Rightfully Ours - Blog Tour #backtobooks

I haven't written for so long, either here or on Restless Independent, in part because I couldn't figure out where to put the book blogging.  OHAR is going to turn into a lit blog, though.  I like talking about books and so help me I'm not going to stop writing about books just because I'm having writer's block elsewhere. :P

One of the really fun bits about being part of the Catholic Writers' Guild is watching new Catholic fiction pop up.  And then, of course, getting to review said new Catholic fiction.  Today's gem is a piece of young adult fiction, Rightfully Ours, by Pennsylvania author Carolyn Astfalk.

It's not too many years since I was a voraciously-reading teenager, so YA fiction still holds a special place in my heart.  Add that to the fact that I wrote my thesis on the bildungsroman (coming-of-age) genre, and you'll know why I get excited over a well-written teen coming-of-age novel.

If you've got older teens (or at least mature teens), I heartily encourage you to pick up Rightfully Ours.  You'll get the synopsis in a moment, but here's my main reason for recommending the book: 

Somewhere along in college, I realized that there comes a point in every young adult Christian's life where they have to answer a very important question:  Am I going to continue to follow the Faith in which I have been raised?  Many things can bring that decision to the forefront; a bout of depression, a significant temptation against chastity, losing sacramental habits.  Answering the question requires mature reflection and the understanding that living that Faith isn't easy and sometimes can run counter to the world's instincts and one's own passions.

If the answer is yes, there comes an instant challenge to choose how one's life is going to reflect that Faith.  But making that choice, and giving that affirmative answer: that is what it means to be an adult.

Rightfully Ours takes this truth of young adulthood, and wraps it in a compelling story of genuine challenge and growth.  

Here's the gist of it: 

Sixteen-year-old Paul Porter’s relocation to Pennsylvania is a temporary move during his dad’s deployment. Or so he and his brother think, until devastating news lands on their doorstep.

Paul’s new home with the Muellers provides solace, especially in the form of Rachel, his friend and confidante. Their abiding friendship deepens as they work side-by-side to uncover what could be lost treasure.

Will they acquire the strength of character and virtue to take only what rightfully belongs to them or are they in way over their heads, with more than a few lost artifacts at stake?

And since this is a blog tour, I get to share all the goodies with you!  

1. READ THE BOOK

2. Carolyn has a ton of fun extras (including a cookie recipe I need to try) over at her website.

3. And here's a little more about the author:

Carolyn Astfalk resides with her husband and four children in Hershey, Pennsylvania, where it smells like either chocolate or manure, depending on wind direction. She is the author of the inspirational romances Stay With Me and Ornamental Graces and the coming-of-age story Rightfully Ours. Carolyn is a member of the Catholic Writers Guild and Pennwriters and a CatholicMom.com contributor. Formerly, she served as the communications director of the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference, the public affairs agency of Pennsylvania’s Catholic bishops. True to her Pittsburgh roots, she still says “pop" instead of “soda," although her beverage of choice is tea. You can find her online at www.carolynastfalk.com.

Did I mention you should read the book?