This new book by Kh. Christine Rogers was wonderful! I had so enjoyed her book, The Road to Golgotha, last year and was delighted to learn she had a new book being published.

The first thing I noticed when beginning this story was how easy it was to engage with the characters. They are wholly believable and real. Also, Khouria’s descriptive writing does a lovely job of painting the setting so you can see it, and I felt as if I were living on the island of Corfu the farther I read.

I have read children’s books which felt forced and a bit two-dimensional, but this was not one of them. I passed this along to a few of my children and they too enjoyed it. I asked my 12 year old son what he liked best about it and he said that it was good all the way through and very believable. I think younger children would enjoy having this read to them and older readers would enjoy reading it themselves. Nor do I think it is only for children: I’m 44 and enjoyed it very much myself!

I thought the ending was handled quite beautifully. While I’m itching to say more about it, I don’t want to spoil your own enjoyment of watching it unfold naturally so I will refrain! If you’re familiar with the story of St. Spyridon you probably have an idea of where it is headed, but that didn’t ruin it at all for me.

It is rare that I finish a book this short with that feeling (so common to voracious readers) of emerging from one world into another. Spyridon’s Shoes will definitely enter the roll of classic Orthodox children’s books. Thank you, Kh. Christine, for sharing with us another treasure!

[This book was provided by Ancient Faith Publishing in exchange for my unbiased review.]