The Catholic Bookworm

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Dena Schusterman on her book Stories Carry.STORIES CARRY is a personal memoir about faith, belonging, and the inherited stories that shape us. As the daughter of Chabad emissaries in 1970s Berkeley, California, and now a shlucha herself in Atlanta, Georgia, Schusterman, mother of eight, has spent her life straddling two worlds--deeply rooted in Hasidic tradition while fully engaged in modern society. Through interwoven narratives of her parents' journey and her own, STORIES CARRY explores the beauty and challenges of faith, the struggle to belong within a community, and the tension between tradition and individuality. It offers a rare, intimate look inside the Hasidic world, one often misunderstood or stereotyped, inviting readers to step beyond assumptions and see a vibrant, complex community from the inside. At a time of increasing polarization, STORIES CARRY is a reminder of the power of shared humanity. Through warmth, honesty, and humor, this book welcomes readers into a world both deeply personal and universally resonant.https://www.amazon.com/Stories-Carry-Memoir-Dena-Schusterman/dp/B0H4W37YZV/

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Andrew Mioni on his book The Sacrifice of Praise: Liturgical Debates and the Fundamentals of Worship.The Sacrifice of Praise offers a fresh and deeply biblical perspective on today’s liturgical debates by shifting the conversation from rubrics and preferences to the true heart of Christian worship. Drawing from Scripture, the Church Fathers, and the Church’s liturgical tradition, Andrew Mioni explores sacrifice, obedience, unity, and interior disposition, demonstrating that authentic participation in the Mass begins with a heart conformed to Christ. A compelling guide for Catholics seeking deeper worship and renewed ecclesial communion.https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/sacrificeofpraise/

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Tom DiFeo on his music, Called to Life.Visit Tom's channel at https://www.youtube.com/@tomdifeomusicVisit Tom's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/thomas.j.difeo.sr

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Francis Etheredge on his book Transgenderism: A Question of Identity (Vol. 1).We live in difficult times as there are enormous advantages to the internet and, at the same time, profound problems with its use. Is it a distorting mirror or is a true reflection of who we are? On the one hand world class scholarship, news, philosophy and documents of the Catholic Church are available as we type and touch a button. And, indeed, we are encouraged to be ‘media literate’, critical, thoughtful, capable, not just of debate but of seeking the truth. On the other hand, however, if a person is vulnerable owing to his or her time of life, sufferings, just beginning to read and to think, but not really grounded in philosophy, formed in a faith-community, or generally aware of what kind of ideas are abroad, their sources and their purpose, then the wrong keys can be jammed into the questions about “who and what I am”. This book, then, begins with a survey of some of the difficulties of our time, ranging from how we can lose a connection with each other, can isolate and “stay in”, die alone, or commit suicide. There are many cross-currents in our society, most of which are like tidal waves, involving so many types of suffering: the tragic statistics of marital breakdown, runaway children, the chemicalization of our bodies through drugs, contraception, and the taking of human life through abortion, whether by pill or by operation. Thus for there to be one more suggestion that the answer to our disorientation about our sexuality is just another set of drugs or operations is all too easy to believe. And, as the book progresses, we see that there is amidst this maelstrom of difficulties a black hole which is dangerous, directing us into dark places. Thus, given the power of the long-term anti-population strategies, it is possible to be on the receiving end of those who, while claiming to help, are advancing enclosed groups, estranging us from others, using unusual words, making us look at a distorting mirror and believe that we are misshapen. In order, however, to help young people to see the good of man and woman, we have to look afresh at all that could cloud or clear our vision. Given the providence of God, there are many signs of the presence of the truth in our lives, our families, our culture so that, as Pope Francis says, there is a hope that will not disappoint – but we have to be willing to see that we need help and the help we need is the truth about ourselves, what exists, and the God who loved us into existence and has sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to save us and to bring us into His Church. Unless, then, there is a restoration of our relationship to reality, to evidence, to truth and to God, there is little hope for the restoration of our relationships to each other. Let us, therefore, be willing to re-explore the fullness of human being and life that our Savior, Jesus Christ, seeks for all of us: “I come to give you life and life to the full” (Jn. 10: 10).https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/transgenderism/

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Fr. Michael Stalla on his book The Disciple Christ Deserves: A Catholic Spiritual Director’s Approach. ​The journey to the Father is a joyful one, but there are times that the fragments of life, like bits and pieces of broken glass, seem shattered, seem useless. God takes those seemingly worthless moments, and shapes them into patterns of beauty, that only his eye can see. Like a patient stained-glass artist or sculptor, God reminds us that the ultimate pattern of our life cannot be visible in this life, but the Divine Artisan already sees the finished masterpiece.Spiritual direction is looking at our life through God’s eyes, seeing that even amid life’s disappointments and difficulties, amid the joys of the journey, that every moment is meaningful. “Though I am sure that God could do a perfect job without our assistance, He takes joy in working with His beloved little ones. Working hand in hand with humanity must warm the Sacred Heart, just as it fills us with a sense of purpose, importance, and happiness. It is an honor to be invited to such a noble task.” https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/disciplechristdeserves/

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Miss Robyne L. Ferri on her book Slow Dancing with Jesus: Living Joyfully as a Single Catholic Woman!Slow Dancing with Jesus invites single Catholic women to discover joy, peace, and fulfilment in God during their single life journey, regardless of the length of that journey. Not even one full stop was set down without first being entrusted to the intercession of the Saints. Warm, candid, and personal with an opportunity for healing, this book encourages women to live as beloved and cherished daughters of God. Every purchase directly supports Robyne’s evangelisation apostolate, Live Catholic Joyful!https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/slowdancingwithjesus/

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Patrick O'Hearn on his book The Lamb of God: The Story of Our Lady of Knock.Acclaimed authors Fr. Donald H. Calloway, MIC and Patrick O'Hearn bring the story of Knock to life for young readers, with beautiful illustrations by Ann Kissane Englehart. Endorsed by the Knock Shrine! Although many years have passed since Mary appeared in Ireland, the stories and memories of this Apparition continue to touch many lives. Her appearance shows us we are not alone. At Knock, Heaven is reminding us to pray for the Holy Souls in Purgatory since 100 Masses were offered for them prior to the Apparition. Mary wants us to keep our eyes fixed on the Holy Eucharist, the Lamb of God. When we receive Holy Communion, we are receiving Jesus. He is the true food for everyone who hungers for eternal life.https://www.amazon.com/Lamb-God-Story-Lady-Knock/dp/1596146699/

