Below you will find a selection of Catholic novels, some new and some old, but all are enjoyably compelling and enriching. The purpose of the featured novels is not to preach, but to entertain while remaining compatible with traditional Catholic values. You don’t have to wonder if these books fit into a traditional Catholic lifestyle. Enjoy!

NOTE: Visit the Reviews&News page to read various reviews of the following books.

Current Novels (published after 1960):

The Samurai and the Tea: A Legacy of Japan’s Early Christians
by Cathy Brueggemann Beil

Published in 2003 by Cereus Publications

The Samurai and the Tea is a historical novel. Michael, a Japanese American boy of mixed ancestry, wants to be strong as a Samurai. When a mysterious Tea Ceremony set carries him back in time to the days of the real Samurai, Michael learns there is more to the Samurai than he’d ever imagined.

Under a Changing Moon
by Margot Benary-Isbert

Originally published in 1964
Republished in 1998 by Bethlehem Books

Saint George: Knight of Lydda
by Anthony Cooney

Published in 2005 by Ihs Press

Saint George: Knight of Lydda is a stirring historical novel based on the life of the brave hero Saint George, a Christian and a Roman cavalry officer during the persecution-filled latter days of the pagan Empire.

The Shadow of the Bear
by Regina Doman

Originally published in 1997 under the title Snow White and Rose Red
Republished in 2002 by Bethlehem Books

The Shadow of the Bear is the story of two sisters in New York City, timid Blanche and fearless Rose, who meet a mysterious stranger, Bear, who comes to their door one snowy night.

Black as Night
by Regina Doman

Originally published in 2004 by Bethlehem Books
Republished by Chesterton Press

In Black as Night, seven friars working among the homeless in New York City discover a runaway girl on their doorstep.

Waking Rose
by Regina Doman

Published in 2007 by Chesterton Press

Waking Rose is about a vibrant young woman who has a tragic accident and falls into a coma. The only person who can help is a young man who is too afraid to be anyone’s knight in shining armor.

The Midnight Dancers
by Regina Doman

Published in 2008 by Chesterton Press

The Midnight Dancers is a modern retelling of “The Twelve Dancing Princesses.” The clever plot combines summer romance with the deeper question of: why do some find goodness to be boring?

In Name Only
by Ellen Gable

Published in 2009 by Full Quiver Publishing

In Name Onlyis a powerful Catholic historical romance set in1876 Philadelphia. Follow nineteen-year-old Caroline Martin through the course of several years during which she faces challenges and heartaches . . . Read the full review here (you may need to scroll down to find it.)

The Blood Red Crescent
by Henry Garnett

Published in 2007 by Sophia Institute Press

The Blood Red Crescent, set in the 1500s, is about a fourteen-year-old boy who becomes involved in the legendary Battle of Lepanto. In this historical tale of Catholic heroism, courage, and holiness, readers of all ages will be reminded that when the Faith is threatened, extraordinary valor may be demanded of any one of us, even the very young.

Crossbows and Crucifixes:
A Novel of the Priest Hunters and the
Brave Young Men Who Fought Them
by Henry Garnett

Published in 2009 by Imagio / Sophia Institute Press

Crossbows and Crucifixes–What a title! In this adventure for all ages, the author brings to life the drama of a nation where unjust laws forced good men and women to choose between their country and their Faith, and young people heard early and well the call to heroism that Christians must be ever ready to heed. Set in 1585 England.

North of Hope
by Jon Hassler

Originally published in 1990 by Ballantine
Republished in 2006 by Loyola Press

Past Suspicion
by Therese Heckenkamp
$9.95

Published in 2003 by Publish America

Past Suspicion is a modern suspense story about a teen on a quest to unravel the dangerous secrets of her mother’s past.

Mitre and Crook
by Rev. Bryan Houghton

Published in 1979 by Arlington House

Mitre and Crook is an impressive novel about a Roman Catholic bishop who dares to resist the modernizing changes taking place in the church. An exciting read about a true champion of the Faith!

