Book Reviews and More: FullQuiverPublishing

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Tuesday, 30 June 2026

Top Ten Fiction and Non-Fiction Books Second Quarter 2026

Top Ten Fiction and Non-Fiction Books Second Quarter 2026

It has been an excellent year for reading so far, not my best to date, but my second best. I averaged under a book and a half a day. Faster than the last few years, and so many books and series I am working through.

In April of 2023 I wrote a piece called How I Read So Much? Because I get asked the question so often, read the piece linked above if you are looking for some ideas on ways to read more.

This quarter I read 110 books and I did not any to the ‘did not finish’ list, one of my highest second quarters since I started keeping track, below is the comparison with the last 10 years:

2026 - 110

2025 - 118

2024 - 78

2023 – 109

2022 – 110

2021 – 104

2020 – 85

2019 – 102

2018 – 102

2017 – 112

2016 – 36

Year to date by the numbers:

Books Read: 110

First Time Reads: 86

Fiction: 49

Non-Fiction: 61

5/5 Stars: 79

5 Stars Fiction: 44

5 Stars Non-Fiction: 35

The second quarter of this year was great. I can state again that looking back 2016 is a bit of an outlier as late that year I switched jobs and have since had much better work – life balance. In the spring of 2016, I worked through Brandon Vogt’s course Read More Books Now (now available on ClaitasU). The year before that I removed all games from my phone and tablet and my reading had doubled. This year I received a physical Kindle for Christmas; instead of reading on my phone; and my reading has gone up again.

Here is my top ten fiction and non-fiction books of the second quarter of 2026.

Top Ten Non-Fiction Books:

1. Coached by Catherine of Siena Lessons in Charity - Joan Watson

2. Holy Nurses - Dr. Gosia Brykczynska - CTS Books

3. Holy Scientists - Fr Douglas McGonagle - CTS Books

4. Rescued II: True Stories for Catholic Kids - Kathryn Griffin Swegart

5. St John Henry Newman: A New Doctor of the Church - Fr Hermann Geissler, FSO - CTS Books

6. The People of the Way of the Cross: Walking with Jesus through the Eyes of 14 Witnesses - Marci Alborghetti

7. Great Spiritual Teachers Series - Ave Maria Press

Grace Through Simplicity The Practical Spirituality of Evelyn Underhill - John J. Kirva

Mission to Love: 30 Days with Óscar Romero - Todd Walatka

8. Letter to a Friend on the Prayer of the Heart - Dom André Poisson and Erik Varden - CTS Books

9. Two Discourses on Our Lady The Present and Future of British Catholicism - John Henry Newman - CTS Books

10. Stories of Saints and the Beatitudes - Sr Marie Paul Curley FSP

11. The Practice of the Presence of God - Brother Lawrence with Dr. Matthew K. Minerd, Fr. Gregory Pine, Rebecca Dougherty - Ascension Catholic Classics

Bonus Books:

15 Days of Prayer With Series

15 Days of Prayer With Charles De Foucauld - Michael Lafon

15 Days of Prayer With Saint Bernard - Pierre-Yves Emery

15 Days of Prayer with Saint Jeanne Jugan - Michel Lafon

15 Days of Prayer With Saint Louis De Montfort - Veronique Pinardon

15 Days of Prayer with Saint Philip Neri - Jean-François Audrain

Just A Minute Meditations - Pauline Books and Media

Trusting in God’s Love - Kathryn J. Hermes FSP

Growing in Self Esteem - Marie Paul Curley, FSP

Mini Saints & Missionaries Library - Pettyfeather Publishing

Saint Andrew Kim Taegon: The Boy Who Crossed the Mountains

Saint Catherine of Bologna: The Artist Saint: A Catholic Story of Creativity, Practice, and Faith

Saint Kateri Tekakwitha The Girl Who Walked Two Hundred Miles

Saint Sebastian: The Soldier Who Wouldn’t Stay Down

Seven Saints for Boys: A First Communion Collection of Courage and Faith

Top Ten Fiction Books:

