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Secrets: Visible and Invisible
A collection of short stories by seven CatholicTeenBooks.com authors. As described by Mark Hart of Life Teen International, who provides the foreword, "Each story reveals something different about the human heart and our constant (though, often veiled) desire for truth and virtue."
Secret (n.) - something kept hidden from knowledge or view; a mystery.
In a dystopian future, an innocent picnic turns deadly!
Elijah knows nothing of the elderly stranger's secret past--until her disappearance changes everything.
A mysterious, ever-changing painting alarms a group of teens.
The cannonball took Dario's legs . . . Will he lose his soul too?
The arrival of a mysterious girl challenges everything about Jason's life.
An unlicensed driver. His dad's truck. What could possibly go wrong?
An old tale of murder and forbidden love leads to a modern day treasure hunt.
For nothing is hid that shall not be made manifest, nor anything secret that shall not be known and come to light. (Luke 8:17 RSV-CE)
Secret (n.) - something kept hidden from knowledge or view; a mystery.
In a dystopian future, an innocent picnic turns deadly!
Elijah knows nothing of the elderly stranger's secret past--until her disappearance changes everything.
A mysterious, ever-changing painting alarms a group of teens.
The cannonball took Dario's legs . . . Will he lose his soul too?
The arrival of a mysterious girl challenges everything about Jason's life.
An unlicensed driver. His dad's truck. What could possibly go wrong?
An old tale of murder and forbidden love leads to a modern day treasure hunt.
For nothing is hid that shall not be made manifest, nor anything secret that shall not be known and come to light. (Luke 8:17 RSV-CE)
204 pages, Paperback
First published July 4, 2018
4 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
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July 3, 2018
An incredible collection of 7 amazing short stories. One of the things I love about reading anthologies is discovering new authors. But that was not the case this time. I have read books by 6 of the seven contributors. In fact, at the time of writing this review I have read 33 books, novellas, or published short stories across the 6 authors. And I already have 3 eBooks by the author I have not read in my to be read list. So, I knew I was in for some great reading when I picked up this collection. What I was not prepared for was how exceptional this collection was. Often when I read an anthology there are a few great reads, some good reads and some okay reads. That was not the case this time. Every story was a remarkable story. Some of the stories were so good, I immediately went back and reread just that story. And then when I finished the book I reread the whole thing again a few days later.
Mark Hart in the forward to this collection states:
“We call Him Savior, Teacher, Wonder Worker, and Lord. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Bread of Life and the Light of the World. He is the Messiah, the Promised One, the Divine Physician…the Good Shepherd. Jesus Christ is all of these titles and an endless list of more. Yet, there is one title that I’ve rarely – if ever – heard used to describe Jesus of Nazareth, and I feel it is a glaringly myopic omission on our part.Almost never have I heard Jesus Christ described as “Master Storyteller,” though He most certainly was.”
And many of the contributors to this collections in their own way imitate Christ and are master storytellers in our own generation. I have a great deal of respect for the seven authors who contributed to this series. And even more so after reading their pieces in this collection.
Contributors:
Carolyn Astfalk
T. M. Gaouette
Theresa Linden
Susan Peek
Cynthia T. Toney
Corinna Turner
Leslea Wahl
In this collection we have one short story from each of the contributors. Some contain characters you can encounter in novels by the authors. One combines characters for different novels from the author.
Contents:
The Underappreciated Virtues Of Rusty Old Bicycles - Corinna Turner
Recreation - Cynthia T. Toney
The Portrait Of The Fire Starters - Theresa Linden
On The Brink Of Hell - Susan Peek
Sister Francesca - T.M. Gaouette
Behind The Wheel - Carolyn Astfalk
More Precious Than Gold - Leslea Wahl
As mentioned this is a great collection of short stories. I really could not pick a favorite or least favorite. Each story is very well written. And I thoroughly enjoyed them all. And here is a summary of each story.
The Underappreciated Virtues Of Rusty Old Bicycles
This story is a peek at Bane and Margo before the sorting in I am Margaret. It highlights the strength of their friendship. The risks in day to day life in a totalitarian regime. It also has some great characters that we do not encounter again in the books. There is a very interesting twist in this story.
