Epic Saints - Shaun McAfee - Wild, Wonderful, and Weird Stories of God's Heroes

Epic Saints 
Wild, Wonderful, and Weird Stories of God's Heroes
Shaun McAfee 
TAN Books
ISBN 9781505115123
ASIN B083Y67LD7

I love books like this one. I love reading about saints and am currently reading books from 4 different series about saints. But what a book like this does is introduce me to a few new saints, it gives me some more information and examples from saints that I am more familiar with. This was an EPIC READ that I could hardly put down. It is mostly eBook about specific saints and But there is also a lot of great information about the process of saint making, and the canon and calendar of saints. But the volume is not just the work of Shaun McAfee there are several contributors. Those contributors are:

Alex R. Hey
Sarah Spittler
Jessica Mcafee
Theresa Zoe Williams
Brooke Gregory
Deacon Marty Mcindoe
Shaun Mcafee
Laura Hensley
Mike Panlilio
Maggie Van Sciver

The essays interspersed through the biographies are:

Have Saints Always Been Canonized The Same Way?
What Is The General Roman Calendar?
Can These Stories Be Allegorical?
Are We Really Expected To Believe These Stories?
Why Are Some Saints Not On The Calendar?
What Is The Process For Canonization?
What Should We Do With Saint Narratives That Contain Errors Or Inconsistencies?
Why Are Some Canonized Quickly While Others Have Been In The Process For Centuries?
Can I Become A Saint?

And on top of that are profiles of 74 saints. Shaun and the other contributors do an amazing job or highlighting so many saints in such a short space. There are almost a dozen saints I need to go find further readings on. And my son is already looking forward to my rereading this book with him. 

In this volume there are a few tales about dragons. Saints pulling practical jokes and pranks. A bilocating death and many, many more. Stories of saints, of Martyrs and holy men and women. 

Though I will be honest with you, the pieces in this volume are so well written you might have a hard time picking a favorite. And you will definitely want to read more on at least some of the saints. An excellent read, that I highly recommend. 

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2020 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by Shaun McAfee:

Reform Yourself! How to Pray, Find Peace, and Grow in Faith with the Saints of the Counter-Reformation
Filling Our Father's House: What Converts Can Teach Us About Evangelization
St. Robert Bellarmine
Social Media Magisterium: A No-Nonsense Guide to the Proper Use of Media
I'm Catholic. Now What?
20 Answers Conversion - Catholic Answers
Epic Saints: Wild, Wonderful, and Weird Stories of God's Heroes 

20 Answers: Relics & Sacramentals

...

Contributed to:
Surprised By Life: 10 Converts Explain How Catholic Teachings On Life Led Them To The Church
Inseparable: Five Perspectives on Sex, Life, and Love in Defense of Humanae Vitae 
...

Bad Dog - Alex Smith - DCI Kett Book 2.0

Bad Dog
DCI Kett Crime Thrillers Book 2.0

Alex Smith

Zertex Crime
ISBN 9781912767175
ASIN B07XY3RQKL

This is the third of the DCI Kett stories that I have read, and Kett made a brief appearance in The Harder They Fall. Each of the Kett novels have been great crime mystery novels, and interesting reads. But they are dark books with terrible crimes. Definitely not for all readers. Over ten years ago, I read and loved the Lockdown series published primarily for a young adult audience by Alexander Gordon Smith. When I found out he had a new crime mystery series in the works I had visions of his skill turned to series like Wired in the Blood, or the Commander. There is just something so appealing about a British crime drama or procedural, I was hooked from the concept. And I have read a mystery or crime thriller a week from the pen of Alex Smith since reading that first story.  The first short story is available for free on his site, if you are uncertain but I will warn you the stories are very addictive. 

The book begins 6 weeks after Paper Girls. DCI Kett who was on compassionate leave after the abduction of his wife. Is now assigned to the special task force in the area he went away to, to get away with his kids. It is the area he grew up in. After solving the first case in spectacular fashion he has been asked to stay on. For the benefit of the department, for his own health, and for his kids. When we first see Kett in this story he is meeting with a shrink to get cleared to return from duty. His injuries both physical and emotional from the paper girls case are not fully healed. When his commanding officer steps in and forces the shrink to clear him because there is a new case and he needs Kett working in. 

But right from when he first sees the body he suspects that all is not as it seems. It looks like it might be an attack from a large dog, but Kett sees indications that lead him to believe there is human involvement also. Unfortunately, the body is found right on the border between two departments. And by the end of the story Kett has greatly upset both commanders. But as usual Kett has a knack for figuring out things that others do not. And soon he realizes what is happening and places himself in great danger going in alone again. 

