The Book of Saints by Basil Watkins (Bloomsbury, £24.99). Here is the eighth edition – “entirely revised and reset” – of an invaluable reference work. Since the last edition (2002) we have welcomed the revised Roman Martyrology which saw various deletions from the saintly roster and a commitment to the goals concerning historical accuracy expressed at Vatican II. This dictionary shares allegiance to such “hagiographical norms”, but for the sake of completeness does include those deleted as well as figures who only enjoy approval from local hierarchies. The use of italics and brackets allows the reader to spot the difference. Life in the Psalms by Patrick Woodhouse (Bloomsbury, £12.99). Woodhouse, a writer and Anglican clergyman, includes reflections on 30 Psalms, five each week for six weeks. For those who have not yet grappled with the Psalms or made them into a part of their regular prayer, this book, the fruit of scholarship and love, would be a very helpful resource. Woodhouse re-imagines the Psalms for modern times, showing how they speak to modern man despite their antiquity, and address depression, grief, migration, consumerism and other topical subjects. Sacred Reading by Douglas Leonard (Ave Maria Press, £11.99). Produced by the Apostleship of Prayer, which has been teaching Catholics to pray since 1844, this guide helps the ordinary reader to navigate his or her way through the scriptural texts used at Mass. It is intended for those who want to deepen their spiritual life and make it more meaningful than merely a Sunday obligation. Prayer, the compiler Douglas Leonard reminds us, always leads to action: reading, observing, praying, listening and resolving to act are the fruitful stages involved in an encounter with God. Stations of Mercy with Pope Francis and The Road That Leads to Life: Lent and Easter with Pope Francis by Amette Ley (CTS, £2.50 each). Ley includes a short extract from the Pope’s writings for each Station, strikingly illustrated by Arturo Vonn Hartung, an artist living in Puerto Rico. The Holy Father’s thoughts are vivid, direct and brief. This booklet, along with its companion, makes for excellent spiritual reading during this liturgical season. Pope Francis’s emphasis is always on the hope that accompanies conversion, the daily metanoia that is intrinsic in a Christian’s journey to the revivifying joy of Easter. What Are We Hoping For? by Richard Leonard SJ (Paulist Press, £6.99). Fr Leonard takes us through the annual liturgical journey of Lent, followed by Easter. Touching on the meaning of the Forty Days, the penances that it enjoins, the Transfiguration, the Easter Triduum and the great feasts that follow it, Fr Leonard brings his own insights to bear. As is his way, anecdotes from his childhood and priestly life illuminate the texts he is considering, along with lively and accessible reflections on the most important mysteries of the Christian faith.