Book Reviews and More: KarenKellyBoyce

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Monday, 31 March 2025

Top Ten Fiction and Non-Fiction Books First Quarter 2025

Top Ten Fiction and Non-Fiction Books First Quarter 2025

It has been a great year for reading so far, not my best to date, but well up there. I averaged over a book a day. Faster than the last few years, but I had the first few weeks off work, 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 132 books and I did not any to the ‘did not finish’ list, one of my highest quarters since I started keeping track, below is the comparison with the last 9 years:

2025 - 132

2024 - 119

2023 – 160

2022 – 145

2021 – 97

2020 – 96

2019 – 123

2018 – 91

2017 – 100

2016 – 52

As can be seen this is right about on par, with the last few years. One factor that impacts this year is Lent started much later, in fact the latest it can start, and during Lent I try and read and pray a Stations of the Cross each day which provides a bump during those 48 days. But back to this quarter by the numbers:

Books Read: 132

First Time Reads: 89

Fiction: 32

Non-Fiction: 100

5/5 Stars: 105

I was really surprised; when the year started I expected it to be another year with a dip. In fact I planned on it. I did not see hitting close to the high water mark again, so I am pretty surprised by these results.

Here is my top ten fiction and non-fiction books of the fourth quarter of 2024.

Top Ten Non-Fiction Books:

1. Books by Pope Benedict from the Catholic Truth Society

10 Things Pope Benedict Wants You To Know - John L. Allen Jr.

Do Not be Afraid to Believe Homilies and Addresses in Africa

2. Jesus and the Jubilee - John Bergsma - The Biblical Roots of the Year of God’s Favor

3. Hope: An Anchor for the Soul: 30 Daily Devotions - Amy Welborn

4. Books by Barbara Calamari and Sandra DiPasqua

Holy Places Sacred Sites in Catholicism

Patron Saints A Feast of Holy Cards

5. Led by the Immaculata - Joshua Mazrin

6. Honor Thy Wife - Kevin Lowry - A 31-Day Spiritual Journey of Marital Renewal

7. CTS Children's books by Juliette Levelier

Prayers Around the Crib

Praying at Mass

Praying with the Friends of Jesus

Praying with the Holy Spirit

The Rosary

8. Drawing Close to the Holy Spirit: Keys to a Transformed Life and Joyful Heart - Sr. Mary Ann Fatula, OP

9. Great Spiritual Teachers Series - Ave Maria Press

Let Nothing Disturb You: 30 Days with Teresa of Avila - John Kirvan

Simply Surrender: 30 Days with Thérèse of Lisieux - Caroline Myss

Come into the Silence 30 Days with Thomas Merton - John Kirvan

10. Just One More Thing Stories from My Life - Peter Falk

11. Catholic Truth Society Books associated with the new Lectionary

The Gospel of John - Fr John Hemer MHM

The Gospel of Luke - Fr John Hemer MHM

The Gospel of Mark - Fr Javier Ruiz-Ortiz

The Gospel of Matthew - Fr Javier Ruiz-Ortiz

The Book of Psalms and Canticles - The Abbey Psalter

12. The Riddle of the Tongue-Stones: How Blessed Nicolas Steno Uncovered the Hidden History of the Earth - Thomas Salerno and Dillon Wheelock

Bonus Books:

Catholicism and Mental Health - Dr. Pravin Thevathasan - CTS Explanations

Deepening Prayer: Life Defined by Prayer - Mary David Totah - CTS Deeper Christianity

Devotion and Prayers to the Sacred Heart of Jesus - J. B. Midgley - CTS Devotions

Lectio Divina: Spiritual Reading of the Bible - Jean Khoury - CTS Deeper Christianity

Louis Marie de Montfort - Alan J. Frost - CTS Great Saints

Louis Marie de Montfort: His Life, Message and Teaching - Paul Allerton SMM - CTS Great Saints

Spiritual Warfare Fighting the Good Fight - Vivian Boland - CTS Deeper Christianity

Thérèse Teacher of Prayer - Craig Driscoll - CTS Spirituality

The Upward Arrow - Fr. Colum Power

Top Ten Fiction Books:

1. Honeymoon from Hell - Declan Finn

Cross Over

Fae'd To Black

2. The Second Skater of the Apocalypse - Fiorella De Maria - Skaters Book 2

3. Madness of Worlds - Karina Fabian

Madness Bound

Madness Unbound

Madness of Worlds

4. Joline - Jim Sano - Father Tom Book 5

5. Incarnate - Antony Barone Kolenc - Incarnate Series Book 1

6. In Plain Sight - Leslea Wahl - Finding Faith Book 3

7. Space Traipse: Hold My Beer: Season Eight - Karina Fabian

8. Pogue One - Edited by Spearman Burke - Raconteur Press Anthologies Book 44

9. The Case of the Mixed-up Marathon - Karen Kelly Boyce and Sue Anderson Gioulis - Sisters of the Last Straw Book 9

10. Jumping into Joy - Theresa Linden and Kelsey Doherty - Caitlyn and Peter's Rosary Adventures Book 1

Bonus Books:

Books by Gordon Korman:

Jake, Reinvented

No More Dead Dogs

Old School

The Toilet Paper Tigers

The Twinkie Squad

The Zucchini Warriors - Macdonald Hall Book 5

My reading has been up and down over the last few years it is staying pretty consistent at about a book a day for the year. I attribute in part to Brandon Vogt’s course Read More Books Now, removing all games but 1 brain game from my devices. Working from home reading took a little more discipline, and we are now back to a hybrid model with 5 days a month in the office, so things have changing again.

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.

All Top Ten Lists on Book Reviews and More

Statistics Books Read By Year:

132 - 2025 January-March

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

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

...

All Top Ten Lists on Book Reviews and More

Thursday, 27 February 2025

The Case of the Mixed-up Marathon - Karen Kelly Boyce and Sue Anderson Gioulis - Sisters of the Last Straw Book 9

The Case of the Mixed-up Marathon

Sisters of the Last Straw Book 9

Karen Kelly Boyce
Sue Anderson Gioulis (Illustrator)
TAN Books
ISBN ISBN 9781505133448

eISBN 9781505134513

eISBN 9781505134520

ASIN

The Case of the Mixed-up Marathon - Karen Kelly Boyce and Sue Anderson Gioulis - Sisters of the Last Straw Book 9

I have now read the 9 volumes currently in print in this series. My youngest daughter has read them to me as well. She was so excited when this released and wanted us to read it together. A few years ago, I read the fifth book in this series, The Case of the Christmas Tree Capers, a Christmas story. And I was hooked. My daughter is insisted that she reread them all to me as part of her reading challenge time, and we were both excited to finally have this one in print. I have enjoyed each of the volume, even more so now with my daughter reading them to me. These are great fun, and excellent reads for younger readers or really for readers of any age. I previously stated that the series reminds me of Tales of a Magic Monastery by Theophane the Monk. These books have great lessons; lessons that kids will pick up on and learn from, but also lessons that we as adults can appreciate and be challenged by. It is an excellent story in a very entertaining and amusing series. Maybe my new favourite!

As always the sisters in this story are fun, and their adventures and mishaps are often funny, and in this case a little surprising. The sisters are:

Sister Krumbles

Sister Shiny

Sister Lovely

Sister Wanda

Sister Lacey

Mother Mercy

And special guest:

Amanda Kate

The volume contains the black and white illustrations by Sue Anderson Gioulis and they continue to add to the story. The book teaches us about human nature, about living the gospel, and about trusting God, prayer and maybe a miracle. This one focuses around training for an participating in the inaugural St. Patrick’s Day Marathon, and Sister Krumbles is determined to win the prize to donate the money to the food bank. From the chapter titles you always have a preview of what is about to happen next:

Big Dreams

Reading Labels

Running Shoes

The Pokey

A Pound of This and That

Dancing & Dastardly Plans

Peanut Butter & Bananas

Justice is Served

This one the familiar villain and for long time readers of the series I give you 3 guesses and the first two do not count! The sisters And Amanda Kate are concerned about the level of food at the parish Food Bank. They decide to be more austere during Lent to be able to donate a little more than normal. They are also supporting Krumbles in her training. They have a guest at the convent, Amanda Kate who runs marathons, and her dog Runner. And even though he boasts he will win, Mr. Lemon seems to never train.

The description of this volume is:

“Meet the Sisters of the Last Straw, a community of Sisters working hard to overcome their bad habits. Join these loveable misfit nuns as they learn to love God and forgive one another. When Amanda Kate comes to visit, Sister Krumbles gets the idea to run the Saint Patrick's Day Marathon. But will she be up to the challenge? What is Mr. Lemon up to? Will he win the prize money for himself? Will the Sisters solve the mystery of the missing items?”