But to find out what happens you will need to read this gripping crime drama yourself. It is a good read it what has shaped up to be an intense addictive series.

When I was younger, I went through a phase of reading mysteries. A lot of books by Andrew M. Greely, Tom Clancy, and Robert B. Parker. And DCI Kett is a great character in the genre. But upp until last year I had not read much in the mystery or crime genres for over 25 years. But last year I did read a lot of crime and mystery books. I read all the books available by Maureen Jennings, the Jack Reacher Series by Lee Child, and the Hunt for Reacher series by Diane Capri. I said it before and I stand by it, I really believe that the writing in this story kept up with them all. It is a great third story in a series. Again it sets us up for some intense action in the coming volumes. 

This is a great read for anyone who enjoys the crime, mystery, thriller genres!

Mystery Books as Alex Smith:

Six Days, Six Hours, Six Minutes
...

Softley Softley Series:

1.0 The Harder They Fall

2.0 Hard Luck House
...

DCI Kett Series:

0.5 Cry Baby

1.0 Paper Girls

2.0 Bad Dog

3.0 Three Little Pigs

4.0 Whip Crack

5.0 Run Rabbit Run

6.0 Stone Cold Dead

7.0 Every Mother's Son

8.0 Sweet Briar Rose

9.0 Jaw Breaker

10.0 Knock Knock 

11.0 Rat King 

12.0 Knuckle Bone

13.0 Lucky Number 7

14.0 Unholy Saints

15.0 Truly Madly Deadly

16.0 Every Last Devil

17.0 Red Line

...

Books By Alexander Gordon Smith:
Escape from Furnace:
Lockdown
Solitary
Death Sentence
Fugitives 
Execution
Execution Epilogue - Short Story
The Night Children - Short Story

Fury Series:
The Fury

The Storm

The Inventors:
The Inventors
The Inventors And The City of Stolen Souls

Non-Fiction:
1001 Questions and Answers
Inspired Creative Writing: 52 Brilliant Ideas from the Master Wordsmiths
The Solar System
Family QuizWriting Bestselling Children's Books: 52 Brilliant Ideas for Inspiring Young Readers

...

The Art Of Furnace
Author Profile Interview With Alexander Gordon Smith

Robert Bellarmine - J.B. Midgley - CTS Great Saints

Robert Bellarmine
CTS Great Saints
J.B. Midgley
Catholic Truth Society
ISBN 9781860826252
CTS Booklet B728


Over the last few years I have read over 100 books from the Catholic Truth society. This was the eighth in the Great Saints Series. I have also read many in the CTS Biographies and also Saints of the Isles Series. And have loved most of them. Lately I have been focused more on this series, and a couple of others, almost alternating books in each series, and still have over a dozen in this series I want to read. And also trying to read the 26 books that J.B. Midgley wrote for the Catholic Truth Society. I have also read, St. Robert Bellarmine by Shaun McAfee, which was a history of the saint and a specific parish named after him. But back to this specific volume on Saint Robert Bellarmine. The description of this book is:

“Robert Bellarmine defended and promoted the Catholic faith in response to the Protestant Reformation, and his influence was the greater because of his holiness and gentle disposition. He engaged with other faiths in wise and charitable dialogue without hint of apology for the profession of his own. His well known writings supported the Faith during times of persecution. A truly pastoral bishop, he gave the example of a Christian life that does not count the cost.”

The chapters in this little volume are:
Forward
Formative Years
Responding to God’s Call
Priest and Academic
Return to Rome
Cardinal and Archbishop
To Rome Again
Later years
From His Writings
Devotion to Saint Robert Bellarmine

We are informed in the introduction that Robert Bellarmine was a Jesuit. He is a Doctor of the Church. That he is the patron of Catechists. And that he was fearless in his defense of the faith. He promoted a pastoral view of Catholicism. He lived a holy life. His passion was to bring Glory to God. He sounds like the type of bishop and cardinal that we need today.

One of the stories that really hit me was upon being recalled to Rome to serve there, he begged to be released as Bishop. He wrote against absentee Bishops and he did not want to leave his flock unattended. This is in stark contrast to others of his times, and our own times. 

The first two thirds of the volume is the life of the man and his ministry. The final third is split between a series of excerpts of from his writings and a collections of prayers to the saint. 

This was a deeply moving read. And maybe my favorite of the CTS Great Saints series to date. It was a story that inspired and challenged me. And to be honest a story that the church could use being reminded of today.

