Saturday, 31 January 2026

A Pocket Guide to Living the Divine Mercy - George W. Kosicki

A Pocket Guide to Living the Divine Mercy 
George W. Kosicki
ISBN 9781592762798
eISBN 9781612781556
ASIN B0070Y4FSW

A Pocket Guide to Living the Divine Mercy - George W. Kosicki

After reading Dr Hahn’s A Pocket Guide to St. Paul from OSV I have been able to track down all the series; though this one took some time to find at a price point within my budget. It appears there was an eBook edition but both the eBook and Prinnt edition appear to be out of print.  I have been jumping around reading them. I have read books by Patrick before, and looked forward to working through this volume. Both the physical edition and eBook of this book appear to still be in print. This is a wonderful little read.

The description of this volume states:

“Find refuge from your anxieties and fears. Embrace God's infinite mercy as revealed to Saint Faustina and draw hope and inspiration from the actual words of Our Lord, faithfully recorded in her diary. 

Saint Faustina and the Divine Mercy message were canonized by Pope John Paul II as "God's gift to our time." Make this gift your own through this short course on the merciful way.”

About the author we are informed:

“Coordinator of the Bethany House of Intercession for eight years, a noted retreat master, and disciple of the teachings of St. Faustina, Father George W. Kosicki is a popular writer on Divine Mercy.”

The chapters and sections in this booklet are:

Introduction
1. What Is Life All About? 
2. Jesus Is the Way to the Father's House 
3. Each Saint Followed Jesus as the Way to the Father's House 
4. The Merciful Way of St. Faustina 
5. How We, Too, Can Be Saints 
6. Pope John Paul H's Ways of Living the Divine Mercy 
7. Practical Ways to Live the Merciful Way 

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

“Now that Sister Faustina Kowalska of the Most Blessed Sacrament has been canonized by Pope John Paul II, she is enrolled in the major leagues of saints. By her canonization, on the Second Sunday of Easter, April 30, 2000, John Paul II declared her a model for us to follow in our spiritual pilgrimage and a unique and special member of the Body of Christ, now interceding for the Church and the whole world for God's mercy.”

“In yet another declaration, the Holy Father declared that the message of Divine Mercy is the message for the third millennium, to all people, as "God's gift to our time." He repeated this strong affirmation of "a gift of God for our time" three times, assuring us that the light of mercy gives us hope and comfort, as we abandon ourselves in trust, in the midst of the suffering of our time.”

“In his homily al the Mass of Canonization, Pope John Paul II expressed the need to welcome mercy, to welcome Jesus, to receive Him, and to experience His mercy by trusting Him and so be enabled to be merciful, even as our heavenly father is merciful (sec Lk 6:36).”

“Thanks be to God, there is a way for the inadequate, the weak, and the miserable! It is the merciful way that St. Faustina proclaimed from the beginning to the very end of her Diary. It is, as John Paul II said, the message and the way for the third millennium.”

“Consider a few fascinating "statistics" about St. Faustina's Diary as a promise of hope for you and me:
• Some 120 times, she speaks of her own misery, and ours.
• Bur some 240 times - twice as many as "misery" - she speaks of her trust in the
Lord.
• But even more encouraging, she speaks of God's mercy some l,200 times - ten times more than about misery!”

“And there is the rub! Trusting in Him. Trusting in Jesus Christ is a free act of the will, a believing faith in Him. It "means 'to abandon oneself' to the truth of the word of the living God" (Pope John Paul II, Mother of the Redeemer [1987], n . L4).”

“But all of the saints expressed their pilgrimage with the Lord in unique and precious ways, as gems in the great mosaic of God's family. Each had to climb the mountain of the Lord along the path the Lord chose for them.”

“I am giving you three ways of exercising mercy toward your neighbor: the first - by deed, the second - by word, the third - by prayer. In these three degrees is contained the fullness of mercy, and it is an unquestionable proof of love for Me. By this means a soul glorifies and pays reverence to My mercy.”

“Trust in God is one of the great ways to express our love for God. Distrust of God , on the other hand, is one of the great pains Jesus complains about to St. Faustina (see, for example, Diary, 50 and 300).”

I hope those quotes give you a feel for this volume. There are not as many quotes as other volumes; but still a good example. Much of this volume is quotes from Saint Faustina and Saint John Paul II’s  talks and writings about Divine Mercy. This little volume is a great resource. 