Recreation
This story took me by surprise. It is a story of service and giving. It is a story about friendship. It is the friendship of Elijah and Darrell-teens of African and Vietnamese heritage-growing up in the south. It is the story of seeing a need, and stepping up to do something about it. It also reminds readers that not all things are as they appear.
The Portrait Of The Fire Starters
With four young adult novels and one adult novel centered around the West Brothers, Theresa Linden returns to tell a story about the youth group from church that meets at the high school. I believe this story falls between Roland West Loner and Life-Changing Love. If you are fans of the books this story sheds some new light on several of the characters from the series. It speaks to questions about how we see ourselves, and how others see us. And it will likely pull on your heartstrings.
On The Brink Of Hell
This story jumps back to the 16th Century in Italy. It is the story, of a soldier wounded in battle. Dario has done much he is not proud of. And after being severely injured in battle, this story tells of his treatment. He's also reflecting on past events, fading in and out of memories, while enduring present-day pain in the hospital.
Sister Francesca
I have read the three published novels by T.M. Gaouette. And I enjoyed them a lot. But this story is something very different. It has a touch of the mystical, and a touch of the contemplative in it. It reminds me a lot of some of the stories by J.F. Powers. It is the story of a young man's love; love that brings out the best in a person, even if it does not become a relationship. Of the authors I had read before this story was the biggest surprise.
Behind The Wheel
I have been hearing about the writings of Carolyn Astfalk and I have picked up three of her novels. I just have not got around to reading them. But after reading this short story the novel Rightfully Ours, with the same characters jumped to the top of my reading list. This story is about taking a risk and breaking rules. But when the moment comes, will character come through or will it self-preservation win out? It was a great story and I look forward to reading more by Astfalk.
More Precious Than Gold
I have read both published novels by Wahl, and they are excellent. This book takes the couples from both of those stories and drops them into a new environment together. From The Perfect Blindside we have Jake and Sophie. And from An Unexpected Role we have Josie and Ryan. But in this story, they are volunteering for a week at a Christian camp for disadvantaged children. It's a story of being stuck between a rock and a hard place; or is it a hard case. A wonderful story, and great conclusion to the collection.
For fans of any of the authors in this collection, you need to pick this book up to read their contribution. For readers who love remarkable stories, this collection is for you also. And if you want some great reads that are clean Catholic fiction this is the book for you. This anthology is Amazing!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by each contributing author.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2018 Catholic Reading Plan!
Mark Hart in the forward to this collection states:
“We call Him Savior, Teacher, Wonder Worker, and Lord. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Bread of Life and the Light of the World. He is the Messiah, the Promised One, the Divine Physician…the Good Shepherd. Jesus Christ is all of these titles and an endless list of more. Yet, there is one title that I’ve rarely – if ever – heard used to describe Jesus of Nazareth, and I feel it is a glaringly myopic omission on our part.Almost never have I heard Jesus Christ described as “Master Storyteller,” though He most certainly was.”
And many of the contributors to this collections in their own way imitate Christ and are master storytellers in our own generation. I have a great deal of respect for the seven authors who contributed to this series. And even more so after reading their pieces in this collection.
Contributors:
Carolyn Astfalk
T. M. Gaouette
Theresa Linden
Susan Peek
Cynthia T. Toney
Corinna Turner
Leslea Wahl
In this collection we have one short story from each of the contributors. Some contain characters you can encounter in novels by the authors. One combines characters for different novels from the author.
Contents:
The Underappreciated Virtues Of Rusty Old Bicycles - Corinna Turner
Recreation - Cynthia T. Toney
The Portrait Of The Fire Starters - Theresa Linden
On The Brink Of Hell - Susan Peek
Sister Francesca - T.M. Gaouette
Behind The Wheel - Carolyn Astfalk
More Precious Than Gold - Leslea Wahl
As mentioned this is a great collection of short stories. I really could not pick a favorite or least favorite. Each story is very well written. And I thoroughly enjoyed them all. And here is a summary of each story.
