Saturday, 28 February 2026

Saint Patrick The Boy Who Forgave - Paddy Bréagnamh - Mini Saints & Missionaries Library

Saint Patrick: The Boy Who Forgave
Paddy Bréagnamh
Mini Saints & Missionaries Library
ISBN 9798899681004
eISBN 9798899681011
ASIN B0GGJ6DGD9

Saint Patrick The Boy Who Forgave - Paddy Bréagnamh - Mini Saints & Missionaries Library

There are currently 7 volumes available in this series. But this is actually the updated or completely rewritten version of the first, which was originally called: From Pirates to Parades: The Story of Saint Patrick and His Day. So if you include the first edition on this saint there have been 8 volumes in the series, and I have enjoyed them a lot and keep checking for when new ones are released. I have enjoyed them all and recommended a few of them to several people. I especially loved the volume on Pope Leo XIV. This volume I picked up shortly after it released and read it the same day. The description of the book is:

“Discover the true story behind Saint Patrick—told with warmth, courage, and heart.

Saint Patrick is often celebrated with shamrocks and parades, but his real story is much more powerful.

Saint Patrick: The Boy Who Forgave introduces young readers to the inspiring true story of a boy who was taken far from home and forced into slavery. Through hardship and loneliness, Patrick learned to pray and trust God. Years later, he made a brave choice—to return to Ireland as a missionary, bringing faith, forgiveness, and hope to the very people who had once hurt him.

Written in gentle, age-appropriate language, this book shows children that faith can grow through difficult moments and that forgiveness can be one of the bravest choices of all.

Inside this book, readers will find:

     • A child-friendly biography of Saint Patrick
     • A powerful story of courage, prayer, and forgiveness
     • Reflection questions for meaningful discussion
     • A timeline and fact page for young learners

Part of the Mini Saints & Missionaries Library, this book is perfect for families, classrooms, religious education programs, and anyone looking to introduce children to real stories of faith in action.”

I now suspect that the author, Paddy Bréagnamh, is a pen name, I can only find the 7 volumes in this series and the previous one on Saint Patrick in several bookstores online. This eighth, newly released volume I have read.

 The chapters and sections in the volume are:

Introduction
1. When Patrick Was Taken
2. Taken Across the Sea
3. Learning to Pray in the Quiet
4. A Voice That Said, “Go”
5. Called to Return
6. A Shepherd of God’s People
7. Why the World Remembers Saint Patrick
8. Forgive Like Saint Patrick
Reflection Questions
Saint Patrick at a Glance
Timeline of Saint Patrick
Author’s Note
Mini Saints & Missionaries Library Series

I did a comparison between the old and new volumes and they are completely different books. This volume was written to match the style and feel of the other books in the series. This volume is written for young readers, it would be considered an early chapter book. Each chapter has illustrations. The material is well put together. It is a good introduction to this saint. I highlighted a few passages while reading this volume they are:

“Every year on March 17, people all over the world wear green, wave shamrocks, and celebrate Saint Patrick. There are parades and songs, special foods, and plenty of fun. But the real Saint Patrick lived a life that was far more challenging—and far more meaningful—than most people realize.”

“Saint Patrick’s story is not just about shamrocks or celebrations. It is a story about courage, forgiveness, and choosing love over fear. It is the true story of a boy who was hurt, a man who listened to God’s call, and a saint who returned to help the very people who had once caused him pain.”

“In the quiet of the hills, far from comfort and far from home, Patrick was being prepared for something greater than he could yet imagine.”

“Patrick helped build communities of faith wherever he went. He encouraged people to care for one another, baptized new believers, and trained leaders who would continue the work after he moved on.”

“Saint Patrick is remembered around the world, but his life speaks most clearly through the choices he made—especially when those choices were difficult. His story reminds us that faith often grows quietly, and that listening to God sometimes happens in moments of loneliness, patience, and trust rather than excitement or ease.”

I hope those quotes give you a feel for this volume. This latest release in this series, even though it is a new edition of the first volume, is an excellent read. The series keeps getting better and better. It was an excellent little read in a great series. 