When I was in university, I was involved with Campus Crusade for Christ, there was a series of booklets by the founder Bill Bright, called Transferable Concepts, and by reading them many times you could almost memorize them and the message so that you could share it. This volume and series reminds me a lot of those books, but specifically geared for Catholics. 

I was very thankful to have tracked this down and given it a read. I wish the eBook was still available, I would pick it up immediately. This is the one of eight volumes in the series but only 2 appear to still be in print. It is a pity because the whole series is excellent. I have been able to track down and read the complete series now, and see myself returning to them again in the future. This is a great book in an excellent series. I encourage you to give this volume a try if you can track it down.

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

Books by George W. Kosicki:
Divine Mercy Minutes
Faustina, Saint for Our Times
I Demand Deeds Of Mercy
Intercession: Moving Mountains by Living Eucharistically
John Paul II: The Great Mercy Pope
Meet Saint Faustina: Herald of Divine Mercy
Mercy Minutes with Jesus
Mercy Minutes: Daily Gems from the Diary of St. Maria Faustina Kowalski
Now Is the Time for Mercy: The Story of God's Mercy
O Blessed Host, Have Mercy On Us
Reconciliation, Encountering The Mercy Of God
Rejoice In The Lord Always
Special Urgency of Mercy
Spiritual Warfare: Attack Against the Woman
Tell My Priests
The Good News of Suffering
Why Mercy Sunday?
…

Other books about Divine Mercy and Saint Faustina:
…

Our Sunday Visitor Pocket Guide Series

Books by Michael's Dubruiel:
John Paul II's Biblical Way of the Cross - with Amy Welborn
A Pocket Guide to Confession - 2009 Review
A Pocket Guide to Confession - 2025 Review
A Pocket Guide to the Mass
The How-to Book of the Mass: Everything You Need to Know but No One Ever Taught You
The Church's Most Powerful Novenas
How To Get The Most Out Of The Eucharist
Praying the Rosary: With the Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, and Glorious Mysteries - with Amy Welborn
The Power of the Cross: Applying the Passion of Christ to Your Life
Praying the Rosary: With the Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, & Glorious Mysteries - with Amy Welborn
Praying in the Presence of Our Lord with Fulton J. Sheen
...

Books in the OSV Pocket Guide Series:
A Pocket Guide to Living the Divine Mercy - George W. Kosicki 
...

Books in the Handy Little Series from OSV:
The Handy Little Guide to Confession - Michelle Jones Schroeder
The Handy Little Guide to the Holy Spirit - Michelle Schroeder
The Handy Little Guide to the Lent - Michelle Schroeder
The Handy Little Guide to the Liturgy of the Hours - Barb Szyszkiewicz
…

Handy Little Guides - Our Sunday Visitor

Books in the OSV Companion in Faith Series:
For Those Who Grieve - Jeannie Ewing
Living in Peace - Father Jeffrey Kirby
The Beatitudes - Kathleen M Basi
The Power of Forgiveness - Patrice Fagnant-Macarthur
…

Companion in Faith Series Our Sunday Visitor


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Friday, 30 January 2026

Black Dog - Dean Hamilton - A Tyburn Filos Novella

Black Dog 
A Tyburn Filos Novella
Dean Hamilton
eISBN 9780993917424
ASIN B00W0DCGCK

Black Dog - Dean Hamilton - A Tyburn Filos Novella

I have had this story and the first novel in the series for a while. But they got lost on my Kindle in my ever growing ‘To Be Read’ list. For years I have used the Kindle apps, but this year at Christmas my daughter got me a dedicated Kindle device. I went through the oldest of my Kindle volumes that were unread and picked this as on to read and it was my first read on my new device.

The description of this story is:

“Hangings were always a good draw.

When the Earl of Worcester’s Men take advantage of the crowds drawn to a mass execution, they hoped for a strong turn-out and a fat payday. They didn’t expect to run afoul of London’s most notorious prison rooker, the Black Dog.

Now with one of the troupe facing slow death in gaol or penury in the face of the Black Dog’s threats, the troupe must turn to its newest member for help. Christopher Tyburn, ex-soldier turned play-actor, must dive into cesspool of London’s back-alleys, pursuing the Black Dog’s secrets in order to turn the tables on the deadly blackmailer.

