Christopher Dowd OP, Faith, Ireland and Empire: The Life of Patrick Joseph Clune CSsR, Archbishop of Perth, Western Australia, St Paul’s Publications, Strathfield, NSW, 2014; pp 416; softcover

Hawaii’s allure as a tropical paradise derives from its pristine beaches, fragrant flora, colourful mythology, and air of laid-back hospitality. But the islands are also defined by their history as one of America’s most strategic military outposts.

In the final week of the e-Record’s series looking at the work of women in the Church, Archdiocese of Perth Communications and Media Office Editor Jamie O’Brien speaks with clinical haematologist and oncologist, Dr Angela Alessandri, as she shares her faith journey as a medical professional and active woman in the Church.

The seemingly ever-expanding media universe centered on Marvel Comics spawns yet another property with the arrival of the so-so sequel “Avengers: Age of Ultron”.

Religious values and a gentle sensibility pervade the family-friendly drama Little Boy. Yet, while suitable for a wide audience, director Alejandro Monteverde’s good-hearted, nostalgic parable, set in 1940s coastal California, is not without its occasional aesthetic lapses.

As a child, Margaret Bowen remembers being in the choir, cleaning the silver at church, and always being aware that “Our Lady had her hands on me, the whole time”.

Glossy proceedings follow on a silly premise in the serviceable romantic drama, The Age of Adaline.

“Everything has its wonders, even darkness and silence.” So wrote Helen Keller (1880-1968), the deaf-blind activist portrayed in the 1962 movie The Miracle Worker.

At nearly 61 years of age, former sex worker and madam Linda Watson is clearly still an attractive woman: bright, articulate and passionate about her 16-odd years of ministry in helping women transition out of the sex industry in Perth.

Martin Griver Unearthed: The life of a Spanish missionary priest who became a bishop in colonial Western Australia,1814-1886 by Odhran O’Brien