1. Far Distant Shores and Other Stores - Fiorella de Maria

2. Closing Accounts - E. P. Cowley

3. Lioness Lost - Susan Brinkmann - Chronicles of Ariella Book 1

4. Witchward Series - Cedar Sanderson

Possum Creek Massacre

Child of Crows Wings of Broken Magic

5. The Fighter - Jim Sano - Father Tom Book 7

6. Running Out of Sand - MaryJo Thayer - Sand and Soul Book 2

7. The Timeless Series - Richard Paolinelli and Gibson Buffa

The Timeless - Dreams Of The Storyteller 17

Secret Of The Sphinx - Dreams of the Storyteller 18

8. Dragon Noir - Cedar Sanderson - Pixie for Hire Book 3

9. Books by Rodman Philbrick

Freak The Mighty

Max The Mighty

The Last Book in the Universe

10. Amelia Counterrevolution - edited by Clayton Barnett - Tales from the Lemurverse Anthology Two

Bonus Books Shakespearean Themed Fiction:

Shakespearen Shorts

ERROR 404: LOVE NOT FOUND: A Romeo and Juliet Reboot - Ty Balt

Hostile Takeover: A Macbeth Remix - Rex MacDuff

Shakespeare Murder Series - Guy Hale

The Croaking Raven

Post Apocalyptic Space Shakespeare - William Shakespeare and Ted Neill

Hamlet

Othello

Bonus Books by A.K. Frailey

Wise Home - Wise Home Book 1

Spice of Life: And Other Stories

I have averaged just over a book a day over the last decade; and closer to a book and a quarter over the last few years. In April of 2023 I wrote a piece called How I Read So Much? Because I get asked the question so often, read the piece linked above if you are looking for some ideas on ways to read more.

Note: I do not include books that have been read in previous years and were reread this year in my top ten lists, they are sometimes in the bonus section.

But if you want more options check out my favourite books year by year list.

Top Ten Books Third Quarter 2020
Top Ten Books Fourth Quarter 2020

Top Ten Non-Fiction Books 2020

Top Ten Fiction Books 2020

Top Ten Books First Quarter 2021

Top Ten Books Second Quarter 2021

Top Ten Books Third Quarter 2021

Top Ten Books Fourth Quarter 2021

Top Ten Non-Fiction Books 2021

Top Ten Fiction Books 2021

Top Ten Books First Quarter 2022

Top Ten Books Second Quarter 2022

Top Ten Books Third Quarter 2022

Top Ten Books Fourth Quarter 2022

Top Ten Non-Fiction Books 2022

Top Ten Fiction Books 2022

Top Ten Books First Quarter 2023

Top Ten Books Second Quarter 2023

Top Ten Books Third Quarter 2023

Top Ten Fiction Books Fourth Quarter 2023

Top Ten Non-Fiction Books 2023

Top Ten Fiction Books 2023

Top Ten Books First Quarter 2024

Top Ten Books Second Quarter 2024

Top Ten Books Third Quarter 2023

Top Ten Fiction Books Fourth Quarter 2024

Top Ten Non-Fiction Books 2024

Top Ten Fiction Books 2024

Top Ten Books First Quarter 2025

Top Ten Books Second Quarter 2025

Top Ten Books Third Quarter 2025

Top Ten Books Fourth Quarter 2025

Top Ten Non-Fiction Books 2025

Top Ten Fiction Books 2025

Top Ten Books First Quarter 2026

Top Ten Books Second Quarter 2026

Top Ten Books Third Quarter 2026

...

All Top Ten Lists on Book Reviews and More

Statistics Books Read By Year:

261 - 2026 January-June

424 - 2025

363 - 2024

455 - 2023

438 - 2022

365 - 2021

317 - 2020
392 - 2019
359 - 2018
380 - 2017
272 - 2016
177 - 2015
130 - 2014
88 - 2013
176 - 2012
163 - 2011
302 - 2010
142 - 2009
98 - 2008
83 - 2007
191 - 2006
151 - 2005
60 - 2004
52 - 2003
97 - 2002
50 - 2001
41 - 2000
71 - 1999
73 - 1998
131 - 1997
101 - 1996

