will he discover that the greatest treasure is something that he could never have imagined?

Summary:

Twelve-year-old Eli lives in ancient Israel and dreams of being a treasure hunter instead of his uncle’s metal-smithing apprentice. Uncle Shem is the kind of man who would tell Jesus that He walked on water the wrong way.

When Uncle Shem reluctantly sends the boy on a 120-mile journey to Jerusalem to deliver a fragile mirror, it seems like an impossible mission for a clumsy apprentice. Eli resolves not only to redeem himself in the eyes of his uncle, but also to begin his life as a real treasure hunter. He aims to find nothing less than the Ark of the Covenant! Of course flames reportedly shoot out the bottom of the Ark, and people who touch it tend to die, but that’s not going to deter Eli.

When a mysterious stranger, who seems to share a secret past with Uncle Shem, gives Eli a worn Roman artifact, the boy never imagines how much he’ll appreciate the object during the perilous journey ahead. Enemies await both along the way and within Jerusalem’s imposing walls.

And there’s another reason to visit the City of David in AD 33: Jesus. For who other than the all-knowing Son of God might know where to find the ultimate treasure?

Teen Book Review – Miracle at the Mission

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Miracle at the Mission by Joseph Lewis

Review:

Looking for the perfect blend of relatable characters, fascinating history, intriguing mystery, and strong faith? Look no further than Miracle at the Mission. Author Joseph Lewis’ vivid descriptions of the California coast help sweep the reader away on an epic adventure.

High school friends Joe and Pete are honored with a trip to California. Their exciting trip leads to one they will never forget. This story is told from many different angles, creating a richly compelling story. I also enjoyed how the current historical elements make this story a time capsule of the unique era we are living in.

Summary:

After recovering from their daring exploits in the exciting first book of the series, The Ghosts of Westthorpe Academy, best friends Joe Pryce and Pete Figueroa return for another thrilling, action-adventure in Miracle at the Mission.

During a summer trip to California, Joe and Pete visit Mission San Antonio de Padua where they meet an old Franciscan monk who warns them of the dangers they will soon face. The boys are drawn into a series of events filled with suspense, mystery, espionage, a high-speed car chase, and an assassination attempt by Russian operatives on the President of the United States.

Caught up in the pursuit of the assassins, the boys discover they have become suspects in the investigation. They must prove their innocence while also counting on the guidance of the old padre, who happens to bear a strange resemblance to Saint Junipero Serra himself.

With the world teetering on the brink of an international crisis, the story reaches its climax at another mission—Mission San Carlos Borromeo in Carmel—where the boys and a large gathering of people witness an incredible miracle that changes their lives forever.

Teen Book Review – Summer at West Castle

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Summer at West Castle by Theresa Linden

 

Review:

Ever since I first read Theresa Linden’s book Anyone But Him, I’ve been a little obsessed with Caitlyn and Jarret. In fact, I’ve read that book numerous times, something I rarely do. There is just something special about this unlikely fictional couple that holds me captive. Summer at West Castle is a bit of a prequel to that novel—a story of how opposites attract. For those who love the West Brothers series, and especially this couple, you will devour this book. It is full of all those magical moments that cause you to say aww…, make you all gooey-eyed, and keep you turning the pages. Thanks, Theresa Linden, for giving us another amazing installment in this fantastic series.

Caitlyn is looking forward to her summer at the West castle. She’s been hired to fill in for the West family’s housekeeper and cook, who is recovering from a recent surgery. None of the West boys will be home, which means she will have plenty of time to herself. While she loves her large, noisy family, this quiet retreat is just what she needs as she contemplates her vocation.

Jarret is set to embark on an archeology trip of a lifetime but suddenly can’t go through with it. Maybe a restful summer at home will give him the perspective he needs to figure out his life.

The last thing either of these at-odds college students expected was having to spend the summer together. They’ve never gotten along, and baggage from the past, which is impossible to forget, makes it hard even to be cordial. When the uncomfortable situation takes an unexpected turn, will they be able to embrace and accept God’s plan—no matter how unlikely it seems?

Don’t miss this captivating tale by master story-teller Theresa Linden. I’m so thankful that the West Brothers series continues with this magical new addition.

 

Summary:

College student Caitlyn Summer arrives at the Wests’ castle-like house to fill in for their live-in maid. After a recent decision blows her vision of the future, this ideal job and the peaceful surroundings are just what she needs to seek God’s will for her life. That is, until Jarret West, not wanting a repeat of past mistakes, backs out of a summer-long field study overseas and returns home. The two have never gotten along, and unforgettable baggage from the past makes it hard even to be cordial. While Jarret’s faults convince Caitlyn he hasn’t changed, she forces herself to offer kindness. Her act of mercy puts them on an unexpected path where Caitlyn is challenged to look beneath the surface and Jarret struggles to trust that God wills good for him.

