New Release: Sovereign Evils

Overcoming a ruthless drug syndicate, corrupt attorneys, and more than a century of governmental betrayal couldn’t happen by chance. One good man can make a difference.

Sovereign Evils by new Catholic author Dan La Fave is a compelling legal suspense novel with elements of literary fiction and romance.

Synopsis:
When battle-scarred Marine-turned-lawyer Rod Strong joins a small firm in Deadwood, South Dakota, little does he suspect that he’ll soon be cast on the front line in the war on drugs. Yet an e-mail by a whistleblower at the repurposed Homestake Gold Mine reveals a concealed opioid production facility almost a mile underground that puts him and his associates in the line of fire of those running the operation. After the woman he loves gets abducted, can Strong stop the syndicate’s enforcer from killing her?

Strong subsequently discovers a private prophecy revealed to a Jesuit priest by legendary Oglala Lakota Chief Red Cloud on his deathbed. Could Strong be the one meant to fulfill it by restoring sacred Black Hills land to the Oglala Lakota and giving hope to those consigned to life on the Pine Ridge reservation? To do so would take tens of millions of dollars he doesn’t have. Yet, providentially, the assets of the drug syndicate come under his control—along with the shocking discovery of the mastermind behind it.

Will divine intervention enable Strong to overcome seemingly impossible odds?

Sovereign Evils is available in paperback, hardcover, and Kindle ebook.

Read the first few chapters for free right here!

What reviewers are saying about Sovereign Evils:

“What a story. Nothing unbelievable or contrived here, just an amazingly possible story in a most unusual setting. You’ve never read anything like it before, nor will you again.”
— Jennifer, Amazon.com reviewer


Nationally acclaimed attorney and former Marine, Dan La Fave taps into his vast reservoir of experience with the Black Hills and the law to present a compelling tale of personal tragedy, corruption, vigilante justice, valor and, ultimately, redemption. Having grown up in the Black Hills and practiced law throughout the country for more than a quarter century, La Fave is uniquely qualified to weave this unforgettable story.

New Release: Ella’s Promise

A brand new Catholic historical romance novel for teens and adults!

Ella’s Promise by Catholic author Ellen Gable is the third book in her inspirational religious fiction series Great War Great Love.

Synopsis:
When she joins the war effort during the Great War, American nurse Ella Neumann doesn’t see allies or enemies. The daughter of German immigrants, Ella sees only human beings in need of care. A promise to herself and a promise made to her by an enemy officer become the catalyst for the life she plans to lead after the war. But a handsome Canadian soldier may complicate her plans. In this third installment of the Great War – Great Love series, join Ella in a tale of promises, betrayal and unconditional love.

Ella’s Promise makes a perfect Christmas gift and is available in both paperback and Kindle ebook.

Read the first few chapters for free right here!

What Catholic authors are saying about Ella’s Promise:

“This latest installment in the Great War Great Love series delivers another great story! Ella’s Promise is a meaningful historical romance that follows the journey of a selfless nurse and a complicated soldier. Can Ella and Garrett find hope and joy while immersed in the hardships of war? What begins as friendship soon blossoms into more. But during wartime, nothing is simple, and both characters are severely tested. Ella’s Promise features secrets, espionage, courage, risks, and sacrifices. Crucial lessons are learned about patience, kindness, honesty, faith, and true love. Stakes are high, and the exciting climax is sure to satisfy! Fans of faith-filled historical romance won’t want to miss this one.”
— Therese Heckenkamp, award-winning author of Frozen Footprints and After the Thaw

“As with the other books in the series, Ella’s Promise gives readers a feel for what life was like during WWI—the prejudices, suffering, and the ugliness of war—while also showing the power of love through inspirational and courageous main characters. Throughout this story, Ella finds herself taking risks and making sacrifices to save lives—and also doing things she never imagined herself doing. An enjoyable read that fans of historical fiction are sure to love.”
— Theresa Linden, author of contemporary romance Anyone But Him