The Underappreciated Virtues Of Rusty Old Bicycles
This story is a peek at Bane and Margo before the sorting in I am Margaret. It highlights the strength of their friendship. The risks in day to day life in a totalitarian regime. It also has some great characters that we do not encounter again in the books. There is a very interesting twist in this story.
Recreation
This story took me by surprise. It is a story of service and giving. It is a story about friendship. It is the friendship of Elijah and Darrell-teens of African and Vietnamese heritage-growing up in the south. It is the story of seeing a need, and stepping up to do something about it. It also reminds readers that not all things are as they appear.
The Portrait Of The Fire Starters
With four young adult novels and one adult novel centered around the West Brothers, Theresa Linden returns to tell a story about the youth group from church that meets at the high school. I believe this story falls between Roland West Loner and Life-Changing Love. If you are fans of the books this story sheds some new light on several of the characters from the series. It speaks to questions about how we see ourselves, and how others see us. And it will likely pull on your heartstrings.
On The Brink Of Hell
This story jumps back to the 16th Century in Italy. It is the story, of a soldier wounded in battle. Dario has done much he is not proud of. And after being severely injured in battle, this story tells of his treatment. He's also reflecting on past events, fading in and out of memories, while enduring present-day pain in the hospital.
Sister Francesca
I have read the three published novels by T.M. Gaouette. And I enjoyed them a lot. But this story is something very different. It has a touch of the mystical, and a touch of the contemplative in it. It reminds me a lot of some of the stories by J.F. Powers. It is the story of a young man's love; love that brings out the best in a person, even if it does not become a relationship. Of the authors I had read before this story was the biggest surprise.
Behind The Wheel
I have been hearing about the writings of Carolyn Astfalk and I have picked up three of her novels. I just have not got around to reading them. But after reading this short story the novel Rightfully Ours, with the same characters jumped to the top of my reading list. This story is about taking a risk and breaking rules. But when the moment comes, will character come through or will it self-preservation win out? It was a great story and I look forward to reading more by Astfalk.
More Precious Than Gold
I have read both published novels by Wahl, and they are excellent. This book takes the couples from both of those stories and drops them into a new environment together. From The Perfect Blindside we have Jake and Sophie. And from An Unexpected Role we have Josie and Ryan. But in this story, they are volunteering for a week at a Christian camp for disadvantaged children. It's a story of being stuck between a rock and a hard place; or is it a hard case. A wonderful story, and great conclusion to the collection.
For fans of any of the authors in this collection, you need to pick this book up to read their contribution. For readers who love remarkable stories, this collection is for you also. And if you want some great reads that are clean Catholic fiction this is the book for you. This anthology is Amazing!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by each contributing author.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2018 Catholic Reading Plan!
July 16, 2018
Featuring seven fabulous stories from top authors in Catholic teen fiction, Secrets is as entertaining as it is relevant and thought-provoking. It’s sure to capture your imagination, move your emotions, and stir your soul. Teens and adults alike are sure to enjoy the variety of tales, which are cleverly united by themes of secrets and faith. Packed with powerful, meaningful, memorable stories, this anthology is so good, you won’t be able to keep Secrets to yourself!
June 9, 2018
Cannot wait to share these stories with our readers. All the stories are written, not just to entertain, but to inspire hope and instill the love of God into the hearts of all readers. God is so good and He has His Hand on this amazing project. I feel extremely blessed to be a part of it! TMG
June 9, 2018
I am one of the contributing authors to this project. Working with all these talented authors who I have admired greatly for years, was such a treat. I hope others will find the stories as engaging as I did.
October 11, 2019
3.5 Stars
With a dystopian tale, a historical one, and five contemporary stories, teen readers are bound to find something they’ll like in this collection of short stories. Many of the authors in this collection have other books with the same characters, so if readers are itching for more, they’ll learn where to find them.
The theme of secrets is prevalent in each story. Whether asking someone to keep one as in Carolyn Astfalk’s Behind the Wheel or trying to figure one out, the stories work well together even while being vastly unique.