Another excellent read from the Catholic Truth Society and the pen of J.B. Midgley.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2020 Catholic Reading Plan! For other reviews of books from the Catholic Truth Society click here.

Books by J.B. Midgley:
Advent & Christmastide with the Saints
Antonio Rosmini
Benedict - Patron of Europe
Bernard of Clairvaux – CTS Great Saints
Charles Borromeo  - CTS Great Saints
Companion to St. Joseph
Companion to the Feasts of Mary
Companion to Saint Peter
Companion to Saint Paul
Companion to the Angels
Companion to the Feasts of Our Lord
Companion to the Passion of Our Lord
Dominic - CTS Great Saints
George: Patron of England - CTS Great Saints
Dewi Sant: St David Patron of Wales
Francis de Sales – CTS Great Saints
John Baptist de La Salle – CTS Great Saints
John Vianney – CTS Great Saints
Lent with the Saints
Nurturing the Young
Robert Bellarmine
Saint John the Baptist 
Stations of the Cross and Resurrection with the Saints
The Eucharist with the Saints
The Four Evangelists
Thomas Becket – CTS Saints of the Isles
Vincent de Paul – CTS Great Saints
Witchcraft, Sorcery and Magic
…

Contributed to:
First Fridays and First Saturdays The Devotions Explained 

Devotion and Prayers to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

...

Books in the CTS Great Saints Series:
Antonio Rosmini - J.B. Midgley
Bernard of Clairvaux - J.B. Midgley
Benedict Patron of Europe - J.B. Midgley
Charles Borromeo - J.B. Midgley
Dominic - J.B. Midgley
Elizabeth of the Trinity The Great Carmelite Saint - Jennifer Moorcroft
Francis de Sales - J.B. Midgley
Gemma Galgani Gem of Christ John Paul Kirkham
George: Patron of England - J.B. Midgley
John Baptist de La Salle - J.B. Midgley
John of the Cross - Jennifer Moorcroft
John Vianney - J.B. Midgley

Louis Marie de Montfort His Life, Message and Teaching - Paul Allerton SMM

Louis Marie de Montfort - Alan J. Foster 

Martin de Porres - Glynn MacNiven-Johnston
Patrick Missionary to the Irish - Thomas O’Loughlin 

Rita of Cascia - Glynn MacNiven-Johnston
Robert Bellarmine - J.B. Midgley
Saint Anthony of Padua - Jude Winkler
Saint Dominic and the Order of Preachers - Richard Finn
Saint Francis of Assisi - Jennifer Moorcroft
Saint Ignatius of Loyola – J.A. Philips
Saint John the Baptist - J.B. Midgley
Saint Padre Pio A Holy Priest - Jim Gallagher
Saint Thérèse of Lisieux - Vernon Johnson
Thomas Aquinas - Vivian Boland
Vincent de Paul - J.B. Midgley

Augustine of Hippo - Ben O'Rourke

Saint Catherine of Siena - Sister Mary O'Driscoll OP

Saint Teresa of Avila - Jennifer Moorcroft

Clare of Assisi - John Paul Kirkham 

John Bosco - Jennifer Moorcroft 

Hildegard of Bingen - Angelo Amato

…

The Lucifer Ego - T.M. Doran - Toward the Gleam Book 2

The Lucifer Ego
Toward the Gleam Book 2
T.M. Doran
TMDoran Books
ISBN 9781732472600
ASIN B07GLWQ98Y


The first book, Toward the Gleam, was a very pleasant surprise. The first book had been on my radar for a while and sat on my kindle for a few months. But once I started reading it I could not put it down. But the same thing happened with this second volume. I picked it up and it sat on my to be read shelf for over a year. But once I started reading, I read it in three sittings over 4 days. And as much as I enjoyed the first volume, this second is even better.

This story is broken into four parts, Decisions, Destinations, Devastations, and Discoveries. The first is an entry dated August 5th, 2016 and the final May 10th, 2017. But interspersed are some going back to 1932, 1942, 1942, 1963, 1995, and 1960. In that order. The book continues the tale of the object left with the abbot, and the contents of it, from the previous volume. And the story proves to be a hunt for both the man who might have tampered with it, and the original quest for the volume. Frequently we reference back to events in the first story, but often are given more information, and see different events.

