Pogue Too - Edited by Liska McCabe - Raconteur Press Anthologies Book 72

Pogue Too

Edited by Liska McCabe

Illustrated by Cedar Sanderson

Raconteur Press Anthologies Book 72

Raconteur Press 

ISBN 9798247887423

ASIN B0GN1F1ZCS

ASIN B0D6772W4X

I enjoy reading anthologies for many reasons. First, short form fiction is a very different art form than the novel. The writing needs to be tighter. The intent more purposeful, and the skill and craft needed is significantly different, at least for good short stories. Second, I read a few anthologies a year to get introduced to new authors. In this case I was only familiar with one author prior to picking up the volume. I also love seeing short works by authors who series I have already read.

I am not sure I will ever catch up on reading and reviewing all the Raconteur Press Anthologies, but I will try. I have picked up several of the other anthologies from Raconteur Press, but have to date only read a few of them. I loved Pogue One so much this immediately jumped to the top of my reading list, and it did not disappoint!

I was intrigued by the collection title and purpose, I always love a good space military story. And there are some more great ones in this second volume. The description of this book states:

“Most military fiction regales the reader with fast-paced tales of strong men with sexy weapons who close with, engage, and destroy the enemy with lethal precision. What it tends to ignore, though, is the supply clerk who issues him the body armor that protects him in the fight, the intelligence shop that arms him with information, or the maintenance troops who keep the vehicles running (ideally). Because there are so many ways in which POGs (I served in the early 2000’s) support the fight, one anthology was simply not enough to convey it all, so we had to do another one.

This time, Ted Begley takes us along for the ride with a shuttle driver who has an eye for a bargain. Addison Reid shows us that sometimes a logistics officer knows what troops on the frontline really need, even better than they do, however inexplicable it may seem. An FNG (Freakin’ New Guy) and his first-line leader learn a valuable lesson about an ancient tradition in Jason Hobbs’ “Snipe Hunt.” B. K. Gibson reminds us that even if you don’t expect the unexpected, you’d better be prepared to adapt to it. Rounding out the collection, Malory demonstrates that a POG’s most underappreciated, yet critical skills are, as always, ingenuity and resourcefulness.

The authors all do a fantastic job of capturing different facets of a POG’s life, from the professionalism to the competence to the humor and everything in between. As a former Air Defense Artillery officer, many of the stories in the following pages remind me of my own troops at different times, and I sincerely hope you enjoy reading them as much as I did.”

The contributors are:

Liska McCabe

Ted Begley

Addison Reid

D. S. Ligon

Xavier Anderson

T. R. Benjamin

Z. M. Renick

Daryl F. Mallett

B K Gibson

Malory

The chapters or stories are:

Introduction

Another Man's Treasure – By Ted Begley

Al in Logistics – By Addison Reid

Manifest Destiny – By D. S. Ligon

Composting Status: Offline – By Xavier Anderson

The Shell Script of Destruction – By T. R. Benjamin

Masters of Mechamagic – By Z. M. Renick

Snipe Hunt – By Jason B. Hobbs

Revision 12 – By Daryl F. Mallett

Life of a Deliveryman – By B K Gibson

Sudden Death Overtime – By Malory

Also From Raconteur Press

Please, Tip Your Authors!

Endpiece

In the introduction we are informed by Liska McCabe:

“In every production, most eyes are drawn to the stage, but not a single scene would be performed without the people working in the shadows. From sets and costumes, to choreography, to lighting and sound, to rigging—without those support roles, a show simply cannot succeed. The military is no different, except there are fewer divas. Fewer, not none.

Most military fiction regales the reader with fast-paced tales of strong men with sexy weapons who close with, engage, and destroy the enemy with lethal precision. What it tends to ignore, though, is the supply clerk who issues him the body armor that protects him in the fight, the intelligence shop that arms him with information, or the maintenance troops who keep the vehicles running (ideally). Because there are so many ways in which POGs (I served in the early 2000’s) support the fight, one anthology was simply not enough to convey it all, so we had to do another one.

This time, Ted Begley takes us along for the ride with a shuttle driver who has an eye for a bargain. Addison Reid shows us that sometimes a logistics officer knows what troops on the frontline really need, even better than they do, however inexplicable it may seem. An FNG (Freakin’ New Guy) and his first-line leader learn a valuable lesson about an ancient tradition in Jason Hobbs’ “Snipe Hunt.” B. K. Gibson reminds us that even if you don’t expect the unexpected, you’d better be prepared to adapt to it. Rounding out the collection, Malory demonstrates that a POG’s most underappreciated, yet critical skills are, as always, ingenuity and resourcefulness.

The authors all do a fantastic job of capturing different facets of a POG’s life, from the professionalism to the competence to the humor and everything in between. As a former Air Defense Artillery officer, many of the stories in the following pages remind me of my own troops at different times, and I sincerely hope you enjoy reading them as much as I did.

Strike Hard - Strike Deep,”

I have loved reading Military Science Fiction since the mid 1980’s when in high school, from my first reading of Starship Troopers by Heinlein to my eagerly awaiting each new volume in Pier’s Anthony’s Bio of a Space Tyrant’s series. So reading a collection like this was like going back to the early days of overcoming my dual form of dyslexia and reading anything I could get my hands on.

 There are a few authors I encountered in this collection I plan on tracking down more and reading. And I should get around to reading the nearly fifty Raconteur Press Anthologies, of which I have picked dup about a dozen. My first reaction was, to whis was similar to the first, ‘Wow what an epic anthology’! My second was if I did not have so many other books I want to read I would go back and reread Pogue One. 