But you don’t stalk the Black Dog without consequences….”

This story drew me in right away. While reading it I thought about Cue for Treason by Geoffrey Trease, which is one of the first books I remember read, and reread a few years ago. But this story is for a much older and more mature audience. Christopher Tyburn in this novella is a very intriguing character. He is haunted by his time in the military. He is working as an actor in an established company. This story takes place in 1574, Tyburn is a former soldier and is very confident in his skills and talents. And he appears to hate bullies. After an encounter with Roose who calls himself The Black Dog. During that encounter Roose kills a dog and threatens a friend and co-worker of Tyburn. He can’t let that be.

Writing short fiction is a very different skill than long form fiction. Hamilton has proved a master of the shorter form and I look forward to exploring his novels. In some ways this reads Elizabethan Age Jack Reacher or John Wick. Tyburn won't let a bully get away with being a thug, and he killed a dog!

This is a great novella and it leaves you wanting more. Fortunately it is followed by 2 novels. This is great historical fiction. An action story I can easily recommend. 

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

Books by Dean Hamilton:
Tyburn Filos Series:
The Jesuit Letter
Thieves’ Castle
…

Black Dog - Dean Hamilton - A Tyburn Filos Novella

The Jesuit Letter - Dean Hamilton - Tyburn Filos Book 1

Thieves’ Castle - Dean Hamilton - Tyburn Filos Book 2
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Thursday, 29 January 2026

The Quiet Stream and Other Poems - John Irvine

The Quiet Stream and Other Poems 
John Irvine (1903-1965)
Derrick MacCord
Belfast
1944

The Quiet Stream and Other Poems - John Irvine

This volume will mark the eighth 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 book begins with a dedication to W.H. Conor, A.R.H.A. Unlike all previous volumes there is no quote at the beginning of this one. We are informed:

“Of this edition one hundred copies only have been printed of which this is No. 56.”

The poems in this volume are:

The Quiet Stream
To A Great Artist
The march Morning
The Changeling
Dark Red Roses
The Mother
All Lovely Things
The Swans
Cheng
Carrowdore

I enjoyed this eighth collection of poems that I have read from the pen of Irvine. At the beginning is a reprint of a painting by William Conor. It is of a stream and the title pope is facing it. There is no table of contents and it is a slim volume. It is another volume I could easily see myself returning to. The one bio above mentions 6 collections of poems but I have found 9 listed below, 3 other works, also 6 volumes Irvine edited of other poems. And a note further down indicates another previously unaccounted for volume edited by Irvine. A few sample poems from this volume are:

     THE. QUIET STREAM.

     This gently moving stream, thase friendly trees
          That fringe the water with a living grace,
     Impress upon my mind the quiet mood
          And solitary beauty of the place.

     Here in the changeless heart of things is peace,
          The deep enduring silence and repose.
     A lark uprises from the meadow-grass,
          And in the reeds the wind of faery blows.

THE MOTHER.

"War is a cruel thing" she said
"Three sons I had and loved them well,
One was lost in the Northern sea;
And one in Abbysinia fell."

"And now they say that Alan 's gone,
The last - the youngest of the three ...
War is a cruel thing" she said,
And turned and wept most bitterly.

     CARROWDORE.

     It was a night of wind and stars
     And all the land was sweet with May,
     When we set out for Carrowdore,
     And lingered on the star-lit way.

     I have forgotten much since then,
     Of things that only youth can know,
     Yet I remember how we went
     To Carrowdore, long years ago.

I hope those three poems give you a feel for the collection. The poems vary from one stanza to several, but all poems are contained on single page, except 1. I read a few of them a couple of times before moving on. It is a moving collection to work through on a cold winter evening, over a large mug of tea. It is to date the thinnest volume from his pen I have read. 

I was able to track down a copy of this thanks to the National Library of Ireland. The NLI has all volumes I have found written by Irvine and 5 of the 8 edited by him. I am now trying to hunt them all down. These poems were very enjoyable, and I am certain they would be to you as well, if you give them a chance. We are also informed 10 of the poems in this volume are reprinted with permission.
If you can track down a copy to read it is well worth it! Another great collection of poems I can easily recommend it.