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Sara Beth Meyer on her book Our Lady’s Love for Little Ones (August 31, 2026)In Our Lord's final hours, He promised His disciples that He would not leave them orphans (John 14:9), and placed His Mother & beloved disciple in each other's care (John 19:26). Over the centuries and across the miles, Our Lady continues to care for her children, calling all to prayer, especially for the conversion of sinners. Here, from the creators of the inspiring Gospels for Little Ones series are the stories of 14 of Our Lady's visits, told in rhyming verse and beautiful watercolor illustrations for all to share. May we, like the Baby Jesus, entrust ourselves to His Mother, echoing the greetings of Angel Gabriel and St. Elizabeth in Luke 1 and knowing that the prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective (James 5:16). May we become children of the light, beloved disciples who share a tender love for the mother of Jesus, knowing that we will never be orphaned by our Savior or His Heavenly Father.Our Lady's Love for Little Ones: Meyer, Sara Beth, Hsu, Allison: 9781596146716: Amazon.com: Books

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Susan De Bartoli on her book Padre Pio’s American Daughter: The Story of Mary Pyle. (August 24, 2026)Born into the glittering world of New York high society, Mary Pyle seemed destined for a life of comfort, culture, and worldly influence. Instead, she followed a call to a remote mountain town in Southern Italy and would thereafter be bound to one of the greatest saints of the modern age, Padre Pio. And now, Mary’s own cause for canonization is in its opening stages.At the dawn of the twentieth century, as waves of European immigrants were arriving on New York City’s shores, old American dynasties such as the Rockefellers, Morgans, and Carnegies mingled with newly wealthy families of the Gilded Age, including the McAlpins and the Pyles. It was into this world of privilege, Protestantism, and social expectation that Adelia McAlpin Pyle, later known as Mary, was born.Yet it was through the humble witness of her Irish Catholic nanny that she would encounter, as a child, the unmistakable presence of Christ – encounters that marked her soul forever. As her sense deepened that the Presence she felt at Mass was real, her family tried to suppress it. But her conviction only grew stronger.As a young woman, Mary traveled widely through Europe as an interpreter for Maria Montessori, moving with ease through intellectual and cultural circles. But truth demanded everything of her. At twenty-eight, she entered the Catholic Church – losing her inheritance and her mother’s affection yet embracing the sacrifice with serenity and courage.Then came the whispers of a friar bearing the wounds of Christ. When Mary finally met Padre Pio in 1923, his simple words – “Remain here” – ignited a fire that would define the rest of her life. Though she tried to leave, she found herself unable to do so, drawn as she was into a hidden mission she could not yet fully grasp.What followed was a life of extraordinary charity lived in profound humility. At Padre Pio’s side, Mary became a bridge between souls and a saint, founding a “house of charity” that served as a refuge for the sick, the suffering, soldiers, the poor, and the forgotten. With her gift for languages, her keen intellect, and her listening heart, she formed countless souls in the Faith – many of them young men who would become priests – and offered healing to those burdened by wounds seen and unseen.Mary Pyle’s life was not loud or dramatic but filled with love. Ordinary in appearance, heroic in self-gift, hers was a holiness shaped by obedience, Eucharistic devotion, and total trust. Today, as her cause for canonization gets underway, her story invites us to listen more closely to God’s quiet call – and to discover where love, when followed fully, might lead us.Padre Pio’s American Daughter - Sophia Institute Press

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Theresa Hickey on her book Glimpses of Light.Glimpses of Light gathers faith-filled poems and reflections that trace the quiet movements of grace in ordinary life—moments of healing, gratitude, struggle, and renewal. Drawing deeply on Scripture, prayer, and lived experience, these meditations invite readers to rediscover hope, compassion, and the sustaining light of Christ. Written in a clear, contemplative voice, this collection offers spiritual encouragement for anyone seeking peace, meaning, and deeper trust in God’s presence.https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/glimpsesoflight/

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Fr. Dominic G. Ciriaco on his book The Painted Pulpit: Corita Kent, Visual Theology and the Practice of Preaching.In The Painted Pulpit, Dominic G. Ciriaco explores the intersection of art, theology, and preaching through the life and work of Corita Kent, the celebrated “Pop Art Nun.” Drawing on Scripture, the theology of beauty, and contemporary homiletics, Ciriaco demonstrates how Kent’s creative techniques can enrich the preacher’s imagination and transform proclamation into a vivid encounter with the Gospel. Blending theological reflection with practical guidance, this work invites preachers, teachers, and artists to rediscover visual theology as a powerful means of communicating the Word of God.The Painted Pulpit: Corita Kent, Visual Theology and the Practice of Preaching by Fr. Dominic G. Ciriaco | En Route Books and Media

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Fr. John Henry Hanson on his book The Fire and the Silence: Prayer, Thought, and the Battle for Inner Stillness.Why is it so hard to pray without distraction? Why does our mind wander to everything except God when we kneel to speak with him? And what do we do with the flood of thoughts that seem to overtake us in the very act of prayer? In this deeply contemplative yet practical book, Fr. John Henry Hanson takes us on a journey through the battleground of the mind, where attention, memory, and imagination often seem like saboteurs to prayer. Drawing on Scripture, the Desert Fathers, saints like Teresa of Avila and Augustine, and insights from modern psychology, this book offers not a quick fix, but something far better: a quiet revolution against wayward thoughts, a spiritual reorientation toward God. Fr. Hanson helps readers to understand how God meets us even in mental chaos: how he works not despite our distractions, but sometimes through them. Along the way, readers will discover the role of grace in thought-life, how to respond to distraction, and what it means to have ""the mind of Christ."" With lyrical clarity, theological depth, and a pastoral heart, this book becomes not merely a guide to prayer, but a companion in it." https://scepterpublishers.org/products/preorder-the-fire-and-the-silence-prayer-thought-and-the-battle-for-inner-stillness?variant=47839455969457

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Phyllis Calvey on her book The Perfect Timing of Butterflies.When a loved one dies, the grief we experience can feel so overwhelming. Helping a child navigate through loss can be even more challenging. How can we comfort them? What can we say? How do we explain things in a way they can understand? When my great-grandson was only four years old, my daughter’s lifelong friend died suddenly from a stroke. We tried our best to answer his questions, but it was difficult to explain what had happened to someone his age. For weeks, he could not let go of his weighty thoughts and wonders about dying. One day, I decided to tell him a story about Bella, a little girl who was just about his age when her Poppa died. When I finished the story, I asked him what he thought. His answer surprised me in a way I could never have imagined, and I realized that he was immediately comforted in just the way he needed. For decades, children and adults have shared with me their true stories, like Bella’s, of moments that felt too perfectly timed to be just a coincidence. Between the pages of this book, I share a small collection of those stories that I hope will serve as a powerful reminder of God’s love and presence during life’s most difficult seasons. In the perfect timing of butterflies, faith can transform grief into peace and remind us that we are never truly alone.https://perfecttimingofbutterflies.com/

