If you enjoy emotional rollercoasters, Ornamental Graces by Carolyn Astfalk is your book. Among the author’s many gifts is her ability to conjure up fictional characters in many shades of human decency. Imagine, if you will, Dan Malone. He has let himself go; his business teeters on the brink of […]
Feast of Pontius Pilate, by E. Ann McIntyre
Who would have thought that any of the Gospel villains would merit a feast on the liturgical calendar or have churches erected in their memory? Believe it or not, the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church considers Pontius Pilate and his wife, Claudia to be saints. A clear case for Claudia begins […]
Into the Way of Peace, by Karen Kelly Boyce
Into the Way of Peace blends the mystical with the mysterious. While a blizzard swirls around an inner city church, a desperate few pass within. Some seek shelter from the storm. Others desire consolation because of life’s overwhelming burdens. One young man hopes to escape a police manhunt. Fr. D’Angelico […]
Humility: Jesus, Grant Me The Grace To Desire It
Some years ago, at my morning prayer group, my cherished friend Deacon Larry brought copies of the Litany of Humility. I never had heard of that prayer until that day. The men in my group trust Larry implicitly, so we dove right into reciting the prayer. We read the first line […]
Specter, By John Desjarlais
Specter mixes the flavors of Romero, Ghostbusters, and The Terminator with generous glops of sour cream and salsa. John Desjarlais embroils his favorite DEA agent, Selena De La Cruz in a fictional parallel to the 1993 assassination of a Cardinal at the Guadalajara airport. She unearths the stench of corruption […]
CWG Book Blast: “Infinite Space, Infinite God II,” by Karina Fabian
This month, the Catholic Writers’ Guild is touring Guildie Karina Fabian’s book, INFINITE SPACE, INFINITE GOD II. It is a SOA winner. Teaser: Twelve science fiction stories featuring great adventure with a twist of faith. Summary: Twelve science fiction stories featuring great adventure with a twist of faith. Infinite Space, Infinite […]
Life-Changing Love, by Theresa Linden
Theresa Linden weaves three story lines throughout this second volume of her West Brothers trilogy. At the conclusion of volume one—Roland West, Loner—Roland finds a measure of happiness with his new friends, especially Caitlyn. He and she enjoy hanging out without the pressures of a “relationship.” When Roland tells Caitlyn […]
Lazarus of Bethany: A Novel, By E. Ann McIntyre
Fictionalized representations of biblical characters often miss the mark. Nevertheless, the Bible serves as a vast treasury of plots and characters, including intriguing hints of narratives read between the lines. One of the most fascinating but little-known characters in the New Testament is Lazarus of Bethany—The Friend of the Lord. […]
CWG Book Blast: The Thief, by Stephanie Landsem
This month, the Catholic Writers’ Guild is touring Guildie Stephanie Landsem’s book, THE THIEF, A NOVEL. It is a SOA winner. Teaser: A woman bound by lies. A soldier haunted by fear. A sacrifice that sets them free. Summary: Nissa, is a desperate Jewish girl and Longinus is a world-weary Roman soldier. […]
CWG Book Blast: Saint Magnus, the Last Viking, by Susan Peek
This month, the Catholic Writers’ Guild is touring Guildie Susan Peek’s book, SAINT MAGNUS, THE LAST VIKING. It is a SOA award winner. Teaser: In this fast-paced novel for teens, the conflict unfolds between Saint Magnus Erlendson, a heroic young prince aflame with the love of God, and his outlawed […]