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

Books by John Irvine:
A Voice in the Dusk Lyrics  
By Winding Roads 
Fountain Of Hellas: Poems From The Greek Anthology 
Two Poems 
Voces Intimae 
…

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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Wednesday, 28 January 2026

The Cyber Exorcist and The Haunted River - A.R.K. Watson

The Cyber Exorcist & The Haunted River
ASIN B0DVF65TZ2

The Cyber Exorcist and The Haunted River - A.R.K. Watson

Wow! What an excellent novella. This was the fourth story from A.R.K. Watson that I have read. I have had this one for a while and just got around to reading it. The author had made it available in 2023 and I am very thankful. Her other works came highly recommended, and they were great reads as well. Her works follow in a long line of Catholic Science Fiction stories. Reading this I was reminded of Sacred Visions edited by Andrew M. Geeley and the two volumes edited by Karina Fabian; Infinite Space, Infinite God II, and Infinite Space, Infinite God. This story is a mystery wrapped up in an interesting tale. This story is a very good read.

The description of the novel is:

“In a future where cyborgs, post-humans, and quantum A.I.'s reign, Father Xavier, an apprentice exorcist, finds himself thrust into a world of haunting mysteries. Tasked with investigating a convent plagued by a malevolent poltergeist, Xavier realizes that his traditional prayers have no effect on the supernatural entity. As he delves deeper, he uncovers a power struggle within the convent, pitting a scandalously full-cybernetic abbess against a war veteran nun with outdated implants.

"The Cyber Exorcist" is a thrilling blend of cyberpunk, paranormal mystery, and introspective exploration. It captivates with its fusion of cutting-edge technology and ancient rituals, delivering a thought-provoking journey that challenges the boundaries of faith, science, and the human spirit.”

The story is more than just religious fiction. It is told from the perspective of Father Xavier Isaacs, a Diocesan Priest and an Exorcist. The prologue is a letter from Father Isaacs to the magisterium detailing the events leading up to his own excommunication which has now been appealed by his Bishop. That letter states:

“To the Magisterium in Rome and His Holiness, Pope Cephas,

I write to you at the behest of my bishop. He has promised to appeal my case of ex-communication before you in person. I wish I could adhere to your request that I come before you myself, but I am finding out that often when new worlds open their windows, the doors to the old ones close and lock themselves fast with iron keys.

In obedience to my bishop, I begin this accounting of the events that led me into error. This assignment, I perceive, is as much for my examination of conscience as for the council’s understanding. Perhaps this is why he has directed that I begin with the first case Jesse and I worked on together, rather than how we met. The haunting of the so-called ‘mermaids’ of the Mississippi became the first of many cases that revealed to me a world cut off from the sacramental graces. At the end of our first adventure together, I would never have thought the experience to be the first step that would lead to my exile. Indeed, it wasn’t until a few cases later that I ultimately had my fall. However, looking back now, it is undeniable the effect that the mermaids, and Jesse, had on me.

I wish to assure you that despite the appearance of things, I remain forever obedient to the Church and my vows as a priest. If circumstances had not forced my hand, I would gladly have waited on the Magisterium to speak on the subject of this poorly named ‘Incarnation Tech.’

Although I acted according to what I believed to be right, I accept that I could be wrong. If the Church decides my actions were incorrect, I will repent and submit to her teaching as fully as I am physically able.

After hearing my story, I hope your Eminences will understand that I have done what I have in the spirit of obedience to God, love for my vocation, and conviction of my conscience. The scandal I have caused to mother church is deeply felt and regretted. Despite these offenses, I hope you will hear my story with compassion.”

Once I started reading this I was completely enthralled by the story. It is fascinating story set in a future, and maybe one not that distant. It follows a young exorcist as he goes on assignment to a convent of fishing nuns, on the Mississippi. In this story there is a mix of technology, augmented humans, and transhumanism in a post-apocalyptic world. The Church appears to have taken a stance on Transhumanism, but augmentations have rules and guidelines around them. It follows Father as the bishop sends him to the convent, he is not given much information, and part of the story is his figuring out if this is supernatural, or someone using technology to haunt the convent. The story has some conflict with the River Queen and her court from the other shore. And other concerns mentioned is about the military, but we are not given much detail. 

This is a story that really hooks readers. I already plan to reread it, and desperately hope Watson has further works planned in this universe. In some ways it reminded me of Our Lady of the Artilects by Andrew Gillsmith, but this story is much more honed on the Catholic elements in the story.  