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan! 

Other articles about Saint Patrick:
From Pirates to Parades: The Story of Saint Patrick and His Day - Paddy Bréagnamh

Paddy Bréagnamh - Mini Saints & Missionaries Library Series

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Friday, 27 February 2026

The Kidnapped Prince - Roger B. Thomas - The Chronicles of Caol, Book 1

The Kidnapped Prince
The Chronicles of Caol Book 1
Roger Thomas
Ignatius Press
ISBN ‎9781621647621 

The Kidnapped Prince - Roger B. Thomas - The Chronicles of Caol, Book 1

A few years ago I read everything that Roger had in print. So when I found out about this new title I was instantly interested. When the book released I kept checking with the publisher about a digital edition. I have a dual form of dyslexia and my son has eye tracking issues. So I know several people who would pick up a digital edition who will just pass until then. That being said it is an amazing story and excellent beginning to a series. I just checked and 8 of Roger’s other 9 volumes received 5/5 stars, and this one is good enough that if I could give it 6 I would. I absolutely loved this story, the world Roger has created and can see so many possibilities for others stores set in the land of Caol. The description of the book is:

“Two pardoned death-row prisoners unite to search for the missing prince whose birth had earned their freedom. In the face of danger and intrigue, will they be able to rescue the prince and prove they did not kidnap him themselves? Filled with action and adventure, this novel is set in a fanciful place and time with knights and castles, rogues and royalty.”

The back of the book has a paragraph before this that states:

“Rogan owed his life to the Little prince. That baby and his mother were the only reason he hadn’t died on the gallows five years ago. Everything he’d done since he was given his liberty – every morning he’d awakened, every breath he’s taken – was a debt. And now it was time to repay it. The weight of this burden nearly took his breath away, and he knew he had to do something for the missing prince.”

About the author we are informed:

“Roger Thomas, a lifelong Michigan resident, has been married to his wife Ellen since 1981. They have six grown children and eight grandchildren. He is a self-employed computer consultant. He loves reading, and his favorite authors include C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Rudyard Kipling, and P.G. Wodehouse. He has had two collections of short stories published by Ignatius Press, and is working on his second novel.”

The chapters in the volume are:

Freedom
Debt
The Forest
Rescue
Valley Roads
Sight of Home
The Order of St. Michael

This story is written like an epic adventure. It begins with an unexpected turn of events. With Rogan taking this second chance and making the most he can of it. Being appreciative of every day, every moment.  And when a chance comes to try and repay an unpayable debt the decision to action no matter the cost. Rogan and Gareth both owe the prince and the Queen all they have. And both step up in a big way when the time calls for it. Relying on their skills and talents and help from friends and family the two set off on a mission and one of great importance to the Kingdom of Caol and to both the men personally.

This story is so good I was recommending it before I even finished it. I plan to gift copies to my nephews and a close family friend. This is one of those books I know I will be talking about, recommending, and giving away for a long time to come.

The story is marketed as being for ages 9-12, but I can easily see teens and young adults loving the story as well. I am in my 50’s and thought it a most excellent story. This is one of those books that a reader could return to time and time again. It has adventure and excitement like the Narnia books, and it had intrigue and mystery like the Lord of the Rings. One of the best fiction novels I have read in years and I average well over 200 books a year. It is an excellent read! One I can easily recommend.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by Roger Thomas:
The Accidental Marriage
From Afar
The Last Ugly Person: And Other Stories
The Ghosts of Midgard Manor And Other Stories
The Crown Jewels of Undlar
…

Watchful Sky Series:
Under the Watchful Sky
Rising Darkness
The Wounded Land
The Tattered Web
…

The Chronicles of Caol:
Book 2
Book 3
…

Author profile and interview with Roger Thomas.