The story includes a recipe for Irish Soda Bread that is not far off the family recipe my family has been cooking for over 100 years (no raisins ever in our). There is also a lot of information at Saint Patrick, who is a family favourite. So there are a lot of personal connections to this story, though to be honest no marathons.

There are great lessons for the young readers of the series for whom it is written for, and for us older folks who might read it with or to them, and in my case have it read to. Or even just on our own. It is a great story in a wonderful series. We always look forward to reading the next story and hope there are yet more to come. The next one announced at the end of this volume is: The Case of the Saintly Staircase. I am certain that if you pick it up and laugh along with the sisters of the last straw, and be greatly entertained.

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

Books by Karen Kelly Boyce:
A Bend in the Road: A Year's Journey Through Breast Cancer
Down Right Good
According to Thy Word
Into the Way of Peace
In the Midst of Wolves
…

Sisters of the Last Straw Series:
The Cause of the Haunted Chapel
The Case of the Missing Novice
The Case of the Stolen Rosaries
The Case of the Flower Phantom
The Case of the Christmas Tree Capers
The Case of the Easter Egg Escapades
The Case of the Campground Creature

The Case of the Missing Maps

The Case of the Mixed-up Marathon

The Case of the Saintly Staircase

…

The Hope Trilogy:

Jenna's Journey

…

Wednesday, 1 March 2023

The Case of the Missing Maps - Karen Kelly Boyce and Sue Anderson Gioulis - Sisters of the Last Straw Book 8

The Case of the Missing Maps
Sisters of the Last Straw Book 8
Karen Kelly Boyce
Sue Anderson Gioulis (Illustrator)
TAN Books
ISBN 9781505127546

eISBN 9781505127560

ASIN B0BKH7G7ZK

I have now read the 8 volumes currently in print in this series. My youngest daughter has read them to me as well. She was so excited when this released and wanted us to read it together. She started it and then needed to pause to read a book for school, she was terribly excited when we got back to it and read double for a few days in a row to get through it. A few years ago, I read the fifth book in this series, The Case of the Christmas Tree Capers, a Christmas story. And I was hooked. My daughter is insisted that she reread them all to me as part of her reading challenge time, and we were both excited to finally have this one in print. I have enjoyed each of the volume, even more so now with my daughter reading them to me. These are great fun, and excellent reads for younger readers or really for readers of any age. I previously stated that the series reminds me of Tales of a Magic Monastery by Theophane the Monk. These books have great lessons. Lessons that kids will pick up on and learn from, but also lessons that we as adults can appreciate and be challenged by. It is another great story in a very entertaining and amusing series. One of the best.

As always the sisters in this story are fun, and their adventures and mishaps are often funny, and in this case a little surprising. The sisters are:

Sister Krumbles

Sister Shiny

Sister Lovely

Sister Wanda

Sister Lacey

Mother Mercy

The Wild Wasp

Treasure Maps and Mind Boggling Blueprints

Confusing Clues

Candle Smoke & Bells

Going Batty

Starving Seagulls

The Hidden Room

A Happy Surprise

This one truly has a villain and for long time readers of the series I give you 3 guesses and the first two do not count! The sisters discover a false bottom in a Steamer trunk. Inside the compartment they find some very important papers. Including blueprints for their house. It contains several hidden spaces and even tunnels that they were unaware of.

And soon the Nuns and the dastardly Mr. Lemon are on a treasure hunt. Following the maps and the clues. But what the treasure actually is will surprises them. And Lemon does not react well once he finally has it in his hands. But to find out what it is and how they find it you will need to read this wonderful story.

The description of this volume is:

"A Treasure Map! Clues to unravel!

Will the Sisters be able to figure out the clues?

Will Mr. Lemon beat the Sisters to the gold?

Will God teach everyone the true meaning of riches?

Meet the Sisters of the Last Straw, a community of Sisters trying hard to overcome their bad habits. Join these lovable misfit nuns as they learn to love God and forgive one another. The Sisters discover a hidden trunk that contains an old treasure map. Following the clues leads them on an adventure around Spring Creek township, from a church steeple to a lighthouse. Will they beat Mr. Lemon to the gold? Will they uncover and find the gold promised in The Case of the Missing Maps?"