This is an excellent read in a classic Science Fiction style. The works of A.R.K. Watson are well worth the effort. Great for fans of Catholic fiction. Or those who like a mystery with a bit of an edge. And for fans of the Science fiction Genre. I can easily recommend it.

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

Books by A.R.K. Watson:
...

The Cyber Exorcist Series:
The Cyber Exorcist & The Mermaids of the Mississippi
…

A Seeded Sky Series:
…

Contributed to:
Pilgrim Tales: An anthology of fiction by the Catholic Writers Guild
…
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Tuesday, 27 January 2026

Product Review The Shave Brush Henson Shaving

Product Review The Shave Brush

The Shave Brush Henson Shaving

Almost three years ago I switched to the Henson AL 13 Razor, and I have never regretted it. It has been an amazing purchase. I have recommend them to numerous people. My son got one and has been using it since he started shaving. I stated in my review of the razor:

“This razor provides the best shaves I have ever had, and I have been shaving for almost 40 years. I am thankful my wife suggested it and I encourage you to give it a try. And with the money back guarantee you have nothing to lose.”

Fast forward a couple of years and I had the opportunity to test a new Shaving Brush that Henson had in development.  My son got a silver one to try and I picked up the black model. We have both been very impressed. Since I started using the Henson I have used 3 different shaving brushes. First a cheap one from Amazon because I was not certain I would stick with the safety razor, the second a very expensive Badger hair brush from the now defunct Executive Shaving Club in the UK. The third was ‘The Shave Brush’ from Henson.  I though this is under a third of the cost of the Badger hair one it has been my daily use for well over a year. And there is no going back. The Badger hair one sits in a drawer and collects dust. 

At first I was disconcerted that the knot (the brush fiber part) was ‘messy’. The individual fibers are wavy. But after even just a couple of uses I saw how this allowed the brush to lather much better and much quicker. I use less shave cream, have less waste and get an excellent shave.

For over a year and a half my son and I have used these shaving brushes. The aluminum handle has a nice weight and heft to it. The machining give it a nice texture to the handle and firm hold no matter how slick or slippery your fingers are. The description of this product states:

“This aluminum shave brush features a turned and machined handle, made at our aerospace facility to match the Henson Razor.  The knot is made of synthetic hairs resembling a classic badger hair. The fibers have wonderfully soft tips, combine that with a solid, natural-feeling backbone and outstanding water retention and this brush is the ideal way to create a thick and luxurious lather when applying shave cream.”

This is an excellent product and one we can both easily recommend. And like many of their other products it comes with a 100-Day trial or your money back! So you have nothing to lose, give this excellent brush a try and take your shaving experience to the next level!



The Shave Brush Henson Shaving Comparison 01
Comparison 2 Henson and 2 Other Brushes.
The Shave Brush Henson Shaving Comparison 01
Comparison 2 Henson and 2 Other Brushes.
The Shave Brush Henson Shaving Comparison 01
Comparison 2 Henson and 2 Other Brushes.
Henson Shaving My Set Up
My Original Shaving Set Up
Henson Shaving My Son's Set Up
My Son's Set Up
I received a second AL13 razor for Christmas. 
The limited edition red from Canada Day. 
Mixed it with my original blue and now have 
Montreal Canadian's themed home and away razors. 
My Original AL13 in Blue.

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Monday, 26 January 2026

Nocturne Poems - John Irvine

Nocturne Poems 
John Irvine (1903-1965)
The Orwell Press
Belfast
1941

Nocturne Poems - John Irvine

This volume will mark the seventh 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 book begins with a dedication to W.H. Conor, A.R.H.A. Unlike all previous volumes there is no quote at the beginning of this one. We are informed:

“Of this edition one hundred and fifty copies only have been printed of which this is No. 47.”

The poems in this volume are:

Chopin
Song
Trees
At the Coming of Night
October
Heartsease
Sorrow in Spring
In the Mournes
To the Unfaithful Beloved
By a Riverside
Mairi
The Island
Craigey Woods
All Lovely Things
Spring
Jean
In the Faery Hills
The Quiet Night
Migration
Dusk
Waves
Swallow
October Winds
The Prisoner
Valediction
Sanctuary

I enjoyed this seventh collection of poems that I have read from the pen of Irvine. It is another volume I could easily see myself returning to. The one bio above mentions 6 collections of poems but I have found 9 listed below, 3 other works, also 6 volumes Irvine edited of other poems. And a note further down indicates another previously unaccounted for volume edited by Irvine. A few sample poems from this volume are:

     TREES.