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Thursday, 26 February 2026

Dare to Hope - Father James McTavish, FMVD - CTS Books

Dare to Hope 
Father James McTavish, FMVD 
Catholic Truth Society
ISBN 9781784698508
eISBN 9781784698737
ASIN B0FGY3YPTY
CTS Booklet D855

Dare to Hope - Father James McTavish, FMVD - CTS Books

This is the first volume from Father James McTavish that I have read, I believe it is the only one of his available from the CTS. I enjoyed this book. I did not know much about the volume before I started reading it. I had picked it up because it was a new release from the CTS. The volume was published towards the end of the Jubilee 2025 Pilgrims of Hope, and draws a fair bit from the works of Pope Francis on hope, and to a lesser extent Pope Benedict XVI. 

Over the last several years, I have read many books from the Catholic Truth Society, in fact over 460 of them as of the reading of this volume; many read more than once; this all since the spring of 2018. Most were good reads; some were great reads; and a few are exceptional. This was one I believe is part of the Devotions and Prayers Series, but the CTS no longer focuses on series sets. The tags for it on the CTS site are:

Faith in Action
Prayer Books & Guides
Prayer & Devotion
Living Faith

The description of this volume is:

“This self-guided retreat on hope will help you to become hopeful people prepared to announce the Good News to a world where many despair. With daily meditations spread across four weeks, this book is ideal for private devotion, as well as for online communities and weekly parish groups.

Often mistaken for mere optimism, Christian hope is far deeper. Inspired by the Jubilee Year 2025 – and the invitation of the late Holy Father Pope Francis to become ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ – Fr James McTavish, FMVD, guides us as we take the first steps on this journey.

Daily meditations over four weeks follow weekly themes: 

‘What is Hope?’
‘Reasons to Hope’
‘Hope Amidst Struggles'
‘Sowers of Hope’ 

By the end of this self-guided retreat, we can become hopeful people prepared to announce the Good News to a world where many despair.

This book is ideal for private devotion, as well as for online communities and weekly parish groups.”

The chapters and sections in the book are:

Preface
Introduction
Week 1 – What is Hope?
     Introduction to Week 1
     Hoping and praying
     Hoping and listening (and dancing)
     Drawing hope from the road already travelled
     Hope and our vocation
     Hope and trust
     Hope and a sense of mystery
     Walking forward in hope

Week 2 – Reasons to Hope
     Introduction to Week 2
     The Holy Spirit and hope
     Hope in humility
     Hoping with the Saints
     Hope for our departed loved ones
     Ever hopeful in God’s mercy
     Hopeful missioning
     Mary, the Mother of Hope

Week 3 – Hope Amidst Struggles
     Introduction to Week 3
     Hoping and groaning
     Hoping through struggles
     Being patient
     Hoping as desiring
     Enemies of hope
     Training in hope
     Hoping in the light

Week 4 – Sowers of Hope
     Introduction to Week 4
     Sowers of hope
     Hope and our response
     Anchoring our hope in Christ
     Hopeful signs of the resurrection
     Witnesses of hope
     Teaching hope
     A melody of hope

Conclusion

I highlighted a few passages while reading this volume, some of them are:

“This book highlights the vital role of prayer in nurturing hope. Hope is both a gift we can pray for and a task we are called to live out.”

“This book invites us on a pilgrimage of hope, guiding us through reflections and questions that help us rediscover its meaning and cultivate it in our daily lives.”

“My hope is that this simple yet profound journey will help you find renewed strength in a hope that transforms, perseveres, and overflows to those around you. May we deepen our trust in God’s promises and become true signs of hope in a world that needs it so greatly.”

“We begin our pilgrimage with enthusiasm. We would like to grow in hope. So, we are going to specifically exercise our hope muscles. We all have inklings of hope in us already, shown by the fact that we hope for many things. But we desire to grow in hope, we desire to practice hope. A principal way to do this is to pray.”

“At the beginning of our hope-filled prayer journey, I feel it is important to exercise our thanksgiving. My capacity to give thanks is closely related to the extent of my hope.”

“Excerpts taken from “The Dance of Obedience” (English translation by Mgr Peter Fleetwood) To be a good dancer, with you as with anyone else, we don’t need to know where it’s leading. We need to follow, to be cheerful, to be light, and above all not to be stiff. We don’t need to ask you to explain the steps you choose to take. Lord, come and ask us to dance. … And if people bump into us, we’ll laugh it off, well aware that that’s the sort of thing that happens when you’re dancing. Make us live our life… like a dance, in the arms of your grace, in the universal music of love. Lord, come and ask us to dance.”