 

Note: should be read after Anyone but Him to avoid spoilers.

 

Teen Book Review for Lent

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Ashes: Visible & Invisible by CatholicTeenBooks

A boy in ancient Israel, a girl in modern-day America, a young man in the far future, a dozen teenagers in different settings. What do they all have in common? Each of these otherwise unrelated young people is presented with a choice, the same choice that every teen must make at some point in their lives: God or self. Sacrifice or selfishness.

CatholicTeenBooks.com is excited to announce its newest anthology: Ashes: Visible and Invisible. This short story collection will both entertain young readers and invite them into a deeper understanding of Lent and their faith.

Some characters in this anthology risk being eaten by dinosaurs, others must simply rise to a new level of maturity in their everyday life, while some must choose a higher level of generosity. The stakes may vary, but each character learns a valuable lesson about sacrifice as they grow in their faith.

Lent is a beautiful liturgical season that is, sadly, often misunderstood. Too often, young people feel it’s just “the time when you must give something up,” but it can be so much more. Lent should be a liturgically rich season of walking with Christ, even as he approaches Calvary. The authors at CatholicTeenBooks wanted to explore some of the variety this season offers and make it more attractive and understandable to teens.

 

Ashes: Visible & Invisible by Leslea Wahl, Cynthia T. Toney, Marie Keiser, Carolyn Astfalk, Amanda Lauer, Ellen Gable, Corinna Turner, Antony B. Kolenc, T. M. Gaouette, Theresa Linden

  • When Liz’s faith journey hits a roadblock, will an unexpected detour and chance encounter set her back on track?
  • A teen’s future was all set—before his tragic loss. But his friend’s secret past just might save it.
  • Justin’s religion is outlawed. When an unbeliever asks him about the meaning of life, what can he say?
  • Could God be asking Paul to sacrifice a piece of himself for Lent—literally?
  • A modern American teen discovers what faith, life and love are like in seventeenth-century Scotland.
  • Asher’s desire to prepare for the Messiah intensifies after he’s robbed by bandits but would fighting alongside the Zealots be the best way?
  • When a risky Ash Wednesday mission to sterilize T. rex eggs goes wrong, fasting is the least of Joshua, Darryl, and Harry’s worries.
  • A medieval girl stranded on a forsaken path confronts threats from without and turmoil from within.
  • Struggling with loss, hunger, and temptation, Ethan finds himself walking in the steps of Jesus.

From the early days of the Church, objects touched to holy men and women have been linked to the miraculous, such as described in Acts: “when face cloths or aprons that touched his skin were applied to the sick, their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them.” Acts 19:12

Amazon Link

Book Trailer

Tour-wide Giveaway (US Winners Only)

Pray without ceasing?

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Prayer is necessary

I think most of us will agree that a prayer life is a good and necessary part of our spiritual life. St. Paul tells us to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and that can be difficult for many of us to understand, let alone do in the intense world many of us occupy these days. As catechists and parents, we want to instill a love of prayer in those we teach, so they can see the beauty of it themselves.

There’s a book for that!

How Our Family Prays Each Day: A Read-Aloud Story for Catholic Families by Gregory K. Popcak; Illustrated by Jacob Flores-Popcak, published by Ave Maria Press is a read-aloud picture book. In it, Marty and his family talk about all the ways they pray each day. It shows typical family situations  – siblings not getting along, mealtimes, going to Church, sports practice – and how to incorporate prayer into them.

The book makes the point that prayer is not reserved for Sunday Mass, but can take place all the time.

I read this book to my pre-school grandchildren, and they loved it. (The suggested age range is 4-8.) The illustrations are bold, there is the right amount of text on each page and following the pelican added to the fun of reading and talking about the book.

How can you use this book?

Read it to your class, making sure you hold it up so they can see the pictures. Then, talk about ways they can pray every day in their own life. There is a note for parents in the book as well to give you some tips and pointers. It also reveals why a pelican is the family pet!

 

 

Encountering Signs of Faith – The Miraculous Medal

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Sacramentals Defined

First, let’s clarify what a sacramental is:

Sacramentals are instituted for the sanctification of certain ministries of the Church, certain states of life, a great variety of circumstances in Christian life, and the use of many things helpful to man. In accordance with bishops’ pastoral decisions, they can also respond to the needs, culture, and special history of the Christian people of a particular region or time (Catechism Catholic Church, 1668). 