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Terry Modica on her books My Soul Shall Be Healed, The Father’s Heart, & Knowing God’s Will and Doing it Well (August 10, 2026)My Soul Shall Be Healed: A Study Guide on Ecclesia de Eucharistia (The Church of the Eucharist)by Terry ModicaThis easy-to-understand study guide explains in ordinary language how to understand the very important Church document, Ecclesia de Eucharistia (The Church of the Eucharist) an encyclical by Pope Saint John Paul II. You’ll be able to apply it to your everyday life in today’s world. You’ll discover how to develop a more personal relationship with Jesus in the Eucharist. You’ll learn why Catholicism teaches that the Eucharist as the “source and summit of the Christian life.” You’ll find out—with clarity—what Catholics believe and do not believe about the Eucharist. And you’ll gain a deep appreciation for the reason why only Catholic priests can consecrate the communion elements alongside the important role you have, with the whole community, in the Eucharistic celebration. My Soul Shall Be Healed: A Study Guide on Ecclesia de Eucharistia by Terry Modica | En Route Books and MediaThe Father’s Heart: Meet the Real Abba Father–Book One: 10 Spiritual Exercises to Heal from the Wounds of the Heartby Terry Modica; foreword by Bear WoznickThis is the first in a set of three workbooks on The Father’s Heart, all to help you experience the wonderfulness of the True Father so that your faith can be set free to reach its full potential. Each one of these, Meet the Real Abba Father, Discover What You Mean to Father God, and The Victory of God’s Fatherhood, used in this order, are inspirational guides to healing that will enable you to experience God the Father as he truly is. The books use scriptures, true life stories, and theological reflection. We’ll identify and overcome the most common misconceptions that interfere with faith in God.The Father’s Heart: Meet the Real Abba Father–Book One: 10 Spiritual Exercises to Heal from the Wounds of the Heart by Terry A. Modica | En Route Books and MediaKnowing God’s Will and Doing it Well: A Ministry Discernment Workbook based on the Daily Good News Reflectionsby Terry Modica; foreword by Bill SnyderA practical Catholic guide to discerning God’s will and discovering the mission He created you to fulfill. Do you wonder whether you’re making the right decisions? Have you ever wished you could recognize God’s voice more clearly and understand the purpose He created you for?In Knowing God’s Will and Doing It Well, Terry Modica guides you through a practical and prayerful journey of discernment. Drawing from years of helping Christians experience life-changing “AHA!” moments through her popular Good News Reflections, Terry offers twenty engaging reflections that will help you:Recognize how God speaks in everyday lifeOvercome fears and misconceptions that hinder discernmentDiscover the unique gifts God has given youGain confidence in the mission He is calling you to fulfillLearn how to cooperate with God’s plans instead of merely guessing at themMore than a book, this is a workbook for spiritual growth. Reflection questions, journaling opportunities, and three self-assessment tests will help you identify your God-given strengths and discover where your gifts can best be used in service to others.Whether you are discerning a new ministry, seeking direction for an important decision, or simply longing to deepen your relationship with God, Knowing God’s Will and Doing It Well will help you hear His voice more clearly—and respond with confidence.Knowing God’s Will and Doing it Well: A Ministry Discernment Workbook based on the Daily Good News Reflections by Terry A. Modica | En Route Books and Media

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Claudia McAdam on her book The Miracle of the August Snow.It is a hot and humid August day in Rome, and competitive twin boys Ignatius and Paulus are arguing as only brothers can. The boys and their parents live and work in the home of a wealthy Christian couple, Master Giovanni and Mistress Julia. One afternoon, when the boys suffer an unfortunate mishap, a wedge is driven between them.Meanwhile, in answer to a prayer from Giovanni and Julia, the Blessed Virgin Mary appears to them and to their friend Pope Liberius in a dream. She predicts a shocking miracle -- a snowfall in summer! She also makes a request that Ignatius and Paulus can help fulfill, but only if they put animosity behind them and work together.The Miracle of the August Snow retells the legend of the miraculous snowfall that occurred overnight on August 5, 358 in Rome. This story allows young readers to enter into a fun, faith-building account of an apparition of the Blessed Mother, which led to the building of the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore (Saint Mary Major). https://www.amazon.com/dp/1681927985

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Paul Murano on his book What is Marriage?: Toward a Theology of One-Flesh Union as the Image of the Trinity (August 3, 2026)What Is Marriage? offers a profound theological and philosophical exploration of marriage as a one-flesh union rooted in human nature and elevated by grace. Drawing on Scripture, natural law, historical analysis, and contemporary thought, Paul J. Murano presents marriage as an image of Trinitarian love. Addressing modern challenges to sex, family, and identity, this work proposes a compelling vision for renewing a culture of life grounded in truth, unity, and divine purpose.What is Marriage?: Toward a Theology of One-Flesh Union as the Image of the Trinity by Paul Murano | En Route Books and Media

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Dcn. Tony Surozenski on his “Go in Peace”: May Our Lives Always Give Glory to God.In Go in Peace: May Our Lives Always Give Glory to God, retired firefighter, deacon, chaplain, and teacher Tony Surozenski reflects on a lifetime of service shaped by faith, family, and courage. Through stories of firefighting, prayer, miracles of the Eucharist, and humble lessons learned, he reveals how God’s grace guided every chapter. A heartfelt testimony to finding peace, purpose, and gratitude in serving others for the greater glory of God.https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/goinpeace/

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Pedro Gabriel on his book The Unknown Modern Side of St. Pius X.Pope St. Pius X is often seen as the champion of anti-modernism, but this view overlooks his deep commitment to renewal and reform. The Unknown Modern Side of St. Pius X reveals how his liturgical, ecclesial, and pastoral initiatives anticipated key developments of Vatican II and even resonate with Pope Francis’ vision today. Far from being a reactionary, Pius X was a modern pope—one who sought not to resist change but to guide it, proving that continuity, not rupture, defines the Church’s path through history.https://www.amazon.com/dp/9893372798