This volume has an interesting cast of characters. Henry, abbot of a monastery. Frodo Lyle Stuart, nephew to Henry and archeologist or paleo-archeologist.  Samwise, Sam Stuart, older brother to Lyle. Beatrice Adams, a woman of Ugandan descent, and a gifted psychologist. Lyle goes on a quest to retrieve a stolen manuscript, at the request of his uncle and with the support of his brother and the woman he is dating. 

The story is packed full of adventure. But also academics, and world class institutions. It is much an adventure as any of the Indiana Jones stores. And As intricate as a Tom Clancy or John Grisham story. And in the end, they must decide if the world is ready for the knowledge contained within the manuscript. Or if like the misnamed Mr. Hill and his stories can only let the world see a glimpse, a piece, and end with hope. 

The story was a great read and was hard to put down. It is excellent for those who have read the first volume, Toward the Gleam. But is strong enough to stand on it’s own. A great read for fans of literary fiction or historical fiction of all ages. Overall an excellent read, but to be honest it will leave you wanting more.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2020 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by T.M. Doran:
Terrapin
Iota: A Novel
Circling the Turtle
Seeing Red
...

Toward the Gleam Series:
Toward the Gleam
The Lucifer Ego
Kataklusmos

...

Hilaire Belloc - Karl Schmude - CTS Biographies

Hilaire Belloc
CTS Biographies
Karl Schmude
Catholic Truth Society
ISBN 9781860825576
eISBN 9781784694920
ASIN B074K349HD
CTS Booklet B716

I freely admit my knowledge of the man and his works was lacking. I have not read anything by Belloc or even much about him. Over the last few years I have read over 100 books and booklets from the Catholic Truth Society. I have read many in the CTS Biographies and also Saints of the Isles Series, and the Great Saints Series. And this was the second volume I have read by Karl Schmude, the other on G.K. Chesterton in this same series. And I believe these are the only two written by Karl. This little volume is another excellent read in the CTS Biographies series. And it has left me with a great desire to read some of Hilaire’s works and more works about him.

Based on the number of this book, B716, there are over 700 books in the CTS Biographies series, spanning the over 150 years history. I have read about a dozen of them and have at least than many on wish list to track down and read. 

The chapters in this book are:

Belloc’s Influence
European and Universal
Preparation for Public Life
Radical Social Philosopher
The Loneliness of a Personal Cross
The Consummate Writer
An Enduring Legacy


The eBook edition of this book from CTS was released in 2017. And we are informed that:

“This pamphlet is a revised version of Hilaire Belloc: His Life and Legacy, published by the Australian Catholic Truth Society (Melbourne, 1978).”

The original CTS edition was in print in 2009. And I am thankful that it is back in print and available.  We are informed that:

“For those living more than half a century after Belloc’s death, that immortality has yet to acquire any visible or earthly dimension. Belloc has declined in favour, not only among the general reading public which accorded him fame in his lifetime, but even in the Catholic community which he did so much to shape and strengthen. His life and writings have drifted into the coves of historical memory, and even commemorative activities, such as on the centenary of his birth in 1970 or on the 50th anniversary of his death in 2003, have done little to resurrect his name.”

We are also informed that:

“To a large degree the fading of Belloc’s influence is not difficult to explain. He has experienced the customary eclipse of all authors immediately after their death; and, indeed, unless a writer happens to be concerned prematurely with a matter that subsequently seizes widespread attention – as, for example, George Orwell was with the nature and effects of totalitarianism – he is unlikely to escape this trough of posthumous neglect.

In Belloc’s case, his reputation has also suffered severely from the tides of social and religious change. The world he inhabited was centred upon Europe, the faith he proclaimed was centred upon France. It is in different directions that the eyes of our present generation are turned; within a global rather than European environment that the destinies of our time are chiefly being played out.”

But that is changing. The man and his works are seeing a resurgence of late. And in part we are informed it is because of the great need for Catholics today.

“For the Catholic people, the recent decades of religious and cultural turmoil present a timely opportunity for reviewing Belloc’s life and achievement. There is now an imperative need for the clarifying vision of a great Catholic mind; the spiritual penetration of a deep and authentic faith; the divine wisdom of an integrated Christian humanism. To an eminent degree, Hilaire Belloc fulfils the dimensions and demands of such a universal vocation.”

After reading this volume and the one on G.K. Chesterton, I realize that as I have a love for the life and works of C.S. Lewis and invested time in reading books by and about him. I need to do the same for Chesterton and Belloc. This book has spurned me on in that quest.

The is another great read from the Catholic Truth Society. And I agree Catholics and the world today needs more of Belloc!

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2020 Catholic Reading Plan! For other reviews of books from the Catholic Truth Society click here.