Personally, I prefer novellas to short stories. I always want more with a short, but novellas feel more complete. However, for young readers with limited attention spans or who have a tough time reading, this collection may be just right for them.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
With a dystopian tale, a historical one, and five contemporary stories, teen readers are bound to find something they’ll like in this collection of short stories. Many of the authors in this collection have other books with the same characters, so if readers are itching for more, they’ll learn where to find them.
The theme of secrets is prevalent in each story. Whether asking someone to keep one as in Carolyn Astfalk’s Behind the Wheel or trying to figure one out, the stories work well together even while being vastly unique.
Personally, I prefer novellas to short stories. I always want more with a short, but novellas feel more complete. However, for young readers with limited attention spans or who have a tough time reading, this collection may be just right for them.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
September 10, 2020
This book was a fun read. It's an anthology written by seven Catholic Teen Book authors and each short story revolves around a secret. They are set in several different eras but each shares a relevant message that teens and adults will relate to. I purchased this book originally because I've been asked to write a story for the third anthology in this series. While I technically was "researching" I found that I got caught up in the stories. The bonus is that each story is short enough to read in one sitting, so you can sneak stories in here and there between other obligations during the workday. Great job CTB authors!
January 15, 2020
I REALLY enjoyed every single one of these stories. They were all so good, and now I want to go read other books by these authors. I really recommend this series of short stories for everyone.
October 9, 2019
I was expecting a regular book but this was literally sections of other books put together. I mean some could be classified as short stories but some felt like they took chapters from other books. I didn’t like the dystopia one at all. Thats not a genre I like. Over all, the individual short stories/chapter parts that I got to read, I wouldn’t read the rest. Not sure why they would put these books together. It felt a lot like a sample booklet.
January 25, 2019
This is an anthology of multiple Catholic-based short stories, most of which are offshoots of books by each of the 7 authors. They're stories of the human heart, and the desire for truth and virtue.
Foreward: The Bible has been translated into Klingon?!?!
So many of these have me putting even more books on my "to be read" list. *sigh*
The Underappreciated Virtues of Rusty Old Bicycles
This is a dystopian where infanticide because of deformity is legal.
Being a priest is illegal.
'Imperfect' people are dismembered and used to heal 'perfect' people.
It's a sick futuristic world. And yet, that sometimes seems like that's where our society is heading.
The end made me laugh, and cheer for the government workers, in a way.
4.8/5 stars because it was tough for me to get into.
Recreation
This is a heartwarming contemporary. I love the main character, Elijah.
This story has a beautiful way to show how people -- even best friends -- can truly surprise us.
The rosary 'being for girls' is something I too felt as a kid.
4.8/5 stars because the end is predictable.
The Portrait of the Fire Starters
This is a contemporary about a youth group named the Firestarters. They meet at a school, where a mysterious painting of the core youth group members shows up, but no one admits to being the artist. The image changes slightly each meeting and dissent develops...which, to me, kind of mirrors the image. So the teens work on getting to the bottom of the mystery while fighting the urge to point fingers.
I both like and don't like how real the teens are, because the pettiness bothers me. And yet the portrayals are spot-on. People will be shy or snooty, or goofy, or hiding behind a mask, no matter what group you look at.
This story is a great reminder that we each carry our own burdens.
The end was perfect for the story.
4.25/5 stars for being a bit bland for me while still being interesting
On the Brink of Hell
This is a neat historical story that has me wanting to read all of Peek's saint books. It takes place in 16th Century Italy, when Last Rites were indeed given to those about ready to die.
A mercenary's legs are blown off and his sins--particularly those against the Catholic church--run rampant in his memories.
It really shows how our past haunts us, especially when we're at our weakest.
When we're at the brink of death.
4.25/5 stars because even though I want to read Peek's stories, the saint this story includes didn't spark much interest.
Sister Francesca
This is a contemporary story where a guy named Jason has a bad reputation because he can get any girl. But the one he falls for plans on being a nun. In knowing her, he changes, and learns to really know God. He doesn't see her as a conquest but a positive influence.
It portrays extremely well how unselfish real love is.