“Ella’s Promise is a story of love tested through war-time confusion and pain, enduring into a new hope for a better future.”
— A.K. Frailey, author of historical and science fiction novels

Readers will love this third installment of the Great War Great Love series with espionage, romance, faith and determination all set amidst the backdrop of wartime France.
— Carolyn Astfalk, author of Ornamental Graces


Ellen Gable is an award-winning author of ten books, editor, self-publishing book coach, speaker, publisher, NFP teacher, book reviewer, transcriptionist, and instructor in the Theology of the Body for Teens. Her books have been collectively downloaded 750,000 times on Kindle. Some of her books have been translated into Portuguese, Italian, Spanish, and French. The mother of five adult sons and grandmother to one cherished grandson, Ellen (originally from New Jersey) now lives with her husband of 37 years, James Hrkach, in Pakenham, Ontario, Canada.

Follow the Ella’s Promise Virtual Book Tour here.

New Release: The Butterfly Recluse

A new inspirational, sweet summer romance by Catholic author Therese Heckenkamp. Special price: 99¢!

Learning to love is like learning to fly . . .

Eccentric. Weird. Crazy. Whatever people call her, Lila doesn’t mind. Most of the time. She finds solace in her sheltered world by raising butterflies and surrounding herself with their gentle beauty. They’re all she needs.

Most of the time.

Until a motorcycle-riding stranger roars up her driveway, invading her safe haven, throwing her life off-kilter, and forcing her to question everything. Persistent and stubborn, Harvey Sanford may be just what she needs—or everything she doesn’t.

He’s easy on the eyes, but hard on her emotions. What exactly is he after, and what is he not telling her? Should she safeguard her heart or follow it?

As a summer wedding approaches, Lila must decide how much she’s willing to risk for a chance at true happiness. In one intense night of desperation and revelation, she must confront her darkest fears—and hopefully discover that with faith and courage, shattered dreams can be restored, damaged hearts can love again, and broken wings can heal . . . maybe even fly.

Available in paperback and as a Kindle ebook.

Pre-order Giveaway!

The Butterfly Recluse, a new contemporary romance by Catholic author Therese Heckenkamp, will be released this August. For a limited time, reserve your copy for a low pre-order price AND receive four thank-you gifts!

Learning to love is like learning to fly . . .

Lila finds solace in her sheltered world by raising butterflies and surrounding herself with their gentle beauty. They’re all she needs—until a motorcycle-riding stranger roars up her driveway, invading her safe haven, throwing her life off-kilter, and forcing her to question everything. What exactly is he after, and what is he not telling her?

In one intense night of desperation and revelation, Lila must confront her darkest fears—and hopefully discover that with faith and courage, shattered dreams can be restored, damaged hearts can love again, and broken wings can heal . . . maybe even fly.

Reserve your copy here!

New Release: Julia’s Gifts

A brand new Catholic historical romance novel for teens and adults!

Julia’s Gifts by Catholic author Ellen Gable is the first book in her new inspirational religious fiction series Great War Great Love.

From Philadelphia to war-torn France, follow Julia as she transitions from unworldly young woman to compassionate volunteer…

As a young girl, Julia began buying gifts for her future spouse, a man whose likeness and personality she has conjured up in her mind, a man she calls her “beloved.” Soon after the United States enters the Great War, Julia impulsively volunteers as a medical aid worker, with no experience or training. Disheartened by the realities of war, will Julia abandon the pursuit of her beloved? Will her naïve “gift scheme” distract her from recognizing her true “Great Love”? 

Julia’s Gifts makes a perfect Christmas gift and is available in both paperback and Kindle ebook.

Read the first few chapters for free right here!