“When we look forward to the future, we can feel slightly perturbed, and even lose a bit of hope. But if we look back, at the road travelled with God, we might feel more peace and hope because God had been faithful and trustworthy. Rooting ourselves in this lived experience of hope, gives us more confidence and hope for the future!”

“The danger is to drown in the present moment, with no past to sustain us and no future to look forward to. I understand why Fr Elias Royon Lara, SJ, speaks of hope as a virtue which looks to the future, is lived out in the present, and is rooted in the lived experience of the past.”

“Hope then can be understood as a kind of holy carrot that keeps this stubborn donkey moving. Like the donkey constantly asking Shrek, “Are we there yet?” And Shrek constantly has to remind him, “No!” So let us not set up camp too early amidst the comforts and commodities of this world. The gift of hope is precisely that inbuilt safety mechanism in us that helps prevent us from settling for mediocrity and second best. Hope is like a compass in us, or the GPS that is constantly saying “Keep moving.”

“Ask for the specific grace to grow in the awareness, conviction and hope of God’s abiding presence along every step of our journey.”

“The work of God in the lives of the Saints gives hope to each one of us.”

“Whenever I encounter a person with an addiction, for instance to alcohol, I pray for the intercession of Venerable Matt Talbot (2 May 1856–7 June 1925). He was an Irish labourer, who overcame his dependence on the “demon drink” and thereafter lived a holy life. He was known to have said, “Never be too hard on the man who can’t give up drink. It’s as hard to give up the drink as it is to raise the dead to life again. But both are possible and even easy for our Lord. We have only to depend on Him”. When facing moral questions, I always like to have a heavenly chat with St Alphonsus Liguori, the patron of moral theology in the Catholic Church. And of course, in many areas of human life, St Joseph is a powerful and wonderful intercessor.”

“Personally, you and I are a mission in this world. You are a mission–you have a mission, a specific one that only you can fulfil.”

“Sometimes in moments of struggles, and when I am not attentive, my default mode is not automatically hope-full, but more hope-less! So, hope my soul, hope!”

“On our journey of hope, we too will encounter various Herods. And the worst Herod is not merely outside of us, but within! We all have our kind of internal critic and nagging voice that can lead us to discouragement and to lose hope. Travelling in a pack, with a community of support, is one way to overcome Herod. The other is perseverance and not to stop too long on the journey.”

“It is as if the star is moving, guiding them. It reminds us that the stars we have to follow are dynamic, and require a response for us to follow the way indicated. The star can lead us closer to Christ, the light of the world. Who or what is the star that has led you closer to God?”

“God wants to have a mature, grown-up relationship with us too. He gives us the necessary gifts and graces and he then expects us to get on with it! I like the attitude of St Joan of Arc: “Act, and God will act”.”

“The Lord is hoping that we will be faithful administrators of the graces we have received.”

“The presence of Jesus in the Eucharist gives body to the words: “I am with you always” (Matt 28: 20). How comforting and reassuring, when all around is different, to find Jesus again in the Eucharist.”

“Now fasting a bit from junk on social media means our brains will have more time for wholesome food like a Church document or even to do a course of theology. They say “use it or lose it” so reading some Church teaching is great exercise for our grey matter. It prevents brain rot from excess screen time and will help teach us how to think once more.”

I hope those quotes give you a feel for the volume. This volume is a fairly easy read, anyone with a secondary education could easily work through it. I was unaware of the format when I picked it up and started it. It might have sat on my ‘To Be Read’ pile longer if I was aware of that. I was already reading 2 other volumes that were a chapter a day format; one from the ‘15 Days of Prayer with …’ series and the other from the ‘Great Spiritual Teachers’ series. I did however enjoyed this book. A couple of times I had to read sections again, and once I reread the whole day to make sure I got the message. I even shared one chapter with a friend who I knew was struggling with some stuff in their personal life. And I hope they pick up and give the whole volume a read.