     When I behold the poplars stand,
     At night against the moonlit skies,
     The great white roads of Picardy
     Come back before my eyes. 

     But, when in sunny hours of noon
     A wind stirs and the birches sway,
     Beyond the Irish fields I see
     The woods of Arcady.

SORROW IN SPRING.

Earth wraps him round;
He cannot see
The flower on
The chestnut tree.

He cannot hear
The blackbird sing,
Or walk the woods
Remembering.

Nor feel the wind,
And sun and rain,
That makes the warm earth
Sweet· again.

His is the dusk
When day is done,
And I am weary
Of the sun.

     IN THE FAERY HILLS.

     A horn in the distance calling
     I heard when the dusk was grey,
     And the answer, rising and falling
     In the faery hills away.

     The beep on the moorland bleating,
     And dim in the trembling air;
     A light on the marshes fleeting
     And never a mortal there.

     A wind came over the heather;
     The reeds bent low to the stream;
     And a bird with a snowy feather
     Flew into the hills of dream.

I hope those three poems give you a feel for the collection. The poems vary from one stanza to several, but all poems are contained on single page. I read a few of them a couple of times before moving on. It is an moving collection to work through on a cold winter evening, over a large mug of tea. 

I was able to track down a copy of this thanks to the National Library of Ireland. The NLI has all volumes I have found written by Irvine and 5 of the 8 edited by him. I am now trying to hunt them all down. These poems were very enjoyable, and I am certain they would be to you as well, if you give them a chance. We are also informed 10 of the poems in this volume are reprinted with permission.

If you can track down a copy to read it is well worth it! Another great collection of poems I can easily recommend it.

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

Books by John Irvine:
A Voice in the Dusk Lyrics  
By Winding Roads 
Fountain Of Hellas: Poems From The Greek Anthology 
Two Poems 
Voces Intimae 
…

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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Sunday, 25 January 2026

A Prayer of the Day Suscipe Prayer

Suscipe Prayer
Prayer of the Day

(Icon by Theophilia My son has a copy as it is his confirmation Saint)

Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will, all I have and call my own. You have given all to me. To you, Lord, I return it. Everything is yours; do with it what you will. Give me only your love and your grace; that is enough for me.
Amen.
  
Note: Every so often I post a prayer I use as part of my daily prayers. I started praying this one in 2025, the source that shared it online attributed it to Saint Ignatius of Loyola.


Related posts about Saint Ignatius:
Consoling the Heart of Jesus: A Do-It-Yourself Retreat Inspired by the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius - Michael E. Gaitley
...

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Saturday, 24 January 2026

A Stranger Among Us - Connor Gallagher

A Stranger Among Us 
Connor Gallagher
ISBN 9781505133066
eISBN 9781505136807
ASIN B0FCP11VB2

A Stranger Among Us - Connor Gallagher

First I could hardly put this book down. And if I had not read it during a very busy time I might have raced through it. As it is It took me a while to work through it and that slowing down helped me appreciate the book even more. I was attracted to this volume from the first time I encountered the cover. I was literally drawn to it. I have not even read the description and I wanted to read it. After reading the description I wanted to read it even more. But it took me a while to get to it. 

The description of this volume states:

“In a sprawling, kaleidoscopic tale of love, revenge, and hope, A Stranger Among Us tells the story of finding redemption and grace amid suffering

Hack, a young black boy and son of a poor groundskeeper of a Benedictine monastery, has an uncanny desire to seek and know truth. As he and his father, Percy, face the brutality of poverty and racism in the 1920s South, Percy teaches Hack about virtues and goodness, while evil abounds in the world around them.

One fateful evening as Hack accompanies Percy to the monastery, tragedy strikes, thrusting Hack on a winding path that will forever alter his life and soul

As Percy attempts to save a young woman from being attacked, both Percy and the woman are killed. Percy is framed for the woman’s murder, making the attacker a local hero as corrupt policemen begin searching for young Hack, said to be an accomplice in the vicious killings.