Frequently when you read an anthology there are a few stand out stories, a few that are just meh and the others are good solid stories. That was not the case with this collection. I really appreciated every story in the volume. If I had to pick a story to say was my favourite it would be ‘Revision 12’ by Daryl F. Mallett, followed by ‘Sudden Death Overtime’ by Mallory and third would be; ‘Another Man's Treasure’ by Ted Bagley. But I loved the humour in ‘AI in Logistics’ by Addison. Another standout story is ‘Life of a Deliveryman’ by B K Gibson. The one I keep thinking about is the one by Malory, as a former Rugby player, it really stuck home It also reminded me of a workmate from 20 years ago, I would arrive at 6am and he would invariably be watching Ghana playing Cricket or some match from around the world on one screen while working away on the other.  

There are also numerous full page illustrations between each story and a few extras, they by the amazing Cedar Sanderson, the only thing that would have made it better is if she had contributed a story as well. 

The stories continue in a wide range of interpretations on the theme of military science fiction adventures. I enjoyed each story, and can easily recommend the anthology. It was an awesome collection to read. And I am looking to track down other works from a couple of the contributors. This is a collection that is guaranteed to entertain!

Raconteur Press Anthologies Series:

Ghosts of Malta

Knights of Malta

Saints of Malta

Space Cowboys

Space Cowboys 2: Electric Rodeo

Space Marines

Falcons of Malta

Pinup Noir

Space Marines 2

Moggies In Space

Your Honor, I Can Explain

Space Cowboys 3: Return of the Bookaroo

Or All Will Burn

Moggies Back in Space

PinUp Noir 2

You See, What Happened Was...

Space Cowboys 404: Cow Not Found

He Was Dead When I Got There

Or All Will Burn: Fierce Love

Full Steam Ahead!

Giant! Freakin'! Robots!

Pinup Noir 3

Space Marines III

Moggies in Space: A Galaxy Fur. Fur Away

What! You Again?: The Spurgle Chronicles

Wyrd West

Space Cowboys 5: Cattle Drive

Goblin Market

Hooves, Tracks and Sabers!: Tales of Alternate History

Alien Family Values

Moggie Noir

Or All Will Burn: At All Costs

Coffee Adventures: Quests for the Perfect Cuppa Joe

The Super Generation

Steam Rising: Tales of Steampunk and Wondrous Inventions

The Big Ones

Moggie Noir: Alley Cat Alibi

Road Trippin'

Cursed Canyon: Wyrd West

Giant Stompin' Robots

Coffee Capers: 10 Tales of Coffee and Adventure

Fission Chips: Space Cowboys 6

Goblin Bazaar

Pogue One

From the Brim to the Dregs

Giant Squeeing Robots

Sultry Murder Jazz: Pinup Noir

Plasma Pulp

Wyrd Warfare

Band of Monsters Wyrd Warfare

Magic Malfunction

Dames, Derringers and Detectives: Moggie Noir

Rawhide Revenants: Wyrd West

Goblin Souk

Vice Noir

Artifact Origins

Alien Family Traditions

Blades and Black Magic

Moggies of Mars

Planks and Plunder

Glitched Grimm: Twisted Fairy Tales with Terror

Creature Feature

Mercs and Mayhem

Bourbon and Lead

Corsairs and Cutlasses

Daggers and Dark Powers

High Class Muscle

Uncanny Valet

Insert Coin

Plasma Pulp: Lost Worlds

Pogue Too

Mad Science: Bits and Pieces

…

Raconteur Press Postcard Stories:

Postcards From Mars

Steam-Powered Postcards

Fanta-Fly Postcards

Postcards from Foolz

Single Servings of Liberty 

Imagine THAT! 

Last Call

…

Other Raconteur Press Anthologies:

Best of 2024

Hairballs, Hiccups and Hope

…

An Illustrated Stations of the Cross - Reverend Jim Nisbet

An Illustrated Stations of the Cross:

The Devotion and its History

Reverend Jim Nisbet 

Aka James Nisbet

Twenty-Third Publications

ISBN 9780896221307

ISBN 089622130X

1982

Prior to Lent in 2026  I went through the collection of Stations I had and found I had about 10 I have never read or reviewed and have made the commitment to try and make it through them this Lent, and I added 2 as I have been reading, praying, and reviewing my way through the collection. Of the 10 I started with 6 were from Twenty-Third Publications, and while researching the first review I found a few others I am interested in. This is one that is not part of that series but from the publisher.

This is the seventh of the Stations of the Cross I have read from Twenty-Third Publications in this series, this was originally published in 1982 and there does not appear to have been a reprinting at any point in time since then. This won would not be great for corporate use, but is excellent for personal devotion.

It is not currently available on the Twenty-Third Publications site other retailers show it as unavailable, which is a pity it is an excellent version of this devotion.

The description of this volume from the back cover states:

“This handsome, timely volume captures the power of Christ's last hours for those who have long loved the Stations and those to whom the devotion is new.

Artist / author Father Nisbet offers us a fresh vision of the Stations with a vitality that will satisfy adults and entice youth. The living history of the devotion, as presented by the author and verified by Franciscan scholars, fills a woeful gap in current religious and secular understanding. The sensitive description of the Holy Way gives the reader an awesome sense of "being there" along the Via Dolorosa.

The photographic illustrations are of the Stations in St. Matthew's Cathedral in Washington, D.C. These historic art pieces were the gifts of the grand-nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte. The graphic illustrations by the author offer contemplative symbols for each of the Stations.