What Catholic authors are saying about Julia’s Gifts:

“A strong and tender Catholic historical novel about growing in maturity and fortitude while discovering the power of hope, self-sacrifice, and prayer. I read Julia’s Gifts within two days, but this touching story of faith and devotion is sure to leave a lasting impression!”
–Therese Heckenkamp, award-winning author of Frozen Footprints and After the Thaw

“There is so much to treasure in this beautifully-written book: miracles of faith, the power of prayer, the strength of true love, and the grace in using one’s God-given gifts to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles make this an outstanding and unforgettable book.”
–Jean M. Heimann, author of Fatima: The Apparition That Changed the World

“Julia’s Gifts is a sweet and touching love story laced with beautiful messages. Following Julia as she works overseas as a volunteer medical aid opened my eyes to the hardships of war and especially the great trials and sacrifices of the nurses and volunteers.”
–Theresa Linden, author of award-winning Catholic teen fiction


An Interview with Ellen Gable:

The sonnets/poems in this story are beautifully written.  Tell us a bit about them.

Well, I’m not a poet, but my husband has written songs and poems. So I asked him if he would be willing to write sonnets for my book. I explained in detail what I needed the sonnet to express and he took it from there. The sonnets are a beautiful addition to this novel, especially because my husband wrote them.

Can you tell us about the next two books of the series?

Yes. Charlotte’s Honor is Book #2 and takes place at approximately the same time as Julia’s Gifts, but focuses on a different female protagonist, Charlotte, who finds her purpose in life when she begins working in the death ward and holding men’s hands as they die. She is attracted to Canadian Dr. Paul Kilgallen. During an advance by the enemy, everyone at the field hospital evacuates, except for Charlotte and Dr. K. They remain hidden in the basement of the chateau to take care of the terminally ill men and those soldiers who can’t be moved. Charlotte becomes convinced that Paul is her own “beloved.” But when she loses contact with Paul, she fears not only for his safety, but begins to doubt his love for her. Charlotte’s Honor will be released in late 2018.

Ella’s Promise is Book #3 in the series. It is about the daughter of German immigrants, Ella, an American nurse who (because of the time period) was discouraged from continuing on in her studies to be a doctor. She works as a nurse for three years in Philadelphia but reads medical books every opportunity she gets. During the Great War, she travels to Le Treport, France to work at the American-run hospital. She meets her own beloved in the last place she would expect to meet him. Ella’s Promise will be released in mid-2019.

Who are some of your favorite authors?

My favorite Catholic author is Dena Hunt (author of Treason and The Lion’s Heart), but I also enjoy reading Willa Cather’s books (Death Comes For the Archbishop).  Dena’s books are incredibly well-written and moving. Cather’s books are well-written and rich in meaning.

And while this may seem biased, I enjoy reading books by all the Full Quiver Authors. I also enjoy the books of the authors who are fellow members of the Catholic Writers Guild.

One of my favorite secular authors is Nelson DeMille (author of the John Corey series).  I also enjoy reading Kathleen Morgan’s Christian historical novels.


Ellen Gable is an award-winning author, Marketing Director for Live the Fast, self-publishing book coach, speaker, publisher, NFP teacher, book reviewer and instructor in the Theology of the Body for Teens. However, the roles she loves the most are being wife to her husband and mother to their five sons, ages 18-30. Originally from New Jersey, Ellen lives with her husband of 35 years, James Hrkach, in Pakenham, Ontario Canada.

Follow the Julia’s Gifts Virtual Book Tour here.

New Release: The King’s Prey

A brand new Catholic historical adventure novel for teens and young adults!

The King’s Prey: Saint Dymphna of Ireland by Catholic author Susan Peek is the latest release in her God’s Forgotten Friends series, and it’s a riveting read!

Will Dymphna escape her deranged father and his sinful desires?

An insane king. His fleeing daughter. Estranged brothers, with a scarred past, risking everything to save her from a fate worse than death. Toss in a holy priest and a lovable wolfhound, and get ready for a wild race across Ireland. 