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Michael O'Neill on his book They Might be Saints: On the Path to Sainthood in America (July 27, 2026)Fundamental to the rapid growth of the Church in America are these exceptionally inspired men and women, not yet canonized, who lived heroic virtue and thereby changed the face of our country. Author Michael O’Neill unveils 24 of America’s greatest “blesseds” and “venerables,” whose causes for canonization are already underway.You’ll meet young Europeans who gave up secure lives for the wilderness of America―knowing they would never see their families again. You’ll meet the husband and wife who, despite being slaves, showed remarkable charity to their so-called “owners.” You’ll explore the miraculously productive life of Knights of Columbus founder Fr. Michael McGivney, who died at the age of 38, as well as the 23-year-old explorer priest who covered 200,000 square miles, heard Confessions for up to 14 hours at a stretch, ate prairie rats when necessary―and founded 30 parishes.You’ll also enjoy the remarkable stories of:Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, America’s first TV evangelistPierre Toussaint, once a slave, then an entrepreneur devoted to the poorFr. Patrick Peyton, “The Rosary Priest,” whose reached hundreds of thousands with his rallies and radio crusadesHenriette DeLille, the legendary “Saint of New Orleans”Fr. Augustus Tolton, the nation’s first black priest, himself a former slaveFive foundresses of religious communities who produced thousands of teaching nunsTwelve holy souls who quietly devoted their lives to the poorThey Might Be Saints: On the Path to Sainthood in America: Michael O'Neill: 9781682782248: Amazon.com: Books

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Roland Warren on his book The Alternative to Abortion: Why We Must be Pro-ABUNDANT Life (July 21, 2026)After the overturning of Roe v. Wade in June of 2022, many pro-life Americans --- especially Christians – began asking, “Now what?” In the more than two years that have passed since that momentous Supreme Court decision, the pro-life movement has provided a variety of answers. But as these (sometimes conflicting) answers have been tested and debated, Americans, when given the option, have chosen more abortions and more pro-choice laws, not fewer.Against this backdrop, Roland C. Warren, president and CEO of Care Net, one of the nation’s largest and oldest pro-life ministries, lays out his unique vision for the future of the pro-life movement in this groundbreaking book, The Alternative to Abortion: Why We Must be Pro Abundant Life. In it, Warren weaves together his personal story, timeless Biblical truths, American history, and the latest social science to make a clear and compelling case for why being pro-life is no longer enough – and how a new pro abundant life approach is what has been needed all along to truly vanquish abortion.Warren's journey towards this paradigm shift began during his Princeton University college years when he and his then-girlfriend, now wife of over four decades, faced the daunting decision of abortion or choosing life for their unborn child. They chose life, and that is when Roland’s 40-year journey to this book began. Upon joining Care Net in 2012, Warren challenged conventional pro-life strategies by recognizing the link between abortion rates and the erosion of marriage, father involvement, and discipleship. He realized, with a “download from God,” that the Bible itself held all of the answers on how the pro-life movement must move forward.That is when the idea of becoming pro abundant life was born. As he read the words of John 10:10, Warren understood that Christians must be pro abundant life because Jesus himself was. And as he began to unpack how this revelation would play out in reality, God began revealing the not-so-secret pro-life strategies nested in some of the most popular Bible stories and verses.In The Alternative to Abortion, readers will learn how the story of Christ’s birth, the story of the Good Samaritan, and Jesus’ teachings on the Great Commandment and the Great Commission tell us everything we need to know about how to win the fight against abortion. Most importantly, it acts as a clarion call to the Church to rethink how it views abortion – not as a political issue that must be avoided, but as a discipleship issue at the heart of the Church’s very purpose for existence.The Alternative to Abortion will take readers through a compelling explanation of what it means to be pro abundant life, why it matters, and what it means for the future of pro-life ministry – all the way from the big picture vision down to the everyday tactics that can be employed to save unborn children from abortion, build strong families, and make disciples for Jesus Christ.Every chapter of the book concludes with practical steps that Christians can take to turn their pro-life passion into pro abundant life action. The book also contains several frameworks and apologetics that pro-life people can use to have productive conversations with their pro-choice friends and family members, moving them closer to embracing a pro abundant life vision.The Alternative to Abortion stands as the definitive response to the question on the minds of pro-life Americans, "What now?" It promises to revolutionize the course of the pro-life movement, heralding a new era where the fight against abortion is finally won.Amazon.com: The Alternative to Abortion: Why We Must be Pro Abundant Life: 9798275518221: Warren, Roland C.: BooksSee also https://youtu.be/oaZ_5_UbEOM?si=AV1Dqz5OkCr29yiT

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Joan Watson on her book Coached by Catherine of Siena: Lessons in Charity. (July 20, 2026)What if one of the Church's most fiery mystics could mentor you in prayer, charity, and holiness, right where you are? Walk alongside St. Catherine of Siena as she teaches you how to grow in love of God, neighbor, and the Church. Drawing deeply from her letters and prayers, this book brings Catherine's bold wisdom into your daily life— not as a distant mystic to admire, but as a spiritual coach who meets you in your struggles and calls you to rise above them. Catherine doesn't ask you to levitate or to live on nothing but the Eucharist. She asks you to begin. Again and again. Through daily prayer, honest self-knowledge, and sacrificial love, she shows how every Christian, no matter how weak or ordinary, can become a saint. Whether you're battling distraction, discouragement, pride, or sloth, Catherine has been there— and she will not let you stay stuck. She speaks with authority, tenderness, and with a burning desire for your holiness. Let her coach you. And let God, through her and out of complete love for you, make you new.https://www.amazon.com/dp/159417556X

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Kristi Dentinger on her book Be a Saint in the Making: The Family Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary through the Intercession of Saint Carlo Acutis (July 20, 2026)Be a Saint in the Making is a 16-week family consecration journey to the Immaculate Heart of Mary with the intercession of Saint Carlo Acutis. Following the First Five Saturdays of Fatima, this guide offers Scripture, prayers, holy habits, and family activities designed to nurture holiness in the home. With inspiration from Our Lady, Saint Carlo, and the saints, families are invited to discover their unique call to sanctity together.Archbishop- Designate of Mobile Alabama gave the consecration an imprimatur on August 5th, 2025.Be a Saint in the Making: The Family Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary through the Intercession of Saint Carlo Acutis by Kristi Dentinger | En Route Books and Media

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Jennifer Ristine on her book Becoming Magdalene The Transforming Journey of a Disciple. (July 14, 2026)Jennifer Ristine’s extensive contact with sacred scriptures, research into multiple historical sources, personal prayer, and first-hand ministry in the Holy Land, particularly Ancient Magdala, give credibility and foundation to creative license as Mary Magdalene’s transforming journey unfolds. Hear the echo of your own heart as you encounter this enigmatic saint. Witness existential tensions in the search for identity and belonging. See her struggles with relationships as she overcomes wounds, defense mechanisms, and false perceptions of self and God. Step into the messiness of life that has potential to reconcile rifts and fulfill grand and noble desires. Listen for interior movements of the heart, indicative of multiple influences at play as she walks with her Rabboni. Join Saint Mary Magdalene, the apostle to the Apostles, as she discovers God’s providential hand guiding her toward authentic freedom and love. It is a path to which we are all called. And it invites a continual response. Read it for fun, for inspiration, for spiritual reading, or make use of it as an ongoing personal retreat. Wherever you are on your journey of faith, you will find a companion here.Becoming Magdalene: The Transforming Journey of a Disciple by Jennifer Ristine | En Route Books and Media