Monday, 22 June 2026

Running Out of Sand - Mary Jo Thayer - Sand and Soul Book 2

Running Out of Sand

Sand and Soul Book 2

Mary Jo Thayer

Full Quiver Publishing

ISBN 9781987970760

ASIN B0H3PKGTWD

Running Out of Sand - Mary Jo Thayer - Sand and Soul Book 2

I must admit this was not an easy read. It does an amazing job capturing addiction and specifically alcoholism. But coming from a long line of alcoholics on both sides of the family it was not easy to read. My grandfather and an uncle died from alcohol related diseases and a brother overdoses. I myself have an addiction to reading, and another brother addicted to board games. So even though this book was set in what would have been my father’s generation, it was often not an easy read.

It is a very moving and powerful story. I have been a big fan of everything I have read from Full Quiver and enjoyed the previous volume in this series. Full Quiver specializes in books that focus on fiction around the theme of theology of the body. And this is one that is very well written. It is very moving and incredibly intense. It is a story about faith, family, and battles with addiction are the words I would use to describe this story. The description of the story is:

“Silvester Fandel didn’t intend to become a drunk. He vowed not to. But his inability to save and protect those he cares about leaves him with emotions only alcohol can tame, just like generations of men on his mother’s side.

When Sil’s myriad of shortcomings flood his mind, he becomes desperate to handle the stress in the quickest way possible. His drinking threatens not only his faith but also his standing with his family, his career, and his relationships with women. When he hits rock bottom, he fears being unable to save any of those things. Mostly, though, he questions the strength of his resolve to save himself.

Running Out of Sand is a story of tragedy, endurance, love, and the grip that alcohol can have on a really good man.”

The dedication of the story states:

“For my loving and faithful husband, John, a man with high integrity and positivity. Thank you for building a life rich in faith, courage, and enthusiasm with me. I love you!

For those who have overcome any difficulty. Bravo!

And for those who suffer from addiction of any kind, know that you are loved by the One Who Is Love. He is there with you in your struggle.”

This is a story set in a different time when alcohol was seen differently and Alcoholics Anonymous was only a few decades old. It follows Silvester Fandel through his late teens, through college and into married life. But the story opens with a tragedy and from that point on Sil struggles. His moth has dealt with a father who was an alcoholic and a brother who is one. She has no tolerance for it. She is unwilling to go through some of those experiences again. Sil make resolution after resolution, first to himself and then to his wife. And he breaks each eventually.

Things come to a climatic head and he faces ultimatums from his wife, his parents, his siblings and even his grandparents. But they are also all in his corner hoping he can finally turn the corner and become the husband and father they know he can be.

This is a moving and powerful story begins in the mid 1950’s and goes through the mid 1970’s. Life was different, and society was very different. But the story is of great value for readers today. I mentioned at the beginning that the son of my family history. This story really hit home, but also gives great examples of faith and family help people through the experience. After my brother passed I discovered venerable Matt Talbot, I have since read 11 volumes about him. His life is very different from Sil’s but this story is an example of fiction that can help deepen and inspire faith. Reading this I could not help but think about my family and many families who have had to deal with addictions and it’s impacts. This is an excellent read. It is a great sophomore novel. An example of Catholic Christian fiction at its best; a great example of Catholic literature. It was not an easy read at times but it is one I can highly recommend.

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

Books by Mary Jo Thayer:

Sand and Soul Series:

Close to the Soul

Running Out of Sand

…

Contributed to:

Pilgrim Tales An anthology of fiction by the Catholic Writers Guild

…

Friday, 12 June 2026

The Fighter - Jim Sano - Father Tom Book 7

The Fighter

Father Tom Book 7

Jim Sano

Full Quiver Publishing

ISBN 9781987970784

ASIN B0H2BZFWKB

The Fighter - Jim Sano - Father Tom Book 7

I have been a big fan of both Jim Sano and Full Quiver Publishing since encountering the, Jim has now published 9 books, and this is the seventh in the Father Tom series. Reading a book in this series is always like a visit with an old friend. In some ways Father Tom reminds me of Andrew M. Greeley’s Blackie Ryan, and also of Father Gabriel by Fiorella de Maria. And reading any story with Father Tom and Angelo is like a visit with an old friend you have not seen in a while. But I am getting ahead of myself.