3/5 stars: Despite being 'good' it's too much like "A Walk to Remember" for me to actually fully enjoy it.
Behind the Wheel
This is a contemporary of a dope teen who takes his father's truck keys and goes for a joyride despite being 15 without a license.
I must say, that reading of a sophomore WITHOUT a license is fantastic. I'm sick of reading of these young teens able to drive. Since WHEN?!?!?!
Anyway, he reaps the consequences of his actions while being facd with some real turmoil in his family--all the made worse since his mother died a few years prior.
I see similar struggles in my own students, so this stuck with me more tan it maybe would have otherwise.
4.5/5 stars
More Precious than Gold
Gah I was smiling through most of this. Josie volunteers at a Christian camp for underprivileged kids with her boyfriend, his cousin, and his cousin’s boyfriend.
The two cousins are peas in a pod and wonderful to read.
The camp has secrets, both past and present, and the story is a heartwarming one that shows that God influences all of us in many ways.
4.8/5 for being too short and abrupt
Foreward: The Bible has been translated into Klingon?!?!
So many of these have me putting even more books on my "to be read" list. *sigh*
The Underappreciated Virtues of Rusty Old Bicycles
This is a dystopian where infanticide because of deformity is legal.
Being a priest is illegal.
'Imperfect' people are dismembered and used to heal 'perfect' people.
It's a sick futuristic world. And yet, that sometimes seems like that's where our society is heading.
The end made me laugh, and cheer for the government workers, in a way.
4.8/5 stars because it was tough for me to get into.
Recreation
This is a heartwarming contemporary. I love the main character, Elijah.
This story has a beautiful way to show how people -- even best friends -- can truly surprise us.
The rosary 'being for girls' is something I too felt as a kid.
4.8/5 stars because the end is predictable.
The Portrait of the Fire Starters
This is a contemporary about a youth group named the Firestarters. They meet at a school, where a mysterious painting of the core youth group members shows up, but no one admits to being the artist. The image changes slightly each meeting and dissent develops...which, to me, kind of mirrors the image. So the teens work on getting to the bottom of the mystery while fighting the urge to point fingers.
I both like and don't like how real the teens are, because the pettiness bothers me. And yet the portrayals are spot-on. People will be shy or snooty, or goofy, or hiding behind a mask, no matter what group you look at.
This story is a great reminder that we each carry our own burdens.
The end was perfect for the story.
4.25/5 stars for being a bit bland for me while still being interesting
On the Brink of Hell
This is a neat historical story that has me wanting to read all of Peek's saint books. It takes place in 16th Century Italy, when Last Rites were indeed given to those about ready to die.
A mercenary's legs are blown off and his sins--particularly those against the Catholic church--run rampant in his memories.
It really shows how our past haunts us, especially when we're at our weakest.
When we're at the brink of death.
4.25/5 stars because even though I want to read Peek's stories, the saint this story includes didn't spark much interest.
Sister Francesca
This is a contemporary story where a guy named Jason has a bad reputation because he can get any girl. But the one he falls for plans on being a nun. In knowing her, he changes, and learns to really know God. He doesn't see her as a conquest but a positive influence.
It portrays extremely well how unselfish real love is.
3/5 stars: Despite being 'good' it's too much like "A Walk to Remember" for me to actually fully enjoy it.
Behind the Wheel
This is a contemporary of a dope teen who takes his father's truck keys and goes for a joyride despite being 15 without a license.
I must say, that reading of a sophomore WITHOUT a license is fantastic. I'm sick of reading of these young teens able to drive. Since WHEN?!?!?!
Anyway, he reaps the consequences of his actions while being facd with some real turmoil in his family--all the made worse since his mother died a few years prior.
I see similar struggles in my own students, so this stuck with me more tan it maybe would have otherwise.
4.5/5 stars
More Precious than Gold
Gah I was smiling through most of this. Josie volunteers at a Christian camp for underprivileged kids with her boyfriend, his cousin, and his cousin’s boyfriend.
The two cousins are peas in a pod and wonderful to read.
The camp has secrets, both past and present, and the story is a heartwarming one that shows that God influences all of us in many ways.