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Derek Rotty on his book Prophet of Hope (July 14, 2026)Amid the pervasive cultural upheaval and moral uncertainty of the mid-twentieth century, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen emerged as a prophet of hope, always giving people a reason to believe that life is worth living. For decades, "America's bishop" wrote, taught, and preached about the major questions and issues that were shaping American culture.Prophet of Hope places Sheen in dialogue with eight of the leading thinkers of his day -- John Dewey, H. L. Mencken, Henry Luce, Margaret Mead, B. F. Skinner, Jack Kerouac, Betty Friedan, and Michael Harrington -- showing how he confronted the key philosophical, psychological, economic, and societal issues facing the world in his time. Drawing on his radio broadcasts, television show, and writings, this book presents Sheen grappling with the influences that shaped modern culture, including atheism, isolation, cynicism, anxiety, and despair. His prophetic voice of hope still resonates today.Nearly a century after he entered the public sphere, Sheen continues to offer sound guidance for living our Catholic Faith, showing us how to respond with charity, truth, and hope to the modern world.Prophet of Hope: Fulton Sheen Responds to the Modern World: Rotty, Derek: 9781681929675: Amazon.com: Bookshttps://www.derekrotty.com

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Ken Ogorek on his book series with Scott Hahn entitled Breaking the Bread: A Biblical Devotional for Catholics (July 13, 2026)As Catholics, we draw meaning and purpose from the celebration of the Mass each Sunday. But what if we could enhance our experience of the Mass with a better grasp on the readings we hear?In Breaking the Bread, a beautiful, full-color, clothbound companion for the Sunday Mass, beloved Scripture scholar Scott Hahn reflects on the Sunday Mass readings, providing insightful context for all Catholics to better understand what we hear—and why we hear it—on any given Sunday.This easy-to-use devotional also includes carefully selected passages from the Catechism that provide an overview of the Church's basic doctrinal and moral teaching and challenge each of us to greater fidelity to Christ.Breaking the Bread will help all Catholics make the most of Sunday Mass through reflections on Scripture, the Catechism, and short prayers to help one deepen their personal relationship with the living Word of God: Jesus Christ.This edition of Breaking the Bread highlights the lectionary readings for Year B. Additional volumes for Year A and Year C are forthcoming.Breaking the Bread: A Biblical Devotional for Catholics Year B: Scott Hahn, Ken Ogorek: 9781645853480: Amazon.com: Books

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Carmel Duca on his book Life at the Margins: Reflections on a Missionaries of Charity Brother’s Journey with the Poor.Life at the Margins invites readers into the extraordinary, hidden world of the poor as seen through the eyes of Missionaries of Charity Brother Carmel Duca. Drawing on decades spent in prisons, shelters, and forgotten communities across Latin America, India, and the United States, Duca reveals stories of resilience, suffering, humor, and grace. His vivid encounters illuminate how the marginalized become unexpected teachers of gratitude, compassion, and the quiet heroism of everyday holiness.https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/lifeatthemargins/

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews A.R.K. Watson on her book The Vines of Mars: Murder in the First Colony.Tomás thought he had accepted the tragic loss of his sister to the natural calamities of the Martian frontier, until the day a mysterious stranger emerges from the desolate landscape-- on a planet where everyone knows everyone and newcomers only come by rocket. No one is supposed to survive outside the colony and yet this strange half-feral boy has. What's more, he knows what really happened to Tomás' sister. Everything Tomás believed about his world, his family, and his hometown is shattered.Driven by a newfound purpose, Tomás discovers that his sister also held a groundbreaking secret—one that could rekindle Mars' faltering terraformation efforts and save them from the carnivorous vine forest that threatens their borders everyday. Now, to safeguard his planet and seek justice for his family, he must confront the unsettling reality that his sister, the Martian colony he calls home, and everything he learned about his life, was built on layers of deception.A science fiction mystery that blends with the haunting notes of southern gothic literature. All the drama and intrigue of The Expanse but set amidst a small town inspired by Ray Bradbury's Martian Chronicles. https://www.amazon.com/Vines-Mars-Murder-First-Colony/dp/B0CSTBQ19N/

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Stephen Gabriel on his book Love Finds a Way: Building a Friendship with Christ in the Midst of Life (July 2, 2026)Are you a Catholic striving to live your faith more deeply, but sensing that God is asking more of you? In Love Finds a Way, Stephen Gabriel shares a deeply personal and practical guide for cultivating a richer interior life. Drawing on the wisdom of St. Josemaria and the spiritual tradition of the Church, Gabriel offers encouragement, structure, and specific devotions to help lay Catholics grow in friendship with Christ. From daily Mass and the Rosary to mental prayer, confession, and spiritual direction, this book presents a "plan of life" that integrates faith into every corner of daily living.Love Finds a Way: Building a Friendship with Christ in the Midst of Life - Kindle edition by Gabriel, Stephen. Religion & Spirituality Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Fr. Gregory Cleveland, OMV, on his book My Seal on His Heart: Eucharistic Intimacy in the Song of Songs (June 17, 2026)In My Seal on His Heart, Fr. Cleveland unveils the Song of Songs as the key that unlocks the deepest mystery of the Eucharist: God’s desire to unite Himself to His people in a covenant of love.From ancient Israel’s Passover to Christ’s New Passover, the Scriptures reveal a divine love story unfolding through history. The rabbis saw the Song as the “Holy of Holies,” a poetic vision of God the Bridegroom drawing His beloved Israel to Himself. In the Eucharist, this mystery reaches its astonishing fulfillment. Jesus, the true Bridegroom, gives Himself completely—body and blood, soul and divinity—to espouse His Church in a new and everlasting covenant.Fr. Cleveland guides readers into this nuptial heart of the faith, showing how the Eucharist is not only sacrifice and meal, but the wedding banquet of the Lamb. Here Christ feeds His bride with His very life, draws her into His self-giving love, and leads her through the desert of this world toward the joy of eternal communion.Both biblical and mystical, theological and devotional, My Seal on His Heart invites believers to rediscover the Eucharist as the sacrament of divine love—where the Bridegroom still whispers, “Abide in my love,” and the Church learns again to rest upon His heart.My Seal on His Heart: Eucharistic Intimacy in the Song of Songs by Fr. Gregory Cleveland, OMV | En Route Books and Media