I read a copy of this story over Holy week. Because of family and other commitments I had to put it down several times. Each time it was more difficult. The description of this volume states:

“Danny Nolan is an underground boxer and a single father to his nineteen-year-old daughter, Jenny, who is probing into the mysteries of their family history and a traumatic past that haunts him. As his carefully constructed, isolated world in the South End of Boston begins to crumble and he risks losing Jenny, he must face the Irish crime boss who raised him, the father who abandoned him, and the devastating truth he’s spent a lifetime running from. Entering the Golden Gloves boxing tournament as a path to redemption, Danny navigates a kidnapping, a murder mystery, and the climax of his emotional journey of fear, faith, trust, and truth, with the unexpected help and friendship of Father Tom and Angelo.”

About the author we are informed:

“Award-winning author Jim Sano grew up in an Irish/Italian family in Massachusetts. Jim is a husband, father, lifelong Catholic, and has worked as a teacher, consultant, and businessman. He has degrees from Boston College and Bentley University and is currently attending Franciscan University for a master’s degree in Catechetics and Evangelization. He has also attended certificate programs at The Theological Institute for the New Evangelization at St. John’s Seminary and the Apologetics Academy. Jim is a member of the Catholic Writers Guild and has enjoyed growing in his faith and now sharing it through writing novels. Joline is his eighth novel.

Jim resides in Medfield, Massachusetts, with his wife, Joanne, and has two daughters, Emily and Megan, and grandchildren, Harper and Hunter.”

This story begins on January 7th 2010 and that first chapter is the only one with a date under it. It takes place over many weeks. But we are given a lot of backstory as characters remember the past. And a good chunk of this story is actually trying to figure out some past mysteries. Mysteries around family, friends, and fighting … in the ring that is.

Dany Nolan has raised his daughter as a single parent since he was 16. She is now about to finish secondary school or high school depending on where you are from and is looking to the future. But the past has a hold on both Danny and his daughter Jenny. And the secrets Danny has kept, and the secrets that have been kept from him just might destroy all that they both love. Father Tom and Angelo get pulled into the mystery on a few different fronts. First they have watched Jenny grow and mature through school and through the young adults group at church. But Angelo is also asked about coaching Danny in the Golden Gloves.

There are a lot of rumours about what happened when Danny’s mother and father went missing, and it looks like history is about to repeat itself. Can Father Tom and Angelo help alter that course, and can a lot of prayer and a little luck avoid a great tragedy?

This story is another masterfully written tale from the pen of Sano. It was not easy to put down, and even when I finished it, I debated just starting over again and giving it a second read. Each time I read one of the Father Tom stories I think I should go back and reread them all again, and one of these days I will get around to it.

This book and series are ones I would love my teen children to read. I have recommended them to my father. And I have mentioned different books to numerous friends.

Everything I have read from Sano has been excellent. I can easily recommend this excellent story about faith, family, friends, and just maybe forgiveness. A masterfully written story in a great series.

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

Books by Jim Sano:

Van Horn

The Journey

…

Father Tom Series:

Joline

…

Fallen Graces - Jim Sano - Father Tom Book 5

Friday, 20 February 2026

A Serpent's Pursuit - M.P. McBride

A Serpent's Pursuit

M. P. McBride

Full Quiver Publishing

ISBN 9781987970623

ASIN B0FXH9BGH3

This is the debut novel from M.P. ‘Michael’ McBride. I have read numerous volumes from Full Quiver Publishing over the year, I have loved most and liked the others. So I was more than willing to give it a try. It did not disappoint.

The description of this volume states:

“George Abiola, a Nigerian boy, is nicknamed Blos (blessed little old soul) due to his wise, positive, Christian approach to life. His chosen life's path brings unwanted attention from a dangerous antagonist, an evil presence who mysteriously appears throughout George's life.

At a young age, he joins his grandmother in America, setting him on a trajectory destined for both humble service... and fame. After George has unwillingly gained international notoriety, the manifestation of his antagonist is further motivated to destroy the innocent target of its hate.