4.8/5 for being too short and abrupt
July 5, 2018
This is one of the best short story collections I’ve ever read! Each one fit the theme perfectly, and yet no two stories were remotely alike. I felt like I’d opened a box of chocolates, and ALL of them were delicious! I especially like how the genre is identified at the beginning of each story. Many of them make you wonder if the author has written more about the characters, and in fact, many have!
Dystopian is not my favorite genre, but Corinna Turner’s “The Underappreciated Virtues of Rusty Old Bicycles” is an intriguing title. This suspenseful story gripped me and made me anxious for young Margo and Bane, who just wanted to have a picnic and now are in danger from government soldiers hunting subversives.
In “Recreation” by Cynthia T. Toney, Elijah is a realistic teen and stole my heart as the story unfolds and he befriends an elderly neighbor in need of assistance. The ending is one of the most perfect ever! My favorite in the collection.
Theresa Linden’s “The Portrait of the Firestarters” is about a youth group and a painting that has changed each time they meet is mysterious and compelling. An effective device to show how important it is not to judge on appearances.
A gritty short historical piece by Susan Peek with a kapow title “On the Brink of Hell” puts the reader in the middle of the scene with the battle-injured Dario. A powerful experience of the power of redemption. Bravo!
I love the tone of T. M. Gaouette’s “Sister Francesca.” It feels like a legend, even though the setting is modern.
The main character in Carolyn Astfalk’s “Behind the Wheel” is so human and so endearing. As a Mom I alternately wanted to shake the MC and hug him. A poignant coming-of-age story!
Leslea Wahl’s “More Precious Than Gold” is a fun mystery, and readers of The Perfect Blindside and An Unexpected Role will enjoy seeing those characters together in this story.
Dystopian is not my favorite genre, but Corinna Turner’s “The Underappreciated Virtues of Rusty Old Bicycles” is an intriguing title. This suspenseful story gripped me and made me anxious for young Margo and Bane, who just wanted to have a picnic and now are in danger from government soldiers hunting subversives.
In “Recreation” by Cynthia T. Toney, Elijah is a realistic teen and stole my heart as the story unfolds and he befriends an elderly neighbor in need of assistance. The ending is one of the most perfect ever! My favorite in the collection.
Theresa Linden’s “The Portrait of the Firestarters” is about a youth group and a painting that has changed each time they meet is mysterious and compelling. An effective device to show how important it is not to judge on appearances.
A gritty short historical piece by Susan Peek with a kapow title “On the Brink of Hell” puts the reader in the middle of the scene with the battle-injured Dario. A powerful experience of the power of redemption. Bravo!
I love the tone of T. M. Gaouette’s “Sister Francesca.” It feels like a legend, even though the setting is modern.
The main character in Carolyn Astfalk’s “Behind the Wheel” is so human and so endearing. As a Mom I alternately wanted to shake the MC and hug him. A poignant coming-of-age story!
Leslea Wahl’s “More Precious Than Gold” is a fun mystery, and readers of The Perfect Blindside and An Unexpected Role will enjoy seeing those characters together in this story.
December 31, 2018
This collection is truly remarkable. Each story was masterfully crafted to excite and inspire, fusing action, faith, and the workings of the teenage mind with thrilling suspense and turns of the plot. The stories were also often far from predictable, instead twisting and turning to enrapture the interest of the reader. I have my favourites, of course - "The Underappreciated Virtues of Rusty Old Bicycles" by Corinna Turner, whom I just might have to read again in the future, "On the Brink of Hell" by Susan Peek, one of my favourite authors and an incredible short story, and "Sister Francesca" by T.M. Gauotte, which was something else entirely and cleverly done - but I enjoyed each and every story in the collection. I have held the belief in the past that short stories can be written better, generally, than novels (don't get me wrong - I love my long series of novels) because the short length inclines the author to include only the best and most intriguing elements of the story and to spend time to perfect and refine each part. Secrets, I believe, has proved this true; each author spent the time and sweat it took to create a unique and enticing story, and as a result, the collection is (I might say) unsurpassed in its category.