The monks hide Hack, giving him sanctuary from authorities. In the safety of the monastery, Hack receives his education from the monks, satisfying his curious mind with lessons on Philosophy, Theology, and friendship. But the more Hack learns, the more he seeks that deeper truth only found in grace.

Spanning the tumultuous decades from The Roaring Twenties to World War II and beyond, Hack’s unlikely education takes him on a Dante-esque journey through the intricately woven lives of those around him.

Told in luminous, poetic prose, it is a story of love and hate, of courage and betrayal, of good overcoming evil. Delving into humanity’s darkest corners, A Stranger Among Us holds a mirror to America’s addled past, revealing God’s unending grace and love in us all.”

About the author on the TAN site we are informed:

“Conor Gallagher is the CEO of TAN Books, an author, speaker and podcast host. Most recently he created Well-Ordered Family, a 6-part family management system to help you reclaim order and clarity in your family life. Using tried and true business tools, Well-Ordered Family provides coaching services to create customized plans for your family to optimize its potential. He recently launched The Conor Gallagher Show, to explore thought-provoking topics of eternal consequence with fascinating guests. His books include Still Amidst the Storm, Parenting for Eternity, Well-Ordered Family, You Are Never Too Busy, and You Have Only One Problem. Conor and his wife Ashley are the proud parents of 16 children and the grandparents of two.”

This is a story told over decades. It follows one life but many lifetimes are interwoven with the story. The sections and chapters in this work are:

Part One:
     1. Teach Us to Number Our Days
     2. No Greater Love
     3. The Hermitage
     4. Render Unto Caesar
     5. Jesus Wept
     6. The Shadow of Death
     7. The American
     8. Eve and Her Garden
     9. Comings and Goings

Part Two:
     1. Lily
     2. The Bible Salesman
     3. Homer Jones
     4. Return Home

Part Three:
     1. The Ku Klux Klan
     2. A Strike
     3. 1936
     4. Money
     5. Lily
     6. Awakening the Sleeping Giant

Part Four:
     1. 1945
     2. An Unsheathed Sword
     3. Barriers … and Death
     4. Janey
     5. The Death March

Part Five:
     1. Clayton
     2. A Meeting
     3. Lazarus and Job
     4. A Still, Small Voice
     5. This Cup

Epilogue

This story was deeply moving. It is historical fiction at its best! The characters are masterfully written and the plot an amazing tale. The story starts in May of 1924, though we are told of events much earlier at various times.  And it concludes in July of 1965. A lot happened in the world over those decades, and a lot transpired in the monastery where much of the story takes place. 

Some books you read and you cannot stop talking about them. With this one I keep recommending it but have a hard time speaking about it. I truly believe it could easily become a spiritual classic. The writing is superb. Not only will reader greatly appreciate Hack, but also his mentors, and friends as well. It is a fiction story that has layers upon layers of lessons for the reader. But one that is immensely engaging and it is a story that will really get a reader thickening. 

This is a story that will really stay with the reader. In fact I am hoping to return to it in a few months and visit it again. But I am also left wanting more. Wanting to know what happens next, what are the next chapters? And what is some of the ripples of Hack’s life?

This is the first fiction I have read from Connor Gallagher, and I believe his first fictional work. I would not hesitate to pick up another novel if he publishes one, and really want to delve into some of his non-fiction.

A great novel, it could easily become a Catholic Classic. I highly recommend it! So pick it up and give it a try. And journey through the years with Hack, I guarantee you will not be the same after you finish this book!

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

Books by Connor Gallagher:
A Stranger Among Us
Parenting for Eternity
Raising Blue-Collar Kids in a White-Collar World
Still Amidst the Storm: A Family Man's Search for Peace in an Anxious World
The Architect: How to Start Building Your Family's Ecosystem
The Meekness and Humility of Jesus Christ
Well-Ordered Family: The Family Management System
You are Never Too Busy: Seeing Your Time the Way God Sees Your Time
You Have Only One Problem
…
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Friday, 23 January 2026

A Rock and a Hard Place - J.D. Kirk - DCI Logan Book 21

A Rock and a Hard Place
DCI Logan Book 21
ISBN 9781835983010
ASIN B0DMT2GHF9

A Rock and a Hard Place - J.D. Kirk - DCI Logan Book 21

I discovered the writing of J.D. Kirk in 2022, since then I have read over 50 volumes across three different pen names. I picked the first for a few reasons, but mainly because authors Alex Smith and JE Mayhew have both recommended the author and series. I am a big fan of Smith’s DCI Kett novels and Mayhew’s DCI Will Blake Series. I have been hooked since that first read. Kirk also publishes under the names Barry Hutchison and Barry J, Hutchison. I have now read the first 19 in the DCI Logan series and all 4 in the Robert Hoon series, The first two in the DI Heather Filson series as well as stand alone VIP exclusive short story. 