This book is a good read. I am thankful for the work that the CTS does, and for their effort to stay up to date on eBook editions. With my dual form of dyslexia and my son having eye tracking issues I consider them essential, especially with adaptive technology. Even though I started this right at the end of the Jubilee year it was a fitting book to close off the year; even if I finished it a few weeks late. A good read I can recommend.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews:  2026 Catholic Reading Plan! For other reviews of books from the Catholic Truth Society click here.


Jubilee of Hope 2025 Book List:

Notes on Prayer Series:
1. Prayer Today: A Challenge to Overcome - Cardinal Angelo Comastri
2. Praying with the Psalms - Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi
3. The Prayer of Jesus – Juan Lopez Vergara
4. Praying with Saints and Sinners - Fr Paul Brendan Murray, OP
5. The Parables of Prayer – Msgr Antonio Pitta
6. The Church in Prayer - Carthusian Monks
7. The Prayer of Mary and the Saints Who Met Her - Sr Catherine Aubin, OP
…
...

Books by Father James McTavish:
A Heart on Fire: Inspirations from the life and writings of Jaime Bonet
A Time of Mercy: Insights on Mercy from Jaime Bonet
Form Apostles: Jaime Bonet and the Development of the Verbum Dei Charism
Jesus the Divine Physician: Essays on spirituality and healthcare
Sharper Than a Sword: Sunday homilies for the three year cycle
Updates on Gender and Sexuality
…



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Wednesday, 25 February 2026

By Winding Roads - John Irvine and William Conor

By Winding Roads
John Irvine (1903-1965)
William Conor R.H.A., R.O.I. (Illustrator) 
H.R. Carter Publications, Ltd.
Belfast
1950


First I am thankful to the National Library of Ireland and their scanning service. Without wich I would have read but one volume from this excellent Irish poet. I appreciate that they will scan out of print and out of copyright works. Especially when I cannot find them almost anywhere else, like most of the works or Irvine. This volume will mark the thirteenth I have read by Irvine.

I stumbled upon this author. I was reading one of the Vision Books for young readers, Irish Saints by Robert T. Reilly, and there was an excerpt of a poem from A Treasury of Irish Saints A Book of Poems. It was really intriguing and after reading that first volume I made it a mission to try and track down everything Irvine published. At first my dyslexia had me thinking it was John Irving, and I have read a few of his fiction books. But some quick searching put that idea to rest.  This author John Irvine lived from 1903-1965. This volume was originally published in1941. 

About the author on a site with information about Irish authors states:

“John Irvine was born in Belfast and published several collections of poems: A Voice in the Dark, 1932; Willow Leaves: Lyrics in the Manner of the Early Chinese Poets,1941; Lost Sanctuary and other poems among others. He edited The Flowering Branch: An Anthology of Irish Poetry Past and Present.”

Another online description of the author states:

“Irvine, born in Belfast, published about six collections of lyrics between 1932 and 1954, mostly from small presses in Belfast and Dublin.  He also edited an anthology of Irish poetry, The Flowering Branch.”

This volume has no preamble quote, or preface likes some of the others. The poems in this volume are:

Over the Hills and Far Away 
Tullymore 
Little Boats 
Rivers 
Woodland Music 
Three Little Towns 
Townlands 
Searching for Fairies 
The Old Man from Kilkenny 
Roaming 
The Dancers 
Harvest 
Music 
The Fairy Hill 
In Old Donegal 
Irish Names 
The Fairy Tree 
In Ballysadare 
The Travellers 
The Ladies of Doon 
The Farm Horses
The Nine Glens 
If 
Working 
The Irish Counties 
The Crow 
In Summer Time 
Twilight 
Portglenone 
Topsy Turvy 
The Pl'Ovinces 
The Girls of Dingle 
The Fiddler 21
The Meaning of Names 
Blarney 
Elderberries 
Winds 
Ireland's Eye 
The Winter Night 
Ireland 
Goodbye 

Before that first poem named in the index we have:

“IRELAND

There is great beauty in the Irish names
     That fall like music on the listening ear
And breed a deep~ felt love that never wanes
     In hearts of exiles gone for many a year.
Some little county each shall claim his own
     And love it's every field and stream and
         hill,
Remembering the sweet days he has known
     And keep undimmed the love of Ireland
         still.”