George must gain the courage to confront evil face to face. Who will prevail?”

About the author we are informed:

“M. P. McBride was raised in the small Southern California desert town of Blythe, California. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing at Cal Poly University, he attended the same institution as a graduate student, earning his teaching credential. After teaching elementary school for three years, he joined the California Department of Fish and Game as a game warden. Thirty years later, he retired as a Law Enforcement Division deputy chief. Mike was also a member of the Arizona Army National Guard and then the United States Army Reserve before being honorably discharged at the rank of major.

He is married to Marian, his wife of forty-three years, and they have two sons, a daughter-in-law, and three granddaughters.

This is his first novel.”

Chapters in this volume are:

Terror

A Boy Called Blos

Terror

Followed To America

Blessings

Growing Up

Terror

Meeting Death

Walter

Leaving A Mark

Terror

New Challenges

Terror

Path To Vocation

Terror

First Assignment

Terror

Mission Adventure

Terror

Mission Accomplished

Terror

Orphan Of War

Santos And Saw

Unwelcome Fame

Back To America

The Confrontation

See Of Color

Life’s Path

This is a story that follows a youth, George Abiola, from a young age until his death much later. His nickname is BLOS, blessed, little, old soul. Throughout this life he has encounters with a serpent and a strange man with the reddest of hair. The story spans many decades, and follows George from losing his parents, going to the United States to be raised by his grandmother, schooling, study, ministry, ordination, and rising through the ranks in the church.

It follows him as he struggles to find his place in the world. As her learns to love, to give and to serve; and ultimately to follow the Holy Spirit’s leadings and guidance. It is filled with wonderful characters, great adventures, and challenges both without and from within.

As a debut novel it is impressive. It is a story of family, friendships, hope and learning to live for God. It is well written. I would not hesitate to pick up the next offering from McBrien’s pen. I can easily recommend this story.

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

Tuesday, 9 September 2025

A Hero Such as Heaven Intended - Amanda Lauer - Heaven Intended Book 6

A Hero Such as Heaven Intended

Heaven Intended Book 6

Amanda Lauer

Full Quiver Publishing

ISBN 9781987970777

ASIN B0FMJRGJYJ

A Hero Such as Heaven Intended - Amanda Lauer - Heaven Intended Book 6

With the reading of this volume it marks the seventh stand-alone work I have read by Amanda Lauer. I have read her contributions to anthologies numerous times. I have yet to read anything by here that was not excellent. And this one does an excellent job wrapping up this series.

I am not the typical target audience of this book or some of Lauer’s other offerings. But I have greatly enjoyed the writing in her books and specifically those I have read in this series. They are the type of books I would love my daughters and nieces to read. Good clean Christian Catholic fiction. I have also read Lauer’s Royal & Ancient series, at least the two available to date, which have a similar feel to this story. Her stories are well crafted and it is obvious that they are deeply researched and crisply written. This story and the other I have read are strong enough to stand on their own. I have read 3 of the 6 volumes in this series and each is strong enough to stand on their own, but together they are even better and I need to get back to reading those I have missed.

The description of this novel is:

“As the Civil War grinds on, Theresa Lundgren’s world unravels in besieged Atlanta. Trapped by encroaching Union forces, a desperate act costs her step-brother his life and forever alters her own, and that of Sergeant Joseph Laurent, a Cherokee soldier questioning his loyalty to the Union cause.

Their meeting at the scene of a crime is far from ideal. Theresa, an ambitious Southern spitfire, and Joseph, a man torn between conscription’s demands and his pacifist roots, couldn’t be more different. Yet, as Atlanta braces for General Sherman’s devastating March to the Sea, an unexpected bond forms between them, fueled by a shared faith, perilous circumstances, and perhaps something deeper.

With the city under siege and their lives in jeopardy, can Theresa and Joseph bridge their divide to survive the war’s final assault? Or will the flames of conflict consume their chance at love?”