There are excellent lessons for the young readers of the series for whom it is written for, and for us older folks who might read it with or to them, and in my case have it read to. Or even just on our own. It is a great story in an wonderful series. We always look forward to reading the next story and hope there are yet more to come. The next one announced at the end of this volume is: The Case of the Mixed-Up Marathon. I am certain that if you pick it up and laugh along with the sisters of the last straw, and be greatly entertained.

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

Books by Karen Kelly Boyce:
A Bend in the Road: A Year's Journey Through Breast Cancer
Down Right Good
According to Thy Word
Into the Way of Peace
In the Midst of Wolves
…

Sisters of the Last Straw Series:
The Cause of the Haunted Chapel
The Case of the Missing Novice
The Case of the Stolen Rosaries
The Case of the Flower Phantom
The Case of the Christmas Tree Capers
The Case of the Easter Egg Escapades
The Case of the Campground Creature

The Case of the Missing Maps

The Case of the Mixed-up Marathon

The Case of the Saintly Staircase

…

The Hope Trilogy:

Jenna's Journey

…

Tuesday, 19 October 2021

Down Right Good - Karen Kelly Boyce and Sue Anderson Gioulis

Down Right Good

Karen Kelly Boyce

Sue Anderson Gioulis (Illustrator)

KFR Communications

ISBN 9780982895917

ASIN B006AEJ718

I have read all the Sisters of the Last Straw books from the duo of Karen Kelly Boyce and Sue Anderson Gioulis. I have also read Jenna's Journey the first in a new trilogy from the pen of Boyce. But this book is something very very different. The description of this book is:

“On an unseasonably warm February day, ten-year-old Angie delivers the town tabloid with natural wisdom and confidence. The characters she meets along her way have varied adult troubles and lives. Born with Down syndrome and an ability to see angels, Angie’s simple knowledge and common sense transform those who line her route. Based on the third joyful mystery of the Rosary – the birth of Christ, Angie’s story emphasizes that God often speaks to us through others. He delights in using the weakest to reach the strongest. Christ humbled himself to come as a babe, so his wisdom comes to us through those considered the least by society. Karen’s third, highly anticipated novel continues the spiritual journey her readers have come to expect.”

This story was in part what I expected, but also in many ways much more. In some ways based on Angie’s speech and thought pattern it reminded me of Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime by Mark Haddon. Because of the sentence structure and style through most of Angie’s speech and though this book was difficult to read as someone with dyslexia. But it was worth the effort.

Again as someone who grew up with a learning disability, I spent a lot ot time in and around fellow students with special needs. From grade school all the way through to my second time in University. This book does an amazing job of capturing and expressing those experiences. It captures the hurt and depression associated with abuse and abandonment. It captures spiritual warfare. It will open our eyes.

The best stories are not only ones that entertain for a few hours while we read them, but are stories that stay with us. Stories that leave an impression and an impact upon us, that help us to see the world in a new and different way. This is such a story. It is masterfully written. There are many characters from this story I wish to know what happened next. The priest, the pastor, the young man. … Angie’s story comes to an end but many other stories are changed. An excellent read!

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

Books by Karen Kelly Boyce:
A Bend in the Road: A Year's Journey Through Breast Cancer
Down Right Good
According to Thy Word
Into the Way of Peace
In the Midst of Wolves
…

Sisters of the Last Straw Series:
The Cause of the Haunted Chapel
The Case of the Missing Novice
The Case of the Stolen Rosaries
The Case of the Flower Phantom
The Case of the Christmas Tree Capers
The Case of the Easter Egg Escapades
The Case of the Campground Creature

The Case of the Missing Maps

The Case of the Mixed-up Marathon

The Case of the Saintly Staircase

…

The Hope Trilogy:

Jenna's Journey

…

Thursday, 30 September 2021

Top Ten Fiction and Non-Fiction Books Third Quarter 2021

Top Ten Fiction and Non-Fiction Books Third Quarter 2021

It has been a good year for reading to date. So many great reads. I have read just over a book a day. I have read 281 books so far this year and 79 of them this quarter.

This past 2 years have been different year for us all. Last year I had about a 15% drop in my reading totals. I am very happy with this year so far. A bit of a drop this quarter, but part of that was holidays and being busier at work. Reading and reviewing books is my hobby, I am grateful to be able to do so.

