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This long-awaited sequel to Shadow of the Bear returns us to the life-like yet fairy tale inspired world of Blanche, Rose, Bear and Fish. Rose and Blanche have both finished high school now and Blanche is spending the summer trying to earn some money for college. Bear, unsure about what he wants to do with his life and having trouble forgiving injuries from his past, is brooding his way around Europe. When Blanche is left alone (while Rose and their mother leave on vacation) her fears and sense of danger start to catch up with her until she disappears into a world that seems upside down to her. A mystery unfolds which she needs to solve before she can return home (with the help of a band of friars, a couple of dogs and the grace of God). Meanwhile, realizing that Blanche is missing, her family and friends return to try and find her. But someone's been planting illegal drugs in places where Blanche has been, Bear is being shadowed and ... there seems to be a lot of trouble going on in New York City.

This is a delightful, page-turning story in and of itself. But the depth of the story is quite remarkable too. You'll recognize a very well known fairy tale along with hints of Lewis Carroll's Through the Looking Glass. There are many interesting themes about good and evil, discerning a vocation and the dignity of life for the gravely ill. The story could also be looked upon as somewhat allegorical because, although most people won't find themselves in such dramatic circumstances, the basic process the characters struggle through offers some insight into what we should do when we find outselves in times of crisis.

This story, perhaps more so than Shadow of the Bear, is quite relevant to teenage boys and girls alike. Highly recommended! Best for ages 14 and up.

Billy visits with a friendly old neighbor who tells him of a quarry he used to visit as a boy the location of which had been lost to the townspeople for many years. With some clues, he and Blaze find the old quarry - a beautiful spot and a great place for swimming. They rescue and befriend a dog.

Billy and Blaze are on a family trip out west where they encounter Thunderbolt - a beautiful wild horse that is the envy of every cowboy. Rather than trying to capture Thunderbolt with fast horses and lassos, Billy makes friends with Thunderbolt slowly and eventually gains his trust.

Miguel Pro (1891-1927) was a young priest in Mexico during the persecution of the Church in the 1920s. He used interesting disguises to slip past authorities in order to celebrate Mass in secret and otherwise minister to his people. He fearlessly continued such dangerous missions despite health problems and eventually was arrested and martyred for his faith.The reader will learn a lot about the politics, culture and religion of his time. Also included in the book are a number of black and white photos of Blessed Miguel Pro - including several of him in disguise and those taken at his execution and his funeral. The government allowed photographers to be present at the execution in order to make an example of the martyr, but later tried to prevent their release. The appendix includes prayers and poems written by Blessed Miguel Pro, a novena and chaplet composed in his honor, and ideas for a celebration for his Feast Day, November 23.