My Son Carlo: Carlo Acutis Through the Eyes of His Mother {Review}

September 23, 2026 by Monica McConkey Leave a Comment

My Son Carlo
Carlo Acutis Through the Eyes of His Mother

Antonio Salzano Acutis with Paolo Rodari
Our Sunday Visitor

I really enjoyed this book! It is written quite informally by the newly canonized saint’s mother. It contains her reflections about her son and recalls her memories of personal interactions him. Her love for her son clearly shines through, but despite being a proud Mom, it seems she tries to recount events and conversations somewhat objectively.
She also refers to the opinions and testimonies of Carlo’s character from others who knew him personally, including friends, neighbors, teachers and local priests.

Filed Under: Reviews, Saints

Humility of the Saints {Review}

September 23, 2026 by Monica McConkey Leave a Comment

Humility of the Saints

By Patrick O’Hearn
Sophia Institute Press

The author discusses the humility and humble practices of the Saints, referring to the Litany of Humility attributed to Cardinal Rafael Merry del Val.
(Cardinal Rafael Merry del Val is referred to as Servant of God, indicating that the investigative process of his beatification has begun).

Filed Under: Catholic Book, Reviews Tagged With: Catholic Books, review

Fulton Sheen And the Very Bad Week {Review}

September 16, 2026 by Monica McConkey Leave a Comment

Fulton Sheen and the Very Bad Week {Review}

A Story Based on True Events

By Bonnie L. Engstrom, illustrated by Mariam Khoury Briggs

This is a nice picture book re-telling true events from young Fulton Sheen’s life. It describes how God loves us just as we are, and while we recognize our own faults and failings, God makes all things good! He works with even our mistakes and calls us to do great things!

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: Catholic Books, review, Saints

Jesus, I Surrender Myself to You {Review}

August 3, 2026 by Monica McConkey Leave a Comment

Jesus, I Surrender Myself to You: The Life of Don Dolindo Ruotolo

Grazia Ruotolo & Luciano Regolo
Translated by Maria Palma Smith

This is the spiritual biography of Fr. Don Dolindo Ruotolo, written by his devoted niece Grazia and researcher Luciano Regolo.

Filed Under: prayer, Reviews, Saints Tagged With: prayer, review, Saints

The Power of Prayer {Book Review}

April 26, 2026 by Monica McConkey Leave a Comment

The Power of Prayer

by Kevin and Mary O’Neill

This book is part of the Building Block’s of Faith Series and is available at Sophia Institute Press

The Power of Prayer is an incredible presentation of Catholic Prayer,with brick-built scenes about the Saints, life-like scenes from the Bible, and all the classic prayers and devotions for Catholics.

Filed Under: Catholic Book, Catholic Gifts, prayer, Reviews, Rosary, Sacraments Tagged With: Catholic Gifts, prayer, review, Sacraments

There is No Saint Named Kelly {Book Review}

March 14, 2026 by Monica McConkey Leave a Comment

I just discovered this book at The Pauline Bookstore, and I had to pick it up!

I love the style of illustration, and I know I’ve had the same conversation with my own daughter Kelly…

The truth is that EVERYONE up in Heaven is considered a SAINT…we only know for sure the ones by name who have been officially recognized as a Saint, but there are already SO many Saint Kellys up there!

Filed Under: Catholic Book, prayer, Reviews, Saints Tagged With: Catholic Books, Catholic Gifts, review, Saints

My Dad’s Story {Book Review}

February 24, 2026 by Monica McConkey Leave a Comment

My amazing Mom passed away on July 8, 2025. My Dad still lives in the same house I grew up in, and he’s adjusting to being a widower after 61 years married to my Mom.

He’s learning to cook, do laundry and all the things, and I’ve been going to his doctor’s appointments with him.

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Catholight Leather Bible Cover {Review}

January 20, 2026 by Monica McConkey 2 Comments

I was approached by a Catholic Company that creates beautiful printed Leather covers for Bibles, along with other Leather tote bags and purses. Check out the Catholight website!

I was impressed with the huge selection of Catholic designs and fell in love with this one!

Filed Under: Catholic Gifts, Reviews Tagged With: review

Best Advent Book Of.All.Time!

November 18, 2025 by Monica McConkey Leave a Comment

I don’t usually repost book reviews, but this is the

BEST ADVENT BOOK of ALL TIME!

Incidentally, you’ll want to get All About Lent and Holy Week: Sharing the Seasons of Repentance & Salvation with Children as well, to round out the set.
And here’s my Review for All About Lent and Holy Week
Scroll down for Amazon Affiliate Links

Filed Under: Advent and Christmas, Catholic Gifts, Liturgical Calendar Crafts, Reviews

Around the Catholic Table: 100+ Simple Recipes for Family and Friends {Book Review}

September 29, 2025 by Monica McConkey Leave a Comment

When I first skimmed through Around the Catholic Table by Emily Stimpson Chapman, I was a tiny bit disappointed because I thought the recipes would be focused on the Catholic Liturgical Calendar or the Catholic Saints. I then read through the Introduction and discovered Emily’s passion for cooking and hospitality, reflecting her parents’ love of hosting, and how her passion flourished with Thursday Night Dinners at Franciscan University, and continues today, hosting family and friends with her own family.

Filed Under: Catholic Crafts, Catholic Gifts, Catholic Resources, Reviews Tagged With: Catholic Books, review