I have previously read three of the seven authors who contributed to this collection, but I will certainly have to read the works of the others in the future. Bravo, and well-done!
I have previously read three of the seven authors who contributed to this collection, but I will certainly have to read the works of the others in the future. Bravo, and well-done!
August 8, 2018
The Secrets Anthology is a collection of wonderful short stories written by a group of Catholic authors. The stories are upbeat, full of faith and love.
I must confess, my favorite is the author’s work entitled Recreation.
How many times do we pass by someone who may need our help and don’t even stop to question? That’s what happens to Elijah as he walks to the pool every day in the summer with his friend, Darrell. He’s pondering how he can make extra money even as he walks past a home that desperately needs some care. It isn’t until he realizes that an old woman lives there alone, that he figures out how he can help her and himself at the same time.
What he discovers—the power of an unlikely friendship and the gifts we receive when we ask for nothing in return—are nothing short of powerful. I sincerely hope there are many, many stories like this one in these authors hearts. I want to keep reading and being uplifted.
I was given a copy of the book by the authors but I was not required to write a review. The review is mine and freely given.
Angela Moody – Author, No Safe Haven.
I must confess, my favorite is the author’s work entitled Recreation.
How many times do we pass by someone who may need our help and don’t even stop to question? That’s what happens to Elijah as he walks to the pool every day in the summer with his friend, Darrell. He’s pondering how he can make extra money even as he walks past a home that desperately needs some care. It isn’t until he realizes that an old woman lives there alone, that he figures out how he can help her and himself at the same time.
What he discovers—the power of an unlikely friendship and the gifts we receive when we ask for nothing in return—are nothing short of powerful. I sincerely hope there are many, many stories like this one in these authors hearts. I want to keep reading and being uplifted.
I was given a copy of the book by the authors but I was not required to write a review. The review is mine and freely given.
Angela Moody – Author, No Safe Haven.
October 13, 2019
Secrets Visible and Invisible is a young adult novella with a wide selection of stories that teaches timeless lessons and truths. I really liked the message that this book presents and it is clean and wholesome.
Spotlight: In author Astfalk's story we have young man who wants to impress a girl because he feels she really sees who he is. Problem is his plan. Going against his father's rules and breaking the law can lead to consequences you never thought your little jaunt would do.
In the forward we are reminded who the Great Storyteller is and just how much one can learn from a story well told.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
Spotlight: In author Astfalk's story we have young man who wants to impress a girl because he feels she really sees who he is. Problem is his plan. Going against his father's rules and breaking the law can lead to consequences you never thought your little jaunt would do.
In the forward we are reminded who the Great Storyteller is and just how much one can learn from a story well told.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
October 25, 2019
I was given a complimentary copy of Secrets: Visible & Invisible, by seven authors. I was asked to review Carolyn Astfalk's contemporary story, Behind the Wheel for JustRead Blind Tours. This book is put together by CatholicTeenBooks.com.
This story deals with three characters: Sean, Paul, and their dad. All three are keeping secrets. It was a good, short story and very easy to get into and read. I kind of forgot that their dad had some sort of secret mentioned at the beginning when it was brought up again at the end. It ended up surprising me by what his secret was. All three ended up learning valuable lessons and they tied in well to what Paul was learning in school.
I am interested in reading more of Astfalk's work as well as more contemporary pieces.
This story deals with three characters: Sean, Paul, and their dad. All three are keeping secrets. It was a good, short story and very easy to get into and read. I kind of forgot that their dad had some sort of secret mentioned at the beginning when it was brought up again at the end. It ended up surprising me by what his secret was. All three ended up learning valuable lessons and they tied in well to what Paul was learning in school.
I am interested in reading more of Astfalk's work as well as more contemporary pieces.
September 1, 2018
This book features seven short stories, one dystopian, three contemporaries, two mysteries and one historical. All of these stories are well written, and being short, make quick reads for teens. I particularly liked the opening dystopian short, but each story features interesting characters and makes edifying entertainment for teens with strong moral messages. This collection will also introduce seven authors, all having also published full-length novels. My only caveat is that most of the stories promote some teachings distinctive to Catholicism, and which may be controversial to some other Christian denominations.