Back to this quarter. By the numbers:

Books Read: 79

First Time Reads: 70

Fiction: 34

Non-Fiction: 44

5/5 Stars: 60

5/5 Fiction: 26

5/5 Non-Fiction: 38

Here is my top ten fiction and non-fiction books of the third quarter of 2021.

Top Ten Non-Fiction Books:

1. Great Saints Series - The Catholic Truth Society

Augustine of Hippo - Father Ben O'Rourke

Clare of Assisi - John Paul Kirkham

John Bosco - Jennifer Moorcroft

Padre Pio A Holy Priest - Jim Gallagher

Saint Catherine of Siena - Mary O'Driscoll

Teresa of Avila - Jennifer Moorcroft

2. Life if Messy - Matthew Kelly

3. Encounter the Saints Series - Pauline Books and Media

Saint John Paul II: Be Not Afraid - Susan Helen Wallace FSP and Charlie Craig

Saint Andre Bessette Miracles in Montreal - Patricia Edward Jablonski and Barbara Kiwak

Saint Clare of Assisi: A Light for the World - Marianne Lorraine Trouvé and Mary Joseph Peterson

Saint Faustina Kowalska - Susan Helen Wallace and Joan Waites

Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini: Cecchina's Dream - Victoria Dority MSC, Mary Lou Andes MSC and Barbara Kiwak

Saint Thomas More: Courage, Conscience, and the King - Susan Helen Wallace FSP and Patricia Edward Jablonski, FSP and Dani Lachuk

4. Finding Frassati: And Following His Path to Holiness - Christine M Wohar

5. The Shepherd Who Didn't Run - Maria Ruiz Scaperlanda - Blessed Stanley Rother, Martyr from Oklahoma

6. Benedict XV & World War I - Father Ashley Beck - CTS Biographies

7. The Handy Little Guide to Spiritual Communion - Michael Heinlein

8. Nine Days with Saint Joseph - Andrew Offer, O.P. and Jonah Teller O.P., Sebastian White O.P. (Editor)

9. Saint Cloud of Gaul, The Prince Who Traded Kingdoms - Susan Peek

10. A Novena to St Columba - Fr Ross Crichton SJ

Bonus Books:

Saint Ignatius of Loyola - Pat Corkery SJ - A Convert's Story

Blessed John Sullivan SJ - Fergal McGrath SJ

Saint Patrick: An Ancient Saint for Modern Times - Edmond Grace

The Story of Nano Nagle: A Life Lived on the Razor's Edge - Anne Lyons PBVM

The Gunpowder Plot - Herbert Thurston SJ - CTS Onefifties Book 9

Top Ten Fiction Books:

1. Linked - Gordon Korman

2. This Thing of Darkness - Fiorella De Maria and K.V. Turley

3. Dragon Eye PI Books - Karina Fabian

A Winkle in Time

Magic, Mensa, & Mayhem

4. Friends in High Places - Corinna Turner

Old Men Don't Walk to Egypt: Saint Joseph

Child, Unwanted: Margaret of Castello

5. Novella's from Jon Mayhew

6. The Dark Tower - Donal Anthony Foley - The Glaston Chronicles Book 2

7. Corn Dolls - K.T. Galloway - Annie O'Malley Book 1

8. Heaven’s Hunter - Marie C. Keiser

9. The Deadliest Sins - Andrew M. Seddon

10. The Case of the Campground Creature - Karen Kelly Boyce and Sue Anderson Gioulis - Sisters of the Last Straw Book 7

Bonus Books:

Every Mother's Son - Alex Smith - DCI Kett Book 7

Jack of Hearts - Diane Capri - Hunt for Reacher Book 12

McCracken and the Lost Lagoon - Mark Adderley - The McCracken Adventures Book 4

No Time for Sorrow - J.E. Mayhew - DCI Will Blake Book 7

This year was my fastest to 200 books read, it took me 173 days. But Q3 had a bit of a slow down. There were so many great reads so far this year. It was very hard picking the top ten. You should check out my Favourite Books Year by Year list.

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 in sometimes in the bonus section. It was not easy again this quarter, making my picks.

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

...

All Top Ten Lists on Book Reviews and More

Statistics Books Read By Year:
281 - 2021 (January-September)

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