I had no idea how addictive Kirk’s books would be or that like Mayhew and Smith, Kirk publishes under three different names. Kirk publishes children books as Barry Hutchison, and other adult fiction as Barry J. Hutchison. He has published over 200 books across the three pen names. If I had known that or I might not have picked up this first one. Friends call me a ‘completionist’ in that when I find an author I like, I try to read everything they have published. Being caught up now on his works as J.D. Kirk I will have to wait for each new one to come out, and this volume was well worth the weight. 

The description of this novel is:

“DCI Jack Logan is back!

When washed-up 80s rock legend Johnny Freestone is found dead in a cave off Scotland's North Coast 500 tourist route, it looks like a tragic accident – another celebrity lost to a reckless lifestyle.

But Police Scotland detective – and secret Freestone fan – Jack Logan isn’t convinced that the star's death was an accident. As Logan delves into Johnny's final days, he uncovers a trail of bitter rivalries, broken promises, and a comeback tour that wasn’t quite what it seemed.

With the Highlands’ rugged backdrop as the stage, Logan must unravel a web of secrets and lies that entangles everyone from music studios to old flames, and find out who wanted the self-styled 'voice of a generation' silenced for good.

Somewhere between a rock and a hard place, the truth waits to be unearthed...”

This story is very different than the rest of the series. It starts with Logan still on leave. First it was a leave while he was under investigation. And then he kept delaying coming back. And for the first time and for much of the book, Logan seems to lack his normal confidence, his self-assurance, and he is suffering from self-doubt. Detective Superintendent Mitchell is giving him an opportunity. And Jack has to decide if he is up for it, and if so, will he regain some of his footing. As he assists and advises on this case we get a deep look at Logan’s inner workings. It is clear he is suffering from PTSD, and struggling with deep regrets. The question is will working a case brink back the old Jack or push him over the ledge. 

I read most of this while travelling over the Christmas holidays. A lot of car reading, and late night reading after others were in bed. This is another great read in an excellent series. But part of its greatness is we see more of the man and less of the officer in this one. We also see those near and dear to him striving to see him make it back. I love the three series written under the pen name J.D. Kirk and they are definitely Scottish Mysteries, or Scottish Police Crime novels. This book and series would be great reads for fans of Jack Reacher, Jack Ryan, or Temperance Brennan. I state it again this is a great read in a dark and gritty series!            
      
Books by J.D. Kirk:
…

DCI Logan Series:

Robert Hoon Thrillers:

DI Heather Filson Series:

Contributed to:
Everyday Kindness: A Collection of Uplifting Tales to Brighten Your Day
…

Books as Barry J. Hutchison:
Dan Deadman Space Detective Series:
…

Space Team Series:
The Search for Splurt 
Song of the Space Siren 
The Guns of Nana Joan 
Return of the Dead Guy 
Planet of the Japes 
The Time Titan of Tomorrow 
The King of Space Must Die 
Sting of the Mustard Mines 
Sentienced to Death
The Hunt for Reduk Topa
…
A Lot of Weird Space Shizz: Collected Short Stories
…

Sidekicks Initiative Series:

The Bug Books Series:
Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
…
Complete Season One
…

Other Books:
…

Children’s books as Barry Hutchison:
Invisible Fiends Series:
The Crowmaster 
Doc Mortis 
The Beast 
The Darkest Corners 
…

Afterworlds:
The Missing Remote of the Apocalypse
The Book of Doom 
...

Benjamin Blank Series:
…

Beaky Malone Series:
…

Generator Rex Series:

Living Ted Series:
Revenge of the Living Ted
Invasion of the Living Ted
…

Spectre Collectors Series:
Too Ghoul for School
A New York Nightmare!
…

Other works:
…

DCI Logan - JD Kirk Books 1-20


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