Sacramentals do not confer the grace of the Holy Spirit in the way that the sacraments do, but by the Church’s prayer, they prepare us to receive grace and dispose us to cooperate with it. (CCC, 1670).

The Draw of the Miraculous Medal

During a particularly difficult time in my life, a friend introduced me to the Miraculous Medal, originally called the Medal of the Immaculate Conception, especially the promise that comes with wearing it, which really helped restore peace to my heart. During Mary’s apparition with St. Catherine Laboure, she explained, “Those who wear [this medal] will receive great graces, especially if they wear it around the neck. Those who repeat this prayer, “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee,” with devotion will be, in a special manner, under the protection of the Mother of God. Graces will be abundantly bestowed upon those who have confidence.”  

Miraculous Medal Activities 

  • Each element of this medal came directly from the Blessed Mother—the image on both the front and the back, the words; even how it should be worn. That is remarkable in itself, but then coupled with the countless blessings and, yes, even miracles attributed to it, makes this sacramental worth investigating further.  Click here to learn more about the medal.
  • A fun Miraculous Medal craft for families. This craft is made from aluminum foil with no drawing skills needed—a traceable template of the Miraculous Medal is available as a free download. Learn more on CatholicIcing.com.
  • Seeking creative ways to build a child’s devotion to the Blessed Mother? The Miraculous Medal Shrine offers a plethora of resources, including ten very creative ways to help your family deepen your devotion to Mary while having fun.  Click here to get started!

Growing in Grace

Do you own a Miraculous Medal? Do you wear it daily around your neck? Do you have experiences or examples from your own life with the promised outpouring of graces Mary promised? If you don’t wear one, what holds you back? Have your learned anything from your Miraculous Medal investigation that might inspire you to adopt this devotion?

Learn more about the traditions and devotions of the Catholic Church (including sacramentals) as well as my incredible God-driven adoption story in my new book, Encountering Signs of Faith: My Unexpected Journey with Sacramentals, the Saints, and the Abundant Grace of God (Ave Maria Press, 2022).

 

 

Feature Image Credit: Allison Gingras/CanvaPro

Teen Book Review – The Well

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The Well by Stephanie Landsem

Review:

What an excellent story. I’ve heard wonderful things about this author but had never read one of her novels before. The Well was a true page-turner that I couldn’t put down. I just had to know what would happen next on this completely unexpected journey. The historical details of Jesus’ ministry were captivating and truly thought-provoking.

Although, as much as I enjoyed the book, I must admit there were times I wanted to change the course of the story because it wasn’t headed in the direction I wanted. But thank goodness the author didn’t seek my advice because her vision created an incredibly powerful book.

The basic premise is a tale we all know—Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well. This book gives a whole new twist to that story as it is told from two unique perspectives, the woman’s teenage daughter and a young man new to town.

This fictional account makes you ponder the additional lives that Jesus would have touched and changed through that meeting—something I’d never thought of before. I really loved the message that our plans are not always what God wants for us. But He, of course, has the perfect plan. Amazing things can happen if we have the courage to give Him control and follow where He leads.

This was an outstanding book for older teens and adults.

 

Summary:

Could he be the One we’ve been waiting for?

For the women of the Samaritan village of Sychar, the well is a place of blessing—the place where they gather to draw their water and share their lives—but not for Mara. Shunned for the many sins of her mother, Nava, Mara struggles against the constant threats of starvation or exile.

Mara and Nava’s lives are forever changed with the arrival of two men: Shem, a mysterious young man from Caesarea, and Jesus, a Jewish teacher. Nava is transformed by Jesus, but his teachings come too late and she is stoned by the unforgiving villagers. Desperate to save her dying mother, Mara and Shem embark on a journey to seek Jesus’ help—a journey that brings unexpected love and unimaginable heartbreak.

 

Amazon Link

Teen Book Review – From Afar

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From Afar by Roger Thomas

 

Summary:

The Magi, or Three Kings, of the Nativity story are among the best loved yet most mysterious figures in all history. The fleeting and sparse account in St. Matthew’s Gospel raises as many questions as it answers. It has been so embroidered over the centuries that the original historical context has been almost completely buried. Yet the world of the early first century was as dynamic and intriguing as any legend – and much more perilous.

In his compelling novelization of the journey of the Magi, Roger Thomas draws on Scripture, history, and modern research. This swift-moving tale brings these shadowed figures to vivid life. You meet them as men of their time and culture: learned and noble, yet experienced with a brutal world and even violent when necessary. Come with them as they search for a King they do not understand, and seek for answers to questions lying in the deepest parts of their souls – providing they survive the dangers of the journey.