Rev. Cyprian Lynch, OFM, Associate Professor of Franciscan History at the Franciscan Institute, states well the purpose of the book in his foreword: ''Employing the inspiring text ... many persons will undoubtedly experience the healing, enlightening and quickening virtue that still goes out from Christ to those who_ meditate on his passion."

An Illustrated Stations of the Cross is an ideal gift for personal devotion or for a study club or a prayer group. The illustrations and prayers have the strength and beauty to rekindle the devotion for today's believer.”

 

The opening prayer in this book is:

“Father, send your Holy Spirit upon me to enlighten and to strengthen me. I seek to walk in the path of your son, Jesus, and to follow in his steps. May I look on this path not simply as an event in history, but as my own life today. Let me learn, let me understand, and give me the strength to accept and to live this path. Amen.”

The chapters in this volume are:

Foreword 

Introduction 

Opening Prayer 

Arrested in the Garden 

The First Station The Unjust Judge 

The Second Station Accepting the Crossbeam 

The Third Station Jesus Fall Under the Cross 

The Fourth Station Jesus Notices Mary 

The Fifth Station The Unwilling Helper 

The Sixth Station True Image 

The Seventh Station Jesus Falls Again 

The Eighth Station The Charitable Women 

The Ninth Station Jesus Rises the Third Time 

The Tenth Station Jesus Is Prepared 

The Eleventh Station Jesus Is Fixed to the Cross 

The Twelfth Station The Suffering Ends 

The Thirteenth Station The Body Is Taken From the Cross 

The Fourteenth Station The Body Is Placed in the Tomb 

The Fifteenth Station The Empty Tomb 

Closing Prayer 

A sample Station for this edition:

“The Third Station 

Jesus Falls Under The Cross

The scriptures do not record the falls of Jesus, but certainly as we consider Jesus' weakened condition, the load he carries, and the crowds in the streets, it is apparent that the way of the cross is difficult and the falls frequent. This is the first of the traditional stations that takes place outside of the fortress where Pilate lives. Even in the Jerusalem of today this means the crushing and surging crowds that are always a part of the Oriental marketplace. Perhaps this fall is simply the result of a crowd more interested in shopping than in the execution that is soon to take place. Jesus falls. The crossbeam slips from his shoulder and falls on top of him. But he rises, picks it up. And continues on his way.

Though he fall, he does not lie prostrate, for the hand of the Lord sustains him. Neither in my youth, nor now that I am old, have I seen a just man forsaken ... (Psalm 37:24-25).

Though he was in the form of God, he did not deem equality with God something to be grasped at. Rather he emptied himself and took the form of a slave, being born in the likeness of men. He was known to be of human estate, and it was thus that he humbled himself, obediently accepting even death, death on a cross! (Philippians 2:6-8).

I see this first fall of Jesus as the result of the indifference of the crowd. The people are not evil or intent on hurting him. They are merely involved in their daily work and are not concerned with what is happening to Jesus. Many times in my own life, in various ways, 1 am jostled and pushed by others who are concerned with affairs that are more important to them than I am. I stumble and fall, hurt more by their indifference than by their pushing. I see that the answer to this situation can only be Jesus' answer. Silently, Jesus gets up, picks up the crossbeam, and goes on. He has a tremendous understanding that I lack but must learn. Each of these people pushing me is also carrying a cross, and I have to become aware that they are. Some crosses are more visible than others, but everyone has one. It is only my indifference to the crosses of others that prompts my unkind word or condemnation. Jesus, who is only too aware of the problems of others, goes on silently.

Father, give me the vision of your son Jesus. Prevent me from letting my problems blind me to the real problems of others. Do not let my concern for myself consume my life and turn me from service to others. I seek to know and to do your will. It is concern for your will and your love, not concern for my comfort, that enables me to carry my cross in comfort. Amen.”

The volume ends with:

“Closing Prayer

Mighty Lord Jesus, I have followed you again on the path to victory over death. May this following bear fruit in my daily life. Renew my love of your church and my participation in her sacraments. Strengthen my commitment to love and serve the people around me. Let my life proclaim the faithfulness of a Father who draws us all to victory. Help me to hold the teachings of your passion in my heart until 1 can again walk this path with you. Amen.”

I highlighted a few passages from the Forward and Introduction they are:

“Since medieval times the way of the cross has been the most widely practiced method of meditating on the Passion. It remains the simplest and easiest means of learning the lesson of sacrifice by studying the divine model of sacrifice. The Second Vatican Council warmly recommended this and other popular devotions, but urged that they be brought into harmony with the scriptures and the liturgy. The author of this booklet has acceded to this injunction of the council in an admirable manner. Employing the inspiring text he has provided herein, many persons will undoubtedly experience the healing, enlightening, and quickening virtue that still goes out from Christ to those who meditate on his passion.”

“The early Christian community was composed largely of Jews, and they continued the practice of pilgrimage to Jerusalem, although the purpose of the trips came more and more to be focused on Jesus.”

“Christians came from all over the world to recall the events in the life of Jesus that took place in the holy city, and, as time went on, different places in the city came to be identified with specific events in the life of Jesus.”

“As many Christians visited the city, made the walk, and wrote about their experiences, an entire devotion grew up around the life of Jesus in Jerusalem. In time the route of the walk became fixed, beginning at the Antonia and ending at the sepulcher.”

“As control of the area shifted more and more surely into the hands of the Moslems, the Franciscans were among the very few Christian clergy welcome in Palestine. And as time went on the care of the major Christian shrines fell into their hands. They came to be the representatives of the Roman Catholic Church in the Holy Land, and the way of sorrows came under their administration.”

