Now and at the Hour of Our Death by JSB Morse
Book review by Wendy:
In the provocative and captivating novel Now And At the Hour of Our Death, the reader is taken on a journey of self-exploration and asked to challenge preconceived notions about faith and science and to reflect on their personal beliefs. It’s a unique story, a page turner with several shocking twists and turns.
When the story opens, Mary Credence, a devote and virtuous seventeen-year-old, the daughter of a candidate for the U.S. Senate, harbors a desire to bring an unbelieving world back to faith like a modern day Joan of Arc. What she doesn’t expect as a zealous virgin is that she’s pregnant. When her family finds out, she holds fast to her belief in her virginity and to her conviction that the conception is a God-given miracle. What she unleashes as her discovery becomes a sensational high-profile news flash is a fight against cynicism and scorn, and to be stalked by a psychopath who believes she’s carrying the anti-Christ. This is the story about a faith that doesn’t spring from a miracle, but a miracle that springs from faith when faced with the impossible.
Into the heart of this plot is woven messages about love, charity, faith, forgiveness and self-sacrifice. The storyline progresses smoothly and quickly as events and tension heat up.
The characters are realistic and complex as they deal with the chaos of events that surge around them. Mary Cadence is very pious, a teen with a pure heart who seems mature beyond her years, the opposite of her jealous, promiscuous sister Hannah. Her father Benjamin is honest, truthful, compassionate and supportive while her mother Madeleine (Maddie) is an egotistical social climber with a Machiavellian personality. Mildred Hawthorne is Mary’s delightful grandmother with her frank honesty, humor and wit. She’s tough around the edges but has a good heart. Will Vernick, a broken-hearted writer, is an unmotivated dreamer who believes in the impossible. When influenced in unexpected ways he will become determined and inspired. In stark contrast, Christopher Austin III is an arrogant, charming, self-engrossed cad who’s changed by love and finds deliverance from his mistakes through self-sacrifice. Aliyah Touma, the obstetrician, is a perfectionist, ambitious and self-oriented, her faith in science and medicine uncompromising.
But the evil in this story is prevalent in two men: Dugan Singer, who’s disturbed and antisocial; and Ethan Cooper, an immoral teen, both weak and easily influenced. All the characters in Now and at the Hour of our Death add depth and dimension to a story that will grip your emotions and challenge your beliefs.
I enjoyed this novel immensely and highly recommend it.
Now and at the Hour of Our Death is available in paperback and as a Kindle ebook.
Read the timeless love story of Richard Lawton and Kate O’Connor…
The Rosary by Barbara L. Monahan
Richard takes Kate to their senior prom and dates her after graduation. He intends to marry her after he completes his studies at the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts. Richard is Methodist; Kate is Catholic.
While he is away at art school, Kate falls in love with Mike Flannigan, a Catholic, and marries him. Richard is brokenhearted. Shortly after he receives this news, he marries on the rebound.
Forty years pass. Richard is given the opportunity to enter Kate’s life again, and he takes it, hoping the two of them can finally be together. This time his rival is not another man but the doctrine of the Catholic Church.
Will Richard and Kate ever find happiness as man and wife?
The Rosary is available in paperback and as a Kindle ebook.
About the author:
Barbara L. Monahan, author of The Rosary, at the age of forty-nine, entered college as a night student and earned a Bachelor of Arts. At the age of sixty-five, while employed as administrator and teacher at a Catholic elementary school, she completed a Master of Science in Education. At the age of seventy-three, she wrote for a weekly newspaper for six years. She has been published in Woman’s Day, Catholic Digest and numerous Catholic publications. Currently, she works for an international firm as a merchandiser. The Rosary is her first novel, published two days before her 80th birthday.
While I don’t typically read vampire stories, knowing that
Zaplendam is a skilled writer, I was eager to read Order of the Blood: The Unofficial Chronicles of John Grissom. I anticipated an engaging story, and I wasn’t disappointed!
Zaplendam did a wonderful job of seizing my interest from the start, weaving an intriguing and clever tale endowed with original characters that I became highly invested in. The plot is strong and layered with twists and rich character development. The dialogue is crisp, witty, and entertaining.
John Grissom, a young man of Regency England, is striving to discover a cure for vampirism. The stakes are high, as he himself has been inflicted. Yet oddly, he isn’t like other vampires endowed with super strength, speed, and night vision. He can even withstand sunlight. But as a Catholic vampire with a conscience, he’s in an extremely complex situation; and his humanism and sense of right and wrong war with his vampirism. Plagued by a repulsive thirst for blood, he must be constantly alert lest he succumb to temptation. And temptations abound.
Miss Henrietta Isherwood, his lovely new lab assistant, is no shrinking violet (even with a father who’s been turned to a vampire). Every bit the lady, she’s intelligent and intrepid without being overbearing. John’s and Henrietta’s interactions lend humor, depth, and spark to the story. An underlying attraction flits between them, yet a strong sense of propriety, professionalism–and, of course, vampirism–challenges their relationship.
Meanwhile, a top vampire, the evil Mr. Waite, is heading a terrible conspiracy that threatens the entire country. While John may seem an unlikely choice to take Waite down, he rises to the task and pairs up with a formidable vampire hunter.
Even though Order of the Blood holds plenty of danger and suspense, the story never became too dark for my enjoyment. My favorite scene is a chilling one in which circumstances confine John and Henrietta together as an unspeakable, horrible decision overshadows them. Their vulnerability and concern for one another is particularly moving under the pressure of their shocking circumstances.
Zaplendam did a remarkable job of writing this entire novel from John’s viewpoint. The setting and details struck me as historically authentic and well-researched. Above all, I admire the way the author used a vampire story (without being repulsive) to tell an exciting tale with real substance, one that makes readers ponder moral truths and, in particular, to consider what really makes a monster.
