Hello, my friends! It's been a whole two months since my last post, but now that school's done (all my writing during these last months went into a 3600-word paper) it's time for another post. This week is also Catholic Blog Week, hosted by Sam and Megan. Please enjoy learning about one of my favorite Catholic authors and her wonderful books!
Susan Peek:
Susan Peek writes about the saints who are often forgotten, including St. Magnus, St. Camillus de Lellis, and St. Dympha. She begins each book with the quote: "In many chapels, reddened by the setting sun, the saints rest silently, waiting for someone to love them." Her stories are historical fiction, as there isn't a lot of information known about these saints. However, the information is accurate and the dialogue enriches the story and will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The King's Prey: Saint Dymphna of Ireland:
"An insane king. His fleeing daughter. Estranged brothers, with a scarred past, risking everything to save her from a fate worse than death. Toss in a holy priest and a lovable wolfhound, and get ready for a wild race across Ireland. Will Dymphna escape her deranged father and his sinful desires? For the first time ever, the story of Saint Dymphna is brought to life in this dramatic novel for adults and older teens." (Goodreads)
Saint Magnus the Last Viking:
"Come back in time 900 years, to the fierce and desolate Northern lands, where Norsemen ruled with ax and sword. A dying king, a shocking death-wish, his heirs divided with an oath of blood... In this fast-paced new novel by the highly popular Susan Peek, the conflict unfolds between Magnus Erlendson, a heroic young prince aflame with the love of God, and his outlawed cousin Hakon, who blames Magnus for his banishment from their kingdom. What follows is a tale of betrayal and revenge, bravery and forgiveness, as Magnus seeks to restore his father's vanquished kingdom to its rightful hands. Entertaining and inspiring from start to finish." (Goodreads)
A Soldier Surrenders: The Conversion of Saint Camillus de Lellis:
"At last... A Saint for Strugglers! Soldiering, gambling, brawling, drinking. As a young man, Saint Camillus excelled at them all. Add to that his fiery temper and innate knack for getting in trouble, and Camillus de Lellis seems the last person who could ever achieve holiness. But God had plans for the stubborn young soldier, whether Camillus liked it or not..." (Goodreads)
Crusader King: A Novel of Baldwin IV and the Crusades:
"A new historical novel about the unusual life of King Baldwin IV of Jerusalem, the leper crusader king who- despite ascending to the throne at only 13, his early death at 24 and his debilitating disease- performed great and heroic deeds in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds." (Goodreads)
Each book by Susan Peek will teach you something new, while bringing exciting adventures alive. I read all of these books in less than a week, and Crusader King took me one afternoon because I could not put in down. Peek has a lovely writing style and you can never predict what she will make the characters do. I really enjoyed all four of her novels, but my absolute favorite is "A Solider Surrenders" because it shows how someone can go from having no belief in God to attempting to join an order of monks. In addition, Peek also tells how St. Cammillus started his own order and was the original founder of Red Cross, not the well known Clara Barton. There are many more facts throughout all her books, but instead of spoiling here, I encourage you to go out and become a fan of her books!
Have you read any of Susan Peek's books? Are any of these saints familiar to you?
-Miss K