“Meanwhile, in Europe the making of pilgrimages became a regular part of the religious life of the people and the great shrines there grew in importance. People flocked to Rome in Italy, Santiago de Compostela in Spain, and Canterbury in England. But deep within the hearts of all Christians was the longing for the primary place of pilgrimage— Jerusalem.”

“To meet this longing, the Franciscans began the practice of placing the way of sorrows— or stations of the cross— in their churches. Thus the faithful could go on pilgrimage at home and the devotion was made available to all irrespective of one's financial situation or the political fortunes of Palestine.”

“As in the past, some of the sites are certain, some are conjecture, some events are scriptural, some are traditional. Yet within this devotion persists the earliest pilgrimage of the Christian community and our link to our ancestors in faith, the Jewish people.”

“There are two separate elements in the illustrations. The first is the Maltese cross encompassing a Greek cross. The Maltese cross is to represent Jesus, and as his suffering grows its color fills more and more of the cross. His suffering is completely anticipated in the agony of the garden, but then it starts to grow anew slowly through the journey to Calvary and death. The Greek cross represents the cross that Jesus was forced to carry. When Jesus is without the cross the position is blank, but when he has the cross the position is filled.”

“Since the Second Vatican Council, there is a growing custom of including a fifteenth station, the resurrection of Jesus. Because of the desire for symmetry, eight stations on each side of the church building, many places add still another station to bring the number to sixteen. I have honored this custom here by adding a new first station, "Arrested in the Garden." It has no number so that the numbers on the stations correspond to the traditional number sequence.”

Overall am impressed with Stations I have tracked down from Twenty-Third Publications, both the currently in print and older titles like this one. I have benefitted from all of them. And this one was a much deeper exploration of each station. I just wish this volume was in print and that a digital edition was available. I know several people I would recommend it to.

I try and pray a Stations each Friday throughout the year, and every day during Lent. I do not see myself returning to this one often, but if a digital edition because available it would be one I used more often. But I did benefit from praying through it and believe it would be great for personal use but not great in a corporate or group setting.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan!  For all Stations of the Cross review click here. 

Books in the Praying The Stations With Series:

A Way of Reconciliation for Teens - Colleen Rainone 

Praying the Stations for Healing - David M. Knight 

Praying the Stations of the Cross for Seniors -  John van Bemmel 

Stations of the Cross for Older Adults - John Van Bemmel  

Praying the Stations for the Suffering, Ill, and Disabled - Holly B. Clark 

Praying the Stations Mary’s Way of the Cross

    aka Praying the Stations With Mary the Mother of Jesus – Richard Furey 

Praying the Stations of Mercy with Pope Francis - Bill Huebsch 

Stations of the Cross for Today's Disciples - Sr. Christine Kreshko 

Praying the Stations with Catechists - Gwen Costello  

Praying the Stations with Children - Gwen Costello 

Praying the Stations with Faith and Courage - Richard Gribble 

Praying the Stations with John Paul II – Bill Huebsch 

Praying the Stations with Pope Francis - Bill Huebsch 

Praying the Stations with Saint John XXIII - Bill Huebsch 

Praying the Stations with Seniors – John Van Bemmel 

Praying the Stations with Teenagers - Gwen Costello 

Praying the Stations with Young Children - Diane Abajian 

Stations of the Cross for Today's Disciples - Christine Kresho 

The Mystery of the Cross: Praying the Stations with Pope Francis - David M. Knight 

Walking the Via Dolorosa Today - Laurin J. Wenig 

…

Other Stations from Twenty-Third Publications:

A Mother's Way of the Cross - Deborah McCann 

A Personal Way of the Cross - Isaias Powers 

An Illustrated Stations of the Cross - James Nisbet 

Stations of Hope: Praying the Stations of the Cross for Today - Father David M. Knight 

Stations of Strength Praying the Stations of the Cross in Times of Suffering - Alice Camille 

The People of the Way of the Cross - Marci Alborghetti 

The Stations of the Resurrection - Sister Catherine Duenne 

The Way of the Cross - William V Coleman 

The Way of the Cross for Parents - Susan Jones 

Via Lucis The Way of Light: Praying the Stations of the Resurrection - Glenn Byer

Walking with Jesus on the Way to Calvary - Kathy McGovern 

Way of Cross Religion Teachers - Gwen Costello 

...

Prayer for the Beatification and Canonization of Father Emil Kapaun

Prayer for the Beatification and Canonization of Father Emil Kapaun  

Prayer of the Day  

Lord Jesus,

in the midst of the folly of war,

your servant, Chaplain Emil Kapaun,

spent himself in total service to you

on the battlefields and in the prison camps of Korea,

until his death at the hands of his captors.

We now ask you, Lord Jesus, if it be your will,

to make known to all the world

the holiness of Chaplain Kapaun

and the glory of his complete sacrifice for you

by signs of miracles and peace.

In your name, Lord, we ask,

for you are the source of peace,

the strength of our service to others,

and our final hope. Amen.

Chaplain Kapaun, pray for us!

  

Laser etched icon my son made.

Note: Every so often I post a prayer I use as part of my daily prayers. I started praying this one a few years ago. My son and I read several volumes about Military chaplains. Fr Kapaun is one we have a specific devotion to. A few have now been named Saints.

Relates posts and links:

Prayer of the Day Posts

Prayer Book Reviews

My Prayer Notebook. 

My Daily Prayer List April 2024

My Daily Prayer List October 2025

...

