Book Reviews and More: CAstfalk

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Friday, 19 December 2025

A Lack of Christmas Spirits - Catholic Teen Books

A Lack of Christmas Spirits
From Catholic Teen Books

eISBN 9798232509170

ASIN B0G3CR9G6R

A Lack of Christmas Spirits - Catholic Teen Books

This book is a little different. Like the earlier volume, The Christmas Lights, it was a story written in parts, serially. It is a very fun and a deeply moving story. It was sort of an experiment. We are informed that:

“A Lack of Christmas Spirits is a collective short story written sequentially in individual pieces by five Catholic Teen Books authors and originally presented aloud on Reading with Your Kids Podcast.”

And the description of the story is:

“At each other's throats since the recent contentious presidential election, Cal's youth group finally settles on a Christmas service project. If Cal can just keep his distance from Nick, maybe he can enjoy some quality time with Michaela while they're at it. But when Cal's elderly grandma goes missing, all of the youth group members, especially Cal, will be put to the test. Can they get along well enough to do some good? Maybe even save some lives?”

We are further informed in the introduction that:

We’ve enjoyed these projects and want to share these fun, short stories with others. Proceeds from this e-book will be donated to Cross Catholic Outreach.

We hope you enjoy!”

The books in this series are:

The Christmas Lights

A Fowl Christmas

A Saint Nicholas Eve Carol

A Lack of Christmas Spirits

The eBook of the story becomes available the year after it is done on the podcast. The contributors to this specific volume are:

This is a wonderful short story. It is very moving. It is a story about a youth group that is experiencing serious conflict because of political differences. The group appears ready to split into two different camps along those political lines. But when they decide on a Christmas service project things do not go as planned and soon they realize they need each other more than they could ever have imagined.

I have really enjoyed all 5 stories in this series. But this one really hit home this year. Not because of the political lines but because of the conflict and learning to see what really matters.

Help might come from the most surprising of places, or even surprising people. And maybe a miracle; as some former friends might find they still have more in common than they thought. But to find out the details you will need to read this excellent short story. I can easily recommend this book and the previous volumes in the same style from the Catholic Teen Books Authors.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2025 Catholic Reading Plan!

Links to other reviews of books by the contributors:

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Other books from Catholic Teen Books:

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Friday, 20 September 2024

Shadows Visible & Invisible 7 Stories for Teens - Catholic Teen Books

Shadows Visible & Invisible 7 Stories for Teens
From Catholic Teen Books

ISBN 9798985348521

ASIN B0DGGZ7CXY

Shadows Visible & Invisible 7 Stories for Teens - Catholic Teen Books

This is the fifth anthology from the authors at the Catholic Teen Books collective. Each has been a great read. This collection of stories is focused on the triduum of Allhallowtide which focuses around All Hallows Eve, All Saints’ Day, an All Souls’ Day. Normally, one of the things I love about reading anthologies, is discovering new authors. That was not the case with this one. I have read books by all of the contributors. In fact, at the time of writing this review, I have written 124 reviews and articles from authors that are part of the CTB group. I knew I was in for some great reading when I picked up this collection. I had some high expectations, based on the contributors and the previous four anthologies. Yet even with those high expectations, I was terribly impressed with this collection and, to be honest, each story within it. Often when I read an anthology, there are a few great reads, some good reads, and some okay reads. That was not the case this time. Each story was a excellent. I read the volume in a single sitting because I could not put it down. Then I went back and reread it a story a day.

In the foreword for Secrets, Visible & Invisible, the first anthology in this series, Mark Hart of Life Teen International states:

“We call Him Savior, Teacher, Wonder Worker, and Lord. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Bread of Life and the Light of the World. He is the Messiah, the Promised One, the Divine Physician…the Good Shepherd. Jesus Christ is all of these titles and an endless list of more. Yet, there is one title that I’ve rarely – if ever – heard used to describe Jesus of Nazareth, and I feel it is a glaringly myopic omission on our part. Almost never have I heard Jesus Christ described as “Master Storyteller,” though He most certainly was.”