Which is listed as page vii, the next page is listed as page one. Then at the end of the volume we have page 24 then page ix that has the poem ‘Goodbye’. I am not sure if these characteristics are a mishap in printing, or an artistic embellishment.
 
I enjoyed this thirteenth volume of poems that I have read from the pen of Irvine. The one bio above mentions 6 collections of poems but I have found a total of 17, including some special editions  listed below, and also 6 volumes Irvine edited of other poems including the earliest published as J. Pennington Irvine. A few sample poems from this volume are:

        RIVERS

        The Liffey flows through Dublin town
        And Cork is on the Lee,
        The Shannon winds through meadowlands
        Of Limerick to the sea.
        The Foyle through Derry winds its way,
        The Lagan through Belfast,
        And men in Tipperary watch
        The Suir go gently past.
        The Boyne by ancient Drogheda
        Flows tranquilly and free,
        And that is but a few of them,
        Enough for you and me.
        But there are many more besides,
        North, South, East and West,
        So get your map of Ireland out
        And try to find the rest.

WOODLAND MUSIC

The blackbird sings at morning
When dew is on the spray
The thrush in sunny weather
Gives all his notes away.
The merry lark upsoaring
Above the fields at noon,
But only nightingales will tell
Their secrets to the moon.

     THE TRAVELLERS

     Forty miles to Drogheda
     And fifty to Dundalk,
     Some will go on jaunting cars,
     And some will only talk,
     But we'll step out along the road
     And walk and walk and walk.
     Some will carry little lamps
     In case the shadows fall,
     And some will nearly fall asleep
     The lazy ones and small,
     And some will dream by candlelight
     And never go at all.

THE FARM HORSES

At evening when the work is done
They gt'aze contented, in the sun,
And wander· in the.pleasant heat
Whe.t·e fancy leads, and gtass is sweet.
Or toss their heads and gallop wild
Along the fields, like any child
Who runs and leaps and shouts and sings
For freedom, and the joy of things.
Or stand knee-deep in cooling streams!
think they too have got their dreams
Of sunny mornings, when the breeze
Is humming in the willow trees.
Of splendid days, and cloudless skies,
Far from the harness, and from flies,
In pastu1'es whel'e a beast may be
Free of his load eternally.

I hope those four poems give you a feel for the collection. The poems vary from one stanza to four; all poems are contained on single page, and many pages have 2 poems per page. Some pages have an image, a total of 4 black and white images are interspersed in the volume. And the cover is colour with a zoomed out version of it on the facing paged to the title page. Each of the pieces of artwork is on a left-hand side of 2 facing pages. The artwork appears to be woodcuts. At the back of this volume about the author we are informed:

“JOHN IRVINE, author of eight books of verse and a contributor to leading literary magazines in Britain and America. His work has appeared twice in "Best Poems of the Year" and has been broadcast frequently by the B.B.C. and by Radio Eireann.”

About the artist:

“It has been written of WILLIAM CONOR that he cannot draw the slightest figure without endowing it with life and energy, nor without filling it with a revealing power that makes the onlooker a sharer in the secrets 'of the life concealed behind the passing record.”

I really enjoyed this volume, once I finally received a copy. The National Library of Ireland has 4 copies of this in its collection. And all 4 appear to be kept offsite based on catalogue notes. It is much more playful and jovial than the other collections I have read from Irvine’s pen. I am thankful I read it; it is another volume of poetry from Irvine that I really connected with. If you can track down a copy to read I can easily recommend it. And it is a volume I know I will return to again!

By Winding Roads - John Irvine - Sample 1

By Winding Roads - John Irvine - Sample 2

By Winding Roads - John Irvine - Sample 3

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan! 