Reviews of other books by and about Father Emil Kapaun:

Blessings from the Battlefield - Edited by Thomas R. O'Brien

Heroic Catholic Chaplains: Stories of the Brave and Holy Men Who Dodged Bullets While Saving Souls

A Shepherd in Combat Boots: Chaplain Emil Kapaun of the 1st Cavalry Division - William Maher

The Miracle of Father Kapaun: Priest, Soldier and Korean War Hero - Roy Wenzl and Travis Heying

Chaplains in Action - Rosemarian V. Staudacher and H. Lawrence Hoffman  - Vision Book #53

Virtue Series - Kapaun's Men - Formed

Stations of the Cross with Servant of God Emil Kapaun – Scott Carter (Editor)

Kapaun's Battle - Jeff Gress

Prayer for the Beatification and Canonization of Father Emil Kapaun

...

Resources from Kapaun's Men:
Virtue Series
Stewardship Series
Beatitude Series

...

Reviews of other books about Military Chaplains:
The Miracle of Father Kapaun: Priest, Soldier and Korean War Hero - Roy Wenzl and Travis Heying
A Shepherd in Combat Boots: Chaplain Emil Kapaun of the 1st Cavalry Division - William Maher
The Grunt Padre: Father Vincent Robert Capodanno Vietnam 1966-1967 - Daniel L. Mode
The Priest Barracks Dachau 1938-1945 - Guillaume Zeller
Blessings from the Battlefield - Edited by Thomas R. O'Brien
Heroic Catholic Chaplains: Stories of the Brave and Holy Men Who Dodged Bullets While Saving Souls

Fr Willie Doyle & World War I: A Chaplain's Story - K.V. Turley
Armed with Faith The Life of Father Vincent R. Capodanno, MM - Stephen M. Digiovanni

Fighting Father Duffy - Jim Bishop, Virginia Lee Bishop and H. Lawrence Hoffman

...

For all reviews and articles about Military Chaplains click here.

Pilgrim Tales An anthology of fiction by the Catholic Writers Guild

Pilgrim Tales An Anthology of Fiction

Catholic Writers Guild

ISBN 9798993935102

ASIN B0G5WZF1PV

ASIN B0G5VZ7WV8

I love reading anthologies for several reasons. First stories by authors I already know and love. Second to be introduced to new authors I have not encountered yet. And finally short fiction is a very different art form that long form pros found in novellas and novels, and I appreciate the skill and talent needed to craft a great short story. And there is no shortage of great stories in this collection! Usually when I read an anthology there are a few standout stories, a few great stories and often a dud or two. That was not the case this time, there is not a weak story in the collection. 

The description of the volume is:

“A pilgrimage is often thought of as a journey towards God. It can take many forms, as this collection of short stories from the Catholic Writer's Guild shows. Here we have pilgrims journeying through frozen mountains, through life, through outer space, through grief, through dinosaur-infested crags, through history, through love, and even through purgatory. Containing fifteen brand new short stories from fifteen Catholic authors, this anthology showcases work from established, award-winning novelists, alongside work from relatively unknown authors, displaying the breadth of talent within the Guild today.

Who says Catholic literature is dead?”

The contributors in alphabetical are:

Nancy Bechel

G. M. Baker

Judy D’Ammasso Tarbox

Karina Fabian

Jane Lebak

Mary McWilliams

Karen Meyer

Rietta Parker

John Ruberto

Laura Ruberto

Andrew Seddon

Mary Jo Thayer

Corinna Turner

A.R.K. Watson

Isabelle Wood

The sections and stories in this volume are:

Introduction

A Pilgrim’s Romance

Surrender

Gold In Them Hills

Pilgrimage To L5

Faithful Journeys, Hidden Sanctuaries

Pilgrim In Name Only

A Very Jurassic Pilgrimage

Not All Who Wander

Old Coffee Pots And New Beginnings

The Promise

The Day The Dome Dropped On My Head

Kyrie

Way Stations

Glorious Pilgrimage Of Margaret Henderson

The King’s Pilgrimage

About The Authors

And the stories listed with authors is:

A Pilgrim’s Romance - Nancy Bechel

A Very Jurassic Pilgrimage – Corinna Turner

Faithful Journeys, Hidden Sanctuaries - John Ruberto

Glorious Pilgrimage Of Margaret Henderson - Mary Jo Thayer

Gold In Them Hills - Karen Meyer

Kyrie - Andrew Seddon

Not All Who Wander - Rietta Parker

Old Coffee Pots And New Beginnings - Judy D’Ammasso Tarbox

Pilgrim In Name Only - Laura Ruberto

Pilgrimage To L5 - Karina Fabian 

Surrender - Isabelle Wood

The Day The Dome Dropped On My Head - Mary McWilliams

The King’s Pilgrimage - G. M. Baker

The Promise - A.R.K. Watson

Way Stations - Jane Lebak

I read this volume while travelling. It was excellent to pick up and read a story here and there, while on a journey to visit family. The dedication states:

“Dedicated to all the pilgrims, past, present and future

May God bless you on your journeys with insight, love, and mercy.”

And after the dedication is this quote:

“The whole journey of life is a journey of preparation…to see, to feel, to understand the beauty of what lies ahead, of the homeland towards which we walk.”

     ―Pope Francis, April 2013

Catholic fiction is nothing new, even Catholic Science Fiction has been around for 100 years now. One of the contributors to this collection even edited two anthologies, the first the year before the Guild formed. Those volumes 

Infinite Space, Infinite God I - 2006

Leaps of Faith - 2008

Infinite Space, Infinite God II – 2010

At least one other contributor from those earlier collections appears again in this volume. Classic Catholic Science Fiction includes the likes of A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter Miller Jr., to nearly anything from Gene Wolfe. One of the best -known collections was edited by Fr. Andrew M. Greeley called Sacred Visions. But the difference is this collection as mentioned spans genres. We have contemporary fiction, historical fiction, and even one approaching dystopian. But across all the stories we have the theme of pilgrimage and the centrality of faith.

I will freely admit I am a huge fan of the works of Turner, Fabian, Watson, Lebak and Seddon, having read multiple from each of them, if not all their works. I have also previous read works by Mary Jo Thayer and G. M. Baker and enjoyed both of them. As such, just over half the stories were new authors to me. 

That being said I absolutely loved the new Rescue Sisters Story and the new unSPARKed offerings in this collection. I also really appreciated A Pilgrim’s Romance by Nancy Bechel, and seeking God’s will and direction. Another that really stuck with me was Gold In Them Hills by Karen Meyer, it had lessons I needed to be reminded of, for myself and my kids. The story by Judy D’Ammasso Tarbox called Old Coffee Pots And New Beginnings was really moving and I specifically shared the anthology with 2 friends mentioning that story. Way Stations by Lebak left me with an even greater urgency to be praying for souls in purgatory. Barker’s The King’s Pilgrimage is excellent historical fiction. I enjoyed the stories so much I have added others but most of the contributors to my ‘wish list’.

I must state I am surprised it took the guild this long to publish an anthology. I remember when the guild formed nearly 20 years ago, at the time I had a student membership, as a reviewer, it was fascinating to watch the organization grow. And this collection was so great I would not hesitate to pick up the next they release. This is an excellent collection of stories across genres and styles. There is definitely something for everyone. And to be honest the faith in these fictional stories is inspiring across the whole collection. This is a great anthology I can easily recommend.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan! 

For all review of books by Karin Fabian click here.

For all review of books by Corinna Turner click here.

For all review of books by Jane Lebak click here.

For all review of books by A.R.K. Watson click here.

For all review of books by Andrew Seddon click here.

Mac's Mission Diary: Operation Save the Summer - S.J. Engelman

Mac's Mission Diary: Operation Save the Summer

S.J. Engelman

aka Stephanie Engelman

Inkwell Media, LLC

ISBN 9781734567045

eISBN 9781734567052

ASIN B0F88QM395

I read A Single Bead by Engelman almost a decade ago, and it still comes to mind often, and is a book I recommend frequently. At first I thought this book was co-written by a mother and either daughter or son team. But it is just a different pen name for the same person. And though this book is completely different I enjoyed it just as much. It was a very fun read!

This book took me completely by surprise. It is a wonderfully written story. I really did not know anything about the book other than the author when I picked it up. The description of this volume states:

“A hilarious page-turner that will inspire young readers 7 to 12 years old to stay off video games and get outside with friends!

Mac McMillan is a kid on a mission. It's the first day of summer break and his mom has taken away his video games, promising to return them once Mac has finished his summer reading and writing. Determined that this will ruin his vacation, Mac creates a battle plan. He will get his video games back, and a whole lot sooner than the "forever" it will take to finish all that boring homework!

As his battle plan unfolds, Mac meets new friends, discovers new entertainments, and learns that life is more fun when experienced away from devices and screens, even as he develops a new appreciation for a family that loves him and a mom who—like it or not—is generally right.

Join Mac as he embarks on his battle plan, makes new friends, and explores new adventures!

Look for more Mac's Missions, coming soon.”

This is a story that deals with faith, family, friendship and maybe electronics addiction. It is written as a journal from Mac who has a plan to get his video game system back that his mother has hidden. To get it back his mother’s way he has to read a certain number of pages in a book and write a certain number of pages in a journal. This book is that journal. Not only is the story fun but the illustrations are excellent. Some of the trouble Mac gets into and the way Mac tries to circumvent the rules is hilarious and yet also sobering. 

And that is where it gets really interesting. This book is very well written. Before I had finished it I searched to see if another Mac adventure was available. Alas not yet but it does say ‘coming soon’ at the end. Unfortunately not yet! The weaving of faith, hope, friendships and family in this story makes the book a wonderful read for young readers and even us older folks. I loved it in my mid 50’s and have recommended it to both my 14 and 18 year olds. I look forward to reading the further adventures of Mac and his friends and family. A wonderful faith filled story certain to be enjoyed by the whole family!

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan! 

Books by Stephanie Engelman:

A Single Bead

Walking with Christ: Life Stories of Jeanne Wieck Atkins with Scriptural Reflections

...

Bead By Bead Series For Children:

The Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary

The Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary

The Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary

…

Contributed to:

The Christmas Lights

A Foul Christmas

…

Written As S.J. Engelman:

Mac’s Mission Diary: Operation Save the Summer

…

Praying the Stations For Today's Disciples - Sr Christine Kresho

Praying the Stations For Today's Disciples 

Sr Christine Kresho 

Twenty-Third Publications

ISBN 9781585959105

Prior to Lent in 2026  I went through the collection of Stations I had and found I had about 10 I have never read or reviewed and have made the commitment to try and make it through them this Lent, and I added 2 as I have been reading, praying, and reviewing my way through the collection. Of the 10 I started with 6 were from Twenty-Third Publications, and while researching the first review I found a few others I am interested in.

This is the sixth of the Stations of the Cross I have read from Twenty-Third Publications in this series, I have read a few not part of this series from them as well. I really loved Praying the Stations Mary’s Way of the Cross, by Richard G. Furey CSsR and picked up several others in this series. But I was fairly disappointed in Praying the Stations with Saint John XXIII by Bill Huebsch; so had sort of ignored them the past few years. This year I will try and get through the 6 I have and then see about tracking down some others that piqued my interest. It appears versions of this devotion in this series have come in and out of print for years. I believe I have found 20 titles in this series, some out of print long enough I cannot find good cover images. 

This version of this devotion has been through a number of editions, I believed first published in 2011 and I see further printings in 2011 and 2012. Though it is not currently available on the Twenty-Third Publications site other retailers show it as unavailable, which is a pity it is an excellent version of this devotion.

The opening prayer in this book is:

“Jesus is the message that sustains us on our journey of redemption. We reflect on his extraordinary vision of the mystery of God as the Source of all life. In spite of failure, condemnation, and death, Jesus remained faithful. We pray that we will grow in understanding how we are to be the body of Christ in our world.”

A sample Station for this edition:

“Station Three

Jesus Falls the First Time

Jesus Speaks

I tried so hard to continue, but I could not go on. My heart is broken; I had failed to convince people that God loved them. I understand when disappointment and frustration disturb your soul. I understand why you feel like quitting.

Remember that you live and move in God; whenever you feel defeated, I am with you. I will raise you up and we will continue our journey together.

We Pray

Inspired by Jesus who trusted in God even when he was crushed by misunderstanding and disbelief, we commit ourselves to remain faithful to the dreams and hopes of the Spirit for our world.

(In silence, pray for those who are suffering failure, defeat, misunderstanding, or disappointment.)”

The volume ends with:

“Final Prayer

We remember Jesus who gave such remarkable witness to the Presence of the Divine which he saw everywhere. We thank him for showing us how to live as vessels of the Sacred, connected to all of creation. His living, loving, and dying with such deep faith and hope teach us how to live in love, free from fear of the unknown. We pray that we will be open to the Spirit in our life; we pray that we will follow the example of Jesus; we rejoice in the mystery of God with us. Amen.”

Overall am impressed with the series, and more so as I read each new title. I regret having let one volume I disagreed with putting me off the series for a few years. I relay enjoyed this sixth volume, and will continue to give others in the series a try. This is a good stations of the cross. I have a few stations I return to again and again. I am always willing to give another version of this devotion a try. I wish the other in the series were available digitally. With my dual form of dyslexia I greatly prefer eBooks so I can change the font, font and page colour to make reading easier. For this specific Stations I really appreciated the pausing for silent prayer at the end of each station. There are no opening payers, Stabet Mater, or Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be at the end of the stations, but it can easily be added. There is a recommendation at the beginning to use a hymn while moving from station to station.

I will read and review the others from the series I have tracked down and try to find the reaming few of the other volumes in the ‘Praying The Stations Series’ from Twenty-Third Publications. I try and pray a Stations each Friday throughout the year, and every day during Lent. I do not see myself returning to this one often, if a digital edition because available it would be one I used more often. But I did benefit from praying through it and believe it would be great for personal or corporate use.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan!  For all Stations of the Cross review click here. 

Books in the Praying The Stations With Series:

A Way of Reconciliation for Teens - Colleen Rainone 

Praying the Stations for Healing - David M. Knight 

Praying the Stations of the Cross for Seniors -  John van Bemmel 

Stations of the Cross for Older Adults - John Van Bemmel  

Praying the Stations for the Suffering, Ill, and Disabled - Holly B. Clark 

Praying the Stations Mary’s Way of the Cross

    aka Praying the Stations With Mary the Mother of Jesus – Richard Furey 

Praying the Stations of Mercy with Pope Francis - Bill Huebsch 

Praying the Stations Today’s Disciples - Sr. Christine Kreshko 

Praying the Stations with Catechists - Gwen Costello  

Praying the Stations with Children - Gwen Costello 

Praying the Stations with Faith and Courage - Richard Gribble 

Praying the Stations with John Paul II – Bill Huebsch 

Praying the Stations with Pope Francis - Bill Huebsch 

Praying the Stations with Saint John XXIII - Bill Huebsch 

Praying the Stations with Seniors – John Van Bemmel 

Praying the Stations with Teenagers - Gwen Costello 

Praying the Stations with Young Children - Diane Abajian 

Stations of the Cross for Today's Disciples - Christine Kresho 

The Mystery of the Cross: Praying the Stations with Pope Francis - David M. Knight 

Walking the Via Dolorosa Today - Laurin J. Wenig 

…

Other Stations from Twenty-Third Publications:

A Mother's Way of the Cross - Deborah McCann 

A Personal Way of the Cross - Isaias Powers 

An Illustrated Stations of the Cross - James Nisbet 

Stations of Hope: Praying the Stations of the Cross for Today - Father David M. Knight 

Stations of Strength Praying the Stations of the Cross in Times of Suffering - Alice Camille 

The People of the Way of the Cross - Marci Alborghetti 

The Stations of the Resurrection - Sister Catherine Duenne 

The Way of the Cross - William V Coleman 

The Way of the Cross for Parents - Susan Jones 

Via Lucis The Way of Light: Praying the Stations of the Resurrection - Glenn Byer

Walking with Jesus on the Way to Calvary - Kathy McGovern 

Way of Cross Religion Teachers - Gwen Costello 

...