About the author we are informed:

“Amanda Lauer is an award-winning author of 11 YA historical and time-travel novels, with a passion for crafting inspirational stories that resonate with young Catholic readers. Her work has earned the Catholic Writers Guild Seal of Approval for fidelity to Catholic teachings, as well as awards from the Catholic Media Association, Catholic Arts & Letters, Catholic Publishers Association, and Red Letter Awards. With 11 years as a published author, Amanda has built a dedicated readership through her engaging narratives and commitment to Catholic values. She is active in the Catholic writing community and regularly speaks at schools, parishes, and conferences to promote faith-based storytelling.”

Lauer does an excellent job writing her characters and having them express their Catholic faith. This is the story of Miss Theresa Lundgren and Sergeant Joseph Laurent both trying to find their place in the world. Both raised in the Catholic faith, but living it out very differently when they meet. They are both trapped in Atlanta while it is being destroyed by union forces in November of 1864. Neither appears to have stick allegiance to either side. Both have dreams and hopes for the future and they appear to be colliding. However Miss Theresa also has another suitor in the form of Major Johannes Andersen. And for the first time in a long time Theresa prays for guidance. It was enthralling to watch Theresa and Joseph try and do what is right, even if it put their own lives at risk.

This is historical fiction written large. Great action, high intrigue, life and death situations. The plot is intrigue and woven life a finely crafted crochet piece; the example of their faith stitches in and out throughout the story, the life of the two main characters, their close friend Hans Krauss. And the priest and pastor who helped them out along the way. oh and you will absolutely love the song at the end - pure genius.

I can easily state that this is a very entertaining read. It is a wonderful story in an excellent series. It is another outstanding read from Full Quiver and from the masterful pen of Lauer. But I cannot help but wonder if there will be a future volume where Major Johannes Andersen comes seeking his promised revenge. I can recommend this volume easily for teen, young adults and adults. A great read!

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

Books by Amanda Lauer:

Anything But Groovy

Dubbie: The Double-Headed Eagle

A Very Chapel Falls Christmas

…

Heaven Intended Series:

A World Such as Heaven Intended

A Life Such as Heaven Intended

A Love Such as Heaven Intended

A Freedom Such as Heaven Intended

A Faith Such as Heaven Intended

A Hero Such as Heaven Intended

…

Royal & Ancient Series:

Royal & Ancient

Lent Royal and Ancient

...

Contributed to:

Treasures: Visible & Invisible

The Best is Yet to Come by Lorene Hanley Duquin

Living Virtuously by Erin Harrison

Ashes Visible & Invisible 10 Stories for Teens

…

Sunday, 9 March 2025

Joline - Jim Sano - Father Tom Book 6

Joline

Father Tom Book 6

Jim Sano

Full Quiver Publishing

ISBN 9781987970722

ASIN B0DWZLN8SR

This is the eighth novel from the pen of Jim Sano that I have read. It is the sixth that is in the Father Tom series. This one was so hard to put down, in fact I devoured it over a couple of days, and if work had not been so busy it would have been much quicker. This one is much darker than the earlier volumes, and even darker than the last offering. It is an excellent story about a loss, abuse, and has some troublesome murder. Father Tom and Angelo end back in the thick of things, based on the crimes, and the events taking place, Father Tom’s holiday visiting a parish or a seminarian friend ends up not being so restful.

Like the other Father Tom stories this book has excellent characters, a great plot, and it has wonderful pacing. With each volume from Jim I read I appreciate his writing more. I love the Father Tom books and this story keeps you guessing the whole way through. I am certain the story will draw you in and keep you hooked.

This story is a contemporary fiction tale. It is a story about finding out how a young girl died on the evening she graduated high school. It is what Madeleine L’Engle referred to as realistic fiction. It is set in our world, in our time, and with our issues and struggles. In this one Father Tim uncovers some long ignored abuse, and sees its impact on the individual, their marriage and even the victims children. In this story we have a few main characters, and several supporting characters that play key roles. But in some ways this one reads like a Christian or Catholic version of Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer or the Spencer stories by Robert B. Parker. The description of the book is:

“Father Tom heads up to the small coastal village of Belfast, Maine, to visit a friend from the seminary in the sixth book of this award-winning series. While there, 19-year-old Joline is found dead floating in the harbor waters, and the town doesn’t know if it was an accident, suicide, or murder. Moved by compassion for Joline’s family and friends, Father Tom sets out to do what he does best, and the local sheriff, J.C. Coombs, begrudgingly comes to rely on Father Tom and his sidekick, Angelo, for help to uncover clues and a history of secrets and wounds of the intriguing characters who live in this small fishing village. Rich with faith, humor, friendship, forgiveness, redemption, and emotional healing, the plot keeps the reader guessing with twists and turns until the end as the town comes to terms with its loss.”