Review:

I loved this fascinating fictional look into the Three Wise Men. While we all know of these three mysterious men, there is little that is actually known about them. The author takes us on a fictional journey into how these men knew about the birth of a King and why they were interested in a Jewish king. I was expecting an interesting story, but was blown away by this exciting, adventurous tale that I couldn’t put down.

Historic fiction is always so interesting. Getting a glimpse into another time period is a wonderful learning tool. From Afar really brought to light the environment into which Jesus was born. The evil corruption of Herod and the communities that worshiped pagan gods. Even though this is a work of fiction, it offers possible explanations to questions in the story that I didn’t even know I had.

These three brilliant men and colleagues have each been searching for something. One has spent his career in the military looking for pure strength and harmony. One has been studying all the different religions of the world, searching for the light of the divine in man. And one has been studying ancient scriptures and writings, searching for Truth and constancy. These unsettled quests and their study of the constellations leads them on an epic journey.

The characters were fantastic. The three wise men were all so unique. Melchior, the elder, gentle teacher. The brilliant Balthazar. And my favorite – the brave and youthful Gaspar. There were two fantastic supporting characters, a soldier and a young boy, that really helped keep the story moving. And, even though they only show up at the end of the story, I absolutely loved how Mary and Joseph were portrayed.

I will never think of the three wise men in the same way ever again. Fantastic book.

 

Faith Through Fiction Vlog Series – Courage

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CatholicTeenBooks.com was founded upon the desire to provide entertaining Catholic fiction that can build your faith. And with this goal in mind, authors T.M. Gaouette and Leslea Wahl have taken it a step further by creating the Faith Through Fiction video blogs. With these vlogs we will dive into issues that teens face and present fiction that addresses relevant themes.

In today’s Faith Through Fiction vlog T. M. Gaouette and Leslea Wahl are joined by fellow Catholic Teen Books author Katy Huth Jones to discuss courage. Katy will be sharing about her teen novel, Treachery and Truth, the true tale of Good King Wenceslas, and the amazing courage of this faithful servant when he faced betrayal and persecution. While we may not face the same challenges, as Catholics, we must do the right thing even if it means facing something or someone we’re afraid of, and oftentimes it means defending our faith in an unholy world.

 

Featured author: Katy Huth Jones

 

Featured books:

Treachery and Truth by Katy Huth Jones

Saving Mount Rushmore by Andrea Jo Rodgers

Battle for His Soul by Theresa Linden

The Perfect Blindside by Leslea Wahl

Secrets: Visible & Invisible by 7 Catholic Teen Book authors

I Am Margaret by Corinna Turner

The Siege of Reginald Hill by Corinna Turner

Faith and Kung Fu series by T.M. Gaouette

 

Courage (catholicteenbooks.com)

Book Review – The Merchant’s Curse

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The Merchant’s Curse by Antony Kolenc

Review:

Antony Kolenc has a new adventure to add to his wildly popular middle-grade series, The Harwood Mysteries. The newest installment, The Merchant’s Curse, is brimming with danger and a puzzling mystery that will keep the reader guessing. If you haven’t already discovered these books, you really need to check them out. Each novel is full of intrigue, mystery, faith, and history—a winning combination that makes the books incredibly hard to put down. The target audience may be young teens, but readers of all ages will enjoy these stories.

The main character, Xan, is such a great, faith-filled character. After a heartbreaking tragedy, Xan is forced to leave the life he once knew. As he discovers truths about his past and himself, he becomes involved in several intriguing mysteries and despite his good intentions, keeps finding himself in perilous situations. His natural curiosity and inquisitiveness make him someone young teens can easily relate to.

One of the things I really love about this series are the strong female characters that assist Xan on his quests, making these stories perfect for everyone. I’ve really enjoyed seeing all the characters grow in virtue through the course of the series. In this newest book, The Merchant’s Curse, Xan attempts to understand the wisdom of Solomon as he uncovers an unsettling mystery threatening his newfound happiness.

 

Summary:

In this thrilling installment of the award-winning series, The Harwood Mysteries, Xan is living in Lincoln as a merchant’s apprentice to his uncle. But all is not well.

Uncle William’s business partner has become deathly ill after he angered a mysterious, scarred woman in the marketplace. Nigel, the reckless nephew of William’s business partner, has put them in danger by befriending an enemy of the King.

Why is there a band of brutes lurking near Uncle William’s shop?
Does the disfigured woman in the marketplace really have power over life and death?
Will Nigel stop his dealings with a known traitor?