Catholic Fiction — About Jim

Jim Sano grew up in an Irish/Italian family in Massachusetts. Jim is a husband, father, life-long Catholic and has worked as a teacher, consultant, and businessman. He has degrees from Boston College and Bentley University and is currently attending Franciscan University for a Master’s degree in Catechetics and Evangelization. He has also attended certificate programs at The Theological Institute for the New Evangelization at St. John’s Seminary and the Apologetics Academy. Jim is a member of the Catholic Writer’s Guild and has enjoyed growing in his faith and now sharing it through writing novels.

The Father’s Son (released August 15, 2019) is Jim’s first novel and was awarded the Catholic Writers Guild Seal of Approval of editorial integrity and faithfulness to Catholic Teaching. The Father’s Son has been endorsed by multiple Archdioceses and used for several Adult Faith programs.

Gus Busbi is Jim’s second novel and was released on December 8, 2020 was awarded 2023 ICBA Book of the Year Gold Award Winner for Young Adult Christian Fiction and Finalist for 2021 IAN Book of the Year Awards for “Outstanding Christian/Religious Fiction,” as well as the Catholic Writers Guild Seal of Approval. Gus Busbi has also been used for several parish programs book studies and is being evaluated by several high schools for inclused in their reading programs.

Stolen Blessing is his third novel, was released on March 25, 2021 and was awarded Winner of 2022 Independent Authors Network Book of the Year for Outstanding General Fiction, 2023 ICBA Book of the Year Silver Award Winner for Adult Christian Fiction, and Finalist for Outstanding Mystery and Outstanding Christian/Religions Fiction. This story won the Readers’ Favorite Book Bronze Award for best Fiction-Religious Theme and received the Five-Star review from Reader’s Favorite. The book was awarded Finalist in the America Book Fest 2022 American Fiction Awards for Religious Fiction. Stolen Blessing was also awarded the Catholic Writers Guild Seal of Approval and has been used in several parish program adult book discussion programs.

Van Horn is Jim’s fourth novel and was released on November 21, 2021. It has received the 2023 ICBA Book of the Year Silver Award Winner for Adult Christian Fiction and a Five-Star review from Reader’s Favorite as well as being awarded the Catholic Writers Guild Seal of Approval. The book was awarded Finalist in the America Book Fest 2022 American Fiction Awards for Religious Fiction and Religious Thriller categories.

Self Portrait was released on February 21, 2023 and is the fourth book in the Father Tom series. This faith-based mystery has recently been awarded winner for 2023 Independent Author Network (IAN) Book Award for Outstanding Christian/Religious Fiction and Finalist for Outstanding General Fiction. Self Portrait was also awarded Finalist for the American Bookfest Best Book Award for Religious Fiction.

Fallen Graces will be released on October 4, 2023.

Jim resides in Medfield, Massachusetts with his wife, Joanne, and has two daughters, Emily and Megan.

An Open Book Interview with Carolyn Astfalk

Carolyn is President of the Catholic Writers Guild, Author, Blogger, Mom, and a tireless supporter of Catholic Fiction for teens and adults. I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Carolyn and you can click on the image below to read that discussion.

Logosophia Magazine Interview with Sarah

I enjoyed a great conversation with Editor-in-Chief, Sarah Levesque, of Logosophia Magazine, an inspiring group of Christian writers. Click on the image below if you are interested in hearing the discussion or go to https://logosophiamag.com/2023/08/05/summer-2023-an-issue-of-patriotism/ to read it.

Shepherd’s Pie - Tony Kolenc

I enjoyed finally having a chance to talk to Tony Kolenc, the author of the Hardwood Mystery Series, Podcaster, and great voice for the faith of Christ. If you are interested in our discussion on his show, please click the image below and let me know what you thought.

The Manly Catholic - Dr. James Caldwell and Fr Dominic

I had a fun conversation with James Caldwell on his podcast and youtube program, The Manly Catholic. If you were interested in listening in, click on the images below:

Fr. Bob Carr The Voice of St. Anthony Radio

WROL 950AM/100.3FM

I was privileged to talk with Fr. Bob Carr on his radio program. If you were interested in the 3-Part interview, click on the images below. Enjoy.

Cesar A. - Growing Up Catolico Podcast

I had a very enjoyable second appearance on Cesar’s Podcast, Growing Up Catolico to discuss Van Horn and its setting in the Mexican culture. If you are interested in hearing the program, click on the image below. Enjoy

Interview w/Cesar A - Discussing Van Horn

William Hemsworth: I had the great honor of sitting with William Hemsworth who is a Catholic Author, Speaker, Apologist, and Evangelist. We discussed questions about “The Father’s Son.” If you are interested in the Podcast or YouTube version, click on the image below.

William Hemsworth - know the faith defiend the faith podcast

Messenger of St. Anthony: I was honored and humbled to be included in a special edition of ‘Messenger of St. Anthony’ magazine, June 2021. Friar Mario Conte overseas the Basilica of St. Anthony in Padua and the magazine and he was a joy to interview with.

A Dram with Friends: I had the honor of connecting with Sean Lynn from Calgary, Canada. He is in law enforcement and does great work with youth programs, mentoring, the God Squad, and his podcast - A Dram with Friends. It was a lot of fun interviewing with him over a glass of Four Roses Bourbon (aired on Holy Thursday.)

Sean Lynn’s ‘A Dram with Friends’ interview on April 1, 2021 (A very fun interview) — **Sean Lynn’s ‘A Dram with Friends’ interview on April 1, 2021** (A very fun interview)

The Storytellers: I had the honor of being a guest on Tony Agnesi’s show, The Storytellers, to discuss ‘The Father’s Son.’ Click on the link photo below to listen to the interview

Catholic Conversations with Jason Bramley. Click on photo to hear the interview with Jason and Jim

Jason Bramley interviews Jim about “THE FATHER”S SON” on Catholic Radio Show, Catholic Conversations

Medfield Cable TV: A fun interview on the Artists of Medfield Cable show

Catholic TV: I was very honored to be on Catholic TV, ‘This is the Day’ with Bishop Robert Reed and Bonnie Rogers.

Growing Up Catolic‪o‬ Cesar A - Podcast interview. Click on phot below to listen.

Andrea Hoisl leads Adult faith for the Diocese of Norwich, CT and offered a 10-week Spiritual Book Discussion program with ‘The Father’s Son.’ I was delighted to attend the last session to answer questions and engage with this fun, faith-filled, and wonderful group of adults. Attached is some of the feedback

Norwich Book Group

:https://www.norwichdiocese.org/Stay-Informed/All-Diocesan-Articles/ID/5044/Host-a-Parish-Book-Club

Bishop Robert Reed: After our interview on the ‘This is the Day’ show.