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Claudia McAdam on her book St. Paul's Nephew to the Rescue.Saint Paul is imprisoned, and angry men are plotting to kill him. Saint Paul's nephew overhears their evil plan, and even though he's small and afraid, he knows he needs to do something to stop them. In this exciting, illustrated story, based on true events from Saint Paul's life as recounted in the Acts of the Apostles, children will learn about heroism in the face of danger and what it means to be a Christian witness. St. Paul's Nephew to the Rescue will captivate the imagination of young readers and inspire them to live courageous lives, doing all things through Christ who strengthens us. https://www.amazon.com/Nephew-Rescue-Claudia-Cangilla-McAdam/dp/1681929848/

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Melanie Cox on her book You Have To Know: What I've lived. What He's shown. What you need to know. (June 16, 2026)What if your mess was the very place God wanted to meet you? In You Have to Know, Melanie Cox invites you into twenty raw, real-life stories where grace collided with chaos—and God’s love rewrote the ending. Through personal moments of struggle, humor, and breakthrough, this devotional journey offers more than inspiration. It’s a guided path into deep healing, restored identity, and powerful encounters with God’s truth. Whether you’re weary from life’s battles or simply longing to hear God’s voice more clearly, these journal-style reflections deliver what your heart craves: honesty, hope, and Holy Spirit-infused wisdom. Inside you’ll find: 20 compelling devotionals drawn from lived experience Scriptural insights for everyday transformation Guided prayers to help you process, heal, and grow Heart check prompts to shift your mindset and deepen your walk with God This book will help you: Break free from confusion and self-doubt Heal emotional wounds through truth and prayer Rebuild your identity on the unshakable love of God Experience personal encounters with the Holy Spirit Feel seen, heard, and spiritually reconnected—page by page This is not your average devotional. It’s a soul-stirring invitation for women who want to move from messy to miraculous, from burned out to burning bright, and from confused to called—all while rediscovering the love of a Father who never let go. Each page was designed to meet you where you are: in the chaos of motherhood, the ache of disappointment, the fog of confusion, or the quiet hunger for more. If you’ve ever wondered where God is in the middle of your mess… You have to know: He’s closer than you think. https://www.amazon.com/You-Have-Know-lived-shown/dp/1968070028

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Sister Mary Catherine Blanding, IHM on her book St. John Henry Newman: A Doctor of the Church for Our Time – Spiritual Guide for the Catholic Heart. (June 15, 2026)Sister Mary Catherine Blanding’s St. John Henry Newman: A Doctor of the Church for Our Time presents a compelling and deeply pastoral introduction to one of the most influential Catholic thinkers of the modern era. Drawing from Newman’s sermons, spiritual writings, and personal journey of conversion, Blanding reveals why Newman continues to speak powerfully to contemporary believers confronting doubt, secularism, loneliness, and the search for holiness. Both intellectually rich and spiritually accessible, the work serves as a guide to prayer, conscience, divine providence, and authentic Christian transformation.St. John Henry Newman: A Doctor of the Church for Our Time – Spiritual Guide for the Catholic Heart by Sister Mary Catherine Blanding, IHM | En Route Books and Media

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Leslea Wahl on her book The Ultimate Blindside (June 9, 2026)This follow-up to The Perfect Blindside and The eXtreme Blindside by Leslea Wahl continues the story of Jake Taylor, an international snowboarding icon, and his girlfriend, Sophie. In The Ultimate Blindside, a movie about Jake’s life is in the works, but even as their past is being replayed for the screen, their current lives are full of intrigue and excitement.Jake rescues a woman and her daughter, who were trapped in a car in an icy pond, but the woman is on the run from her dangerous husband. Sophie helps her hide, while the couple attempts to discover the truth about who she is and who she is hiding from. Jake also has to deal with some old “friends” from the past who seem set on hurting him, and Sophie’s laptop is hacked, wreaking havoc on her life.This is a fast-moving story, sure to keep readers turning pages. I definitely recommend starting with The Perfect Blindside and reading the whole series.Link to Amazon: https://a.co/d/0ckg54laLink on publisher site: https://www.perpetuallightpublishing.com/booksRecent blogs featuring the new book: https://www.todayscatholichomeschooling.com/the-ultimate-blindside-new-teen-fiction/; https://www.fantasticfiction.com/w/leslea-wahl/ultimate-blindside.htm; https://catholicbooksblog.wordpress.com/tag/book-review/ 

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Regina Civiletti on her memoir Journey to Forgiveness (June 8, 2026)When tragedy struck and Regina Civiletti lost her husband to a drunk driver, her world shattered. Journey to Forgiveness is her raw, heartfelt account of grief, faith, resilience, and the long road toward healing. Through harrowing memories, courtroom battles, and the daily struggle of raising three children alone, Regina discovers strength in love, community, and Christ. This moving memoir offers hope to anyone facing loss and searching for peace beyond unimaginable pain.Journey to Forgiveness by Regina Civiletti | En Route Books and Media

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Christina Weigand on her book Palace of the Twelve Pillars (June 8, 2026)The Peace Summit was in shambles, the prince kidnapped. When the rival king realizes he kidnapped the wrong prince, hostilities escalate. Loyalties to each other and country are tested for the twin princes of Crato, Joachim and Brandan. Joachim, captive of King Waldrom, faces deception and betrayal as he struggles to find his way home. Brandan, at home with a father focused on rescuing Joachim, wrestles with his own demons as he searches for his place in the world and the favor of his father. Torn from the safety and peace of their childhood, they are thrust into a world where bonds of family, brotherhood and roles as heirs to Crato are tested. Through war, spiritual journeys, death and marriage, will they choose the path of good or evil? Who can be trusted, as the world they know slips into a whirlpool of chaos?Palace of the Twelve Pillars: Book One: Weigand, Christina: 9798414047407: Amazon.com: Books

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Steve Hemler on his book The Busy Parent's Guide to the Catholic Faith. (June 2, 2026)What do you say when your child asks, "How do we know God exists?" or "Why do Catholics believe in the Eucharist?" or "Isn't science enough?"  For decades, Catholic educator and parent Steven R. Hemler has been writing summaries to help answer the big faith questions young people ask, and this book is the fruit of that work.  A practical, easy-to-use resource, anyone entrusted with nurturing the faith of the next generation, including parents, grandparents, godparents, Confirmation sponsors, catechists, and teachers, will find this book invaluable.  With short, standalone chapters written in plain, engaging language, Hemler offers solid, theologically sound answers to the real questions Catholics face today.The Busy Parent's Guide to the Catholic Faith: Short Answers to the Big Questions: Hemler MS, Steven R: 9781594175718: Amazon.com: Books

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Fr. Sebastian White, OP, on his Life and Ministry.