The contributors in this collection, in their own way, imitate Christ and are master storytellers in our generation. I have a great deal of respect for the seven authors who contributed to this series. And a couple of them are among my all-time favourite authors. And I read a couple hundred books a year. This is an excellent collection of seven faith filled stories by 7 great authors.

Contributors:

In this collection we have one short story from each of the contributors. Some contain characters you can encounter in novels by the authors. Some are from books and series that have been around for a several years.

Contents:

Grace and the Grave Robber - Leslea Wahl

Bogey in the Belfrey - Carolyn Astfalk

A Very Jurassic Hallowtide - Corinna Turner

Lucy and the Forbidden Secret - Antony B. Kolenc

Helpless - Theresa Linden

At the End of His Tether - Marie C. Keiser

The Far End of the Cemetery - T. M. Gaouette

I was very intrigued when I found out the title of this latest anthology from Catholic Teen Books. For the last 5 or 6 years Purgatory has been a theme coming up in my reading, and more and more in my prayer life. Looking up the meaning of the word I discovered:

“The word Allhallowtide was first used in 1471, and is derived from three words: the Old English word hallow, meaning holy, the word tide, meaning time or season (cf. Christmastide, Eastertide), and all (from Old English eall) meaning "every". The latter part of the word Hallowmas is derived from the word Mass.”

I also found out:

“Allhallowtide, Hallowtide, Allsaintstide, or the Hallowmas season is the Western Christian season encompassing the triduum of All Saints' Eve (Halloween), All Saints' Day (All Hallows') and All Souls' Day, as well as the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (observed on the first Sunday of November) and Remembrance Sunday (observed on the second Sunday in November) in some traditions. The period begins on 31 October annually. Allhallowtide is a "time to remember the dead, including martyrs, saints, and all faithful departed Christians." The present date of Hallowmas (All Saints' Day) and thus also of its vigil (Hallowe'en) was established for Rome perhaps by Pope Gregory III (731–741) and was made of obligation throughout the Frankish Empire by Louis the Pious in 835. Elsewhere, other dates were observed even later, with the date in Ireland being 20 April. In the early 11th century, the modern date of All Souls' Day was popularized, after Abbot Odilo established it as a day for the monks of Cluny and associated monasteries to pray for the dead.”

Maybe it is because I am past the half century mark, or maybe just finally growing up a bit, or even because if have lost a sibling to addiction, but whatever the reason for the last 5 years the concepts of purgatory, and praying for the dead have been more and more on my mind, on my heart, and part of my daily prayers. Because of that this anthology touched me deeply. Each of the seven stories caused me to reflect, think and pray.

Grace and the Grave Robber

This story includes strange encounter in a graveyard. A commitment to prayer for the deceased, and a Grandmas brownies and an incredible story. This is a story that will stay with you. The characters in this story appeared in a previous story and will be featured in an upcoming novel.

Bogey in the Belfrey

An intriguing story of family, faith, and a special prayer card. William and his friends are exploring the belfry when they are started and depart quickly and just a little afraid. But William wants to know what is behind the secret door and what caused the yellow light. Will his curiosity get the better of him? A wonderful tale with a surprising twist.

A Very Jurassic Hallowtide

Anytime there is a new story in the unSPARKed world my son and I get terribly excited. I have read unSPARKed stories 39 times not counting a number of times for each anthology they appear in. This was a deeply moving story about friends, a tragedy from long ago, and maybe surprising repentance. Harry has a surprising dream and a vision. This Hallowtide will not soon be forgot.

Lucy and the Forbidden Secret

I absolutely love the Lucy short stories by Tony Kolenc, they fit between main stories in his Harwood Manor series. In this one Lucy gets in trouble for keeping secret. But there is far more at play at Harwood Abbey than just a novice slipping out and another struggling with distraction and just plain being mean. To find out the trouble Lucy gets into this time and how she gets out you will need to read this wonderful story.

Helpless

Three friends visit a grave year to find out about rumours of strange lights. They are frightened off but Vanessa returns the next night, because her grandfather was recently interned and if the lights are just kids being jerks she wants to put an end to it. But after a fall and a strange encounter she just might be seeing life and death in a whole new way. An inspiring story from Linden.