September 4, 2018
Enjoyable, clean read by some of my favorite Catholic teen authors. Some of the stories are back-stories from characters in full novels, so there is the promise of further reading for those wanting more. Each of the seven mixed-genre stories contain a secret with a twist. Moral dilemmas faced by teens in contemporary, historical and dystopian settings allow for good discussions for parents, youth directors and book clubs.
June 12, 2022
2.5
Sometimes the stories are too obvious, too saccharine. The endings are too happy, too pat except that of "On the Brink of Hell."
"Sister Francesca" is one of the most sexist stories I've ever read.
My 2 favorites are "Recreation" and "Behind the Wheel."
I believe I am not quite the right audience for this book.
Sometimes the stories are too obvious, too saccharine. The endings are too happy, too pat except that of "On the Brink of Hell."
"Sister Francesca" is one of the most sexist stories I've ever read.
My 2 favorites are "Recreation" and "Behind the Wheel."
I believe I am not quite the right audience for this book.
July 16, 2018
I totally enjoyed this short story anthology which includes a little bit of something for every teen reader! Highly recommend!
July 28, 2021
Thank you so much Carolyn Astfalk for sending me a complimentary copy of Secrets: Visible & Invisible! I was happy to read and receive this book. My review of this book is entirely my own. When I started Secrets: Visible and Invisible, I didn't know what to expect because I have never read an anthology book before, but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. The seven short stories were engaging and interesting; it made me want to read more from those seven authors. This book taught me things about my faith in God, unlike some other Catholic fiction books that are just regular fiction with some Catholic elements. My three favorite stories from the book are The Unpredictable Virtues Of Rusty Old Bicycles by Corinna Turner (1st), Sister Francesca by T. M. Gaudette (5th), and Behind The Wheel by Carolyn Astfalk (6th). Corinna Turner's short story is about two characters from her book series I Am Margaret that I have actually already read, so it was nice to read another story from that series. Sister Francesca turned out to be different than I thought, but the writing was so good that I had to keep reading until I finished it, and I almost cried by the time I did. And the last one, Behind The Wheel, was fun and gripping with many different emotions. I went from laughing to sympathizing with the characters to doing both at the same time!
The only thing I did not like about the book was the cover. When I saw it, it made me think the book would be mundane, and if I saw it at the library, I probably wouldn't have picked it up, but I am glad I did read it. This book proves that you cannot judge a book by its cover because you might miss out on a fantastic story. If you don't think you would like Secrets: Visible & Invisible, read it anyway, and I think you will be surprised by how engaging and enjoyable it is!
Things To Mention: A boy thinks in his head that he never has a hard time getting a girl to be with him and do what he wants her to do. While a person thinks back on his life, he remembers fighting and being drunk with his friends. There are also some other minor acts of violence. There is a side character whose brother was killed by a gang.
Come check out more of my reviews of clean wholesome books at:
https://gdonahue23.wixsite.com/books/...
The only thing I did not like about the book was the cover. When I saw it, it made me think the book would be mundane, and if I saw it at the library, I probably wouldn't have picked it up, but I am glad I did read it. This book proves that you cannot judge a book by its cover because you might miss out on a fantastic story. If you don't think you would like Secrets: Visible & Invisible, read it anyway, and I think you will be surprised by how engaging and enjoyable it is!
Things To Mention: A boy thinks in his head that he never has a hard time getting a girl to be with him and do what he wants her to do. While a person thinks back on his life, he remembers fighting and being drunk with his friends. There are also some other minor acts of violence. There is a side character whose brother was killed by a gang.
Come check out more of my reviews of clean wholesome books at:
https://gdonahue23.wixsite.com/books/...
July 15, 2018
This anthology of Catholic fiction for teens will introduce readers to seven diverse authors. Many of these stories, in a variety of genres but linked by a common theme, offer a peek at characters from full-length novels. Readers already acquainted with these authors will enjoy new perspectives on favorite characters. Kudos to CatholicTeenBooks.com and these seven authors for dreaming up this excellent collection.
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