Books by John Irvine:
…

Edited by John Irvine:
A Christmas Garland - as J. Pennington Irvine
The Flowering Branch: An Anthology of Irish Poetry Past and Present 
The Poems of Robert Burns 
The Poems of Robert Louis Stevenson 
The Poems of Tennyson 
The Poems of Thomas Moore  
… 


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Tuesday, 24 February 2026

Fractured - Karin Slaughter - Will Trent Book 2

Fractured
Will Trent Book 2
Karin Slaughter
Delacorte Press
Penguin Random House Canada
ISBN 9780385341950
eISBN 9780440337942
ASIN B0011UJMMK

Fractured - Karin Slaughter - Will Trent Book 2

This is the third story in the Will Trent series I have read by Karen Slaughter. The first I read was Cleaning the Gold that was written with Lee Child as a Will Trent Jack Reacher mash up story. The second was Triptych, which at the time pushed the limit for me. But I recently gave the TV Series a try and after the first episode decided to give the books a try again. And Lo and behold it is the same story; at least mostly. And what an excellent story.

But first some background, there was really something about Will Trent that really resonated with me, and I wanted to give his other stories a try. One of the first things I found out about Will Trent in this novel is that he has a form of dyslexia. As someone who has a dual form of dyslexia, diagnosed in grade two, I realized some of what I recognized in the character. The book was also very addictive. It was very hard to put down.

The description of this book states:

“Ansley Park is one of Atlanta’s most upscale neighborhoods—but in one gleaming mansion, in a teenager’s lavish bedroom, a girl has been savagely murdered. And in the hallway, her mother stands amid shattered glass, having killed her daughter’s attacker with her bare hands. Detective Will Trent of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation is one of the first on the scene. Trent soon sees something that the Atlanta cops are missing, something in the trail of blood, in a matrix of forensic evidence, and in the eyes of the stunned mother.

When another teenage girl goes missing, Trent knows that this case, which started in the best of homes, is about to cut quick and deep through the ruins of perfect lives broken wide-open: where human demons emerge with a vengeance.”

The dust jacket states:

“A broken window. A bloody footprint. Just the beginning.

When Atlanta housewife Abigail Campano comes home unexpectedly one afternoon, she walks into a nightmare. A broken window, a bloody footprint on the stairs and, most devastating of all, the horrifying sight of her teenage daughter lying dead on the landing, a man standing over her with a bloody knife. The struggle which follows changes Abigail s life forever.

When the local police make a misjudgement which not only threatens the investigation but places a young girl s life in danger, the case is handed over to Special Agent Will Trent of the Criminal Apprehension Team teamed with detective Faith Mitchell, a woman who resents him from their first meeting.

But in the relentless heat of a Georgia summer, Will and Faith realise that they must work together to find the brutal killer who has targeted one of Atlanta’s wealthiest, most privileged communities before it’s too late”

I will state that I have daughters in their teens or entering their teens, and as such I found some of the book a hard read. That being said, this story is not nearly as violent or overwhelming as Triptych was. I really appreciate Will Trent, his skills, his abilities, and his overcoming his learning disability. I also really enjoyed watching will and Faith find a way to work together. 

This is a fast pace story that mainly takes place over three days. But During the investigation we look back at events more than a decade earlier. There is a great deal of hostility towards Will from the Atlanta Police Department, because of a case of police corruption he investigated months earlier. And things almost immediately get worse, when he uncovers great ineptitude right from the start at the crime scene. His boss is putting pressure on him, he is not used to working with a partner. Let alone one from the APD. And because of his disability he misses some clues that put them behind. Both Will and Faith are dealing with doubt and regrets, both current and in their pasts. But they begin to work well together. 

This is a fast pace story with a life at stake and 2 already lost. And from the looks of it countless have been impacted over time.

This is an intense read. Parts of it were not easy to read. But the ways the story came together and wrapped up was a great thriller novel, or mystery story. I love the character of Will Trent and will have to read the rest before returning to the TV series. As of the writing of this review there are 12 novels and 3 shorter work featuring Will Trent, at about one I week I should be able to return to the show in a few months. A good read. A good mystery. A true crime thriller. Great characters, And it leaves you wanting more. 