At the End of His Tether

The only science fiction offering in the collection Keiser’s story is one of family, family and service. It is also about maturing and finding your place in the work. Philip wants to show that he can help, that he brings value that he can contribute. He is desperate to do so. He wants to be part of the crew that attends the graves on the hull of the ship on All Souls’ Day. No matter the risk

The Far End of the Cemetery

This story begins with a spark and grows into flames. A story about the power of prayer and intercession. A story of hope, and of desire. A wonderful story that I serious hope becomes part of a bigger novel.

As I have previously mentioned this is a great collection of short stories. I really could not pick a favourite or least favourite. Each story is very well written. And I thoroughly enjoyed them all.

For fans of any of the authors in this collection, you need to pick this book up to read their contribution. For readers who love remarkable stories, this collection is for you also. And if you want some great reads that are clean Catholic fiction this is the book for you. This anthology is excellent!

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2024 Catholic Reading Plan!

Links to other reviews of books by the contributors:

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Other books from Catholic Teen Books:

Prayer of the Day For The Souls In Purgatory

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Purgatory: A Mystery of Love - Donncha Ó hAodha

Tortured Soul – Theresa Linden

Stories about Purgatory & What They Reveal 30 Days for the Holy Souls - An Ursuline Nun of Sligo, Ireland - TAN Books

Daily Pilgrimage to Purgatory - Susan Peek

20 Answers Death & Judgment - Trent Horn

Aquinas on the Four Last Things - Kevin Vost

Tales from the Brackenwood Ghost Club - Andrew M. Seddon

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Prayers:

Prayer of the Day Prayer for the Forgotten Dead

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Tuesday, 26 December 2023

A Saint Nicholas Eve Carol - Catholic Teen Books

A Saint Nicholas Eve Carol
From Catholic Teen Books

eISBN 9798215631430

ASIN B0CQJF1YLQ

This book is a little different. It is an Exquisite Corpse Story? No it is not about a dead body or a Catholic Relic, because that doesn’t sound very Christmasy, but Catholic Teen Books has several Christmas-themed ones to offer. An Exquisite Corpse is story written as a game in which each participant takes turns writing their contribution and then passing it to the next player to add to the story. The previous volumes are: The Christmas Lights, A Fowl Christmas and the forthcoming The Gift of the Angel Tree they are stories written in parts, serially. This one was a much more serious story and it is deeply moving. It was sort of an experiment. We are informed that:

In 2021, Catholic Teen Books authors collaborated on what became “A Fowl Christmas.” Jed again gave us a prompt, and one by one each of us wrote a section as the story was passed from author to author. Only the final author knew the entire story until we read it for the podcast.

In 2022, we added to our growing Christmas collective story collection with “A Saint Nicholas Eve Carol.”

We enjoyed these projects and wanted to share these fun, short stories with others. Proceeds from this e-book will be donated to Cross Catholic Outreach.

We hope you enjoy!”

And the description of the story is:

“Ebby's been paired with Bear, a kid with Down's Syndrome, for the St. Nicholas Eve Confirmation retreat. One minute she's scheming how to ditch Bear and the next she and her friend Pastelle are transported into a twisted vesion of Dickens' A Christmas Carol.

Will Ebby let Bear take the fall for her friends' mischief, or will Ebby stand up for him once she realizes there's a lot more to Bear than she realized?

"A Saint Nicholas Eve Carol" is a collective short story written sequentially in individual pieces by four Catholic Teen Books authors and originally presented aloud on Reading with Your Kids Podcast..”

The contributors are:

Antony Barone Kolenc

Carolyn Astfalk

Leslea Wahl

Corinna Turner

This one of the three available currently has the fewest contributors, but that does not distract from the story. Ebby’s has three dreams or visitors while dozing off on the confirmation retreat. They are watching A Christmas Carol, Ebby is finally in with the cool crowd. But this retreat she is paired with a boy with Down Syndrome, nicknamed Bear. She wants to ditch him from the start but the leader keeps insisting she learns from this weekend. When things go terribly wrong she must decide if she will cover the butts of the 3 cool kids or stand up for the truth and for Bear. She has to decide what type of person she wants to be. And the stakes high.

