Monday Review by the Book Dragon: YA contemporary novel with a perfect voice!

The Book Dragon has read A Single Bead by Stephanie Engelman and gives it 5 claws!

My 5 star review: "I'm often leery of contemporary YA fiction in present tense with a first person POV. I have been unable to finish several because the MC came off as whiny. But Engelman's voice is perfect for the story, and her 16 year old MC Katelyn is so believable and likeable, I wondered if the author had based her on a real person. Her family's situation is real and heart-breaking, but hope is woven into this story on every page. While dealing honestly with the real problem of depression, A Single Bead is a celebration of family and love and the power of prayer."

A Single Bead is featured on the website Catholic Teen Books. Check out the other reads!  

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: A beautiful love story

The Book Dragon has read Melanie D. Snitker's Finding Joy (#5 in the Love's Compass series) and gives it 5 claws!

My 5 star review: "What a beautiful story of second chances and finding oneself after life-altering events! I loved the two main characters, and my heart ached for them while each worked through a painful past. I love the depth of Ms. Snitker's characters and how she makes their faith a part of who they are. It was great to spend more time with some of my other favorite characters from the other books in this series. Happy the beagle was a sweet addition, too. I highly recommend this book and this entire series to every fan of sweet Christian romance."

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: Compelling historical fiction about an unforgettable young king!

The Book Dragon has read Susan Peek's Crusader King: A Novel of Baldwin IV and the Crusades and gives it five claws!

My review: "4.5 stars for a compelling story about an inspiring young king during a turbulent time and place in history. Made king at age 13, surrounded by enemies without as well as within his kingdom, and dealing with the unimaginable effects of leprosy, this young man's steadfast faith in God and his inspirational courage have left an indelible mark on my heart. King Baldwin's best friend, Theodore, and the Templar Sir Geoffrey were also well done, so well done, in fact, that two final scenes brought tears to my eyes. I couldn't unreservedly give this book 5 stars, though, because a few instances of slang and modern words pulled me out of the 12th century with a bit of a jar. Young readers will find this book fascinating, fast-paced, and unforgettable."

Crusader King is featured on the new Catholic Teen Books site.