The Bank of Infinite Reserves
by Leo Madigan

Published in 1997 by Summersdale Publishers

The Weka-Feather Cloak: A New Zealand Fantasy
by Leo Madigan

Published in 2002 by Bethlehem Books

Windswept House: A Vatican Novel
by Malachi Martin

Originally published in 1996 by Doubleday
Republished in 1998 by Main Street Books

Crusader King: Novel of Baldwin IV and the Crusades
by Susan Peek

Published in 2009 by TAN

Glory of the Olive: A Novel of the Time of Tribulation
by Susan Claire Potts

Published in 2002 by IUniverse

Angels in Iron
by Nicholas C. Prata

Published in 2004 by Arx Publishing

Crown of the World: Knight of the Temple
by Nathan Sadasivan

Published in 2009 by Arx Publishing

Crown of the World is a vivid Crusade story about Godfrey de Montferrat, a young Templar knight who swore an oath to defend the Kingdom of Jerusalem.

The Rose Round
by Meriol Trevor

Originally Published in 1963
Republished by Bethlehem Books

Trianon: A Novel of Royal France
by Elena Maria Vidal

Published in 2000 by Neumann Press

Trianon: A Novel of Royal France is an historical novel, a love story, and so much more. This is the story of the martyred King Louis XVI and his Queen, Antoinette, who can only be fully understood in light of the Catholic beliefs to which they held fast.

Madame Royale
by Elena Maria Vidal

Published in 2000 by Neumann Press

Madame Royale is the captivating sequel to Trianon. This historical Catholic novel focuses on the daughter of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette as she searches for her little lost brother during the time of the French Revolutionary Age.

In-Sight
by Gerard D. Webster

Published in 2009 by Outskirts Press

In-Sight has received the Catholic Writers Guild Seal of Approval!
In-Sight is also a Readers Favorite 2009 Award Winner!
Our review of In-Sight can be found on our Reviews & News page.

Old Novels (originally published before 1961):

Lord of the World
by Robert Hugh Benson

Originally published in 1908 by Isaac Pitman & Sons
Republished in 2006 by Baronius Press

Lord of the World is science fiction, Catholic style. The story involves a new world order and the Antichrist. Fulton Sheen described this novel as one of the three greatest depictions of the advent of the demonic world.

Come Rack! Come Rope!
by Robert Hugh Benson

Originally published in 1912
Republished in 2009 by Book Jungle

Come Rack! Come Rope! is the most captivating novel ever written about the struggles and sufferings of Catholics during the Reformation and the reign of Queen Elizabeth I of England.

Priest on Horseback
by Eva K. Betz

Originally published in 1958
Republished in 2001 by Neumann Press

Priest on Horseback is an exciting historical novel involving Father Farmer’s experiences in colonial America as he provides Mass and the sacraments to the people. When Father comes to the aid of a man whose fiancee is sold as servant, adventures abound.

The Good Bad Boy
by Father Gerald Brennan

Originally published in 1941
Republished in 2002 by Neumann Press

The Good Bad Boy is a story of an eight-grade boy who attends Catholic grade school. Entertainingly written in diary form.

A Case of Conscience
by Isabel C. Clarke

Published in 1927 by Benziger Brothers
370 pages

Pray love, remember
by Consolata Carroll (Sister Mary Consolata)

Published in 1947 by Farrar, Straus and Company

I hear in my heart
by Consolata Carroll (Sister Mary Consolata)

Published in 1949 by Farrar, Straus and Company

The Man Who was Thursday
by G. K. Chesterton

Originally published in 1908
Republished in 2009 by CreateSpace

The Blue Gonfalon
by Margaret Anne Hubbard

Published in 1960 by Doubleday & Company Inc.

The Blue Gonfalon at the First Crusade is a thrilling story about a young man who wins knighthood in Europe in the year 1099, at the time of the First Crusade.

The Hills were Liars
by Riley Hughes

Published in 1955 by Bruce Publishing Co.

The Hills were Liars is a Catholic science fiction novel of the post-atomic age, when civilization has been almost completely demolished. Those who remain are scattered, living as in the Stone Age. Kevin, a young man, embarks on a quest, finds love, and more.