This is an excellent short story it is very moving. It is a story about friendship, faith, and figuring out who you are or who you want to be. Abigail – Ebby faces a hard choice. To find out what decision she makes you will need to read this excellent story. I can easily recommend this book and the previous two volumes, in the same style, and I greatly look forward to this year’s offering.

Please note: This is a collective short story written sequentially in individual pieces by four Catholic Teen Books authors and originally presented aloud on Reading with Your Kids Podcast. Proceeds from this e-book will be donated to Cross Catholic Outreach.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2023 Catholic Reading Plan!

Links to other reviews of books by the contributors:

Anthologies from the Catholic Teen Books Authors:

Gifts Visible & Invisible 8 Christmas Stories for Teens

Treasures: Visible & Invisible 8 Stories for Teens

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Other books from Catholic Teen Books:

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Sunday, 17 December 2023

A Fowl Christmas - Catholic Teen Books

A Fowl Christmas
From Catholic Teen Books

eISBN B0CPH79J5B

ASIN B09MBGFJPM

This book is a little different. Like the earlier volume, The Christmas Lights, it was a story written in parts, serially. It is a very fun and and a deeply moving story. It was sort of an experiment. We are informed that:

“A Fowl Christmas" is a collective short story written sequentially in individual pieces by seven Catholic Teen Books authors and originally presented aloud on Reading with Your Kids Podcast.”

And the description of the story is:

“Mom's stranded out of town, Dad injured his leg, and Derrick's family Christmas feast is in jeopardy. With the help of his brother, Blake; his friend, Grace; and a bargain involving some chickens and the old ladies down the street, maybe Derrick can still pull off this holiday meal. Or maybe it'll all go up in smoke!”

We are further informed in the introduction that:

We enjoyed these projects and wanted to share these fun, short stories with others. Proceeds from this e-book will be donated to Cross Catholic Outreach.”

The contributors are:

Carolyn Astfalk

A.J. Cattapan

Antony Barone Kolenc

Stephanie Engelman

Leslea Wahl

Marie C. Keiser

Andrea Jo Rodgers

Corinna Turner

This is a great short story it is very moving. It is a story about family, friendship, community, serving, and just maybe a Christmas miracle. Derrick along with his brother Blake and his best friend Grace are trying to save the family’s turn to host Christmas Dinner. Their mother is away and delayed getting back, their dad is laid up with a leg out of commission. Their dad also needs a new gig as he had to close his restaurant. Grace has some shocking news as well. They are blackmailed into trading their dad’s prize chicken’s. An evening at a soup kitchen a lot of misadventures including saving chickens from a burning barn. The story is at times laugh out loud funny, and at times nearly brought me to tears. And Turner’s reference to T-Rex brings to mind her amazing unSPARKed series.

Help might come from the most surprising of places. And maybe a miracle; as some unsavoury characters have vanished in the wind. But to find out the details you will need to read this excellent short story. I can easily recommend this book and the previous volume, in the same style, The Christmas Lights.

Please note: This is a collective short story written sequentially in individual pieces by seven Catholic Teen Books authors and originally presented aloud on Reading with Your Kids Podcast. Proceeds from this e-book will be donated to Cross Catholic Outreach.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2023 Catholic Reading Plan!

Links to other reviews of books by the contributors:

Anthologies from the Catholic Teen Books Authors:

Gifts Visible & Invisible 8 Christmas Stories for Teens

Treasures: Visible & Invisible 8 Stories for Teens

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Other books from Catholic Teen Books:

…

Friday, 25 November 2022

Ashes Visible & Invisible 10 Stories for Teens - Catholic Teen Books

Ashes Visible & Invisible

10 Stories for Teens
From Catholic Teen Books

ISBN 9798985348514

ASIN

This is the fourth anthology from the authors at the Catholic Teen Books collective. Each has been a great read. This Lenten volume is also, to be honest, my favourite of the four now. Normally, one of the things I love about reading anthologies, is discovering new authors. That was not the case this time. I have read books by all of the contributors. In fact, at the time of writing this review, I have over 100 reviews and articles from authors that are part of the CTB group. I knew I was in for some great reading when I picked up this collection. And I had some high expectations, based on the contributors and the previous three anthologies. And yet even with those high expectations, I was incredibly impressed with this collection and, to be honest, each story within it. Often when I read an anthology, there are a few great reads, some good reads, and some okay reads. That was not the case this time. Each story was a remarkable. I read the volume, reading 1 story a day. And then as soon as I finished, I used adaptive technology and listened to each of them.

