Welcome to March’s #OpenBook. I’m joining up with host Carolyn Astfalk on CatholicMom.com to share my favorite recent reads by Catholic authors. Have you read any of the books below? Let me know what you thought!
(Note: I receive no compensation for recommending these books.)
As a member of the Catholic Writers Guild, I was excited to first, design the cover for the Pilgrim Tales anthology, and then to read the stories when it was published. It’s always difficult to rate an anthology as some stories are better than others. Overall, I enjoyed most of these with several making me want to look up more books by the authors. With a range of stories from contemporary romance to dinosaurs to nuns who rescue people in space, this anthology shows that you really can write Catholic fiction in any genre.
The Fault Between Us by Stephanie Landsem is technically published by a general Christian publisher, but its characters are clearly Catholic. I liked how Stephanie wove distinctly Catholic elements such as the Rosary and Mass into this 5-star story set in 1959 Yellowstone. You can read my full review in my author newsletter here.
I also had an opportunity this past month to beta read Accidental Grace by one of St. Louis’s local priests, Fr. Joe Detwiler. While this book is not yet published, it is an incredibly inspiring tale of his miraculous journey from almost dying in a car accident to becoming a priest. You can learn more about Fr. Detwiler’s story through his recent interview with John O’Leary:
Ongoing Reads
These are the books I’ve been slowly reading in between everything else:
The Way of Trust and Love by Jacques Phillipe – My church’s Book Study group is reading this retreat inspired by St. Thérèse of Lisieux and listening along with the Abiding Together podcast.
ON HOLD – The Confessions by Saint Augustine – I’m listening to Hallow’s audiobook version, translated by Maria Boulding.
A Year with the Eucharist: Daily Meditations on the Blessed Sacrament compiled by Paul Jerome Keller, OP – I’m reading a few reflections before Sunday Mass each week.
Want to know what I’m reading as I’m reading it? Follow me on GoodReads.
Did you know reviews help both readers and authors? Even one sentence is enough, and every word greatly appreciated. Consider leaving a rating on Amazon, Goodreads, BookBub, and/or your favorite retailer!
Thank you to everyone who submitted suggestions for Astonished‘s ladies league. There were so many good choices, but in the end only one could be chosen. Congratulations to:
Roses of the Ridge
Thank you to Heather S for the suggestion! I chose this name because Missouri’s state flower, the Hawthorn Blossom, for which the town Hawthorn Ridge is named, is from the rose family. So, the ladies in the group will be referred to as the Roses. When Heather mentioned the connection, it seemed like the perfect fit.
Avila, Matthias, and Callie
With only a few months left until Astonished releases on July 24, it seemed like a good time to officially introduce you to the story’s three main characters. There are a lot of side characters, too, but we’ll save them for another day. For today, let’s get to know Avila, Matthias, and Callie a little better. (Model photos are compiled from Unsplash. Aesthetic photos from Unsplash and Canva.)
Keep an eye out for next month’s newsletter where I’m hoping to include a cover reveal and pre-order links.
Recent Reads I Recommend
Need another book for your TBR? Of course you do. Here are the books I’ve recently read and loved. (Note: I receive no compensation for featuring the books below.)
I have a strange love for survival films (natural disasters, apocalypse, etc.) and marriage reconciliation stories, so I knew I was going to love The Fault Between Us even before reading it. And I enjoyed it even more than I thought. Set in 1959, author Stephanie Landsem creates a high stakes story where I was invested in all the characters, including 4 POV characters and many side characters. (As an author myself, I can tell you that it isn’t easy to write 4 points of view and write them all well.) Each of the characters had realistic motivations for their actions and even when they were misguided, I could understand where they were coming from. By the time the actual Hebgen Lake earthquake happened about halfway through the story, I was on the edge of my seat, flying through the pages, hoping beyond hope that all of them would make it out alive. Whether they do or not, I won’t share. You’ll have to read that for yourself.
Did you know reviews help both readers and authors? Even one sentence is enough, and every word greatly appreciated. Consider leaving a rating on Amazon, Goodreads, BookBub, and/or your favorite retailer!
Want to know what I’m reading as I’m reading it? Follow me on GoodReads.
A Little Non-Bookish Delight
Yesterday, my family attended the closing night performance of one of my favorite musicals, The Phantom of the Opera at The Fabulous Fox Theatre, here in St. Louis. I’ve seen this show at least five times before and every time is just as good as the last. The man who played last night’s Phantom was the best I’ve seen yet! While the movie is good, if you haven’t seen the stage version, the special effects, sets, and costumes absolutely make the show. I majored in theatrical design in college and I nerd out every time those candles slowly glide up through the fog.
Extra special thanks to my husband for the assist with the photo!
Upcoming Events
Mark your calendars! Here’s where you can find me and my books in 2026, including the opportunity to pre-order Astonished. All events are in partnership with historical fantasy author, Susan Laspe. As additional events are scheduled, I’ll add details on my website.
It’s a fact of life: our society is becoming increasingly dependent on generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools. This especially impacts creatives such as authors, designers, and musicians who are creating works from scratch while competing with AI creators whose tools often steal from legitimate artists to generate content. Yes, generative AI allows us to create an image or text in seconds, but what are we losing creatively and ethically through that act? This is why my books and cover designs never use generative AI and never will.
On January 24, 2026, Pope Leo XIV released a message for the 60th World Day of Social Communications with some of his thoughts on AI. He discusses how we must find ways to use AI ethically, while retaining the God-given dignity of every person and the human intelligence that He gave us. I’ve linked to the entire message at the end, but here are several parts that stood out, most especially, “Do not renounce your ability to think.”
“Faces and voices are sacred. God, who created us in his image and likeness, gave them to us when he called us to life through the Word he addressed to us. This Word resounded down the centuries through the voices of the prophets, and then became flesh in the fullness of time. We too have heard and seen this Word (cf. 1 Jn 1:1-3) — in which God communicates his very self to us — because it has been made known to us in the voice and face of Jesus, the Son of God.”
“Although AI can provide support and assistance in managing tasks related to communication, in the long run, choosing to evade the effort of thinking for ourselves and settling for artificial statistical compilations threatens to diminish our cognitive, emotional and communication skills.”
“In recent years, artificial intelligence systems have increasingly taken control of the production of texts, music and videos. This puts much of the human creative industry at risk of being dismantled and replaced with the label “Powered by AI,” turning people into passive consumers of unthought thoughts and anonymous products without ownership or love. Meanwhile, the masterpieces of human genius in the fields of music, art and literature are being reduced to mere training grounds for machines.”
“Renouncing creativity and surrendering our mental capacities and imagination to machines would mean burying the talents we have been given to grow as individuals in relation to God and others. It would mean hiding our faces and silencing our voices.”
“The stakes are high. The power of simulation is such that AI can even deceive us by fabricating parallel ‘realities,’ usurping our faces and voices. We are immersed in a world of multidimensionality where it is becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish reality from fiction.”
“Inaccuracy only exacerbates this problem. Systems that present statistical probability as knowledge are, at best, offering us approximations of the truth, which are sometimes outright delusions. Failure to verify sources, coupled with the crisis in field reporting, which involves constantly gathering and verifying information in the places where events occur, can further fuel disinformation, causing a growing sense of mistrust, confusion, and insecurity.”
“The task laid before us is not to stop digital innovation, but rather to guide it and to be aware of its ambivalent nature. It is up to each of us to raise our voice in defense of human persons, so that we can truly assimilate these tools as allies.”
“We need faces and voices to speak for people again. We need to cherish the gift of communication as the deepest truth of humanity, to which all technological innovation should also be oriented.”
On a lighter note, this week, Zillow released its list of “12 At-Home Libraries to Inspire Any Bibliophile.” All of these libraries are completely real and most are in homes currently available to buy or rent. (Assuming you can afford the high price tag.) Of course, I loved them all, but I particularly liked The Two Story Library. Comfy couches and rolling ladders while literally surrounded by books? Yes, please! Bonus: For only $4.5 million, you can own this former West Virginia Bed and Breakfast where every bedroom has a theme.
“The Communal Library”
I also liked the blue color scheme and layout of this Massachusetts Communal Library. My only question is why the shelves are so bare. It looks like they picked books based on their colors alone.
Need even more books? Here are this month’s new releases. (Note: I receive no compensation for featuring the books below.)
Quirky Catholic Kids by Ginny Kochis – Provides practical faith-based strategies for parents based on the author’s own life raising neurodivergent kids. While I haven’t read this book yet, I’ve found her email newsletter to be a great read.
Blossom as Saints by Allison Ramirez – Helps readers move from complacency to sanctity, from monotony to meaning through the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary
Where I Stand by Emily Ann – World War I tests the limits of class and the depths of the human heart, revealing how courage, sacrifice, and unexpected love can rise from the ashes of a divided world.
The Caregiver at Wounded Knee by Debby Lee – An Oglala Sioux nurse is torn between two brothers—one who seeks to appease the government and one who fights to cling to the old ways at all costs.
Operation Scarlet by Rachel McMillan – A World War II revolutionary story with wit, romance, and the spirit of swashbuckling heroism that transcends wars and centuries.
Did you know reviews help both readers and authors? Even one sentence is enough, and every word greatly appreciated. Consider leaving a rating on Amazon, Goodreads, BookBub, and/or your favorite retailer!
Want to know what I’m reading as I’m reading it? Follow me on GoodReads.
Welcome to February’s #OpenBook. I’m joining up with host Carolyn Astfalk on CatholicMom.com to share my favorite recent reads by Catholic authors. Have you read any of the books below? Let me know what you thought!
(Note: I receive no compensation for recommending these books.)
Humility Rules: Saint Benedict’s Twelve-Step Guide to Genuine Self-Esteem by J. Augustine Wetta was one of the books I wanted to read for my chosen word of the year: Humility. (Ok, I didn’t choose it; God definitely picked this word for me.) With its humorous graphics and quippy writing, this short book is meant for teens, but I found it insightful for adults as well. Instead of reading the entire book in one sitting, which would have been easy to do, I read each of the 12 steps on different days. This allowed me time to contemplate each lesson, rather than rushing through it. On a side note, while I don’t know the author personally, I discovered that he lives in my hometown of St. Louis and teaches at one of our local Catholic high schools.
I don’t typically read vampire stories, but I would give Sister Allison Regina Gliot’s In Aeternum series all the stars if I could. I loved the way the author framed vampire Christopher’s complicated being, a creature trapped between past, present, and future, between what he desires and what he feels he deserves. Faith and fiction fit together in a way that seems absolutely logical and emotions run high throughout. I wish all vampire novels were like this one. Actually, I wish all Catholic Christian Fiction proclaimed our faith so beautifully as this one does. It’s like a love note to the Eucharist and the belief that no one is too far gone to come home again. The final book releases in July and I am eagerly waiting to pre-order.
Ongoing Reads
These are the books I’ve been slowly reading in between everything else:
The Confessions by Saint Augustine – I’m listening to Hallow’s audiobook version, translated by Maria Boulding.
A Year with the Eucharist: Daily Meditations on the Blessed Sacrament compiled by Paul Jerome Keller, OP – I’m reading a few reflections before Sunday Mass each week.
Want to know what I’m reading as I’m reading it? Follow me on GoodReads.
Did you know reviews help both readers and authors? Even one sentence is enough, and every word greatly appreciated. Consider leaving a rating on Amazon, Goodreads, BookBub, and/or your favorite retailer!
Writing Update – Help name Astonished‘s Ladies League
Upcoming Events – Where to find me in 2026
Recent Reads I Recommend – My favorite reads from last month.
A Little Non-Bookish Delight – A Faithful Subscription Box
Help Name Astonished‘s Ladies League
Astonished is progressing well with completed chapters nearing the 75% mark. Then comes a full edit, my favorite part! I’ve been doing small edits throughout, but it’s always exciting to go back to the beginning and add little things that bring all the pieces together. I also figured out how to work the final climactic scene, which helped to shape a few characters earlier in the novel.
Now here’s where I need your help. Within the book, our FMC Avila, her sister Callie, her mother, and their friends are all part of a well-respected women’s social society in 1914 Hawthorn Ridge, Missouri. The semi-rural town is fictional as is the group. They plan social events, do charity work, and get together for tea and to talk. Think of groups like the Daughters of the Revolution, The Junior League, Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary or various Ladies Leagues. This group plays a significant role within the story and may possibly play a role in future books (still deciding on that). My question is, “What should I name the group?”
Originally, I had chosen the Hawthorn Society Sisters. Then I realized that it doesn’t make sense to always refer to them by their full title, but rather as just “the sisters.” The problem is there are also actual sisters, Avila and Callie, along with references to the religious sisters who work in the asylum. Very confusing for readers. The current working name became The Hawthorn Ladies League.
What do you think I should name them? Reply with your suggestions. If chosen, you’ll get a shout-out in the book’s acknowledgements. Thank you in advance!
Upcoming Events
Mark your calendars! Here’s where you can find me and my books in 2026, including the opportunity to pre-order Astonished. All events are in partnership with historical fantasy author, Susan Laspe. As additional events are scheduled, I’ll add details on my website.
Incarnate Word Academy Spring Boutique – April 23, 2026 – St. Louis, MO – Requires advanced registration.
Elks Lodge 2587 Craft Fair – July 18, 2026 – O’Fallon, MO
St. Joseph Catholic School Craft Fair – October 10, 2026 – Cottleville, MO
Francis Howell High Band Craft Fair – December 5, 2026 – Weldon Springs, MO
Recent Reads I Recommend
Need another book for your TBR? Of course you do. Here are the books I’ve recently read and loved. (Note: I receive no compensation for featuring the books below.)
I don’t typically read vampire stories, but I would give Sister Allison Regina Gliot’s In Aeternum series all the stars if I could. I loved the way the author framed vampire Christopher’s complicated being, a creature trapped between past, present, and future, between what he desires and what he feels he deserves. Faith and fiction fit together in a way that seems absolutely logical and emotions run high throughout. I wish all vampire novels were like this one. Actually, I wish all Catholic Christian Fiction proclaimed our faith so beautifully as this one does. It’s like a love note to the Eucharist and the belief that no one is too far gone to come home again. The final book releases in July and I am eagerly waiting to pre-order.
Lowcountry Lost by T.I. Lowe focuses on a 30-something woman working to restore a ghost town who is unexpectedly faced with her ex-husband as part of the construction team. Marriage reconciliation stories are some of my favorites. It’s easy to get together, but not so easy to stay together, as the characters in this book demonstrate. In the first few chapters, we learn that Avalee and Rowan ended up getting divorced because they suffered multiple miscarriages. Instead of going through the pain together, they kept it inside, and as a result, lost the love they shared. As someone who went through two miscarriages, I found the emotions expressed to be raw, real, and relatable. A solid 5 stars.
Did you know reviews help both readers and authors? Even one sentence is enough, and every word greatly appreciated. Consider leaving a rating on Amazon, Goodreads, BookBub, and/or your favorite retailer!
Want to know what I’m reading as I’m reading it? Follow me on GoodReads.
A Little Non-Bookish Delight
Last but not least, here’s something non-bookish that I’m loving. The Little Rose Shop, a Catholic online small business, offers a $20 monthly surprise box where you can receive their newest products before they hit the website. In the past two years with the program, I’ve received t-shirts, stainless steel tumblers, a nativity scene, table runners, a journal, aprons, purses, a wooden prayer card box, and more. Some products I like more than others, but I love that all of them celebrate my faith at a discounted price. They’re raising the price on February 4, so now is the best time to lock in your subscription at $20. (Note: I receive no compensation for promoting The Little Rose Shop. I just really like their products.)
