Tag Archives: catholic historical fiction

New Release: Ella’s Promise

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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 King’s Prey

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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.

Castle Wolves

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Released just in time for Christmas!


Castle Wolves by Patricia La Barbera

Lady Merewyn and Prince Alexander face daunting circumstances. Werewolf hordes, slaughtering royalty and peasants, rampage King William’s empire. But even if she and Prince Alexander escape, Lady Merewyn fears he will discover her secret.

From the author: “This novel has romance, action and adventure, and Catholic elements, such as characters who pray, read the Bible, receive sacraments, and witness to the Faith.”

Put Castle Wolves on your Christmas list today!

Available in paperback and as a Kindle ebook.

Book Review: A Soldier Surrenders

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A Soldier Surrenders by Susan Peek is an incredible story about
Saint Camillus de Lellis, a great sinner of the 1500s who became a great saint. He is entirely human, very flawed, and thus easy to empathize with. His story is sure to inspire anyone who struggles with temptation and sin–and who among us doesn’t?!

With his pious mother dead, young Camillus follows in his soldier father’s footsteps, making many bad choices and even, for a time, siding with the Turks against the Christians. A tall, formidable man, Camillus is brought low by bad habits such as drinking, gambling, and brawling–becoming, in fact, a slave to his vices.

Due to the profound impact of his father’s death, Camillus attempts to change his life, but his hot temper and intense pride repeatedly thwart his efforts. Additionally, he is plagued by a mysterious ulcer that refuses to heal.

Besot by temptations and failures, Camillus is rejected and dismissed in shame from places where he attempts to build a life. A lesser man would give in to despair, but Camillus soldiers on and is shaped by the soul-shaking trials he endures.

At long last, after struggling to find his way alone in the world, Camillus realizes he’s not alone. He discovers that it takes humility to have true courage–the courage to surrender to God’s will.

As always, Peek knows how to keep readers hooked! She treats us to lively writing, entertaining situations, and crisp dialogue. A Soldier Surrenders is filled with action and drama and is perfect for ages fifteen and up. Peek’s novels are among the most worthy and inspiring I’ve ever read. I fervently recommend all her books and eagerly anticipate her new ones!

A Soldier Surrenders is available in paperback.

Book Review: Crusader King

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Crusader King: A Novel of Baldwin IV and the Crusades by Susan Peek is an extremely powerful and breathtaking historical novel.
I read the entire book within twenty-four hours because it was that good! I literally couldn’t put it down and read the first half in one sitting.

In this tremendously moving story, young Baldwin IV shoulders more responsibility at age 13 than most do in a lifetime when he becomes King of Jerusalem in the year 1174. Besides facing enemies in the form of vicious Turks and calculating usurpers to his throne, Baldwin faces the incurable and horrifying affliction of leprosy.

But together with his loyal friend Theo, Baldwin learns that true bravery isn’t about not being afraid, but doing the right thing even when you are, and trusting in God. Both young men discover incredible courage, fortitude, faith, devotion, and sacrifice as they grow with zeal in the face of frightening adversity and battles.

And what battles! The heart-pounding suspense and intensity sweep readers right onto the battlefield. Impressive as it is, the fighting is never glorified for its own sake, but seen in the proper perspective of fighting for what is good and holy. Battle scenes are tempered with entertaining and enlightening scenes of characters and kingdom life. Readers are given a fascinating glimpse into the ways of the Knights Templar, as well as treated to a stunning plot twist!

I’m in awe of the author’s ability to infuse the characters with such life and vigor. She works the various viewpoints to perfection—keeping the story rolling and captivating. Teens and adults alike will enjoy this book and will cheer and weep for both Baldwin and Theo as they soldier on through remarkable odds.

Crusader King is a most worthy read in the truest sense, sure to grip your mind, heart, and soul—and send you searching for more of Ms. Peek’s books!

Crusader King is available in paperback and as Kindle ebook.