Saint Dymphna is the patron saint of emotional disorders, depression, mental illness, nervous turmoil, and a host of other problems. Surely this little-known Irish princess is a saint for our times. But she doesn’t need to remain little-known. For the first time ever, the story of her life comes alive in this exciting new release for teens. Grab your copy today!

Recommended for ages 16 and up.

New Release: Rightfully Ours

A brand new Catholic romance for teens and young adults!

Rightfully Ours by Catholic author Carolyn Astfalk is a coming-of-age story of first love, buried treasure, and discovering some things are worth the wait.

A new home. A new friend. A mystery and adventure with serious consequences… 

As teens Paul and Rachel work side by side to uncover what could be lost treasure, will they acquire the strength of character and virtue to take only what rightfully belongs to them–or are they in way over their heads, with more than a few lost artifacts at stake?.

Rightfully Ours is available as a Kindle ebook and will soon be released in paperback as well.

Read the first few chapters for free right here.

Cast Your Vote for Book of the Year

Voting for the 2017 Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year Award is now open, and several Catholic novels are in the running, including Frozen Footprints, Seventy Times Seven, After the Thaw, and An Unexpected Role.

By casting your vote today, you give these Catholic books a chance at reaching a greater readership among all Christians.

Voting is easy, and takes less than a minute.

You can access the ballot here:
http://www.christianpublishers.net/17votes/

Spread the word by sharing this post with family and friends. Let’s make a Catholic novel a winner!

Voting will remain open through March 31, 2017. Winners of the award will be announced by May 1, 2017.

Author Interview with Therese Heckenkamp

Today Catholic author Carolyn Astfalk interviews fellow author Therese Heckenkamp about her three Catholic suspense novels and the writing process.

“As a Christian writer, I keep in mind there was a Good Friday with intense pain and suffering before the glory of Easter Sunday.”

“A great thing about tapping the spiritual aspects is that it offers an additional layer of story opportunities that secular fiction misses.”

Read the full interview here on Carolyn’s blog My Scribbler’s Heart: Interview with Romantic Suspense Author Therese Heckenkamp

While browsing Carolyn’s author website Relevant Fiction for Body & Soul, also be sure to check out her Catholic inspirational romance novels Stay with Me and Ornamental Graces.

New Catholic Fiction for Christmas!

These four brand-new Catholic fiction books feature Christmas themes and would make perfect gifts to give during the holy season. For men, women, teens, and children, there’s a book for everyone on your list! Simply click on a book’s image and you will be taken to the Amazon product page for more details.

Historical Adventure . . .

From Afar by Roger Thomas

Journey with the Magi as they search for a King they do not understand, and seek answers to questions lying in the deepest parts of their souls–providing they survive the dangers of the journey.
187 pages
$3.99 Kindle ebook
$14.95 paperback

 

A Heartwarming Romance . . .

Ornamental Graces by Carolyn Astfalk

Emily’s the kind of girl Dan’s always dreamed of–sweet, smart, and sincere. But he’s made a mess of his life and ruined his chances for earning the love and trust of a woman like her. Will he ever be free from his shady past and the ex-girlfriend who refuses to stay there?
358 pages
$3.99 Kindle ebook
$15.99 paperback

 

An Inspirational Journey . . .

Agnes’ Gift by Kristelle Angelli

On Christmas Eve, an angel appears to take Jenna on an extraordinary journey through the mysteries of the Rosary, and she must decide if there is more to the Faith of her childhood than she previously thought.
256 pages
$2.99 Kindle ebook
$9.99 paperback

 

A Children’s Story . . .
The Forgotten Christmas Saint: Saint Anastasia
(God’s Forgotten Friends for Children, Volume 3)
by Susan Peek

Of all the saints in Heaven, Saint Anastasia is the only one whose feast day falls on Christmas itself! Join her and her best friend, Saint Theodota, as they bravely prove their love for God and neighbor, even unto the sacrifice of their own lives.
Ages 3-10
40 pages
$12.95 paperback