I have long been a fan of the Priest detective genre. Thirty years ago I read numerous of the Andrew M. Greeley novels, and my favourites were the Bishop Blackie Ryan novels, the Father Tom books have now eclipsed those. The big difference is Greeley’s works reached a point where I struggled with his presentation of Catholicism, living the faith and even God. The Father Tom books keep the faith and do an amazing job of showing faith, doubt, struggles, and ultimately learning to trust in God. In many ways this is like Fiorella de Maria’s Father Gabriel Mysteries, in that it is a great mystery with faith and fiction blended into an excellent story.

I stated of the last that it was the most intense Father Tom story, And I agree it was more intense, but this one is the most heart wrenching. Sano has done an excellent job of balancing writing a murder mystery without crossing the line of over doing the violence. He also handles an adult confronting abuse they suffered as a child very well. This story was tougher to read than the first few in the series. It deals with very serious subject matter. It is written in such a way that it will inspire and encourage as well.

Returning to a volume with Father Tom and Angelo was like a visit with old friends. It was great to catch up with them, even if they were trying to solve the murder in in the small town of Belfast, Maine. Jim’s characters are wonderfully written. It is an excellent read from the pen of Jim Sano. It is a story about faith, family, friends and overcoming past hurts and wounds, and a small community dealing with loss. It is well written, and the characters will stay with you long after you finish reading the story.

Another excellent read from Jim and Full Quiver. I highly recommend the book and the series.

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

Books by Jim Sano:

Van Horn

The Journey

…

Father Tom Series:

Joline

…

Friday, 4 October 2024

The Voice of Angels - Nydia Hadi

The Voice of Angels

Nydia Hadi

Full Quiver Publishing

ISBN 9781987970685

ASIN B0DD4N2LMW

The Voice of Angels - Nydia Hadi - Full Quiver Publishing

First I will state this is not a genre I read much. In fact the only books I have read in this genre have either been by other Catholic authors or Cedar Sanderson writing as Lilania Begley. But I am a father of three daughters and open to a wide range of books. I was asked if I wanted to give this one a go for review purposes. The description was intriguing and I was open to giving it a try. It obviously did not end up on me ‘did not finish’ pile.

The description of this novel is:

“Olivier’s life is turned upside down after a car accident. Aside from the injuries to his body, his relationship with his girlfriend has also turned sour. When everything seems to be against him, he discovers a Catholic choir group that inspires him to see life in a new light. Although he is not religious, he helps the choir and ends up learning what selfless love means.

Regina is a professional violinist and a soprano in her church choir. She is also very devoted to her faith. When she meets Olivier, a nonbeliever, her faith is challenged in a new way. Most importantly, she has to define what it really means to have faith. When her feelings for Olivier grow deeper, she’ll have to decide what to compromise—and what not to.

Will Olivier and Regina end up together? Will love conquer all?”

About the author we are informed:

“Nydia was born in Jakarta, Indonesia, and moved to Canada when she was 18 years old. In 2017, she graduated from the University of Alberta in Edmonton, then moved to Calgary, Toronto, and finally to Montreal in 2021. Living in various cities in Canada has broadened her perspective as a Canadian author.

Although she was born and raised Catholic, it wasn’t until 2018 that she experienced God’s love firsthand and decided to serve God through writing. When she is not writing, she spends her spare time reading and playing piano.

The inspiration for her writing includes Montreal and Canada’s beauty, her Asian roots, classical music, her travel experience, and her faith and spirituality.”

Having grown up in Kingston, Ontario I spent a lot of time in Montreal in my youth, attending games, concerns and just enjoying the city. So there was a lot I could relate to in the story about appreciation for the city. I am also a revert having left the Catholic church twice once in my teens and again in my mid-twenties. So there is a lot I can relate to in Oliver’s beginning to question his assumptions around the Catholic Church and faith.