Saint Michael the Archangel Through the Ages - Fr. Frederick Schmit O.Praem and Fr. Peregrine Fletcher O.Praem

Saint Michael the Archangel Through the Ages 

Fr. Frederick Schmit O.Praem 

Fr. Peregrine Fletcher O.Praem (Illustrator) 

TAN Books

ISBN 9781505133738

eISBN 9781505138504

eISBN 9781505138498

This is a stunning new volume for young readers and the young at heart. I absolutely loved it in my mid-fifties, and my son who is 18 came in and loved the artwork and book as well. I already have plans to pick up a few copies as baptism and first communion gifts. This is an excellent volume. I have read a few volumes specific to Saint Michael over the years and have participated the last few years in Saint Michael’s Lent. I was very excited when I first heard about this volume and it far exceeded expectations.

The description of this volume states:

“Overview

Saint Michael the Archangel Through the Ages is a beautifully illustrated and engagingly written guide that introduces children to the great defender of Heaven and protector of the Church. From his mighty battle against Satan to his role in the Second Coming, this book traces St. Michael’s God-given mission throughout salvation history.

 

Fathers Peregrine Fletcher and Frederick Schmit, O.Praem., weave together Scripture, tradition, and captivating storytelling to show how St. Michael has intervened in the lives of saints and holy men and women across the centuries. Young readers will encounter beloved figures such as St. Joan of Arc, St. Patrick, and Constantine, alongside lesser-known saints like St. Lorenzo of Siponto and Blessed Alcuin of York. Through twelve interwoven stories, children discover how St. Michael protects, guides, and even corrects those entrusted to his care.

 

Rich in history, devotion, and wonder, this book helps children understand that St. Michael is not only a heroic figure of the past but an active intercessor and friend today.

What Your Child Will Discover

     • St. Michael’s battle with Satan and his role in salvation history

     • His active presence in the Old Testament

     • The Prayer to St. Michael and its meaning

     • The celebration of Michaelmas and its traditions

     • Michael’s Sword and the seven special shrines dedicated to him

     • His role in the Second Coming”

About the authors we are informed:

“Fr. Frederick Schmit, O.Praem. is a canon of St. Michael's Abbey in Silverado, California. He originally hails from Oregon. He entered the monastery in 2011, and he currently serves as the abbey's Sacristan and Master of Ceremonies.” 

and 

“Fr. Peregrine Fletcher, O.Praem. is a canon of St. Michael's Abbey in Silverado, California. A native of St. Louis, Missouri, he entered the Norbertine Order in 2013, professed his solemn vows in 2019, and was ordained to the priesthood the following year. He currently serves his community as Master of Novices.”

we are also informed:

“The Norbertines conduct their digital ministry through the Abbot's Circle, a virtual monastery experience of St. Michael's Abbey. Learn more at www.abbotscircle.com. He is also the author of the TAN book, My Name is Philomena.”

The chapters and sections in this volume are:

Part I Defender of Heaven Protector of Earth

Part II Patron of the Church Helper of Saints

     The Church 

          Saint Michael Guardian of New Israel

     Emperor Constantine 

          Saint Michael’s First Shrine

     Saint Patrick 

          Saint Michael, High King of Angels

     Pope Saint Gregory the Great 

          Saint Michael, Plague Destroyer

     Saint Lorenzo of Siponto

          Monte Gargano

     Saint Aubert

          Mont-Saint-Michel

     Blessed Alcuin of York

          Saint Michael’s Poet

     Saint Giovanni Vincenzo

          Saint Michael the Builder

     Saint Norbert

          Saint Michael’s Tower

     Blessed Christiana

          Saint Michael to the Rescue

     Saint Joan of Arc

          Saint Michael’s Soldier

     Diego Lazaro

          San Miguel del Milagro

     Saint Gerard Majella

          The Bread of Angels

     Who is Like Michael?

          Michaels Around the World

Part III Our Guardian Now until the End

     Michaelmas

          Our Celebration of Saint Michael

     Sword of Saint Michael

          Seven Special Shrines

     Prayers Like Incense

          Saint Michael, Our Intercessor

     Patron Saint

          Joining Forces with Saint Michael

     Leader To The Light

          Saint Michael, Guide of Souls

     The Saint Michael Prayer

          Our Weapon Against the Enemy

     The Final Battle

          Saint Michael’s Victory

     The Final Resurrection

          The Archangel’s Trumpet

     The Vision of God

          Our Heavenly Home with Saint Michael

This was a wonderful book to read and work through. The illustrations are amazing. The representations of the days of creation and choirs of angels are masterfully done. I was familiar with a few of the Saints encountered but some were brand new to me, as were some of the Saint Michal connections or interactions. I have added a few of those encountered to Saints I want to research and do more reading on. 

This volume would be an excellent addition to any home, school, or church library. The information is great and the illustrations are awesome. This is a volume I wish I had when my own children were younger or even when I was young myself. It is one of the best Catholic picture books I have encountered, as such I can easily recommend it. 

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan!  

Other posts about Saint Michael:

St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church Waterloo Ontario - A Photo Essay

St. Michael The Archangel: History, Lent and Prayers - Maria Alinne Costa

Nine Days with Saint Michael - Andrew Offer, O.P. and Jonah Teller O.P.

Saint Michael the Archangel Through the Ages - Fr. Frederick Schmit O.Praem and Fr. Peregrine Fletcher O.Praem

…

Prayer of the Day Prayer to Saint Michael

Prayer of the Day A Litany of St. Michael  

Prayer of the Day Litany in Honour of St. Michael 

Prayer of the Day A Saint Michael Prayer

St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church Waterloo Ontario - A Photo Essay

...