Book Reviews and More: Gliding to Glory - Theresa Linden and Kelsey Doherty - Caitlyn and Peter's Rosary Adventures Book 3

Gliding to Glory

Caitlyn and Peter's Rosary Adventures Book 3

Kelsey Doherty (Illustrator)

Silver Fire Publishing

ISBN 9798995156505

ASIN B0GSSMWDM7

Gliding to Glory - Theresa Linden and Kelsey Doherty - Caitlyn and Peter's Rosary Adventures Book 3

This story marks the 42nd time I have read a book by Linden, and I have read her contributions to anthologies numerous times as well. My children are well past the reading age for this book, but I love Linden’s writing so much I decided to give it a read anyways, who knows hopefully someday I can read it with grandkids. This is the third instalment in the series so I had a good idea what to expect. But even so it was a wonderful read.

The description of this volume states:

“Sharing the Sorrow is the second in this Rosary-themed chapter book series.

When Peter’s friend Caitlyn comes to visit, he can’t wait to play outside. Last time they traveled through the Portal to the Rosary Mysteries all the way to Bible times, and he wants to go again! Caitlyn doesn’t seem as anxious to go. She tells him that the next mysteries of the Rosary are sad, and she doesn’t want to be sad. Then she finds a note in her Rosary journal that changes her mind: “Saint Faustina said Jesus gives us great graces when we meditate on the Sorrowful Mysteries.”

Peter remembers how they moved from each mystery after finding the virtue for that mystery, so he plans to find the virtue quickly if a mystery gets too sad. It’s a good plan, but once they step into Bible times, nothing goes as expected.

Join Caitlyn and Peter on their adventure to Bible times as they experience the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary with Jesus, the Apostles, and the Blessed Mother in this Rosary-themed chapter book geared toward six- to nine-year-olds. Readers will learn to use their imaginations to meditate on the mysteries and will think of praying for specific virtues. After the story, find Bible verses and a list of virtues specific to each mystery, along with a "Prayer before the Rosary" for children.”

About the author we are informed:

“Theresa Linden is the author of award-winning ROLAND WEST, LONER and BATTLE FOR HIS SOUL, from her series of Catholic teen fiction. An avid reader and writer since grade school, she grew up in a military family. Moving every few years left her with the impression that life is an adventure. Her Catholic faith inspires the belief that there is no greater adventure than the reality we can’t see, the spiritual side of life. She hopes that the richness, depth, and mystery of the Catholic faith will spark her readers’ imagination of the invisible realities and the power of faith and grace. A member of the Catholic Writers Guild and CatholicTeenBooks, Theresa lives in northeast Ohio with her family.”

About the illustrator we are informed:

“Kelsey Doherty is a Lifelong illustrator who grew up in a deeply faithful family in Rhode Island. Now a teacher at a Catholic high school, he Lives with his beautiful wife and their three Lovely daughters. With a career spanning children's books, cartoons, and comic strips, Kelsey has always sought to use his creative talents to honor God and spread the Gospel.

Through his art, Kelsey aims to show the beauty of the Gospel in a way that captivates hearts and draws people closer to Christ. He believes stories have the power to remind us that we are all part of the magnificent and adventurous story God is writing. He hopes that his work will inspire others to see their place in that divine narrative and to embrace the Love and purpose found in knowing Christ.”

This story and series are really interesting and a unique twists on the time traveller motif. In some ways it is similar to Lisa M. Hendey’s Chime Travellers Series or the Mr. Baker’s Book Series by Andrew Votipka and even Douglings Adventures by Carissa Douglas. The main difference is that in this volume and I assume series is that the children are witnessing events but often appear to not be seen or heard, at least for the most part. There are jumping through events from the Bible for the mysteries of the Holy Rosary, in this cause the sorrowful mysteries. The sections in this volume are:

Dedication

Chapters 1-11

Dear Reader,

Virtues for the Glorious Mysteries

Bible Verses for the Glorious Mysteries

Prayer Before the Rosary

About the Author

About the Illustrator

Books By This Author

The story begins with Peter wanting to get out of the house, and see if they can go on another Rosary adventure. They had finished the Rosary but now were adding some extra prayers after it. Peter and Caitlyn soon head to the woods and are on another adventure back in time to the holy land. Both are looking forward to the Glorious Mysteries. This time Peter’s plan is to just figure out the virtue they need to learn but not say it so they do not move on so quickly.

Chapter 10 ends with:

“The Virgin's smile grew bigger. "Remember that the path to heaven is narrow. You must work very hard to stay on the right path. Follow Jesus. Pray every day. If you remain faithful to Him, you willreceive a great reward in heaven for every act of trust and charity."

"Great," Peter said.

"I think I know the virtue for this mystery, ''Caitlyn said, also feeling a little shy. She could think of no one better to ask than Mary. "Is it to follow Jesus or to try to be like Jesus? Imitation of Jesus?"

"And imitation of Mary," Peter said to Caitlyn.

The Virgin smiled again. "You have done well discovering the special virtues for each mystery of the Rosary. But those are not the only ones."

"They aren't?" Peter said.

"Several virtues fit each mystery. You can think about and ask for different ones whenever you pray." The Blessed Mother and all the surrounding beauty of heaven began to fade.

"Stay close to me," came the Virgin Mary's voice even though she had disappeared. "I will help you remain close to my Son."

"Peter! Caitlyn!" came a familiar voice.”

The story even ends with Peter pick an extra prayer for next month’s get together.

Again I was impacted deeply by the encounters with Jesus, the disciples and especially Mary our mother. Linden has done an amazing job opening up these mysteries to young readers, and to turning them into deep meditations where we can picture ourselves witnessing the events.

This is another excellent little read. It is a great volume and series and they would be great additions to any home, school, or church library. I concluded that this is a much younger version of Caitlyn and Peter that we encounter in the West Brothers Series when they are teenagers. So children can start with these and later grow into those other stories.

This is an excellent volume from Linden’s masterful pen. It is written for a younger audience than many of her books, but ties some of them together. It is a great read in a wonderful series.

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