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Joan Elizabeth Bauer on her novel The Bicycle Messenger. (June 1, 2026)In the 1970s, when a distant cousin dies unexpectedly, Mary Ellen and Charles Hawley agree to take his seven-year-old son Steven into their home. Steven’s birth mother, a Polish immigrant, has schizophrenia and can’t assume custody. But in a last traumatic visit, she convinces her son that a mysterious presence called the bicycle messenger has followed him into his new life.Years later, Steven, a recovering alcoholic with a history of bipolar disorder, is working as a short-order cook. To Megan Helmsworth, a college student waiting tables, he is a sweet, doting boyfriend. But Steven becomes more and more preoccupied with his lost family of origin, and when a manic swing sends him on a quixotic journey to Poland, Megan seizes her chance to escape. In a well-meaning attempt to shelter her fragile son, Mary Ellen agrees to harbor a secret no mother should ever keep. Told through the eyes of the three women who love Steven best—Mary Ellen, Megan, and his adoptive sister Margaret—The Bicycle Messenger is a story of generational trauma that stretches from the last days of the Kraków ghetto in 1942 all the way to 2016. But it is also a story of unexpected grace.https://www.amazon.com/Bicycle-Messenger-Joan-Elizabeth-Bauer/dp/B0FGGLDMDQ/

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Fr. Dennis Billy, CSsR, on his book My Journey’s End (May 26, 2026)This volume offers a contemplative collection of spiritual reflections and poetic meditations, tracing the human journey toward meaning, surrender, and hope. Written with simplicity and depth, these brief pieces invite readers to pause, listen, and walk honestly through longing, doubt, faith, and grace. Rooted in Christian spirituality yet universally human, this book accompanies readers as they take life one step at a time toward rest in God.My Journey’s End by Fr. Dennis J. Billy, CSsR | En Route Books and Media

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Fr. Dennis Billy, CSsR, on his book Going Forth: St. Alphonsus de Liguori and the Spirituality of Mission (May 26, 2026)This book completes Fr. Dennis J. Billy’s acclaimed trilogy on Alphonsian spirituality. Drawing on theology, history, and pastoral insight, Fr. Billy explores how mission flows from God’s own life of love and finds concrete expression in preaching, sacrament, community, and service to the poor and most abandoned. Rooted in tradition yet attentive to today’s Church, this work invites readers to rediscover missionary discipleship as a lived spirituality for our time.Going Forth: St. Alphonsus de Liguori and the Spirituality of Mission by Rev. Dennis J. Billy, C.Ss.R. | En Route Books and Media

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Fr. Dennis Billy, CSsR, on his book Paradise for God: St. Alphonsus de Liguori and the Spirituality of Heart. Paradise for God explores St. Alphonsus de Liguori’s “spirituality of heart,” examining his vision of conversion, prayer, and intimate friendship with God. Focusing on the human heart as the dwelling place of God, the book unpacks Alphonsian practices like mental prayer and the Way of the Cross, offering readers a path to deep personal transformation, grace-filled discipleship, and union with Christ’s heart in a life of mission and love.https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/paradiseforgod/

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Ronda Chervin on her children's book The Girl Who Became a Cat. (May 19, 2026)When Melinda’s family evacuates during a Los Angeles fire, she stays behind to save her beloved cats. Faced with danger, she prays for help–and, in a mysterious transformation, becomes like them to lead them to safety. Her courageous journey unfolds across land and sea, guided by faith and love. This imaginative tale becomes a gentle Christian parable of sacrifice, trust, and redemption, reflecting how divine love enters our world to rescue and restore us.The Girl Who Became a Cat by Ronda Chervin | En Route Books and Media

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Jon Harmon on his novel Scraps of Grace.A single father grapples with the loss of self-identity in the wake of trauma, and begins to long for spiritual connection in this literary novel filled with wry humor and wit.Twenty-six-year-old Tyler Manion is overwhelmed by the loss in his life. Six months ago, his wife died suddenly, and tomorrow will be his last day at General Motors. Raising his nearly two-year-old son alone, he puts up a brave front, pretending to have it all together. But he can't seem to focus, and his spiritual attention deficit disorder is keeping him from any meaningful connection with the one who could help him most in his hour of need. A high school girl basketball phenom, a gruff World War II veteran, a hippie nun and a beguilingly brainy graduate student will each help him rediscover his sense of identity, and perhaps find his spiritual bearings. Scraps of Grace opens in Michigan in the summer of 1990, a time of turmoil and of hopefulness, across the world and at home. Often irreverent in tone and detail, Scraps of Grace resides in the conflicted present moment but abides in the eternal. At the end of the book, there is a page of discussion questions for book clubs, designed to deepen readers' literary exploration of the themes of identity loss and spiritual renewal.https://www.amazon.com/Scraps-Grace-Jon-F-Harmon/dp/B0DNGS1R4R/

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Ginny Kochis on her book Quirky Catholic Kids: Navigating Neurodivergence with Faith & Joy.Quirky kids are more: more intense, more active, more emotive, and more sensitive - as much a parent's or educator's greatest challenge as they are their greatest joy. In Quirky Catholic Kids, Ginny Kochis explores the complex journey of parenting and educating "outside-the-box," neurodivergent children - that is, those whose brains receive, process, and express information in unconventional ways - sharing her authentic, often vulnerable, experience as a parent and educator alongside faith-filled strategies designed to help families thrive.Drawing from scientific research, psychology, and her own personal faith journey, Kochis shows you how to turn hurdles into stepping stones of hope. You'll learn effective approaches for processing the challenges, fears, and frustrations common in neurodivergent family life, affording you and your children powerful techniques for gaining trust and perseverance in the valleys. You'll also discover: Methods for channeling child behaviors, such as hyperfocusing, to make them fruitfulStep-by-step advice on how to respond to meltdowns and help children regulate their emotionsHow to develop social skills through games, role-playing, and storiesTips on fostering executive functioning skills and navigating difficulties with eating and sleepingFive ways to evaluate whether inappropriate behavior is a matter of discipline or developmentWays to strike a balance with your child's daily use of screen timeGuides for effective faith formation and parent-child interactionsThrough the words of Scripture and intercessory prayers of the saints, you will also learn how to combat negative self-talk, grow in temperance yourself, and share these tools with others. Kochis includes several quirky saint examples, such as Carlo Acutis, Dymphna, Joseph of Cupertino, Ignatius of Loyola, Christina the Astonishing, and Servant of God Leonie Martin.A special appendix highlights the talents and struggles of one hundred saints to help you prayerfully discern your child's patron. This invaluable resource also includes best practices for helping your family grow in faith, especially during times when your child is struggling. Quirky Catholic Kids will help you find peace of heart, an anchor in the storm, and the tools you need to support your unique, unrepeatable children. You will see how, by accepting and celebrating God's loving plan for your neurodivergent family, you and your children won't just survive - you'll bloom. https://sophiainstitute.com/product/quirky-catholic-kids/