Books by Karin Slaughter:
Will Trent Books:
 1.0 Triptych
 2.0 Fractured 
 3.0 Undone
 4.0 Broken
 5.0 Fallen
 5.5 Snatched
 6.0 Criminal
 6.5 Busted
 7.0 Unseen
 8.0 The Kept Woman
 8.5 Cleaning the Gold with Lee Child
 9.0 The Last Widow
10.0 After That night
11.0 The Silent Wife
12.0 This is Why We Lied
…

Grant Country Series:
1.0 Blindsighted
2.0 Kisscut
3.0 A Faint Cold Fear
4.0 Indelible
5.0 Faithless
6.0 Beyond Reach
…

The Good Daughter Series:
0.5 Last Breath
1.0 The Good Daughter
…

Other Books:
Pretty Girls
Pieces of Her
Cop Town
Blond Hair, Blue Eyes
Thorn in My Side
Martin Misunderstood
Cold Cold Heart
The Unremakeable Heart and Other Stories
The Blessing of Brokenness
…

Contributed to:
Like a Charm
…
 
Karin Slaughter The Will Trent Series 01-12


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Monday, 23 February 2026

The Monks Stand Guard - Sylvia Dorham and Christopher Tupa

The Monks Stand Guard
Christopher Tupa (Illustrator)
ISBN 9781505135299
eISBN 9781505137545
eISBN 9781505137538

The Monks Stand Guard - Sylvia Dorham and Christopher Tupa

I have read a few books written by Sylvia Dorham over the years, and I especially love this series. I really enjoy this series, particularly The Monk’s Stormy Night. The books have the family seal of approval from 10 years to 55 years of age. They have been family favourites as long as they have been available. And even though they are well below their reading level, the youngest two still enjoy them.

The description of this book is:

“In this delightfully illustrated and rhythmically written tale, a group of struggling monks learn a powerful truth: not every thought is from God. When the temptation to give up hits hard, Father Abbot gently guides them to spiritual victory with wisdom from Scripture and timeless monastic insight. Inspired by 2 Corinthians 10:5, The Monks Stand Guard is an endearing Catholic children’s book that helps young readers learn how to resist temptation and take every thought captive for Christ. Perfect for Catholic families, catechists, and classrooms, this book brings the spiritual life to life—with charm, humor, and heart.”

About the author on the TAN site we are informed:

“Sylvia Dorham’s accomplishments are best summarized in the words, “wife” and “mother.” She appreciates truth, goodness and beauty and is grateful for skilled artists with whom she can collaborate.”

There is no information about the illustrator on the TAN site or in the book itself. The illustrations are similar to the other three volumes in this series. But the palette used is brighter and more intense. The illustrations are great and add to the lessons in the book. Personally I am not a big fan of the angel on one shoulder and devil on the other trope, but I understand the purpose and use in this volume. The next paged with the adversaries is better. 

Father Abbot leads by example. He is the one pitching in and starting all the work. But soon some monks think they want an easier life. Father helps them to learn to discern spirits. And to seek to make good decisions guided by God. This story is a little less playful than the others, but it teaches a good and valuable lesson. 

We really hope that there will be more stories with these monks. This is a great picture book in a wonderful series. It would be a great addition to any home, school, or church library! 

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan!  

Books by Sylvia Dorham:
The Monks Series:
The Monk’s Daily Bread
…

Other Books:
Rosana: A Modern Retelling of the Book of Ruth
Jewel
The Book of Names: An Accounting of What Might Have Been
Avoiding The Octopus




The Monks Stand Guard - Sylvia Dorham and Christopher Tupa
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Sunday, 22 February 2026

A Prayer of the Day Blood and Water

Blood and Water Prayer
Prayer of the Day


O Blood and Water, 
which gushed forth from the heart of Jesus 
as a Fount of Mercy for us, 
I trust in you.
Amen.
  
Note: Every so often I post a prayer I use as part of my daily prayers. I started praying this one in 2025, it was shared on social media. It is one of the shortest set prayers I try and pray daily.


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