The story is told through a series of first person point of view chapters. Three of our characters provide our perspective.

Olivier Lefebvre – 28 chapters

Regina de Luca – 26 chapters

Ethan O'Sullivan – 4 chapters

Usually each chapter switches but on a few occasions we get back to back chapters by Olivier and Regina, and once we get three chapters from Olivier in a row. Oliver is recovering from a serious accident that has altered his life permanently. Ethan is questioning his call to be a surgeon or the priesthood. And Regina is trying to find her place in the world of professional musicians. Ethan and Olivier grew up going to the same schools and often competed for top marks. But when Ethan is on the trauma team after the accident they reconnect and develop a true friendship. Ethan also conducts a choir at his church, and Regina is a member. When Regina is in need of a new place to stay Ethan connects her with Olivier. The story from that point is one for friendship, romance faith and finding out what really matters in life.

The story is not a white washed Christian fiction. All of our characters have flaws and make mistakes and assumptions. But they also grow and grow in faith. The characters are very well written. And reading this could be like catching up with old friends you had not seen in a long time. It is realistic fiction but with a clear faith foundation.

This was a wonderful read. I read it over the first few days of vacation at the end of summer and it was an excellent story to start some time off with. I can easily recommend this book.

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

Books by Nydia Hadi:

Romance Concerto

Dear God

The Voice of Angels

…

Sunday, 19 May 2024

The Journey - Jim Sano

The Journey

Jim Sano

Full Quiver Publishing

ISBN 9781987970692

ASIN B0D26DPGMY

This is the seventh story I have read by Jim Sano that I have read, and it is his first written for a younger audience, it is a Middle Grade or Young Adult story. It is perfect for younger readers, tweens, and younger teens. At the moment it is a stand-alone story, but I hope it will become the first in a series, I can easily picture other adventures, with the grandfather, father, or even the same group of friends. But I am getting ahead of myself, back to this book.

The description of the book is:

“Thirteen-year-old Will Donovan wishes he could enjoy his friends and trick-or-treating without the nuisance and responsibility of his talkative younger brother, Sam, tagging along. When Will’s wish comes true after finding a strange goblet in the attic, Sam suddenly vanishes into thin air through the attic wall, and Will is challenged to muster up the courage to travel to a strange world to save him. Fortunately, Will’s friends and characters they meet along the way won’t let him face this dangerous journey alone, as they end up confronting their greatest fears, deadly creatures, and an epoch battle between good and evil.”

In some ways this is a classic buddy story, and in other a school aged story. It is a classic adventure story. But with the translation into a different world and the quest is to figure out why and to find a way home. And the why is not what we first suppose.

The story begins on Halloween night. Will is frustrated with his younger brother often, and this evening he has reached a boiling point. When Sam steps on Will’s candy spread out on the floor, Will wishes he would disappear. And so he does. Soon Will and his friends Jules, Arrie, and Porty. The four friends are dressed as Musketeers and when will’s grandfather explains what happened and how to resolve it the group is up for the challenge. Or at least they think they are.

Once they adventure begins they have 2 tools to help, a set number of wishes, and a blank book that magical contains text to guide, help and direct. Almost as soon as they are through the attacks begin. Dark forces attack them repeatedly. And things are often not as they appear. They must grow, face challenges, develop character and grow in virtues. They travel following the guidance of the book, and friends they meet along the way. With each city or kingdom the reach they find out more information and in each they gain new allies. This world has a prophecy that the evil force will attack and wipe it out unless they can come together under a new leader. And through it all Will is just desperate to find his brother and return his brother and friends home safe.

There is great action, an epic journey, friends on a quest, and a final battle. This book was incredibly hard to put down. Before I even finished it I was telling my youngest two ages 13 and 16 about the story and they both were desperate to read it. This is one of those stories that could easily become a Christian Classic. It is another excellent read from Jim and Full Quiver. I highly recommend this.

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

Books by Jim Sano:

Van Horn

The Journey

…

Father Tom Series:

Joline