In the foreword for Secrets, Visible & Invisible, the first anthology in this series, Mark Hart of Life Teen International states:

Many of the contributors to this collections, in their own way, imitate Christ and are master storytellers in our own generation. I have a great deal of respect for the ten authors who contributed to this series. And a couple of them are among my all time favourite authors. And I read a couple hundred books a year. This is a collection of 10 faith filled stories by 10 great authors.

Contributors:

Contents:

Finishing The Journey - Leslea Wahl

Follow Me - Cynthia T. Toney

Take Up Your Cross - Marie Keiser

A Big Ask - Carolyn Astfalk

Lent Royal And Ancient - Amanda Lauer

No Greater Love - Ellen Gable

A Very Jurassic Lent - Corinna Turner

Lucy And The Forsaken Path - Antony B. Kolenc

Bread Alone - T. M. Gaouette

Prepare The Way - Theresa Linden

As previously mentioned this is a great collection of short stories. I really could not pick a favourite or least favourite. Each story is very well written. And I thoroughly enjoyed them all.

(Note this book does not release until January 2023. It will be worth the wait. I am already planning on rereading it.)

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2022 Catholic Reading Plan!

Links to other reviews of books by the contributors:

Anthologies from the Catholic Teen Books Authors:

Gifts Visible & Invisible 8 Christmas Stories for Teens

Treasures: Visible & Invisible 8 Stories for Teens

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Other books from Catholic Teen Books:

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Monday, 6 December 2021

The Christmas Lights From - Catholic Teen Books

The Christmas Lights
From Catholic Teen Books

eISBN 9798985348507

ASIN B09MBGFJPM

This book is a little different. It is deeply moving and a wonderful read. It was sort of an experiment. We are informed that:

“The Christmas Lights is a collective short story written sequentially in individual pieces by seven Catholic Teen Books authors and originally presented aloud on Reading with Your Kids Podcast.”

And the description of the story is:

“When a blizzard puts Camilla and her family in jeopardy, she must brave the snowstorm to get help. Lost and alone, all she can do is search for Christmas lights, which is either a direction from her dead grandma or a delusion. Help does come, in completely unexpected ways.”

We are further informed in the introduction that:

“Catholic Teen Books is a collaborative website of authors who all write faith-based fiction for middle school and high school teens. In December of 2020, a friend approached us about writing a collaborative story for Christmas that would be read on his podcast, Jedlie’s Reading with Your Kids Podcast, on Christmas Eve.

Several members of our group jumped at the chance to join in this unique experience. Jed gave us a prompt, and one by one each of us wrote a section as the story was passed from author to author. Only the final author knew the entire story until we read it for the podcast.”

The contributors are:

Leslea Wahl

Andrea Jo Rodgers

Stephanie Engelman

Carolyn Astfalk

Antony Barone Kolenc

Corinna Turner

A.J. Cattapan

This is a wonderful story, very moving. The story is set in December of 2020. Camilla and her family are travelling to spend Christmas with her grandfather, who is now a widow. Camilla had big plans for 2020 and they all went off the track pretty quick. Remote learning, masks, face shields, no sports and more all wreaked havoc on her plans. After an accident can she find the strength to do what it takes to try and save her family. As she realized her previous complaints were really small matters, she prays and hopes for help.

Help might come from the most surprising of places. But to find out you will need to read this excellent short story.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2021 Catholic Reading Plan!

Links to other reviews of books by the contributors:

Anthologies from the Catholic Teen Books Authors: