Spiritual Woman

#OpenBook for May 2026

2026-05-06T00:00:00.187-04:00

Welcome to #OpenBook. I'm joining up with Carolyn Astfalk who hosts an #OpenBook Linkup on CatholicMom.com. Here's what I've been reading this past month. The dates indicate when I finished the books. Thanks for stopping by!

4-7-26 Prayer Book for a Domestic Priest: Essential Prayers for Husbands and Fathers - Andrew Schmiedicke - This collection of prayers would make a lovely Father's Day gift for the Catholic husbands and fathers in your life. It offers daily prayers, prayers for the liturgical seasons, blessings, prayers for special needs, etc. It even includes a funeral rite for a pet. Small in size, it is easy to have on a nightstand or carry in a laptop bag for easy access.

4-8-26 Art Cure: The Science of How the Arts Save Lives - Daisy Fancourt - Fancourt is a professor of psychobiology and epidemiology at University College London. This book contains a lot of scientific information and statistics, but the TL/DR version is that art is good for your body and mental health no matter your age and there are scientific studies to prove it. So, pick up the paintbrush, sing a song, go to a theater performance or art museum and help your health at the same time.

4-10-26 52 Weeks with Saint Faustina: A Year of Grace and Mercy - Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle - A couple of weeks before Lent I was searching for some spiritual practice to work on for the season when this book came in the mail. I don't know why it was sent to me - there was no message and it was published in 2018 so it wasn't a review copy, but I decided it was a sign I should read it for Lent, reading one chapter per day rather than one a week. I finished on the Friday before Divine Mercy Sunday. I've long had a devotion to the Divine Mercy message. I pray the chaplet daily and pray the Divine Mercy Novena each year from Good Friday to the day before Divine Mercy Sunday. This book examines St. Faustina's life and the Divine Mercy message. It is very well-written and encourages readers to practice works of mercy in their lives as well as to trust in Jesus' mercy. It also served as a vivid reminder of all the ways I fall short in my spiritual life. It is well worth reading.

4-10-26 The Joy of Slow: Restoring Balance and Wonder to Homeschool Learning - Leslie M. Martino - I read this one to review on my homeschooling site (TodaysCatholicHomeschooling.com). The author worked for ten years as a classroom teacher and brings that experience, as well as that of homeschooling her children, to this book. She discusses the way children learn and emphasizes the importance of following student-led interests and cultivating an environment of learning in your home.

4-12-26 - 12 Unforgettable Men of the Gospels: Reflections and Portraits of the Apostles - Melanie Rigney - I've never really spent much time thinking about the 12 Apostles, but Melanie Rigney changed that for me. These 12 portraits (Yes, Judas is included) highlight their role in Scripture and what is known of their lives after the Resurrection. Her goal was "to get the men Jesus chose off the stained glass and into your heart and soul." Rigney also includes a personal anecdote that relates to the Apostle, a prayer, and an additional, more recent saint who embodies some of the same character traits as that particular Apostle. If you've ever wanted to know more about this band of men who walked with Jesus, this is a great place to start.

4-27-26 To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee - I reread this classic with my fifteen-year-old daughter. It is a powerful tale of racial prejudice in a small southern town, as well as a portrait of people trying to do the right thing, told from the perspective of young Jean-Louise Finch, aka Scout.

4-19-26 A World Appears: A Journey into Consciousness - Michael Pollan - This work explores what it means to be aware. Starting with plants, moving to animals, and then focusing on humans, it looks at what makes us aware from both a philosophical and scientific viewpoint. It also investigates whether AI could be considered conscious. It raises some interesting questions without coming up with any conclusive answers, a fact the author admits.

4-21-26 A Heart that's True - Mark Guillerman - While this book had some minor editing issues, it was a powerful story of two young Lakota Sioux fighting to preserve their culture when they are sent to the Carlisle Indian School in 1910. Another storyline features a mixed-breed Newfoundland / wolf pup who has a bounty on his head. (Read for a book review publication.)

4-27-26 Twilight Tactics - Lynette Eason - This is a suspense-filled story with danger at every turn. A federal agent, Sully, and his partner are trying to protect a teen murder witness by taking her to a secluded ranch that helps vets recover from PTSD. There, Sully meets the beautiful Elena Thompson, who works at the ranch. She grew up in the prepper community that lives nearby but escaped as a teen. It soon becomes evident that someone is out to kill both the murder witness and Elena. This one definitely kept my adrenaline going as I read it.

4-29-26 Storybook Ending - Moira MacDonald - This story is set in a bookstore, which is being used to film a movie, causing disruption but also increased interest. It has a "You've Got Mail" vibe in some parts, which the book acknowledges, and features some mistaken identities and secret love letters that end up in the wrong hands. It was a fun, clean leisure read that is ultimately about the importance of friendship and community. As a content note, there are some gay supporting characters in this book.

5-1-26 The Darling's Daughter - Sydney Schmied - This is the first in a series of books based in an old-time theater in Ohio. This one is set in 1912. A young woman takes a job at a theater to try to solve the mystery of her mother's death. She enlists the help of a construction foreman, who soon becomes a love interest. While it had a couple of minor plot problems, it was an entertaining romantic suspense. (Read for a book review publication.)

5-3-26 Training the Hard to Train Dog: Effective Training Techniques for Working With Shy, Controlling, and Stubborn Dogs - Peggy Swager - My exuberant/high-maintenance dog has definitely made progress since we first adopted him over a year ago from a shelter, but he certainly is not going to win any awards for his manners and going for a walk is still a full-body workout, so I got this from the library in the hopes of helping train him more. It had lots of good ideas. We shall see if it helps.

Since the spring of 2019, I have been making my way through the Great Books Curriculum of Thomas Aquinas College (I'm currently working on the readings for senior year).

4-13-26 On the Trinity (Summa Theologiae Part I Q.27-43) - St. Thomas Aquinas - When I was in graduate school, I took a whole course on the Trinity. There is no quicker way to make your head hurt than to try to understand the mystery of the Trinity, but St. Thomas Aquinas gave it a valiant effort (and no doubt understood much more than I do). These were his thoughts on the procession, relations, and characteristics of the Divine Persons.

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#OpenBook for April 2026

2026-04-08T00:00:00.148-04:00

3-6-26 The Girl From Tomorrow's Town - Naomi Musch - This is an interesting historical romance set against the backdrop of a real-life circus train accident that occurred in June 1918. A young woman who was sent away on an orphan train after her father died and her mother couldn't take care of her goes in search of her mother, despite not even remembering the name of the town she was from. En route, she meets a visually-impaired circus worker, who convinces her to work for the circus and helps her with her search. (Read for a book review publication.)

3-7-26 Exploring American Girlhood through 50 Historic Treasures - Ashley Remer and Tiffany Isselhardt - This is a fascinating work of social history that looks at the lives of notable girls (up to age 21), some more well-known than others, who have lived in America from the earliest days until today. It takes 50 objects as jumping-off points and then explores the lives of the girls who owned them. This is well-worth reading for anyone who enjoys social history or is interested in how girls/women helped shape America.

3-9-26 Letters to a Stranger - Sarah Mitchell - Cassie is a single mother in lockdown with her medically fragile son during Covid. When her son is paired with a 96-year-old woman as a pen pal by his school, Cassie begins writing to her, and she shares her own experiences of living through World War II. This is an epistolary novel, told through emails, letters, texts, and diary entries. I enjoyed the format and the story.

3-9-26 50 Strategies for Integrating AI into the Classroom - Donnie Piercey - AI seems to be turning into one of those things that we will simply need to know how to use in order to function in the world. I've been looking for resources to tell me how to use it. This one is actually very helpful with prompts to use for various educational tasks, including grade-specific activities.

3-15-26 The Woman in the Moon: How Margaret Hamilton Helped Fly the First Astronauts to the Moon - Richard Maurer - I found this book on the "Women's History" March display at my local library. This is a biography aimed at ages 10-14 (although I found it informative and well-written as an adult) about Margaret Heafield Hamilton (1936-), who worked for NASA and helped program the computers that sent astronauts to the moon. While I didn't understand some of the math and science in this book, I enjoyed reading about her education and unlikely career path. People who liked Hidden Figures will appreciate this book.

3-17-26 Rebecca - Daphne du Maurier - I first read this book as a ninth grader and remembered enjoying it, so I requested it from the library to read to my ninth-grade daughter as part of her English curriculum. It was every bit as good as I remembered with the haunting figure of Rebecca (the first Mrs. de Winter) and the chilling housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers, looming over the lives of Maxim de Winter and his second wife, the narrator, who is never named. Perfect for those who enjoy psychological thrillers.

3-19-26 Quirky Catholic Kids: Navigating Neurodivergence with Faith and Joy - Ginny Kochis - This is a must-read for any Catholic parenting children who are neurodivergent in any way (autism, ADHD, dyslexia, anxiety, etc). Kochis covers all the basics, from striving to understand your child's behaviors to coping with stress as a parent, navigating social situations, managing screen time, and teaching your children the Catholic faith. There is also a wonderful section on patron saints for quirky kids. This is a book I wish I had twenty-five years ago when I was starting my own parenting journey!

3-20-26 A Life So True - Tracie Peterson - This is the second book in a series, but it works as a stand-alone. Evie Turner has always wanted to be a nurse and work alongside her father, Dr. Roman Turner. But there is a problem - medical issues make her sick to her stomach. How can she ever tell her parents that nursing isn't her calling after all? Max Garrison meets Evie at a charitable function and is quickly enamored with the young woman, but he has family problems of his own. This is a feel-good story about finding your place in the world, even if it doesn't turn out to be what you expected. (Read for a book review publication.)

3-21-26 The Great Divorce - C.S. Lewis - I saw this book mentioned recently (I don't remember where) and decided to request it from the library. It is about a bus trip where a soul travels from hell to heaven. meeting various souls along the way, some of whom have more trouble letting go of the things of this world than others.

3-22-26 The Great Shadow: A History of How Sickness Shapes What We Do, Think, Believe, and Buy - Susan Wise Bauer - I am always in awe of Susan Wise Bauer's breadth of knowledge and research abilities. After all, this is a woman who has written books on the history of the world. This was an interesting (if at times stomach-turning) look at sickness through the centuries, including theories of what caused it and how it was treated. After reading this, I'm very thankful for modern medicine.

3-23-26 A Catholic Pilgrimage through American History: People and Places that Shaped the Church in the United States - Kevin Schmiesing - This book is fascinating for anyone interested in Catholic history. Dr. Schmiesing introduces several places in the country that have been key places in the story of Catholics in America. He shares these twenty-seven stories/places/people in chronological order (with some overlap), beginning with the early explorers and ending with the NASA space program. It is all well-researched with lists of sources for each chapter for those who would like to learn more about a particular topic. While I most likely will never get to visit these places, it was very interesting to learn about the people and stories connected to them.

3-26-26 The Unexpected Caller (The Amish Widows Club Book 1) - Shelley Shepard Gray - If you enjoy Amish fiction, you will want to read this lovely tale about a widow who suffered through nineteen years of a childless, unhappy marriage and is in no rush to get married again. When she is invited to join the secret Amish Widows Club, she finds comfort with a group of like-minded women. However, Evan Keim comes calling, giving her a second chance at love, but choosing him would mean leaving her beloved widows club behind and taking a step into an unknown, possibly painful, future. (Read for a book review publication.)

3-28-26 The Weedy Garden - Margaret Renkl - This is a lovely picture book designed to show children the value of a native wildflower garden for the local ecosystem. I appreciate that because I have a messy front-yard flower garden. However, I wish they had given it the name The Wildflower Garden instead.

3-29-26 The Correspondent - Virginia Evans - I was well over #1000 on the hold list for this NYT fiction bestseller when I requested this from the library, but it finally came in! I read it quickly so that whomever is next on the list can get a copy. Sybil Van Antwerp has written letters all her life. The book shares her correspondence from 2012-2020, when she is an older woman. Through those letters, one learns about her life, including some painful chapters she can't forget. It's well-worth reading.

4-6-26 The Bachelor Spy - Pepper Basham - This romance/mystery is set in 1915, during WWI. Stephen Blake, who works as an English spy, is shot by a fellow spy on the Lusitania shortly before the ship is torpedoed. He survives the sinking, but is reunited by the very attractive spy who shot him when they are both on the hunt for a traitor in an estate now being used as a convalescent hospital. Meanwhile, the owner of the estate, Lady Grace Astley, is an amateur sleuth and is working to solve the mystery of some thefts on the property while her husband is away fighting in the war. This is the fifth book in a series, but it has enough backstory to keep new readers informed and able to follow the story. Basham always keeps her books a bit lighthearted, even as she puts her characters in danger It was a fun read. (Read for a book review publication.)

Since the spring of 2019, I have been making my way through the Great Books Curriculum of Thomas Aquinas College (I'm currently working on the readings for senior year).

3-22-26 The Lincoln-Douglas Debates (edited by Harold Holzer) - The Abraham Lincoln/ Stephen Douglas debates took place in 1858 as they campaigned for the Illinois Senate seat (Lincoln lost but would go on to win the presidency in 1860). The debates focused a great deal on slavery. The version I read was innovative in that it relied on the opposite newspaper's reporting of each man's speeches, providing notes on how the pro newspaper's account differed, to provide a balanced view of what they actually said at the debates during a time when people relied on stenographers to record the speeches. While some of the speeches were repetitive (they gave seven debates, often covering the same information), I found this book very interesting. And with it, I completed the readings for junior year!

This post contains Amazon affiliate links. Purchases made after clicking a link help support this site. Thank you!

Three Essential Works of American Literature

2026-03-27T09:49:00.006-04:00

I’ve been a reviewer of inspirational fiction for Publishers Weekly for ten years. As one of their reviewers, I was sent a survey yesterday to nominate books for a list of essential American literature from 1776 to now in honor of our country’s 250th anniversary. I was only allowed to nominate three books, an almost impossible task.

My mind has been racing since I received that email. What would I choose to put on the list? They could be from any genre and for any audience. I looked up a list of top 100 American books to get some ideas. Interestingly, their number one was To Kill a Mockingbird, which I am currently reading with my ninth-grade daughter.

I decided to go with some choices that I thought might be overlooked.

Common Sense - Thomas Paine

Published on January 10, 1776, this pamphlet just makes the cut-off date, but it was the first American bestseller, and without it, we might not have a country at all. It changed how colonists viewed themselves and set the stage for the American Revolution.

Little House on the Prairie - Laura Ingalls Wilder

Published on September 19, 1935, this is the third book in the Little House series but the most well-known due to the television program by the same name. While they have fallen out of favor a bit due to the depiction of Native Americans, Wilder's books were essential reading for generations of American children and provided a portrait of life on the western frontier, emphasizing American self-reliance in spite of hardships.

The Cat in the Hat - Dr. Suess (Theodor Seuss Geisel)

Published on March 12, 1957, The Cat in the Hat revolutionized how children learned to read. With its 236 words, fun rhymes, and innovative illustrations, it replaced earlier primers and changed children's literature forever.

Obviously, a case can be made for so many books. My runner-up was Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. What would you have chosen if you were limited to only three?

#OpenBook for March 2026

2026-03-04T00:00:00.166-05:00

2-5-26 The Ultimate Blindside - Leslea Wahl - This third book in an exciting series for teens continues the story of Jake Taylor, a world-renowned snowboarder, and his girlfriend, Sophie. A movie is being made of Jake's life and rise to fame, but even as their lives are playing out for the screen, they continue to deal with intrigue. Jake saves a woman and her daughter from a car trapped in icy water, but the woman is on the run from her dangerous husband and needs to stay in hiding. Jake and Sophie try to figure out who she is hiding from while striving to keep her and her daughter safe. Jake also has to deal with "friends" from his past and Sophie's laptop is hacked, wreaking havoc on her life. Teens and up will enjoy this fast-moving tale. I definitely recommend reading the whole series, starting with The Perfect Blindside.

2-6-26 Circe - Madeline Miller - I read this one with my fifteen-year-old daughter. She had started reading it for school in the fall, and when she returned to homeschooling after the Christmas break, she wanted to continue with it. It is a mythological work told from the perspective of Circe, the witch best known for her appearance in the Odyssey. Fans of Greek myths will enjoy this one. Rated PG-13.

2-8-26 The Forget-Me-Not Library - Heather Webber - This is a feel-good story about a small town where people who need healing tend to end up because their cars break down as they are passing through. In the library is a cat who knocks books off the shelves to help people remember key moments from their past. Juliet Nightingale arrives in town grieving her grandfather and with a large chunk of her memory missing after being hit by lightning. Tallulah Mayfield is a single mom of two young daughters who recently began working at the library. Tallulah and Juliet become friends and help each other heal. They also discover love along the way.

2-9-26 God Chose Me: Celebrating Who God Made Me to Be - Lexa Hale - This is a sweet board book celebrating how God makes each of us unique and loves us for who we are.

2-10-26 Blossom as Saints: The Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary as Invitations to Awe and Wonder - Allison Ramirez - This is the final installment of this lovely series on praying the Rosary. This one focuses on cultivating awe and wonder in our lives as we contemplate the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary. I recommend the full series!

2-11-26 When Will There Finally Be Peace: Answers to Questions about War, Violence, Refugees, and Reconciliation - Elisabeth Raffauf - This is a children's book on a difficult topic. It includes quotes from children from war-torn countries and provides an honest and age-appropriate look at the difficulties of war. It is published by Paulist Press, but it is not a faith-based book.

2-17-26 Daughter of the Rebellion - Jamie Ogle - This isn't one I would have picked up on my own, but it was a fast-moving action-packed story about a gladiatrix in Rome and the Christian medicus who helps her realize her true value as a child of God. (Read for a book review publication)

2-18-26 This Little Light of Thine - Susan Joy Bellavance - I admit I don't think much about the sanctuary lamp when I go to Mass, but this is a picture book that celebrates that light and how it reminds us that the True Presence of Christ is there. The illustrations by Byron Hamilton are magnificent. They are so warm and bright. They really have a heavenly feel to them! It is a lovely book to help teach children about the True Presence of the Eucharist.

2-21-26 Somewhere, a Boy and a Bear: A.A. Milne and the Creation of "Winnie-the-Pooh" - Gyles Brandreth - This is a biography of A.A. Milne (and to a lesser extent, his son Christopher Robin), who wrote the famous Winnie-the-Pooh stories. I had known little about Milne before reading this and found it interesting, even if the text meanders a bit. Milne was an accomplished playwright and novelist. The author had known Christopher Robin, and the work is well-researched. It shows the messiness of families and strives to be an honest portrayal of Milne's life.

2-28-26 These Empty Places - Sarah Loudin Thomas - This story is set in 1930 in the Lake Toxaway region of North Carolina and highlights a strong friendship between two women. Claire Roth is a wealthy widow with a second chance at love. Lena Hawkins is a former socialite whose husband lost everything in the stock market crash. Claire and Lena become friends and Claire hires her to be her personal assistant and help establish a library in their community. (Read for a book review publication)

3-2-26 Let Him Lead: An Invitation to Let Jesus Guide Your Heart & Your Life - Jeremiah Myriam Shryock, CFR - This is a collection of 27 powerful essays on living a God-centered life. Fr. Jeremiah wrote these "while living as a hermit at the Monastery of Bethlehem in Livingston Manor, New York," where he ministered to a group of sisters as chaplain. He often said Mass for the sisters and those on retreat, and these essays grew out of the homilies he gave. They are well-worth reading and reflecting on.

3-1-26 Canticle - Janet Rich Edwards - This is a fictional account of an invented medieval saint, whose story was inspired by actual medieval saints. Aleys longs for God. She rejects marriage and joins the Franciscans, but they have nowhere for her to live, so they put her with the beguines, an independent group of religious women, in the hopes that she might gain recruits. However, she begins to have visions and perform miracles, which puts her in danger. So, she ultimately becomes an anchoress, living on her own. This is a well-written, deeply researched book. While relying on Catholic sources, at the end, it dips a bit into teaching that would not pass orthodox muster (and indeed, the subject of heresy comes up). I did enjoy it, however, and it made me think about the challenges that holy women faced during the medieval period.

Since the spring of 2019, I have been making my way through the Great Books Curriculum of Thomas Aquinas College (I'm currently working on the readings for junior year).

2-7-26 Discourse on the Origin of Inequality - Jean Jacques Rousseau - In this work, written in 1754, Rousseau puts forth the idea that all men were created equal and in early times, lived in a state of that equality, but then society formed and leaders claimed power. The rich took over and the poor suffered. Among forms of government, he argues that democracy is the best because that puts power in the hands of the most people. He also maintains that man is naturally good, but became wicked due to advances in society which lead men to hate each other. The practice of virtues can help save society.

2-9-26 Declaration of Independence and Articles of Confederation - I've read these before, but it was a good refresher on the founding documents of our country.

2-10-26 The Constitution of the United States - I've read this one before as well, but it was well worth reading again, especially in light of current events.

3-2-26 The Federalist Papers - Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay - These were written by the Founding Fathers to help pave the way for the ratification of the Constitution. It was interesting to read the original intent of the Constitution and the safeguards that the writers attempted to put in place.

This post contains Amazon affiliate links. Purchases made after clicking a link help support this site. Thank you!

The Bellbind Letters: Inside the Devil's Plan for Your Motherhood

2026-02-05T09:27:00.005-05:00

I'm honored to be part of the launch team for The Bellbind Letters: Inside the Devil's Plan for Your Motherhood by Samantha Stepheson.

In C.S. Lewis’ classic epistolary novel The Screwtape Letters, Screwtape is a senior demon teaching Wormwood, a younger demon, the art of temptation. In The Bellbind Letters: Inside the Devil’s Plan for Your Motherhood, Samantha Stephenson takes that format and centers the instruction on how the devil, referred to as “Our Father Below,” wants to keep mothers from following God, a.k.a. “The Enemy.” According to Stephenson, “this book seeks to emulate Lewis’s rhetorical brilliance in order to highlight the temptations Christian mothers face on the road to sanctity.”

This is an extremely well-written book that sheds light on the many temptations mothers face in their everyday lives. It is entertaining to read but also forces mothers to look at their own faults and failings, which is never a pleasant experience. It is meant to be an uncomfortable book, a literary examination of conscience, designed to have you running to the Lord for mercy and forgiveness.

Stephenson acknowledges that it can be difficult to have our weaknesses exposed and encourages mothers to “resist the urge to accuse or despair.” Rather, we should “surrender all our broken pieces to the tender mercy of Christ the healer, who makes all things new.” This is true, but it is much easier said than done, and as I read the letters in this book, I couldn’t help but feel discouraged, which I suppose simply illustrates the point that the devil is at work in my life.

The letters cover a wide variety of topics and situations that a mother might face. Prayer, screen use, rest, consumerism, vanity, friendship, attending Mass, dealing with the challenges of pregnancy, the pain of miscarriage, loving one’s husband, taking care of a home, devotion to Mary and the saints, caring for children, and anxiety are some of the topics covered. In most cases, Boomslang encourages Bellbind to get the mother to follow something other than a middle virtuous path, to veer to one extreme or the other.

For example, when it comes to caring for one’s appearance, there is the temptation to put too much emphasis on it, but there is also the temptation not to care about it at all. When it comes to rest, mothers should not feel that they are so important that they can’t leave their families to take time for themselves, but on the other hand, taking too much time away is wrong. When parenting one’s children, one can be either too strict or too permissive. One can either reject the inherent gifts of femininity or embrace them so much that one looks down on those who don’t live up to feminine ideals. One can devote oneself to being a mother to the exclusion of everything else or not spend enough time and energy on motherhood.

The Bellbind Letters is a worthwhile Lenten read. While you read, you can reflect on your life and the ways you struggle as a wife and mother. It can help you recognize how the devil may be tempting you away from the holy path. You may wish to keep a list of sins to bring to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. There is a discussion guide in the appendix, and Stephenson offers an additional letter and study guide at https://www.snstephenson.com/bellbind.

#OpenBook for February 2026

2026-02-04T00:00:00.164-05:00

1-8-26 The Bookshop of 99 Doors - Jaime Jo Wright - This is a spine-tingling dual-timeline historical mystery set in Ambrose Fields, a mansion in Pennsylvania. One story is set in the 1880s, twenty years after a grisly murder took place at the mansion in the aftermath of the Battle of Gettysburg. There are rumors that the murderer, a Civil War captain, still roams the halls, as well as mention of a 100th door that allows the spirits of the dead to enter. In the present-day, a young woman trying to escape her ghost-hunting family takes a job as the bookshop manager at Ambrose Fields, but when her family is brought in to study the paranormal activity, she must work to help them find the elusive door before danger comes to them all. This one definitely kept me turning pages! (Read for a book review publication)

1-10-26 Hello Sleep: The Science and Art of Overcoming Insomnia Without Medications - Jade Wu, Ph.D. - I read this book, hoping to get some tips for my daughter, who has never slept well. It was an interesting read. While it wasn't particularly helpful for her particular challenges, it does offer advice for those who have trouble falling or staying asleep. If you have difficulty sleeping, it can't hurt to read this and garner whatever help you can from it.

1-11-26 The Library of Lost Dollhouses - Elise Hooper - I had requested this one from the library last year, but then had to return it before I had the chance to read it. So, I requested it again when I had fewer books in my to-be-read library pile. I'm glad I did. In 2024, librarian Tildy Barrows discovers two exquisite dollhouses hidden in a secret room, which sends her on a historical quest to determine the story behind them. A second timeline is set in the early 20th century, focusing on Cora Hale, who made the dollhouses. I've always loved dollhouses, libraries, and history, so this one was a definite win for me. Content alert: This story does feature some lesbian romance (nothing graphic).

1-15-26 Harbor Pointe - Irene Hannon - This is one of a series of books based in the small town of Hope Harbor, Oregon. I have read and enjoyed some of the books in this series (though not all) and one of the beautiful things is that each can be read by itself. Some of the townspeople are the same in each book, including a Catholic priest who is both wise and funny. In this one, a successful NYC ballet dancer returns home to care for her sister, who was in a coma, and meets a handsome widower, but how can they make a relationship work when they live on opposite sides of the country?

1-16-26 Help! My Kid Hates Writing: How to Turn Struggling Students into Brave Writers - Julie Bogart -Teaching writing can be hard. Julie Bogart wrote this book to help homeschooling parents and those whose children attend traditional school but wish to encourage and support their children as they develop their writing ability. It is a very useful book with lots of practical tips.

1-20-26 The Seagull on the Chapel - Eric A. Clayton and Shannon K. Evans - This is a charming picture book for children ages 4-8 inspired by the seagulls that were hanging out on the Sistine Chapel roof during the 2025 papal conclave. Maggie longs to be a dove because she wants to be beautiful and special, but she ends up having a place of honor during the conclave and realizes that she might have a place in God's story as well. It is a great reminder to young and old to value how God made you and realize we are special in His sight.

1-24-26 Unabridged: The Thrill of (and Threat to) the Modern Dictionary - Stefan Fatsis - Back in 2017, I read Word by Word by Kory Stamper, which introduced me to the behind-the-scenes world of creating a dictionary. She then worked at Merriam-Webster, which is based in my hometown. This is a book in that same vein, but it also reflects all the ways the world has changed in the past decade. Fatsis isn't a trained lexicographer. Instead, he is a writer and reporter who was given multi-year access to Merriam-Webster and who helped create definitions as part of that role. This is a meandering book, part history, part social commentary, part homage to words, but it will be interesting for anyone who wants a behind-the-scenes look at how dictionaries are made and words are defined.

1-25-26 The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club - Martha Hall Kelly - This one was a Facebook recommendation from Lisa Hendey. It is a dual-timeline story set in 1942 and 2016. After her mother's death, Mari Starwood visits Martha's Vineyard after finding a slip of paper with the name Elizabeth Devereaux among her mother's things. Mrs. D. then tells the young woman the story of the Smith sisters during World War II and Mari's unexpected connection to them. It will appeal to fans of women's historical fiction and World War II fiction.

1-26-26 Look and Learn Vocations - Casey Pawelek - This is a picture book designed to help young children start to think about what vocation God might be calling them to: Priesthood, Religious Life, Marriage, or Single Life. It illustrates how these various vocations each serve God. One feature that was interesting about this book was that it highlighted different religious orders, such as Franciscan, Carmelite, Dominican, Benedictine, Jesuit, and Salesian.

1-27-26 The Bellbind Letters: Inside the Devil's Plan for Your Motherhood - Samantha N. Stephenson - This is a literary examination of conscience that utilizes the format of C.S. Lewis' Screwtape Letters and adapts it to apply especially to mothers. It is very well-written and entertaining but also incredibly uncomfortable to read. Mothers will no doubt see their faults and failings played out in these pages. It is designed to make you want to rush to the Lord's mercy in the Sacrament of Confession.

1-27-26 Translation of Wonder: The Mysteries of the Rosary and Stations of the Cross in Verse - Tim Bete, OCDS - This is a lovely collection of poetry that will help you reflect on The Mysteries of the Rosary and Stations of the Cross in a new way.

1-31-26 Dollhouses from the V & A Museum of Childhood - Halina Pasierbska - After reading The Library of Lost Dollhouses, I decided to request some books from the library on dollhouses and miniatures. This one highlighted dollhouses in the Victoria and Albert Museum of Childhood in England made from 1673-2001. It was interesting to look at the various dollhouses and learn about their histories.

2-1-26 Victorian Dolls House Projects: A Day in the Life - Christine Berridge - This was a combination primer on Victorian life and a how-to book for how to make Victorian accessories for your dollhouse. It was interesting to look at and had some fun ideas for crafting miniatures.

Since the spring of 2019, I have been making my way through the Great Books Curriculum of Thomas Aquinas College (I'm currently working on the readings for junior year).

1/30/26 The Critique of Pure Reason - Immanuel Kant - Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) was a Prussian Lutheran who wrote on science, logic, metaphysics, and philosophy. He wrote the Critique of Pure Reason, a Transcendentalist manifesto, in 1781. This work discusses what it means to know something, how we learn about things, the notions of space and time, as well as examining the proofs of God. I wish I could say I understood this book, but I really didn't.

This post contains Amazon affiliate links. Purchases made after clicking a link help support this site. Thank you!

#OpenBook for January 2026

2026-01-07T00:00:00.242-05:00

12-3-25 The Gift of the Angel Tree - Catholic Teen Books Writers - The talented writers at Catholic Teen Books collaborate each year to write a short Christmas tale. This is a beautiful story about a grieving man in late 19th-century Chicago who rediscovers the spirit of Christmas. I absolutely loved this story. It is perfect for a quick feel-good holiday read.

12-4-25 The Extraordinary Orbit of Alex Ramirez - Jasminne Paulino - This is a middle-grade novel written in free verse about a seventh grader in a self-contained special needs classroom who dreams of being an astronaut one day. But to do that, he'll need to take science with the mainstreamed kids and he has to convince both his parents and his teachers that he can handle it. Some of the text in this book is in Spanish, so some familiarity with that language is helpful. (Read for Catholic Library World)

12-7-25 Twice - Mitch Albom - Books by Albom are always thought-provoking and worth reading. This one features a man who has the ability to relive moments in his life to try to get them right, but he is stuck with the second version of events. As with any time-travel story, you can't think about it too hard, but it raises the question: If you could go back in time and change things, would you?

12-13-25 - The Light of Christmas - Richard Paul Evans - I'm a big fan of Evans' adult Christmas books, so I checked out this children's tale. It is a lovely story of a young boy who is rewarded richly for an act of selfless charity.

12-14-25 The Christmas Ring - Karen Kingsbury - This story was released as both a book and a movie. I haven't seen the movie, but I did enjoy the book! Young widow Vanessa Mayfield loses a Christmas ring that her great-grandfather found on D-Day and that had been passed on through the generations. She searches for it for years, but when her search brings her to Miller's Antique Shop, she meets Ben Miller and finds something even more precious than the ring - a second chance at love. This was a touching, feel-good romance.

12-15-25 When They Met Again - Leslie Gould - This friends-to-more Amish romance develops over the course of several years, as Adam and Joanna meet, and then met again, and again, but the timing was always off, until they both end up working for Adam's grandparents. (Read for a book review publication)

12-15-25 Pocket Bear - Katherine Applegate - I enjoyed this middle-grade novel and learned some things about the history of teddy bears. It features a pocket bear, a bear made to accompany a soldier and bring comfort during WWI, and a cat, Zephyrina, who helps to rescue abandoned stuffed animals and bring them home to their owners, a Ukrainian mother and daughter who escaped the war-torn country. The mother and daughter fix up the toys and help them find new homes, but they have to look out for an unscrupulous toy collector.

12-18-25 A Heart on Consignment - Mindy Steele - No one in her Amish community of Havenlee, Indiana, wants to court Salina Stolzfus, but that doesn't stop her mother from inviting every eligible young man to dinner. When Seth Weaver comes to town after being jilted right before his wedding, the last thing he wants to do is fall in love, but he soon becomes friends with Salina, especially as they work together to open a consignment shop to help people in need. (Read for a book review publication)

12-18-25 One Star, Three Kings: The Journey of Epiphany - Rebecca Grabill - This picture book provides some backstory for Balthasar, Caspar, and Melchior as they follow the star to search for the Christ child. Interspersed within the story are nonfiction sections that describe what we know about the magi, the prophecies from the Old Testament that guided their search, what the star may have been, the gifts they brought, and the way Epiphany is celebrated. I wish that the story and the nonfiction sections were separated, with one in the front and one in the back, because I think it disrupts the storytelling value of this book, but it is a lovely picture book to share for Epiphany.

12-22-25 A Very Chapel Falls Christmas - Amanda Lauer - This story will appeal to fans of Hallmark Christmas rom-coms. A famous singer returns to his hometown of Chapel Falls, where his ex-fiancee just happens to have gotten a job working for the mayor. As they get thrown together at various Christmas events, old feelings start to grow, and well, you know where this is going.

12-25-25 The Christmas Stranger - Richard Paul Evans - I had requested this book from the library back in October and it finally came in right before Christmas, which was great because it was the perfect book to read Christmas Eve and Christmas. Paul Wanless lost his wife and son in a car accident on Christmas Eve three years earlier. With nothing to live for, he plans to end his life until he encounters a mysterious stranger who talks him out of it and sets him on the path to find new love and meaning in his life.

12-27-25 Steeped in Stories: Timeless Children's Novels to Refresh Our Tired Souls - Mitali Perkins - Perkins explores classic works by C.S. Lewis, L.M. Montgomery, Johanna Spyri, Maud Hart Lovelace, J.R.R. Tolkien, Louisa May Alcott, and Francis Hodgson Burnett, exploring their value for today and how to discuss their more problematic elements. It was an interesting read.

12-28-25 My Beloved - Jan Karon - I had read many (though not all) of the Mitford books years ago and was excited to see this was a new one. It was also an unexpected Christmas story! It was a delight to be back visiting old fictional friends in this story, and it was also unusual in that two of the sets of main characters are elderly (one set in their 80s, the other in their 90s). However, this book had many characters and storylines to keep track of, and I got lost in parts.

1-1-26 Encounters with Angels: The Invisible Companions of Our Spiritual Life - Odile Haumonte - This is an English translation of a French book. It explores angelic encounters in Scripture and with saints, as well as how angels can help us in our daily lives. I didn't enjoy this one as much as I hoped, but it was a good reminder of the presence of angels in our lives and to ask my guardian angel for help.

1/2/26 Your Valentine - Anthony DeStafano - This picture book introduces children to the true St. Valentine, who lived in Rome in the third century. It is a lovely book, suitable for a home, parish, or school library.

1-3-26 Smithsonian American Women - Smithsonian Institution - This was a fascinating look at objects in the Smithsonian collection that relate to American women's history. I've always been interested in women's history, and it is remarkable the light that certain items can shed on that story.

1-4-26 What Does it Feel Like? - Sophie Kinsella - Kinsella, the author of the Shopaholic books, died in December 2025 of a brain tumor. This is her fictionalized account of life with that tumor. It is a short novel, well worth reading, for its insightful and honest look at life with incurable cancer. The story ends on a hopeful note, made all the more poignant by the fact that we know there wasn't actually a happy ending.

Since the spring of 2019, I have been making my way through the Great Books Curriculum of Thomas Aquinas College (I'm currently working on the readings for junior year).

12-6-25 The Social Contract - Jean-Jacques Rousseau - Rousseau was born in Geneva in 1712. He worked as an engraver's apprentice and became a Catholic convert (although he fathered five children and abandoned them to a foundling home). In 1762, he wrote this work, which was his crowning achievement of political philosophy. He discusses various forms of government and how they came to be as well as the innate rights of people.

12-21-25 Discourse on Metaphysics - Baron Gottfried Wilhelm von Leibniz - Leibniz (1646-1716) was a German polymath, best known for helping invent calculus. This was a philosophical work more geared to theology that I found interesting as he wrestled with many of the big questions of life that I have also struggled with - such as the problems of evil, free will vs. God's omnipotence, why God makes people, etc. There are no certain answers to any of these questions. Some things we just need to take on faith; others are beyond are understanding. But it was interesting to read, and I hope that someday (in the next world), I understand these things. I liked that he believed animal souls are eternal (I do, too).

This post contains Amazon affiliate links. Purchases made after clicking a link help support this site. Thank you!

#OpenBook for December 2025

2025-12-03T00:00:00.000-05:00

11-5-25 Ambush of the Heart - Mary Connealy - This is the start of a new series about US Marshals in the Old West, although this story started in the middle of action that made me wonder if I missed something. But I didn't, and the backstory was filled in. It was filled with adventure and survival skills that left me very impressed, along with two romances. Fans of Western adventure/romance will enjoy this. (Read for a book review publication).

11-9-25 On a Midnight Clear - Tracie Peterson, Karen Witemeyer, Misty Beller - This is an enjoyable trilogy of Christmas novellas. I enjoyed all of them, but my favorite was "A Star in the West," about an awkward math professor from Massachusetts who finds love with a young woman from Texas.

11-13-25 The Caregiver at Wounded Knee - Debby Lee - This is the story of a young Lakota woman who was taken from her people when she was young and educated as a nurse in Boston. She has now returned to the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota to help provide medical care. She is eager to rediscover the Lakota language and customs, even though it is frowned upon due to rising tensions between the white settlers and her people. I had a vague memory of learning about Wounded Knee in school, but this story truly brings that massacre to life. It is a powerful story that will stay with the reader. In addition to appealing to adult fans of historical women's fiction, it would be a worthwhile work for high school students to read.

11-14-25 Library Lovebirds: Short Stories by Katie Fitzgerald - This is a delightful collection of short, clean romances all featuring libraries or books in some way. It was a quick read, but I enjoyed it a great deal!

11-16-25 The Velveteen Daughter - Laurel Davis Huber - This is historical fiction about Pamela Bianco, the daughter of Margery Williams Bianco (who wrote The Velveteen Rabbit, one of my favorite stories of all time). Pamela was a child prodigy and a famous artist, but she also suffered from mental illness. This book offers a strong depiction of family dynamics and the inner workings of a struggling mind. I found it very interesting. Unfortunately, the Lord's name is taken in vain a few times in it.

11-23-25 A Carol for Mrs. Dickens - Rebecca Connolly - This is a charming Christmas novella featuring Catherine Dickens, the wife of the famous Charles Dickens. It is 1851, a few years after the publication of "A Christmas Carol," which has made her husband "Mr. Christmas." She lost a child that year and is pregnant with another one. She's tired and worn out and wants little to go with helping Charles host big Christmas gatherings. In this story, she is reminded of the spirit of Christmas and regains her sense of joy.

11-25-25 Out of Time - Irene Hannon - This is a suspense-filled story about a historical anthropologist spending her sabbatical helping an older woman translate journals written in a rare French dialect. It should be a dream semester, but when dangerous things begin to happen on the estate, she may be lucky to get out alive. (Read for a book-review publication).

11-29-25 Nature and the Mind; The Science of How Nature Improves Cognitive, Physical, and Social Well-Being - Marc G. Berman, Ph.D. - We all know that fresh air and nature are good for both our children and us. This is a book about the scientific studies that prove it. It was interesting to read.

11-30-25 Remain - Nicholas Sparks with M. Night Shyamalan - I finally got my copy of the newest Nicholas Sparks book from the library holds list. This is a collaboration with M. Night Shyamalan, who is making the story into a movie. It features a grieving architect who begins interacting with a ghost he sees at the bed-and-breakfast where he is staying. It is a Nicholas Sparks story, so there is romance, but this one also features the mystery of how the young woman died. I really enjoyed it!

Since the spring of 2019, I have been making my way through the Great Books Curriculum of Thomas Aquinas College (I'm currently working on the readings for junior year).

11-13-25 I finally finished! - The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire - Edward Gibbon - Gibbon was an English essayist, historian, and politician who wrote this epic six-volume work between 1776 and 1789. I give the man props for working on this book for over twenty years. Is my life better for having read it? No. But I was very happy to cross it off my list after several months and be able to move on to the next book on the list.

This post contains Amazon affiliate links. Purchases made after clicking a link help support this site. Thank you!

100 Reasons to Be Thankful, Even in Hard Times

2025-11-24T11:07:00.004-05:00

Back in 2009, in the midst of the Great Recession (which, in some ways, now feels like the good old days), I asked people what they were thankful for even in hard times and shared it on Catholic Exchange, where I worked at the time. Thank you to all of those who originally contributed to the list. I’ve decided to update it a bit for this year.

I am thankful for . . .

The health of my family.
Taking naps.
Driving the scenic route.
Community events open to the public.
My (flawed) relationships with God and my family, both immediate and extended. Flawed relationships are much better than none at all!
My wife and I have grown together, and I am constantly grateful and impressed as she matures.
The Word of God.
Brief and productive meetings.
Quilts and blankets, to keep me warm.
My wonderful family and for my best friend, who has always been there with quiet support, encouragement, and words of wisdom, through thick and thin, since the day we met.
The incredible diversity of people on this planet.
Co-workers who don’t mind switching their days off to help you out.
Toys.
Dirty dishes because it means we have eaten. Thank you for baby giggles; they keep me sane.
That God made me.
Teddy bears.
The feel of a child’s hand in mine.
Waking up when you need to, even when the alarm doesn’t go off.
Babies.
The day being silent now that it’s over for the little ones.
Libraries.
The convenience of e-mail.
Wrinkle-free clothing.
Christmas lights.
Friends who care about me enough to tell me when I am being stupid.
Our Veterans.
Books, because I can experience the world, learn new things, laugh, cry, and connect without ever leaving my couch.
My job, especially in this economy.
Religious leaders.
Volunteers.
A cup of hot cocoa on a cold day.
Family and friends; love them all!
The smell of homemade desserts baking in the oven.
Listening to beautiful music.
Friends meeting over a cup of tea; a fire in the hearth; a friendly game of Scrabble.
My kids, who can always make me laugh.
Being friends with my parents.
Every member of my family, especially my mom, who is a constant source of support, encouragement, and friendship.
Enjoyable conversation between friends.
Hugs.
Having health insurance
My health, even if I complain about certain aches and pains!
My family, my fiancé, and being able to go to college.
Having a roof over my head.
Finding a dollar in an old coat you haven’t worn in years.
Enjoyable hobbies and pursuits in life.
The forgiveness of God.
Schools and colleges.
Online dictionaries.
Repairing an object yourself and having it come out perfectly.
Hot showers after a hard day of work to ease away the stress of the day.
The express line at the grocery store.
The generosity of strangers.
Being able to watch your favorite TV shows and movies whenever you want.
Tossed aside treasures at tag sales or wherever they may be found.
Duct-Tape!
Good role models we can point to for children to aspire to emulate.
Indoor plumbing.
Date nights.
Inspiring words that lift our souls in times of crisis.
Youth and amateur sports leagues to both watch and play in.
People who obey traffic regulations.
The trials and losses in my life, for they have helped me become a stronger and better person!
Our favorite instructors and teachers.
People who enjoy reading what we write.
Chocolate.
Hidden places that you can sneak away to.
Health care workers.
GPS services on my phone.
Lucky old coins and favorite treasures, both precious and humble.
The spring that will come after the winter.
All those who came before us, great and small, have a story to tell. That
is what history is all about. So, I am thankful to be able to know and learn
their story.
Local newspapers.
People with interesting personalities who make the world better or, at
the very least, more interesting.
Brothers and sisters.
Various software and apps that make life easier.
Sitting in an open field on a crystal-clear night and enjoying the
celestial display above.
Our furry four-legged friends who have chosen to live their lives with us.
Health care workers.
Sunrises, sunsets, ocean waves, hidden forests, mossy rocks, mountain
streams, and all the other wonders of nature.
Our Guardian Angels who stay with us even when we try to refuse their help.
A child’s laughter.
The wisdom of elders.
Works of art.
Those perfect parking places, which sometimes we are lucky enough to get.
The creative minds of others and what they share with us all.
Photos, for capturing a moment in time.
Relaxing periods of quiet during a busy day.
Food banks and pantries, and those who work at them.
Bookmarks
Museums.
Social media (sometimes).
Sweaters, hats, scarves, and gloves.
The ability to look anything up on our phones.
Good listeners.
Parks.
Handwritten letters.
Bread, the universal side to any meal.
Sales at the grocery store.
People who commit their lives to protecting and preserving our cities, states, and country.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!

If you are interested in reading more about gratitude for simple things, please check out 40 Days of Gratitude: Finding Joy Through Giving Thanks. (Amazon affiliate link)

Image from: https://pixabay.com/photos/fall-autumn-october-orange-2141847/

Be One of the Helpers

2025-11-07T12:22:00.002-05:00

Mr. Rogers once said, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”

These are scary times for a lot of people. Government workers are trying to survive without paychecks, and many SNAP recipients are wondering where their next meal is coming from. I live in Springfield, MA. It is a gateway city where, even on a good day, many people suffer from food insecurity. Right now, people are desperate. The Republican, our local newspaper, reported on Tuesday, November 4^th, that “In Springfield alone, 47.4% of residents receive SNAP benefits. Most of the recipients are working families that don’t make enough to scrape by. Others are retirees, children and the disabled.” The lines at food pantries and long and getting longer every day. It is no doubt a scene being played out across America.

Churches, civic associations, and stores are all stepping up to do what they can. There are collections everywhere. This is one of those times when everyone with the ability to give needs to be a helper.

So, how can you help?

1) Help your neighbor – Do you know someone personally impacted by the government shutdown or loss of SNAP benefits? Do what you can to help that person/family. Maybe leave a bag of groceries on their front step. Make “extra” of a meal and bring it over or invite the family over for dinner. Give gift cards to your local grocery store. You can send them anonymously if you don’t want to get the credit or make the person feel bad for needing help.

2) Donate to pantry food collections - Whether it is through your local church, school, library, or directly to a food pantry, every nonperishable item helps. If you aren’t in a position to purchase items, look through your pantry (be sure to check expiration dates) and donate items that you have on hand. Donating money to a local food pantry is always appreciated as well.

3) Donate to Food Banks – Food banks provide food to the food pantries that directly serve people in need. They are able to purchase food at a discount and make your donation dollars stretch farther. The Foodbank of Western Massachusetts states that every $1 of donation provides two meals.

4) Volunteer – Many local pantries are straining under the weight of both increased need and increased donations. They are looking for people to help out.

5) Pray – The people in need and the people serving them through food pantries need help in the form of loaves and fishes kinds of miracles. All the efforts can’t make up for the loss of SNAP benefits, but we can pray that somehow the food stretches and that people get what they need.

Matthew 25:34-5 tells us, “Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me.”

Helping the poor is part of the Christian mandate. God rewards generosity. Please do what you can.

Image Source: https://pixabay.com/illustrations/offer-give-share-provide-5022188/