Eligibility Requirements:
Eligible books have had a review on Catholicreads.com published between November 1st 2024 & May 31st 2026. Voting was from June 1st- June 14th 2026
Only subscribers to our free email newsletter were eligible to vote.
Current members of staff were inelligible to vote. Former members of staff were elligble to vote.
1st Place- A Tie!

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.

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.
2nd Place

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?
3nd Place

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?
Runner Up

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
Testimonials:
“I loved every page. I find it helped me to reflect on my last few months with Tony in a different way. Lisa’s thoughtful treatment of each situation encourages me to live in the moment more recognizing that every experience comes with eternal significance if we take the time to notice.” – Cathy Witczak, Worldwide Marriage Encounter International Leader 2009-2014
“Through scripture and thought-provoking questions, Lisa has given us a guide to reflect on God’s goodness in our most difficult, heart wrenching circumstances. Her devotional is a gift to caregivers, family members and anyone seeking solace as they give of themselves to serve another.” – Janet Lozano, Co-Founder, Heart of the Father Ministries
“This is a heart-warming, gut-wrenching (in a good way), true life story that would touch all people. Caregivers can especially relate but death touches us all so everyone could benefit by reading this book. It isn’t a one-time read either – definitely something that will be referred to often and a “go-to” in trying times for comfort.” – Ave G., who retired early to care for her mother at home
“I love the blending of scripture, reflection, and real-life observations. Lisa’s very personal and insightful view sets Minding Mom apart from other books in this genre. I highly recommend that anyone who wants to contemplate life, where they’re going, and where they’ve been, not just read this book but sit with it and let it become absorbed into their system. They will be the richer for it.” – Ben Bongers, KM, Gerontologist, author, and contributor to eldercare textbooks
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