For other reviews of CTS Biographies click here.

Books by Karl Schmude:
G.K. Chesterton
Hilaire Belloc
…

A Channel of Your Peace - Veronica Smallhorn

A Channel of Your Peace
Veronica Smallhorn
Full Quiver Publishing
ISBN 9781987970142
ASIN B084GGSW8K
 

First, I must state this is an excellent debut novel. I was very impressed with the writing. The story is masterfully written and was very hard to put down. I consumed this volume in three sittings over two days. I literally could not put it down. Second, I think I am getting a little soft in my old age or being the father of daughters, I now find myself reading a lot of stuff I would not have even looked at a few years ago. That being said, even as a 50 years old bibliophile I found this book engrossing and hard to put down.

This book is the story of two very broken people. Both of whom have messed up parts of their lives, either by rebellion against God, or rejection from other people. But God was not done with either of them yet.

Erin Rafferty is a lapsed Catholic. She just let it all slide away when her brother died from cancer.  She thought her life was exactly on the track she wanted when all of a sudden everything changes. And the hits just keep on coming. She is devastated after a 5-year engagement ends because of infidelity. She is heartbroken and devastated. After moving back home, her mother suggests she visit the local church and there is where things start to change.

Mark Ashcroft is a very devout Catholic and he is looking for an equally devout Catholic wife. After daily mass he helps Erin jump start her car. And soon the two have a budding friendship growing.

But they are each keeping secrets from the other, and are not prepared to fully reveal their pasts. When a tragedy strikes can they get over their pasts and learn to trust and hope again?

To find out you will need to read the novel. This is a great Christian, Catholic novel. It revolves around two people who have both made mistakes. Both have turned from God’s plans and ways. And both need healing. But they are very real characters. It could be me, or friends and mistakes from our pasts. The story does an amazing job of looking at several areas of Theology of the Body, sexuality, pregnancy, fertility. The story also presents little miracles. And maybe some not so little.

The writing is very tight. As I stated earlier I was amazing after finishing this to find out it was a debut novel. The characters are well fleshed out. The plot intense. And it is infused with faith and hope. Just a great read.

I have yet to read a book from Full Quiver Publishing that I did not thoroughly enjoy. And I have been impressed by most of the books from FQ that I have read. This was another great read from a wonderful publishing house. Full Quiver Publishing has a tag line on their website of "Theology of the Body Fiction", and after reading a few books from them I have a great appreciation for what they are trying to do and the works coming from this publisher.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2020 Catholic Reading Plan! And here is a link to my reviews of other titles from Full Quiver Publishing.

Seriously Amazing Lentil and Tomato Soup

Seriously Amazing Lentil and Tomato Soup

This soup is a variation of one I found online. The original I started from can be found here. This soup is easy to make, and it is amazing the first day it is even better when reheated. You can use yellow, brown, green or red lentils. But I used and prefer red.

Ingredients
3 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, chopped (white, brown, yellow, or red)
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 large carrots, halved and chopped ad ½ medallions
5 celery ribs, chopped
2.5 cups / 450g dried lentils, red, green or brown, rinsed
796ml / 26 oz crushed tomato
2 liters / 1.5 quarts (8 cups) vegetable or chicken stock or broth
1 tsp turmeric
2 tsp coriander seeds crushed with mortar and pestle or ground in blender
2 tsp paprika powder
2 dried bay leaves
1 lemon (zest + juice)
2 tsp fresh ground black pepper
2 tsp pink salt (or to taste)
1 bunch or fresh cilantro finely chopped

Instructions
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, cook for 5 minutes.
2. Add carrot. Cook for 7 - 10 minutes or until softened and the onion is sweet. Take your time.
3. Add all remaining ingredients except the lemon, cilantro and Salt. Stir.
4. Increase heat and bring to simmer. Place lid on and turn heat down to medium low. Simmer for 35 - 40 minutes or until lentils are soft stirring frequently.
5. Optional Thicken Soup: Using a stick blender, do 2 or 3 quick whizzes to thicken the soup (see video below). Or transfer 2 cups to a blender, let it cool slightly, then hold lid with tea towel and blend then transfer back into pot.
6. Add a touch of water if you want to adjust soup consistency. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Grate over the zest of the lemon then add the juice of the whole lemon just before serving. Garnish with Cilantro, or if serving later add remaining cilantro to the pot and stir well.

Note: when I reheated it on the stove a few days later I added the zest and juice of a second lemon and it was fantastic!

You can see all the recipes I have created and collected here on OneNote.