While this book is not overtly Catholic, the main character is Catholic, the author is Catholic, and the novel is completely compatible with the sensibilities of a Catholic reader.
You’ll be delighted, as I was, to learn that Order of the Blood is the first of a planned series by Zaplendam, because by the book’s end, you won’t want to say goodbye to John or Henrietta. For anyone who is considering picking up a vampire story, this one–graced with depth and morality–is the perfect one to choose!
Order of the Blood is available in paperback and as a Kindle ebook.
Newly released from Pauline books and Media:
A Single Bead by Stephanie Engelman
On the anniversary of the plane crash that took the life of her beloved grandmother and threw her own mother into a deep depression, 16-year-old Katelyn Marie Roberts discovers a single bead from her grandmother’s rosary-a rosary lost in the crash. A chance encounter with a stranger, who tells Katelyn that a similar bead saved her friend’s life, launches Katelyn and her family on a quest to find the other missing beads. Their mysterious journey, filled with glimmers of hope, mystical encounters and unexplained graces takes them further into the unknown. Katelyn turns to the Rosary for answers and soon finds that family, prayer and the help of others may be the key to restoring what was lost.
Available in paperback, this inspiring faith-filled novel is perfect for teens and young adults!
Just released from Pauline Books & Media!
Treachery and Truth: A Story of Sinners, Servants, and Saints
by Katy Huth Jones
This gripping YA historical novel tells the story of a remarkable teen through the eyes of his servant, Poidevin, who came to faith because of the example of his godly young master. Immersed in the historical background of tenth century Bohemia, this true tale of Good King Wenceslas pulls the reader into the struggles and danger of the Dark Ages.
From the author:
“At 14, he led an army to victory. By 18, he’d taken back the throne from his pagan mother. In his brief four year reign, Václav I of Bohemia (whom we know as ‘Good King Wenceslas’ of the Christmas carol) made such an impact on the Czech people through his life of faith that he is the patron saint of the Czech Republic.”
Available in paperback.
View the book trailer on this page.
Released just in time for Christmas!
Castle Wolves by Patricia La Barbera
Lady Merewyn and Prince Alexander face daunting circumstances. Werewolf hordes, slaughtering royalty and peasants, rampage King William’s empire. But even if she and Prince Alexander escape, Lady Merewyn fears he will discover her secret.
From the author: “This novel has romance, action and adventure, and Catholic elements, such as characters who pray, read the Bible, receive sacraments, and witness to the Faith.”
Put Castle Wolves on your Christmas list today!
Available in paperback and as a Kindle ebook.
Brand new editions of A Soldier Surrenders and Saint Magnus The Last Viking available now, with BEST PRICES EVER on Amazon. In paperback or Kindle ebook! Order your copies today and give your children the saints’ heroic examples this Christmas!
Click HERE for A Soldier Surrenders
Click HERE for Saint Magnus The Last Viking
PLUS Visit Susan Peek’s new website for a chance to win a free book in the New Year!
www.susanpeekauthor.com
A Soldier Surrenders by Susan Peek is an incredible story about
Saint Camillus de Lellis, a great sinner of the 1500s who became a great saint. He is entirely human, very flawed, and thus easy to empathize with. His story is sure to inspire anyone who struggles with temptation and sin–and who among us doesn’t?!
With his pious mother dead, young Camillus follows in his soldier father’s footsteps, making many bad choices and even, for a time, siding with the Turks against the Christians. A tall, formidable man, Camillus is brought low by bad habits such as drinking, gambling, and brawling–becoming, in fact, a slave to his vices.
Due to the profound impact of his father’s death, Camillus attempts to change his life, but his hot temper and intense pride repeatedly thwart his efforts. Additionally, he is plagued by a mysterious ulcer that refuses to heal.
Besot by temptations and failures, Camillus is rejected and dismissed in shame from places where he attempts to build a life. A lesser man would give in to despair, but Camillus soldiers on and is shaped by the soul-shaking trials he endures.
At long last, after struggling to find his way alone in the world, Camillus realizes he’s not alone. He discovers that it takes humility to have true courage–the courage to surrender to God’s will.
As always, Peek knows how to keep readers hooked! She treats us to lively writing, entertaining situations, and crisp dialogue. A Soldier Surrenders is filled with action and drama and is perfect for ages fifteen and up. Peek’s novels are among the most worthy and inspiring I’ve ever read. I fervently recommend all her books and eagerly anticipate her new ones!
A Soldier Surrenders is available in paperback.
Stay With Me by Carolyn Astfalk is a poignant and believable
love story about two young adults from very different backgrounds.
Rebecca has lived a sheltered life under her domineering father in an alcohol-free home where dancing is frowned upon and religion is oppressive, not inspiring. Weighed down by her past, Rebecca is hesitant to live life fully. Chris, a Harley-rider and a new convert to Catholicism, opens up a beautiful new world to her. Still, life isn’t without dangers and trials as the new couple navigate their blossoming romance. Kind hearts and good intentions aren’t always enough, especially when faced with heart-rending challenges and temptations. When tested to the limit, will their love survive?
The characters are richly depicted and memorable, including the secondary characters. I particularly enjoyed Rebecca’s brash sister Abby, with her unrestrained opinions and off-beat ways. Also, I appreciated how Father John, despite being a priest, came across as a very real person with his owns trials and tribulations.
The story is sprinkled with humor and contains the perfect balance of reality and sweetness—and sometimes bittersweetness. The author deftly avoids sappy clichés, and her writing entertains while radiating substance and depth.
Stay With Me is a journey of discovery, forgiveness, and redemption—a beautiful journey of two hearts that long to beat as one.
Stay With Me is available in paperback and as a Kindle ebook.