The Nun’s Story
by Kathryn Hulme

Published in 1956 by Little, Brown and Company

Convent Boarding School
Life With Nuns of Another Time
by Virginia A. Kenny

Originally published in 1944 by Sheed & Ward, Inc.
Republished by Roman Catholic Books

The Song at the Scaffold
by Gertrud von Le Fort

Originally published in 1931
Republished in 1993 by Neumann Press

The Song at the Scaffold is an intense novelette of 111 pages, set during the French Revolution, and focuses on the Carmelite Convent at Compiegne during this time. The brutal climax involves the martyrdom of sixteen Carmelite nuns.

Forgive and Forget
by Ernst Lingen

Published in 1913 by Benziger Brothers

The Boy Knight of Reims
by Eloise Lownsbery

Published in 1927 by Houghton Mifflin Company

“The Boy Knight of Reims” is an historical novel set during the time of St. Joan of Arc. Visit 14th century Reims and its world of merchants, beggars, nobles, and soldiers.

The Scarlet Lily
by Edward F. Murphy

Published in 1944 by The Bruce Publishing Company

The Song of the Cave: a tale of Ruth and Noemi [Naomi]
by Edward F. Murphy

Published in 1950 by The Bruce Publishing Company

Secret of Pooduck Island
by Alfred Noyes

Published in 1959 by Neumann Press

The Secret of Pooduck Island involves animals, Indians, and white men in colonial times. An odd but priceless adventure mystery for all ages.

For Better For Worse
by Martin J. Scott, S.J.

Published in 1923 by Benziger Brothers

For Better For Worse is the story of Jerry and Felice, who fall in love and have an idealistic beginning. But as the years pass and their marriage takes a turn for the worse, will their sacred vows be enough to keep them together?

The Cottage at Bantry Bay
by Hilda van Stockum

Originally published in 1938
Republished in 1995 by Bethlehem Books

The Cottage at Bantry Bay is said to be for readers 9-12, but all ages will enjoy it. This is a family novel in the truest sense. The whole family will enjoy the adventures of the O’Sullivan family of Glengarriff, County Cork, Ireland.

Burnished Chalices
by Vera Marie Tracy

Published in 1931 by The Bruce Publishing Company

Break Thou My Heart(actually a collection of short stories)
by Vera Marie Tracy

Published in 1936 by The Bruce Publishing Company

Sun Slower, Sun Faster
by Meriol Trevor

Originaly published in 1955 by Sheed & Ward
Republished in2004 by Bethlehem Books

Outlaws of Ravenhurst
by Sister M. Imelgda Wallace

Originally published in 1923
Republished in 1996 by Neumann Press

Outlaws of Ravenhurst is the exciting story of Catholic “outlaws” fighting for the Faith in seventeenth-century Scotland.

Helena
by Evelyn Waugh

Originally published in 1957 by Image, Doubleday & Co.
Republished in 2005 by Loyola Press

A Watch in the Night
by Helen C. White

Originally published in 1947
Republished in 1955

The Gunpowder Plot
by Hugh Ross Williamson

Originally published in the 1950s
Republished in 1996 by Neumann Press

Grisly Grisell
The Laidly Lady of Whitburn: A Tale of the War of the Roses
by Charlotte M. Yonge

Originally published in the 1800s!!!
Republished in 2008 by Book Jungle

Grisly Grisell is a touching story of courage, love, and devotion. The War of the Roses was a time of civil strife in 15th-century England. Caught in the middle were a boy and a girl promised in marriage from early childhood. Little Grisell, however, is involved in a tragic accident that leaves her beauty disfigured. Filled with humiliation, horrors of war, swift battles, and displays of true virtue, this novel of perseverance will ultimately warm your heart soul.

The below 1949 book is a wonderful guide to Catholic authors and literature:

Catholic literature moves the heart of man, impels the will and exalts us to action. With hundreds of book reviews, illustrations, portraits, essays and histories, these guides are a vital presentation of Catholic literature: