Young Adult
Eligible books have had a review on Catholicreads.com published between November 1st 2024 & May 31st 2026. Voting closes June 14th 2026.
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Current members of staff are inelligible to vote. Former members of staff are elligble to vote.
Eligible Books
Falling Into Place by Susan Brinkmann
The highly anticipated second book in this thrilling Christian suspense series is here!
Investigative reporter Ari Dalton is once again forced to confront the evil workings of the Satanic gang, Hades Hood, while investigating two more hate crimes at local churches that leave yet another innocent sacristan dead. Working closely with FBI Supervisory Special Agent Jesse Sandoval, their attraction to each other becomes even more apparent, as does their paradoxical worldviews.
As she continues her Mystical Marvels series and delves into the dark worlds of witchcraft, goddess worship, and channeling, Ari’s relationship with Jesse finally ruptures under the strain of their differing views. They just don’t see eye-to-eye about religion and the painful breakup forces Ari to question herself and her beliefs like never before.
Meanwhile, she is introduced to another ancestor, Ariella Rose “Rosie” Everleigh, who lived during the reign of Queen Elizabeth the First whose vicious persecution of Catholics forced Rosie to live under the constant threat of imprisonment. Inspired by Rosie’s courage, which was drawn from her deep faith, Ari finally reaches out for help, and finds it in the last place she ever thought to look – the Church.
The Wanderer and the Way by G.M. Baker
The Camino de Santiago de Compostella, now the most famous pilgrimage route in the world, was founded in the early ninth century largely due to the efforts of Bishop Theodemir of Iria Flavia. As with most people of this period, nothing seems to be known of his early years. What follows, therefore, is pure invention.
Theodemir returns footsore and disillusioned to his uncle’s villa in Iria Flavia where he meets Agnes, his uncle’s gatekeeper, a woman of extraordinary beauty. He falls immediately in love. But Agnes has a fierce, though absent, husband; a secret past; another name, Elswyth; and a broken heart.
Witteric, Theodemir’s cruel and lascivious uncle has his own plans for Agnes. When the king of Asturias ask Theodemir to undertake an embassy on his behalf to Charles, King of the Franks, the future Charlemagne, Theodemir plans to take Agnes with him, to keep her out of Witteric’s clutches.
But though Agnes understand her danger as well as anyone, she refuses to go. And Theodemir dares not leave without her.
eXtreme Blindside by Leslea Wahl
After winning Olympic silver, teen snowboarder Jake Taylor is struggling with sudden fame when he’s offered a gig he can’t refuse: becoming a spokesperson for a state-of-the-art athletic training facility. Training for its first competition, Jake relies on his faith to help him find ways to use his fame to help others . . . when athletes mysteriously start getting sabotaged one by one. Time is running out for Jake and his girlfriend, Sophie, to figure out what is going on before he is also sabotaged . . . or worse.
Secrets: In Plain Sight by Leslea Wahl
While her father is ready to embrace his job of refurbishing an abandoned lodge in a small Midwestern town, sixteen-year-old Emerson doesn’t share his enthusiasm. Moving in the middle of January to such a cold, isolated location feels more like an exile rather than a fresh start.
Despite Emerson’s determination to keep to herself, the cute teen boy whose family owns the lodge draws her out of her shell. When Reid reveals the lodge’s hidden secrets, she’s captivated by the century-old mystery. As she delves into the history of her new town, Emerson is forced to confront her own secrets.
Could the intrigue of the past be the spark needed to thaw her frozen heart and help her put her life back together?
Four Catholic Philosophers Rejoicing in the Truth by Richard A. Spinello
This book unfolds the intersecting life stories of four important Catholic philosophers of the 20th century, namely, Jacques Maritain, Edith Stein, Dietrich von Hildebrand, Karol Wojtyla, and examine the salient themes of their respective philosophies. Exploring the lives of these four individuals will unlock for the reader the nature of Catholic philosophy, which always aspires to a higher wisdom and the discovery of the hidden harmony of the universe. The spiritual itinerary of these faithful scholars is part of a larger story, therefore, of the intimate relationship between faith and reason that is at the heart of Catholic intellectual life.
“This book traces developments in Catholic philosophy during the 20th century by examining in some depth the lives and works for four important thinkers. Despite some philosophical differences, these four— Maritain, Edith Stein, von Hildebrand, and Pope John Paul II— shared important influences. Spinello’s writing is lively and perceptive; his handling of philosophical themes will challenge readers without losing them.” – Philip E. Lawler, Director, Catholic Culture, Editor, Catholic World News
Pilgrims by M.R. Leonard
Latin was a dead language—until the aliens arrived.
Out-of-work Latin teacher and borderline alcoholic Austin DeSantis is determined to spend his final days in the arms of a prostitute—that is if the aliens don’t exterminate humanity first.
But when the aliens land at the Vatican, begin speaking Latin, and reveal themselves to be Catholic, the world turns upside down.
Pressed into service as a translator and thrust into the center of humanity’s first contact with a cryptic alien race, Austin must uncover their true intentions before religious turmoil rips the planet apart. But with Austin caught between the Catholic Church, the US military, and an enigmatic alien AI, he’ll have to decide where his loyalties lie as the fate of humanity hangs in the balance.
The Iron Door by Liz Galvano
The House of Castello is Back. An American plane is down behind enemy lines. Ashley and Jessica are lost and at the mercy of Fascist Italy. In the shadow of Mount Etna, under the threat of Nazi Germany rises a daring rescue by the family sworn to serve The Christ, by life and if necessary, by death. Now Ashley and Jessica must decide who to trust and how to help. Would it be possible to walk Nineteen orphans across this war-torn island without being killed? “You experience the rugged landscapes, the people, the beauty, the love, the fear, the evil, and the danger. Liz’s authentic story and compelling characters kept me turning pages well into the night.” -Jeanne Alfveby Crea Liz Galvano has been writing since she was a little girl. Her stories combine old style adventure and romance with a dash of humor. She loves family, food, animals, and all things Italian. Liz lives with her husband Jeff, one diva kitty, two rambunctious dogs and two horses who think they’re human.
Silent Sorrows by Katherine Breckenridge
Today’s self-indulgent society is one in which satisfying one’s desires at the expense of others prevails. This mindset is particularly common in areas of procreation such as abortion and various assisted reproductive technologies. Through a lens that combines Christianity, natural law, and scientific reason, this book discusses how the breakdown of man-woman marriage, biological connection, the destruction and disregard for human life, and the objectification and commodification of women and children manufactures trauma in not only adults, but in children. This trauma is evidenced by the stories of adult children who are victims of society’s current cultural trends, as well as evidenced by the research of various psychologists, sociologists, and other professionals. For too long, adults have been asking children to conform to their ways of living, assuming children will just “get over it,” and children are now starting to speak out about the harms of their upbringings. It’s essential to illuminate their voices, as these familial breakdowns have become so normal that we currently can’t talk about any of their negative aspects with any degree of common sense.
Minding Mom: A Caregiver's Devotional Story by Liz Livezey
Devotional writer Lisa Livezey understands the challenges of full-time caregiving atop an already-full life. Following her father’s sudden death, Lisa was plunged headlong into caring for her mother who was battling Alzheimer’s. With wisdom and candor, Lisa pairs every day and extraordinary caregiving moments with scriptures, prayers, and reflections. Caregivers will:
- Feel recognized and valued
- Laugh amidst the craziness
- Experience God in the day-to-day
Expositio Missae by St. Bonaventure
Expositio Missae, The Mysteries of the Mass Explained offers inspiring insight into the layered meaning, symbolism, and spiritual action of the Eucharistic celebration, rooted in the Church’s perennial liturgical tradition. Saint Bonaventure’s classic exposition helps readers understand how the Mass, instituted by Christ at the Last Supper and faithfully handed down by the apostles, is the source and summit of the Christian life, and includes beautiful prayers for before Mass, before Holy Communion, and after Mass to foster reverent participation.
- Explains the profound mysteries and symbolism of the Eucharistic celebration
- Shows how the Mass unites believers with Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection
- Includes traditional prayers for use before Mass, before Communion, and after Mass
- Rooted in the spiritual wisdom of Saint Bonaventure, a Doctor of the Church
- 120‑page hardcover format makes it accessible for study, reflection, and devotion
City of God Stories by Ven. Maria de Jesus de Agreda, Abridged by M. DiMaio
These amazing stories are extremely profound and so exciting to contemplate, that everyone should read and become familiar with them. Further, these magnificent stories should not remain in obscurity anymore. As the Bible is the most published and read book in history, then for the same reasons “Ciudad de Dios” should be next. The purpose of this condensed book “City of God Stories” is to excite the readers and inspire their curiosity to learn more. In the Baltimore Catechism one of the first questions is “Why did God make me?” The answer provided is that “God made us to know him, to love him, and to serve him”. As God’s first command for mankind is “…to know him”, then a good first start would be to read this book.
The Exile by Allison Ramirez
Adeline and Cayde attempt to flee the walled Island of Mirror while avoiding capture by the city’s ruthless Representatives. Dreams of the peaceful homeland told to them through stories spur them onward as they seek to discover the sacred way of life belonging to their ancestors. A new land is on the horizon—beyond the boundaries that have kept their people captive for forty years. Will their journey lead them home, or are they destined to remain exiles forever?
With the help of old and new friends, Lincoln and Ellen—best friends and children of the island’s leaders—enter into hiding on the Island of Mirror. The ongoing threat of discovery by the island’s leadership and the lethal consequences if they are discovered loom large. As mysteries are unraveled, Lincoln and Ellen must come to terms with who they thought they were and who they have always been to one another. Will they rally together with their people, united in a quest toward freedom, or are they destined to live in secret forever?
The Secret Princess by J.C. Prins
Gold Medal — 2024 Catholic Media Book Awards, Distinguished Favorite — 2025 NYC Big Book Award, Distinguished Favorite — 2025 Independent Press Award, Catholic Writers Guild Seal of Approval
Delve into The Secret Princess, an award-winning Catholic fantasy novel about blossoming in a time of trial through the power of stories. Infused with devotion to the Eucharist and the Sacred Heart of Jesus, this captivating tale from J.C. Prins is masterfully written and beautifully illustrated to fill young hearts and imaginations with goodness, truth, and faith.
Each woman of the Kingdom owns a locket that reflects her heart and spirit. The day ten-year-old Miriam learns that Papa died in the war defending their homeland, she watches in horror as Mama’s locket falls to the ground and shatters. Worse still, the bird that lives inside flies away and, in her heartbreak, Mama stops singing. Miriam’s own locket doesn’t break, but between Papa’s palpable absence, her worries for Mama, and Granny’s incessant snipping, it stops growing. The rosebud inside withers, and Miriam fears it will never bloom but die like Granny’s without a bird. Then a mysterious woman named Leena moves into a nearby cottage. A friend to Mama, Leena nourishes Miriam’s rosebud back to life with food and tales of goodness and beauty until Miriam finds what she most lacks—hope.
Readers will learn:
· The important role of forgiveness in living with hope.
· The truth of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
· Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus with an appendix of prayers for First Friday Devotions.
Our Lady of Fatima by George Tautkus
The collected edition of Lives of the Saints (and people who lived saintly lives) #11-14. The full story of Our Lady of Fatima in one edition! The most complete comics treatment of the Fatima story ever made!
Never before, in the history of the world has such an event occurred. The greatest public miracle since the parting of The Red Sea occurs in front of hundreds of thousands of witnesses. Both believers and the faithless witnessed this miracle. Surely such an event is more than worth our attention! Read all about it in this volume!
Conduit to Murder by Brian O'Hare
When the owner of an antiques store is battered to death, Detective Sheehan thinks it’s just another murder.
But when he discovers two keys hidden in an ornamental walking stick,he quickly becomes a target.
Desperate to figure out what criminal enterprise the keys might reveal, Sheehan risks everything to protect them — until his wife Margaret is kidnapped
Events start looking less like coincidence when Sheehan is faced with the fact a mole has been influencing the investigation.
Can Sheehan stop the mole and rescue Margaret before he has to hand over the keys?
Lioness Lost by Susan Brinkmann
When investigative reporter, Ariella “Ari” Dalton, wakes on the morning of November 29, 2021, she has no idea that the course of her life is about to change forever.
Assigned to cover a grisly murder case in her local town, Ari works to uncover the truth, but quickly finds herself deep within the macabre and violent world of a Satanic gang that holds a dark secret. Collaborating with an elite FBI squad led by the very handsome—and very Catholic—Supervisory Special Agent Jesse Sandoval, her investigations will lead her to question her own spiritual and religious beliefs.
As the stakes get higher and Ari finds herself inexplicably drawn to Jesse, her beloved grandmother decides to reveal the history of Ariella’s lineage in an effort to help guide her granddaughter. Beautifully interwoven within the story of Ari is that of Ella Ward, another Ariella living during the Gilded Age of the late nineteenth century. As one Ariella fights to discover the truth about the murder case, another Ariella will help lead her down the path to find the truth of who she was meant to be.
The first in the new fiction series written by New Age and the occult expert, Susan Brinkmann, will not only open the reader’s eyes to the true nature of the spiritual movements of our day, but will also open their hearts to the glory of Christianity, the critical role of women in the Church, and the Truth that sets us free.
