'In Plain Sight' Is Ideal Reading for Teens

Carolyn Astfalk and her teenage daughters share their enjoyment of Catholic Mom contributing writer Leslea Wahl's novel In Plain Sight. 

In Plain Sight

By Leslea Wahl

My teenage daughters (ages 13 and 17) and I each read Leslea Wahl’s In Plain Sight this winter, shortly after its release. I spotted my daughters tucked into corners of the couch with finger-knitted blankets on their lap, a cup of tea or mug of hot cocoa with them as they read. They both loved this story — as did I! It was a quick and easy read that satisfied all our mid-winter cravings for coziness, but also included an intriguing story, a little mystery, and just enough romance to keep us all enraptured. 

I use “romance” here in the broadest sense. Yes, there is a sweet and clean teen romance here with a young Catholic man of good character that gives young women a model of an imperfect but considerate and right-minded (cute) guy. But the story also connotes all the characteristics of classic romance — a remote setting, heroism, adventure, and mystery. 

I’ve always been drawn to stories with secret passageways or rooms, both of which Emerson discovers in this novel. Maybe it was that Weebles Haunted House I played with as a child, but few things are more fun and intriguing. 

An Adventurous Mystery 

The story is well-told, and pacing is spot-on as the author acclimates the protagonist, Emerson, and the reader to the new world in which she lives: cold, dark, and remote Minnesota. Emerson’s past is revealed little by little, and the reader is kept guessing at why she and her dad are living on their own in this bleak landscape.  

Luckily, there’s a lot of property to explore and secrets to discover as Reid, the aforementioned nice Catholic boy, and his family restore a once-popular but long-vacant resort with the help of Emerson’s dad. The resort’s history is tied to a Roaring Twenties speakeasy, and introduces some interesting history to the narrative.  

Emerson’s dog, Zuri, is a show-stealer, bringing lightheartedness and all the best qualities of a faithful canine companion to the book. Even Zuri must reluctantly adjust to the frigid winter temps, bearing the humiliation of donning cold-weather booties on its trips outside. Dog-lovers, especially, will enjoy Zuri’s antics.  

The story includes some twists and turns, as you’d expect in a mystery, some mild peril, and Christian faith themes. Catholic parents can be comfortable handing this book to their teens — a quality that’s harder and harder to come by in Young Adult new releases. My oldest daughter appreciated the themes of trust in God’s will, prayer, and friendship.  

A Fun but Edifying Novel Girls Will Love 

Those who have read the other two books in the Finding Faith series (Into the Spotlight and Charting the Course) will delight in the appearances of familiar characters from those two books. The series, however, can be read and enjoyed out of order. There are no spoilers and no confusion if you haven’t read the other books, which one of my daughters had not.  

Lest you think it’s a book for winter only, I daydreamed longingly for the novel's winter locale last week during an extreme summer heat wave. This book and the other books in the Finding Faith series make ideal summer reading, something lighter than what’s typically assigned during the school year, but also not mindless fluff. There’s plenty to think about and discuss in In Plain Sight.  

In fact, the book and its series companions would make a lovely gift set for a young woman or be an ideal book club selection. As the mother of teens, I confess I enjoyed it myself, whatever the weather outside. 

Is this a book you'd like to read? Share your thoughts with the Catholic Mom community! You'll find the comment box below the author's bio and list of recommended articles.

Copyright 2025 Carolyn Astfalk
Images: Canva
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