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Phil Lawler on his novel Ghost Runner. Philip Lawler, one of America’s most respected Catholic writers and cultural critics, bursts onto the fiction scene with a riveting debut novel that plunges readers into the hidden battles of the Church in the 1980s. Lawler exposes beneath the surface of parish life and chancery politics a world of secrets, compromises, and spiritual warfare — where the faithful struggle to survive and a young priest discovers that he has a special mission — and powerful enemies.At the center is Fr. Andy Miller, freshly ordained and already under fire. Forced into sessions with a psychologist, Miller finds that his candid inner voice collides with the stark realities of an archdiocese in which corruption festers and power eclipses truth. Yet through humor, humility, and flashes of startling grace, he fights to shepherd his flock and live out a priesthood that may come at great personal cost.The story races from Boston’s parishes to the danger zones of war-torn El Salvador, where Miller’s quest thrusts him into peril and political intrigue. Shadowing his path is his brother Peter, a high-ranking official in the Reagan administration, whose own battles in Washington entwine with Andy’s in ways neither could predict. With every turn, the tension mounts — lives hang in the balance, faith is tested, and the line between betrayal and redemption blurs.More than a thriller, this is a profound spiritual journey. Lawler pulls readers into the struggle to discern spirits, to cling to God in the face of corruption, and to discover peace through surrender to His will. Along the way, the true beauty of the Church and the essence of the priestly vocation come alive.This is not just a novel. It is a heart-pounding, soul-stirring plunge into faith under fire. Once you enter Fr. Miller’s world, you won’t be able to put the book down.Ghost Runner: Phil Lawler: 9798889116028: Amazon.com: Books

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Monica Tanner on her book Bad Marriage Advice: Debunking Myths That Will Make You Miserable and What To Do Instead.What if the marriage advice you’ve been following is quietly sabotaging your relationship?From “never go to bed angry” to “happy wife, happy life,” couples are bombarded with clichés that sound wise but often leave them feeling disconnected, resentful, or questioning whether lasting love is even possible.In Bad Marriage Advice, relationship and intimacy coach Monica Tanner debunks the myths that hold couples back and replaces them with clear, compassionate strategies for real communication, lasting connection, and renewed intimacy. Drawing on over two decades of lived experience, a thriving coaching practice, and a faith-centered perspective, Tanner offers a refreshingly honest roadmap to creating the kind of marriage that feels safe, passionate, and built to last. Whether days or decades into your relationship, you’ll learn how to: Communicate without mind-reading or walking on eggshellsRekindle emotional and physical intimacyNavigate conflict with confidence and compassionGrow together instead of growing apart Based on the fifteen most common pieces of advice couples are given, this book offers practical alternatives that work in the real world, not just in theory. This is more than advice -- it’s a lifeline. With warmth, clarity, and a coach’s insight, Monica Tanner helps couples move from frustration and survival to connection, joy, and a deeply fulfilling marriage. Happily Ever After isn’t a myth; it’s a choice. And it starts now. https://www.amazon.com/Bad-Marriage-Advice-Debunking-Miserable/dp/B0FQ46HG3S/

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Fr. Ed Maristany on Heaven Can't Wait: A Glimpse of the Eternal in the Present"What if heaven isn't just our destination, and happiness isn't something we wait for, but realities we can begin to live now?" In this warm, accessible guide to Christian joy, Fr. Edward Maristany invites readers into a refreshing and deeply hopeful vision of the Chistian life—one where joy is not postponed until the next world, but encountered right here in the present. With wisdom rooted in Scripture, the saints, and the lived experience of the Church, Fr. Maristany guides us through the spiritual logic of happiness: God's plan for us, the tragedy of sin, the healing power of Christ, and the grace-filled path to sanctity in ordinary life. Along the way, he answers the questions every believer faces: How can I be happy despite suffering? How do I live faithfully in a broken world? What does God want from me—today, now? This book is a heartfelt call to live as beloved sons and daughters of God, to find meaning in the moment, and to walk the daily road of faith with confidence, peace, and purpose. If you've ever longed or more than momentary pleasure—if you want lasting joy and a life that bears eternal fruit—this book is for you. Because for the Christian, heaven can't wait.https://scepterpublishers.org/products/heaven-cant-wait-a-glimpse-of-the-eternal-in-the-present?variant=46653359128753

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interview Ronda Chervin on her book Church of Love.This book presents Catholic faith as a living encounter with divine love rather than a system of rules. Drawing on Scripture, sacramental theology, and personal insight, Ronda Chervin shows how God’s self-giving love is revealed through prayer, dogma, the sacraments, and daily Christian life. This enduring work invites readers to rediscover the Church as an intimate, transforming communion with Christ rooted in love.https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/churchoflove/

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Fr. Carter Griffin on his book Reclaimed: Win the War of Freedom, Self-Mastery, and Holy Purity (May 4, 2026)You were made for greatness— but the culture around you is trying to convince you otherwise. The permissive sexual wisdom of our time has failed. In a world hijacked by half-truths about freedom, love, and masculinity, young men are caught in a battle for their hearts. The good news: You don’ t have to settle for addiction, shame, or mediocrity. You were made for more. This is your field manual for the fight ahead— a clear, practical, roadmap to authentic masculinity and self-mastery. Drawing on timeless wisdom and real-world pastoral experience, Fr. Carter Griffin offers tried-and-true tactics to understand the battlefield, break free from cycles of shame and addiction, lead a more flourishing life, and rediscover the joy of loving as God intended.https://scepterpublishers.org/products/reclaimed-win-the-war-of-freedom-self-mastery-and-holy-purity?variant=46653355524273

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Ken Francis on his book Cities of the Absurd: Strange Tales from the Dark Metropolis (May 1, 2026)This anthology of fictional short stories follows curious moments in the lives of alienated characters confronted in a moral maze of theological, technological, and existential angst in dark places where AI hologram ghosts malfunction, lucid dreams become nightmares, and murderous misfits attack the innocents. These journeys into the black-and-white nights that meander through suicide alleyways are set in and around the edge of the cities with nocturnal themes ranging from surrealism, black humour; a kind of literary narrative with Noir Fiction hints of psychedelia.Cities of the Absurd: Strange Tales from the Dark Metropolis by Kenneth Francis | En Route Books and Media