TV reporter Violet Rosati thought she’d be married with kids and living in the suburbs by now. Instead, she’s single, thirty-one, and starting a new job in Portland, Maine. Her move brings her closer to her boyfriend, Jude, who accepts everything about her – even her darkest secret. While in confession at her new church, she realizes the priest is her ex-boyfriend, Tristan. She hasn’t seen him in seven years and never told him about her pregnancy. He treated her terribly and now he’s a priest? As she faces old wounds, she finds Father Tristan to be kind, empathetic, and apologetic. Old feelings reemerge. But he’s a priest, and she loves Jude. How can she be drawn to a priest when she has such a wonderful boyfriend? Can she find the life she wants with Jude? Or does she confront her feelings for Tristan and risk the lives they’ve both chosen?

How did a worshipper of Chemosh land on the family tree of Jesus? How did she become the paragon of faithful love to this day? The biblical story of Ruth is a classic. Using imagination and what is known about Ruth’s times, Sister Kathleen expanded this four-page tale in her novel “Book of Ruth, a Tale of Great Loves.” In the book you meet the loyal Ruth, an immigrant; Naomi, her mother-in-law, whose faith is sorely tried; and Boaz, who opens his heart to the foreigner Ruth and Naomi and rescues them from poverty. God’s never-ending love for his people is the dominant theme.

Answering God’s Call: A Scripture-Based Journey for Older Adults (Loyola Press) is an introduction to Biblical figures who are good spiritual role models for older adults. “Older adults” is not defined by age, but includes retirees, “empty nesters,” caregivers, and people who have experienced various kinds of losses. There are familiar figures such as Abram and Elizabeth, as well as less familiar ones, such as Miriam and Lydia. The calls they experience, such as to trust, rejoice, be creative or be hospitable, can inspire people of all ages, but are particularly relevant to those who may be asking, “Who am I now?” “Where is the grace in this?” and “How do I pray about this?”

Let’s face it – most of us are looking for answers in all the wrong places. It’s hard not to be drawn in by headlines, advertisements, and the constant barrage of “expert” advice on everything from sex and relationships to fitness, fashion, and spiritual awakening. We are led to believe that the only way to improve ourselves and satisfy our deepest longings is through the prevailing perspective of our culture.